fablecottage | TDM #1

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!tdm

TDM #1

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!

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Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Meanwhile, here Hu Tao was, she was trying to figure out this strange new place. She was no stranger to exploring new areas but this was quite the departure from anything she experienced back home. The more that she explored this new world, the more she found herself rather amused by the strange things she has seen.

Especially right now.

As she heard a familiar voice nearby, she quickly raised an eyebrow before a small smirk appeared.]

Of course, I most certainly wouldn't mind making some snow people for him. Although, I must warn you, I'm not too familiar with the process of making snow people.

[ For the briefest of moments his expression is caught between the midst of surprise and restrained amusement. Unable to settle on how he feels finding that this young lady is also here he opts to politely motion for her to join him. In the end, he isn't looking for someone exuding skill but instead anyone willing to assist him with this project.

Being honest, Xingqiu decides to admit to her his own lack of experience in building snow people of any kind. What with all the snowfall in Liyue Harbor and the like... This might be a task more suited to a certain exorcist but this doesn't mean they should give up before even starting. ]

Admittedly, I've never really created one myself. Well, this is going to be a learning experience for both of us.

[ The Snowman for his part declares that he isn't all that picky as long as he has company and gets to watch two good friends together labor in creating. This would later turn out to be a sheer lie but it does move Xingqiu to attempt his best for their new found chilly friend. ]

Well, what do you say? Let's start.

[At the same time, Hu Tao found herself waiting to see his response. With a small smirk, she was fully prepared for whatever comments he would bring to her.

However, as she waited, she was rather surprised.]

All the more reason for us to figure it out, no? I'm sure it can't be that difficult.

[She wasn't expecting him to be so honest. Instead, she stared at the snow before attempting to grab a handful.]

Let's see, is there any specific size he wants the snow people? Or better yet, is there any faces he wants? The more expressive, the better!

[ There hasn't been an opportunity to gather details regarding the type of snowperson that is wanted by the snowman; Xingqiu spent their initial interaction attempting to persuade the snowman against the specific requirements it had for the creation of its new friends. Yet the snowman persisted in its belief that only the warm hands of friends could create the best snowpeople. Left uncertain of how to approach this dilemma when he was uncertain if anyone one of his companions were around, he was sure it would take some time to locate anyone willing to collaborate.

That fact that Hu Tao is here now is something short of a miracle.

Her question is what finally gets his eyes to widen in surprise, and his face to grow warm with embarrassment. Of course! It's understandable to him why he would miss such information but of course, the funeral director would be unaware of the difficulties he faced when speaking to the snowman. Perhaps it is fortunate that it decides to speak up on his behalf.

Immediately the snowman answers Hu Tao's question regarding the size and anything else she might imagine. It certainly starts to sound finicky with its initial request which has only been for more friends.

I want a snowwoman, to keep me company on these long winter nights. Naturally, she should be dainty, there is no need for any snowperson larger than I. Of course, she should be fair faced with a pleasant expression. Beautiful as clear frost enveloping a blossom and with jewel-like eyes. Give her a cashmere scarf. Better yet, give her full garments. Money is no object.

Xingqiu doesn't interrupt but all these requests have him glance over at Hu Tao as he attempts to signal that he, in fact, is kind of broke here. ]

[That was definitely quite the statement this snowman made there. Crossing her arms and looking upward, he has a type. Although, trying to imagine it in her mind, she could see what he was referring to. And yet, trying to imagine it and creating it was another. Humming to herself, she closed her eyes as she gave a heavy sigh.

As she debated if she wanted to say something to him, she briefly opened her eyes and glanced toward Xingqiu. Did he have the same thoughts as she did?

She wasn't sure but it seems that she couldn't beat around the bush.]

Perhaps we can figure out another form of clothing? I'm afraid I'm new and I don't think I can afford such luxuries at the moment.

[Was he going to be upset at her comment? Either way, that didn't stop her from attempting to build said snowwoman that he wanted. Digging up the fresh snow from the ground, she tried to create a solid base.

Danity, he says but just how dainty? That was another question.]

[ Take off your clothes!

The snowman doesn't hesitate as he speaks these words, apparently not concerned with their health or if they stayed warm. Sure, neither Hu Tao nor Xingqiu are dressed for the weather but what little coverage their fine garments offer is enough to shield them from the freezing temperatures. But it's the very quality of their outfits that has the snowman eyeing the fine fabric of their clothes already considering that these would due for his soon-to-be-created snowwoman companion.

Unimpressed by the snowman's suggestion Xingqiu makes a point to ignore the ridiculous request — he is very close to giving up on assisting the difficult snowman. In fact, he creates distance by taking a few steps away before he begins to pack snow with his hands. That means the snowman turns all his attention to the young lady.

Then yours will have to do alone.

Clearly, it is making decisions on its own, all the while Xingqiu is kneeling in the distance trying to gather snow to fashion into the base of a snowman. As the snowman persists, clearly distracting them from their work Xingqiu ends up looking up before calling Hu Tao. ]

Come here. Have a look. What do you think so far?

[Well. She should have expected that answer.

Staring at the snowman before looking down at her clothing, she gave him a look to say if he truly was serious. She was barely dressed for the winter, she couldn't afford to give anything more to whatever creations she was making!]

I'm afraid I can't follow through with that request. As you can see, the both of us aren't exactly equipped to handle the weather. Anymore and we'll be freezing to our deaths.

[Not that she wanted to make light of it but it was true. With a sigh, she turned her attention back to the future snowwoman. As she turned her attention back to Xingqiu, she gave off a bright smile.]

Why I do believe you managed to make a solid foundation! All we need is the body and the head! And perhaps we can even make clothing out of the snow too!

[ The snowman's unwavering cold coal stare makes it clear that he is indeed very serious about the proposal. In fact, if it had feet it would now be tapping one impatiently waiting for the young lady to do as he requested. It's not that cold! Look at me, I'm minimally dressed and I don't even feel a chill. It hasn't forgotten that it's a snowman but if he can persuade her...

There is no chance of that, Hu Tao made a good call by diverting her attention to the task at hand as Xingqiu himself had done. That is simply one stubborn snowman otherwise it would not have been so adamant about the process required to create more snowpeople here.

Packing the snow some more, Xingqiu looks up from where he is kneeling (he'll probably regret doing this later). He can't help but raise an eyebrow and then eye his own creation. The base doesn't exactly look round, it's a bit lumpy even. ] It is sturdy, but I can't say I am exactly pleased with its appearance.

[ Yet now he holds his hands away before he rubs them together, his fingers already numb from handling the cold, cold snow. ]

[All Hu Tao could do was sigh. For as much as she wanted to praise him for his determination, it was another when it was bordering on stubbornness. Especially now as there was no point in arguing over the logic of how a snowman can't feel the cold.

Ignoring the snowman's comment, she looked at Xingqiu once more before kneeling down and gathering more snow.]

I'm sure if we keep trying, it'll look just like how we imagine it! Let's not be too discouraged now!

[Despite how cold her fingers felt against the snow, she didn't want to give up the task just yet! As she kept patting to make sure the appearance was just right, she gave confident smile.]

And beside! We certainly don't want to disappoint our little friend, no?

If I may interject your efforts with a question.

[ Aside from wanting to warm his hands before he begins anew working on their shared project, he also wants her to take a pause as there is something they must discuss. While both showed enthusiasm in wanting to aid the snowman and end its lonely days they have both forgotten something. Only now after hearing Hu Tao speak did he realize as much. ]

Have we both visualized the same snowperson? Perhaps we have different ideas of what kind of companion the snowman needs.

Although it may be interesting to see what we end up with.

[ Once again he is back to attempting to shape the base. It's supposed to be smooth and round, correct? Yet, he can't help but look at his creation and only see a lumpy mess. Someone with a Cryo Vision might just be handy at the moment but it is just them. He stands up taking a couple of steps back. It is pretty bad. ] Perhaps I am going about this the wrong way?

I don't believe so? Aren't we imagining a snowperson with a big round base and then a narrower ball at the top?

[As she tilted her head to the side, she gave a small frown before placing her hand on her chin. So far, it seemed that it was going fairly well. But then again, she was someone who always managed to find beauty in the strangest of ways.]

Unless you were thinking of approaching this a different way?

[That said, she took a couple of handfuls of snow before attempting to smooth out the mess.]

If so, please let me know! I am curious to what your plan is!

Wait just a moment. You do mean a three-tier snowperson correct? The kind that has a bottom section, a middle section then a head?

[ But beyond that they haven't agreed on the expression, or accessories, not that they have much to work with presently. There is snow. And more snow. Perhaps they should collect decorative items. All snowpeople need faces at the very least. Or is he getting ahead of himself? He really can't stop his poor craftsmanship when it came to the base. He ends up sighing and then breaking it apart before trying to start anew.

He packs up snow together in his hands building a small sphere. See right now, it doesn't look too bad. Give him a moment to think. Oh! Wait. Snow sticks to snow right? ] Oh. I think I got it. Look at this.

[ He is going to roll the snowman ball. ] See. It really does work.

But I am thinking of what materials we can use to give this snowperson an expression.

Yes, I would assume that is what you wanted. Correct?

[After all, that is the image that most snowman were based on the drawings she had seen. However, that was rather presumptuous of her to assume that Xingqiu had thought the same thing she did. Regardless, now that they understood what a snowman was supposed to look like?

She stared at him before gathering another bundle of snow to the second tier.]

Just keep on trying and I'm sure you'll get it eventually! You must not give up even when you think you want to!

[That said, as she looked at their creation, she gave a small hum to herself.]

If you want an expression, why not small rocks or leaves? I'm sure we can use those and have a lovely smile on this snowwoman we are making!

[ At this point he is going to assume she misunderstood his hesitation because not once was it implied that he intended to abandon this creation process. Xingqiu is just a prideful young man who wants the snowperson he has a hand in fabricating to look its best. A finely created snow sculpture. Which is a high bar for someone who has never made a snowman before. At least, he doesn't completely lack discipline...

He continues to roll the snowball around until it is a good size. Glancing at the snowman, he makes a comparison. Perhaps it is a miracle that on his second attempt to create a base he made one that looks smooth and round. If anything, he actually satisfied. This time he packs the snow. ]

While your words are appreciated I intend to complete this snowperson.

[ He looks at how her part of the body is coming along. ]

Would you like to create the head while I look for some stones around here?

I don't see why not. For this snowperson, it shall have the most beautiful smile I can make up!

[That said, as she wandered around to look for some rocks, all Hu Tao could do was give a small hum to herself. As she thought to herself, she gathered some snow to make the head. Thinking to herself, she fully intended to give it her all into creating the most expressive snowperson she could think of!

When the head was big enough, she giggled to herself as she got some leaves and some rocks. Placing the rocks as eyes and peeling away strands of the leaves as eyebrows, she gave a small smile to herself.]

All we need is enough rocks to make a smile and we will be done! Although, I suppose now if I should put some 'make up' on.

[ Won't that be contingent on the stones he is able to find? Which might be why he casts a quizzical look in her direction. Then again considering this is Hu Tao, he knows she has her own unique style so no matter what he finds she would find a way to make the snowperson's smile memorable at the very least. Now the trouble here is that Xingqiu himself is the one picking the stones, so a task that might take ten minutes tops takes three times longer when it's him. Call him picky.

It's worth it however, he does manage to find some smooth shiny black stones of varying sizes. Returning to Hu Tao's side, he shows what he managed to dig out of the snow. ]

The head looks good. We'll need a nose too.

As for make-up, I don't know about that. Clothes might be a priority...

And how about some arms?

[ At least the basic shape is set. That he does feel some pride in. It is their first time working on a snowperson together. Actually, thinking that seems to brighten his expression. ]

[She didn't pay attention to Xingqiu at first. She was too focused on the task at hand as she kept on staring at the face before her. Trying her best to rearrange the eyes and the eyebrows, she narrowed her eyes as she was starting to get picky on said face. Tilting her head to the side, it didn't seem like anything was too different from what she intended to do.

And yet....!]

What do you think we should do for the nose? I heard that people usually put carrots on it but I highly doubt we'll be able to find one.

[She said with a small frown.]

As for the arms, it would be simple! We just needs and we'll be set! Of course, we need to make sure the sticks are of equal length to ensure it is perfect.

[ As Hu Tao concentrates on creating an expressive snowperson with what he hopes is a charming smile, he watches on after taking a step back as he admires her work. While people in Liyue Harbor made up all types of rumors and spent their time gossiping about the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's director, there is no denying her attention to detail. Even now he can see the meticulous and thoughtful manner in which she goes about creating the face for the snowwoman.

He listens on. Considering they have plenty of stones — he would rather use different a different material for the nose. Although she is correct, carrots do typically make a snowperson's nose. At least, in pictures anyway.

Aa. But. Carrots... ]

Well, I've heard that most people have found carrots stocked in the kitchen of their cottages... Although mysteriously there are none to be found in my home.

[ ...because he gave them all away. ]

What if you go retrieve a carrot from your cottage while I find two sturdy sticks for our snowwoman's arms.

I'm not surprised to see that there is a lack of carrots in your home. Perhaps some might have gone and taken them all away?

[She raised an eyebrow before leaning in closer. There was no denying that it was truly mysterious how all traces of the vegetable were gone from his home. That said, she couldn't hold that expression for long.

Instead, she gave a chuckle before flashing a quick smile.]

But don't worry, I shall find this carrot soon. Unless you think that we should get something else for the nose. Perhaps a stick would work?

[ What's with that look? It's true. There are no carrots in his home. Although perhaps they didn't vanish so mysteriously... His gaze shifts away before he steps around their creation hands at his back so that the partially crafted snowwoman obscures her view of him as he makes a pretense of inspecting their work. ]

What if I leave that choice up to you? After all, so far the face's design can be mostly attributed to your craftsmanship. So, you find a nose and I'll see what can be done for clothes. Let's meet back here in thirty minutes with whatever we're able to find.

[ Peering from the other side of the snowperson at her as he leans to the side he waits for her response and once she agrees with his plan it is time for them to temporarily part ways.

Unlike his search for the stones, he has much better luck when it comes to clothes and accessories; while the items he finds are in no way new nor in the best of conditions he really can't complain when he lacks funds which is what keeps him from walking right into a shop. Upon returning, he immediately shows Hu Tao what he has found: A fashionable hat and a cape. ]

You're back too. Right on time.

It seems we've both found some success.

[As Xingqiu left to find some clothing, she left in search to find the perfect nose for their creation. Looking around, it seemed that there was nothing that could be of use. With a heavy sigh, it seemed that she didn't have a choice.

Picking up some various sticks on the ground, it seems that this would have to do. Walking back to their spot, she looked at what sticks she had chosen. With a small frown, there were only some slim pickings.]

Perhaps but it does seem limited. I'm afraid I don't have a choice but to use sticks for the nose. But I suppose I can look on the bright side, I do have to be creative!

[That said, as she looked at the clothing, she raised an eyebrow at him.]

Those are some rather cute clothing. How did you manage to find them?

My charm does help garner some sympathy for our poor snowman friend's plight.

[ Does she believe that? Was he truly all that charming...? ]

Well, you can at least believe that I have honed my negotiation skills...

[ After all, his father is the Feiyun Guild's Manager and he has seen to it that Xingqiu's education would eventually lead to him being able to work in the family business. Not to imply he received those items at no cost, but there was a substantial discount involved when they weren't in a pristine state. All in all, he would call it a good deal. Mostly, he hopes it would lead to the snowman losing interest in them dressing their creation in their own garments. ]

Let me dress her while you put the finishing touches on her face.

[ With that said, he is going to work on getting the cape on first, and only after Hu Tao is satisfied with the snowwoman's face would he place the hat on top of her head. ]

I'm not surprised, I should have expected that from the son of the Feiyun Guild's Manager.

[She said with a giggle. Not that she meant any harm, she was should have known better and not doubt his skills. If anything, she was more impressed that he managed to get something that cute in a short amount of time.

As she continued to work on the face, she eventually placed her hands on her hips. Feeling proud of her creation, she gave out a bit of a fanfare.]

And there! What do you think? I like to think that this is my best snowperson I ever made!

[Nevermind that this was her only snowperson she made. Now with the small strips of leaves as the eyebrows, a narrow stick for the nose, and rocks for the eyes? She like to think that she gave a rather delicate but strong expression on its face. She hoped it would be enough to please the snowman before them!]

[ A short, almost sheepish laugh follows her acknowledgment of his abilities. He almost seems embarrassed but that doesn't last long enough to be of note. Instead, once the cape has been placed on their creation the hat will follow as he sees her conclude her own part in the making of the snowwoman. And with that, she has been completed.

Taking a moment to take a few strides away from the pair, he turns to look at Hu Tao and the best snowperson she has ever created. After a moment's thought, as he gazes at the two he finally gives a nod of approval. ]

I may have to agree with you.

[ And this is despite being aware that this may be the first time either of them has created a snowperson. He does look pleased with the outcome. They had put forth their best effort so all he can hope is that the snowman can appreciate their creation — and speaking of the snowman just why hasn't it said anything? Well if they hear some snoring from its direction it might explain why it has been quiet all this time. ]

You'd think he would have stayed awake in anticipation of this moment...

[Just like Xingqiu, she takes a good look at their work. Feeling proud, she gave a nod to herself knowing that this snowman would be impressed with what they did! And yet, as she looked back at him, all she could do was giving a small sigh.]

Then shall we wake up him? Although, that would be rude to do so.

[Although, that didn't erase the smirk that was slowly appearing on her face. Leaning closer to Xingqiu, she suddenly whispered as if their treasured guest could wake up at any moment.]

...Do you want to poke him until he does...?

[All the while gesturing her head toward a nearby stick.]

TDM #1

Do you want to build a snowman?

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