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

[circuitice]

Kaeya Alberich, of Mondstadt. Another place from beyond here.

But now it makes a bit more sense why you might not be as alarmed at the change in scenery. "Planet" Altea, is it?

[ he never stopped being composed, but you know. they're both still a bit red. ]

[of_altea]

Yes, Altea was my homeworld. [ Was. ] And I've had the privilege and opportunity to travel to many planets since then. This is one of the more quaint places I've ever visited, I'll admit, but it's quite charming.

I take it that your Mondstadt hasn't yet developed interplanetary travel?

[circuitice]

[ ah, another with a lost homeland. ]

No, and I don't think it's on the horizon any time soon. It's unusual to see travelers from beyond the stars.

Ah, but I was getting to a point. This land seems to be quite infested with magic. So, you'll find yourself doing and saying all sorts of things you don't necessarily mean to.

[neunkugeln]

[Ilsa shoots him a dubious look.]

I'm both.

[She got caught in this awful wind and rain, she's soaked to the bone, her ears and her hair are a mess... Of course she's not all right! She does bristle a bit at the admission, never one to let her guard down too much in front of anyone.

But she looks at the little hole he's made and arches a brow.]

... What are you doing?

[lucency]

[ Hold up, she suddenly desperately wants to learn how to shapeshift. What lovely future tea conversation! In the meantime, she ushers him along, takes an opportunity to change out of muddy clothes, and she's gonna use some of that rainwater to brew a couple of those handy teabags she acquired — floral flavored, because she can commit to a seasonal theme. ]

[lucency]

[ Look, she's trying. Belle doesn't normally succumb to peer pressure, but she also will not be threatened with a fantastic time. First swig of sake might be heavy, but she makes it happen.

The video game reference goes so far over her head that, yeah, it doesn't even register. She earnestly shakes her head. ] The Enchanted Forest. [ A beat. Her eyes dart. She doesn't normally disclose that, but nothing fills an awkward pause like another drink!!! ] I mean, it's not a literal forest. Not all of it, anyway. It's another world, like this one. Well — a similar concept, at least.

Refrigerators didn't exist, for starters.

Cyrus Albright 📚 Octopath Traveler

[scrutinies]

i. treacherous thunderstorm

[As welcomes go, the violent storm that's swept into Fable isn't a particularly warm one. There had certainly been a time in his life when, being the sort who spent the bulk of his time indoors, he wouldn't have given how damaging or dangerous such a storm could be much thought. Seeking shelter is still among his greatest priorities, but he has learned enough about the dangers of violent weather during his travels that rather than simply get himself indoors and wait out the storm, Cyrus is on the alert for anyone who may need assistance or ushering to safety as he goes.

All told, he's quite a sight, struggling to move against the wind and already soaked throat, with his cloak being blown out behind him and threatening to be swept away entirely— but he manages to press onwards, raising a hand to shield his eyes from the fall of heavy rain as he spies someone up ahead in his path.]

You there! We must take shelter, immediately! This way, there is—

[He's cut off by the loud rumble of thunder as lightning splits the sky at nearly the same moment; the storm is directly overhead, with the entire village at its mercy.]

Look out!

[He starts to bolt forward, even as another crack of lightning pierces the air. Whether it's him or the figure ahead who ends up being struck, or that all involved are granted a narrow escape remains to be seen.]

ii. flowers of kanshi

[Kanshi is stunning upon first sight, of course, even in the wake of the storm, and Cyrus does listen to the little sakura dragons' plea for help closely enough, but even as he takes the net he's been given in hand, he pays the troublesome petals being spoken of little mind. Instead, he bends down just enough to put himself at eye-level with the nearest sakura dragon flitting about, reaching out with one hand to lightly prod at it's abdomen with his index finger.]

Remarkable.

[His fascination with the little creature is writ plainly across his face, and for just a moment, the dragon seems to question whether they might have chosen the wrong person to tap on the shoulder and ask for aid.]

I say, I've seen all manner of creatures in my travel, but none so eloquent as you— nor anywhere near as friendly. Of course, I will gladly lend my aid, but first, I must ask, what are your...

[He proceeds to pepper his new 'friend' with questions about their diet, their native environment, and other such dragon-targeted curiosities.

Someone help this poor creature.]

iii. rainsplosion

['Magic explosion' is all Cyrus needed to hear before making his way to the mountainside— in fact, he doesn't even need to hear both words in full before he opts to follow the fairies in their haste. The promise that 'nothing bad will happen' is in one ear and out the other; whatever it is that he's about to witness is unique and unprecedented enough, at least in his experience, that it is well worth any risk there might be— and oh, it is exquisite, a stunning display of light and color among the flurry of native creatures that have brought it into being.]

Magnificent! This is—

[Ah, and there is the explosion that had been foretold, with bursts of color now raining down towards all those who had come to bear witness. Perhaps you're among the crowd that's gathered and have been hit by one of those colored sparks yourself, or maybe you turn just in time to see the scholar caught in the blast, but it's quite obvious that those assembled can't possibly dodge all of them.

This is probably fine.]

You know which one

[backstreetbard]

[ Dorothea hadn't meant to get stuck out in the storm, but it swept in so suddenly that she barely even had the opportunity to react before she was drenched by the sheets of rain. Damn! To make matters worse, the wind picks up and nearly blows her down. It's all she can do to stay on her feet. How is she supposed to make it back to her cottage in a situation like this?

Hearing a voice, she turns to find the speaker, but that loss of footing is enough to send her sprawling, and she hardly has a chance to get to her feet again before a peal of thunder splits the air, followed by the blinding flash of lightning.

When she regains her senses, Dorothea groans and touches her face, freezing in place when both the voice and the face are unfamiliar to her.

What??

Casting around, she sees her own body lying prone in the muddy road and nearly screams. ]

Oh Goddess, what is happening?

[ Kneeling beside... well, herself?? She turns her body over and checks her pulse. ]


Ohh please, wake up. Hey, wake up!

oh, I know which one!

[scrutinies]

[Despite the best of intentions, this did not seem to be going as planned.

Cyrus lets out a groan of his own as the fuzziness that had suddenly clouded the edges of his vision begins to clear, and he becomes keenly aware of the fact that while he had only just been on his feet and pushing against the wind and rain, he's now flat on his back on the cold ground, having been rolled onto it with the assistance of the figure kneeling over him, the path beneath them both quickly turning to mud beneath the onslaught of the storm.]

That was unexpected... a grievous miscalculation.

[He raises an arm to try and wipe some of the mud from his eyes, only to note that his wrist seems rather more— delicate than before. The sleeve now hanging above him is unfamiliar, as well, and now that the sudden shock of being struck has begun to ease... was there something different about his voice?

He squints for a moment, looking up at the person aiding him, only to find himself looking into a very familiar face indeed.

... hm.]

... ah, hello.

[What is one supposed to say in such a situation?]

[backstreetbard]

[ Dorothea feels like she's having an out-of-body experience.

... Dorothea is having an out-of-body experience. Goddess, this is awful! That... that's her body, lying there, moving and talking, blinking up at her with her own big, green eyes. ]

H-hello. [ A beat, then more urgently when that manly voice comes out: ] Who are you? Who am I? What in the world is happening?

[ She's touching her face again, a little frantic, fingers gliding over high cheekbones and smooth skin. She's a man. A... a handsome man? Is he handsome? She didn't get a good look at him before the lightning hit. ]

You're in my body. We're not stuck like this are we?

[of_altea]

Unusual, but not unheard of. You've been visited by interstellar travelers before, then? You don't seem too surprised at the prospect.

[ However, the prospect of being unable to control her own words, her own body, is extremely troubling to Allura. ]

All the more reason for me to be cautious, then.

[pyronic]

[Well said. This woman seems as wise as she is beautiful, but lavishing her with praise when they've only just met won't come across as genuine, so Diluc keeps that thought to himself for now.]

Making the most of a difficult situation is an admirable quality. Not everyone can hold their head up high in such dire circumstances.

[As for what he'd rather be doing...? Diluc quietly sighs. For various reasons, he can't simply come out and say it.]

I have a duty to my homeland to keep it and the people within it safe. Being here is nothing but wasted time no matter what I choose to do.

[circuitice]

We have.

But, shall I escort you the safest way away from the rain, then?

[of_altea]

Yes, please, before this magic impels me to do anything else questionable.

[ She walks beside him, happy to move away from the storm. ]

Tell me more about your homeworld? Mondstadt, you said? What's it like?

[circuitice]

You need not worry, I'll make sure you're safe from the rain! As any good knight should.

As for Mondstadt, it's but one nation of seven on Teyvat.

[ he explains easily, ]

It's known as the nation of freedom.

[of_altea]

The nation of freedom. I like the sound of that.

I'm a freedom fighter, myself--a founding member of a coalition dedicated to liberating planets throughout the known universe from the tyrannical rule of a wicked empire. I wonder if they exist here, in this reality, but have not yet had cause to take possession of this world.

[ She looks troubled for a moment but then shakes her head. ]

There's no use in fretting about it at this point.

[circuitice]

Liberating planets throughout the known universe? I've heard of several people saying they'd just escaped war, but that's on a much grander degree!

[ his curiosity is piqued ]

How does one fight on such a grand scale?

[of_altea]

I wish I could say I've escaped the war, but I'm afraid I carry it with me still. I don't know that I'll ever be free of it.

[ That's the PTSD talking. ]

It is difficult to explain. My father... my people... we were betrayed by those we once believed to be our allies--the Galra Empire. I was trapped in cryostasis for ten thousand years, and during that time, the Galra expanded their empire across galaxies from one end of the known universe to the other.

Now that I am awake again, I and my friends have taken up the cause once more. Every world we liberate is a world of people ready to fight for the freedom of others, and so we've built a substantial rebellion.

[circuitice]

I see.

Then, it will be very challenging to be separate from that, won't it? I would recommend a distraction, just for your sanity's sake.

[ he says it gently enough, just in case she may be a little more keyed up than previously advertised ]

[of_altea]

Sadly, yes, but I will try not to dwell on it overmuch. My friends still have me, or whatever version of me exists in that reality. Beyond that, they've overcome greater challenges. They're an excellent team. They'll be fine.

[ Maybe the truth is that she needs them as much or more than they need her. Or... maybe it's that she needs to be needed. She won't say either way. ]

What form of distraction might you suggest, in that case?

[hackr]

( yeaaahhhhhh, neon lifts his glass in toast to her as belle dives into the sake. )

It's called "The Enchanted Forest?" ( if he wasn't so keen so consume every bit of this bottle in front of him, he would have done a spit take. ) And there's magic and shit? Instead of refrigerators?

( he leans back, looking at her suspiciously. ) You do look kind of like a princess, though, so, with the - ( he waves his hand around his head, circling itm ) - the hair and everything. I'll believe you upfront.

[backstreetbard]

Making the most of a situation is all you can do, sometimes.

[ Silence falls between them for a few moments as Dorothea rocks the swing to and fro. ]

Look, I understand you frustration. Truly. I have a whole gaggle of orphans that I took in over the last five years. Now that the war is over, it's my responsibility to raise and educate them, and find them good homes with loving families. I can't do that if I'm here.

But if what the fairies that brought us here said is true, then you and I are still back where we belong--this is only a piece of us. I can rest easy knowing that those children will be taken care of, and the duty that drives you is also not being left unattended. You're still back there, protecting the people you love. Isn't that a comfort to you?

And if that's the case, then why not allow yourself a moment to breathe? Maybe it is wasted time, maybe not. But you're here now, regardless, and the time is going to pass no matter what you choose to do. You might regret it later if you don't avail yourself now.

[privatechat]

You don't remember me, though.

[ Lennon counters. How could he miss him? The fae is weird, though, so he wouldn't argue it too much at least. He does... finally pull away just a little but doesn't give up contact completely. ]

[backstreetbard]

It's not so enjoyable in the back of the theater if you're trying to watch what's happening on the stage.

I'll sing for you sometime. Softly, so it doesn't hurt your ears. I'm handy with a lute, if I could find one here--it's nowhere near as grand as a true opera, but you might still like it.

[hackr]

Ah? Yeah, shoot – fish out of water stuff. ( he laughs amiably, shaking his head. ) It's a tropical island with a lotta summer storms. Kinda scary like that beast outside, but no such magic.

It's probably obvious, or not, this is my first time encountering fae and magic and stuff. ( and suddenly, ) That smells good.