abraxasooc | TEST DRIVE MEME #7

Entry tags:

!test drive

TEST DRIVE MEME #7

TEST DRIVE MEME

Welcome to the seventh test drive meme for Abraxas! This meme is run a little bit differently than most in that you'll be asked to choose one of the three different arrival scenarios below for your character to take. If you have any questions about this mechanic or anything else related to the TDM, please take a look at the questions below or ask one of your own under the Questions header below. For general game questions please still use the FAQ.

Our Setting pages are full of information on the world of Abraxas, and an overview of the story so far can be found on our Game History page! Anything on that page - including information about the Horizon and the Singularity - can be assumed to be told to newcomers after they arrive, no matter which faction they are received in. For more information on Ambrose and the apprentice mages, Marlo, and Rowan, please see our NPCs page.

You can also find answers to questions asked on previous TDMs in their respective questions threads.

For characters who arrive in SOLVUNN: Recently, following the events in which some of the Summoned received visions of each other's past, locals in Solvunn have begun to approach the Summoned with a sort of awe and respect. Those who arrive in Solvunn will find themselves treated much the same way and may be asked for advice or given gifts that seem like offerings such as wine, harvest bounties, or some incredibly delicious goat cheese. Your character is free to turn these down and should they turn down enough people, they will not be bothered further, out of concern of offending the Summoned.

Arrival

You awaken suspended in the abyss, silent darkness stretching out in all directions. If you try to yell, you'll find that the sound doesn't carry. If you try to move, you'll find it's impossible to tell whether or not you're actually getting anywhere. If you reach for an item you were carrying last time you remember being awake, your hand will only touch bare skin.

You're naked and floating helplessly through the void, and what little air you have in your lungs is running out.

There's a pinprick of light that almost looks like a faraway star but as it grows it becomes clear that it's actually quite close. Through the opening you can see a bright room, but it's hard to make out any individual objects, as if you're looking from beneath rippling water.

Scenario One: Welcome to Thorne

A hand plunges through and you realize water is just what it is. Whether you take hold of the hand or not it will grab you and yank you up through the surface, lifting you out until you're sprawled on solid ground. Once you catch your breath, you can get a better look at the surroundings: tall trees and even taller stone pillars surround the platform you're laying on. Behind you is an ornate fountain, the base of which is so deep and so dark you might be compelled to scramble away from it lest it suck you back in to that endless abyss. Ahead of you are the walls of a large castle with several tall towers reaching up towards the sky.

If you had any powers, they feel unusually weak. Attempts to use magic or enhanced strength or powers of any sort fizzle out without any effect, but they don't feel completely gone, either.

Set into an indent on a marble slab behind the fountain is a card bearing the image of one of the arcana.

An apprentice mage - the one whose hand lifted you out of the fountain - brushes the water off on their robes and runs back to join a group of three others, who all stare intently at a mage with highly decorated robes and a large, heavy book. He peers up at you for a moment and starts flipping through the book.

"One moment," he says, not bothering to look up from the tome. He looks tired. "I am Ambrose Rhett, the High Mage of the Kingdom of Thorne. We’ll explain everything in a moment, but for now, please calm down. You’re completely fine."

Regardless of your response, he keeps flipping through the pages, until he stops on one specific passage, stares at it for a moment, and then sighs with relief:

"Finally!"

Ambrose's expression brightens, relief visible across his features. He waves one of the apprentices over with a fine silk tunic, pants, and some basic sandals and with a wave of his hand they reshape to fit you perfectly.

"Oh, thank heavens," he says, closing the book and approaching you with a sort of worn-out relief. “I was beginning to believe we’d never get it exactly right.”

Now that he's not hunching over the book, he doesn't seem quite so stuffy and inapproachable. The apprentices all seem to visibly relax, and the one that handed you the tunic stops to take the tarot card down from the marble slab. If you show any curiosity about the card, they'll let you take a longer look, but won't let you touch it.

"Please, come with me," he says, motioning for you to follow him towards the castle. "As promised, my pupils will explain your current situation. And, ah - if you had any magic of your own, or other special abilities you can't access right now, fear not, they'll return within the week. The summoning takes a lot out of you."

One of the apprentices steps forward and rattles on and on about the castle, Thorne itself, the names of a bunch of royals and nobles, and of course, your reason for being here. The Kingdom and the world itself is in great peril, and tales of your exploits have reached far and wide across universes. If asked about these exploits, the apprentice will simply smile and shrug. The High Mage was happy to see you and that's good enough.

Once inside the castle you're taken to the North Wing, which has been set up as living quarters for you and your fellow newcomers. There are four people to a room, but each generously-sized bed has opaque curtains that can be drawn around it. You can meet your roommates here and discuss your shared situation (those who were previously brought in may have a great deal of information to tell you), or you can wander around and meet the others.

There's also a dining hall stocked with a rotating 24/7 buffet in celebration of the new honored guests. Somehow, your very favorite food is part of the rotation (or at least an attempted recreation of it given the limited technology available to the Thorneans). The town surrounding the castle is all abuzz as well, with most shops and services willing to give free samples of their wares to the new arrivals.

You may also notice that your sign is embroidered on your tunic: the same image you saw on the card from before with the name of the sign itself beneath it. If you ask the castle residents, they'll tell you a little bit about your sign (and will mostly stick to the positives, although some might point out the negatives).

Last (and, if you ask anyone else in the castle, least) there is a worn stone staircase leading underground to the dungeon. You can go there, if you wish, but all powers are restricted in the dungeons and most of the cells stand empty.

Scenario Two: Welcome to the Free Cities

You find yourself pulled from the water by a pair of strong hands. Dry warmth hits you at once as you're set on a warm hard floor. As your senses return you realize you're on dull ruddy stone and surrounded by strangers. Men and women in unfamiliar uniforms of brown and red leather stand in a semi-circle around a small pool of water. The very pool you were just pulled from. The water is still now, rimmed in pale gold tiles with odd symbols etched into them. Across it on the far side is a raised pedestal with a card propped on it. The card bears an arcana symbol.

You feel weak. Drained. Any abilities or magical powers you have seem far away and impossible to access. You're in what looks like a cave lit by dozens and dozens of torches set into the wall. There's no furniture or decoration to be seen besides the pool. It's almost uncomfortably warm and there's the sound of rushing wind somewhere in the distance. Flickering shadows obscure the faces of the guards. A robed woman stands off to the side, looking at you anxiously and then to the authoritative woman standing before you. She's grinning, dressed in a fancier uniform than the others. There's a sword at her hip. A guard covers you with a blanket and returns to their place in the semi-circle.

The woman with the sword gives a nod of approval and smiles warmly.

"Sorry about the circumstances."

She gives you a good hard look before standing again.

"Take a minute, catch your breath, you've had quite a shock. Take it nice and easy. I'm Prime Minister Marlo Reiner and you're in The Free Cities. That nice lady over there will explain everything to you and get you settled." A nod to the robed woman off to the side.

Marlo Reiner steps back and the robed mage approaches to help you up.

"Come with me, please." She brings you out of the cave through a corridor that angles upwards until you emerge in what looks like some kind of storage facility. Shelves of wooden boxes and cloth bags line them, unidentifiable parts of what might be machines are tucked into corners and propped against shelving units. "This is one of the Free Cities' outposts," the mage explains as she leads you. "We're honored to have you with us, I'm sure you have many questions but please save them. You need to recover!"

You'll learn you're in the Cadens Desert Outpost 003, a military outpost on the outskirts of Cadens city. You're brought to a room in the barracks that's been prepared. Each barracks room is rather sparse and utilitarian. Six simple beds set against the wall, three on each side of the room, each with a trunk at the foot of it. You're told the world is in a delicate and dangerous times and you're needed to help. You're important, you're told, and they're very grateful you're here.

You're asked to stay close for the time being, but to make yourself at home. The outpost is more a proper military base than the name implies, with full facilities. The barracks have a communal bathing room at the end of the hall, with curtains that can be pulled around the individual raised round tubs for privacy. There's a mess hall that has food available from sun up till a few hours after sundown. You're even encouraged to make use of the training grounds, if you'd like, with non-lethal training weapons available for use and obstacle courses set up. And the city of Cadens is only a couple of hours away by wagon - though you're asked initially to please be back at the outpost within a few hours of the sun going down.

For your own safety.

Scenario Three: Welcome to Solvunn

The feeling of floating is the first sense that comes to you as the edges of unconsciousness start to ebb. Sunlight filters through the rippling water as you open your eyes, making you squint. Before you have the chance to panic and inhale, firm hands grasp your arms and pull you to the surface of the water. Moments later, soft warmth is wrapped around your shoulders as you're guided on unsteady legs out of a pool of water. You're lowered to the soft grass. Men and women in simple garments with lavish embroidery stand by, waiting with bated breath, glancing seriously at an old man in an ornate robe. He holds an old leather-bound book in one hand and in the other is a card bearing an arcana symbol. His eyes move quickly over the page, and he mumbles idly to himself.

Any strength you may have possessed feels as though it has slipped through your fingers. Any abilities or magical powers you have don't come to the surface no matter how hard you try. You're in a grassy clearing in the midst of a circle of large stone slabs stacked to look like doorways. In the middle is the same glimmering pool you were just pulled from. A gentle breeze blows through, carrying the scent of flowers and herbs from an ornately decorated altar set off in front of one of the stone doorways. The mage closes his book and steps out of the water, addressing a matronly old woman. Behind her are two younger people, a rough-looking man, and a meek young girl, both of whom are also watching the mage.

“I detect no ill will from the gods, it seems we've been blessed with success.” Those that had gathered all breathe a sigh of relief and now seem pleased.

The old woman smiles and steps forward, offering to take your hands and help you stand. “Any gift the gods give us is one we will happily take. I'm certain you have many questions, and they will all be answered in time. For now, rest and know you will be taken care of.”

She pats the top of your hand and steps away with a serene smile, letting one of the others come forward with some clothes that seem to fit you perfectly. Once you're dressed, someone approaches to drape a delicate-looking charm depicting a butterfly with too many wings on a thin chain over your neck. The rough-looking man from before steps forward once you're decent and motions with his head outside of the stone circle. His speech is informal, his consonants harsh.

“Hold your horses, I can see all those questions coming about! Rowan March, at your service. I'm one of the council members of Solvunn. There's a lot to discuss, but it's best talked about over a hot meal.” He leads you to a horse-drawn carriage and helps you up into the back. He talks the entire ride to the settlement.

You find out you are in the Primary Settlement, the first of three that make up Solvunn's great territory. The settlement is situated between two lakes and is humming with life. You're brought to the center of town and escorted to an apartment above one of the establishments in town. Rowan explains that the living conditions are temporary if you'd like them to be, that local families would also be happy to host you in their home. That there are others like you who have also taken up residence within the three settlements. You're told that the world hangs upon the brink of disaster and that there are those in this world that are happy to see it fall to ruin with their meddling.

You're important. The gods have graced them with your presence. They're delighted you're here. Welcome to Solvunn.

Everything you need has been provided in this humble apartment, and if it hasn't, there are shops that line the streets and a marketplace in the center of town. Owners of some establishments or stalls are more than happy to give out samples or barter with your time for their goods. Babysitting can be a very lucrative business. You're told of the other settlements, that they'd like you to stay here for now, but if you can find a family to host you, the secondary and tertiary settlements are best to get to with an escort.

There are tales of travelers visiting the secondary settlement without invitation disappearing without a trace. The gods are as hungry as they are protective, young traveler.

You’ll find that there are more than enough activities to throw yourself into to better settle into your new life in Solvunn. Work is done in the first part of the day so that families can spend the rest of it together in leisure and work on their crafts - whatever those may be. For those children who are not of school age, they need nannies or storytellers, and there’s always a gaggle of them running about unsupervised. Families with livestock can always take a spare hand, especially since farms are so spread out, they have a tendency to wander. Whatever skills you may possess can always be of use to the community or to honor the gods.

If any of these options are no good for your lifestyle, the main roads between settlements can always use a bit of monster clean-up… just make sure you don’t go alone.

Questions

How many slots are open?
Please check the Taken page for how many player, franchise, and canon slots are available. Activity check will be processed before applications open, so the count may change between now and then. Existing players can apply for a second character without restriction.

How do I choose a scenario for my character?
Pick whichever situation appeals to you most. Which faction your character is drawn into has nothing to do with their personal morality, beliefs, or how highly they regard themselves and their own accomplishments. Anyone can be put into any one of the situations.

Can I try out more than one scenario?
You can! But please keep in mind that only the one you eventually choose can be game canon, if you decide to keep any of your TDM threads.

What happens if my character refuses to comply with the NPCs?
They will be forgiven for their moment of panic or anger if they have one, and the faction leaders will try to calm them and persuade them further. If they put up too much of a fight and/or start actively attacking anyone, they will be warned once that everyone is willing to put them back in the well where they came from (see below), and if they continue to fight they will make good on that promise.

My character intends on causing a lot of trouble (destroying parts of the cities, murdering the NPCs, etc.), what would happen to them?
Characters who make too much trouble for the mages and other NPCs would be thrown back in the well (which will mean drowning in the void, not returning home). Brawling with other PCs and causing minor damage is fine and will be greeted with a cranky attitude and intervention from various NPC guards, and there will be plenty of opportunity for destruction and murder later, but for now the Abraxans have no desire to keep huge liabilities around.

I want to wildcard a prompt or use one of the prompts from an earlier TDM that isn't on this one (eg. the library), can I do that?
Yes, in terms of the settings. As Thorne is no longer imprisoning any newcomers, that option is no longer applicable.

Is the power loss for characters permanent?
No, but it does take a week or so for their powers to be back in full, and certain powers (determined on a case-by-case basis) may require nerfs. If your character has world-breaking powers, please discuss with the mods what modifications may be necessary.

Can my character leave the bounds of the faction?
In Thorne, characters can leave the castle but not the city. In Cadens, they can take a trip from the outpost to the city. In Solvunn, they can explore the entirety of the Primary Settlement.

Can my character eventually change factions?
Yes. While the faction borders are currently closed, there will opportunities in the future for characters to relocate. For the time being, they are stuck where they are.

How much will my choice of scenario affect my character's plot later on?
This choice will determine where your character initially lives as well as the bias of the information they receive from NPCs (although other PCs can and most likely will give it to them a bit more straight). This decision - and every other major decision you make in game! - will also be used to flavor some mod surprises that will be coming down the line.

Don't get too anxious about this choice, though; this is just one choice you'll get to make in a game that has a lot of them, and every character in every scenario can work their way towards many, many individual goals and outcomes. You're not locking yourself out of anything in the future via the choice you made on the TDM. It will primarily impact the immediate future with the far-reaching effects being up to each player.

Are TDM threads mandatory for my application?
No, you may use other samples, but we encourage you to post to the TDM and get a feel for this game and its mechanics before you join. If you do not have a TDM thread you will still need to choose one of the three scenarios on your application.

What if I haven't settled on a sign yet?
You can ignore sign-related prompts if you're undecided (or try out different signs in different threads).

Can my character go to the Horizon?
First time visitors to the Horizon must be taken there by other characters, through either shared meditation or a physical journey to the Singularity, and all first-timers experience memory loss. For the purposes of the TDM, we suggest against using the Horizon.

What about making use of the network?
Much like Horizon they would need to be introduced to it by another PC, as no NPCs would be aware of the network or be able to access it. Because of this we would advise against using this mechanic for TDM top-levels.

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Threaded | Flat

i. arrival/barracks

[ It's as Tony's funeral is winding down that it happens.

Steve settles down in the living room once it's emptied out to take a breather. It's been a whirlwind of emotion, of conversation, of facing people he hasn't seen in five years and had to some extent accepted he would never see again. There's the relief of the world being saved, but also the gut-punch of what it cost.

Then everything goes dark and cold, as if he's been pulled down through the couch and into a void. What is this, he demands, but his voice makes no sound, as if he's trapped somewhere deep underwater. Is this another trick of Thanos'? No, he should be gone, this should be over, they won.

Then the burning in his lungs starts, and it's all he can do to kick his legs and swivel his arms to get to the single pinprick of light he can find in the dark. From there, hands reach down to grab him, hauling him out and finally allowing him to suck in a gasping breath. He's soaked from head to toe as he's dropped unceremoniously on the floor. His vision clears and he's met with the rank and file of men and women in uniform. Something sinks in his stomach, at how familiar and unfamiliar this is, and an interdimensional abduction is his first thought. Somehow. After literally traveling through time, anything feels possible now.

Steve's given a briefing of sorts by the one in charge, who calls herself Prime Minister and wears a sword at her hip. He hangs onto any detail he can, pushing away panic to focus on his next move, which is to fully grasp this situation and figure his way out of it.

He's told this is a "Free Cities" outpost. A military outpost. There are barracks, which is where he's deposited. His demands for answers are mainly brushed aside, and he feels strangely weak, which wouldn't be enough to stop him from making a scene — but he needs a minute to gather his thoughts, to process. They're grateful to have him here, they say, and there's no getting around the fact that this feels like a draft.

He's seated on one of the beds in the barracks, his hair still damp, but at least he's dressed. As soon as someone else comes in, his head snaps up and his body goes tense. But then he realizes that the stranger looks shellshocked too, that they're dressed similarly, and he huffs out a breath that's almost a laugh but not quite as he shakes his head. ]

You too?

ii. training grounds

[ It doesn't matter how many times Steve demands more answers from the people in charge at the outpost, they're not willing to tell him everything he needs to know. Returning back to where he came from seems to be impossible, or at least that's how they spin it. While he's had the Singularity and its power explained to him, the people here seem to view it as something that needs to be destroyed. If that's his ticket home—

When his demands get more pointed, the soldiers' responses sound more like threats, and Steve eventually exits out to the training area to cool off. To have just gotten everyone back, Bucky and Sam and Wanda, only to end up here...

If he vanished without a trace back home, what do they even think happened to him?

He's watching, more than half distracted, as people train with practice weapons — swords rather than guns in most cases. It's nothing like Camp Lehigh (1940's, not 1970's), and yet he can't help but think back to those days all the same. It doesn't seem to matter where he goes or what he does; there's always another war.

When he senses someone coming up to his side, he glances over his shoulder to meet their gaze, nodding in greeting. His expression is impassive, maybe a little tired with tightness at the edges of his eyes. ]

Not sure how they thought this was gonna work out. The draft's a pretty outdated concept, where I'm from.

iii. around cadens

[ As soon as Steve caught wind that there was a wagon that would take him away from the barracks and the mess hall and the training drills, he'd hopped on, eager to see more of this place and an actual city, if only because it might give him more answers. He's established by now that he's not the only one who's been brought here. These summoning rituals — as they call them — have been going on for a while, so he needs to find people who know more. While he's been told that he needs to ride the wagon back to the outpost at some point, he doesn't have any real intention of doing that. If they're so intent on asking for his help, they can't expect him to sit put and do whatever they say.

Once he reaches the city, he realizes that it very much is a city in terms of size and population. While it's no New York or Los Angeles, not even close, he's still forced to accept that he is very much not in Kansas anymore. He's traveled into space all of once, five years ago, and it had been to a planet that was more or less abandoned save for Thanos.

Which means that this feels a little bit like 2012 all over again, except in reverse. It's been over ten years for Steve now, but that sense of everything around you being foreign is not something he's ever truly forgotten. Much like he'd broken free of SHIELD's facility back then to wander in Times Square, he now wanders the arid, walled-in city of Cadens on foot, awed and alienated by what he finds in equal measure.

That doesn't stop him from practically walking his feet off. His serum enhancements may be muted right now (something he's been assured will eventually wear off), but that doesn't stop him from exploring the city. There are museums and academies, which he doesn't enter for now, but he does inspect any advertisements at the entry to the buildings to see what sort of exhibits are on offer. He passes by laboratories, smithies, and tanneries, taking note of how this is a place where research and innovation are paramount. It's mom and pop shops that he'll actually enter, looking around at what's on offer and addressing the people working there only if they speak up to him first.

Yet it's as he's making his way down yet another tucked-away street packed with workshops, surrounded by sounds of metal clanging against metal and the focused chatter between people working on some project or experiment, that a ghost catches up to him. One exhausting and confusing conversation later, Steve finds himself dragged to The Sarstina Inn & Tavern.

And so toward the end of a long day well after the sun's dipped behind the city walls, Steve can be found in Mag's inn. Everything about this city feels like he's stepped into the pages of a fantasy novel, and the tavern is no different. After he's left to his own devices, Steve finds an empty table to sit and rest his feet. He's more used to what the serum does for him than he thought, as he realizes they're starting to throb from overuse. ]

iv. wildcard

[ If you want to do something not covered by these prompts, that's totally fine! You can PM me to work something out or just wing it. I'm open to anything! ]

A. THE CITY.

[without his wares, who is he? what is he? his box, his clothes, his seals, the sword of exorcism, his scales, magazines, all the trinkets he had meticulously collected over time in order to ward off evil.

hm.

there is something beautiful about having to start over, forced to make the most of what little he has. bartering for mirrors with house owners willing to spare some, acquiring colorful clothes more fitting to his personality, asking for leftover dry paints, a hair tie or two: people were generous when unsettled.

heading inside a bar, he is here for another round of trading. he sets down cards he's painted with ink—of monstrous, shadow creatures with wide smiles and unblinking eyes; cats and fish and cranes; foreign characters denoting their names for his own amusement—onto a table.

and waits.

any approaching individual gets a raise of his blue eyes behind his messy hair, a smile encroaching on his otherwise unmoving face, fangs showing behind his lips. his words are measured and quiet.]

Would you — desire — a card reading?

B. THE TRAINING GROUNDS.

[he has done the best he could with what little he can find. where is the mysticism in this world? the spirits? the superstition? how dull that everyone should find themselves in the training grounds and just… training.

at the very least he seems to have recovered most of what makes him feel at ease. he sits by the entrance, atop an old carpet, like a forgotten ghost. there is a box beside him, empty, and a number of tchotchkes placed neatly on the carpet. his hands are covered in rings, the make-up on his face peculiar, his long ears decorated with found earrings. the items on the carpet range from decorated palm mirrors to what looks like candy, to a random turtle, just putzing about, some liquids, and a smaller, long box with paper wrapped haphazardly about it.

he leans forward as someone walks past.]

A moment of your time.

C. MESS HALL.

Oh!

[the exclamation is a sudden burst of concerned surprise. the man it has spilled forth from seems to notice he may have caught the turned heads of a few individuals, and so he puts a hand to his mouth, as if to assuage those gazes.

still, his eyes are fixed and looking worriedly at you—you who sit a bit away from him at a table in the mess hall, taking a sip of a cup.

he turns his gaze downward, the paint around his eyes and on his nose dulling his concern. his raised hand moves to his own cup, spilling it onto the table with clear intent.]

How — unfortunate.

A. WANDERING

Excuse me!

[do not mind him barging through, a man who is currently exasperated about the way he looks—these robes simple will not do! which is why he travels the castle, holding onto the clothes he was given as if he were allergic to them.]

Tell me now and tell me fast — these clothes are not a permanent state of this place’s fashion, are they?

[here he finishes his sentence with an exasperated sigh, letting his arms fall as if succumbing to the very (unnecessary) despair he feels.]

I cannot be seen like this! [nevermind that you are, in fact, seeing him. he moves closer, now tugging at the sign embroidered onto his clothes.] And this? This! A fool I am not! This sign is clearly a mistake!

[and you, my poor fellow, have been clearly chosen as the recepient of his complaints and woes.]

B. TOWN

[thankfully, his troubles were appeased upon the realization that, past the castle, there is a town, and that meant exploring.

howl holds his head high despite the fact that he very much feels resentful of ‘the fool’ arcana sewn onto his tunic (as noted by the sniffling he does every now and then, dramatically), and his delight is grand when he sees shops upon shops that offer beautiful silks for sales, jewels that he can see himself wearing most delighted.

he is quickly surrounded, his charm up a notch and his mood up as the vendors find themselves more than willing to lavish him with attention.

mind him halfway inside one of the shops, naked from the chest up, allowing measurements to take place as he points and asks for the most colorful and eye-catching garbs available.

this is howl living his best life. he is no longer sniffling over ‘the fool’ arcana, delighting himself in having his hands decorated with bright rings that sparkle under the lights.]

How wonderful!

[a hand into the sleeve of a white blouse, the motion practiced, howl turns and exclaims loudly.]

Dress me in your finest silks!

[this is a man who truly has one ambition, it seems.]

C. WILDCARD

[ooc: hmu with any other ideas!]

Edited 2022-05-20 18:19 (UTC)

What If: Thorne

Isekai'd A Second Time

Spread out before him was an elaborate feast fit to full the stomachs of an entire army. It had everything from medieval appropriate foods such as roasted mutton to familiar, yet out of place Japanese dishes like curry. The chefs did an excellent job making this culture mismatch of dishes look appetizing. It has been a while since he had eaten anything and the sight of fresh food reminded him of the growing pit in his stomach. And yet, despite his hunger and taking the time to pile his plate full of food, he couldn't bring himself to eat any of it. Instead, he absentmindedly poked at it, his mind consumed by other thoughts.

Touma was unfortunately no stranger when it came to randomly waking up in a foreign place. Back home, a favorite tactic of his sunglass-wearing bastard of a friend was to knock him out with sleeping gas before tossing his unconscious body into whatever newest conflict had arisen that day. Even now, the memory of him getting boxed and shipped right into the middle of that girl's locker room still made him want to bury his fist into that bastard's face.

The current situation he found himself in went far beyond anything that sunglass-wearing bastard has done to him. It could only be described as a far more merciful version of the absurdity a certain one-eyed god had once put him through. He had been summoned to another world as if he was some kind of isekai protagonist. However, unlike most isekai, he wasn't pulled here by random chance after a fateful encounter with Truck-kun. Those strange magicians had purposely choice him.

If they possessed the power to drag him across the vast reaches of space and time, they could have at least had the decency to ask for his help before kidnapping him. It felt unnecessarily cruel given their supposed knowledge of his life.

He sighed. Maybe he should drink a bit in order to rise his spirts? A couple sips shouldn't hurt.

Getting up from his seat, Touma made his way to where an assortment of wine bottles were on display. He had no idea what the legal age for consuming alcohol was in this world and given its medieval aesthetic there was a good possibility that even a teenager like him could drink without worry. Even so, Touma decided it might be best to not linger around the wine bottles too long or else he risked bring down the wrath of a concerned adult onto him. As he walked passed, he did his best to stealthily snatch one of the bottles off the table, hopping to slink away and find somewhere more seclusive to drink.

What If: Free Cities

Lost Innocent Soul

Touma found the city of Cadens a breath of fresh air compared to stiff environment of outpost he was in. The teenager aimlessly wandered the bustling streets, taking in all the sights. Compared to technologic marvel of Academy City or the blinding LCDs that made up Shibuya, Cadens felt woefully out of date. The city kind of reminded him of a place he briefly visited during his trek through the snowy lands of Denmark. All the buildings were made of brick and stone instead of the usual steel and concrete of his home.

His thoughts were soon interrupted by the sound of a young child crying. Standing in front of a bakery was a little girl who looked about elementary school age. Tears and snot dripped down her red face as she bawled her eyes out. Despite her obvious distress, nobody around her attempted to help, instead opting to ignore her and keep their distance.

Touma, however, couldn't stand seeing her in such a state. He walked up to her and gently smiled.

"Hey, what's the matter? Are you hurt?"

"Mommy's... gone," she chocked out in-between tears. "I can't find her. I look and look and she's not anywhere."

"I'm sure she's around here somewhere. In fact, I bet she's trying to find you as well. Tell you what? How about I help you find your mom? The two of us can look together."

She let a little sniffle. "...Really?"

"Of course! Just leave it to big brother Touma!" He proudly said as he held out his hand towards her. She stared at it for a moment before hesitatingly reaching out and taking his hand. Now that he had managed to calm her down, the next step was finding her mom. A task that was easier said than done.

"So, what's your name?" he asked.

"Olivia."

"Olivia, do you remember the last place you were with your mom at?"

"There." she pointed to entrance of the bakery.

It was a start. Her mom probably wasn't there, but he could at least ask anyone inside if they've seen them. The two entered the building together and he immediately starting getting to work asking around.

"Excuse me. I'm trying to find this little girl's mom and I was wondering if you might have seen her?"

What If: Solvunn

Medieval Joyride

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

What should have been a relaxing introduction to horseback ridding turned into a disorienting, life-threatening race through the cobblestone streets of the Marketplace. One of the locals had promised in exchange for work to help teach Touma how to properly ride a horse. Given his current circumstances and lack of modern transportation options, he agreed and was allowed to practice on one of their more docile horses. Named after the soft brown color of her coat, Cinnamon proved to be the perfect horse for a complete amateur like him.

At least she was up till a strange winged mouse suddenly dropped out of the sky and onto her snout.

This was enough to frighten the normally docile horse into a mad dash, dragging the inexperienced teenager along for the ride. As Cinnamon wildly charged about, Touma desperately hung on to her side, putting all his effort into preventing himself from completely slipping off and getting trampled to death underneath her powerful hooves.

The only silver lining was the fact the Marketplace was past its peak hours. This made it much easier for people to jump out the way of Cinnamon's rampage without crashing into each other. It was a small comfort, but ultimately didn't mean much if he couldn't figure out a way to sooth Cinnamon. The longer this went on, the more likely someone was going to end up a casualty.

As people scrambled to distance themselves from the impeding danger, Touma noticed a lone individual still standing within Cinnamon's path. He wasted no time shouting at them in an attempt to get them to move.

"Don't just stand there! Get out the way!"

Merchant For A Day

Sounds of laughter and endless chatter filled the air as crowds of people went about their daily lives. Most moved with a purpose in mind, stopping by only a small select number of stalls that made up the Marketplace before hauling their goods back home. Others simply drifted about, letting themselves get reeled in by opportunist merchants hoping to make them empty their wallets. Touma would normally be a part of that roaming crowd, but for today he had a job to do. It was a pretty simple one. All he needed to do was watch an apple stall for a a few hours while its owner was away.

Squished in between two brightly colored stalls, the plain looking stall he was currently manning did little to stand out from its competition. Nobody even so much as spared his stall a single glance. The lack of any interest did make his job easy, but he couldn't help himself from feeling a bit guilty about the situation. Was it really alright for him to stand here and do nothing until it was time to receive his pay? At the very least, he could try to sell an apple or two before the owner returned.

Although he was an expert when it came to chasing after clearance sales due to his life as a poor student, the same could not be said about making sells. Regardless, he wasn't going to let his inexperience hold him back. Being a successful salesman was all about presentation and charisma. Presentation was already a lost cause so he had to work extra hard to attract customer with his personality alone.

Feeling fired up, Touma stated shouting out into the crowd. “Apples! Come get fresh one hundred percent organic apples right here! They're full of all the nutrient you need to stay healthy! Come get them before they all get bought up!”

[Cw: suicidal ideation, mention of bullying and assault, body dysmorphia, swearing]

[Tԋσɾɳҽ- Aɾɾιʋαʅ]

Grandma, can I finally rest? I'm so tired…

When Kainé finds herself floating in the abyss, It reminds her of that time five years ago when she finally avenged her grandma.

Wait…

They were about to fight the Shadowlord and rescue Yonah. Kainé said she'd be a sword! She can't die now!

As she sees the pinprick of light, she reaches a hand out, just as she did that day.

And then she's pulled from the water and yanked to the surface. She opens her eyes and drowsily looks around; until she realizes she's naked. All thoughts of her surroundings fly out the metaphorical window as she curls in on herself to hide her mutant body. Her heart is beating so fast it's as though it's going to burst from her chest. It's like a nightmare, like when she was a child and the bullies had assaulted her to find out if she was a 'man or a woman.' She tries to remain calm, but this is one of the only things that can shake her hard demeanor. She feels weak, so fighting isn't an option…

"Fuck." She swears under her breath, looking around at the gathered people that she doesn't recognize. What the man with the book says barely registers. That is until she's abruptly clothed in… what is this… some kind of soft fabric she's never felt before.

"What the hell is going on here?" Kainé yells, as she slowly unfolds.

She glares at the man with the book when he approaches, ready to lunge from her position on the ground, but finds she's too exhausted to do so and can barely stand for that matter. Her gaze trails briefly to the card but she doesn't say anything.

Perhaps you were around to witness this? Somewhere in the crowd of strangers. Or maybe you see her as they're escorting her along the halls, not really paying attention to all the things they're dumping on her at once.

"Look, I don't really give a damn. I got shit to do." Kainé argues with the apprentice mage, and looks to anyone around for help getting away from the lectures.

[Tԋσɾɳҽ- Dιɳιɳɠ Hαʅʅ]

Kainé manages to find some strips of cloth to cover her arm and leg after listening to all that hot garbage they were spewing. Though something finally catches her interest as she heads towards the dining hall.

Food.

Kainé has never seen so much food in her entire life. She can't even name what most of it is! However, it all smells delicious. As food has only been a method for survival for her, she doesn't really have a favorite, so she just starts taking bits of everything and plopping it on a plate. Well, if they're gonna offer, she's gonna take advantage of the opportunity. She'll even stay in their dining hall for the moment.

You might catch her at the buffet table, or perhaps sitting as far away from everyone else as possible. She's not the most sociable, so you might get a rough introduction should you approach; but she won't turn you away either.

[Tԋσɾɳҽ- Nσɾƚԋ Wιɳɠ ➛ Oυƚʂιԃҽ ƚԋҽ Cαʂƚʅҽ]

As she's escorted to her room in the north wing, she walks in and sees the four beds. Kainé waits just long enough for her escort to go down the hall. Then she looks at her roommates and crosses her arms.

"Yeah, thanks but no thanks. I don't do the 'big happy family' thing." Kainé says dryly and turns to leave the room.

Will you stop her and convince her to change her mind?

Or perhaps you'll find her later, outside the castle, on the outskirts of town as far as she can go, in a wooded area, sitting by a roaring campfire. Should you approach, she won't attack, but she might be a little surprised.

[Tԋσɾɳҽ- Aɾσυɳԃ Tσɯɳ]

Eventually, curiosity gets the better of her and Kainé heads back into town to check out the market. After all, she heard there was free stuff.

You might find her in the middle of a tailor's shop asking if it's possible for the tailor to fashion her some underclothes. Or perhaps you find her at the market, taking free samples of fruits she's never had before.

Maybe she's collecting supplies for her eventual camp outside the town. Whatever she's doing, she won't say no to any help.

[Free Cities- Bαɾɾαƈƙʂ]

After a small protest after her arrival, Kainé follows the woman, barely listening to the stuff they're dropping in her. As she walks into the barracks and is left to her own devices, she looks around at the six beds and grimaces. However she has more important matters to attend to. All she's covered with is a blanket.

If she spots you, she'll call out in a rather perturbed tone.

"Can anyone around here get me some goddamn clothes?"

[Free Cities- Tɾαιɳιɳɠ Gɾσυɳԃʂ]

"Now we're talking." Kainé exclaimed with a smirk as she cracked her knuckles.

A training ground where she could get in a good fight.

She tries to summon her swords but to no avail.

"What the fuck? What the hell's wrong with my magic?"

She groans remembering what the people who pulled her from the water said; her powers and strength would come back in due time.

For now she will have to settle for their lame-ass fake weapons. She picks up a pair of training swords and looks them over, swinging them a few times before deciding it's the best she's gonna get.

As she walks out to the area where the training dummies are, she frowns. Kainé was expecting a real fight.

Perhaps you might approach her for a sparring match?

Edited 2022-05-21 06:33 (UTC)

Arrival

It's peaceful, in the end. Surrounded by friends (literally, who else could say pretty much the entire ALO playerbase was there to see her off?), surrounded by the scent of flowers, her hand being held...it really is just like falling asleep.

But the peace is shattered almost immediately. Suddenly there's no sensation of her hand being held, but she's cold. Eyes that never expected to open again do, to be surrounded by darkness. She can't breathe, but desperately needs to. Everyone's gone. There's no flowers, no sunset, just...

Is this what death is?

Before terror at that thought can overwhelm her though, she feels something...no, someone, grab her and pull her up. There's light...

She's pulled out of the pool hacking, coughing. She barely has time to notice that her clothes and armour vanished before a blanket is wrapped around her and vestments are laid out.

Someone's talking...but Yuuki's focus is drawn to the pool she was just pulled out of. She seems to be staring hard at her reflection in the water, looking more... confused than anything.

She reaches up and touches her ears, but someone draws close and she starts in surprise. "Oh! Uh, sorry. Are there more people down there?!"

After having a chance to get dressed and into a carriage, it begins to slowly dawn on Yuuki that...she feels fine. Which was most definitely not the case before she got pulled out of the pond. At peace? Absolutely. Fine? Not physically, even through the Medicuboid she'd been (still was...?) hooked up to.

If there's conversation going on around her, Yuuki seems more focused on swiping the air in front of her. First to the right, then the left. Then up, and down. After a moment, she swallows, and leans forward a bit.

"Uh, open...menu?" She asks... apparently no one? "Sorry, don't mind me." If this is a different VRMMO she ended up in, (glitched into somehow? Is that why the hospital hasn't pulled her out yet?), she's getting the distinct impression it's an RP server, and everyone's just really into it. Yuuki is not an RPer but has discovered people who are can be tetchy about breaking character.

Primary Settlement

After being let out in the "Primary Settlement" (was "Starter Town" too on the nose?) Yuuki kind of wanders aimlessly, seeing but not really taking in the sights. Okay, what was the old guy talkin' about? Solvunn, Abraxas...she stacks her brain trying to remember if she read anything about a game with those names, but nothing leaps to mind. But ever since The Seed got leaked onto the net, everyone and their brother seems to have a server. This could be a smaller project.

So why hasn't a GM or admin gotten in touch with her? If there's a chat log, Yuuki has no idea how to access it. The menu system seems really obtuse.

And people keep giving her cheese. She's not gonna say no, but it's a little weird.

Munching on some cheese, and lost in her own thoughts, it's sooner rather than later she absent-mindedly walks into the path of another without realizing it.

"Ah! Oh geez, sorry, I wasn't watchin' where I was going." Whoops. She's quick to extend a peace offering in case she accidentally raised someone's ire.

"Uh, y'want some cheese?"

Pretty soon, Yuuki makes a decision. She's either still dying, and this is some weird dream she's havin' (which is a little more cottagecore than she'd have expected of her subconscious), in which case, she'd better make the most of it while she can. The second is that maybe she had a last second recovery or something and the hospital's moved her into some temporary simulation to...run some tests or somethin'? In which case she can only wait for someone to contact her. Maybe they'll let Asuna or the other Sleeping Knights deliver the good news. Either way, she's gotta wait.

The third is that...she did die but then she...came back...in her ALO avatar...and everythin' that old guy was sayin' about bein' heroes destined to save the world isn't some fantasy her brain cooked up in its final moments, but is... actually true.

Mother talked about miracles, but...not anything like this.

Determined to make the most of it, she dedicates herself the exploring of the Settlement. She can be in the market, enquiring about swords, or at some point she picks up a gaggle of young children who she appears to be entertaining with tales of martial prowess and daring-do, of adventures she had with her friends in the Asuka Empire, and the land of Alfheim.

Edited 2022-05-20 23:42 (UTC)

i. arrival

[ I wouldn't worry, brother, Thor says. I feel like everything is going to turn out fine.

He supposes, in that moment, Fate finally tired of his temptations.

He doesn't remember being enveloped by the water, but in the space between one breath and the next he's being pulled from a deep pool, weak as a newborn babe, utterly disoriented. Hands guide him to sit, to dress. Perhaps another time he would have put up a great fuss, even despite his current weakness and - oh, ugh, water pouring out of his empty eye socket - but the clothing is not an unfamiliar style. The people are not unlike his own. It's the way they look at him, as if he is an answer to their unasked questions. He doesn't even have an answer to his own questions. Perhaps this is why they've branded him a fool.

He's almost relieved when Rowan March appears. Much of what the man tells him isn't wholly unexpected; he's been summoned, this world is in peril, and the people of this land are in need of aid. That seems to be the story often. Thor tells him that he would be glad to help, of course, but this sort of thing is no longer his only obligation. He has to get back to his own people, to the ship that bares them back to Earth. At the very least, he has to send word of where he's vanished to.

Soon after he's gotten his bearings, Thor makes his way to the edge of the town. He stands in a grassy patch and shouts up at the darkening sky: ]

Heimdall, do you hear me? Heimdall!

[ Thor's voice carries in the quiet evening, but he doesn't try to call more than once. He had a feeling that this place, whatever it was, was out of even Heimdall's sight.

He can be found leaning against a fence post drinking gifted wine directly from the bottle. If anyone approaches, he raises the bottle in greeting, his expression wry but not unwelcoming. ]

If you've got another bottle of wine I can trade you some cheese and two... [ Thor feels around in his pocket, grimaces, and wipes his hand on his pant leg. ] One whole mostly intact grape. That's sort of, pre-wine, if you think about it. It's a good deal.

ii. main road monster cleanup

[ It's morning before he ventures out onto one of the main roads. He's been warned not to go alone or unarmed, so naturally Thor does both. He intends to see more of this world, and this seems the best way to do so. Sure, he doesn't know where he's going or how he intends to find his way, but he's certain he can figure it out on the path.

He doesn't get far. In a twist of fate that no one could have predicted and yet everyone warned him against, he's set upon by beasts. Thor is a skilled fighter, even without his power to aid him - it's clear that for the first little bit, he might even be having fun. Of course, it doesn't last long, and soon enough he's pinned to the ground by something composed mostly of tongues, talons, and teeth.

Maybe you offer him aid in the fight, or maybe he manages to extract himself from the situation. Either way, he has an arm around your shoulders, and he's bleeding on you now. Enjoy that. ]

I had that under control.

iii. you make miette get a job??

[ There's only so much free wine that good will can buy him before he has to start earning his keep. It's not that Thor doesn't want to help out - it's the opposite, in fact; the sooner he sorts out this Singularity thing, the sooner he can kick whatever ass he needs to kick and go back home to his people. Maybe he'll have words with the Old Gods on the way out for dumping their problems in his lap without so much as email.

The problem is... It's just. A little more complicated than he'd expected. It's starting to look like he's going to be here a while, and most of that while won't be spent hitting things with lightning blasts. He feels better day over day, but he's not exactly at his godliest at the moment.

So... one problem at a time. ]

You there! Yes, you. You look like a person who works. Hypothetically, if I was a person who... already had a very important job, but now I needed to... [ He gestures broadly at the rest of the settlement, hard at work during the morning hours. ] How would one... find work? I mean, yes, asking but - how do you know what you're suited for?

[ This is the face of a man who's never thought about a day job in over 1500 years of life. ]

iv. wildcard

[ Down for most anything! Feel free to PM me or just throw something up and I'll roll with it. ]

Edited 2022-05-21 01:24 (UTC)

i. arrival

[This is not…new to her, technically. Well. Being dragged out of the water with little recollection of how she got there is—actually, maybe that’s not new, either. Being talked about like she’s been chosen is also not new, though she sort of wishes it was. It’s all getting a little exhausting.

What is new is this place, with architecture like she’s never seen and no Old World tech to be found and all of her equipment gone (fully gone, not just helpfully set aside by those watching her in her unconscious state), and people who speak to her of a god she’s never heard of (not that she would believe in it, even if she had). The whole situation is bewildering, both immediately following the ritual and in her first forays out into the settlement, though the villagers don't exactly give her a chance to get her bearings.]

No, I don’t need—

[Aloy’s had just about enough of being revered, though she seems to understand enough about her precarious situation not to overtly offend her hosts, deflating a little when she realizes she’s taking her anger out on someone who doesn’t really know any better. It leaves her burdened with an armful of gifts that she has no idea what to do with, beyond trying to offload them on the first person she sees (that’s you).]

Do you want any of this? [Cheese and a basket of other various offerings she’d been too bewildered to decline but is too practical to keep (well, maybe she’s debating the cheese). She shrugs her armful at you, as if to say it’s yours, if you’re inclined to take it.] I’m trying to travel light.

[A joke, maybe. An awkward one, though maybe she’s a little serious about getting out of here.]

ii. arts and crafts

[It doesn’t take long for her to become frustrated. Given free rein to explore the Primary Settlement, she finds herself touching her temple more often than not, only to realize that nothing is there and become angry at the situation all over again. She needs to vent, somehow, and if her intention really is to head out into the wilderness to try and find a solution to this problem, she needs to arm herself.

They won’t let her arm herself in a meaningful way—in fact, the villagers are a little suspicious about it, trying to needle her into farm work, instead. Even asking for a bow and arrow goes nowhere, and you might spot her having a slightly animated conversation with one of the shopkeepers. Why is she worried about running off out of town when there’s work to be done? Besides, there are monsters out there.]

Nothing? Don’t you have hunters? I can handle myself.

[Fine. It’s fine. She’s made do before, and later it’s easy to find her on the outskirts of town, having ‘borrowed’ a sickle, the blade of which she has removed from the handle and is currently working on affixing it with leather straps to a longer piece of wood that may or may not be a ‘reclaimed’ walking stick.]

That’s not—the angle isn’t right.

[She is fully talking to herself while this happens. The entire time.]

iii. she who fights monsters

[Okay, so she doesn’t have bow, or a sling, or anything that might let her put some distance between herself and a hostile entity, but the good news is, there are no machines here. Surely killing something that’s flesh and blood will prove to be easier than a horrible amalgamation of metal fine-tuned by a hostile AI to murder anything that so much as looks at it the wrong way. All things considered, this should be a breeze.

She has her improvised spear, and is doing a little test run of her ‘leave the settlement’ plan (and, maybe, helping a villager track down an escaped goat while she plots her route out into the wilderness, because despite everything, Aloy cannot resist a side quest). Ordinarily, she might be a little more brazen in her approach to this kind of situation, but there’s still too much about this world and the creatures that inhabit it that she doesn’t know. A stealth tack is probably best.

Aloy has tracked the goat past several farms, out past the perimeter of the larger settlement, and has currently settled into some tall grass, eyes scanning the surroundings for either the livestock in question, or something that might want to eat it. Or her. Maybe you’re out here, too?

When she notices you, her immediate response is to offer a look that very clearly says what are you doing, and a gesture that indicates you'd better get close, and stay low.]

Stay down.

iv. wildcard

[hello I am mostly unsettled on canon point but it will probably be some nebulous Forbidden West endgame time, so spoilers for that entire game. Feel free to DM me for any wildcarding/custom starters!]

Edited 2022-05-21 03:18 (UTC)

i. EXPLORING CADENS

OPTION A ➵ [ Claude's never been one for staying in one place, and that's not about to start now. Not even with that ominous warning about being back well before sundown - what's up with that? Still, as soon as he wanders through the outpost and finds the wagons traveling to Cadens he's immediately on board for going. Surely it has to be better than staying out here, or at least there's a lot more he can learn by going somewhere more populated. Especially if these mages aren't going to answer any of his questions. (He has several.)

When others load into the wagon and this trip gets on the road, so to speak, Claude's realizing he 1) has to spend a good amount of time with people he knows nothing about, and 2) maybe that's not so bad. It's a chance to get some information if he keeps his ears open, whether it's about whatever this place is or if... anyone from Fodlan made it here with him or if he's totally alone. Either way, nothing seems remotely familiar at all. For a second, that sensation almost feels like a trip back in time.

The ride is good for some quiet contemplation; it helps him get his thoughts in order and come up with a few plans. Claude reaches his limit on staying quiet when Cadens' outskirts are finally in sight. He finally makes eye contact with whoever's sitting across from him and gives them a nod of acknowledgement, greeting, and everything in between. Sorry if you wanted peace and quiet for these last few minutes, stranger, because you're about to be bothered by someone who's not only going the same direction you are but also wants to know all about you. ]

How's it going? You need any help with whatever you're heading into the city to do?

-----

OPTION B ➵ [ When he makes it to Cadens proper, the first thing he does is end up wandering through the market. It's the best way to get to know a new location, he's found; one can learn so much simply from what's for sale. Not to mention the glorious amount of people watching to pick up local customs, learn some gossip, maybe eyeball the food. Claude passes by those food stalls with no small amount of regret thanks to eating a hearty meal before he traveled here, but makes a note of which ones to come back to. He's also quick to ask people for information like their favorite shops, cafes, everything in between. Plants, secondhand books, and board games are things he's most interested in finding sources for. Got any tips for him? By the way, you can also win him over by offering food or where to find it.

Once he's done collecting all that information to sift through later, he pauses at an intersection in roads and first eyes the sky. It says he has plenty of time left - assuming sunrise and sunset works the same way everywhere - and a turn down another street reveals all the museums he could ever want. Which is dangerous, since he could definitely spend hours and hours on just those alone so after a while, Claude moves on from the museums of medicine and art and steps back outside, meaning to look for somewhere to eat off that list of places he'd received.

But instead he ends up wandering in The Hall of Natural Relics because he's curious if it'll match any of what he knows as relics from home. It turns out he's there on the day someone is lecturing on one of the exhibits. He loiters around the crowd while they finish their talk as to not be rude, and once it seems to turn into something like a question and answer session he carefully taps someone standing nearby on the shoulder to get their attention. ]

Hey, I came in at the end and I think I missed most of whatever was said. What was this about?

ii. HANGING OUT AROUND THE OUTPOST

OPTION A ➵ [ Eventually, he does return to the outpost with slight regret over not being able to take it all in at once. But considering he doesn't know the rules around here just yet it's hard to know what ones can be creatively bent, so best to not take any chances. Over the next few days, he'll make several more trips back and forth just for something to do.

But when he's around the barracks, Claude can be found in the mess hall trying all kinds of different foods. (Seriously, he loves food.) He might be taking advantage of this whole free (or "free") meal thing, and if he's not finding fellow Summoned to get to know over a meal, he'll dining by himself maybe with a book or two he's found in front of him. He's open to anyone coming to sit with him if he is alone, whether you've met before or not, so don't be shy!

Or one evening, he's wandering into the mess hall before it closes for the night in hopes of getting some hot water for some late night tea. Claude's also lost in his thoughts over maybe heading out a little ways into the desert - assuming no guards object - to do some stargazing. Being distracted when he rounds a corner means he's not paying attention and either slams into someone or nearly does but he's quick to grab onto them to steady them. ]

Sorry! I wasn't paying attention at all. [ If you drop whatever you were holding, he's equally quick to bend down to pick it up. Or clean it up, if it was food or drink that's now spilled, which the latter also leads to: ] And sorry for this too. Can I get you another... whatever this is?

-----

OPTION B ➵ [ The training grounds are his next stop to burn off something like nervous energy, though he prefers to think of it as just staying sharp. And speaking of that - these weapons are not. He's quick to browse through the weapons rack, noting that while each is in perfect condition they're also perfectly dull. They're perfectly serviceable, he decides as he looks through them, just... not at all what he would have expected from what he's figured out is a military base, even if it's not the kind he recognized at first.

For a while, he can be found testing out the bows on the archery targets. Partially to entertain himself, and maybe to show off if someone just so happens to be watching, Claude goes through a variety of trick shots before moving on to showcasing his accuracy. Bows have been a staple in his life since he was a child, and it shows. He wouldn't say no to someone stepping up for a friendly (or unfriendly) challenge!

When he tires of archery, he heads back inside to the weapon racks and picks up a sword to study it. At the sound of footsteps and when someone enters his line of sight from wherever they were training or whatever they were up to, Claude looks up and holds up the sword in his hand. ]

Guess we really are important if they're giving us things duller than the training weapons at my old academy. [ It's said dryly, and they might get the impression he's kidding. He's not about that last part. ] How'd you fare with what you used? Better yet, wanna practice together?

iii. WILDCARD

( I'm up for anything you send my way and I can also write a different starter if you'd prefer. Feel free to PM for that or if you have any questions! I'm also open to the other arrival scenarios as well. )

A. Arrival

[Even with the disorientation of the rift and the drag through water, Lucifer knows one thing in an instant: this isn't Earth, not even an underlying buzz of the Host. Oh, Kevin, what did you do? Was this the purpose of the spell? Did it randomize worlds instead of hone in on home? Or something else?

But Michael isn't chasing after him and there's no crack of another rift and maybe, just maybe he can recover in peace--nattering of the apprentices aside.

('They'll return within the week.' Right. Spoilers: it won't get much better. He's not doing so hot. You try losing a chunk of your grace and then jumping worlds!)

His eyes pass by the tarot without much focus. He's ready to ignore the group and flounce off until they say just the right thing to take his interest.]

Of course you chose me. My skills are unparalleled. [He's coughing and shivering every so often, but his voice is clear and crisp.] Finally! It's about time someone's recognized it.

B. Around Town

[He's laughing.

Standing propped up at a street corner, his spine pressed into stone, hand pressed to his face, laughing. It's just... the newest cosmic joke! His Father's fault, no doubt. Thanks Dad and your multiple, useless worlds! This world sure seems better than the one he left, but the Devil's brand over his right collarbone of his tunic is just the ultimate mockery, chasing him down.

Maybe he should have listened further to what those apprentices were spouting, but what good, really, would it have done him?

What a joke.]

C. Wandering

[It's getting easier to tell the difference between Resident and Summoned. He thinks, anyway. He's roaming about, searching for any Person of Interest--aka has information, or power.

Something he can use.

There are benefits for him being on a world that isn't a version of Earth. But it means his knowledge is lacking. He's out of his depth and he despises that.]

And you, were you brought here for your 'exploits' back home? [He's smiling, voice cajoling. He's so very much intrigued by whatever you have to say! (He's not).]

D. Wildcard

[He's generally just buzzing about the streets and actively avoiding the living quarters. Feel free to poke me at

ShadowSpirit... it's been a real long time since I've tapped into RP lol. Lucifer is from 13x07, just after going through the rift.]

I: Cadens Desert Outpost 003
{ training grounds }
[ The first thing he does is assess the situation. He's soaking wet, surrounded by strangers, and without his gun. Well, Cole Cassidy has been up against worse odds before. That said, he doesn't know these folk or their intentions so he merely listens to see what he can find out, taking note that he's discouraged from asking questions until he's recovered.

So off to the barracks he goes. While he feels pretty drained, he has no intention of getting any shut eye just yet. He wanders around the outpost while feeling right at home in the desert climate. He checks out the training grounds just to see what they involve but he stands off to the side and doesn't participate. He's had years of black ops training; he's paid his dues.

Resting his cybernetic arm on a fence separating an obstacle course from the weapons area, he asks: ]

You know what you're training for yet?

[ Might as well question the others to see if they've learned anything. ]

{ mess hall }
[ Eventually he wanders to the mess hall. It seems a lot of effort to house and train them if they were gonna end up poisoning them, so he figures the food is safe. Piling up a plate, he then heads to a table that only has one person there. ]

This seat taken?

[ He then plonks himself down without waiting for an answer. ]

II: Wagon Trip to Cadens
[ Cassidy may be from a world of hover bikes, holoscreens, and robots, but he's done a lot of odd jobs in his life and has experience driving horses. As such, he has no problem taking the reins and following the road towards the city. Right now, he has no idea if he's actually going to return to the base or not; it's all dependent on what they find in the city.

Looking at ease up on the seat, turns to address whoever is either beside him or just behind him riding in the back. ]

So, you planning on making a break for it when we get there?

I. Arrival

[The entire ordeal, from being pulled out of a pool of water to the clothes, the talk of gods and the like all made Chris think it was all one big, giant, joke. Some sort of training simulation being pulled on him by Bob or his crew to try and make him lighten him. After all, bereft of his communicator, phaser and uniform, this entire thing felt like an away mission gone horribly wrong and who better to pull such a prank on then him?

He hadn't been that horribly depressed recently for such thing, had he?

It wasn't, as he discovered over the next little while. Rowan talked with him and even with his own arguments, he had his crew you see, and his own family of a sort to worry about. People he cared for. Surely they wouldn't take him from them now would they?

But food was shoved at him as quick as drinks, and the offer of a room quickly made short work of any lingering doubts. Because he couldn't cause to much of a fuss without them all giving him looks and that wouldn't help his cause at all. So it was with some reluctance he made up his mind to stay, at least for now.

And at least the settlement seemed calm, relaxing. So much so that as he was treated to offerings that he had a hard time refusing, the ruckus of a spooked horse caught his attention so much that he shoved the basket of food and wine to the nearest person to help calm said creature.]

Easy now, it's alright. [Calm, soothing words escaped him with more ease then one might expect, but Chris had experience. As he helped to wrangle the creature he glanced around, smiling as he pat the creature on the nose.]

So who owns this fine fellow?

II. Who Needs the Prime Directive?

[Kids are a soft spot for him. Not that he's ever wanted them but their innocence and frankness at times, all got to the gooey, warm center of his that made him usually cave to requests if they were at all possible. It's that weakness that ended up exploited by a particular band of conniving children who had heard him mention the stars as his home to someone and had given him such big puppy dog eyes that he'd caved to telling them a story.

It was mostly harmless, he skirted around most of Starfleet so as to not dwell too much on that and told a story of his younger years and a horribly young Christopher Pike falling flat on his face during one of his earliest missions. The fact he got the kids laughing was enough for him, his own face breaking out into a grin.]

But that's why it's important for you all to remember, it's never a bad thing to fail the first time. Or the second and perhaps third time in most things in life. That's how you learn and make a few friends along the way.

[He's not paying attention if someone else joins their little group, all sat around on the ground as he told his story and fielded questions.]

III. Wildcard!

[If none of these appeal to you, feel free to come up with your own! Or modify one to fit what you'd like, I'm game for anything.]

I. THE BARRACKS

[ it was not the first time he had found himself bared.

though he'd once come to be from the belly of the world, here there was no dirt beneath the curve of his talons or the white of his fingernails. there was no movement in the fingerlings of darkness, the endless and rolling seas. instead, there was murmuring. there was explanation, brief though it seemed, instead of each ache of each youthful fumbling. when zhongli was young, there had been no handling. there had been only himself and the wilds — the faces of dead gods. and yet, their tale had seemed as strange as it had been familiar. crossed now as he was into some other place, he'd wondered if there had ever been anything written into his fate that did not come to factions and folly — the looming threat of war.

but, that was many hours ago. dressed and dried now, he ties back his dark hair with a length of scrap. in his lungs, there is something leaden and vicing. but, he does not give it much pause. after all, he is accustomed to not knowing the names each bundled sensation gathers upon. instead, he lets it pass through with the steady way of his breathing, the way he sets his focus upon the far wall of the sparse room they'd led him toward.

there is something quiet in his posture, measured in the set of his shoulders. for all others may appear perturbed or rightly restless, this man sits upon one of the furthest beds and does not move an inch. it is only upon closer examination that one passing by may notice the fine crease in his brow, the steadying curve of his hand to his chin. there is a tangible weight to his silence, but it does not prickle against the skin. instead, it feels almost — contemplative? no, perhaps it is closer to recollective.

regardless, he seems to take no issue with those who wade their way into the quiet. after all, this is no private room. and those who do? well, for all that his expression is (by-and-large) still, there is a spark of recognition that briefly lightens the amber of his eyes. ]

Ah. [ he blinks, hand coming to settle with the other against his thigh. ] Is this, [ it's a quick pause, but one that seems to convey his uncertainty on what he could call these accommodations to start. ] Bedding set already taken? [ any who wish to decline should probably do so swiftly, since he seems keen on relinquishing the spot. at least he's polite? ] My apologies.

II. TRAINING GROUNDS

[ there is something curious about the man at the edge of the training grounds.

disregarding how early the hour is, he seems very engaged in extended conversation with one of the other individuals here, his arms folded neatly across the broad of his chest. every once in a while, he frees one hand as if to weigh the information he grants, but his expression never truly varies. however, there is something a little put-out(?) in the shadow at the corners of his mouth. one would think him a native if not for the clothes that he wears, but only drawing closer gives an inkling of what is going on here. ]

— understand that these weapons are designed for beginners to readily wield, there is merit to ensuring that each are appropriately balanced. A green individual, should they learn with these the perquisite stances, would find themselves out of depth the moment they were handed a more traditional weapon. [ he's still going? yes. ] Perhaps it would be worth considering a wider variety of training tools from a reputable blacksmith?

[ as he is prattling on, he seems to punctuate his point by selecting one of the well-worn polearms from the racks. the person he's talking to seems unperturbed, almost as if this guy has long made a habit of selecting them to speak with. or, maybe, they'd engaged him first? who knows. either way, he's taking a neat step back before he's twirling it smoothly, end over end. he does this for only a moment, before he plants the butt of it against the earth without seeming bothered about it. instead, he seems more contemplative. ]

While this one is of the appropriate heft, there is — [ he pauses, maybe because someone was trying to come in to get a training weapon? or maybe to join in the conversation? either way, he turns his head. perhaps to one more sensitive, they would consider the weight of his gaze unusual. to one more distracted or groggy, they might just make a passing note of the red markings that adorn the corners of his eyes instead. but, regardless of whatever they notice, he clears his throat and says: ] Oh. You've risen early. [ there's a little note of surprise that brightens the steady bass of his voice. it isn't so much surprise directed at them as an individual per se, but more for the fact he hasn't really seen any others out here at this hour. ] Care to join us in conversation? Or are you looking to train?

[ he's already stepping aside to give them better access to the racks he's nearest, but on the other hand it's giving them space to sidle in if they choose the former. ]

III. WILDCARD

[ ooc: incoherent screaming aside, please feel free to dm me or hmu/add me at

askefise if you have any other ideas you might want to hash out with me. or just hit me with another prompt of your own. to give a brief idea: he may otherwise explore the city proper one day and get himself in trouble at the markets because he'll inevitably want to buy something and then realize he doesn't actually have a wallet (classic zhongli). or, well, he'll be chatting about a wide variety of subjects in depth. or eating what seems to be a stupid amount of food in the mess hall, because ??? what is with that guy. i don't really mind! i'm flexible! ]

i. arrival / outpost
> OPTION A:

[ all in all, tartaglia is not a stranger to being a stranger. his duties take him to all parts of teyvat, after all - and this sensation of oddity, of trying to carve himself a space in a place that isn't quite ready, isn't such a new feeling to him, as is the clothes that sit ill upon his person; prickly and just on this side of uncomfortable. well, whatever he may feel internally about this predicament, tartaglia is certainly looking comfortable enough as he goes about here and there and examines the unoccupied beds in the barracks, quite confidently sifting through each one until he finds a slightly less beaten up pillow and swapping it out for another before he settles down. it's clear enough (despite all their outward friendliness and flattery meant to boost some kind of self importance) that he is stuck here for some time being - so might as well be comfortable, right?

tartaglia will finally look around when he is finally settled in sitting cross legged on his chosen bed, eyeing someone who has either just walked in or has been sitting in their own designated space this whole while, as if he had just only noticed them. spotting them he will immediately smile - a little too glib and practiced, as if he doesn't have to think twice about it. ]

Guess we'll see each other around a lot from now on, huh? How about a name?

> OPTION B:

[ tartaglia, or childe as he introduces himself, doesn't comment overmuch about the state of things - any minor discomforts that come from too many people living in too small a space, the way everything is divided into militaristic simplicity - as if he isn't a stranger to such an environment; and it isn't too far from the truth really, even if he may not actually talk about it. no, what he actually expresses an opinion over is when he discovers the training grounds. ]

Finally, [ he fairly darts over to the nearest rack of weapons, not seeming to care overmuch about the actual state of these training equipment as he takes a blunted sword down from its stand to examine it, and then next, a bow from the rack that is set next to it, testing the string and making a face only when it snags a little, the tension flagging. ]

For a place that is preparing for any eventuality, this is a little bit too much....

[ turning to the nearest person though, his expression brightens again considerably, his lips stretching to a wide grin. ]

Whatever, it's better than nothing. Want to go a round with me?

> OPTION C: WILDCARD

[ feel free to catch him in the mess hall as he puts away some inordinate amount of food; one sure has to wonder where he packs all that into, as he seems like your usual twenty-something young dude. or baths even, he isn't too picky about having to share so many spaces with people. i'm pretty open to anything so hit me up! ]

ii. cadens
> OPEN/WILDCARD

[ again, with the greater town/city limits i'm pretty open to anything! childe would probably stay more in the busier parts of town / markets and shops etc and just wander around a bit, looking in on the blacksmiths and tannery just for some strictly professional curiosity (of course). maybe even the museums, who knows! hit me up for things! you can PM if you wanna! ]

I. arrival

[Weirdly enough, standing naked and shivering and folded in on himself as a measure of modesty, while a clump of robed strangers consults an important looking tome, doesn't even crack the top three most excruciatingly awkward moments of Wilhelm's life. Nevertheless, he's relieved when one of the mages finally offers him a bundle of clothes. Well, relieved may be a bit of an overstatement. It's one drop of relief against a vast desert of anxieties, chief among which is what the fuck is happening?

The answers he receives only spin off into more questions, and what's (ostensibly) meant to reassure him only alarms him more, until he's escorted to the North Wing regardless. The first thing he does is flop onto the bed designated as his and draw the curtains shut. The ridiculous embroidered shirt he'd been given ends up in a crumple somewhere at the foot of the bed, the sandals on the floor.

His plan is to fall asleep and let this all melt away. When he wakes up, he'll be back in his own bed.

Except sleep doesn't come. Wilhelm tosses and turns, groans and sighs, punches the mattress and kicks the blankets, and stays wide awake. Giving up on the notion, he sits up and yanks the curtain back — and discovers that he's no longer alone in the room.]

Oh. Uh, hi. [He shoves a hand through his hair to try to straighten it all out.] I didn't realize... Do you live here?

[He refuses to say too, convinced that he can't stay here for long.]

II. dining hall

[In the castle's dining hall, Wilhelm feels like an actor in the wrong role in the wrong play. Something Shakespearian, and he's never been able to make much sense of any of it. (Then again, is that so different from his normal life? Pretend to be someone else, Erik had advised him.)

Although his mood has only improved marginally, and though it's only hunger that's coaxed him here in spite of his desire to ignore everybody, he does attempt to strike up a conversation with whomever is sitting nearby. If only because awkward silence is more unbearable.]

What do you think that guy meant when he said... [What was it? He chews on his lip.] When he said that "tales of our exploits" have reached far, or something like that?

i - arrival / Fanghorn

[ Now again Kotallo can not pretend to understand what is going on, and to make matters worse he is removed from anything familiar in name at all.

In another name, there are similarities. These people remind him duly of the Utaru tribe with their field lands and bounties to harvest. They offer no weapons, only dull and thin leathers... he knows better now than to assume their fighting capabilities on first impression, but he can't help but feel like an outsider in many layers. It made their reverence of him off-putting; reverence and honor he didn't earn. Still, with healthy caution he will serve them... for now. What choice does he have?

He patrols their settlements, explores the woods and farms, discovers there are plenty of natural materials to create face paint with. Methodically applying it goes a long way in easing his mind, even if it draws confusing stares. It reassures him there is still a Tenakth here, even if he is alone. Colors still have their place. Doesn't make up for waking up with nothing else.

The food, he will admit, is decent. He won't say no to it. The bottle of wine, however, becomes a complication when he brings the cork to his teeth and pulls, and he accidentally bites the cork off flush to the rim. The cork is stuck in the bottle. ]

Mhmn. [ He frowns with a very disapproving grumble he directs half at the bottle and half at the stump that is his other arm. ]

ii - Bristleback

[ This land hosts all manners of beasts that are familiar, yet not. One of the farmers tasks him with relocating a nuisance boar that's been tearing up his crops. He warns Kotallo it's big, and it'd be wise to bring an extra set of hands... the latter commentary earning a harsh stare from the warrior. He accepts regardless, and will seek out a hunting partner.

When he finds the beast it is, indeed, larger than any wild boar he's seen, though not quite as large as a machine. Prowling through the tall grass he waits for an opportune moment, then with a terrifying battle roar leaps out to strike swift and hard from the front. The sheer audacity surprises the boar just long enough for Kotallo to grab it by the tusk and, with some effort, flip it on its side. ]

Now! Snare its legs!

iii - Longleg

[ Many questions were answered by Rowan, enough to Kotallo's basic satisfaction... but after accidentally stepping on a discarded brochure he regrets there are more questions he wouldn't have even thought to ask.

His time spent as a Marshall has afforded him a broader perspective between the other clans at a ground level, and the thinks questioning the other Summoned would be a wise microcosm of that sentiment. Especially the one who made this, if he can find them. Anyone who looks like a Summoned will be approached by him. He's brusque in closing the distance and holds the brochure out in one hand. ]

What is this? [ His index finger taps on the house with chicken legs. ]

The house with legs. [ He clarifies gruffly. Just to be clear. Just to start. ]

iv - wildcard

[ Still new and gently voice-testing Kotallo but I can roll with the punches if you want to throw a unique prompt my way! ]

01 MESS HALL

( it's noisy.

there's voices all around him, talking about their day, their lives, what they bought in cadens, what they're going to do but none of it helps him piece together what's happened. he shouldn't be here but he gets the feeling that he's not the only this has happened to. he shouldn't be here but the people that brought him here, they're not who he would have expected. it's not the hand, it's not fisk, it's not anything close to that.

it's something all together different.

there's a plate of food in front of him but he's done nothing more than push it around. he doesn't have much of an appetite anyway. when he thinks he catches a familiar scent, his head jerks up in the direction of someone nearby and he stares, unseeing, before realizing that it's not anyone he knows. )

02 TRAINING GROUNDS

( just as it was in the mess hall, there's a blend of noise out here that's both familiar and not. he knows what the sounds of fighting sounds like, people training to defend and protect. this might not be hell's kitchen but the principle isn't unique to that place.

he hasn't done much more than stand on the sidelines and listen. people brush by him but he doesn't move much, pacing from here to there and back again like he's trying to decide if he wants to pick up a weapon and join in the training or if he wants to stand there and gauge what he's dealing with.

he tips his head in one direction, listening to what sounds like a particular intense sparring session. eventually, he starts to make his way in that direction, stopping on the outskirts of the area, arms crossed and head tipped down to listen. )

03 WILDCARD

( i'd put matt on a tdm in the past but life got crazy and i got sick so here we are, trying again. feel free to toss something different at me if you'd like. )

[Marc and Steven are coming from post-season one of Moon Knight, lmk if you want to avoid spoilers.]

Arrival

Steven Grant is used to difficult awakenings. It's why he generally sleeps secured to his bed.

This is an awakening that puts them all to shame. As he's pulled sputtering from the water, his first thought is there's been another incident, that Marc has been busy, or worse; Khonshu hasn't kept his word about releasing them from his service.

It...quickly becomes apparent neither of those things are true.

"Sorry, I'm not... not quite sure about the gods having no ill will." He ventures. "Have you, um...you've never actually met a god, have you?" He doesn't want to say they're wrong, but...

Primary Settlement

It's actually a bit nice out here, all that talk of "being chosen by the gods" notwithstanding. He can feel Marc's doubts; it's easier now that they're on the same page, without necessarily needing a reflective surface to facilitate things. And Marc has doubts. But there's been no sign of Khonshu, so either he's still around but keeping to himself, which has not been Steven's impression of the moon god... or he's really not here. In which case, they have some time to properly destress first before they go looking for answers. No one's coming after them, this world is in no immediate danger, so. Take a minute. Clear your head. Have some tea. Or failing that, some cheese.

And the children are so attentive!
So Steven falls back on what he knows best. No one's here to tell him to get back to his real job.

"So before the world existed, there was just this...this great, vast sea of procreation. All the bits, and stuff of life just floating in the waters, just waiting to, to be. This sea, it's not just sea, it's also a god himself, and he has a name, called Nun. And then, comes an event called the First Occasion, and this is where things start happening. This great, biiiiiiiig mound rises out of Nun, and on this mound sits the self-begotten god...ah, yes? Young fellow with the red hair in the back?"

"What does that mean, self be got them?" The young man enquires.

"'Self-begotten'." Steven corrects genially. "It means uh, that this god fellow god, a nice fellow called Atum, by the by, had no parents of his own. He just sort of...came to be, on his own. And now that he was, he could get the ball rolling on this whole creation business so he spits—" this gets the requisite sounds of amused disgust from the kids.

Going with spitting? You know, I know what you know. Marc chimes in from a nearby window that only Steven can hear. You got the fighting skills, I get the Ancient Egyptian trivia and I seem to recall, there's some debate on whether it was spit or he—

"And by doing so," Steven carries on. "He created Shu, and Tefnut, air and moisture. So, remember that, the next time you take a deep breath of that fresh air." That gets the kids laughing harder now, having learned the air is loogies.

He decides to let them get it out of their systems, and in case anyone else is drawn in and wants to hear the story.

Or maybe you're from Earth, or some variation of it and you just wanna know what's going on with that accent.

a. Settling in

Nier was not a fan of the drowning sensation he had dealt with when he arrived, or the fact that he was completely naked. But he technically wasn’t even supposed to exist anymore. No one back home would remember him anyway, so he had no one to miss him. He had been grateful for the clothes when they had given them to him. He’d never worn silks before. They were expensive and not very durable for what he needed.

He listened to the apprentice babble as he was led to the living quarters. He looked around, taking in the set up and the beds. He wandered over to one of them, pressing down on the mattress. It was so soft. That wasn’t something he was very used to, and he liked the curtains. It made him wish he had thought about that to make his sister feel like a princess while he was still with her.

“Is this what being dead is like?” He mused quietly to himself, though he felt like he was far too alive to be dead, but he had no other explanation. Even with the information he had received upon arrival. He glanced around at the other people in the room and started to make his way over to someone who didn’t appear to be busy at that moment.

“Hello.” He said giving a warm smile.

b. Dining Hall

He entered into the dining hall, stopping in surprise as he took in how much food was on offer. He had never seen so much food in his life. His blue eyes were wide as he tried to process what kind of place, he was in that had the ability to offer such a vulgar amount of food. If he had even an eighth of this back home, he could have made sure his sister was better fed than he was capable of.

He slowly started into the dining hall. He really didn’t have a favorite food, but he did chuckle a little when he saw the apples. They made him both happy and incredibly sad as he thought about the couple he had gotten to know and what had happened to them. He hesitantly took a plate and helped himself to the bare minimum amount of food. He was sure that it would come with a cost, he just didn’t know what that was or if he was able or willing to pay it. So, he wasn’t about to take more than he absolutely had to, though the temptation was there.

He made his way to one of the tables, looking at one of the people that was sitting there and motioning at the empty seat. “Pardon me, is this seat taken?” He asked.

c. The Town

Nier was feeling the castle a little stifling, so he had to get out of there. He was used to being out, doing things. Not confined between the walls of a building, especially not one the size of the castle. He was finding himself overwhelmed with the amount of people offering him free things and not asking anything in return. He kept turning them down as gracefully as he could. What were these people thinking? What was their angle? He wasn’t entirely certain what it was they were after, but he did find that he was curious.

He finally gave in to some of the little items after turning down so many, and went to find himself somewhere to sit to take it all in. He watched the people wandering around and wasn’t looking forward to seeing night. He had no weapons and had no idea how he’d be able to fight off Shades. He looked up at the sky, taking a deep breath then saw someone else taking a breather and decided he should see what he could learn. “Do you understand why they keep offering all these free items?” He asked.

Arrival:
[Her head was spinning, Caitlyn was certain she'd been rushing forward and that something dire and awful was happening. That she'd failed to prevent another loss. But then there was the pull, those strong hands lifting her out of the water, reminiscent of being lifted by a parent.

Looking around the uniforms were enough to put her at ease for a moment. Though there was something off, she didn't recognize them for the moment, and it was still so warm, was she in the lanes still. No the air was clearer and she was certain she hadn't see a body of water that clean in her time down there.]

What circumstances? Where,

[Before she could get the questions out it seemed like she was already being handed off to someone else. But with the promise of an explanation, Caitlyn gave the pool one last glance before following the robed woman, listening to the words she had to share.

In the end, the final part still rung in her head as she tried to recall the moments before she arrived. The world is in delicate and dangerous times and she was needed to help, but for some reason, she questioned whether she was capable of helping; she was uncertain about herself. Perhaps they were right, perhaps she needed a little rest to recover, a little time to get her head back on straight.]

Barracks:
[There was a short period where Caitlyn laid down, long enough for her head to stop spinning and to feel like she had a bit better bearing on where she was, and what was going on. Though she still had so many questions. For now, she started by settling in, making the bed, and squaring the corners before moving the footlocker and opening it to take inventory of what was there. It was obvious that she wasn't going to be getting any special treatment for being the daughter of a councilwoman here, which for once was a little annoying and yet refreshing at the same time.]

I don't suppose there are many shops nearby?

Training Grounds:
The weapons were slightly different, the guns were not the exact make a model that she was familiar with but the basics were the same. It only took a few practice shots to adjust the scope and to get a feel for the recoil and way it felt before Caitlyn was able to reliably hit her target every time.

By the second hour, she was running through the course, timing how long it took as she paused and took out a target and then pivoted to the next and moved to the second position. With each run she improved a little more, and it was clear that she had quite a bit of experience with this.

About Cadens:
Even the most dutiful of enforcers must recognize the need for time off occasionally. After a few days of her arrival, Caitlyn decided to take the day to visit the city of Caden, after all it would be nice to get a chance to meet some of the people that she would be helping to keep safe. It would also help to answer a few more questions about just what this world was like. She was curious about the fashion, the music, the social structure, and of course who the people were fairing.

At the moment she was paused outside a small cafe, admiring the aroma that was coming from inside.

Edited 2022-05-28 05:12 (UTC)

Arrival:
It is not a welcome feeling, being caught drifting in a void of nothing. And this is nothing like traveling through those cursed mirrors or even teleporting, it was much worse than that. Seeing the hand she seized it with her might, and had her strength not been drained would have likely torn it from the socket and brought the one pulling her out into the void out of her annoyance. Standing there exposed she stared at the mage that was before her, a pathetic human who thought to try and command her?

Running a hand through her hair, Striga looked up towards the castle. Thorne was not a land that she had heard of, certainly not one that Dracula had any presence in either.

"If I were not calm, you would have already lost your head. What magic is this?"

Room mates:
When informed these would be her quarters, the first thing that Striga did was to ensure the Windows were covered. Avoiding the light pulled the heavy curtains closed and secured them, ensuring that no daylight was let through prior to removing the cloak that she had been provided. The combination of pale complexion and pointed ears likely gives a clue as to why she might have had an aversion to such a bright view given the generally cloudy and demur weather.

After that, she simply claims the bed furthest from the said window by simply walking over and taking a seat on it.

"You have a great many exploits as well that have brought you here?"

Dining Hall:
It was not that Striga couldn't partake in the feast, but she still did not entirely trust these mages or humans. She could sense that they were up to something, that there was something that was not yet being shared with new arrivals, and while they had marked her for strength she had yet to demonstrate it. Instead, she carried a goblet filled with a thick red liquid, even if she wouldn't eat, there was a matter of appearances to keep up. Carmilla had hammered that much into her at least over the years.

Though mingling was not something she did even with that advice, instead Striga remains stationary against the wall, a rather large flower beneath the moonlight.

BROKEN
It takes all of five minutes for Zack to irreparably snap the fine chain of the gifted necklace. In his defense, trying to acclimate to wearing delicate jewelry and strangely loose-fitting clothing at the same time was going to be losing battle from the start. He's accustomed to heavy denim trousers, tight leather belts, and turtleneck sweaters. Moreover, his wits feel duller since emerging from that well, and he isn't sure whether it was something in the water, something in the air, or something else entirely. Probably to do with that summoning ritual they were talking about, he reasons, although his own experience with summoning had never worked quite like this.

Well, maybe Leviathan was a little similarly...damp.

In either case, it was clearly meant to be unlatched rather than simply pulled over his head, and the chain had no trouble fragmenting in hands so often stronger than he realizes. Although he gets the feeling he's supposed to be wearing it (like some kind of beginner badge), he also doesn't exactly trust the slit pockets of these breezy, linen slacks to keep the charm safe. So, he opts to leave it behind in his temporary lodgings, on top of the rough-looking end-table that offers not a lamp but a candle. The rest of the room is equally humble, but cozy, perfectly adequate for a temporary stay, though the smell of stone and old wood and the general feel of the place reminds him a little too readily of a similarly cozy inn he'd once stayed in. But...thinking about that makes him tired, makes his heart ache, and there's far too much for him to get done in the way of acclimation for him to get lost in his worries and memories now. And what better way to acclimate than getting to know the folks downstairs, who seem to run a bustling kitchen.

And hey, maybe he'll even run into a new neighbor as well.

BARTERING
With a meal in his belly (paid for with a few loads of dishes and a promise for a second shift), Zack swings back around to his apartment to retrieve the broken necklace. He carefully wraps it in a tea towel (accidentally pilfered from the restaurant, but at least it's mostly clean) to carry it with him as he follows the general din of the center village towards the shops. The glint in his eye makes it obvious he's a man with a mission, though the way he scans the buildings on either side of the main path makes it equally obvious he's a man without a clue where he's headed.

The sights (and smells) of the stalls and shopfronts he passes are too tempting for him to ignore all of them, even though he's just eaten and even though he doesn't have so much as a copper to his name yet. If anything, though, Zack is the friendly, social sort, and happy to make conversation with any and everyone who flags him down for a sample of their wares, local and hired help alike. And in the same breath as his apology for being unable to buy anything, he asks to be pointed in the right direction to get this necklace of his fixed.

Hopefully, then, his theory about it being a beginner's mark is right, and he isn't making a fool (or target) of himself by flaunting it to every person he runs into. Of course, if you happen to be wearing one yourself, you'll most definitely hear the desperate, "Hey! Wait! Do you have a second?" of a man as desperate for a jeweler as he is for a kindred spirit.

BABYSITTING
Zack loves kids. In many ways, he's nothing but a big kid himself, even at the tender age of 23. That's assuredly why it's so easy for him to get caught up in their games. Granted, as a grown-up, he's not much good for most of them, stuck just playing referee for everything from kickball to relay races. (Although he doesn't mind filling in on the slowest teams, to help them get the perfect photo finish.) His enthusiasm and stamina are almost as endless as theirs, however, and it's already earning him the gratitude of a few harried-looking mothers who've been waiting for someone to keep the kids occupied long enough to get the laundry hung up.

Honestly...it's refreshing, being around so many kids. Growing up, he'd been one of a dozen in the village. After leaving, he did all he could not to worry about what might be happening in Gongaga, especially as the years passed. While he always did all he could not to let his thoughts drift to the inevitable fate of his aging hometown, the worry showed quite plainly on his face, darkening any of the brightness in his too-blue eyes.

Maybe a similarly friendly stranger will catch him floundering and help snap him out of it, and notice the kids tugging at his slightly-too-short trousers.

Or maybe you're also just helping to wrangle the kids—either admonishing Zack for permitting all the roughhousing in the dirt, or helping him to wear them out so that they'll all go right to sleep after dinner.

ᴀʀʀɪᴠᴀʟ

( This isn't the first time Jack Townsend has been pulled through a small body of water into another dimension. Granted, that last one had been a kiddie pool, he was only submerged up to his feet, and he staunchly refused to get naked along with the two other people conducting the ritual at the time.

This time he's totally bare-assed in front of a cluster of strangers — which is, arguably, worse. Fortunately, none of this is real, so he mostly just feels annoyed when he covers his crotch with both hands.

Some random person, evidently the token authority figure, gives like half an explanation he only partly understands and only an even smaller part really pays attention. As soon as he's done talking, they stare at him expectantly.

Oh, okay, they actually want him to say something. )

Great. Sounds good.

( He says in polite monotone, customer-service apathetic. Whatever it takes for them to give him pants. Even fictionally, he's not all that keen on indecent exposure. )

ɪᴍᴍᴇʀsɪᴏɴ

( Jack looks tired. Not in that manly, rugged, I'm too old for this shit protagonist way — he looks literally tired, with sleepless bruises under his eyes. A little pale, definitely a little too thin. Contrary to what you might expect from someone of his (less than) wellbeing or relative newness, he doesn't seem particularly twitchy or freaked out by everything going on around him.

When he can catch somebody alone or at the very least off to the side, he approaches to gently interrupt whatever they're doing. )

Excuse me. Hi. Hello. Um, can I ask you a couple of quick questions? ( That's rhetorical, there isn't a very long pause, he's asking them regardless. ) Is this like a sexy medieval vampire scenario, or is there maybe an undead army at the gates, or is it more of a Heath Ledger jousting tournament situation? What's- what exactly is the storyline hook here? Which trope are we doing?

ʜᴏʀɪᴢᴏɴ

( If you wander through enough roads or forests, you may very well happen across Jack's domain. It is, perhaps surprisingly, a gas station. Overnight, to be specific, at what looks like two in the morning, in the middle of absolutely fucking nowhere. It's shitty, with off-brand canned food on the shelves that have their expiration dates rubbed off. The smoke detector is an old frisbee playing pretend. There's a small crack in the floor near the frozen drink machine full of sticky run-off, making a tiny little tar pit for bugs or the occasional small mammal. You could possibly spot a lawn gnome in strange places; they may or may not be there if you look away and back again. Any trips to the restroom may result an encounter with a ghostly figure known as The Bathroom Cowboy. Outside, if you venture too close to the grease trap, you may be assaulted by feral raccoons.

You'll find Jack himself behind the cash register, sitting on a stool with a book in hand. The title reads Hitlersaurus Rex 2, and he is so engrossed in it he legitimately will not realize he has company until they either get his attention or blow something up. In either case, he'll look up from his book and go immediately into Good Employee Mode. )

Hi. Can I help you?

( It seems by all appearances he's either completely forgotten he's in the Horizon, or he genuinely believes he's at work back home. )

ᴍɪsᴄ. ʜᴏᴏᴋs

( some things you may catch him doing, or that your character might remark upon:

¤ his arcana is the moon and it will appear on his clothes
¤ he will occasionally stare off into space, fully vacant, for what may be minutes or even hours
¤ while he's in a fugue state, strange things may begin to manifest around him — steaming cups of coffee may appear out of nowhere, or crazy shit like two-headed spiders might crawl out from under the table
¤ he's missing his right leg below the knee and hasn't yet gotten a replacement prosthetic, so he will be hobbling about on crutches
¤ he's missing his left pinky finger
¤ one of the first things he'll do is find the nearest library, then scour the fiction section for the absolute worst, weirdest options available
¤ psychic characters may sense that his brain is off somehow, and they'll experience some really weird shit if they try to read his mind; they also won't be able to manipulate his memories or hypnotize him easily — he'll break out of it within seconds or minutes depending on the strength
¤ characters that have supernatural senses will be able to tell his aura is weird and cloudy, and a very strange type of temporal void energy is all over him — even inside him )

ᴇᴛᴄ.

( Faction left deliberately vague as I feel it out, so pick any of them for this! I love wildcards, so go nuts. More info & trigger warnings can be found here. Hit me up at paingravy or Em#8430 to talk! )

Edited 2022-05-30 20:16 (UTC)

i. Welcome
Quintet honestly isn't sure what they expected.

But whatever it was, a dripping wet cat, half-drowned, disoriented, complaining at first vaguely and then at increasing volume had clearly not been it. But she was a person, after all, and though her liscense was still provisional, a member of the Rationale. So she'd done what civilized people do, in situations like these: talked it through. It wasn't as if they were deaf, after all, just... weird. The whole place was weird, with a strangely artificial, almost manicured look to it, nothing like home.

What's more annoying is the way people keep staring at her, and cooing, like she's some kind of kitten, not yet out of her milkteeth. It's not as if it's the only time a cat's worn a mantle, after all, even if this one is pretty elaborate, with the embroidery and all.

Anyone watching will see just that: a housecat tagging along with the most recent group of newcomers, inexplicably dressed as one of them complete with the arcana stitched into her tunic. She rides along to the village, and wanders around, and if you draw close enough, she might even speak to you.

"Hey! Hey you," It's a sharp, almost nasal voice, of someone used to speaking to people both larger, and stupider, than she is— and she doesn't expect any better from you, "Listen, I need some help. Because either I'm losing my mind, or I'm going to have to come to terms with eating people, and I don't know which is worse."

ii. Educational Materials
And, if you aren't called out directly, then perhaps you just happen to notice the cat in the tunic sitting on a flat rock, convenient for sitting on, with both forepaws braced on a folded scrap of paper. She looks for all the world as if she were actually reading it, and if the lashing tail is any judge, not enjoying the read.

"...Weird deer?" She mutters, low but audible, "The dead rose? Oh, you stupid cat, what did you get yourself into this time?"

iii. Monster Mash
"EE-mach!" The... thing, whatever it was, hit the side of the road, and bounced. Quintet's strike had carried tremendous force, enough to rebound her, and her own landing was more controlled, "Go on, had enough?"

People were resolute. They could think, plan, and fight back intelligently, with strategy. But would these creatures do the same? The monster cowers back from her, and Quintet readies her response again; it's got to be an odd sight from the outside, a thing like that cowering away from a little cat. The cat herself is pretty odd too, the way she's hunched over, front weight on the wrists and rump in the air.

She hisses, at the thing and for all its claws and teeth and too many limbs, it seems quite inclined to bolt.

iv. Wildcard
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