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abraxasooc2022-07-20 10:26 am
abraxasmods) wrote in abraxasooc2022-07-20 10:26 am
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TEST DRIVE MEME #8
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.
◎ 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.
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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Erichthonios - FFXIV/Endwalker Spoilers Possible - Solvunn/Death??
[Know what Erichthonios isn't used to contending with when he turns up somewhere? Awe or respect. He's certainly good at his job but the nature of it is such that it's not exactly broadcast what Pandaemonium is or who its warders are, and otherwise he's just one more low-aether citizen of the world!
So as one more surely-human is pulled out of the water by the very helpful and gentle hands of Solvunn, dripping wet and disoriented, he STAYS bewildered, with that sort of poleaxed 'what the hell is going on' look reserved for people who haven't even considered there's other worlds out there, therefore this has to be the one he knows, but WHAT IS GOING ON.]
I'm sorry, I--
[And what's this about gods and being chosen and all that rot, nobody believes in GODS anymore, and as the tall young sodden stranger is herded about and the situation explained, why is there are cart and who uses such primitive transportation anymore it's certainly quaint in an antiquated sort of way but he really REALLY needs to get back to Elpis. Sooner or later he's left with his free hot meal and somewhere to stay and it's visibly still not processing that something has gone far more awry with his day's plans than he first thought.
So, meal still in hand, he accosts the nearest person who looks like they might be able to lend a hand. He didn't feel right, but he couldn't touch aether the way most do anyway, so he interprets it as unusual physical weakness and nothing more. NOBODY is covered up properly, and there isn't a mask in sight, which leaves him feeling distinctly underdressed, but at least he blends in.]
Pray forgive me for intruding but do you know where this town's aetheryte is?
Farm
[Farming. Farming this way is something people only do when they cherish the old fashioned or find it a quaint hobby, and Erichthonios..
Well, he has no idea what he's doing. He's only barely come to accept that there's no actual aetheryte and thus he has to wait for someone with significantly more power than he does to turn up and teleport him back where he belongs, and that he should at least try to make himself useful until then, but ...
Still profoundly out of his depths, he stands beside a patch of vegetables doing their best to grow well and hearty, a large watering can sitting beside him. In attendance is a farmcat and a pair of lost cows someone's probably going to have to wrangle at some point, they're definitely not supposed to be roaming the vegetable gardens.]
I don't know about you three, but this seems to be a bit of a time waster. [His grumble is quiet as he folds his arms over his chest, bright red eyes narrowed. The cows sniff interestedly at him and the watering can, but the cat only yawns.] I bring the water, which then gets sucked up immediately by the ground, so then I have to get even more and that gets sucked up too.. isn't there a better way to be doing this?
Everywhere Else
[One cow is still in attendance as the lost, stranded warder drifts through the primary settlement with visibly growing despondence. It still hasn't quite sunk in that this isn't even remotely his world, at least until the sun dips gradually below the horizon.
And then the young man stops to stare blankly at the sky, cow chewing a bit at the hem of his gifted clothing in placid interest.
The stars are wrong. How can the stars be wrong?]
How ... how am I going to explain this? To anyone?
Hey! technically I'm on hiatus but I had to drop by. omg tho, erich!! baby ;;
It is a brilliant colour. Far too brilliant to belong to this sort of environment. That was for certain. Yet although he knows not the young man that makes up the soul, it feels vaguely familiar. As a distant dream would be, recalled after some time.
So, there is no other option. He makes his way to it, of course.
And as he does, he sees not their formal robe. Nor their white mask. Nor the chains that serve as both tools of a keyward's work and his or her identifier, nor, if he is frank, a soul he recognizes- but he does see a man. Tall. Dark skinned, striking- in the way that their kind so often are. Conversely, on Erichthonios' side- he would see a man in a robe very alike one of Amaurotine origin (but thinner, for the sake of the season) approach, unmasked.
And he would find himself spoken to somewhat impishly.]
I daresay we find ourselves in the same predicament. Most would find us quite mad for even making the most earnest of attempts.
[A smile follows. Warm.]
Greetings! My name is Hythlodaeus. I believe you, my friend, are new.
I appreciate a stop in in spite of hiatus!!!
He didn't dwell on it for long, doing so set him on edge in a way he couldn't quite define and didn't much like. It's easier to simply assume they are in fact all normal if antiquated and with some extremely bizzare habits.
But it does mean when someone who fits far better what he expects of people turns up, he takes immediate notice. Erichthonios has no such gifts for aether sight or soulsight, but he needs neither to see a gleam where these people otherwise lack, faintly luminant violet in the evening's shade, and an outfit far closer to what he's used to than ... quite frankly what he's currently dressed in.
No mask.
He could forgive it, nobody else had one. But as Hythlodaeus draws closer and speaks, he's studied briefly with narrowed thoughtful eyes, and then the young man all but sags with relief upon reaching the conclusion that this stranger is in fact, what he's hoping for. Whether or not this was Etheirys, at least one other person is as displaced as he is!]
I have never been so glad to see another soul than right now. [..well not quite true, recently there was that tricky bit with Themis' boundless help BUT--] I had thought mayhap it was some other part of the world, I haven't every location memorized of course, but that wouldn't change the stars--
[There's a sudden pause, mouth snapping shut with a click of teeth. No, there's a way things are done and he's being rude, Hythlodaeus introduced himself, he needs to do the same, and no amount of strange circumstances allowed rudeness.]
Erichthonios. As new as the morning to this place; as charming as it is here, is it too much to hope that you might know a way back to civilization?
[He doesn't mean that in a disparaging way, Solvunn is an adorable little town but it really is Country Bumpkin against ... pretty much any place he's ever been.]
But of course! I'm really excited to see him!
Yet. That is not where his focus should lie. It should lie on the one before him, this Erichthonios, and as it does- he finds himself one of two things. Chiefly, feeling a vague speck of fondness come to him. Secondarily, quite amused that he either took nothing in from the explanation he would have been given... or omitted it entirely.]
And I you.
[And he does mean it. His eyes even form crescents, briefly, before he sobers.]
Our people, regrettably, are rather few and far between upon this star. For that is where you find yourself. These lands are nothing to do with our Etheirys. They, as the people and creatures upon it, are something else entirely.
[Well. Most of the people. ...He'll get to that.]
A form of magick was used to bring us here. A rather rudimentary sort, from what I have been informed, yet effective nonetheless. Those of Solvunn, where you find yourself now, believe said magick to be the work of their guardian deities. -Oh!
[He gestures toward Erichthonios, and the trinket he had been gifted.]
You wear one of them now. About your neck.
no subject
Except there's a way Hythlodaeus is phrasing things that makes it a far more difficult struggle to just blindly decide that this must be some part of Etheirys that he doesn't recognize.
Silence then, for a solid few minutes as this is processed. It could of course still be nonsense but the idea that any of their kind would go out of their way to deceive, to lie -- certain recent events aside, that's not a thing that happened! Thus it must be considered true.
Thus there are other worlds than their own with people on it. That look bizarrely like their own instead of bipedal tiny catfish or something. With all kinds of other decidedly familiar life, from plants to animals.
What are the chances of that level of coincidence?]
I don't mean to cast doubt on any of that, [he begins with a cautiously uncertain tone, of course it'd be odd, how could it not?] but it seems a bit .. much. This isn't some far reach of our star, but the life looks like it should, the people look like they should, and they even possess magics that can drag us to and fro with minimal difficulty..?
[SURE, it's true that as soon as he'd been dragged out of the water he'd been subjected to an explanation that certainly did fit with everything Hythlodaeus has said!
But frankly he'd been taking quite a bit of comfort in the idea that somehow he'd been mis-summoned to some village where people who liked to re-enact ancient history chose to live as opposed to an entire different planet.]
I don't have the skill to verify for myself, something's ... preventing me from using even the most minor of spells.
no subject
[And he had. It had been such a long time since he found himself here, bereft of his (meagre) magick, bereft even, of his Sight, that he had entirely failed to mention the side-effects of the summoning...]
Rest assured, you will find all returned to you in time. This star...
[His voice trails off for a moment, his gaze moving to some distant meadow before returning.]
This star has a great deal in common with ours. This cannot be disputed. And, with how large the conceivable universe is, it is quite probable that forms of life similar to ourselves could indeed flourish under similar conditions elsewhere.
[Yet.]
Yet it must not be forgotten that this star has its own laws, and its own will. Therefore, you will regain what is yours... and much more, besides. Those native to Solvunn call them blessings of their gods. Personally, I see it more as adaptation.
[A faint smile follows that. And, as he looks away...]
Regardless of nomenclature, I would like to invite you to rest within my residence... until, at least, your ability has returned to you. I hope you are in agreement?
no subject
[..He knows someone who could debate that for hours, back and forth, on both possibilities. The rest he does take note of, that theoretically eventually the weakness would fade and his small skill in magic would return (whereupon he could at least make himself a decent outfit), but it's set aside.
Night is well on its way and the sensible thing would be to retire to a friendly home til morning. ..Except. Except.]
That's a very kind offer. ... But I cannot resign myself to remaining long enough to recover, there are duties I must tend to that can't wait days or longer while I idle about.
no subject
...Oh, if only.
Erichthonios' statement causes his hand to rise to his mouth just for a moment. Yet the smile he smiles behind it is wan, somewhat rueful, and the way his eyes flick toward the ground for the smallest moment is certainly nothing that denotes amusement. Nor joy.
Still. To move on...]
Is that so? Well... I think it rather probable, given the conditions at hand. This atmosphere is agreeable to us. As is the temperature. Forces such as gravity are tolerable... Furthermore, this star's orbit of the sun closely mirrors that of our own Etheirys, and the rotation of his star on its axis is all but identical. Given these similarities in conditions, I, personally, see no reason why those of this world should be markedly different.
[There are differences, though. Subtle ones. Their eyes, for a start. And the (relative) lack of aether that makes up these lifeforms bodies. Yet. In the spirit of not appearing similar to the one Erichtonios is thinking of, he moves on.
And it is well that he does. For pressing on is not a good idea.]
Would you reconsider? Beyond this settlement, it is rather precarious. I've personally been attacked by this star's fauna while lacking any sort of means to defend myself. Were it not for assistance, I'm wholly certain I would not have survived.
[And gently:]
At the very least, it would be beneficial to learn of this star. Immediate geography, for instance. Or of those with power enough to call you here. Would you not agree?
And then work attacks. Sorry for delays.
... I do. [He sees plenty of reason why there should be differences, major ones.] To think that life is so utterly limited as to merely duplicate more or less identical worlds across the cosmos is ... a disappointing thing to think about.
[Life in its infinite combinations should come up with more than the same generic thing over and over! It's not as if the average Amaurotine body plan is somehow the most efficient nature could devise. He's seen creations far better honed for this or that.
He shakes his head slightly when asked to reconsider. It's not that this place isn't surely chock full of interesting things to investigate, it's just that ... some things are more important.]
There are others better suited to learning about this star, I'm no researcher. I ... my duty isn't something I can set aside for naught more than the sake of curiosity, you must understand. The local creatures are something I'll simply have to contend with.
[There IS no escape. No going back of one's own will, there isn't a choice in the matter. He hasn't quite clued into that fact. Sure there's not aetheryte that he's spotted so far but there'd be surely one around somewhere.. he'd just have to find it! But there's a stubborn persistence that might be admirable in any other circumstance; all their kind were on some level driven by duty. His .. simply has a small white young man holding together a very dangerous facility all by himself and the idea of just abandoning him leaves Erichthonios feeling a bit sick.
Maybe that's the sun and hot work.]
Were circumstances different, and needs not quite so pressing, I would ... I'd like to think I'd be able to stay and look around. But there are those waiting for me.
this guy doesn't even go here (it's a good comm though!) but it's hythplayer again. I had to.
[Erichthonios would be granted good news and bad news. The good- that someone with more power than him had, indeed, turned up. The bad- that Themis was just as incapable as he of doing, well, anything to change the situation they appear to have found themselves within.
And the bad news is perhaps split into two. That the shorter of the pair was far more interested in mentally dissecting what was said at the summoning to properly pay any mind to any immediate questions about farming. His response, thus, is distracted.]
Hm? Oh. Well- that, and there is overwatering to consider. Gifting the earth yet more water could very well drown anything that one would wish to grow.
[A pause. Some murmur about balance, and a look around.]
...I wonder...
Scandalous!
In another way it's terribly alarming, because if he's here, and Themis is here ... who's watching over Pandaemonium?! As Themis makes himself known by turning up apparently out of nowhere (or let's face it, Erichthonios was paying shamefully little attention to his surroundings and probably thought it was another cow) and then speaking up, the warder says absolutely nothing at first.
But his mouth opens and closes a few times as he tries to form a coherent sentence. Eventually, eventually something like calm and thus actual words follow, except the strained tone of his voice betrays a certain... anxiety.]
Themis. As wonderful as it is to see a familiar face, I have to ask, you understand. Who ... is watching over Asphodelos right now?
[The matter of gardening can wait!!]
I couldn't help it! I've been itching to play with an Erich for so long ;;
His voice belies absolutely none of Erichthonios' anxiety. Not even an inch of it leaves him... But it is felt. Most assuredly, it is felt.]
... It is well that you were diligent. You interred a good portion of the still-roaming creatures before we were spirited here. I am confident the original seal I placed at the entrance should suffice to hold what remains.
[Providing nothing changed. It is one thing to have magick repel the handful of flawed creations that had evaded Erichthonios' chains until now by the virtue of prioritization- of interring the most dangerous first.
But were Abyssos to open...
Were the seal to be tested from the other side...
Were the dread beast to rise...]
...For now. Erichthonios-
[His head rises, and he finds himself looking to him.]
I would prefer to be honest. I think it a matter of time until it breaks. Therefore, it is crucial we find a means to reverse what brought us here.
he's unusually uncommon! i figured more people would try him out!
Harder it is. There's no warden to maintain control in Hesperos' ... absence, and Themis being here. There was a small but unlikely chance that Abyssos might prove a haven to the absent warders and someone from below could ascend to handle the problem, but he's becoming certain that he should just assume the worst outcome and plan accordingly.
Nobody's coming up because the beasts are loose below too. For a while, Asphodelos would be secure.. but by the time anyone noticed..?]
Is it too much to hope that your friend might investigate if not given regular updates? I dare not rely on it, or our companion who's aided us recently, but I am ... not sure those who brought us here will be so swift to return us given all they've said..
[And surely whoever this 'friend' is of Themis' was at least Themis' equal! Just.. not one of the Convocation, lest they simply cut Pandaemonium loose and all within it.]
no subject
[Who could say? If his fallen star was anything like the creator, he is most certain they have a tendency to come and go like the wind... but they have something of a talent for showing up when they are most needed. That, as well as the fact that they have a vested interest in Pandæmonium bodes well.
Yet even so, they would be without the benefit of his illusions as support. Nor Erichthonios' vast knowledge of the ins and outs of the facility- the sum of which, added to their power, the only chance of survival, barring something wholly unforeseen. He exhales, slowly, allowing himself a small, stiff nod.]
... Yes. Thank you, Erichthonios. I think their arrival, and discovery of our absence, is a certainty. As for what we can do in order to speed our return...
[He looks around.]
I think it best we stay together. It was mentioned to me that there are those upon this star that wish to see it come to harm. I would assume that you were told the same?
no subject
[He manages, through heroic effort, to not sound too disparaging over the idea of gods. When your entire race can literally create intelligent life by waving their hands around and sometimes not even that ... gods become far less amazing.]
While their plea seems genuine, our own star must come first and I ... don't want to think of what might happen should all of Pandaemonium break free.
[As unlikely as that is with others keeping an eye out, it's a concern he has to entertain. Whatever the woes here are, they seem to be rather distant! Nobody seemed anxious or overly worried as of yet, though he'd only been there a day.
Resolutely, he picks up the watering can again, and carefully pushes the nose of a cow aside as it makes a grab for a cabbage.]
Our best course of action may be impressing upon the leaders here that we can't linger and aid. But I'm certain we can easily find some volunteers to take our place and analyze the situation more thoroughly.
Everywhere Else
"Oooooooo..." she oooh'd loudly in an exaggerated tone, as if she had just had an epiphany. And she had.
"You were talking to the cow. I don't think these cows are the kind to talk back. Just the kind that taste good when grilled up properly. Very different," she said, sage-like as she rolled over to rest her chin on her hand where she now propped herself up by an elbow, feet kicking up behind her. "You probably want to find someone else to ask for lessons on explaining things."