TEST DRIVE MEME - APRIL

[thewatchers]

TESTDRIVE MEME
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Spring is right around the corner with the passing of the Equinox, and with the season comes the changing of quarters. Vacation is on everyone’s minds, but so are lovely flowers, unfortunately timed april showers, and the prospect of getting brand new digs. Watch out - mortals aren’t the only ones finding themselves more active this season.

A. Mushroom, Mushroom, Oooooh it’s a…. badger????
With the advent of spring comes new and interesting growth. Circles of mushrooms, more commonly known in folklore around the world as fairy rings, are beginning to sprout anywhere green on campus.

You’d be wise to heed the warnings of old stories, though; anyone who steps into a fairy ring will find themselves changed once they emerge from it, entirely at the mercy of the fae magic that created the ring. It might be nothing more than a simple change of hair colour or facial features, or it could be as alarming and startling as an entire change of species.

To restore yourself back to normal, you’ll have to find another fairy ring and step through it. Considering they’re all around campus, it’s probably not a hard task...but you’d better watch your step, or you might find yourself going through several involuntary shifts before you regain your form again!


B. Poisson, not Poison

April Fools! Or April’s Fish as it is known in France. For reasons even the locals don’t know, the prankster holiday has a long association with fish, and it’s not difference on campus. It’s a yearly tradition to play a game of ‘tag the fish’, where students and faculty alike race to see who can stick the most fish - Paper, though it hasn’t stopped people from using literal fish - onto victims by noon. Winners of this little contest are treated to a special dinner.

There is absolutely no fishy business about the dinner, the staff assures you.

C. Clean Room, Clean Room, Move Down!

With Winter Quarter coming to an end and Spring Quarter starting up, students are given the option to move dorms. As students make (or lose) friends, it is not uncommon for them to want to room together or very, very far apart and the Academy is happy to facilitate this. And so, in the weeks leading up to Spring break students are able to submit room change requests, which, once approved, will give them a few weeks to clear out of their old dorm entirely and move into their new one. This can be quite the process and while the school does make moving equipment available in the form of boxes, dollies, and golf carts, students are typically on their own. With so many moving dorms at the same time, it can be a haphazard time, especially with all the golf carts whizzing about.

D. How I will Spend My Spring Vacation (text)

Hey everyone, Spring break’s coming, aren’t you excited?! I know not everyone’s going to be going on the school sponsored trip, so let’s hear where you’re doing for vacation! And if you can’t go anywhere neat, let’s hear about your dream destination!

[ The answers are, naturally, public. ]

Comments

[arcadianvampire]

Every spring, without fail. I believe it's their way of celebrating the end of winter.

Don't step into those rings if you know what's good for you.

[evangelclairvoyance]

I'll be sure to keep that in mind. Thank you for the warning, Mr...?

[as if he doesn't know exactly who this is]

[arcadianvampire]

Valvatorez. Professor Valvatorez.

[And with the introduction, a suitably dramatic cape swish.]

And you must be a new arrival. Allow me to welcome to Daybreak Academy, Mr...?

[evangelclairvoyance]

Please, call me Christo. And I must say, this is quite the surprise. I've heard your name, but I never expected to meet the Tyrant King of Fear in the flesh.

[He's shorter than Christo thought he'd be]

[arcadianvampire]

[Valvatorez quietly chuckles.]

So you've heard of me. I haven't been called that in some time. [It brings back some pleasant memories, though.] But I don't carry that title these days.

[Though he does smirk a little.]

Except around midterms and finals. But for entirely different reasons.

[evangelclairvoyance]

[He laughs lightly]

I should hope so. Most students would prefer to keep their lives at the end of their exams, I imagine.

Defense Against Daemons and Vampires, correct? I believe I'm taking that class this term. Any pointers you'd be willing to give a new student?

[arcadianvampire]

No one has died in my classes since I started teaching. Of anything other than embarrassment, anyway.

The best advice is obvious, and the kind that too few take to heart: Come to class, do the homework and the readings. Put in the effort. And never be afraid to ask questions if you're unsure about anything. It can mean the difference between passing and failing, as well as life and death when you have to apply it.

[It's a frank, honest, but also supportive answer. It sounds like he's a tough one to please, but... not necessarily unfair either.]

Are you taking the practical portion of the class as well? If so... I would advise spending plenty of time training in the Mythril Cage as well. Keeping your body sharp is just as important as your mind when facing daemons.

[evangelclairvoyance]

Of course. Theory is all well and good, but it's a different story entirely to see your foe for yourself.

I'm a little surprised to hear you haven't made it mandatory. Lessons aside, it seems as though it would be an excellent opportunity to show off your skill.

[arcadianvampire]

Not everyone is old enough, nor is everyone suited for the rigors of combat. The knowledge part of the class is all very useful information, however, and can be applied to many things later in life. But not every student is cut out to be a warrior, and some may simply not choose to walk that path. I'm not here to force students into a lifestyle they do not wish to live. If a student wishes to become a forgemaster, they could apply what I taught to making better weapons, for example.

And I have no interest in showing off. I am an educator, first and foremost. Anything I illustrate in practical examinations is for students to learn from, not to stroke my own ego.

[evangelclairvoyance]

I see...

[This is unusual. He expected a daemon to be more bloodthirsty than this. Instead, Valvatorez almost sounds as if he cares.]

I had heard you'd taken a shine to humanity, but I didn't think I'd ever see the day Tyrant Valvatorez became such a passionate teacher.

This truly is a remarkable school.

[arcadianvampire]

Hmhm, sounds like you already did some research before you arrived here. Am I really so interesting these days? Most only bother with the Tyrant.

[The question's actually delivered in a surprisingly humble way, despite how it may sound.]

It truly is. I quite enjoy it here. And I hope you will too. And if you have a sweet tooth, the bakeries around here are to die for.

[evangelclairvoyance]

[Unsure if threat... Though he still makes note of it. He has a weakness for tea and cakes.]

Haha, was I that obvious? I like to make sure I have as clear a picture as possible, particularly when that picture is of a supposedly reformed master of terror.