childrenofbajablast | Test Drive Meme #3

Entry tags:

!mod post,
!tdm

Test Drive Meme #3

GOLDEN GREENERY

Bloom by The Paper Kites

1:24 / 3:33

▶︎

Click here to listen.

The Paper Kites are an Australian indie rock/folk rock band from Melbourne. The band was formed in 2009 by lead vocalist/guitarist Sam Bentley and keyboardist/guitarist Christina Lacy. Their 2010 single "Bloom" has been certified Platinum in the United States.

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Recently, Town was decorated by locals and Fae folk both. Things are a bit more colorful and the sun is shining more and more instead of the continuous winter gloom from before. The world finally feels like it's coming alive again.

Sorry about your possible allergies as trees blossom and spit excess pollen.

There also seems to be an emphasis on both green and gold. Crowns or other accessories of clovers are being made for luck. Whether or not they're actually lucky, who knows! Dragon-bonded are also being enlisted in helping with post-winter (and post Mind Flayer) repairs. Those creatures did quite a number skittering around some homes so why not lend a hand - clawed or otherwise - now that you're here? It'll help with offworlders reputation if nothing else!

Meanwhile, the Fae appear to have taken to the opposite of helping as they are wont to do. They are instead trying to trick locals and offworlders both with glittering chests of gold that most would know are too good to be true.

These are mimics who will attempt to devour someone that falls for the temptation of quick riches. Not to worry though, they're relatively harmless and all just for a good bit of fun. You might need some help though getting unstuck since they can be pretty persistent once their trap has been sprung.

CH-CH-CHANGES

There comes a time in every young dragon's life where they begin to experience some changes. That might be nothing new to those established in Town by now, of course, as the majority of their changes have come and gone. Nothing can surprise them anymore about their dragon-bonds.

...Or so they thought!

Whether established characters or ones just pulled through the summoning circle, springtime is a season that throws almost all dragons for a little bit of a loop. It is a common rutting season and those hormone fluctuations can strike when least expected.

Even if outside of your specific dragon's season or newly arrived, they'll be swept up by the rest being in so close proximity and likely be at least mildly affected as well. Some handle this season better than others, but there are still specific things to watch out for as more 'universal' experiences.

Heightened aggression

competitive drive

Brooding

compulsion to cuddle up

Nesting

Increased Libido (The NSFW Option)

those of age

sexual desire

just

PLAYTIME

To help dragon-bonded with their seasonal and instinctual urges, Charlie and others have put together some games. They understand this might be a bit overwhelming and strange to those unfamiliar. So, why not make it as fun and enjoyable as they can?

Horn Locking

and

Scavenger Hunt(s)

five (5)

Baseball

Rocky Talky

One of the things that was given to you in your welcome pack from Charlie was a summoning-stone. Although it looks like, well, an ordinary stone- It's actually magic! You can look through it and see someone else's face too if you're both viewing your stones at the same time. It can also record your speech and deliver that to someone else in a snap.

One of the other features is that you can scrawl on it. It will turn your writing into legible text that you can send others to read on their stones. Of course, you need to attune yourself to your stone first. To that end, it prompts you to set up a Rockstar Profile:

COMMENT CODE TEMPLATE

<raw-code>
	
	<center>
	<div style="background: url('https://images.plurk.com/3NpX95pXZ7jcb5v9DxwzNI.jpg'); margin: auto; width: 450px; height: 520px; padding: 20px; border-radius: 20px;">
	<div style="font-family: century gothic,helvetica,sans-serif; color: #fff; text-shadow:1px 1px 0 rgba(128, 149, 149, 0.5); text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 20px; text-align: center; letter-spacing: 4px; padding-bottom: 10px; border-bottom-style: groove; border-bottom-color: #fff; border-bottom-width: 1px; line-height: 20px" align="center">
		<i><b>Rockstar Profile</b></i>
	</div>

<div style="width: 275px; height: 275px; border: 5px solid #809595; border-radius: 170px; padding: 0px; margin: 15px auto">
		<div style="background: rgba(128, 149, 149, 0.7); background-size: cover; width: 265px; height: 265px; border-radius: 160px; padding: 20px; background-position: center;">
			<div style="background: url('PROFILE IMAGE HERE'); background-size: auto 220px; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position: center; border-radius: 130px; width: 223px; height: 223px; padding-top: 223px; background-position: center; border: 1px dotted #809595">
			</div>
		</div>
	</div>

<div style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: century gothic,helvetica,sans-serif; text-transform: uppercase; margin-top: -10px; text-align: center; color: #fff; text-shadow:1px 1px 0 rgba(128, 149, 149, 0.5);">
		<b>**NAME** | **AGE**</b>
	</div>

<div style="height: 120px; background: rgba(255,255,255, 0.7); overflow-y: auto; margin: 5px auto; border-radius: 6px; padding: 10px; font-family: Open Sans, sans serif">
[INSERT BASIC CHARACTER/RELEVANT INFO HERE]<br/><br/>
</center>
</div></div>
</raw-code>

Notes

⁂ Hello and happy Spring! Welcome to Children of Bahamut's third drive meme! If you have any questions, suggestions, or feedback then feel free to ask here.

⁂ We have a top-level directory drive for ease of finding new players to tag! After some feedback, we ask that only new players link their top-levels though current players are allowed to top-level and enjoy the TDM if they so wish as well!

Example header

⁂ The list provided by Charlie will have approximately ten (10) miscellaneous items on it to find and collect. You can decide what they are and we're operating on the honor system here of your characters going out and finding everything if you so wish. (Just let us know when you turn in your bonds that's what your character did and provide a link if possible, but know that one isn't necessary!)

⁂ You can customize the the Rockstar Profile however you wish! So long as its readable, have fun. The profile image appears best when a 250 by 250 square image. Anything too tall might stretch it strangely or cause issues. If you need to edit or crop a picture to suit, we recommend using Pixlr as a free option for up to three images! We're not sponsored or anything, it's just neat and convenient.

⁂ Full Navigation ⁂

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

"Yeah, that's about what I expected to be the deal," he says, with a nod. "I hope to gain everyone's trust in the coming days."

Her guess would be correct in a sense. Although her original name meant 'flower child,' she decided what flower she would be: a rose, beautiful but not without danger to her too. That's what her mother had wanted for her. Her father though? Well, she doesn't go by 'dandelion' for a lot of reasons but mostly because that's a stupid name and she doesn't want to be likened to a weed.

"Well, then, you're in luck! Charlie offers houses for all the offworlders that show up. I guess that's why Town was built, kind of? So there's plenty to go around." Still, she knows some people don't trust the free house upon arrival offer so she has supplied the alternative. "I run an inn myself though if you'd rather stay there. Since you're new, it'll be at no charge until you can. I can also promise it's free of Fae tampering." If only because they don't want to lose access to the herbal teas she has on offer.

"Pretty much!" He might have wanted someone who would tell him this news more gently. Unfortunately, that someone isn't Rosie. She's going to say it like it is and this isn't any exception.

The woman isn't entirely insensitive though. Just a little bit. "It's bonded to you now, but- Don't worry! They've all been pretty cool, I think? Demora is great, honestly, and we get on just fine." They have some nice conversations now and again still.

"You'll get some of their powers and features, too. After a while though, you can kind of... hide that? At least, it won't be as obvious."

"Well, you certainly won't be hated or chased off, if that is your concern." After all, Ardyn still gets to hang around, and certainly that man behaves far worse. Not nearly as helpful. Ignis waves off the worry. "Individual trust may take some time, but the community will gladly welcome you."

Free? Who offers anything for free in this world. Free always has strings, so Aurelia only narrows her eyes while following Rosie, trying to parse out just what the other woman would want from her when offering her a room for no cost. She gives up after a few seconds of staring at the other woman’s blinding yellow aura, unable to read anything other than a base level of joy in it. Better to get ahead instead.

“I would not want to accept something for free, I am a wizard of considerable skill, if there is work I can provide you I will accept barter in trade.” Considerable skill is something of an understatement, archmage is more accurate, but she’s not one to brag without being prompted.

The mage watches the pixies swish about and struggle with each other before dismissing them with a scoff. Lesser creatures who can not truly learn are not worth her time, so long as they do not bother her with mimics again she’ll let the whole incident slide. As for the man however…

Aurelia nods her head and introduces herself with a properly formal tone. “My name is Aurelia Sharr, Labyrinth of the college of mysteries, supreme mage of the fifth crusade. I arrived here with the dawn, and despite ‘Charlies’ explanation of the situation, I am still feeling my way around. I was exploring the outskirts of ‘Town’ when these creatures arrived.”

Yeah, he'll be going through a good few of those; Caspar may not have as bottomless a stomach as some, but he definitely has an appetite.

And, hey, he's pretty good at talking while he eats! For better or worse. "Caspar von Bergliez! Good t'meet you, Avan."

Some fancy names going around here - that said, Caspar does wonder for a split second if anyone here will recognize his name, and if that'll be... a problem, maybe. Avan's name doesn't sound Fodlish, and he's gathered there are people here from elsewhere, but if there is anyone from Faerghus or Leicester around... well.

He'll handle that if it comes up, he guesses. Doesn't much like the idea of hiding his name as if he's ashamed of it, after all.

Going for Dimitri head-on was, Caspar knows, maybe not the best strategy - he already knows he's got more sheer strength, and his horns, now that that's a factor, have grown in more too. But he made his choice, and now he's got to stick with it.

Even if "it" is a little like sprinting headfirst (hornfirst?) into a brick wall.

Since Dimitri hasn't used his hands-- neither will Caspar, for now. Instead, he pushes back against Dimitri for a moment - then sidesteps, turning his head as he does, hoping that the sudden lack of resistance may turn Dimitri's force against him, at least a bit.

It's fiiiine, he's taken plenty of blows directly to the skull already. That's something you build up a resistance to, right?

He does, in fact, wince a little at the impact - but he holds firm, even opting not to use his hands this time, instead keeping his arms held close to his torso, as if ready to punch. Not doing that, though! Doesn't seem in the spirit of the whole thing.

"There ya go!" He grins, pushing back, though the nubs of his new horns can't quite reach Popp like this. It's a little more like just pushing his skull against Popp's horns? Same difference.

Y'know, actually, he kind of appreciates the honesty! In a weird way, having it presented so bluntly makes it... relatively easier to swallow. He thinks. Probably.

"Oh. Okay, well, if they're... cool?" He guesses that is better than if the dragon in his head was gonna be a jerk, but-- "Wait, wait. What do you mean, powers, and... features?"

The walk is not incredibly far, but it does take some minutes to lead Ryu to the space along the river that Elidibus had mentioned. Though he has shown himself to be quite talkative, he does not attempt to pick up their conversation for the duration of their walk. Instead, he's content to allow Ryu to observe and catalogue as he's clearly doing.

The bank he leads them to is a rather simple space between the trees. There is a wide variety of shrubs, grassy plants, and other flora that would be expected alongside a riverbank.

"Here we are."

I had no doubt, but still, it is fascinating to discover the discrepancies to me. I am sure there are plenty of others, but nonetheless, it interests me to think about.

[ He will return to Grani in a moment. He has not abandoned that thread of conversation either. ]

I do not mean Hythlodaeus, Azem or Themis, though one's own ability to make friends in my opinion, does not have any bearing of what I consider to be a stray.

I consider myself one after all. Grani, The Warrior of light, in many cases it seems. A soul who may be lost at some juncture. Not always alone, but in need of what unique guidance or friendship you have to offer.

[ Ahh, but yes. He rolls off Emet at last, landing beside him, belly up like a cat in the sunshine. ]

Treats didn't ruin Grani. I consider him to be a piece of you, therefor, he deserves happiness.

Ahh. There then, the permission he desires. He moves in, pressing them flush, sucking in a sharp breath and the contact. Deep down, Byleth is still a creature of sentiment, despite what many might say of him. Outwardly, he expresses very little, but that doesn't mean he doesn't feel things in his own way.

So instead of simply getting to business, he first pushes up on his toes to draw Lahabrea into an easy, inviting kiss. Claws graze down, tracing the lines where his bones can be felt beneath the skin, where muscle is more defined.

This... this certainly evokes a memory. One he pushes from his mind as soon as it arises. No, this is different.

Ahh, but Emet-Selch has asked just the right question. Indeed, he has honed himself to be painfully aware of those around him, of needs, unspoken or otherwise. He does give himself a few moments to weight his answers. Mint eyes stare off in the middle-distance instead of the usual attentive presence.

"Direction. Cohesion. Community." His words are decisive. "Right now, everyone is scattered about, as one may expect. Surely, many desire to return home, but there are a myriad other concerns that draw the mind in so many different directions. Many seem to lack purpose in this new place. Who could blame them? Not everyone's calling is even so clear in their own world. We have a decent number of younger members amongst us as well. It is clear even there, there is a desire for guidance."

It is rather stark, thee shift between asking Byleth a functional question versus an emotional one. His answers in the functional realm are precise, firm and confident, as presently demonstrated, in contrast to his wandering, sometimes confusing or vague emotional ones.

It's fine, eventually you develop Draconic Aura and that protects your skull from all sorts of things - wait, no, that's Popp's world, not this one.

Popp brings his hands into it, but only for leverage purposes, bracing against Caspar's shoulder so he can tilt his head and scrape horn against horn without totally ruining his balance. He hopes he looks cool and not like a cat rubbing its face on the furniture.

"Sheesh, you're sturdy!"

It has been longer than Lahabrea might care to admit since he has last allowed someone this close. Since he has acknowledged that he, too, has needs, even if these ones have been encouraged along by the turn of the season. Still, for all that he has acknowledged the desire, it still comes as a surprise that Byleth leans up to draw him into a kiss.

Yet neither is it one that he finds he dislikes. Though he takes pains to hide his emotions he yet has them. Deep down, yes, but there is in odd sort of comfort in knowing that someone would seek such a thing from him, even if it is merely something that has been spurred on by that which change of seasons has prompted.

(Though he knows that Byleth has known another version of himself, he does not permit himself to dwell on that thought.)

There's a moment's worth of pause, and a careful, slow, breath... but he does not pull away from the kiss. Not when there is still some part of him that wants this. Wants to be acknowledged, and though he doesn't directly deepen the kiss he does accept it. Enough so to make his lack of objection clear, even as his own fingers begin to explore Byleth's body in turn. Slowly, perhaps, but he has begun, and if he is more methodical about it, well. He is a scholar at heart.

Caspar thinks it looks cool, probably, or at least that's what he would say if asked. Practically speaking, he's not at the best vantage point for gauging that kind of thing.

He laughs, adjusting in turn so their horns meet properly - he thinks he's starting to get the idea of this whole thing!! "Gotta be! You're not doin' bad yourself, for a mage."

"Well. That's reassuring." He'd only ever met one village other than his own-- Well. Two, if you counted Shelter itself as one village, which, come to think, was rather silly as an idea in its own right.

He hums. "What do you like most about this place?"

Slowly, slowly, he draws his sword, and descends into the marshy ground. He's too damned used to being ambushed out here. Which is silly, of course-- he's surrounded by friendly dragons, this should be a cakewalk.

'Should', in his experience, has rarely ever turned into 'is'.

He cannot help the small smile that comes from the literal interpretation of his words nor the way it grows when the shapes of the pillows are altered. It brings with it a blooming of warmth that scratches an itch deep within. Being cared for. Unexpected, but accepted.

Careful of his claws, Elidibus reaches out to run his hands over the changed fabrics, fingers playing with the embellishments and altered shapes. It was his.

When he turns back to Lahabrea, it's with naked happiness. "I cannot thank you enough. Energy is precious in this place, and that you would use yours for something such as this, for me... I am more grateful than I may express."

What a curious thing to witness. Elidibus does not react verbally, instead giving Ryu the space he needs to fully utilize... whatever skill he is currently performing. He makes a note to ask his questions afterwards, rather than interrupt in the process.

One can never tell if an ability requires careful concentration, after all.

He does, however, serve as a lookout. Not that he is expecting an ambush, but it pays to be alert.

He scans the area for a moment, and, at least briefly satisfied, starts to look around for something resembling lemongrass. If it's really from around here, then it should be in clumps.

... And if it's not, then it's either been picked clean, or never grew here in the first place.

Six of one, half dozen of the other. Take your pick.

... Though.

He must look ludicrous with his sword out like this. ... Should he put it up?

[Emet-Selch sighs. For all his grumbling, he knows Byleth well enough to know that what he says is true. He likely does find some strange enjoyment from puzzling out the differences between himself and the Emet-Selch of his borrowed memories. Likely incarnations of others as well.]

Well, far be it for me to get in the way of your thinking...

[A small concession whilst he frowns again, sorting out his own puzzle in the form of what it might be that this man considers a "stray". A lost soul in need of his guidance and friendship... Is that not simply an extension of his job description? And what is it about Byleth, Grani, and that hero's soul fragments that they should be included, but others should not?]

I quite fail to see what any of you lot have in common, however. Or whatever it is that you require me, specifically, to do something about.

[Emet-Selch stretches in a slow, exaggerated manner. For a mercy all of the pops and cracks have already been mercifully ironed out, and he shifts to sit upright with his tail draped over his claws and one golden eye focused upon his charge.]

You don't seem "lost" to me. For how could you hope to lead your own students, if so? Questioning, maybe. Seeking further knowledge.

Has this something to do with your unique state of being?

[He won't pry. It's merely an invitation should Byleth wish to talk about it. Just as he chooses not to comment on whether or not Grani is truly a piece of himself, and whether either are deserving of happiness or no. Quite a heavy topic, that.]

Very good, Byleth. 'Tis clear from the considered answer that his experiences - both making tactical decisions on the battlefield, as well as taking a leadership position in a more traditional academic setting have served him well. Add to that his observational capabilities and attentiveness...

The Ancient must be at least somewhat satisfied in what he hears, because he reaches over without further preamble to tease the tufted fur at the base of the dragon's ears with clawed but otherwise human fingers.

"Indeed. For the most part we are acting within small, familiar circles rather than forming a larger united front. It is in our very nature to cling to what we know. By facilitating a sense of community, learning, and purpose, and thereby drawing these circles closer together, we might encourage more widespread cooperation. Of course, one cannot expect unanimous agreement in all situations, but one must begin somewhere."

His indeed; a gift freely given, for all that Lahabrea is not often the type to do so. Yet he has offered it all the same. Made that sacrifice of energy without so much as a second thought. Nor can he say it was anything less than worth it, to see the happiness that blooms across Elidibus' face.

"We are yet few, here. Enough so that should my own skill bring a moment of comfort, I am glad to make such sacrifice."

That and it feels... right. It may be but the pull of the change in seasons, but there is a comfort in knowing that he can yet do this. Can offer what he has by way of assistance, even if it should be naught more than altering a handful of pillows.

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Page 21 of 26

Test Drive Meme #3

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