TDM #9

[beautifuldreamermods]

TDM #9

Welcome to Beautiful Dreamer's test drive meme! If you're unfamiliar with the game, then you can check out the navigation to get yourself up to speed on all the relevant info pages then check out the most recent AU Planning meme to see what juicy ideas your fellow players are cooking up!

As the prompts in the TDM are based on events from the prior in-game month, the overall TDM is not canon to Beautiful Dreamer though players are free to treat individual CR/threads on this post as canon to their characters if both players are happy to do so.

Dreamers on the TDM will have access to all of their starter powers as outlined on the powers page as well as two unique abiliites to play around with as you please.

Some prompts and location details have been provided below for you to play around with but please feel free to go hog wild and have fun!

YUMEMIGAOKA

As those familiar with Yumemigaoka weather will know, its winters are just as extreme as its summers, and when December comes around, it hits like a truck! Winter in Yumemigaoka is characterized by knife-sharp air, frozen streets and regular snowfall, and this December is no exception. Thankfully, the city is extremely used to extreme cold and the city infrastructure isn't too affected by things, so daily life is allowed to go on... mostly unimpeded. Koubai and Akabeni bear the brunt of a nasty snowstorm mid-month, but despite the chilly weather, the atmosphere remains surprisingly cheery. With the annual Christmas illuminations lighting up the city and businesses getting ready for their end of year sales, there's a sense of anticipation for the upcoming year-end holidays. Winter in Yumemigaoka may be pretty miserable weather wise, but so long as you bundle up warm and grab yourself a hot drink, there's also plenty to look forward to...


⧖ In Yumemigaoka, winter hits hard and fast! Thankfully, the city's well prepped for cold weather and snowfall once December rolls around so while there's snow piling up everywhere you can see, the streets and roads are mostly clear and ice free and stores are stocked to the brim with all the usual winter survival essentials. That's not to say that everything goes perfectly, though - there's some interruptions of public transport that will necessitate doing your best to snag a taxi or idling around in a nicely heated store until your bus finally decides to show up... At least you've got hand warmers and a nice big winter coat, right? YOU DIDN'T FORGET TO PREP FOR WINTER IN NORTHERN JAPAN, RIGHT?

⧖ With winter celebrations on the horizon, the Yumemigaoka Illuminations will be lighting up the night all the way to the new year! A fun lighting ceremony is held to celebrate their turning on with hot drinks, winter snacks and live music and from there, people are encouraged to explore Yumemigaoka after dark to see all the best lights and effects and enjoy the illuminations while they're here. Get some snaps of your favourite spots, enjoy the late night chill... or maybe even take a date out to see the lights with you?!?! Christmas is supposed to be the most romantic time of the year after all...

⧖ In the spirit of shenanigannery, a spontaneous snowball fight has broken out just in front of the Dreamer Union! There don't really seem to be teams or a particular target or even an end goal, just the harmless fun of a bunch of strangers pelting each other with snowballs. Why not take the opportunity to blow off a little steam? Or maybe you're just fighting for your life to get through here WITHOUT getting got...!

⧖ Think you're hot stuff? At Koubu-ya locations all around the city, anyone looking to warm up who doesn't value their gastrointestinal functions can try the 'beyond spicy ramen challenge' — a legendary ramen broth supposedly made by concentrating the heat of some of the spiciest peppers in the world. Nobody's quite sure what the winner gets for finishing their bowl because nobody's been able to manage it but it must be something incredible to put yourself through that much pain, right? Why not give it a try? The rumors of a guy who died of a spice induced heart attack during last year's challenge are... probably not true.







THE DREAM SPHERE







It's a frosty winter season not just in Yumemigaoka but over in the Dream Sphere, too! A heavy blanket of frost has swept across the whole Dream Sphere thanks to the chilly thoughts and feelings of everybody over in the real world. Water freezes, rain turns to snow and even though everyone's mahou outfits are undeniably stylin', they don't really offer a whole lot of protection against the bitter cold. Thankfully, if you're in the Dream Sphere, there's plenty to do to get you moving around and warming up!

As usual, the emotions stirring over in the Waking World have begun funnelling into the Dream Sphere and causing all manner of problems here and there. Torments and Nightmares won't hunt themselves so be sure to properly scout out all the available locations of the Dream Sphere you can access just in case - maybe you'll find a new teammate to work with while you're out there!

In particular, it looks like trouble can be found...


⧖ The vicious turf war between the ghost and ghoulies Torments of Halloween and the encroaching frosty and fancy Torments of winter has spilled over into another month?! It's not entirely clear what has these spooky Torments holding out for so long but the animosity between them and the wintery interlopers is undeniable. Anytime and anyplace within the Dream Sphere, you're at dire risk of coming across some kind of massive fight between gigantic hordes of Torments in progress... which makes the task of taking them out even harder than it might have already been! Aren't Dreamers supposed to be getting a break this month?!

⧖ Stardust Sanctuary usually makes for a pretty relaxing Torment Hunt, even when things are busy and it's especially pretty now winter has rolled in and frozen everything over, leaving it all twinkling gently under the night sky just like the stars above. Unfortunately, you don't have a lot of time to appreciate the view because an extremely annoying Torment has decided to rock up and ruin things! Looking like a deranged piece of sentient mistletoe, this Torment targets Dreamers stood close to each other and forces them to hold hands until they... gulp... kiss???!??!??!??? ... Thankfully the effect doesn't keep you from waking up and it seems a dry peck on the cheek or hand will be enough to break the spell... or, you know, you could just stomp the Torment. Your choice!

⧖ A horrible cold wind whistles through the Reverie Necropolis, leaving it feeling even more grim and desolate than it usually does. A thin, icy fog has crept in from outside (because apparently the Necropolis wasn't creepy enough already) so visibility isn't great... so of course, all the nasty Torments lurking around in here take that as their chance to jumpscare you every time you're in range! To make matters even worse, anyone who gets deep enough into the Necropolis will eventually stumble into one of its wider, more open chambers... only to find a Nightmare is starting to spawn here! If you act fast, you might be able to take this Nightmare down before it awakens and starts rampaging, but maybe not all by yourself...

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Comments

Jade Harley | Homestuck

[dogdaughter]

[A] Waking World: Cold!
[ When arrangements were made to bring Jade to Yumemigaoka, the people helping her had made sure to get her a good coat - and she's very glad of that now! Wow, she hadn't realized anywhere could ever get this cold! She's still getting used to all the people and hustle and bustle everywhere too... She can be found pretty much anywhere outside, having spaced out as she stares wide-eyed at her surroundings, or sometimes pausing just to enjoy watching her breath cloud in front of her face. Hopefully no one walks into her during such moments. ]

[B] Waking World: Snowball Fight!!
[ Jade's caught off-guard by the first snowball that gets her - and the second. But she catches onto the fact that this is clearly some sort of game by that point, and takes cover behind a bench to watch the others playing and get up to speed on the rules. She figures out how to pack a half-decent snowball with some delight, and quickly tosses it at the first person to pass by. You were playing, right? ]

[C] Dream Sphere: Festive Torment Torrent
[ Dreamer Space Witch watches the clashing torments with some concern. She's far enough away that they haven't noticed her yet, and with her Dreamer weapon being a rifle she does have ranged attacks, so she's not too worried about being a target... she's just not sure what to do. Her buckteeth become more prominent as she chews on her bottom lip, thinking. ]

Should we leave them alone? Are they more likely to take each other out, or end up combining? I've never had to fight holiday torments before...

[D] Dream Sphere: Nightmare Awakening
[ Dreamer Space Witch hadn't particularly wanted to explore the Reverie Necropolis - the place has a lonely vibe that chill her in ways she doesn't like - but she's glad now that she decided to face her discomfort head on, as there's trouble brewing in here! Without hesitation, she raises one hand and swings it down again, in the torments' direction. ]

Meteor Shower!

[ A good number of glowing green rocks rain down from above, pelting a swath of the coalescing torments. An area effect attack seems like the most efficient way to start, but it will take her a moment to re-ready her rifle... ]

[[ Have another idea for a starter? Feel free to poke me over at MomeMordrid! ]]

A

[thestarknows]

[Junna's in her own coat, while out in Yumemigaoka. Shops and a few cafes are ahead, but the sidewalk parts of the cafes are closed in this weather. She looks at Jade and smiles, waving with a hand in a mitten.]

It's pretty, even if it's freezing, isn't it?

[dogdaughter]

[ Jade beams back once her attention is caught. ]

It really is - both of those things! I've never seen snow outside of pictures before coming here... I had no idea how cold it could really be, haha! But snow's so much prettier in person.

And everyone's so excited! It's great!

[ She claps her own gloved hands in delight. ]

[thestarknows]

You grew up somewhere warmer, then? [Junna looks around, then she nods.

She considers for a second.] It doesn't snow a lot where I grew up, only sometimes... so I've always appreciated snow days.

And the excitement is a little infectious.

[dogdaughter]

Mhm! I lived on a tropical island, where it never snowed... so this is pretty exciting even without the atmosphere! But all the preparations for festivities certainly helps.

Is there anything you're particularly looking forward to this month?

[ Jade is equally excited for all events and activities, but surely people more used to them have favorites. ]

[thestarknows]

A tropical island? That sounds amazing. [Junna blurts that out -- then looks embarrassed.] Ah, but I bet you got used to it.

I'm... hm. The cold is nice on my morning jogs. Ah, and snowball fights and building snow men! And when the town is all decorated, too... I've never seen that before.

1/2

[dogdaughter]

[ Jade hesitates a bit at Junna's exclamation, looking awkward for a moment - but she brushes past that, and just says diplomatically: ]

Well, it probably would have been lots of fun with more people.

2/2

[dogdaughter]

[ She perks up at the rest of what Junna has to say though. ]

Wow, they decorate the whole town? That's great!

B

[shrieking_violet]

[ No.

Previously, she wasn't.

But Chris's eyes twitch when an unwelcome snowball plaps her on the shoulder, and she bends over to start calmly rolling a snowball.

Just a snowball. Do not, she has to remind herself, hide rocks in snowballs any more. ]

You've sealed your fate.

[dogdaughter]

I hope you don't mind!

[ Jade finally thinks to call out after her target sounds a little put out about getting hit - maybe not everyone was playing?? - but also she's not slowing her own efforts to whip up a second snowball... ]

[shrieking_violet]

...not at all.

[ Chris was the designated 'roll something painful inside a snowball' sniper when she ran with tougher crews.

It's been a hot minute, but her hands work a nice, symmetrical snowball in a heartbeat.

Since Jade's behind cover... she'll wait for a perfect opportunity. ]

[dogdaughter]

[ Whew, for a moment there, Jade was worried she'd upset someone - good thing everyone is playing after all!

She'll just pop up to throw her second snowball then -! It might not be the most aesthetically-pleasing, but it holds together. Jade's definitely left herself open to return fire though. ]

[shrieking_violet]

[ Chris is playing now.

...and she's crazy accurate the moment Jade pops up. She'd better pop up far enough or else Chris's snowball will just pop her in the head ruthlessly. ]

[dogdaughter]

[ Whoops! While Jade's own throw is coming fast and true - she also popped up pretty far beyond her cover to get a good throw in. Chris's snowball hits her square in the face and down she goes with a muffled squeak!

It takes her a moment before she's able to get back up... but she quickly starts packing more snowballs once she recovers. This is fun! Chilly, but fun! ]

B

[lonelyrollingstar]

[Ouji had been rolling a snowball for a snowman when the fight had broken out. He finds himself caught in the crossfire and panics, quickly scurrying to get out of the way. Jade could easily be forgiven for mistaking him for a participant seeking a hiding spot.

Her snowball pelts the little brown-haired boy wrapped in a big green coat in the back and in his surprise he goes down immediately, face first into the future snowman torso. It's almost comical. Actually, it's like 90% comical and 10% sad.]

Uwaaa!

[dogdaughter]

[ HM. She may have hit him a little harder than intended, oops... perhaps she should stick to aiming at bigger people... She can't resist giggling at the sight of him going down, but - ]

...Are you ok?

[ HE DID SOUND A LITTLE ALARMED ON FACEPLANTING. Best to doublecheck! ]

[lonelyrollingstar]

[Ouji pops back up from his fall, brushing the snow off his face. He makes a disappointed expression at the crushed snowman-to-be in front of him before turning with a start in the direction of the voice calling out to him.]

Y-yes, I’m okay! I’m… I’m fine. I’m just… in the way, aren’t I? Sorry!

[His soft voice strains slightly to be loud enough to carry the distance over to Jade. He scrambles to his feet and bows apologetically…

…and as he does so, another snowball hits him, lobbed by a mysterious third party! He jumps and yelps, but at least he doesn’t fall over this time.]

[dogdaughter]

[ Ah, he must be new to this, like her! He just hasn't figured out the rules yet. ]

You're not in the way, it's a game! You have to pack balls of snow and throw them at other people!

Like... [ - she quickly clumps together a misshapen snowball, and lobs it at his other attacker - ] ...this!

[lonelyrollingstar]

A snowball… fight?

[Ouji was familiar with the premise, at least, but far more familiar with just being a target for the local troublemakers than actually participating in one. His eyes widen and a tiny smile starts to spread across his face, partially hidden under his scarf. He was being included!]

I see!

[Ducking down for protection, he scrambles over to join Jade. He scoops up a handful of snow and packs it into a … frankly immaculate-looking snowball. How did he do that so easily??]

I-Is this big enough, do you think?

[dogdaughter]

[ She moves aside a little to ensure he's got enough room - and oh, wow, that is a perfect snowball. She claps her gloved hands delightedly. ]

That looks great! You're a real natural at this!

I'm still getting the hang of it, myself.

[ She packs another snowball to demonstrate - it's better than her last one, but still decidedly oblong. ]

Snowball Fight

[crystalmaster]

Radley is actually not playing and is just walking down the street, mostly lost in thought. When he sees the snowball coming at him, however, he comes to attention and actually catches it in his hand. He looks it over, swiftly realizes he's in the battle zone, and steps away from the chaos as he casually looks for the snowball's owner.

"Do you always try to involve innocent passersby in your snow wars?" he says mildly, although he still isn't sure who threw the thing. He isn't Japanese but looks Spanish, and he spoke in English. He dresses like a biker punk but doesn't seem like a hood.

[dogdaughter]

"Isn't everyone playing?" Jade pipes up automatically, also speaking in English. She has an accent, but it's not readily identifiable. She also sounds like this is the first that idea's occurred to her. She doesn't seem too taken aback though, cheerily continuing on with, "You should, it's fun!"

It's hard to tell where she might be from in all honesty; her skin's dark and the eyes behind her big glasses are an unusually vivid green, but her clothes are just the usual sort of thing a local teen might wear in the snow. Her hair is long enough to tuck into her coat, but it's a long coat so it's hard to tell exactly how far her hair might hang.

Someone else takes the opportunity of her distraction to bean her with a snowball of their own. She lets out a squeak of surprise, wobbling at the sudden impact, then giggles and begins packing more ammunition as she scans the field of battle for who might've just hit her.

[crystalmaster]

Radley chuckles. “Yeah, it is.”

He expertly throws the snowball he’s still holding and clocks someone who may or may not have thrown the one at Jade. He knows what he’s doing.

[dogdaughter]

Jade cheers as he gets somebody, even if she can't tell whether that was the person who'd hit her either.

"Can you make them too, or are you going to rely on ammo used against you?"

She tosses another snowball his way, though the underhand throw she uses suggests she means to toss it to him rather than at him this time.

[crystalmaster]

He smirks. "I can make them with the best of them."

He catches the thrown snowball and lobs it at someone else.