TDM #1

[fabulists]

fable test drive meme #1

// 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 magical creatures from all walks of life. 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, in order for their dragon overseer to reclaim his own magic and find his missing siblings. 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. Fortunately, though, it seems that your kitchen is stocked with ingredients. Enough to make a pie, at least! Most of the village shops are currently closed due to the bad weather, so it seems like socialising with your neighbours might be your best shot at finding something to do.

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. Perhaps the board will urge you to find some fellow people who are in a similar situation as you. The cold weather might inspire you to go fishing in the river canals, have a snowball fight, make warm drinks for people, get active in the kitchen or go sledding!

Or, just ... do whatever you want! This is your magical home now, might as well make the most of it!

snowfolk!

// do you wanna build a snowman?

While wandering through the village, you suddenly hear a voice appear out of nowhere. "Help ..." The voice speaks, rather ominously, which might alarm you. "Turn around ..." It says again, which may send shivers down your spine that aren't related to the cold. "Now, come closer. No, closer. Closer!" Jeez! You know this place is filled with magical creatures, but what on earth is taunting you at the moment? You can't see anything! There's just a Snowman in front of you.

"Hello." Wait, did that Snowman just--? "I am a Snowman." He did. He talked to you.

"I am lonely. Please build me some friends." Well, it's not like you have anything better to do ... "I will give you a reward if you do. Come to me when you have built, and I will give you a reward." Seems simple enough. You almost walk away to get started, until--

"HOLD IT!" He yells, very loudly for a Snowman. "You must use teamwork to build a Snowperson. The best Snowpeople are made with friends. Find a friend and build a Snowperson for me. Thank you."

Well, there you have it! You have been tasked with finding someone to build a Snowperson with. And of course, because these Snowfolk are magic, they're going to be quite particular about how they want to be built. They may berate you and act fussy during the process. You must divide the work between you and your acquaintance in order to complete your Snowperson. Get creative with hats, scarves, shapes, face designs - and whatever else you think the Snowperson should have!

Your final result will produce either an immaculate (or terrible) Snowtyke, Snowboy, Snowmam or Snowman who will reward you both with a random piece of winter furniture and an extra surprise!

Once you both feel satisfied with your Snowperson,
Please reply to this thread here in order to claim the rewards! Have fun!

the aurora ball

// ballad of the northern lights

In Finnish mythology, it is believed that the Northern Lights (Revontulet) are the creation of a fox who runs across the night sky. In Fable, this very same fox is the one responsible for the Northern Lights of their skies - and while he spends a lot of his time away from the realm to decorate the skies of many other places, he returns every Winter for a fantastic show (and incredible party!)

To celebrate his return, Fable's residents gather in Skáld to host a ball and have a big party beneath the lights. And you have been invited! No need to worry about travel - with your magical invitation, you can be poofed there in an instant! In an act of generosity, the Fox of the Northern Lights has temporarily given you a dose of his magic in order for you to join in the fun! While the party is ongoing, you will have a glowing pair of aurora wings which allow flight, a dazzling new outfit, an immunity to the cold, and the ability to create aurora streaks in the sky!

// the aurora ball

The moment you accept the invitation and arrive in Skáld, the magical effects from the Aurora Fox will activate! Shimmering sparkles will envelope you before you find yourself wearing a brand new outfit and accessories for the evening, and they really are very sparkly! Your floating aurora wings spawn behind you in any colour, and just like that, you're ready for the party! Don't worry about the outfit you were wearing prior to this, it has been transported back to your wardrobe in your cottage. With magic, of course!

The party runs for a few days, and it's a lot bigger than you imagined. Just how many mythological creatures are attending? You and the otherwordly attendees will be staying in a nearby wooden lodge that has been upscaled with magic in order to accommodate its large guests. The lodge has spacious rooms, complimentary meals, and even a heated outdoor pool!

The party itself takes place on a mountain adjacent to the lodge with an outdoor ballroom, Troll DJs playing through the night (with both upbeat and slow music), a bonfire, a food buffet and a bar!

Fancy a drink? There are cocktails and mocktails being served all night by the Troll bartenders! Who knew Trolls were so good at mixing drinks? Cocktails and mocktails are exactly the same in taste, except mocktails don't have any alcohol in them. If your character doesn't like to drink, they can still enjoy the tasty beverage without getting drunk!

Regardless of alcohol content, however, each drink will have a funny effect on the person consuming it.
Pink Pixie will make people feel more flirty and sensual, Minty Manticore will make people hyperactive and chatty, Blue Bunyip will give them a case of the blues by inspiring a little bit of sadness, and Purple Pegasus will make them sentimental and emotional.

Welcome to Fable's first 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

Malleus Draconia || Twisted Wonderland (did this on my phone please forgive autocorrect fails)

[hornton]

[Arrival]

[ As with everyone else, Malleus had seen the message board, and with little else to do went about fishing. It was the closest thing to hunting, even if it was a painfully easy task.

At least it was for him, being a dragon and all.

So anyone also fishing, or just enjoying the beach wild find a large black dragon resting by the waters edge. Occasionally spitting flames at the surface causing it to steam and boil. Dead fish would float to the surface after, he’d stare at them… and then promptly eat them.

Next time he thinks to himself. Next time will be for the mission board and he will not eat them (he is absolutely going to continue to eat them).]

[Snowmen]

[Malleus was truly moved by the snow creature’s lack of friends, he too was a rare species and also lacked friends! So he would be happy to help solve this grave problem!

Or he would have been, if the snow creature was being incredibly fussy and unfair about what could be considered a friend!

The closest thing he had to a friend was his gao gao drago-kun, but the snow creature did not think such could be consisted a friend.

Long story short, Malleus was spending an obscene amount of time trying to argue that his tamogachi was his friend and therefore should count towards snowman building! Feel free to interrupt them otherwise he’ll probably keep arguing until the snowman melts.]

[I n v i t e d]

[While he remained on the outskirts of the festivities, Malleus looked quite pleased. He was invited! No idea what any of this was about, but he had been INVITED.

Though he certainly did not look like he fit in. His outfit, while indeed sparkly, was black and adorned with black feathers. As for the wings, he neglected the magical ones in favor of his own wings. He didn’t often summon them in his humanoid form, as dragon appendages in enclosed spaces tended to be a recipe for disaster… but for the sake of the party he decided it was worth it.

So there he was, looking like an evil wizard and smiling to himself watching everything.]

snowmen

[rainswords]

[ Instead of immediately intervening, Xingqiu opts to watch a man argue with a talking snowman. It's not a common sight so forgive his trepidation about approaching the odd pair; fortunately, he is curious enough that he doesn't quickly decide that he wants no part in that. So standing a few paces away means the snowman finally takes notice of his presence. Rather than continue to argue it would point (about as well as a snowman can point with sticks for limbs) at Xingqiu.

Calling him a friend of the man argumentative isn't even a leap when this is the first time they've laid eyes on each other. ]

Unfortunately, that assumption is incorrect, we aren't evenly formally acquainted.

[ He should have just said no we're not friends and quickly cleared up any misunderstandings that may arise but that may have come off as far too rude... ]

[hornton]

[Man, snowman, way to rub it in that he has no friends. He heaved a sigh and shook his head.]

It is as the human said, we are not acquainted. It is as I explained, his kind tends to avoid me.

[And he’s giving this snowman a very pointed look.]

You would know this if you were listening.

[But then turned to the human.]

My apologies for the misunderstanding.

[rainswords]

Please there is no need to apologize.

[ But since he is here, and there seems to be a task that requires more than one person to complete he may as well offer to help. While they may not be friends, there is nothing wrong with collaborating together since he is going to assume they both arrived under the same set of circumstances. With a light touch of his chest, Xingqiu indicates to himself before speaking once again. ]

However, if you do not mind, then allow me to assist.

[ The snowman then decides to take the opportunity to speak about friendship overcoming prejudice and that he had been correct that someone would offer aid in the end, even if that someone was human. It seems that he also cannot help but tack on that this is an opportunity for someone with an unapproachable demeanor and dour personality to make connections. But they can ignore the snow person, at least, that's what Xingqiu wishes to convey through a strained yet patient smile. ]

I think I caught a bit of the request. That snowman wants more snowpeople around if I heard correctly?

[hornton]

[This snowman was playing a very dangerous game with someone that could breathe fire. Not that Malleus truly wished to harm it, but it was being rude, and Fae had some opinions about that.

Luckily the little human was there to diffuse the situation before the snowman dug that hole any deeper. So he turns to the human… but not before blowing a bit of smoke from his nose in warning.]

Indeed, however it is being incredibly difficult on the ritual to create more of such creatures.

[The AUDACITY of saying his tamagotchi did not count as a friend!]

[rainswords]

[ While Xingqiu himself hasn't fully grasped how he would classify the snowman, he too has noted that it lacks manners. Much like the person he is offering his aid to, he wouldn't meet its demands with violence. Besides, one has to consider if snow people are vengeful enough to linger in spirit after their demise — it would be awful to wake up every night due to cold feet.

And although he should be surprised by that puff of smoke, he seems to take things relatively well. Already it's been made obvious through appearance and words that he is helping someone that is not human. Doing what must be done, and helping those who are good goes beyond this. ]

Yes, from what I heard the requirement is that at least two...ah... [ He knows the snowman means friends but this would have to do. ] people participate in the creation process. Well, why don't we get started? I believe that introductions would help.

[ Therefore, since he made the suggestion he would go ahead and share his own name. ] It's a pleasure to meet you, please call me Xingqiu.

[hornton]

[A wise human indeed to not deny the friendship capabilities of Gao Gao Drago-kun. Yes, "people" made more sense than "friends", as people had limbs and appendages and magic to aide the process. Semantics are very important.

Ah, but there are names. Given the lack of fear, this human did not know who he was, or at the very least did not recognize him. Should he offer his name, and the human know of him, things would most certainly grow tense and awkward. Perhaps then, it would be better to enjoy the human's ignorance for now.]

I fear my name tends to put many ill-at-ease, so you may call me what you wish. Once we are finished however, I shall tell it to you if you so desire.

[rainswords]

How generous of you, however, that offer shouldn't be one that is made so easily.

[ Imagine if he were bestowed with an embarrassing nickname — what if it remained long past him sharing his true identity? Not that Xingqiu himself would be giving this fine gentleman some awful name. No. Definitely not! Yet, even now he is going down some list of names he might use. Smokey Big Brother? Ganyu Two? Sad Mr. Youkai? Hm. This person is tall and he has horns... Big Horny?! ]

But if you insist then surely I can come up with something.

[ In the meantime, it would be best they begin to work before the snowman decides that their progress is going far too slowly for its liking. Kneeling down, Xingqiu will begin to gather snow as he attempts to shape a base, obviously he has never done this before. ]

Invited

[tiaraed]

[Fortunately, this isn't the first time Usagi has had wings. Or even the second. So despite her usual innate clumsiness on the ground, she's actually quite adept at flitting about with wings. It helps that she's trying very hard to be on her best Princess behavior. Maybe Luna isn't here to see it, but she's trying to do her poor advisor proud nonetheless.

Which is why when she sees someone standing on the edge of the party all alone? She has to approach him. After all his wings are lovely! Someone who looks so nice shouldn't have to stand by himself!]

Hi! You looked a little lonely. [By that she means he was alone at all, but that's close to the same thing in Usagi's books.] I just wanted to say that your wings are super nice! Somehow they really stand out from anyone else's. They're beautiful!

[His figure cuts quite a contrasting image to her own, given that she's fully dressed in white and pink with delicate blush pink wings that she's more than happy to continue using. Why stand when you can hover? It helps equalize the fact that she's so short! Either way, his image of 'evil wizard' doesn't phase her in the slightest, instead she just sees the chance to make a new friend.]

Oh! Where are my manners? I'm Usagi, it's nice to meet you!

Re: Invited

[hornton]

[ A human cheerfully approaching him was enough to catch him off guard all in its own, and this one even went as far as greeting him?! She must not know who he is, surely that was the only reason one dared act so boldly in his presen- oh. She said his wings were beautiful…

Well shucks.]

I am flattered you think so. They are my own wings, I hardly need them to fly, but since everyone else had them I thought to take them out for show.

[He’s certainly standing a bit taller at that, and even flexes his wings so she could see them. He is absolutely preening over this now.]

Malleus Draconia, heir apparent of Briar Valley. A pleasure Miss Usagi.

[tiaraed]

[Usagi would befriend Lucifer himself if she got the chance. Why would she hesitate to approach Malleus? Wings? They're pretty! He's intimidating? Does she even know that word?]

If I had wings like that I'd have them out all the time! [A pause, as she considers the implications]. Okay, well maybe not when I'm sleeping. Or taking a shower. Or... I guess they'd actually get in the way a lot.

[She looks at them wistfully.]

But they're still really cool.

[As he should be. Stand taller! Take pride! Everyone deserves to feel good about themselves!]

Malleus Draconia. Wow, your name is just as cool as your wings! It really suits you!

[The rest of it is lost on her. Excellent student that she is. Not. Since she's actually a terrible student.]

Briar Valley? Is that in England?

[Also known as it sounds foreign and different, which leads to Usagi jumping to one of the countries outside of Japan she's heard the most about.]

[hornton]

[He chuckles, genuinely amused by her words, though his chuckle is about as ominous as the rest of him. However he’s aware of his dour and foreboding presence as she is, so he sees nothing wrong with it.]

They can be a bit cumbersome, but I imagine finding proper clothes to accommodate them would be more difficult. But truly, it is better to tuck my wings and tail away because I may accidentally harm someone if I am not mindful.

[Being a squished down dragon sure did come with is drawbacks, but it was something of a necessity to remain among the smaller races. They did not often build things with dragons in mind.

Though her question makes him think. He was well read, and even knew of civilizations that humans had forgotten… but he had never heard of this England.]

England? I cannot say I have ever heard of such a place. Briar Valley is on the Coral Sea, west of the Queendom of Roses.

Fishing...

[welcome_home]

I don't think that's how you're supposed to do that, mister...

[ Nanako has been watching him for his last several "catches", a dubious expression on her face and a single finger tapping against her chin as she chews on her lower lip. The little girl is still bundled up in a warm pink coat to stave off the cold, her pigtails bouncing around her head as she watches him boil the water and then... eat the fish right out of the water.

Which is very efficient, but she was under the impression that they were supposed to fish for everyone?

Not that she looked very comfortable telling a stranger he might be doing something wrong... ]

Re: Fishing...

[hornton]

[And here he was, just casually disrupting the local ecosystem, when a human child of all things approached him. Given that most animals, never mind humans, tended to fear him, he couldn’t help but find amusement in such a bold and fearless young girl. Yes, this was absolutely delightful and-

Oh. Right. The fish. The fish he really shouldn’t be eating.]

Ah. I have eaten them all again, haven’t I? They are very good.

[He was just looking at the few remaining fish floating in the water. Well, he supposed that since he had a guest, it was only polite to offer her some too.]

Would you like some?

[welcome_home]

[ Completely not afraid at all, Nanako approaches him with a giggle at his dismayed response. ]

Were you really hungry?

[ He is pretty big. Maybe he needs to eat lots of fish before he gets full? ]

They might taste better if you grilled them, though! And maybe added some spices?

[hornton]

[He paused to consider her question. It was not often that meals brought him much joy, yet here he was, shoveling fish in his mouth. Maybe it was his size?]

Perhaps. I usually eat in a smaller form. It is nice to eat my fill like this again, I think.

[He lowered his head to be more at the young human’s level. That was only polite, and she was giving very reasonable suggestions.]

I am not so skilled at cooking without practice, do you know how to cook fish?

[welcome_home]

I do! [ She looks delighted to be able to claim such, although she hesitates a moment to amend that. ] Well. I can cook them in the oven! I'm not supposed to use the stovetop by myself.

[ Her cooking lessons had been very firmly enforced and she'd taken those lessons to heart.

She rushes to continue, however, not wanting him to be disappointed by that. ] But they still taste really good baked!

[ Although then something else he'd said sinks in and her eyes go wide for a moment as she gives him a considering look. ] Do you mean you can shrink into a tiny dragon?

[ That sounded really impressive! ]

[hornton]

[He found it curious, but perhaps understandable that one would not be allowed to cook. If he thought his guardian would listen, he would very much like to forbade him from ever approaching a stove. There were always consequences when Lilia cooked. ]

You are not? Do many humans face such rules?

[ Her idea that he could become a small dragon was amusing, and he got a laugh out of it.]

Close, but not quite. I can take a form more similar to a human. Many places are not built with dragons in mind.

[welcome_home]

[ She's quick to shake her head, casting him a sheepish smile as she explains. ]

No, not if you're big. I have a hard time reaching all the burners and my family thought I might get hurt or burned by accident. If I have someone with me, it's usually okay, because then I can ask for help!

[ But when he explains about changing shapes, her mouth drops open again. ] You can change into a human? Wait, are you a dragon first or a human first? [ Is there a difference? ]

[hornton]

Ah so such rules are based on size, I see...

[So the reason for his guardian's inability to cook was his diminutive height! It all made sense now! After years of trying to solve that mystery, he finally had a good answer. This tiny human was clearly wise in the ways of her kind. A worthy acquaintance indeed.

For this, she would have the answers to all questions she had for him.]

I am a dragon, my more human form is simply a matter of convenience and necessity. However, I remain me so while my shape is smaller ans different, I retain all my strength and power.

[welcome_home]

[ Somewhere, Lilia is either insulted or doubled over in laughter.

But Nanako just nods, taking in this information with a very serious expression, still looking fascinated by the entire topic. ]

I bet that means you're really strong, huh? But I guess being smaller would help if you have to go inside sometimes... [ Ever practical. She thinks doors might be a problem. ]

[hornton]

[Lilia will find it funny right up until Malleus says he’s no longer allowed to cook because he’s a 5’2 goblin. Malleus didn’t make the rules, Lilia.]

I am. It tends to be troublesome among humans, especially when I am forbidden to use magic for gentler tasks.

But yes. I am too large for most doors, even those made by Fae. There are not many dragons to consider when making doors.

[welcome_home]

[ That has Nanako cocking her head to the side curiously, a puzzled frown on her lips. ]

Why aren't you allowed to use magic?

invited

[mermaidcursed]

( while in his own way, malleus fits right in... nene doesn't, not so much. she's short and clumsy and fine things don't suit her half the time. this doesn't stop her from having a good time, though- and it certainly doesn't stop her from peering up at the taller boy curiously as she passes by. for all his 'evil wizard' thing, he looked really happy.

after a moment, nene smiles. )

Having a good time?

[hornton]

[The fact that such small humans come up to him so readily here has him even MORE delighted. This is turning out to be quite a good day.]

I am. It is not often that I am invited to such things.

[And rarer still that he actually remembers to go.]