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.

---

return to main navigation

Comments

[earthborn]

"Can't tell you how, but why... Got some theories," Now properly dressed, Shepard offers a hand to shake, "I'm Shepard. Welcome to the Free Cities, if you want."

She doesn't feel exceptionally welcomed, herself, but her tone probably tells you all you need to know about that.

"There's a few running theories why they keep bringing people in. The big one is to fight; there's a war coming on, and the Summoned tend to have odd abilities that might be an advantage. Though they might be doing it just because the other groups are doing it. Can't be falling behind, now can we?"

[bealufull]

There's no hesitation in taking her hand. The civility of the mercher's is a game he's played most of his life and that, at least, is familiar. "Kaz, and it's definitely the worst welcome I've ever had." And with this reputation back home, that is saying something. "Any theories on their sadistic little bathing pool rescue? Is it meant to make us grateful that they didn't just let us drown?"

Because he refuses.

He nods at that. "So I've heard, and seen the training fields. I have no intention of being part of their Army." Leading his own in this place though, that's something else entirely. Though he can't help but ask, thinking of Jesper in particular. "Odd abilities in what way? I've been told they have the small science here and even grant it to those they bring in. Why not tailor their own army from that ability?"

[earthborn]

It's a good handshake; practiced, professional. Shepard's is the same, grip firm and calloused, but not to firm. Two shakes. Feels right.

"You wouldn't be the first. They're kidnapping people and then just letting them go free-range, like that's going to inspire loyalty," She shrugs. There's not much to be done about it, either way; it's hard to call it reasonable, but they put enough effort into the process that there has to be a point, "I have no idea what their game is, to be honest. But so long as they're offering, you can live here rent free and eat their food, so..."

What had he said. Kaz? She's heard that name before. Shepard frowns slightly, while he speaks. No no, she's listening, you continue.

"...I don't know anything about small science, but plenty of people have more than what you'd call baseline human capabilities. I'm a biotic myself, for example."

[bealufull]

It's such a practiced motion that his lack of gloves is not on his mind. So the moment he feels flesh against his own hand, he feels the sudden dizzying vertigo wash over him. Yet he manages to hold himself on his feet, to speak of the training and attempts to get him to enter the military even though his voice sounds distant and hollow to himself. He would need gloves and quickly or he was going to prove his weakness to more than those that knew him well.

"I don't think forcing them to participate in their military is going to do much to inspire loyalty either," he says, speaking from being in that position. Though he hadn't kidnapped any for their loyalty. Bought out their debts, certainly, but not kidnapping.

"Small science is a term for what I've heard others refer to as magic here. The abilities to manipulate the reality of an object and make it bend to your will." He wonders if she noticed his uncertainty in the wake of the shake from that look, though he can't help the curiosity he holds for that word. "Biotic?"

[earthborn]

"Easier to show than tell," Shepard explains, and for a moment flares her corona in demonstration.

For those used to biotic displays, it's nothing; for the less familiar, it might seem more dramatic. Every line of detail of Shepard's body is momentarily shrouded in blue-white distortion, the sizzling ozone stink of sublimating dark matter as it interacts with normal matter giving off an eerie blackish glow that rises from arms and shoulders like the brief flickering of inverted flames. Her eyes are the worst of it, pinprick lights in a face with features weirdly warped through the mass effect field's shifting envelope.

And then it's gone. Just a couple of seconds, not even enough to get to the door, had one been inclined to turn and go.

"It's not magic. But you can't tell that to the locals," she shrugs, watching him for his reaction. Then it comes to her; ah, "Mind if I ask you something?"

[bealufull]

Most thinks in life usually are, though he's not sure what to expect in that moment. Whatever biotic might be, he most certainly isn't expecting what she does. Having seen Grisha at the best, and worst, it still isn't anything like this. He suspects, from things he's heard, it is like what might be if the Darkling and the Sun Summoner had been joined into something they supposed saints and all the Grisha had never seen.

Even as his eyes try and adjust, chin dipping slightly though not letting himself look away. Trying to memorize it all so that later he could try and remember what he'd seen.

As it dissipates, he lifts his chin, wishing for his cane to hold tight to as if he needs that sort of thing for his own stability. At least beyond the physical.

"I haven't a single plan to ever tell them anything of my own volition, so your secret is safe with me. What is it considered where you're from?" He would certainly think it part of the Small Sciences, which from what he's already seen may very well mean the same thing as this magic, just with different names.

"Always. I just may not always answer, or give the answer expected."

[earthborn]

"A medical problem, mostly," Shepard laughs. You're alright, Kaz; for the intention, if not the actuality, she can tell you're a decent sort, "It's hardly a big secret. Don't worry about it."

He's suitably cagey about his own concerns, so she considers the angle. And then, as is typical for her, Shepard simply bulls forward. Frontal assault, every time.

"You know a guy named Jesper Fahey?"

[bealufull]

He genuinely blinks at that. "That is considered an illness? Is that what you mean?" Because he's a little worried about her being contagious. "Does it hurt? Can you pass it on?"

Congratulations for being the first person in a very long time to catch Kaz this far off course with a distraction.

But then that question, that name. A brow arches.

"That entirely depends on how far in debt he is to you."

[earthborn]

Shepard can't help it; she laughs. It's a sharp, unintentional thing, a bark that takes on a life of its own. Is it contagious, he says, and Is Jesper in debt.

"Oh no, no. He doesn't owe me anything, yet," She likes that; the immediate confirmation, loyalty with a chaser of chagrin. That's what it's like to be friends with Jesper, alright, "He's a brat, but he's a friend. Mentioned you a time or two, that's all. And— no."

She's still smiling, and laughter colors her voice as Shepard turns, bends to pull up a rucksack from behind the post of the nearest bed, and shoulders it. She forsees a trip to Cadens in the near future.

"It's not contagious, unless I were to somehow get pregnant. Not that it's likely," She chuckles again. What a thought, contagious biotics. The world really would go to shit then, wouldn't it? "You've got friends in Cadens. There's a wagon that shuttles people back and forth a couple times a day, if you're up for it."

She doesn't comment on the aspect of pain. Life is pain, Kaz. You get used to it.

[bealufull]

"Yet?" It makes him curious, wondering what it is Jesper has gotten himself into. "A brat? The man who has the second fastest hands in the Barrel is a brat? Hmmm."

Is he defensive? Yep. Jesper is his, and it's his choice to insult him. Not realizing it's a term of endearment most certainly. Not that he sees it that way in still adjusting to this place, to his place, to how people are here.

He's not even trying not to tense at the laughter, used to being laughed at but that's okay. He's been underestimated before. Not that she is, but that's what he gets from the laughter though not her words.

A brow arches at that, even as his chin lifts a bit more. "It's genetic? Interesting."

But then she says something and he can't hide the flare of his nostrils, the widening of his eyes. "Plural?" Does it matter who the other is, even if his heart seems to squeeze in his chest. Could it be? "Who else? When can we leave?"

[earthborn]

"I didn't say he wasn't a good shot," Shepard replies, in high good spirits. Kaz's surly turn doesn't signify; it's so clearly motivated in defense of a friend that it's hard for even Shepard to take offense, "And doesn't he just know it."

It's a wry tone, fond even. Jesper was a smooth-talker and a charming fellow, and he knew every inch of how far he could push that. But he was also practical-minded and thoughtful— and an excellent shot. Not unlike Inej, in that way.

"I figure if you're the Kaz that Jesper's told me about, you'll also know Inej," She replies with an inviting gesture towards the door. After you, pal, "C'mon, I'll tell you whatever you need to know, on the way."

[bealufull]

"You damn him with your kindness," he says, if only because he would not make the admission of how good he is, but Jesper is his and he expects others to recognize that he truly does only surround himself with the best. "Though I'd love to see his face if you called him good."

Both delighted and shot down, likely.

That nearly gets a smile - by which it was that it wasn't a scowl. "There are times when I wasn't sure his ego was going to fit through a door, I admit."

But for the snarl and the actual jokes about Jesper's ego, his heart leaps into his throat at that name. For a moment he can't move forward. "I... I most certainly do know her," he manages, moving forward at her gesture.

Hating that he is having harder time hiding his limp without his cane, but he's had practice and every step is careful, deliberate and heading to find his way to his people.

[earthborn]

Shepard makes note of his limp, or at least the care with which he moves. But her pace matches his, brisk enough without being hurried; the wagon won't wait for anyone, regardless of their issues. It isn't her first time having to pace somebody with mobility issues.

And if Kaz is anything like Joker... Actually, nobody's like Joker. Regardless, she certainly isn't going to bring it up.

"Good. I'll just bet they'll be glad to see you. When I came in, it was the same for me; there's a member of my crew knocking around the place, too."

[bealufull]

Every step is carefully made, jaw set as he keeps to her pace. If she went faster, he would too despite the idea of falling. The very thought is the most mortifying thing he thinks could happen to him of his own volition. Coming to naked in that pond was the first not of his own.

He at first thought of them being here like he had, only moments, despite not being there in the barracks, but the pieces are coming together. From knowing others to others knowing him.

"You're close with them then? Enough they've mentioned me and our life back home?" How much had they mentioned? Where was he coming in on in their narrative?

[earthborn]

"Close enough," Shepard replies, "Let's just say... I don't feel a strong need to ask a lot of questions about what goes on in Ketterdam."

Mostly because she assumes it's not terribly different, when you get down to it, to how things used to be run on Tenth Street, more or less. Bigger or smaller, the streets were the same; choked by people, and the ways they eat one another. The doors open on a glorious afternoon. The morning wagon is here, and nearly loaded, just about ready to become the afternoon wagon. Shepard follows the way down; it's not that she can't walk, of course; but it's a long walk without a drink, and she doubts very much that Kaz can.

"Seriously, don't worry so much. They've both been here longer than me, and they're definitely better established."

[bealufull]

"Just a port city like many others I'm sure." He snorts at that though, almost even amused by how not dower his expression is for a moment. "They obviously didn't mention
me much because worry is what I do best, I've been told. How I've gotten where I am in life."

That, as well as plotting and scheming.

He considers the wagon as they approach as his gait nearly falters. For a moment he considers another wagon. A jailor's wagon where he had been a prisoner of his own choosing... and where he had passed out because the panic meant his brain couldn't handle the situation.

And he's feeling that rising now.

"This is the transport to Cadens others have mentioned? How long is the ride?"

He did it then, he can do this now. Even if he's feeling clammy and a is a hint paler than before.

[earthborn]

"Long enough that it won't be coming back until morning," Shepard replies, glancing at Kaz— and then she looks again. Are you sweating? "It's a few hours. The roads are in decent repair, but they're not secure. There's a lot of local creatures that wouldn't mind going after someone who wants to walk the distance."

She's eying him up properly, now. It wasn't that he didn't look tough enough; he did. But it wasn't the kind of tough that hid throwing knives in your sleeves, or had a pistol at your hip. It was the shoe-leather tough of someone life had boiled and beaten and creased and stepped on, and who had gotten up at the end to spit defiance even after all the abuse. Resilient, or stubborn, but either way there wasn't much weakness in what she saw.

Unfortunately, what weakness there was, was the most obvious kind.

"No offense, but you don't look like much of a fighter."

[bealufull]

He smirks at that, thinking of their warnings about being back before dark and knowing he likely won't be. Not if he finds Jesper and Inej. All he has to do is get there. Several hours in a wagon with others close by. But he's dressed. He's not being manhandled by guards. He's dressed even if he doesn't have gloves. Several hours and he would be back with Inej and Jesper. He can handle that.

Without passing out. He hopes.

That statement though makes him nearly smile. For a moment he almost looks closer to his age instead of that nebulous space of time worn and still young at the same time.

"I'm aware. It's usually what catches them off guard. Or did for a few years until my reputation started proceeding me."

Inej didn't look like a spider, like the Wraith, except for beliefs about her heritage. Jesper didn't look like the fastest hands in the Barrel. Hell, Wylan didn't look like the best demolitions expert Kaz had known who wasn't using the small science. It benefited them all. Even with reputations.

[earthborn]

"There's a big difference between knifing someone who isn't looking for it, and going toe-to-toe with a klixen," Shepard replies, with what she feels is a not-unjustified wariness. But then, it wasn't really an issue; if they did end up needing to walk, or get caught outside for the night, she was up to the task.

Jesper and Inej could express their gratitude for her keeping their friend alive by feeding her, for her trouble. Assuming it even came up.

"What, you wanna walk?"

[bealufull]

"What's a klixen?" That is probably not the point but he can't help but to ask and wonder. "Is that something from your world or something in this place?"

It's good to know what's here and what he will need to face and contend with. Just like he'll have to do with the people here, as well as things like this in front of them. Pushing through his own mental blocks to do what it is he has to do.

"Why would you think that? A hesitancy to go along with what they put in front of me doesn't mean I want to walk. It just means I'm always going to think through every chance they put in front of me."

But now then he has to do this. Not that he wasn't planning to but now he's definitely signed on but then anything to find Inej and Jesper.