TDM #4

[fabulists]

fable test drive meme #4

// away with the fairies

In your land, there may be stories of the Fae taking people away. Perhaps you haven't heard of the Fae at all, or perhaps you are more familiar with them than others. No matter how well acquainted you are with the Fae, everyone around you has experienced the same fate tonight: Being taken by them. Partially, at least. For they did not want to kidnap anyone from their home and take them away from the life they knew. In a small jar of fairy dust, part of your soul was taken in the night and brought to a magical village by the name of Fable.

On arrival, the Fae release you from the jar before waving their magic wands, and materialise this taken little part of you into a brand new you. From here onwards, your new life begins, shared among all sorts of magical creatures. Here, you will be allowed to grow, thrive and enjoy the bounties provided to you by these mysterious and wonderful creatures. In exchange, they ask for a share of the magical fruit that you grow in your garden, donated to their dragon overseer in exchange for rewards. After a briefing on your new life, you understand things as best as you possibly can. Now, it's time to settle into a brand new cottagecore life.

Welcome to Fable.

// arrival

Now that you are a resident of Fable, you have a brand new cottage, a garden, and a few tools to use! There's not an awful lot in your cottage, though: Just a cardboard box, a lamp, a cassette tape and a single bed. Fear not, though! By participating in friendly tasks, your cottage will look great in no time.

Something sparkly catches your attention before you realise it's a message board, advertising an array of tasks for bonus fruit. Did this thing appear out of nowhere just now? That must be the case, since you can swear it wasn't there a second ago. The board may inspire you to go out there and mingle. It seems that the monthly tasks are geared towards friendliness to welcome this new season!

april showers & pretty flowers

// treacherous thunderstorm

Around this time of year, the weather in Fable can certainly get hectic. While magic can only do so much to tidy the remaining fallen leaves off the ground, there's nothing like a doozy of a downpour to really sweep everything fresh and new. With all of the new flowers that have been growing in Fable, a lot of rainwater is certainly needed to give them all a drink. The dragons and storm spirits have been brewing up a torrential downpour scheduled to fall all over Fable and beyond - along with some strong winds. Are you prepared for the occasion?

From cottage to cottage, roof tiles rattle and leaves are swept away. It is advised to not go outside during this storm period, and if you're caught in the rain, to take shelter immediately! If you can't reach your cottage in time, there are other village landmarks to take shelter beneath. The thunder is very loud and the wind is strong enough to knock someone off their feet. It might be best to keep close to people in this weather - going out alone could be very dangerous. And if you're cooped up inside with a friend or a stranger, why not get to know them to pass the time?

It is important to be wary of the lightning. If someone gets struck by lightning, they will not die - but they will experience an injury and a magical feedback loop which swaps their personality! The cure for this problem is rainwater tea - a remedy which is advertised throughout the town's message boards as a precaution for any unlucky residents. The affected person will be lightning charged, causing them to receive an electric shock every time their hands are near water, which will make brewing tea impossible. Someone who has struck will need to rely on another person to brew the tea for them. A lightning-shaped scar will mark the person who got struck wherever they were affected.

After the storm ceases, there may be property damage such as collapsed gates, fallen fences, missing roof tiles and even an injury or two! Oh no! As compensation for enduring such a hearty storm - the realm's overseer, Prism, provides brand new repairing tools to those who had taken damage.

// flowers of kanshi

After enduring such a horrendous downpour, you definitely feel the urge to get out of town. The residents of Fable gossip endlessly about how stunning the cherry blossoms are in Kanshi this time of year, and the fairies practically insist that you go.

Upon arrival, you can see that Kanshi has received quite a beating from the storm. The winds and rain have blown cherry blossom petals all over the place - in the streets, rivers, and they're covering the buildings. You can see all sorts of tiny magical creatures making their best efforts to clean up, part of you wonders why they aren't using magic.

You feel a tap on the shoulder, and realise that it's a tiny sakura dragon sitting perched on you.

"Hi," they say, "I hope it's not too much to ask, but ... could you help us out here?"

You did come here to relax, so you may be a little bit hesitant at first. Still, you'll allow the dragon to continue.

"Kanshi normally has a dusting of petals here and there, but this is just too much for us to deal with on our own. If you help us gather petals, we'll offer you free access to our hot springs and restaurants. We'll even use the petals to craft furniture for you."

That's not a bad suggestion. Besides, it would be difficult to enjoy a trip here with petals covering the place. Once you agree to the dragon's request, you are given a fishing net to catch petals on the ground, in the water and in the air.

// sakura springs

Finally! It's time to relax. The sakura dragons were true to their word - in addition to the furniture gifted in exchange for the petals you collected, you have access to all of Kanshi's most favoured attractions!

There are incredible restaurants with shiba inu chefs ready to tailor to your every desire! The dining can be enjoyed in outdoor cafés surrounded by flowers, evening restaurants - and even an izakaya (alcohol & food bar) with food and drink available all night. It seems that the residents of Kanshi are very grateful for all the effort taken to clean up their home. If you want to spend the night here, even, the owners of the ryokan (traditional inns) will be glad to accommodate any guests. There are many beautiful wonders all across Kanshi, but one of the most renowned attractions are the hot springs. These incredible buildings feature indoor pools, outdoor waterways and rivers to bathe in which rejuvenates and uplifts anyone who steps in these waters. It's no wonder that creatures travel from all over just to bathe in them!

For every thread you write, you will receive cherry blossom furniture for your cottage! Feel free to leave a comment here to redeem these once you've written 5 tags in your thread! Since our TDMs are considered game canon, if you choose to app, these rewards will cross over with you when you join the game!

Let's see what the attractions of Kanshi have in store!

The Flower Cafés are sooooo cute! Situated outside, these charming cafés offer spectacular views of Kanshi's flower fields. All of the food and drinks arrive in incredibly charming pastel colours! (Even the savoury stuff!) Enjoying time in the café while surrounded by all of this pollen will cause a flower to bloom in your hair every time you smile! When they sprout, it's a very ticklish sensation - which might make you smile a lot. This ticklish pollen can be treated with a swim. Good thing there's a hot spring nearby!

The Restaurants have no shortage of incredible food! Whether you would like to order off the set menu, a conveyor belt or destroy all-you-can eat, every option is available. The more food you consume, the more you will feel the urge to open up and talk about yourself. Even things you might not normally be so inclined to tell strangers...!

The Izakaya Bars are the perfect spots for any adults who love good food and good alcohol. There are no innocuous effects from the food and drink ... apart from the house special - cherry plum sake! It is everyone's favourite drink in Kanshi and all-time best seller. Consuming the sake will cause any of the following effects: giggles, excessive compliments, tingly sensations, increased stamina and the urge to overshare your thoughts.

The Hot Springs are beloved by all of Kanshi's locals and beyond. These huge, towering buildings are crafted with wood and feature private indoor pools, outdoor waterfall pools and smaller pools which are connected by streams. In order to allow guests to bathe in peace, the mythological & animal villagers of Kanshi have granted their guests from Fable to have an area all to themselves. They have also provided care packages to the guests! They contain a variety of scented bath salts to choose from. Each salt type has an (undisclosed) effect once in use. The Rose Scented Salts will make someone feel warm, friendly and affectionate. The Vanilla Bean Salts will make someone feel confident and talkative. Their mood will also be enhanced - whether it's a happy kind or melancholic kind. And the Warming Lavender Salts, surprisingly, will give someone the tail and ears of an animal!

over the rainbow

// a rainsplosion

You were likely more than aware of the intense storm that happened earlier. Just when you figure that everything is settled, you are interrupted by a group of frantic fairies flittering through Fable's village.

"Quick! Quick! Come with us! You've gotta see it!"

See what, exactly? Once you have the opportunity, you ask these excitable fae why they're in such a hurry.

"There's gonna be an explosion! A magic explosion!" ... Is that even safe?

"You know the storm? The huge storm? Well - a lot of it was magic, you know! The storm spirits created something magnificent to tidy up winter and blow everything away. And then the dragons and unicorns got involved, and they all started playing in the clouds and had a magic fight! This one cloud is so full of magic - it's going to explode! You've got to come and see it! Nothing bad will happen ... we think! But if it does, we'll fix the problem right up with our magic! Promise!"

Can you really trust the fairies to keep their promise...? But a magical explosion does sound pretty cool. Perhaps against your better judgement, you agree to go.

On the mountainside, you see it - a huge looming storm cloud flickering with rainbow colours and streaks of lightning. There are a few dragons flying nearby, with a heavy layer of anticipation in the air. You can hear laughter from the creatures, which might reassure you that you aren't in any real danger. And then--

The cloud EXPLODES with a fantastic BOOM!

You have to admit - it does look pretty incredible! Just as you take a moment to admire the rainbow explosion, the magical shockwaves blast out and phase through you which causes an immediate effect...! Uh oh?!

Depending on which colour of the magical rainbow blast hits you, a different effect will occur:

Being hit with the colour Red will cause you to kiss the person you see next! Oh, my!

Being hit with the colour Orange will transform you into a merperson! Which is great, except ... you can't see any water around here! Maybe someone can carry you to water.

Being hit with the colour Yellow will give you an animal ears and tail of your choice. So cute! But you also feel the urge to follow the instincts and behaviours of said animal to some degree, too.

Being hit with the colour Green will summon enemies for you to fight! Yikes! From the shadows, monsters manifested out of your worst fears will come to life before trying to attack you - you've been given a weapon to defend yourself, but it would be better if you battled them with another person!

Being hit with the colour Blue will make you spontaneously burst into tears. It seems like nothing can stop you from crying, either - but comfort from another will ease the pain.

Being hit with the colour Purple will cause all of your inner thoughts to hover above your head in a thought bubble. Let's hope you aren't thinking of anything too strange at the moment ...

In a standard fairytale way, all effects end at midnight. Those cheeky fairies didn't keep their promise after all!

Welcome to Fable's fourth TDM!
We're excited to have you here, and hope you enjoy the prompts!
To familiarise yourself with the setting, please take a look at the arrivals & premise page!
We would also appreciate it if you could have a look at the rules as well.
As a general note, the TDMs are considered game canon!
Which means all rewards for fruit & furniture can be used in the game if you apply!

New arrivals have a cottage, a network device, the clothes on their back and a single item from home.
To view the locations, NPCs and more information about the game, please visit our full navigation!

If you have any questions that you have not seen answered in the FAQ, please ask in the FAQ post. Thank you!

(CODE)

Comments

[alcazarzaray]

( Along with everything else that mirrors about them, this is yet another difference. Alhaitham is people-avoidant, Kaveh is people-pleasing. Alhaitham is rational, Kaveh is emotional. Alhaitham avoids complicated intimacy, Kaveh seeks it - and the messes that come with it. In his case, it can be viewed as a coping method. Just ... not the healthiest one. Pursuing men for sex always made him feel like something. It validated him. Because no matter how much he hates himself, if he can be responsible for someone else's pleasure, then that's a plus. Right?

A sigh drifts out of his mouth. )

Only because you're aesthetically pleasing in ways beyond all measure. I know you have the social skills of a tortoise, but ... still. You're ... gorgeous, Alhaitham. Truly.

( He shuffles to the side, inviting the other man to lie down here with him. )

I'm sorry. If you don't want to have sex tonight, we don't have to. I-I just thought ... ( Sigh. ) You know. I mean, it changes nothing about how I feel ... and I would love to do it with you. But only if you do. Don't you even think about doing something just to make me feel better, because I'll feel so much worse.

[admonition]

[ The first comment receives a light nod—he's accepted it, but rather than continuing this topic, there's something more urgent Alhaitham needs to bring up. Once he's laying down on the bed, the scribe rolls to the side to look at Kaveh, his gaze and voice stern. ]

I don't understand the point of your apology. I haven't said that I don't want it. [ A pause. ] Well, I haven't confirmed it either, so maybe your concerns are valid to some extent. I want to make love to you and it's not to make you feel better.

[alcazarzaray]

... Okay.

( It's a fragile time in his life. His depression manifested into the worst spiral he's had in years, so he's a lot more insecure and tender than he would be normally. Something in his heart flutters when Alhaitham says "make love", and Kaveh can't stop himself from leaning up to tenderly kiss him with a hand cupping his cheek. )

If you like, I can ... show you what to do? But if you change your mind at any point, just say.

[admonition]

Stop assuming that I will change my mind. [ The words are murmured against Kaveh's lips once the kiss is broken. That tender kiss left Alhaitham's cheeks tinted pink in its wake, but it doesn't change how blunt he can be. ] I only have theoretical knowledge, so... your practical experience is valuable.

[ The scribe decides to ignore the brief yet sharp pain in his chest when he says that. It's too irrational to pay any attention to it, anyway. ]

[alcazarzaray]

( Between their kisses, he murmurs back: )

I'm not assuming you'll change your mind. I'm saying you're allowed to change your mind. There is a difference. Consent during sex is extremely important.

( And Alhaitham is right. Kaveh is experienced, which is useful. But he's never loved anyone that he's had sex with before, so ... this will be a first within its own right. ) I- mmm ... I need to see if there's any lubricant in this room. ( Excuse him as he leans over to the bedside table and - lo and behold, there is a bottle of lubricant oil inside of it. It seems that the keepers of this inn really spoil their guests. )

[admonition]

[ That response earns Kaveh a headshake. He's not being forced to do anything and Alhaitham won't shy away from reminding the architect that he wants to spend the night with him. ]

Have you seen me change my mind that easily?

[ This time around, it's Alhaitham who presses his lips against Kaveh's first while his hand traces the curve of his spine. ]

We should have checked that before having this conversation. If there's none, I'll go ask for some.

[alcazarzaray]

Yes, yes, I know. You're a man of your word. But if there was the slightest chance you wanted to stop, I'm just saying it's okay.

( Nothing more, nothing less. Kaveh shuffles back and places the glass bottle of lubricant into Alhaitham's palm with an embarrassed smile. )

No need. There's some provided. ( A beat. ) I-I'm suddenly feeling quite embarrassed, haha ... how shall we proceed with this? I can do it myself and show you, or ... if you want to, I can allow you to try ... ( Oh, he's blushing. )

[admonition]

[ Alhaitham snatches the bottle of lubricant away as soon as she sees the opportunity to do so. It's slightly amusing that they truly need to be the opposites no matter the situation—that's the conclusion he reaches after hearing that Kaveh is feeling embarrassed, at least. ]

Watching you do it first sounds like a reasonable option. [ It falls in line with his whole observation logic, too. ] But I want to try doing it myself. That should give you an idea of how compatible we are.

[ Alhaitham wouldn't be himself if he didn't come up with a pausible reason why the second option might be even better, even if it isn't really necessary. ]

[alcazarzaray]

( This guy always has to make everything difficult, doesn't he ... )

All right. ( Kaveh rolls onto his side and opens his legs, facing Alhaitham. He first considered if he should get on all fours, or lay on his front, but ... facing him feels more intimate somehow. The blonde man slackly rests his arms around the other man's neck. ) Just one to start .. nice and slow.

Lennon Seong ( Original )

[privatechat]

( A 📹 Treacherous Thunderstorm )

[ Lennon is very, very unlucky. He’s a bit turned around trying to get back to his cottage once the bad weather starts up and he just gets more and more lost. As the wind picks up he finds himself knocked on his ass a few times in a row and he scrambles to get close to a building, any building to try and stay upright. ]

Can you cut it out?

[ He huffs at the sky, flinching a little at answering booming thunder. ]

( B 📹 Sakura Springs )

( 1 - Izayaka Bars )

[ Lennon isn’t particularly interested in food but he does happily take a drink — the special sounding more than a little interesting to him. So he’s drinking freely and settled at the bar, flirting with anything that moves, mostly the bartender until someone else catches his attention. ]

You wanna go back to my place after your shift?

[ It’s followed by an attack of giggles. ]

( 2 - Hot Springs + Rose )

[ The waterfall pool outside is relaxing. Lennon is feeling warm and content and friendly. He watches for someone to talk to and as soon as he finds a good target he wades over with a sly grin. ]

Hey, it’s really nice out here isn’t it?

[ Honestly, his opening lines can tend toward lame. ]

( C 📹 Rainsplosion + Red )

[ Maybe unluckily for you but when Lennon gets hit by the red shockwave, he has no qualms about the sudden urge that he has. So, hopefully, he’s not stealing your first kiss when he grabs your face and plants a kiss on your lips. ]

( D 📹 Wildcard )

[ Open to anything else too! Willing to switch styles/tenses and the like. Feel free to hit me up on plurk poetanarchy or discord at poetanarchy#7331 ]

[descender]

[The laughing and being a little strange seems like the normal Hu Tao he finds endearing in all the best possible ways, but the kiss on the cheek is something that's completely new. He's a little taken aback by it all.]

I don't think so. [His cheeks are a little warmer than they were just a few seconds ago.] Was something supposed to happen?

[Did he miss a message or is this something from Teyvat and or Liyue? Maybe it's just a Hu Tao thing.]

[neunkugeln]

[A gust of wind tries to blow beneath the rock, and Ilsa shields herself against the inevitable splash of misty water that she knows is about to come—]

I'm not so sure it would have survived anyway.

[She looks him over, trying to discern if she's seen him before until she lands on... no. Then again, she could stand to be a bit more social and a little less stiff, probably.]

Is your cottage far from here?

[secretlives]

[ Dal rolls his eyes but he moves closer, splashing him again but he's close enough for Neon to get a feel of his new ears. ]

There's a tail too.

[hackr]

( he takes the tip of the ear between his fingers, feeling the damp, wet fur. neon has to marvel at it, how it moves and how naturally it seems to flare out from beneath dal's hair. it suits him, in a way, and he hadn't expected it. a dumb grin forms on his face. )

Did someone curse you? Like, what happened?

This won't last forever, will it?

punishment of doing something cute... a crafty archon

[descender]

[He's debating whether he should approach her closer or if it'd be more comfortable to keep the distance between them. It's hard to say whether she clearly this embarrassed or this involves a strong magic of some kind. Either way, he can't tell she's uncomfortable already and doesn't want to push things. He just wants to at least attempt to reassure her that he wants to help in anyway he can.

He decides to keep a distance between them, but at the same time close enough where they can see each other. He listens to her speak, his eyes widening as he's... very confused. He tries to recall what sort of thing would warrant such an apology. The last thing was the kiss and-

Oh... that's just it? A little embarrassing but he doesn't think it needs an apology at this level. Still, she seems insistent, so he won't rebuke it.]

If you feel that strongly about apologizing, I accept your apology, [He puts his right hand over his heart.] but I also don't want you to think it was just you. There's strange and powerful magic, and I have a feeling that magical explosion affected you. I've experienced such a magic first hand.

[He moves a few steps closer, but waits for her reaction before going further.]

When you think about it "Crafty archon" doesn't narrow it down all that much does it?

[icyblooms]

[Her face isn't thick enough to allow her a second chance to flee. So even if he approaches, she won't run away again.

This time.

The fact that Aether seems as calm and unruffled as he usually is helps her a surprising amount. Though she's a little confused by how much it doesn't seem to have bothered him. She kissed him! On the lips! That's personal and private! Something she's never-

Which is really what's behind the whole ordeal this has become. Her poor first kiss! Seemingly completely outside of her control! After all, who else could she have kissed before? Thoma? No, that's potentially kind of... weird. Maybe Yoimiya? But, while they're on good terms, she wouldn't say they're close enough for that sort of relationship....]

You're not mad? [The fan never wavers, as Ayaka peers over the lip of it. On closer examination, he certainly doesn't look angry. Though, would she recognize what his angry even looked like?] I would understand if you were.

[But then he's explaining that there's strange magic in this land, and that it's probably what had caused this whole thing. Her eyes widen, cheeks flushing with color. So, it was the rainsplosion? The pretty colours had been a trick?]

Are occasions such as this common here then? Strange occurences happening outside of someone's control?

[No more running, he can come closer. But odds are the fan might not budge for just a little while longer, at least.]

[icyblooms]

[There's a reason she's Kamisato's public face and not Ayato. Not that... she'd ever say anything publicly to besmirch her older brother's honor. But they have different skillsets and it's worked out better this way.]

I truly believe that Her Excellency was doing what she thought best at the time.

[Sure, it hadn't been great exactly and was absolutely a mess that had required extensive cleanup. She's not bold enough to say it was a mistake regardless. Plus, it's probably not really her place. Besides, mistake or not that doesn't mean the Shogun hasn't always wanted what was best for Inazuma, and its principles, overall. Ayaka truly believes that.]

Have I ever? [Ayaka's eyes widen in disbelief, going so far as to take a step back in surprise.] Why, I would never even dream of such a thing!

[That sounds more like Ayato's domain, come now.

It has been a very sheltered life. Perhaps not a peaceful one exactly, but it's certainly been a very private one. This strange new world, with it's strange new rules would certainly be a challenge for Ayaka. But secretly, it's one she's looking forward to.

Like she's honoring that part of her mother, and even herself, yet again in a much larger way.]

[dejabrewed]

[ he hears the warning, catching it with a “thank you!” given right back. it really did help not to keep flying back and forth…

but as for her question, he takes a glance around— the mess after the storm was pretty evident. ]

Can you start cleaning up for me? I’ll be down in a moment to assist, but the roof does take precedence. I’ll reward you in return. Damn storm messing up my roof… at least this is an excuse to improve…

[ mumbling aside, hope you like homemade coffee and snacks! ]

[rainswords]

[ that would appear to be the case. from hell to peaceful village. nice, nice

Would he be correct to presume she is presently intoxicated? The idea alone is surprising to him; not so much because he believes that she avoids alcoholic beverages (and after all, they are here in a place that serves it) but mostly because he had never given himself the opportunity to imagine her in such a state. From her letters to their meeting at Irodori Festival, she gave the impression of polished dignity so of course, he hadn't thought she wouldn't pace herself with such a vice.

Now all he can do is stare at her flabbergasted as he finds that he cannot make heads or tails of any words spoken. ]

Excuse me?

I am not quite sure what exactly you're referring to. Perhaps I am misunderstanding.

[ There is no perhaps. He has no clue what she means at all. ]

IM SCREAMING THIS TAG IS SO GOOD

[dejabrewed]

[ on the astrals’ heads and bahamut’s tail does he hate this already.

he jumps when the tiny fox girl almost tackles him and clings to his leg, making him almost lose his balance. the angel is already so relieved that he isn’t carrying any valuables, but even so, what’s he supposed to do? baby yae is crying her eyes out, and sandy doubts he’ll get a word out of her for the time being!

but the only way out was to ask…! ]

Alright, alright, who exactly are you looking for? Your mom? A friend?

[ sandalphon Doubts any god is actually listening but he does pray that this ends quickly! ]

[hippocarnival]

Uh--well, I just got here so... [He rubs the back of his neck.] I was hoping to talk to someone who knows more about this and isn't a fairy?

[hippocarnival]

[Yuya leans back a little, just in case he has to scramble away from being trampled. He holds his net closer.]

Well, I agreed to help. [So yes, but it didn't take a lot of convincing.] Since they need it. I wasn't doing anything else anyway.

kaeya alberich | genshin impact

[circuitice]

thunderstorms? oh my.

[ it's not to say Kaeya isn't familiar with thunderstorms. They happen all the time! but, all the same, thunderstorms always bring a tinge of uneasiness to him. Not that he would show it normally, but, well.

this time, it's totally justified, given how many times he's nearly been struck by lightning. if he had to guess, he probably personally pissed off the electro archon. Well, if he wasn't in a new place.

Still, he ducks under the closest shelter and starts to wring the water from his person-- and when he catches you, well, he'll strike up a conversation, ]

Who knew weather could be so... exciting?

shots (of sake)

[ this entire setup seems eerily reminiscent of inazuma. If he didn't know better, he would assume that there must have been a mistake in this whole "other worlds" situation. but, who would ever let that stop them from enjoying drinks.

And so, here he is, at the izakaya bars. perfectly ready to enjoy some of the house special. ]

Join me?

lets get struck by clouds?

[ more of a wildcard! pick a color, and lets roll with it! ]

[masculinitea]

Yeah. Yeah. [Vic paws at the ground with one forehoof and has the sudden thought that he's not coming off as masculine enough. No one knows about his magic here but if he gets a that kind of reputation that's almost as bad.] Bro, I don't usually do mareish shit with flowers. It's not like I like it or anything. But they don't need anything punched, and I can clean stuff if I gotta, so...

You got a name, bro?

take cover

[pyronic]

[The rain has never bothered Diluc much, immune to its bone-deep chill, but taking shelter is preferable to getting incessantly pelted by it. He'd have considered leaving Dorothea her space and finding somewhere else to lodge had it not been for her insistence, and rather than make a scene by declining, he acquiesces with a nod and sits beside her.]

I suppose you've neglected to bring your umbrella as well. Thank you.

[Y'know, for letting his grumpy ass take up valuable space here.]