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]

Is that so? That's unfortunate. I do enjoy a good conversation with others to learn of their origin lands. There are many people who aren't from Sumeru here, after all.

( Speaking of Sumeru -- Oh. Excuse Kaveh as he blushes brightly and smiles, chuffing out a surprised little laugh. )

T-Thank you kindly! Er ... ( He takes another sip of his drink. Liquid courage is certainly active here. )

... I'm happy very to return the same sentiment back to you. You're quite the looker yourself.

[secondthoughts]

[ The blush and bashful reaction earns Kaveh a lighthearted laugh from Hector. That's cute. This is why he does this--people are cute. ]

Thank you. [ In contrast, Hector takes the compliment in stride and relaxes a bit, outstretching his leg to rest his foot on the crossbar of Kaveh's stool. It's plenty clear he's heard that a lot. ]

Seriously, though. Tyria can't be half as interesting as where you're from. [ Also, don't make him think about things he's trying not to think about. ] Tell me about Sumeru.

[alcazarzaray]

Hah, very well! ( He takes another sippy. ) Sumeru is one of the seven regions in the world where I am from, called Teyvat. It is the nation that worships Lesser Lord Kusanali, the Dendro Archon. Er-- "Dendro" powers are like plant powers, and our Archon is the Goddess of these powers. Its terrain is varied - though it is mostly composed of rainforests and deserts with villages dotted throughout.

It is renowned as the centre of learning and has a large educational institution called the Sumeru Akademiya. I, myself, am an alumni from this institute. I graduated from the Kshahrewar Darshan, which specialises in technology, architecture and puzzle-solving. Architecture is my speciality ... that's how I make my living. ( The moment Kaveh issues this statement, he realises he's something of a lie - since he's completely bankrupt from one of his architecture projects going awry. But, then again, he's not bankrupt here ... so it totally doesn't count, right? )

[secondthoughts]

[ As Kaveh begins to talk, Hector shifts to make himself comfortable, leaning against the bar, resting his cheek on his lightly balled fist. Blue settles on the other man as he listens, eyes narrowing as he processes the new words the new information; the entire time, he nods slowly. Not once does he take a drink from his glass.

There's a spark of familiarity in his eyes at the mention of the academic institute. It's been a long time since anyone referred to him as Magister Rhineskeep, but that connection is still there, however faint it is now. Though he doesn't mention it, or let it show, really, he appreciates that they have something in common. Besides good looks, that is. ]

I see. So you're an academic. [ The information settles in his head, and he takes a sip of his drink. His tone is positive, clearly interested in learning more. ] I don't personally know too many architects. I'd love to know more about what you do.

[ And he refills both glasses while he's at it! ]

[alcazarzaray]

( He nods! )

I certainly am! Oh boy, where do I even start, though...? ( He bites down on his lower lip a little bit. Mmmm. ) Well - I guess off the bat, I should be transparent and say that it's an incredibly difficult field to work in. The prospect is nice, and becoming an architect takes a tremendous amount of hard work and dedication ... but the reality isn't as clean-cut as it seems. ( He sighs. ) For instance ... I'm an architect who prioritises aesthetics and functionality. I truly don't feel like I'm making my most authentic work unless I can create something beautiful that is structurally sound. The most divine building work you could comprehend. But sadly, the building associations in Sumeru don't quite share my vision ... they only want practical. So as an artist with great ideas and dreams, you can feel ... quite compressed at times.

( Swig. )

It's caused me a great deal of stress and trouble back home. But here, well ... at least I can be indulgent and not worry so much about that.

[secondthoughts]

[ Though Hector knows next to nothing about architecture, he can sympathize, somewhat. He can't even begin to imagine having to stick to all of the rules that came with making buildings, plus having to worry about making things look good.

He hums in thought for a second before speaking up, picking out what it is he admires about Kaveh's attitude towards his job: ]

You know, it's not a bad thing to want to stick to your standards. And sometimes, you just have to step away from it all in order to achieve what you want.

[ It's what he had to do, anyway. But at that thought, he suddenly hears Navan's voice echoing in his head: You're a Canthan bureaucrat's worst nightmare, Commander.

Hmm. On second thought-- ]

Or, you know, whatever works for the...framework you're in.

[ A thoughtful sip. ]

So is the reason everyone knows who you are...a bad one?

[alcazarzaray]

Bad? Me?

( He can't help but erupt into a hearty laugh. )

Not at all! I'm only well known for my work, nothing more. I get a little embarrassed admitting it, and I don't want to come off as big headed, but I'm renowned in my field. A lot of the Kshahrewar scholars idolise me, earning the reputation of being the "Light of the Kshahrewar." I'm not too comfortable being put on such a high pedestal, but ... I'm glad my work inspires people.

[secondthoughts]

[ Kaveh's laugh causes Hector to laugh in turn. Mostly out of relief. Glad to see the guy's "renowned" and not necessarily "notorious." ]

Sounds like you've earned it, though. You should be proud of yourself. You have every right to be fighting the building associations to do things your way in my eyes. Especially if you have people that support you.

[ First hand experience.

He lifts his cup. ]

I'm honored to be sharing a drink with the Light of the Kshahrewar.

[alcazarzaray]

( He blushes! How cute. )

R-Really, you don't have to go into all that! Just 'Kaveh' is fine, I promise.

( Either way, he toasts. )

I really appreciate your kind words, though ... thank you. It means a lot to hear, especially with how difficult it is to live and work as an architect.

[secondthoughts]

[ Hector chuckles. ]

Very well, Kaveh, Light of the Kshahrewar.

[ He's going to keep insisting on it! Both as a compliment, and a tease, and a way to flirt. Because that's how he works.

He downs his drink, but doesn't refill it right away. ]

It doesn't sound easy, no. Pretty stressful, if you ask me. [ Hector wishes he could be an architect. At least he wouldn't have to--well. ] But I hope you're getting some time to unwind while you're here.

[ He takes his bottle, starts refilling both of their glasses. ]

And if not, I'd be happy to help.

[alcazarzaray]

( Look at that use of his title! What a flatterer. Kaveh can't help but blush a little with embarrassment despite his resistance to the nickname. Maybe it's different when it's used by a good-looking rugged stranger. Hmm.

Kaveh's dark lashes flutter when he meets Hector's eyes as he takes another drink, his smile quirking with amusement. )

Oh? What are some of your favourite ways to unwind?

[secondthoughts]

[ If there's one thing he's good at, it's the charm, the flattery.

Hector brings the cup up to his mouth, but doesn't drink. His lips curl into a smile as he studies Kaveh. ]

Physical exertion's my go-to. It's hard to beat a good spar.

[ A beat. There's a flash in his eyes before he looks away--it's pretty obvious where this is going.

Either way, he stays quiet for the moment to down his drink in one go. ]

Or a good fuck.

[alcazarzaray]

( That flash in Hector's eyes is mirrored with one from Kaveh. )

Now that's certainly something you and I have in common there. ( He takes another drink of sake, unbreaking eye contact. ) What's your preference? ( Y'know - honesty sake and all. It's quite direct, but how can he not be curious about Hector's preference or his type? )

[secondthoughts]

[ Ah-ha. Very good.

Hector turns to look at Kaveh again, resting his chin on his fist as he leans over the bar; the leg extending to the other's stool shifts as he does, his knee just slightly brushing up against Kaveh. Is that intentional? Hard to say. ]

You know, I've found myself preferring men as of late.

[ "As of late," meaning since...well. Steely blue settles on him, narrowing slightly as he takes in the blond's features. ]

Especially when they're as good looking as this one guy I know.

[ The way the grin crosses his face makes it pretty obvious he's talking about Kaveh. ]

[alcazarzaray]

( O-Oh. Good heavens, sir, you'll make him blush. (And he absolutely is.) )

So, I see ... ( He'll play along, though, just for fun - never once breaking eye contact. ) What a lucky man he must be.

[secondthoughts]

[ Hector chuckles, leaning forward as he does. The slight movement sends a brief bout of vertigo through him--oof. Did he drink too much? He's probably drunk too much.

But he blinks it away, keeping his composure. ]

Maybe I should tell you a little bit about him.

[ He shifts again, grin widening. ]

He's got such clear skin. [ Someone wears sunscreen! Hector reaches out to lightly brush his finger over Kaveh's cheekbone. ] Eyes like rubies. [ His fingers move farther back, brushing strands of blond away. ] Hair like the sun.

[ Cheesy? Absolutely. But he's a little too tipsy to care. And it's a good excuse to touch Kaveh, tbh. ]