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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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no subject
( Thancred isn't the only one who breathes a sigh of relief as recognition moves actoss his features, and Urianger finds himself suddenly, utterly relieved that they haven't found themselves here with too large a gap between them. Memories of the First — by the Gods, of Ryne — should be a warm, intact weight in both their hearts, and he can't bite back a small, curling smile as he nods his acknowledgement. )
Full glad am I to hear it. 'Tis distressing indeed to imagine thy memory unfurnished with recollections of dear Ryne, nor of the full gamut of adventures we hath together undertaken.
( It's a small victory, but a victory nonetheless, for all he's confirmed that his memories are indeed a little out of sync with Urianger's own. In many ways he's quite glad that Y'shtola has already brought him up to speed: not with everything, he imagines, but with the overall outcome of their time on Ultima Thule, and his own shoulers sag minutely as they're lifted of the weight of that particular responsibility. )
Aye, Y'shtola has the right of it. All is well in hand.
( It's all he's going to volunteer for the time being. Perhaps they'll cross the bridge of what happened when Thancred passed out at a later date, but to recount the moment he'd considered his dearest friend to be lost to him forever? Well. They should both be in their smalls for that, at the very least. )
Mine own final recollection is of a pledge to join thee on thy further explorations of the realm—
( Urianger lifts a hand from the water to make a vague gesture towards the baths, his lips curving into a wry smile. )
—yet it seemeth fate saw fit to intervene ere we came to an agreement as to our first destination.
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Himeka also has memories of Ryne. Of everything that took place on the First. As far as she can recall, we had been preparing for our trip to Sharlayan. Her first trip there, that is.
[ And a homecoming for the rest of them. That should grant Urianger a decent idea of what Himeka does and doesn't know.
Just as Y'shtola did not grant Thancred overly much in the way of details about their victory, Urianger is similarly vague. It almost makes him suspicious, but he also knows that there is far more they need to cover. They can come back to it.
When Urianger reveals his final memory, Thancred blinks in a brief moment of surprise. He does recall them making these plans back at The Last Stand, during that final meal before boarding the Ragnarok. Urianger seems to be offering confirmation that they will not be reneging on said plans. ]
Yes, it seems the mages of Thorne had something quite different in store for us. As you may have already gathered, they are not too eager to let us explore the lands as we please. [ His tone lowers into something more grim as he lets out a sigh, then draws a hand up to slide back through his hair. ] The borders around town have become even more closely guarded, as of late.
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( The shift of Thancred's body language is subtle enough that it imght go unnoticed by most, but Urianger is well-versed in his friend's subtle tells. He feels another pang of shame for the careless way he'd spoken to him earlier: it's now more than evident that he's ... tired, for wont of a better word, and working hard to make sense of his time in this place, and very possibly expending more of his energy than he rightly should be in order to make it work.
Urianger sighs. That has ever been Thancred's way, hasn't it? He makes a mental note to return the library before he retires for the evening; his powers may have waned since his arrival, yes, but there are natural recipes and remedies for teas that might invigorate the spirit, and Urianger would offer him whatever little comfort he can.
More immediately pressing to their conversation is the matter of Thorne's ... restrictions. Urianger's brow pinches into a frown as he considers that little sliver of information: he'd already considered their relative lack of freedom suspicious, but to know that the guard presence around the borders is on the increase is concerning to say the last. )
Aye, their restrictions hath not gone unnoticed.
( He replies, his gaze one of glazed contemplation. )
Dost thou hast any inclination as to why this might be? I hath yet to form an opinion of our ever-gracious hosts, but if it should come to light that we are akin to captives ...
( His focus sharpens again as he looks at Thancred. )
'Twould be a grave development indeed.
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Yet he understands there would be little point in spitting in the face of Ambrose and the other mages, if he wants to survive here. He needs to play his cards carefully — even if that is primarily Urianger's job.
When Urianger uses that word, captives, Thancred responds with a wry smile. They may as well be, and yet he knows that it could be worse. ]
We are at least granted comfort. When the summonings were first performed here in Thorne, some were deemed errors and tossed into the dungeons. [ His tone and expression are one of distaste, as he gaze shifts downward for a moment, indicating that the cells are somewhere below them. ] This was Himeka's fate, until certain benefactors saw fit to free those who'd been gaoled and grant them the choice of traveling to one of the two other factions: Solvunn, or the Free Cities. Himeka opted for the former.
[ Granted, that does not entirely answer Urianger's question. Thancred swishes one hand through the warm water and then lifts it up, allow droplets to trickle down his wrist and forearm. After a pause he glances over, staring unblinking into Urianger's awaiting eyes. ]
It seems more and more likely that Thorne and the Free Cities will soon enough be at war, and so the tightening of the border is in response to that as well. They would not be ill-prepared.
[ It is almost as if they anticipate a siege, and while it's possible that they are simply being abundantly cautious, Thancred will prepare for the worst. ]
no subject
( A deep frown creases Urianger's brow as he considers the implication of Thancred's words: Himeka had been a captive in a place that would now beg their help and support, and it sits ill indeed to consider lending his aid to those who would drive her away. Still, the fact that Thancred has chosen to remain here instead of stealing away in the dead of night is certainly telling: either he can't, or he sees some benefit in stating within the walls of Thorne, and Urianger is glad to have found him before any impending chaos. )
And to think, mine attentions hath been occupied with the city's storied past. 'Twould do me well to learn of more recent events, that I might gain a better understanding of this impending conflict.
( Something for tomorrow, he thinks. It's possible Thancred already has an idea of where he might visit to best gauge the situation within Thorn; legitimate avenues, certainly, as well as slightly more underhand methods. Urianger knows well enough that there's something to be said for tavern gossip, and there are worse places he might begin such a search. )
I must also prioritise the practice of mine arcane arts, weakened as they are. I hath no love of war, as well thee know, yet I would not leave mineself unable to offer succor and aid to those in need.
( He lifts a hand of his own as he speaks, demonstrating the faint shimmer at his fingertips that speaks of what he could do had he his strength, his cards, and a planisphere. The connection is still there he just feels ... tired, as though he doesn't quite have the mental fortitude to weave even the most simple of spells, but if what the mages say is true the he should expect the return of his abilities relatively soon.
By the Gods, he hopes it is true.
There's a moment of comfortable silence before he speaks again: )
Art thou a fellow ward of Castle Thorne, or hast thou settled upon lodgings elsewhere? ( A beat. ) Assuming we are permitted to reside outside the castle should we chose to do so.
( Urianger is beginning to have his doubts. )
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[ Though even as Thancred says the words, he sends Urianger a knowing look. It won't be enough for Urianger to hear of it from them; he will want to track down every shred of information that he can find from every available source. This is simply his way, and it's not as if Thancred hasn't wished for it in the past moons. Research has never been his forte, and yet he has had little choice but to pick up the slack, as well as ally himself with Stephen and Yennefer.
Urianger will need to meet them as well, but all in due time.
Much like any mage who arrives here without their full set of spellwork at their fingertips, Urianger is perturbed by this predicament. There is plenty for them to concern themselves with here, but that thankfully needs not be one of them. ]
Worry not. [ Thancred gives a brief shake of his head. ] When they told you that your power would return in time, they did not lie. You will be able to manipulate aether ere long. [ There may be a few minor limitations, but Urianger's healing magick should all remain intact, and that is naturally his first priority.
The next question is an interesting one, and Thancred suspects that Urianger would like to relocate to a more private spot to continue their conversation. That is going to be a tad more complicated, however. ] All Summoned are provided with quarters within the castle at no cost, and so I have chosen to remain here for now. That being said, I am hardly opposed to the idea of moving into the castle town for a touch more privacy, once you are more settled.
[ Is that too bold? He thinks not. The two of them had discussed undertaking a lengthy trip together, and would have had to make do with any sleeping arrangements that were available to them. Thancred also spent more than a few nights at the Bookman's Shelves with Ryne in tow, when it had been necessary. If anything, finding a place together feels quite natural. ]
no subject
( It's a relief to hear the promise of the return of his magicks come from the lips of a friend. While he didn't necessarily think they were lying, Ambrose and his mages are yet to earn Urianger's trust, but Thancred's forthrightness can be relied upon whether on Eorzea, the First, or even the strange new realm of Abraxas. It loosens a knot of tension that had drawn Urianger's shoulders up just a half inch, and lets them sag back down towards the steaming water line. )
I shall endeavour to keep thy reassurances at the forefront of my mind. 'Tis passing strange to be without the certainty of mine abilities ...
( But he catches himself, evidently realising that Thancred has already experienced much the same situation without their eventual return. What could he possibly have to say that his friend doesn't already know? How can he lament his own predicament when he's already been assured of its temporary nature? Urianger huffs a soft breath before shaking his head just the once, before letting himself focus on the rest of their conversation. )
Ah .. thou wouldst be amenable to such an arrangement?
( Sure, it's phrased as a question, but Urianger looks quite suddenly pleased, and there's a sincere warmth to his tone when he speaks again. )
Thy company would be most welcome, my friend, as would the privacy afforded by a residence of our own. I like not the prospect of remaining beholden to those who would summon us here.
( A beat, then: )
... And I confess, 'twould be most reassuring to have thee close at hand with my magicks weakened as they are. Thy presence is of great comfort to me.
( Is that too bold? Surely not. )
no subject
It sounds as if Urianger would prefer to find lodgings away from the castle sooner rather than later, and Thancred is not at all opposed to that plan. If anything, the idea invigorates him, as he lifts his arms up above his head for a moment, as if readying for this next task. While he isn't certain if he has enough saved up to cover the living expenses, there's no harm in investigating it now that he knows he'll eventually have someone else to help cover costs.
Unless Urianger opts to not look for work. He would no doubt be able to keep himself occupied with research alone.
Thancred's arms fall and his head cants to one side at the admittance from Urianger. He smiles and shuts his eyes for a moment, shaking his head. ] The feeling is mutual. My first thought upon seeing the library here was reflecting upon how keenly I felt your absence, and Y'shtola's.
[ After a pause, he reaches out for the loaf that had been left by the edge of the bath, frowning as he realizes how familiar it seems. Where had Urianger even found this? His eyes flick back to him. ]
— And when it comes to privacy, there is yet another place we can go. Have you heard any mention of the Horizon?
no subject
( Urianger nods his understanding. )
Aye, 'tis an ill fate indeed to be separated from such brilliant minds as our companions. Let us hope that, in their absence, we are able to do what must be done.
( Thorne is one problem, yes, but Himeka being in Solvunn changes everything; Urianger's loyalties are first and foremost to the Warrior of Light and his fellow Scions, which puts them in a parther difficult position in terms of ... well. Warfare. Fortunately, he has enough presence of mind not to utter such things where they might be overheard by another — but then Thancred dips into his thoughts, apparently, and pulls on that thread. )
The Horizon—
( But he cuts himself off, if only because Thancred has suddenly redrawn his attention back to the snack he'd procured from the mysterious dining table. )
Courtesy of our hosts. ( He offers, lifting his shoulders in a brief shrug. ) I know not where or how the kitchens procured such a recipe, but it seems every inch the Archon loaf of Sharlayan. 'Twas in a moment of uncertainty that I took it — a taste of home, perhaps, displaced as we are. Help thyself, I prithee.
( Enough about the bread, Urianger. Good grief. )
As for the Horizon, my knowledge is limited. Indeed, the mere concept alone did raise more questions than mine instructors were able to answer, and thus my understanding was left sorely lacking.
( A beat. )
'Tis a place, is it not?
no subject
Thancred isn't expecting for Urianger to speak up about the loaf of all things. It is rather odd that such a specific type of food would be available here, though when Urianger suggest that he tries it, Thancred can only pull a face as he shakes his head and sets the bread down. ]
I could truly never understand what all the fuss was about.
[ Scholars. More interested in eating something that would keep them going for another five bells of study, rather than anything such as taste.
There are more important matters to discuss, however, and at Urianger's question Thancred twists his mouth to one side. ] In a sense, [ he explains after a pause. ] It is another plane of sorts, one within our own minds. It requires meditation to access, and whilst there we can create with simply a thought. We all are granted our own corner of it to make a place for ourselves, which can be filled with aught you desire. The only limit is your own imagination.
[ This will no doubt be of great interest to Urianger, and so Thancred pauses there, granting him a moment to process. ]
no subject
( Thancred's explanation about the Horizon pushes all thoughts of Archon Loaf to the side, and the space it creates is immediately filled with the idea of a plane of existence within his own mind. The concept alone is thrilling enough: the process sounds similar to the creation magicks wielded by the Ancients (with some notable differences, of course), and Urianger's expression takes on that glazed, faraway look he gets when he's retreated into some far recess of his mind.
The only limitation is his imagination? What if he were to imagine books he's yet to read? Would the pages be blank? Would the Horizon fill them in with knowledge? If he were to practice his magicks in there, would the skills transfer to reality? )
Thy revelation raises many questions — and 'tis my suspicion that each answer will raise as many more. Allow me this evening, I prithee, to think upon thy words, that I might present to thee my most important queries upon the next sun.
( If it's taking a lot of effort to hold himself back, it doesn't show — but then Urianger is a seasoned scholar who has had many an explosive revalation in his time. He's learned to be measured about his enthusiasm even when it leaves him tingling all over (as the Horizonvery much does), because rushing in and overwhelming himself and his companions is what leads to mistakes.
Urianger doesn't want to make any mistakes about this, and so Thancred will probably find himself being hand-delivered a near-illegible list of his most pressing questions tomorrow evening. Look forward to that, friend. )
'Tis not mine intent to overwhelm thee during thy ablutions, after all.
( At which point he reaches for the loaf, a little soggy with steam, and takes a dainty bite. )
no subject
Soon he will be presented with a list of questions, and then he will have to attempt to answer them. Thancred shuts his eyes and bows his head, preparing himself for the inevitable. Granted, he should have expected this, and that is perhaps the only reason he isn't groaning over it.
Yet when he opens his eyes in time to see Urianger take a bite of that horrible loaf, it's a trial to bite his tongue. ]
There are better things that that to eat here, you know. I'll show you.
[ With that, he forces himself to straighten and then stands, though doesn't give Urianger any sort of warning to avert his gaze. Thancred has little issue with others seeing him naked.
He reaches out for the towel left nearby to wrap around his waist as he steps up and out of the baths. ]
And there is far more to cover. Himeka is not the only other soul here from our home star. Take your time finishing up, but then we should return to my quarters. I'll fill you in on as much as I can.