006 ⟡ NOVEMBER TEST DRIVE

[bayhelpers]

⋆✩ test drive 06 ✩⋆

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

OUT OF THE FRYING TUBES…

The first thing you notice is the heat. It’s dry and sweltering, a pressuring thing that surrounds you in darkness. Opening your eyes reveals that it’s not just the temperature doing this however - no, all around you is a near total darkness, broken only by the soft glow of red gold that creeps in from distant cracks.

And perhaps, in some circumstances, yourself.

The tunnels here appear to be lava tubes, long faded from primary use by the caldera nearby. While the occasional pool of hot molten rock can be spotted throughout this impressive maze, it never seems difficult to avoid. In fact, the deeper you go, the more evidence you find that someone - or at least, something - even lived here!

Staying here is probably not going to feel comfortable however. Not unless you’re Fire or Ground type. Escaping the tunnels is only half the battle, too, as the exits lead to a desolate plain of ash and dust. The caldera of Furnace Mountain is hot indeed, and it seems that’s precisely where you wound up! But perhaps, another kind Pokemon will appear to help lead you to somewhere safer?

AND INTO THE FIRE

⟡ Furnace Mountain’s regions all return to the settlement of (Death Blood Murder) Skull Town easily, but it’s not impossible for Pokemon to get lost and wander from the tunnels to other locations:

The Caldera Crater is a maze of molten lava and narrow walkways, where one can eventually find a crooked Obsidian Spire - making contact with this will cause a chorus of shouts to echo through one’s mind.

The Plateau in the meantime is covered with numerous geysers, with safe paths marked by what appear to be skeletal remains. They lead to a valley filled with even more such skeletons, many of them partially melted.

⟡ Worry not dear Pokemon, for Lurantis, the Mayor of Skull Town, will be sending rescue crews to your location; in addition to current Players, various Ghost Pokemon will likely answer the call to guide others out.

⟡ For those who remain in Skull Town for a time, they will find the village primarily focused on either rescuing newcomers or preparing for winter: Characters may find themselves swiftly recruited to help dry foods, or gather wood.

⟡ While TDM events specifically will occur here, Players are welcome to have their Top Levels involve other locations as well.

ii. BRISK BREEZES

KNOCK ON SUDOWOODO

For the most part Pokemon are encouraged to return to Bottlecap Bay as quickly as possible - rather, to be brought there for the first time. The Guilds are all located there after all, and it will be far easier to settle Pokemon into their new homes if the Leaders are able to meet them in person. With the winter season right around the corner, everyone is trying to avoid travelling unnecessarily; they held that mayoral vote for a reason after all!

While much of the food stores have been prepared, that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do either. In addition to putting together warm materials for beds, or cutting and preserving the last of the autumn harvest, a good number of Pokemon have started their own efforts to prepare the guilds, and gladly accept extra help from these newcomers! In Cheri Guild, everyone gathers to build stronger, more weather resistant rooftops for the otherwise open tree houses, with some even gathering large leaves to make curtain walls - the more that the wind can be kept out, the warmer they will be, and starting a fire in these buildings is ill advised.

In Oran in the meantime, an enterprising Tinkaton has started work on a bilge pump system - an incredibly relieved Mightyena is happily telling everyone who will listen that if they’re lucky, they won’t have to worry about flooding until the seasons warm up again.

Even the Lum Berry Guild has their hands on something, even if it isn’t anything quite as impressive; given the weather preparations they haven’t had time to put together any special escape rooms this time, but they’re at least willing to send out less busy members to give tours of the town.

Though of course, the quality of the tours vary, and it’s hardly as if the new Pokemon can offer to help tour themselves!

…Right?

YOU JYNXED IT!

⟡ Pokemon who assist in any of the three projects - including the tours, which they can indeed attempt for themselves, will find themselves granted an article of warm clothing. Stay warm everyone!

⟡ For current players, Player Quests as referenced can be found here, along with many other wonderful submissions!

⟡ As Guild Leaders will be taking their time to decide on who fits best in each group, housing is at the moment an open bag. Players are free to assume anyone from Oran, to Cheri, to even Lum opened their room to other Pokemon to be shared - they can even assume residence at Skull Town for the time being if they wish!

iii. FREEZE THE DAY

WINTER HAS COME

It happens without warning. A sudden chilled wind from the coast - a darkening of the skies that would normally entail thunder, and rainshowers. Rather than the anticipated storm however, weather experts at Lum are quick to sound the alarm: a blizzard is here!

With just moments to spare, all Pokemon residents - and even some visiting wild Pokemon, who are confused but grateful all the same - are herded into the nearest shelter. Houses, Guilds, even storefronts become temporary homes as the snow blasts through the streets, freezing anything in its path. While some Pokemon might find the conditions tolerable, the leaders of each region are enacting a No Exceptions policy to the rule, even making use of Pokemon abilities to locate anyone who might be in danger.

With the snow storm in full force, it’s on the various guilds to find methods to pass the time. The winter storm can’t last forever, but if it does they’ve fortunately prepared. At this point in the year, there was very little food that would need to be sourced from outside each building - each and every location has at least a small connection to the storage tunnels below, and the Oran berries even have access to sheltered portions of the ocean. Even the newly planted Winter Gardens are well protected, with one of Lurantis’ first orders of business being to put enough fencework up that they could roof things in if need be.

Entertainment will be the true struggle, and each Guild Leader has their own method at the problem - as does Lurantis, back in Skull Town. And fortunately for those with Grumpig Pearls, it’s possible to make your own fun as well!

Unless you actually enjoy the ice breakers, of course.

HOW ABOUT SOME ICE BREAKERS?

⟡ There are a variety of ways Pokemon will be catching others outside, including methods such as ‘Future Sight’. Players are free to get creative with how other Pokemon might find their characters (and vice versa, with Player permission).

⟡ Each Guild has their own unique set of ‘Ice Breakers’:

The Oran Guild involves various races, as well as seek-and-find games through their more sheltered tunnels, capitalizing on their ability to remain active. They also host a number of slumber parties to help keep everyone as warm as possible.

The Cheri Guild also hosts sleep overs, as well as various crafting circles within their huts - that way, they can do something useful! As the buildings are connected via bridges, Teleporting Pokemon within the guild have offered to graciously lend their power to get everyone between the necessary buildings.

The Lum Guild has access to the archives, so a similar Teleport use is offered on a case-by-case basis to get Pokemon into the Archives; try not to abuse this, everyone! Once in the Archives they’ll find plenty to read and study, and some Pokemon are even hosting ‘board game’ parties! Though they seem somewhat confused about how these board games work.

Last but not least, those in Skull Town will have found themselves herded into the primary housing facility to sleep together. Lurantis, despite her anxiety with crowds, has actually arranged a variety of simple ‘Get to Know Each Other’ activities such as word games in the hopes of keeping everyone entertained. She seems stressed, but she’s clearly trying to keep the peace.

⟡ It’s more than possible for members of one Guild to end up sheltering within another. Due to the distance between them however, someone stuck in Cheri won’t be able to simply teleport to the Lum Archives, and vice versa. Long Distance Teleporters are too focused on the clinic!

⟡ Grumpig Pearls will be working perfectly despite the blizzard, due to their use of Psychic energy rather than anything that relies on a signal - because of this, characters may feel free to get creative about how to use their Pearls to entertain themselves and others.

IT’S SNOW MUCH FUN!

When the winds and snows of the blizzard settle down, Bottlecap Bay and Skull Town wake to a beautifully sunny landscape covered in white. It’s just warm enough during the day that snows start to melt, and trees drip water and handfuls of snow onto everyone’s heads. (Sometimes entire heaps come sliding off at once - if you’re a smaller Pokemon, careful you don’t get buried!) The ground cover is far too deep to disappear completely, though, so the first order of business everywhere is digging walkways through the snow.

Once that’s done and everyone’s had a breath of fresh air, though, Pokemon find ways to take out all the pent up energy of being snowed in! It’s very easy to find a snowball fight, or join in on building a fort - or both! Or if all that’s a bit too frivolous for you… there’s rumors going around of a giant snowbeast that’s been glimpsed around the borders of Bottlecap Bay, ducking in and out of forest. Descriptions aren’t consistent, so it might just be gossip that’s been blown out of proportion, but maybe it’s worth investigating?

Over in Skull Town, Lurantis flits to and fro frantically, visibly stressed. The harvest was practically done, so very little has actually gone wrong. However, it’s very early in the year for such a bad snowstorm, and she has terrible feelings about what it might mean for this winter. Pokemon who don’t seem busy with something else might get pointed toward collecting more firewood, or better insulating Skull Town buildings, or other winter preparation tasks.

On one particular day, one of the mountains around Crowncork Valley experiences an avalanche - snow shears off near the top and tumbles down in a giant sheet, piling up at the bottom and invading the very edge of the valley. It’s an impressive sight - nearly all Pokemon in town pause and watch in awe before returning to their tasks. Good thing that wasn’t closer! Hopefully no one was out there…

EVERY DAY I’M SHOVELIN’

⟡ There are numerous ways to get rid of snow, with some Pokemon moves more effective than others. While Fire is strong against Ice, it results in a lot of snowmelt that gets everything wet - Pokemon will find that as long as they can push the snow elsewhere, it’s a lot more effective than trying to just vaporize it.

⟡ Pokemon who investigate particularly deep into these ‘Snowbeast’ tales will find themselves incredibly confused - at least until the end of the month, where one such ‘beast’ finally slips up. It appears a group of Solosis were inspired by scary tales of something their Uncle Reuniclus saw just at the end of October. A big, tall monster, with frozen clouds at its feet, and horns of ice…what could that be?

⟡ Those who help Lurantis won’t receive any points for their guild, but she’ll be incredibly grateful for the assistance given how new she is to her position! She’ll speak to any such volunteers individually, and while she admits she can’t give them anything now she tells each one to come visit once spring is here.

✩ OOC NOTES.

⟡ TDM CWS: Skeletal Remains, Hard Wintering conditions, Pokemon Typical Violence

⟡ 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, they may assume themselves to share rooms within any one of them during the course of the TDM.

⟡ 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.

⟡ Rough Timing on the prompts are as follows: the Blizzard will begin on November 20th, and lasts until the 23rd for a full three days. The avalanche in Crowncork occurs on November 27th. Thank goodness it didn’t happen to the town somehow right?

⟡ 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

[wolfcut]

[ She speaks. That comes with some relief on his end, but they're not out of the woods yet. ]

No, I'm dead serious. [ And grateful she's not just dead, period. He moves to prop her up, if she lets him. ] Pass out from the cold or something?

[ He doesn't want to bombard her with questions while she's still coming-to, but that initial relief is slowly turning into confusion. Of all the places to take a nap, Archnemon. ]

[wovensecrets]

[ Groggily, she starts putting together that the voice speaking to her is familiar, as she lets him assist in steadying her.

It is too cold. She hates how cold she is, she had been able to deal with trudging along through it until she ended up lying right in it. Couldn't have been for too long, but then again she knew time in this place liked to mess with her more often than not.

That heavy fringe tended to hang in front of her eyes and they were feeling a bit too sensitive for a visual cue, but. There's something lingering, about the feelings, and dealing with that extra layer of sense processing. ]

... N-no. The cold doesn't usually bother me like this. It was... something else that came up suddenly.

[ She wants a better grasp of her surroundings before assigning any potential blame, anyway. ]

[wolfcut]

[ His face scrunches up. That's not really an answer at all, but what else did he expect. ]

Something or someone? [ She doesn't look like she was attacked by anyone, nor are there any other scents around for him to pick up on. Besides him and her, all that's left is the lingering smell of sunflower seeds, which only makes his brows furrow in frustration all over again. ] Here. Even if it wasn't the cold.

[ He slips his scarf off and wraps it around her instead. Tries to, anyway. She doesn't exactly have much of a neck for it to rest on. ]

[wovensecrets]

Huh? Oh... thank you.

[ Even after a few months here she's still taken off guard when someone is just trying to be helpful with a gesture. She adjusts some of her hair to better support the scarf wrapping effort. It's... an attempt at warmth, at least.

Where were they, right, her non-answers. No, all of this was starting to come together a little better now that she was getting sturdier and more awareness. It's always more awkward explaining when someone wasn't aware of her little problem. ]

As for your question, it's more of a... combination. I have a sensitivity to emotions, so if something happened here...

[ Or to him specifically, she doesn't say, but she knows she probably doesn't need to even ask now that she's gotten more of her bearings. ]

[wolfcut]

[ He steps back to fold his arms once she takes over adjusting the scarf herself. The better solution would be to carry her back inside, but that's hard to do with his lack of size.

At least she's being a little more forthcoming, even if that does give him pause now. ]

... Oh. [ A beat. ] What kind of emotions exactly?

[wovensecrets]

[ They're both rather tiny, but it can't be helped. Adjusting the scarf at least helps in trying to focus away from the cold and... oh. More questions, of course.

It was always awkward when it was the driver of the vehicle not sure about the alleged incident they were involved in. In her mind, it should be obvious, but she's greatly come to understand that a lot of people are not, in fact, aware of what they're putting out there until some empath falls over in their path... ]

Well, it was a very sharp spiking of exasperation, among other things layered together. My guess would be someone's intentional poking went a little too far and a little too deep for comfort. [ Rather she guesses that if Bigby has been a troll target for her, that others might also take advantage in some way. Or he really did get too irritated at the drop of a hat ... ] The area seemed calmer before, or I wouldn't have come this direction.

[wolfcut]

Right... [ He's following where she's going. To think he can continue finding new ways to fuck things up for people. ]

Dealing with little pricks tends to do that. It's not... that bad still, is it?

[ Another question for her troubles. As peeved as he is, it's currently being overshadowed by his concern for her, so maybe that counts for something. Throw him a bone here, Archnemon. ]

I can walk you away from here if that helps. Or just leave. I don't know.

[wovensecrets]

... I'll manage. Just try not to worry too much about it, or make it weird.

[ Manage, she says, while still partially braced against him wrapped in his scarf. At least not swaying on her feet. She can tell that his concern is starting to better balance his annoyance. That's... something, anyway. ]

If you're willing to walk with me, it will help to... refocus.

[ She hates asking for help, isn't it obvious. But she also knows denying it has not done her any favors with this condition. ]

[wolfcut]

[ His nose scrunches as if he wants to comment, but inevitably he lets it go. Don't make it weird. Fine. Okay. Whatever that means. ]

Sure. Let's take a walk. [ Bigby starts to step forward carefully, not wanting to rush ahead while she's still getting her bearings. Luckily a good chunk of the snow was already cleared out before his little disturbance. ] Got anywhere in mind or were you just enjoying the outdoors before, uh. You know. Me.

[ He's not sure if outright saying it qualifies as making it weird or not. ]

[wovensecrets]

I had just been taking a walk...

[ Sigh. Not exactly making it weird but she also didn't know what to do with the concern. Something with more productive intent, perhaps. ]

But a change of scenery might not hurt, for having a destination point of sorts. Tea somewhere maybe?

[wolfcut]

[ He scowls, unable to keep himself from quietly adding: ] Let me clarify. Take a walk together.

[ Maybe he ought to let her mess with him more. That sure put her in a good mood that one time. Regardless, he nods at her suggestion. ]

Not a bad idea. I could use a drink. [ Something stronger than tea admittedly, but he's fine with it. ] The café should be close enough. I'm sure they're begging for business after the storm.

[wovensecrets]

... Right.

[ Food places, a nice neutral topic. She could work with that, in the effort to stay focused anyway. A temporary focal point out of the mire. ]

If they're open, it's a prime opportunity. I admit, I had been struggling to find any sort of appeal to this weather, but it does seem to make some things taste better, at least.

[wolfcut]

Worst of it is when you're forced to stay inside, but days like these aren't so bad. [ Despite his ears feeling like they're about to freeze off, being out in the fresh air has been a welcome change of pace. ] Makes even terrible coffee halfway decent, as long as it's hot enough.

[ Suddenly, his head tilts with the realization that he actually knows so little about who she is and where she came from, the food she's talking about could be wildly different. ]

Or were you thinking actual food, like soup or something?

[ He's telling a bit on himself, believing coffee alone is a substantial enough meal. ]

[wovensecrets]

Of course I mean soup. Though it already starts off at a higher bar, right?

[ When she thinks of coffee, it reminds her of another individual. Even the sentiment of 'terrible' coffee almost being decent draws on something familiar. So, to her own chagrin, she finds herself adding: ]

Besides... the coffee was usually reserved for someone else, anyway, so I haven't really had it much at all.

[ A fabled treat, withheld to the point she hadn't even considered trying it in a place she would have been free to try it anyway. Weird. ]

[wolfcut]

Soup’s never really been my go-to. [ Which is to say, it’s fine, if just a little light whenever he did actually remember to eat something. ] Eating it from a can probably doesn’t do it any favors.

[ He doesn’t look at her, but his ears do twitch just a tad. Yet another person denied a cup of coffee back home. Either it’s some kind of delicacy across worlds, or he’s been drinking it far too much himself. ]

You know, you’re not the first to say that. You ever thought about actually trying it?

[wovensecrets]

Eh-? No, it didn't occur to me, really...

[ Because avoiding it was just so second nature. Because she can even vaguely recall what happened the last time she'd ever considered even trying a cup, as a pick-me-up, knowing how adamant her Boss had been about how it had practically sustained him. It just wasn't allowed. Right. Time to spin out of that surprise brush with unpleasantness. ]

But none of that should matter here, so maybe you'll have to introduce me to a good cup of coffee. If you're willing to broaden your horizons on soup, of course.

[wolfcut]

... Mm.

[ Bigby pulls a seed from his pocket. Something to chew on while he considers the chain of responses she's had. He already knows she's not going not going to answer if he asks, but there's enough there for him to paint just the faintest outline of a picture.

But, more importantly, she's not opposed to the idea now, presumably away from whoever that someone else was. ]

Not exactly an afficionado, but fair enough trade. [ He glances at her with a small smirk. ] You got a favorite I should try first then?

[wovensecrets]

A recommendation? Hn...

[ Certainly she has plenty of favorites, even if certain ones seemed less accessible here likely due to just how much had to go into making things from scratch. Even if she's quickly becoming aware she probably should be looking further into that sort of thing herself, pride and complicated feelings regarding that aside. Someone else wasn't there to, and she hadn't cared until she found herself taking up that mantle with the kids... that she's... taken in? She twirls the edge of the scarf slightly, her own version of a minor fidget since she couldn't do it with her hair as easily in this form, while she focuses back on his question. ]

Well, there are plenty of things that I enjoy, but you might want to give me a better ideas of what flavors you prefer and any major ingredients to avoid, if any~ Though I have a feeling you may be more in favor of a western style that's closer to a stew or curry...

[ So something... hearty? What was that, potatoes, carrots... what sort of broth? Really depended how well he did with "spicy"... ]

[wolfcut]

As long as it's not sweet, or full of tomatoes, I'm not that picky.

[ Said in between chewing at the end of his seed before finally just eating the whole damn thing outright. Hard to be picky, he should clarify, when he's stuck like this, though he's had more cheap canned tomato soup back home than he'd like to admit. He sighs. ]

Stew's the kind with meat in it? [ What even is the difference between them all. Without his own accessory to fidget with now, he settles for brushing one of his ears back, the other paw sliding into his pocket to stay warm. ] I guess... pork or beef or whatever else they have would be a plus.

[ He does not feel inclined to add his usual preference for goat or deer in the mix. Weird. ]

Been told I should eat more vegetables though. Maybe soup's the way to do it.

[wovensecrets]

Could be. There are soups which incorporate plenty of vegetables... and of course possibilities for different broths will always create a new taste! There's also ones that are more cream based, instead. Miso can be quite versatile as well, ingredient or otherwise.

[ Removing tomatoes doesn't limit the pool too much, though at least it helps know how to narrow down ideas as she listens to him muse further. Even if her own mood has perked up considerably. Hard not to, with the subject. She's more used to someone else rambling about it, but she'd certainly been along for the ride. ]

Although, if they have wonton, that would be a good addition...

[wolfcut]

You really know your stuff. [ Sounds like they landed on exactly the right topic of conversation to get her in a better mood. All the better that she's taking the lead on it, because he certainly doesn't know a thing about soup beyond the basics. ] Huh. Didn't even think about wonton soup...

[ Bigby and Chinese takeout. Of course he can't resist. Now that they've had enough time to reach a more central spot, he pauses to weigh their options. ]

Well, café's over there, but sounds like you might want to check around the food stalls first? [ He glances at her and then their surroundings. ] Your choice. I'm buying. [ Obviously with all the goodwill he's amassed around town. ]

[wovensecrets]

Oh? With all this talk...

[ Not to mention the amount of walking and use of energy which was not insignificant. Though she hadn't counted on him offering to buy. As she gives the end of the scarf another small twirl. Was he really feeling that guilty for what had happened? Well. She was going to employ her own strategy of trying not to think about it, anyway. It was more gratifying just to have the knowledge appreciated, if a little odd. ]

Well, we can see if the crepes stall is open. There's usually a decent selection there...

[wolfcut]

... Crepes? [ After all that about soups? What a bait-and-switch, he thinks, but fine. He'll humor her. ] As long they have more than just desserts.

[ He pauses, nose twitching slightly before he continues in a slightly new direction. As much as he could have stopped and asked for directions, fiinding it himself is so much simpler, especially when the smell of cooking batter isn't too hard to pick up on. ]

Here. This one do it for you?

[ He motions at the handwritten menu posted just in front of the stall. Sweets seem to be the popular choice, but they certainly do have options, just as she said. ]

[wovensecrets]

[ He's still on the hook for soup, but it wasn't something easily given out at a stall, and right now she was still feeling too nostalgic for the best wonton and ramen soup she'd ever had that she had felt compelled to go for something different.

Not that she says that, of course. ]

Yes, crepes. The savory kinds have plenty of vegetables. See?

[ Motioning with one of her hair tendrils toward the other options. And no tomatoes listed! Or tamato berries either, for that matter. ]

Just think of it as another way of introducing yourself to more variety first.

[wolfcut]

[ Of course the first one he happens to look at is the kind with cheese and some kind of meat. He is a parody of himself, truly. Folding his arms, he tries not to make it too obvious when he switches his focus to the one she points out for him. ]

... Guess I could give it a shot. [ He's sure it'll taste fine. Variety is its own spice. ] You planning on going savory too?