TEST DRIVE 004

[phantasmods]

Hello and welcome to the fourth 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 Keystone Reef, a water-influenced Fissure to the northeast of the station. It is home to numerous fish and coral species, as well as a very interesting magical effect...

OPTION ONE: FINNY FUN

Under the water is where you woke up, and under the water is where you might be stuck for a while. The magic is lodged in you and has changed your form -- maybe a little, maybe a lot. Perhaps you only have gills, but you may also have a full set of changes, fins and no feet to speak of. Don't panic, you'll surely be fine if you just keep swimming...

Aside from the strange changes, it's a pretty cool place to be. If you've ever dreamed about scuba diving on a coral reef, the place that you've found yourself is perfect for that (minus the needing to scuba part). Curious fish swim up and then dart away into rock crevices, coral growths, and even down to bury themselves in the layer of sand at the bottom. The water is also fairly shallow, allowing you to surface if you so desire.

Even the sharks are friendly and just want to have as much a look at you as you want to look at them. Don't harass the glowing eels tucked into cracks between the rocks, though, they bite and don't particularly let go.

OPTION TWO: WORLD'S SMALLEST JUNGLE

This must certainly be an oceanside jungle - in spite of the humidity, the smell of salt on the air is strong. Brilliant greens and the occasional bright flowers, accompanied by island birdsong... It could be a nice place to spend an afternoon. There's not even that many bugs that want to drink your blood (though bugs in general are, well, quite plentiful).

Eventually, though, however far you go, you'll reach the beach and be met with the expanse of the ocean - blue, uncaring, and real big. While one side of the little island thankfully has land visible in the distance, the outer side just overlooks a near-endless expanse of blue. If you're a very good swimmer, you could probably make your way to land past the rocks of the reef itself... Otherwise, though, you might be just a bit stuck on your jungle island paradise.

At least until someone brings a boat.

OPTION THREE: SHIPWRECK

Both above and below the waterline are the remains of ships crashed upon the rocks, just waiting to be explored. Even though it has clearly been an incredibly long time, the chunks of wood and metal are still in fairly good condition, and the chance of finding something nice tucked in with them among the rocks is surely tempting to anyone with an adventurous spirit.

The wrecks beneath the waves also grow coral and seaweed, and provide havens for larger fish, dragon eels, and sharks. Those along the rocks above the waterline, on the other hand, provide a home for seabirds of all varieties. Most notable is the hulking shell of a shipping craft in the distance, looking very much modern if ruined by some centuries of exposure...

For right now, though, you'd best contend with the flotsam a bit closer to you, and the wildlife that might not take too kindly to your exploring. Below the waterline, the dragon eels found in a few places don't take kindly to being disturbed; above, you might run afoul of some overprotective seabirds protecting their nests. Maybe even an invisible seagull (normal sized) - how ridiculous would that be?

Comments

[hairpincurves]

[She takes it with a smile.]

I'd carry more, but, uh...

[She kind of left her bag back on the shore.]

[foolishjustice]

[...Oops, his face is turning red again as she approaches and takes the stabilizer.]

Y-yes, I understand. I've been working for a while on accessing my inventory without any kind of bag, especially once I found out we'd be going underwater for this Fissure.

[hairpincurves]

... Once I've gotten my bearings back on land proper, would you mind teaching me? Even if nothing like... this happens again...

[It still sounds incredibly useful...]

[foolishjustice]

Not at all. I figured it out because I was getting a little jealous of someone here who could already access his whenever he wanted.

[hairpincurves]

[That gets a chuckle.]

I can hardly blame you. I'd probably end up doing the same thing...

[foolishjustice]

Just let me know when you're settled in and ready to learn.

Although...it might be a little while before we get back to the station, if you're staying here to help. These expeditions usually take a few days.

[hairpincurves]

I mean, I may as well, right? I wouldn't be comfortable just doing nothing... Besides, I think I kind of want to stick close to you for the time being, if that's okay.

[foolishjustice]

[...And now he's blushing for a slightly different reason. Months of having real friends, and it still feels so nice to be clearly relied on.]

That's fine. I'll even avoid using Loki, since you already know enough for his mask to have...uncomfortable associations.

[hairpincurves]

I'd appreciate that.

[And since they've covered the most important stuff by now...]

So hey, your Personas... I've gotta ask, what kinds of skills do they specialize in?

[foolishjustice]

I try to keep a variety. Robin Hood uses bless, curse, and almighty, with a couple support skills. Loki is almighty and physical, plus offensive buffs and shields and a little bit of fire and curse. Kushinada-Hime is primarily healing, with one ice ability...Rangda and Valkyrie are both physically oriented, with Rangda reflecting physical attacks and gunfire and Valkyrie having a wind skill thanks to a borrowed skill card. Then Queen Mab is electricity, and I have a few status effects scattered across several of them.

[hairpincurves]

I'd offer you some of my skill cards, but I'm afraid they're probably behind what you'd want...

[foolishjustice]

I'm mostly content with my variety, anyway. I'm just missing psy and nuke, and I'd...rather not find out how the latter works outside the Metaverse.

[hairpincurves]

... I do have cards for both Psy and Mapsi if you're interested?

[foolishjustice]

Hmm, it is worth considering. I'd have to figure out which Persona to put it on, though...maybe Rangda?

[hairpincurves]

Well, you'd know better than I would...

[foolishjustice]

Her elemental attack overlaps with what I have on Loki, so it shouldn't be a problem if I end up having to replace it.

[hairpincurves]

Sounds reasonable enough!

[foolishjustice]

But let's not worry about it until we get back. I don't want to risk damaging them if it turns out they aren't waterproof.

[hairpincurves]

... Yeah, good plan.

[foolishjustice]

Do you think you're comfortable swimming around obstacles yet?

[hairpincurves]

I think I'll be okay, yeah. Want to head back?

[foolishjustice]

[He nods. As his head moves, small fins poking out from his hair adjust to keep it away from his face.]

We aren't going to find many places to set these up out here.

[hairpincurves]

[She grins, which also does a wonderful job of showing off the very sharp teeth that came with her new form.]

Let's go, then!

[foolishjustice]

[Well, that's...a little intimidating. Not that that's necessarily a bad thing.

He turns to swim back the way they came, various fins flaring out as he moves.]

By the way, let me know if you get hungry. I have a decent amount of food with me.

[Along with...one Mystery Food X, but let's not talk about that.]

[hairpincurves]

I'll do that.

[She might not be hungry at the moment, but she feels like it won't be long until it happens...

She decides to swim at his side on the way back... though she's mindful to not get too close to the fins...]

What a day...