TEST DRIVE MEME #8

[abraxasmods]

TEST DRIVE MEME

Welcome to the eighth 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.

NOTED CURRENT EVENTS
◎ Rumor has it that two emissaries - a werewolf and a vampire - visited from Nocwich in early July. With them came some wares distributed to shops throughout each faction. A few sparse items may remain for purchase, such as glowing flowers or fine ales, but much of it has now been sold.

◎ New arrivals in THE FREE CITIES may hear a bit of chatter around Cadens about art, politics, and recent performances involving its sister city, Libertas. It's all standard fare - the kind of topics spoken about over a beer or in line at the market - but there's a small stir in the air.

◎ Lately, locals in SOLVUNN have begun to approach the Summoned with a sort of awe and respect. New arrivals 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 delicious goat cheese. Your character is free to turn these down and should they turn down enough people, they will not be bothered further as no one wishes to offend them.

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 long-horned creature with large wings on a thin chain over your neck. Ask around later, and you may find that it is a symbol of Vielehauffe, the God of the Herd.

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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Comments

[tobeclosetohim]

The curl of her mouth turns somewhat impish as her head tucks in forward the slightest touch before her hand shifts, fist curls below it, at her chin. Honestly, she's pleased to be surprised when he doesn't fluster and choose a side or stumble between how not to say yes and not to say no, for either pothole that might contain. If he doesn't shine up, just the smallest bit in it, too.

That wonder, that smile, even when his mouth is just the best sort of
we only play with the razor side of our knives here.

Admission-concession and taunting rebuke, all in one.

A few more points for the comeback king.

"Mmm." It's a slight sound as she presses her lips together. Still leaned close but had not shifted her arms from the space right in front of her. You don't always with their kind, not the first time they come in those doors for sure, and he's already proven himself to have touchy edges he'd have kept hidden. But he's still here, still met it. Meeting it. Again.

Instead, that fist at her chin shifts, as does her other arm, coming up, and she laces her fingers together under her chin as a rest instead. Her words placed almost like a poker chip. "Convenient non-answer compliment."

[bealufull]

If he looks at it like any con, it's easy enough to do. Pull on a mask, let that determine how he behaves, never let it show in his eyes.

Even as she moves and he tenses. Not a lot, not even that most would notice. Just enough to worry that she push it one step further, to take the game to another level and move from words to the physical realm. He's not sure he could handle it without revulsion and a poor reaction.

Yet she doesn't and he's thankful for that, even as he feels the slightest hint of a cold sweat along the back of his neck.

"Isn't it though? Perhaps we should ask another party?"

He shifts then, leaning slightly away from her as if it was only for what he's about to do and not a need to put more physical distance between himself and another. He raises his voice slightly though not that loud at all. He knows she's heard every word.

Yet he doesn't look to where she is, still watching Jo as he speaks.

"Inej? Would you like to join us?"

[shadowthief]

Kaz is perfectly capable of handling himself and she knows this, without a doubt or a second's hesitation. He didn't earn the name Dirtyhands for sitting back and letting other people do the work. But is it so surprising that she feels the need to remain somewhere just in his periphery as Kaz starts to seek out what he can about the city and it's people, and the world at large? She'd hardly call it settling, he hasn't been here long enough for that and- well. Did Kaz truly ever settle? Even in Ketterdam, there were always things left he vyed for.

She has been listening to them, the whole time in fact, as soon as she'd seen him set up at a table, perfectly positioned so no one is behind him, and he has sights on as much of the room as possible– some habits never die, she thinks.

She doesn't appreciate being called-out, however. She was doing just fine sitting with her knees drawn up in the booth she was perched in. There was a tall backing between them, he had no way of seeing her, but... he always knew anyway, didn't he? Ever since that first time he'd caught her. Stupid boy.

For a very brief moment, Inej considers ignoring him, making him look a fool in front of the other woman. It's petty and childish, and she ultimately decides against it. But it could have happened. Might have, if she'd have listened to more of this coquettish banter before he called attention to her presence.

"Don't let me interrupt," she says, tone somehow both light and flat at once as she peeks over the false wall between the booths.

[tobeclosetohim]

Jo's brow raises a little at the address to Inej suddenly from nowhere, even while looking at her, but when she looks up to find Inej's voice coming from over the barrier, with her face, Jo smiles blithely. She can recognize that edge of a tone that seems contrite and unpleased about things, but it doesn't slow her roll in the slight.

"No, do." Fast, complete, and a gamely-warm smile.

"Apparently, Kaz can't answer straight questions with straight answers."

This is entirely untrue, given the rest of their walk here, and her question was nothing like straight in the slightest, but she gives him an overtop look for it anyway. "Be a dear, and scoot over—" This with a slight wave of her hand in one direction at him. "—and move over so she can have a seat."

As though Jo is not taking up the whole of her side, same as him.

[itookashot]

Jesper doesn't love it either. He has gone all these months without Kaz and Wylan, without being able to write to his father. He has made a life for himself here because that is what Jesper does best, rolling with the changes around him, always so fast on his feet. He does miss home. And yet, he has not even given a moment's thought to finding a way back. Mostly because Julie told him it was a terrible and dangerous idea, and he trusts her. He's not going to go messing around with that type of magic.

"I think it will. I think it's only a question of when before they tap into us. So I suppose all we can do is wait and see if we can sell ourselves in a way we can live with." Or, you know, run away. Jesper is more than happy to run away, as Kaz knows, although he would call it more of a strategic retreat. But if they want their skills, and they aren't asking too much from them, maybe a hired gun is better than that. Jesper's sold himself before.

"It's Inej. Of course she's sure." Jesper shakes his head. "I don't think it's bringing them back from the dead, I think it's when they're taking people from. The last thing I knew there, I was in Wylan's house, we were talking about new papers. Then I was here. They must have taken him before he died." So it's not as much of a miracle as it was good and smart timing. Jesper is surprised they don't take a whole lot of soon-to-be-dead people. Then they have reasons to stay.

"Come now, Kaz, it's me. I have plenty of bearing here. I'm already the guy who knows everyone and people come to for information." That is one of the things he did for Kaz, although Kaz's iron trap mind meant he didn't need someone else to think for him. But Jesper's an excellent second, being the warm exterior good at making people like him.

Jesper looks genuinely surprised at the turn with Dirtyhands, although maybe he shouldn't be. "No. We wouldn't have followed you if we felt that way." Or been so intensely loyal. Jesper would do anything for Kaz, and he feels like he deserves it, that his loyalty has been earned. "But you are more than the title. You've always been. We know that intimately well."

[godshattering]

Gift is the best way to sum it up, I think. I haven't had a chance to ask many people if - or what - the Singularity might have decided they needed, but I have met a couple people who've had their magic strengthened by it. Or so they've said, and I don't really... have a reason to not believe that.

[ It would be interesting if there's some overlap with Brigid's spirits, he thinks to himself, and then wonders if there's any other cases besides the tales told about what Almyran gods granted to the loyal and brave. Well, that'll have to wait unless he can recreate one of those many books in the Horizon sometime. More importantly, when Petra asks if they need to keep things secret Claude frowns just a bit and shakes his head. ]

No, sorry, I misspoke. I don't know that using the magic would have any negative consequences for us specifically, just that the magic the Free Cities prefers is for what's meant to be practical rather than creating things out of thin air since that's an option here. But I get the feeling that Fodlan magic could potentially make people wary if it was, say, used in front of a large crowd.

[ Though - wait a minute. Claude's eyebrows knit together a little more as he looks at Petra, his mind suddenly processing something else that feels important about what she's said. Maybe it matches to her seeing something happen in Derdriu that he didn't, or maybe it doesn't, but it gives him that same feeling he'd had while being told Derdriu fell all over again. ]

Petra. Are you saying that... Teach was your professor?

[philancer]

Yeah, and I'm no Caspar, I'm not so great with just my fists. I mean, I can probably defend well enough but considering I showed up here without my lance or any armor or anything...

Have you seen any weapons about this place? Other than the ones those in charge were wearing? [ He wouldn't normally consider stealing, but maybe they could just "borrow" them. For an extended period of time. ]

[philancer]

[ Sylvain just gives a disappointed sigh when Claude releases his hand, affecting an expression of great dismay. ]

What a tease. And after all that complaining about feeling left out. I see how it is.

And you're asking for percentages like you expect me to keep track of every time I flirt with someone and how I do it. Which I don't, by the way. There is no tried and true method of doing it; everyone is different, and you have to adjust your approach. [ A pause, before he gives a rueful grin. ] But for your information, in the right circumstance, it works very well. Getting someone to laugh or relax in response to that is always a good first step.

[ He doesn't show any shame in admitting that. He suspects Claude will understand all too well. The other man is an expert at charming the people around him, if for different reasons than the ones Sylvain has perfected his own methods for. ]

Yeah, I'm not too keen on heading back there, personally. A bedroll will be fine. I've slept on much worse. [ And recently! It sure will beat getting rained on... ]

[polyonymous]

[Nah, that's not how this works at all. Co-captains share a ledger, so either this buffoonery is a mark against them both, or Stede collectively forgives it. Only two choices. Get committed to the inseparable duo bit, Stede.

Ed certainly is. That's why he hovers annoyingly close post-hug, and not because he has Stede-specific separation anxiety. Don't fuckin' look at him.]

Never know, maybe she was a bloodhound in her last life. Got a talent for sniffing out real criminals. Outlaws. Like you and me.

[He winks, because he does that at Stede now.

Worth finding is on a giddy loop in his head, where he can't be embarrassed about it.]

You've been alright? Since you got here?

[bealufull]

He's in a damned if he does, damned if he doesn't moment. If he continues on, he's walking in a verbal landmine, at least in his head. If he does what he has, he risks upsetting Inej. Though, given her tones, he's already done just that. Splendid start in this place.

He doesn't hesitate, moving to one side, nearly pressed to the wall, giving Inej space if she chooses to sit with him and not leaving himself in a place where he might endure panic.

"You're not interrupting and I wouldn't have invited you to join us if I didn't want you here. As for my direct answers..." Because he wants both of them to hear this. "I doubt you have need for my compliments, and I won't damn you with blatant lies. You have classic Fjerda beauty which many find delightful. Subjectively it isn't my taste but I can recognize it when I see it."

[godshattering]

No? I thought for sure you'd have all that stored carefully away somewhere in case someone - [ Claude - ] decided to challenge you on your success rates.

[ Or maybe Claude's just telling on himself a bit more than he intends when it comes to collecting anything he might find useful though it's debatable whether Sylvain's pick up line history actually counts. Either way, something like a knowing smile appears on his face at their first method being the same in that it's important to get someone to put their guard down. The path might diverge from there in the end goal, but the other's right that that little bit of rapport goes a long way.

He's just going to ignore that he more or less fell for that by playing right into it. Just details, and ones that rank lower in importance compared to holding the tavern door open for Sylvain to walk out and then unwittingly volunteering to do the same for several other leaving patrons. Eventually Claude slips out himself, leaving polite door duty to someone else, and catches up with Sylvain. ]

If it helps, Mag's inn is a lot nicer than a tent. And you don't even have to walk all day to get there first, among other nice things about not being on the move as part of an army. [ Belatedly, Claude remembers the war is only past tense for one of them and it's not him, so he waves a hand like it'll clear that away as they walk. ] Anyway, the doing chores to stay there part is kinda similar to the monastery, but luckily for us it doesn't come with Seteth telling us we did it wrong this time around.

[philancer]

[ He just scoffs at that and shakes his head, his grin turning wry. ]

You say that like I actually care about the success rates.

[ From the skepticism in his tone, it's clear he doesn't. Then again, Sylvain's never really done this for the numbers. It was just something he played with when they approached him. Which happened far more often than he approached others, no matter what his reputation said about him. Oh sure, he'd flirt and test the waters when someone caught his eye. Or maybe just because he was bored. But keeping track of success? Meant he gave a damn about what he was winning in the first place and honestly? He could rarely be bothered. They all blurred together after a while anyway.

...Which was really sad, anytime he stopped to let himself think about it. Which was why he usually didn't.

Sylvain waits just outside the tavern until Claude finishes playing doorman, falling easily into step beside him. Mostly because he has no idea where he's going. ]

Well, that is very much a plus. I have to say, the shared barracks weren't ideal. [ He makes a face and then chuckles as he glances over to study Claude's profile with an amused expression. ] Happened to you a lot, did it?

[shadowthief]

She hums, a soft, noncommittal sound as her eyes cut from Jo back to Kaz. “Yes, he’s good at skirting the edges of answers without actually giving them.”

Her gaze lingers on him for a moment longer before drifting back toward Jo at the beckoning. Do join us. Come take a seat.

The shuffle that’s happening in the booth causes both brows to arch curiously upward, an unspoken comment thrown in his direction. Something full of incredulity like, “Really?” or more cautious like, “You’re sure?”. Something she either gets an answer to, or doesn’t wait for one at all, before she uncurls herself from the neighboring table and slides into the booth they’re at— noticeably as near the edge as possible without risk of falling off of it.

She doesn’t say a word, isn’t entirely sure what to say in the wake of being caught and called out. So instead, she just reaches for whatever may be in any glass in front of Kaz and downs whatever’s left like a shot.

[shadowthief]

“Oh, you won’t have to,” she says, amusement twisting one corner of her mouth upward. “You’ll know him when you see him— he’s not known for his subtlety.” There is only absolute fondness in the words, despite the exaggerated frustration behind it all. Jesper is… a lot to handle if you’re not used to him, or at least his type. But it’s all in good fun, and Inej can’t imagine her life without him in it.

She nods, she gets it. Being new in this place is a head trip all its own. One she’s glad to have put mostly behind her at this point. “It takes some time to adjust here, but probably not as long as some people might think.” Some, but not everyone. Not her. Inej just feels it in her bones. Jo will be a quick study for all things Cadens once she gets solid ground under her feet.

[funhinged]

[ He's been winked at. The heart skipping a beat of it all is simply untenable.

If Stede thinks hypothetical past lives and karma and all that, there's a really sharp dichotomy in what he'd have to imagine he did in his past life, pre- and post- meeting Ed.

And they were outlaws... (oh my god they were outlaws) ]

Oh, yeah. Yeah. Things have been fine. Not sure I could say great, considering the big picture? But probably about as good as they could be. Lots of nature. [ If that was a deliberate bob and weave around how he personally specifically has been feeling, and any entire emotional spirals he's had in his little apartment, well, that's Stede's business.

The nature has helped, though. In his defense. ]

What about you? Feeling alright? Getting your land legs?

[ His sense of humor has been wasted on cows today, thank god for Ed. ]

[aquaveiled]

[ It's a good question and one that she may be...slowly becoming more qualified to answer. Himeka plucks a steamed carrot for herself and drops it onto her plate, letting it sit in and soak up the juices of the lamb that it's resting on. ]

They do seem to prefer a general reverence to the ways more than demanding we worship any one in particular. Though certain deities do seem to be more important during different times of the year, specific ceremonies, and holidays...you know the like.

[ Her tail swishes behind her happily as she cuts the carrot in half with her fork. ]

But there are some dubiously abandoned shrines in the middle of the woods. There are some gods they don't seem to want to talk about.

[bealufull]

Were it not for the idea of a war they had no side in hanging over their heads, there's a good chance that Kaz wouldn't even question this place except how to make his way in it. Yet he can't just decide on an entertainment venue without gambling this time and see how well he can do for himself. How well they can do for themselves.

But instead they have to work on that as well as prepare for a war they have no hand in and likely want no part of. "We should try and find out what we can about it. Do we have contact with those they've Summoned in the other cities as well?"

He wants to know more. About how it might fall if two cities sided against the third and information on just how many other cities might be out there, but that will come with time. For now it's focusing on this city as his own and what they'll do from there.

He gives that soft quirk of the lips that is nearly a smile. "If one could not be fooled it is Inej." He sighs, a put upon sound. "Not sure I would say time travel is much better, though its a nice thought." Just to see those they've lost again, but it's not a dream he will let himself live with as if he might one day see Jordie wet and alive as he's dragged from that pool.

"Jesper, it was not insulting you. I know all too well your charms and skills. I was merely wondering if we make changes on this Horizon is there spill over here in the real world." There's definitely verbal quotes around those words.

In truth Kaz knows deep down that Inej and Jesper both accept him as he is. That he isn't always sure why is on him and not them. Not that he's ever been good about not turning that around on them. Just as he's done now.

It only hits him though that he might have insulted Jesper with that question after seeing the expression on his face. "I am not questioning your loyalty, Jesper. As I said to Inej though, none of us know the man I might become. Which is not saying I'm not considering exploring the possibilities. I'm just... making an observation."

It most certainly isn't that he's still, in the end, a seventeen year old kid despite the crochety old man he can also be. A kid who has made his family and will do whatever he must to hold on to them. Even if, as it was back home, in letting them leave.

[godshattering]

[ Hm. That answer is actually more interesting than Sylvain might've intended for it to be, what with it confirming a suspicion he'd had once upon a time in another life when they were just students at the academy. Then again - that never was his business, and while his academy aged self would've considered anything fair game to ask the years since then have granted him the ability to be more discerning. Just a bit.

Instead of commenting, Claude lets it go by. Not without bookmarking it for somewhere in his memory for another time, maybe; like not when they're walking down the streets of Cadens. He'll just glance at Sylvain with a smirk for that latter part. ]

Are you asking if Seteth scolded me for a lot of things? Sylvain. Have you forgotten who you're talking to? I lost track of the amount of times I got reprimanded over causing a mess during dish duty. [ A beat. ] Come to think of it, he might've actually been onto something there since Mag banned me from helping wash things at the tavern.

Anyway. We got along a little better during the war. Mostly because he had to tolerate me, and because I pretended he wasn't lying to us about all kinds of Church things despite the proof right in front of our faces like it always was.

[ Enjoy some light blasphemy in the eyes of the devout with that. Some things never change. ]

[warfed]

Only those that seem like they are being for training. None of them are being real— good for practice, but not for battle.

[She's going to need more than a wooden training sword in this world, she's certain, but clothing and food had come first as far as her priorities were concerned. Weapons, of course, are close behind. She is a warrior and a hunter, she cannot be without her tools.]

We must be finding some of our own.

[warfed]

I see... I think I am having understanding. They are not against all magic, only how it is used.

[That makes sense. The Free Cities, then, are practically-minded. If she keeps that in mind, she's sure she will understand further going forward.

She takes another thoughtful bite of her meal, brow remaining furrowed, and as Claude's own expression shifts, she thinks they must almost comically mirror one another, even if just for a moment. She pauses and sets her fork down, tipping her head to one side.]

Of course. The Black Eagles are all being very fond of her. She has chosen a difficult path, as many of us have been doing, but she was doing it to protect us. [Edelgard, in that specific moment when the decision had been made, but in the end, it was for all of them.] I am owing her much gratitude.

[godshattering]

[ He should probably continue that side note about magic in the Free cities. Or - he definitely should, since there's more they could cover in it from what he's gleaned from hanging around Cadens. But when Petra mirrors his expression back to him and confirms his suspicion voiced through that question is true: he can't do anything but stare at her, mind temporarily completely blank. ]

Teach taught the Golden Deer, for me. [ 'For me' feels like an important qualifier to add even if the rest of his sentence before it explains enough. Kind of. ] He was pretty fond of us as well even if we weren't exactly the most reverent house, which I might've encouraged. But you're saying that Teach sided with-- Edelgard.

[ This is where he should watch what he says; there's an alarm bell sounding in one corner of his mind. The fall of Derdriu made it start as a faint echo but now it rings even louder. Claude could elaborate on just why that realization, protection or not, actually causes him to shift ever so slightly in his seat in uneasiness buried within placing an elbow on the table as though to prop his chin in his hand though he never actually does. ]

Huh. I can't say I saw that coming. Professor Manuela taught the Black Eagles, and - [ Wait. Again. ] Hold on. When you mentioned Teach, you said she?

[tobeclosetohim]

Jo looks smug the moment he decides to answer finally. A baited pleasure that seemed only to get brighter because Kaz answered. Not at all because of how he answered or what he said. Because he was right, she didn't need anyone to tell her. She's seen the looks since she got hips, heard the words not long after, and used it on several people since leaving home.

But she pushed. And Kaz gave.
He even defended himself in his answer.

Which is when she truly gets to give up the sunshine shell game.
That he's been playing the wrong game the whole time.
The do-or-die dilemma having never mattered at all.

"Aww. How sweet." Her head tips and she smiles, golden and untouchable as the dawn. Before she says very clearly, "And to answer your question—" The one her words press on as though dredging it back into existence, that she'd gotten him to forget utterly with the shift of a single question, and then some flirting and helped-badgering."—as Inej already knows, I'm a hunter."

She might not have even let him get back to that thought if it weren't for Inej showing up and knowing him well. After all, why lie to your marks when you can get them to utterly distract themselves from the fact they asked you something first to begin with? Because whatever Fjerdan women look like, she doubts he's been flustered back from picturing her up her elbows in monster gore.

[klappstyra]

[She looks at him, wide-eyed and startled.]

No, it's okay! Really. You don't. You don't need to apologize.

[Her hand steals out, brushes fingertips lightly against his arm before she curls back in on herself. He feels real. So she's real. She thinks. She hopes.]

This is all a lot. And it was just... really nice to see you. [Her smile is shy.] I'm glad to see you. [She swallows, the memory of his trailer, the hallucinations, the clock, the thing coming after her. She can only imagine what it must have been like for him, seeing it on the other side. Not being able to do anything.] I know. I'm not sure I am, either. I think I am? I think this is real?

But it's hard to tell.

[ghosthuntuk]

“Could be a social experiment. The signs mean nothing, but they imply they do, watch how we react, if we draw together or isolate, if alliances between signs are made.” She makes an annoyed little grunt. “Whatever it is, I’m not going to indulge them and hand over curiosity as a prize.”

Melanie is distrustful in her own ways. She refuses to sign along any other dotted lines again.

[ghosthuntuk]

“That they did,” she nods a bit. “It does seem to be the way of it for everyone.” Which maybe isn’t actually any less creepy.

Still. It’s hard not to notice the jumpy edge to the girl. Very deer caught in headlights. She’s rough edges and sharp corners, but Melanie isn’t heartless. “You all right, luv?”