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

alhaitham | genshin impact

[admonishing]

🍃 A: ARRIVAL.
[ This isn't the most ideal of situations, to say the least, but the Scribe and Acting Great Sage of Sumeru's Akademiya is if anything but not at all flexible. It's rather difficult to take in and accept that he has a "new home", but he soon realises— maybe in this place, he can work and read and have a normal life. Hey- this isn't so bad. No one would have to bother him! And his cottage, as empty as it is? Is something he can have for himself!

Heh... the smile on his face upon realising it. . . Alhaitham is ever fortunate that no one else can see him right now.

Some time before sundown, his little fireplace will be lit. As empty as the place is, he can spruce it up later on. Right now, he's decided to make something to eat, following a recipe he knows from home. His ingredients are all sweet, so he has to make do. While it's not a pie, he did get creative to make something zesty and flaky.

As he is letting it cool by his open window, letting its aroma entice any passersby, he's walking around his new place, picking up any rocks to put them away to another area of his garden. Come say hi to your new neighbour! He has... no intention of making friends... ]


🍃 B: NO, MAN 😡
[ Maybe he shouldn't have decided to help... This snowman is rather persistent in wanting a companion yet wanting Alhaitham to work with another person at the same time. He's repeatedly said no, and that he can do it himself, but the said snowman has taken it upon itself to look for a companion for Alhaitham. ]

Hello. Please help him build me some friends.

[ ... "Him", is the rather tall man who does not at all seem inclined to have someone help him.

(He needs help.) ]


🍃 C: AURORA BALL.
[ Alhaitham had only accepted the invitation so he could find out more about this place. There are a lot of things here that greatly defy the logic of which he's come to know and live by, but he's not closed off to everything here. After all, if this will be his new home, then he'll have to learn how to live here.

No dancing, no partying, no mingling. He is here to learn, eat, and drink. Now, he had made a significant mistake in accepting one of those minty drinks. A terrible, terrible mistake. While he's not all smiles and while he still would not want to make friends, he is... (shudders) mingling.

Anyone who seems to be alone will be approached by Alhaitham, who uses his wings to fly about and make a grand landling before the other person. ]

What starts with “e” and ends with “e” but only has one letter in it?

[ That's it. That's his icebreaker. ]


🍃 D: WILDCARD.
[ Feel free to send me a pm if you want to plot! Alternatively, hit me with a custom starter! ]

Snowman

[starseeing]

[ At the sudden request, she looks from the snowman to the actual man in question, then back to the snow man again.

It is evident that the one not made of ice is completely out of his element. He has no snow-friends? How lonesome, indeed! Her lips purse in concern at this conclusion for one, two, three seconds, before the curve at the corners into a warm smile. ] Of course!

[ Ophilia gestures him towards her, pivoting on her heels towards the snowfield where their plethora of material (that is, snow) awaits. ] Please, fret not, ser. [ Ophilia cranes her neck, looking over her shoulder at him. With a brush of her hand, she untucks a lock of her hair from her cloak. ] To build one is not so daunting a task.

[ …It seems she’s misinterpreted his stoicness for being overwhelmed by the request. ]

[admonishing]

[ Alhaitham is, at the very least, not... all that bad with people. He can socialise, even if it's not the first thing on his mind when he meets someone. Shaking his head slightly, he begins to walk over to his... now-partner. ]

I don't believe it is. I'm sure children enjoy doing this.

[ Making snowmen and all! It doesn't snow where he lives, so his time here so far has been the only time he has encountered snow! And yet, he doesn't seem to appreciate the beauty of it. ]

Have you done this before, then?

[starseeing]

[ She nods, politely as an answer, brining her gloved hand up to her chest. ] In the Frostlands, there is no child, commoner or noble, who grows up without crafting their first snowperson.

[ Saying so, she wades into the heavy field of snow, seemingly without care for how it clings to her hem.

Yet at the way he speaks of this activity...

Her head inclines, and she looks at him curiously. ] Have you never...?

[admonishing]

The climate where I am from is rather different from here. You're either surrounded by sand, or the rainforest. The coldest of our days would probably be considered "summer" to another nation's.

[ But Alhaitham is quick to adapt to things! Much as he dislikes to, if this will be his home, then he must learn to adjust. ]

Making a snowperson... [ He crouches down on the snow and scrapes a bit of it onto his palm. Shaping the snow into a small little ball with both hands, he infers: ] It doesn't seem all that difficult. One must just use common sense to be able to do it.

arrival

[wishdom]

[ When she left her house to explore the area, Nahida didn't expect such an outcome. Is this really Alhaitham rearranging rocks? The smell in the air is quite nice, too. There's only one logical course of action—step closer and confirm if it really is the Scribe. ]

If I had known that you didn't want to be Acting Grand Sage that much, I would have reconsidered my proposal...

[ Is she teasing him about Alhaitham not wanting to do the job so bad that they got sent to another world? Absolutely. ]

It's great to see you, though.

[admonishing]

[ If surprise ever appears on the Akedemiya's Scribe's face, it is momentary. A flicker, an illusion, one that he would deny if it was ever brought up with him.

Even the Dendro Archon is here.

As such, he stops what he is doing, putting the rocks down so he can dust himself off before he completely faces the deity whom he serves. He bows his head in greeting— not too low, just a nod. A professional one. ]

It really isn't a role that's fitting for me.

[ Translation: it is too much work. But he's made it clear before! And yet, he took on the part anyway, because it is what the nation needs. ]

Did you know that something like this would happen?

[wishdom]

I'm grateful that you accepted it nonetheless. You're very reliable.

[ If this is the answer Alhaitham reached for himself, then so be it. If the situation wasn't dire, she would have tried looking for someone else. Still, this might not be an issue anymore, at least not to the selves present in Rhyme as of now. ]

No, I did not anticipate this. I hope this answer isn't disappointing to you.

[admonishing]

Hm.

[ That is all the sound Alhaitham makes at that. Reliable as he may be, he is just doing his job. Unfortunately, it means he has to be inconvenienced even more, but it will end in due time. There is nothing special about it. ]

No, I'm not. But now that you're here, I would like to hear your thoughts on the matter.

snowman

[demonicbookworm]

[At this point Ruca thinks that maybe everything will be okay. He's managed to talk to some new people and that's quite an achievement considering his difficulties with approaching strangers! Thankfully, everyone he's met so far seems pretty friendly.

When a snowman suddenly speaks to him, Ruca blinks, but responds with a kind and optimistic smile. He can't turn a blind eye to a cry for help!]

Oh... um, sure. I'll do my best to help!

[The he turns to the person that he's supposed to be helping.

...And he tenses up. The guy is tall... and kind of scary...]

I-I'll... I'll do my best...

[He already said he will help so...!]

[admonishing]

What's gotten you so nervous?

[ Oh, Ruca... The moment this jerk senses fear, then it gives him the signal to keep up the act... ]

You sounded so excited to help just a moment ago.

[ Alhaitham looks back at the snowman that had asked them both for help. Now it's just watching them both with a smile! It is expecting output, you two!! ]

[demonicbookworm]

[Ruca nervously looks from the man to the snowman. The smile seems to be weighting on him a lot. When someone wants to rely on him and is a expecting a lot from him... he can't disappoint them!

Ruca tries to straighten his back, but he keeps his hands together, nervously fiddling with his fingers.]

I-it's nothing! Let's start... shall we?

[admonishing]

Of course. Now that I have a partner, how could I possibly not do this?

[ He wishes he didn't have to. Yet, despite saying that, he folds his arms and waits for Ruca to make the first move.

............ he does not know how to properly make a snowman. ]

Why don't you go first?

aurora ball

[frostblooms]

[ Ayaka herself hasn't quite worked up the courage to fly around with her wings, and has been content to simply watch others do so. But it's to her surprise that someone then flies over directly towards her, and she can't help but need a moment to truly process his... "greeting." No introductions, no bow, no nothing. Just a riddle. ]

...That would be an envelope, would it not?

[ One that she can solve easily enough, at least. ]

[admonishing]

That's correct.

[ Alhaitham puts a smile on, but he's not all that impressed! That was a rather easy riddle, after all. ]

I have more.

[ Trick questions, he means. This is it. He is the life of the party. ]

[frostblooms]

[ To be honest, this is the kind of party activity (?) that Ayaka would genuinely enjoy... It's almost like reading and reciting poetry, trying to find the hidden meanings of words. ]

Ah, then I would be honored if you allowed me to indulge in more.

[ But first, she bows in greeting. ]

Kamisato Ayaka. Delighted to meet your acquaintance.

ROARS!!!!!!!!!!!! wildcard. aurora ball.

[alcazarzaray]

( honestly, the past 24 hours have been more than a little bit of a whirlwind for Sumeru's most famous architect. it's quite astonishing to learn that you've been kidnapped by fairies, and even the realisation that fairies actually exist. does that mean aranara exist here too? maybe once the dust settles, he can go investigate.

but the second source of astonishment far outweighs his curiosity about whether aranara are here, with Kaveh experiencing the reality that he now lives alone. on arrival, there was no Alhaitham in his cottage, no bickering, no financial burdens - now, away in this new place, all of those former normals are gone. the fae promised him a comfortable life in a cottage, without fear of debt or a roommate to get under his hair. and doesn't that sound great!? having the freedom to do whatever he wants! no one to get under his skin! but it's ... been so quiet, and kind of lonely. the twinge of pain he feels in his heart is ridiculous. because, honestly - what the hell is wrong with him? if he were fully abducted by the fae, maybe the Alhaitham back in Teyvat would've been counting his lucky stars that his parasitic housemate had abruptly disappeared. that's an unproductive thought that he shelves for another day.

the invitation to a ball sounds like an amazing distraction. a night of glamour and the chance for him to lose himself in the comfort of alcohol? sign him up. while Kaveh had never seen the northern lights in person back in Sumeru (because there's no way that a jungle climate would have an aurora), he knew of their existence and always longed to see them. it was never the right time in his life to travel to a northern part of Teyvat in chase of them. now, with the chance on front of him on paper, he accepts with great enthusiasm, eager to enjoy a solo night beneath the dancing lights.

his outfit for the ball is quite similar to his outfit from home but slightly more formal, coupled with an assortment of gold accessories and a bright red pair of aurora wings floating behind him.

Kaveh was prepared to leave his astonishment at two, and then a sudden third astonishment stops him dead in his tracks and causes his jaw to hang open. )

Alhaitham!? ( he calls out in surprise, nearly dropping the pink pixie cocktail in his hands. ) What are you doing here!? ( don't you know how worried he was? how conflicted he was about living alone, huh!? )

[admonishing]

[ It seems Alhaitham living a normal life, even in this world, will have to wait. He recognises that voice, unfortunately. He turns to look at the direction of the person call him to him, a green drink in his hand that he was just about to partake of. It is fortunate and unfortunate at the same time that he was distracted.

It really is Kaveh, huh. Well, that's unfortunate. He truly as hoping to have a quiet life here. Growing plants and making pie and reading a book. That would have been his daily life.

Oh, but in this place? He doesn't have to adopt an architect. Heh. Kaveh should have his own cottage to live in. Good, good. He can still have his peace.

He does not smile outwardly, a dry expression on his face. Then, a cant of his head. ]

Alhaitham? You must be mistaken.

[ GO AWAY HE DOESNT KNOW YOU AND YOU DONT KNOW HIM!!!!!!!! ]

[alcazarzaray]

( tHIS MOTHERFUCKER

of course, naturally, Kaveh's face twists into a disgusted scowl. which is undoubtedly the reaction that Alhaitham would've been hoping for. (because as we know, he lives to see Kaveh react in this way.) and just like that, the blonde allows any romanticised memories of his past life in Alhaitham's house to dissolve. at least, for now. he's so mad. )

Oh, my apologies, I think you're right. Clearly I've mistaken you for "The Biggest Asshole In Universe." ( YIKES. and he takes a swig of his cocktail to follow. )

Shame, really. I had a housemate called Alhaitham, who I actually found myself starting to miss, against all odds. ( he can thank the alcohol for that moment of vulnerability. it wouldn't be the first time Kaveh has made a show of himself, in any case. ) Too bad you aren't him.

c

[repayer]

[ Hello ice breaker, meet ice. ]

Vengeance.

[ Okay... ]

At first glance it appears like any other envelope to lower their guard, but it's the piercing words of the letter that will leave a lasting mark. Neatly written, not for the convenience of the recipient, but because you savour every word you put down on the paper. Sentences carefully crafted to instill the most amount of dread for the reader. A detailed list of every grievance to remind them you will never forget, and that someday the tides will turn.

Oh, yes, it will be sweet...

[ She takes another sip from her drink, making it quite apparent that she's drunk. ]

Did I get that right?

[admonishing]

[ That was a lot of unnecessary words for a wrong answer. Rather, it is not the answer that Alhaitham is looking for. ]

No, you didn't.

[ Though this lady did say the correct answer. Should he give her points for that? No, he doesn't think he should, but he seems to believe that she knows what the right answer is, anyway. ]

I'm almost afraid to ask for context.

[repayer]

Afraid...

[ Another person who immediately thinks the worst of her, although this time it's entirely due to her own unsober making. It doesn't help that she will only lean into it even more! ]

Surely you would have heard tales of the Terrible Lawrence Clan. Their evil reign has been thwarted for many years, but what if I told you that the disgraced nobles are still plotting their revenge to this very day?

aurora ball!

[veardant]

[ ah. look who it is! tighnari happens to be alone in this moment, but only for the moment, it would seem, as alhaitham soon alights before him. despite himself, tighnari's expression brightens - it's been some time since he's seen a familiar face from home, after all. his ears perk tall. ]

An envelope.

[ riddles, hmm? cyno went through a riddle phase, when he was just beginning to start telling jokes to his fellow matra, so tighnari's not unused to this. ]

It's nice to see you, too.

[admonishing]

[ He never said it was nice to see you, Tighnari, but you do you.

Though it seems there are more familiar faces here than he thought. He cannot say it is a bad thing, but he cannot consider it a good thing, either. As such, he doesn't have any particular feelings towards this sense of familiarity. ]

That is correct.

[ Alhaitham opts not to ask a second question. It's not important. ]

We're surrounded by snow.

[ This one is. ]

[veardant]

[ yes he was being sarcastic, alhaitham!! gosh!! can't a fox-man be sassy around here anymore.

but anyway, tighnari casts his glance around them, the golden chains wrapping his tail jingling merrily. ]

So we are. It's quite breathtaking, honestly. I can't remember the last time I saw snow..

[ years and years and years ago, perhaps when his parents took him along on their research ventures as a child. long enough ago that he can appreciate the beauty and gentle silence of it all over again, as if it were fresh and new. ]

Are you cold?