003 ⟡ MAY TEST DRIVE

[bayhelpers]

⋆✩ test drive 03 ✩⋆

The day begins like any other.

Routines, eventful scenes, and boring errands — no matter what you were in the middle of, there's a moment where everything begins to feel wrong. A searing pain tears through your body, so intense that it feels like every nerve has been struck at once. Muscles spasm, joints scream in protest, and as you double over, you find yourself clawing or clinging at anything within your reach. As your attempts to maintain composure fail you, your bones begin to twist with an agonizing force, the pain rising in a crescendo until it becomes unbearable to even breathe. Then, as quickly as it began, everything stops.

For a single, terrifying moment, there's nothing. No sight, no sound, no touch, no taste, no smell — just the weight of nothingness swallowing you whole. The absence of sensation might even be worse than the pain, leaving you adrift in a void you can't escape. Hopelessness threatens every fiber of your existence, and try as you might to fight it, your darkest thoughts begin to surface, flooding your mind in an onslaught of suffocating feelings and ideas.

In the darkness, you hear a voice.

It's faint, a gentle flashing of something warm along the edges of your mind, like sunlight itself. It's a voice, but you can't identify who or what it comes from, how it sounds, or what it means — still, you know it's directed at you. Something tugs at your heart, a powerful ache that throbs once and ripples outwards. You can feel the aches again, like fresh sores throughout your body. You feel off, like something isn't quite right, like you're not where you should be, or who you should be. But the voice continues, whispered just beyond your understanding. The sound is warm like hope, and it wraps around you, distant yet intent, before you wake up.

i. arrivals

FROM TUNNELS DEEP

The scent of must meets your nostrils, perhaps more strongly than it normally would. To open your eyes is to meet the dark — though if you're fortunate it could be that something about this new body, or perhaps the body of another, leaves some faint illumination to see by. Either way it soon becomes clear that where you are is somewhere underground. They are deep and sprawling tunnels, with corners of some unknown civilization storied away in their many carvings and ruined pottery. Portions of the cavern walls even bear the appearance of old structures and dwellings, as if the earth itself swallowed a city whole.

Trickling through the tunnels in quiet streams are tendrils of fog. It's difficult to see, but not in the least hard to feel. The mist is damp and cloying, clinging to every inch it finds on you to the point that it seems to grasp at the very soul; and the longer one lets it have its way, the worst it feels. You begin to question your body. Your mind. Your very memories — are they really yours?

Staying underground may be unwise anyway. Diglett and Dugtrio soon make themselves known to the weary arrivals here, and unlike these newcomers they have had far too long to succumb to the mist. They will attack without hesitation, and the only options are to fight or flee above ground.

The forest above unfortunately is not much better. The fog here is thick, even if some light somehow makes its way through the canopy above. What could have once been helpful landmarks become sources of dizzying misunderstanding, and the gnarled trees seem to move when no one watches. Rescuers from the city will have their work cut out for them once it becomes clear how many could be stranded out there, and time will be of the essence. The sooner that these wanderers can be brought to the clinic to be treated, the better!

CAUGHT IN THE BRAIN FOG

⟡ While the fog does not cause illness specifically, it is still incredibly dangerous to spend extended periods of time within it. Disorientation, hallucination, as well as mental and physical dysphoria are all symptoms noted from the fog and it is vital to remove oneself from its presence. Fortunately, the symptoms fade quickly once exposure ends.

⟡ The severity of the above varies; characters may feel that time is moving too quickly, or simply become incredibly aware of their inhuman limbs. Players may increase or decrease symptoms as they desire, at this time.

⟡ In addition to the above symptoms, memories become scattered across characters in the fog. The longer one remains within it, the more memory they lose to it — and the more foreign memories they gain. Players are encouraged to offer memories within their top-levels for others to use, but unlike other symptoms, characters need to come in contact with the memory's source to be free of them.

⟡ As many within Bottlecap Bay can guess, the location of all of this is the Southern Forest; which means all the dangers discovered in earlier quests apply. In addition to the disorienting fog, this particular branch of forest is rife with time and space distortions, making it difficult to navigate safely through.

ii. under the weather

RAIN RAIN, GO AWAY

The first thing anyone will notice as the month of May truly sets in, is the rain. Light or heavy, sunny or cloudy, a near constant rain pours down upon Bottlecap Bay and its surrounding areas. There's no escaping it; it pours, and it pours, and it pours ever long, until it becomes impossible to do even basic tasks outside one's dwelling without getting soaked to the bone.

While it's not unusual to receive rain at this time of the year, the amount of rain is unnatural according to the Guild Leaders. To ensure no one suffers any more than they already have, all three are quick to open their doors to these new Pokemon in their midst. Or at least, they're quick to offer other foreigner's doors. Pokemon who originated from other worlds soon find themselves with new bunkmates and housemates, and with the rain as bad as it is there’s no good way to refuse.

It's best to remain in similar company after all, and until there’s time to sort out who fits where, it’s all these newcomers have.

RAIN CHECK

⟡ Though the epidemic from earlier in the year has now passed over, Dr. Denne does not let his guard down. New pokemon are herded to the clinic for mandatory check-ups, to be absolutely safe. The clinic will house pokemon exhibiting any sign of illness, but otherwise send them off to rest in their temporarily assigned housing.

⟡ Unfortunately, many of the offered Guild rooms belong to those recently admitted into the fold. At these lower tiers, rooms are often exposed to incoming water. Rain causes floods to rise up within Oran Guild, bringing at least an inch of rainwater along the shared ground. In the Cheri Guild, it pours between leaves and over walls during particularly stormy weather. The only guild with surefire methods to avoid the rain is Lum Guild; all of these buildings are fully enclosed.

⟡ Even if Pokemon are able to avoid getting wet while sleeping, this won’t spare them when they go outside; it is at minimum drizzling at all times for the rest of the month.

THE WATER CYCLE

While Pokemon begin to settle into their new lives at Bottlecap Bay, the rain continues to fall. On some days it’s harder — hard enough to bring sheets thick enough to blot vision, sharp enough to leave unprotected pelts stinging for minutes after retreating inside. Thunder booms, and lightning flashes, a clear message to all within the city when they see it. These storms are bad. Dangerous. And the danger is in more than just the weather itself.

At first the signs are subtle. Those same symptoms from the forest can be felt, lasting only as long as a Pokemon is damp from the downpour outside. Even the gentle drizzle causes absent thoughts, an empty mind staring into the distant grey skies as you forget.

Staring longer still, as you remember. But is what you're remembering actually yours? Something about the concentration of forest mist in the form of raindrops changes the effects as the days go by. The body and mind rebel against what it knows doesn't belong, and it finally comes bursting out with a shout! Those memories you've seen, they aren't yours! They're someone else's!

And the world needs to hear it!

STORMY MOODS

⟡ After May 10th, the rain for the rest of the month is constant. Severity of the downpour is up to the player to decide, but it never stops drizzling at the least.

⟡ While symptoms from earlier prompts can still be in effect, additional consequences are caused by the rain. Light drizzle carries lighter memories; happier thoughts, caring moments. Pokemon capturing these from the rain are drawn to quietly whisper their opinions on such memories, and can pass them to the original owner in this way. Raging storms bring the opposite; Pokemon will inherit despairing, or wrathful memories from another in the rain, and feel compelled to instead shout their opinions to cast the memory aside.

⟡ Despite the above, Pokemon do not need to pass the memory to their original owner to get rid of them. NPCs can be used as well, and it can be assumed the memory eventually made its way home.

⟡ Side effects of the rain carry over into any puddles formed. Sleeping while soaked in water will cause effects to manifest as sleep-talk, and potentially affect their dreams.

iii. the archives

RECORDS KEEPING

The longer the rainfall persists, the more clear it is that staying outside is unwise. Not only is it dangerous to non-water type Pokemon's health for the most part, but the full scope of side effects only increase the risks. After one too many shouting matches caused by vitriolic memories, Polteageist offers a simple but beneficial solution. The doors of the archives are opened up, as senior members in the Lum Guild offer up their time as temporary librarians.

Polteageist's solution is as follows; instead of training their bodies out in the rain, everyone will be training their brains. There have been many questions raised over the last number of weeks, and now is the time for everyone to investigate the mysteries. Entering the Archives means entering a building of clear splendor, filled with couches and beanbags for sitting and beautiful flowers and plants to accentuate the green hues within the halls. The shelves are well stocked with records kept on stone tablets, and the additional guides within the guild are eager to help everyone find what they're looking for.

The illustrious leader of the Lum Berries is well aware however, that not everyone is willing to spend all their time reading. As it would be counterproductive to expect anyone to sit twiddling their thumbs (or tails, or ears) he has thus arranged for a few of the archive meeting rooms to host additional activities. They are simple things; there's classes on recording writings properly in clay before firing, minor history lessons where newly arrived Pokemon can share in what many others already know, and even community building exercises. They're nothing like the escape rooms organized during the last two months, but they're good for passing the time.

And eventually, the rain will hopefully calm down. A few skilled Psychic Pokemon are offering their services to keep others dry until then however, at least so that everyone can get home safely.

SHUSH!

⟡ The Archives, while acting as the base of operations for the Lum Berries Guild, additionally acts as a library. Players are encouraged to come up with their own available texts within these halls, but should keep in mind that not all knowledge is publically available. If a player is unsure about whether or not something can be easily accessed, please comment about the topic under questions.

⟡ Examples of available topics include general folk tales and fairy tales (with examples given here), as well as non-fiction matters such as pokemon types, species, and moves. As a note, paradox pokemon and canonically synthetic pokemon such as Type: Null are not included.

⟡ The history of Bottlecap Bay is no different from what is noted within the game's premise; guild members teaching the history will explain that the settlement came about when a number of Pokemon escaped from human lands, seeking refuge where no humans could be found.

⟡ Players may be creative with team building exercises, provided they would not cause damage to their surroundings; examples include bonding activities such as 'two truths and a lie', '20 Questions', and even scavenger hunts within the public Archive limits. The focus is always upon getting to know one another.

✩ OOC NOTES.

⟡ TDM CWS: body horror, disorientation, hallucinations, dysphoria

⟡ TDMs are game canon and act as events for the month they are posted.

⟡ New characters can link to their top level beneath the NEWBIE DIRECTORY

⟡ All new arrivals are not assigned to any one guild. However, if they participate in the Archive's bonding activities, they may receive a unique reward.

⟡ Remember that at least one thread for your application must come from the TDM! There is no comment minimum, but we will be looking for engagement, as well as for players and characters who take the time to delve into things like character thoughts, emotions, morality, and other deep themes. Take this time to engage with the setting as you would in game!

⟡ As a reminder, reserves and applications are permanently opened. Please see their respective pages for details on processing time.

⟡ Have any questions related to the TDM? Ask here! If your question is more general for the game, please make sure to direct it to the FAQ page instead. Thank you, and happy threading!

FULL NAVIGATION

Comments

(2/2)

[dunchies]

“… O-oh, yeah. The vendors… they can be pretty nice otherwise, though. I’m sure they’d love to help you out if you just ask,” he manages in response, speaking a bit louder than before without realizing. He watches, curiously, as Sanji makes an all too familiar motion, reaching for a notebook that isn’t there. An understanding smile creeps onto his face; he’d have a lot to add to his gourmet guide, too, if he could. “Usually, it’s offered around the beginning of the week. Maybe it’s fresher that way.”

That said, he huffs, nodding quickly in agreement with Sanji. “But you’re right! That’s exactly what I told them! They wouldn’t buy it, but it’s not like it’s hard to figure out anyway. There’s plenty of Slowpoke near the beach. All you need to do is wait for them to shed their tails…”

He glances at Sanji after his comment, wondering again how he might respond to that information.

please know that sequence of icons has been cracking me up like ALL day-

[undeux_allblue]

There is...a very poignant pause. It goes just long enough that Sanji feels he's missing something here. He almost asks if the dog-guy is ok, but then the tail starts going. For some reason. That's dog for happy, right?

"Ah, yeah, and hey maybe they're just protective of their recipes or something?" Not that that's stopped the pirate chef for pirates. He tilts his head, considering. "I can ask about their stocks sometime. Make sure they're not in danger of depletion, substitutes..." not that it's any of his business, but the paranoia may be rearing its ugly, starving head, just a little. He mentally files the information on when the tails are available, just having to rely on his own memory instead of writing for now.

The guy goes on, and Sanji nods along. This guy gets it. More than most, actually. Then again, it's not like Sanji's "normal" is actually...normal, considering the company he keeps. Kept. But there is no judgement in his demeanor by any means; the opposite actually. Vulpix ears are turned toward the boltund, fully at attention.

"Shame. At least they were amiable about it. But- oh. Oh so really fresh. That's. That's perfect." Sanji is already standing, interest piqued. "Sounds like you've seen the process. Mind showing me? It's- I'm- Sanji, by the way. I'm- was? The chef for the Strawhat Pirate crew. I'm used to making food with what's available, and the tails seemed the best place to start-" His excitement is more apparent in how his words speed up and tumble out of his muzzle, still not quite figuring out how to emote fully in this new body.

"I'm an omnivore, apparently, and this place has plenty as far as berries, but it's harder to find information on the meat portion of a balanced diet, which is important-" Gods, cooking for Luffy alone, one needed to know how to make good meat dishes, "Especially if they're so close, no wonder they're on the market like that..."

It dawns on him the weather outside, however, and he falters. "It's...probably not a good idea with the rain, huh?"

[dunchies]

In his mind, that pause of his was practically nonexistent if Sanji didn't bother to bring it up. A good sign to be sure; he's definitely not making this too weird. The tail must wag on. He listens intently, curious as to the others intentions, though he hopes — knows, even — that this is going where he wants it to. "That'd be good to find out, actually. I'm surprised they haven't had us newcomers help out more with food supplies. Probably just still apprehensive... but if there's more people asking about it..."

He trails off, though the earnestness in Sanji's voice keeps his excitement at a consistent level. Without even a second thought, he nods quickly at the other's request, his eyes practically glowing with childish admiration. "Y-yes, of course! That's—I mean—I'm Laios! I can help get you anything you need, and—and it's nice to meet you!" His thoughts are quickly becoming a jumbled mess, formalities mixing with the need to know everything he can about this new person effective immediately. A pirate! A chef! Someone actually considering proper nutrition around here! Somewhere, a Lum guildmember might be passing him a low shh, enough to get him to lower his voice at least a little bit.

"Also, berries are a big staple here, but they might be a bit different than what you're used to. Good to eat, but their properties make them more valuable for exploration, in my opinion. They're used for healing, antidotes, things like that," he clarifies first before jumping into the real meat of things. "You're right, though. There isn't much on recipes around here. I just found something about Milktank dairy production, but it didn't really get into the nutritional value or taste, either..."

When the realization dawns on him too, though, his voice falters just as much. "... Yeah, probably would be better to wait. I doubt the Slowpoke are out much in this weather, anyway. But... could I still ask if you have any meal ideas already? You must have a lot of experience as a chef."

[undeux_allblue]

((Cracks open the One Piece cookbook to make up some recipes-))]

Sanji tries not to smile too much at the wagging tail. It reminds him, endearingly, of a very delighted Chopper. It's not a bad thing at all. "Right? I understand being careful with your supplies-skies above do I-" He's invested in not one, but several padlocks for the fridge to keep certain snacky captains OUT of the important stuff... "But if we're popping in from different worlds, there could be food ideas we're all missing, that another might know...huh. I should ask on the broadcast snail sometime- er. It's not a snail here. Pearl. Whatever." Sentences that only make sense in context, and only barely.

And it's easy to get swept up in the enthusiasm! "Good to meet you, Laios! I'd like that, thanks. Did you cook often where you're fro-" the shushing happens from a Lum guild member, and it's almost comical how Sanji goes from grinning to an instant scowl at that pokemon, just barely keeping himself from sharing a few "choice words" with them. Butt out!!!!

....right, supposed to be quiet in this "library". Fine. Lowering volume.

It's fine though because that information about berries?? Incredible. So it's not just a currency here. Sanji's brain is already running a mile a minute with the possibilities here. Stars, Chopper would love those. "See and the books don't say a whole lot about that; seems like it's just common knowledge. But I wonder if you could enhance those qualities by cooking them in bigger quantities; curing poison to curing an illness? Something like that..." He has GOT to figure out a way to write in this form.

"You all have milk! That's excellent! The nutrition of it is likely different like you said, since it's for different creatures, yeah, but...if we have access, could do some trial and error?" His nose wrinkles slightly. "In my world, it could make my captain's and musician's teeth grow back near instantly. That may just be a devil fruit user thing, though. Still it's generally good for filling dishes..."

Sanji tilts his head, then nods. "We can take a 'rain check' eh?" Pun intended. He holds his paw to his face in a very human 'thinking' pose. "As for recipes... Plenty of options! A kid here helped me make a berry crisp earlier, and you all seem to have a fair access to dough, which is great. Pies, rolls, there's alot you could do with that. And the slowpoke tails I could see in a kebab style, easy, cut up if it's bigger than I'm thinking...if we have an equivalent to rice around here, that will also go far. Eggs... The tails specifically could be like water-water meat and work in a mean stir-fry. Sky's the limit!" Or paws. But he won't let them stop him for long, thanks!!

[dunchies]

With so much to ask in such short of time already, his curiosity is insatiable at this point. Even lacking context, there's some bits Laios understands fully. Managing limited supplies is a crucial skill, be it in a dungeon or on a ship, that much he knows. The snails, though — that's new. His head perks fully up, ready to ask, but doesn't manage to just yet. He'll file that one away for later.

Unlike Sanji, Laios doesn't pay the Lum member much mind, already too eager to jump over the interruption and keep their conversation going. His smile stays where it is, head tilting when the Vulpix glares over his shoulder. Quieter this time, Laios responds right where they left off: "I mostly just helped with prepwork. One of my friends — he was the real cook of our party. He could make the most delicious meals out of ingredients most people wouldn't even touch. I learned a lot about nutrition from him."

The thought warms his heart, but for a moment, his ears droop just slightly. Memories of his last adventure, of finally making meals out of monsters alongside his party — they easily bubble up to the surface with a bittersweet taste of nostalgia. But safe from the rain, he's able to keep them where they are and focus on the present. "I noticed that, too. They're selective with what goes in these tablets, I think," he starts, pausing with a little hum. "Oh, but actually, you might be interested in taking to the bakers in town. They use a lot of berries in their recipes. They can vary in flavor a lot, so some might even cook differently!"

His eyes are practically glowing with delight now, picturing each of Sanji's ideas alongside with him. He might even be drooling, just a bit, but he quickly licks his lips and lifts up a paw to wipe at the corner of his mouth. The rain can't end soon enough. "You already have so many ideas... travelling all over, you must have experience cooking all sorts of things. What was it like, back in your world? What kind of food did you make normally?"