TEST DRIVE 003

[phantasmods]

Hello, and welcome to the third test drive for Phantasmal Rift!

Test drive threads are assumed to be game canon for accepted characters unless otherwise noted, so don't feel like you'll have to introduce yourself a second time to everyone you meet! As an added bonus, participation in the test drive comes with the chance to earn up to two items of loot for your trouble! Characters who are accepted can earn one item for having a top level, and one for tagging out to someone else's top level! Your SWEET LOOT will be included with your acceptance notice.

Additionally, characters currently in game can earn themselves a piece of bonus loot for the dungeon by tagging people's top-levels on the test drive! Existing characters get their bonus loot along with the rest of their loot at the conclusion of the dungeon.

This test drive takes place in the Fissure known as Amesta Forest - a forest filled with silver mist and shrouded in eternal twilight, where your dreams become real! For a certain limited definition of real. This is significantly less awesome than it sounds. On the bright side, anyone within the mists will find themselves with no need to sleep, as though trapped in the same spring evening as the rest of the forest.

OPTION ONE: DREAM A LITTLE DREAM

This first option might happen to you just about anywhere. From the swirls of silver mist comes a shape - or perhaps more than one shape? Who knows, it's your dream -

Well, probably. It could also be someone else's.

Those who stay too long in any one part of the mist will find their subconscious minds influencing it into shapes - the exact sort of things that appear in their dreams. As with their real dreams, the details are sometimes strange - too much detail, or not enough, depending on where your focus is. The character who 'created' the dream specter will instantly understand what it's supposed to be, but other viewers might have some difficulty with it.

Fortunately for those of you prone to violent nightmares, these dream figures are incapable of doing harm - any blows struck by them simply leave behind the dampness of walking through thick mist. A hard enough blow will similarly disperse them - or, in most cases, you can simply move quickly and leave them behind.

OPTION TWO: THE MOVEMENTS OF THE TREES

A forest filled with mist is honestly a kind of spooky place, isn't it?

Well, it's about to get spookier, when you notice that there's a tree... somewhere there wasn't a tree, before. Or maybe it's that you were looking around and realized that a tree wasn't there here there was one before, instead leaving behind only a round, torn-up patch of earth from where the roots were buried.

Either way, there's only one conclusion to be drawn - the trees are moving.

Those who pay close attention will soon realize that it's only one kind of tree that moves - an absolutely unfamiliar kind, with mist-silver bark and thin, almost translucent leaves in large handlike shapes. They aren't very tall, and their branches split low to the ground, the structure something like a less crooked Japanese maple. The Wanderwoods seem prone to following specific people, usually only moving when out of sight, though you might catch them shuffling along if you have quick reflexes for looking over your shoulder.

What do they want? Well, nothing, really. They're just attracted to sapient beings and, especially, the way the mist forms into their dreams. So while they won't do anything in particular to the characters themselves, anyone with a dream-form hanging around them might find that manifestation suddenly papered in thin, grabbing leaves... and swallowed up.

OPTION THREE: WHAT NOW IS FOUND?

Not all of the forest is trapped in eternal spring. One part of it is held in exactly the opposite - a brilliantly colored autumn morning, just before dawn, with the trees overhead colored in brilliant reds and oranges. Leaves drift down in a slow breeze, and pile up in random places among the trees (which never seem to run out of leaves to drop), and silver pools of water gather at the bases of the trees and in any other depressions, their surfaces perfectly still mirrors.

The mist is quite a bit thinner here, too, which allows you to see... What is that familiar shape in the distance, between the trees?

While dream manifestations are uncommon in the region of Fall's Heart, it's not only dreams that manifest here. Instead, characters will see the figures of those they've lost - instantly recognizable, but unreachable and nearly impossible to catch, running through the trees heedless of how you call after them. It's impossible to catch up to them by mundane means, and those who use supernatural means to do so -

- will find that, at their touch, the vision crumbles into silvery mist-water, forming another of those perfect, reflective pools at their feet.

Comments

Ignis Scientia | FFXV | OTA

[promittere]

a; dream a little dream;

I dare say you’re leading us in the wrong direction.

[It was obvious this was a dream - a waking dream, surely, something that seems to be real, but it simply cannot be. He doesn’t need to see to know that there is something off about the man walking beside him. There’s the smell, for one, a coppery tang underneath a sweet, sugary smell like freshly baked pastries. Not the sort of scent you’d associate with a king.

To those who can see, his companion is even stranger. Dressed in fine, black clothing accented in gold, with dark, feathery to match. He seems almost familiar, but you just can’t place the slant of his nose and the curve of his jaw, as if as soon as you turn away you’ve forgotten what he looks like. The dream walks with an exaggerated limp and curls in on himself like he’s suffered a blow to a stomach. When he speaks, there’s just a vague, otherworldly rumble, but Ignis seems to understand just fine.

It is his dream, after all, even if he’s not quite sure what to make of it.]

b; movements of the trees

[This part of the forest is more disorienting than the last. Everywhere he goes, everywhere he turns, there’s the sound of rustling leaves and shuffling movement. It’s hard to place, the noise seeming to come from all sides, and he’s sure by now he’s just wandering in circles.

His hands ache from where he’s caught himself against a tree, surprised by a hole in the ground that shouldn’t have been there. (He was certain he has been through this area before, recognized one of the trees he had brushed by, but - that hole wasn’t there the last time, so perhaps he was mistaken?) And on top of that, he’s certain he’s being watched. Probably by whoever is smacking through every branch possible as he tries valiantly to find some sort of bearing.]

If you wish to follow me without noticing, perhaps you could be a little quieter?

[He’s just gonna...call that out into the forest, hoping to spook whoever’s been traipsing about into responding or leaving him alone.

Or someone could at least be kind enough to tell him it’s the trees that are moving.]

A

[photoshooter]

[It's the first voice that gets Prompto's attention, not the rumble of the second.]

Iggy?

[He's bolting through the trees after them immediately, gasps in sheer relief and joy to see his friend, but then stops when he sees his companion. Stops and blinks. Opens his mouth to say something else, frowns, shrinks in on himself a little, holding his elbows, and then leans forward on the balls of his feet once more, voice less sure. Almost afraid.]

Iggy? Is that really you?

[promittere]

[He turns towards the sounds, Prompto's approach loud enough that relief crosses his face before Prompto can even hesitate. The uncertainty gives him pause, though - what could he see to make him sound so wary?

Perhaps this dream isn't as benevolent as he thought, or perhaps he's seeing something that Ignis can't pick up with smell or hearing.]

As real as I've always been.

[Which maybe isn't as reassuring as it could be, but how exactly does one prove you're the real you?

Humor? Secrets only you'd know?? Trivia about chocobos??? Listing off one's favorite recipes or hobbies????]

Assuming you're also the real Prompto, that is.

[photoshooter]

O-of course I am! [Wow, Ignis, gut punch him harder?] I just...

[He fidgets, twisting his belt in his hands, and then nervously hops closer, as if that will make the figure at Ignis's side resolve any more clearly to him.]

Is that... Who's that with you?

[Because he doesn't like either of his own guesses.]

[promittere]

[He winces. How could he have forgotten already? Prompto told them only moments before...

He'll have to use more care, now. Prompto is too important for callousness, even the unintentional.]

He sounds like Noctis. [He speaks carefully, weighing every word before he speaks.] Older, perhaps, but Noctis nonetheless.

[Does he believe it's really Noctis? No, of course not, but it seems easier to pretend than fight something you very well might have conjured up in a strange forest.]

B

[anarchia]

[Carnivac pads out into the open, in front of Ignis.]

I assure you, if I didn't want to be noticed- I wouldn't be.

[He's curious; the man is surely perceptive and yet, he hasn't noticed the trees.]

The plantlife has a life of it's own, it appears. They've been walking around.

[promittere]

That's a bold claim.

[He turns towards the voice, but he doesn't quite look in the right place. He looks above Carnivac, like the voice would be coming from another human.

At the mention of the plants moving around, realization seems to dawn on him. He's familiar with living plants, but those tended to be less benevolent. More hungry.

So maybe these are just...chill malboro?]

That would explain the noise, then.

[anarchia]

But not a false one.

[The exchange gives Carnivac all the information he needs. The man must be unable to see. For that, he respects his ability to traverse through this ever-shifting forest. However, he also judges the fragility of those with flesh, unable to simply replace an eye that no longer functions.]

They're harmless. Just a nuisance.

b is for big mood

[caduceusoncall]

[Angela isn't following Ignis, but she's lucky to be close enough to hear him call out. She's been wandering, too, but with the intent of finding others like her to escort them out of this dream-like hell now that she knows the deal. Well, part of the deal. The general gist of the deal.]

[...anyway. She makes her way towards him, picking through the roots and the holes where roots were, folding her suit's wings in close to avoid getting them caught on branches. She can't actually see him through the mist, but she can sort of figure out where he is based on hearing. The trees immediately stop their shenanigans with someone observing them, mercifully.]

Hello? Are you alright?

[promittere]

[When the woman speaks, the rustling stops.

Which. Alright. He's not sure of the correlation just yet, but there must be a reason for it.]

I'm alright. Something seems to be following me, though I'm not sure for what purpose.

[The reason being he's basically a buffet for these trees. They're free to tangle up his dreams, so he's really doing them a solid.]

[caduceusoncall]

Ah, yes. It's the trees, actually.

[Angela smiles sympathetically. She was confused, too, until the others explained things to her. She's still confused, to be honest, but at least she has a vague idea of what's happening. She suspects that once she reaches the station, she'll understand a whole lot more.]

I am not sure why they follow us, but they only move when not being observed. [She places a hand on the silvery bark of one of the trees.] If you keep an eye on them they should stay put.

A but 1/2

[founderinglight]

[He might have heard the second set of footsteps, but he'll definitely hear the voice, smooth and familiar but far more melancholy than he's used to - ]

That's what happens when you follow dreams.

[founderinglight]

[And then there's the sound of repeated warping - ]

And before you even get started -

[ - in random directions back and forth - ]

I'm not Ardyn we're fucking twins -

[ - quite clearly to keep Ignis from being able to find a target even in his blind state.]

And The Glaive gave his life for our power. What will you sacrifice to protect your king? so keep your knives to yourself before you get any ideas!

[One more warp. Hard to tell where he is now, but no doubt he's watching Ignis for his reaction - to the claim, and to the words that most certainly never reached beyond the bounds of a burning ring on Ignis' finger.]

[promittere]

[The warping has it's intended effect - Ignis can't follow the path the man takes, the dagger he lets fly sticking into a tree several feet to the right of where Izunia first warped to.

A knee jerk reaction, let loose before he could even finish speaking.

Perhaps he should have let the man speak, because the words have their intended effect of striking him in the chest. The Kings of Yore - the burning, awful power of the Ring of the Lucii - those who would let him borrow it if only for a moment.]

You-

[The dagger disappears, back into the Armiger, and Ignis' hand closes into a fist.]

You're the Founder King.

rubs my filthy hands together, b!

[nightcure]

[ He'd know that voice anywhere. It's a voice that's been missing for the last month of his life, one that's always been there but which has only been present in his dreams. Noctis releases a breath, curls his hands into fists and stands a little taller.

Even if he can't see him, Noctis owes it to Ignis to stand tall. ]

Sure thing, Iggy.

:3c

[promittere]

[The voice answering him is familiar - so painfully, wonderfully familiar, with none of the lingering oddness of the apparition he had dreamed of before.

This was Noctis. His Noctis - prince, king, and friend. Brother.]

Noct.

[The relief is palpable, any wariness this place had left him with lifting.]

I'm afraid I'd rather you be louder rather than quieter. Wouldn't want to lose track of you.

[A smile, small and wistful, crosses his face for just a moment. He wishes he could see, could look at Noctis and make sure he was fine. That he was okay, that this place hadn't tormented the way it seems to have twisted others.]

[nightcure]

[ Noctis moves into place beside Ignis, and he's just... so glad Ignis is here. And maybe Ignis can hear, behind the teasing, the sheer relief in his voice when he says, ]

Alright, Mom, wouldn't want you to lose one of your ducklings, right?

Movements of the Trees

[newlawtolight]

Oh, I wasn't following you.

[All these bright souls are making her dizzy with delight.]

You came over to me, actually. You're hearing the trees.

[promittere]

My apologies.

[For the accusation, that is.]

What do you mean by that? About the trees.

[newlawtolight]

The trees are alive. At least, in a sense. This is a realm of dreams.

They seem harmless enough to us, at least so far as I have seen, as many things that Are-Not are wont to be. They just tend to follow us around.

B

[byanyother_name]

[Kurama is actually eerily quiet, which is why he was actually watching the other man thoughtfully for a few moments before the call. That stumble... The hole isn't actually hard to see. They never are, since they are the result of an entire tree uprooting itself and ambling off.

Combined with the indication he doesn't realize it's the trees themselves making all that noise, 'blind' is not a hard conclusion to draw.]

They don't really care if anyone notices, I think. The trees here move around. They're what's making all the noise.

[His tone is matter-of-fact but still gentle.]

[promittere]

[Kurama's voice is nearly enough to get Ignis to startle - but only nearly.

He turns towards the sound of his voice, and while he doesn't relax, any sort of edge that was there has been softened over.]

The trees?

[Trees moving? Not a notion that's entirely out there, but the living plants Ignis is familiar with are a bit less...subtle. More chompy.]

I suppose that explains why there hasn't been any overt attacks...

[byanyother_name]

[It's entertaining to watch from the outside, that shift in demeanor. It's one he's rather familiar with in himself. Kurama smiles a bit and deliberately allows the leaves to crunch under his feet as he walks closer.]

There's a mist in this forest that causes figments from the dreams and nightmares of sentient beings to spawn. The trees seem to eat them, so they've also got a bit of a tendency to trail behind anyone with a chance of producing them.

So really they're all baaku.

[That's terrible. That's terrible, and Kurama should feel terrible, and he doesn't even though the only people with any chance of getting this horrible joke are those who speak both Japanese and English, with a minor in mythology. This gd nerd.]

b

[shiritai]

My apologies.

[ It's the soft, even voice of a young girl – by the sounds of things, she'd been approaching him and then come to a halt once he'd spoken up. ]

I was coming to make sure you were uninjured. It wasn't my intent to startle you – but you seemed to have run afoul of the trees.

[promittere]

[If Ignis is startled by the voice - either the youthfulness of or the appearance of it, it's not obvious in the way he reacts.]

That's nothing to apologize for.

[Trees???]

And it's nothing but scrapes and some minor bruising. Nothing to worry about.

[Is that reassuring? Are you reassured, mystery child. He's totally fine and competent.]