TEST DRIVE MEME #10

[abraxasmods]

Test Drive Meme

Welcome to the 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.

Below are some links to information you may find useful. Our Setting pages have information about the world itself as well as current events for each nation, while our Game History page outlines the game's story so far.

Setting | Game History | NPCs | Arcana
You can also find answers to questions asked on previous TDMs in their respective questions threads.

Summoning

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. It's hard to make out any individual objects, as if you're looking from beneath rippling water.

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 - still unclothed.

Arrival

You'll find yourself summoned to one of the following three major nations: the extravagant and magical Kingdom of Thorne, the bustling and advanced Free Cities, or the tightknit and faith-driven rural community of the Solvunn Commune.

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. After a week or so, your abilities will return.

When you gather your bearings at last, you look up into a series of unfamiliar faces...and equally unfamiliar surroundings.

Welcome to Thorne

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 another mage with highly decorated robes and a large, heavy book. The man 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 nods, satisfied. "Excellent." He motions for one of the young apprentice mages over. "Settle our guest in, please. I don't have all day."

The apprentice hurries forward with a fine silk tunic, pants, and some basic sandals. With a wave of their hand, the clothes reshape to fit you perfectly. Once you're dressed, the apprentice leads you into the hallways of Castle Thorne, prattling on about the kingdom, names of royals and nobles, and, of course, the reason why you're here: 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.

◎ Surroundings

Castle Thorne is where not only royals and members of the court reside, but includes the surrounding city itself. With winter still here, the weather is frosty and in the distance, you can see snow-covered mountain peaks. Fortunately, the castle is enchanted to be at a comfortable temperature.

As you walk or look around, you take in some of what's going on around you:

• The East Wing where members of the royal family and court reside is tightly guarded. At this time, you won't be able to go here - and the guards take their job seriously. The dungeons are also well-guarded, and newcomers will be turned away. You might hear rumors that the cells beneath are beginning to fill up.


• Apprentices, kitchen staff, guards - everyone seems to be bustling and busy. The air is tense, and you hear chatter of crop shortages for winter and something about scorched farmlands in Nott, the lakeside city to the south. As a newcomer, you won't know any different when you visit the buffet table, but those who are familiar with the extravagance of Thorne might grumble about the lack of quality and choices in food. The food is still excellent. It was just apparently even better before.


• There's equally talk of the Free Cities among the common folk, dubious truths or not: magic will soon be outlawed there, their army has great metal machines, and dissenters are exiled into the desert where they're left to perish. Attitudes range from wary to dismissive to disdainful depending on who you talk to.


• Despite the troubles that continue to plague Nott, life in the Castle is less touched by those difficulties. There's also plenty of chatter about the giant ocean life that found itself onto the shores of Borrel, Thorne's military city. Borrel is not accessible at this time - but perhaps some of the older Summoned can tell you of their visit.

◎ Exploring

Despite the troubles that plague the land, Castle Thorne and its surrounding city have much for you to indulge in.

Trail Riding
Thorne has beautiful trails for riding and many horses of fine noble stock. Each horse is well-groomed and well-trained. No matter your skill level, the stablehand will help you find a horse. There are a few trails that take you around the castle city, ranging between an hour to a half-day's ride with a stop for a packed lunch and to enjoy the view: beautiful snowy mountains rise in the distance, lush gardens with glowing ponds make for great resting spots, the city has several taverns and bookshops, and of course what would Thorne be without its potion shops? Take a friend if you wish to see the sights with some company. Or maybe you run into a new face while riding? Be sure to return the horses in proper condition! One or two trails are unfortunately closed due to soldiers on patrol, a reminder that all is not well despite the idyllic scenery.

Magic Lessons
Regular magic lessons are held by apprentice mages as part of their training, usually involving learning to cast a small spell. These classes are for the natives of Thorne, but you're welcome to join if you wish. The spell they will be teaching is conjuring a white ball of light that will illuminate the space around you for about an hour. It functions much like a candle, but without the risk of fire. The spell relies on Academic Magic which involves a few words said correctly. You'll likely need a few lessons to grasp it unless you're well-versed in magic already. In the meantime, the class of fresh-faced students means there's a constant bright explosion of light coming from the practice room as the spells fail. It isn't dangerous, but it can be annoying.

Evening Banquet
To improve morale, Thorne has pledged to hold a banquet now and again. One of these will take place as the new arrivals come through, and you're free to join at your leisure. If you don't have the appropriate clothes, you can ask one of the mages to conjure you an outfit or approach one of the existing Summoned to help you dress. The banquet is not overly extravagant, but it is a nice party with fine food, wine, and music that seems to come from nowhere. If you're here to make friends (or enemies), this is a good place to start.

Nocwich
Nocwich, which is shrouded in an eternal darkness and is home to the werewolves and the vampires, opens on the first weekend of every month for a total of 3 days. Shortly after arriving, you'll be given a pendant that allows you to travel to and from the portal. In Castle Thorne, the portal is a short walk around the back of the castle. You can enter Nocwich freely and explore what's available in Oleuni Square and Luna. You won't be able to enter Ikorr nor will you be able to exit into another faction's portals. Once there, you're welcome to meet those from other factions, take in the sights, and - if you've come by some money or a generous soul - even make a few small purchases. Inns are available for a fee if you want to stay overnight. Otherwise, you'll need to return home through the portals each day.

◎ Settling In

When you're ready to rest, you're shown 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).

Although you can leave the castle, you can't leave its surrounding city with the exception of entering Nott via portal in order to assist with rebuilding or visiting Nocwich. Borders are especially well-guarded right now due to the recent attacks. Besides, Castle Thorne gives you everything you need: fine clothes, great food and wine, massive libraries, and all the magic and knowledge you could want. Isn't that plenty? You won't be given money as you're provided for, so if you want to do some personal spending later, you'll have to find a job in the city on your own.

Welcome to the Free Cities

Dry warmth hits you at once as you're set on a hard floor of dull ruddy stone. 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 is a raised pedestal with a card bearing an Arcana symbol.

A guard covers you with a simple robe and returns to their place in the semi-circle. Before you stands another woman, dressed in a more elaborate and decorated uniform than the others. A sword rests at her hip. She carries an air of authority as she approaches you with a nod and a warm smile. "Sorry about the circumstances. Take a minute, catch your breath. 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 robed mage off to the side approaches to help you up. 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. You'll learn you're in the Cadens Desert Outpost 003, a military base on the outskirts of the major city of Cadens. You're told the world is in delicate and dangerous times, and you're needed to help. You're important and they're very grateful you're here.

◎ Surroundings

While you're currently at the outpost just outside of the city proper, Cadens on the whole is a large bustling city. Temperatures have cooled but the climate remains hot and dry - during the day, at least. At night, they'll plunge to near freezing. Look to the west and you'll see a long stretch of desert wasteland. This is the infamous Badlands. The soldiers don't recommend going out there unprepared - you're likely to face a slow death to the elements or be eaten. Reaching Cadens is possible by wagon, a trip of about 2 hours each way. You're asked to return by sundown for your own safety... but no one will chase after you if you don't.

You'll be given a military style uniform with your Arcana stitched on it where a formal rank would normally be. As you walk or look around, you take in some of what's going on around you:

• Though Libertas is steadily rebuilding, the chaos that resulted from it and the refugees that have poured into Cadens are still causing difficulties. There might be tensions in the air between citizens - though there's also plenty of chatter about the giant ocean life that found itself onto the shores of Aquila, a neighboring city.


• Among the soldiers, anti-Thorne sentiments are high. Thorne seemingly destroyed one of their cities on a whim, civilians and all. Rumors abound, true or not: Thorne is run by a Mad Queen, dissenters are fed to the frost wurms in the mountains, and some of their mages perform gruesome blood rites. Nonetheless, many also aren't eager for war. They worry for their comrades and friends.


• Cadens itself is even more chaotic and crowded than usual. Refugees from Libertas are now in Cadens, seeking temporary shelter and struggling to rebuild their lives. Discontent can be felt around rising food prices due to shortages. The shelves of some shops are emptier than usual and not everything can be readily found.


• A particular inn and tavern stands in Cadens - The Sarstina - where natives say the Summoned are frequently found. They might point you there if you're looking for one of your own.

◎ Exploring

Despite the troubles that plague the land, the barracks and Cadens have much for you to indulge in.

Training Grounds
Non-lethal training weapons and obstacle courses are set up for anyone to use. The soldiers will be watching, and if you catch their attention they might approach you and encourage you to enlist. You're free to invite other new arrivals to spar, but be sure to keep things friendly and avoid trouble. Discipline is key in the barracks. If you're especially competitive, the soldiers will sometimes hold impromptu obstacle races with informal wagers made. They'll be happy to race against even the most unlikely of opponents, and you'll be judged more on your spirit rather than your skill. If you really impress them, they'll even buy you a drink.

Traveling Merchants
Word of new arrivals spread quickly to enterprising merchants. Many will arrive with samples of their wares, offering free things to try. These items include miniature pastries, trinkets powered by New Magic similar to those cheap flashing toys one find at a carnival, ales, fresh fruits, and healing elixirs. Not all of the elixirs are of proper quality. Some are akin to snake oil and might have adverse (though harmless) effects - take care not to accidentally turn your hair bright green or similar. All of the merchants will be gathered at a central point in the barracks so they'll be hard to miss. Maybe you can make a friend or two while perusing.

City Tours
The arrival of refugees from Libertas means tour groups have sprung up around Cadens to show these new folks around. Organized for free by volunteers, these tours are meant to help the refugees feel welcome and take their minds off the loss of their homes but anyone can join in on the walk. The tour will take you to one or more of the following places: the Hall of Natural Relics where you can look at the skeletal remains of various desert beasts, Portam Hall where you can observe the chaotic government bureaucracy of a large city (and the beautiful architecture), backstage of the Catterborough Theater ("The Cat") where you can meet some of the theater performers, and the Academy of Knowledge where you can attend one of its free public seminars (the topic of the month is on the various types of spiderwebs that can be found in nature. Exciting!)

Nocwich
Nocwich, which is shrouded in an eternal darkness and is home to the werewolves and the vampires, opens on the first weekend of every month for a total of 3 days. Shortly after arriving, you'll be given a pendant that allows you to travel to and from the portal. In Cadens, the portal is a short walk away from the center of the city. You can enter Nocwich freely and explore what's available in Oleuni Square and Luna. You won't be able to enter Ikorr nor will you be able to exit into another faction's portals. Once there, you're welcome to meet those from other factions, take in the sights, and - if you've come by some money or a generous soul - even make a few small purchases. Inns are available for a fee if you want to stay overnight. Otherwise, you'll need to return home through the portals each day.

◎ Settling In

When you're ready to turn in, the barracks are waiting for you. They 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. Each barracks room is rather sparse. Six simple beds set against the wall, three on each side of the room, each with a trunk at the foot of it. You can greet your roommates here, most of whom will be new arrivals, as well.

If you plan on making use of your assigned quarters, you'll have your basic needs met: uniforms, a roof, bland food from the mess hall, and access to the training grounds. You won't be paid unless you formally enlist with the army. The longer you take advantage of the barracks, the greater the pressure to enlist. Some soldiers will start to see you as a freeloader if you refuse to join them yet continue to use their resources. If you're set on not enlisting, you can always strike out on your own in Cadens - but you won't be provided for and handouts are rare. You'll have to work to earn every copper and loaf of bread. Whether that's honest work is up to you.

Welcome to Solvunn

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. An elderly mage stands before an ornate altar. He holds an old leather-bound book in one hand and in the other is a card bearing an arcana symbol. "I detect no ill will from the gods," he says. "It seems we've been blessed with success."

Those that had gathered all breathe a sigh of relief and now seem pleased. One offers you some clothes of leather and knitted wool that seem to fit you perfectly. A rough-looking man steps forward once you're dressed 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 center of the Primary Settlement. 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.

◎ Surroundings

The Primary Settlement is full of greenery, blessed with the fresh ocean breeze. Winds are moderately chilly with the occasional heavy rains that soak the farmlands. The scent of flowers fills the air. The shops, farms, and homes around you are all modest and unassuming. You get the sense that the people here prefer to blend in with their neighbors than stand out.

As you walk or look around, you'll be greeted warmly, even eagerly...though there's an edge of awestruck nervousness to some. Though the settlement is often quiet and calm, there's still plenty to take in:

• While farmers are still recovering from events that led to failed crops, ruined livestock, and a massive loss in fishing, life is slowly returning to normal. They'll be happy to receive any assistance: brush the horses, milk the goats, weed the gardens, churn butter, mind the children...whatever you can think of, you'll be needed.


• Those in Solvunn are reluctant to speak of the conflict between Thorne and the Free Cities in any depth. Their stance is that Solvunn is above petty grudges and violence. They are sorry for the loss of innocents in both nations.


• There are whispers of a shrine deep in the woods that took a powerful sacrifice. If asked, the natives will say that they do not know where this shrine is and that it's best to leave these matters in the hands of the gods' chosen, the Council.


• You're free to venture towards the ocean if you like, though heed the warnings of leviathans. These beasts do not stir near the shores, but if you look closely in the far distance - at night in particular - you'll see the water's surface bubble and roil beneath the moonlight. Recently, a giant ocean life found itself onto the shores in Solvunn. Many will tell you this was a test from the gods, and that saving these creatures granted the world a boon of fish.

◎ Exploring

Despite the troubles that plague the land, the commune and its settlements have much for you to indulge in.

Goat Racing
That's right. One of Solvunn's fine traditions is its regular goat races. Meant to be a bit of informal fun, there's a pen of goats where you can choose a goat, get a number, and simply join one of the starting lines. These goats are not trained so the race is less of a race and more pure chaos as the goats do what they please. Whoever eventually wrangles their goat over the finish line wins. The only rule is that you can't pick up or physically pull your goat, but you're free to cajole, lure, or even use a bit of magic to get yours to the finish line first. Winners receive small prizes of cheese, ale, wood charms, woven baskets, and other similar tokens.

Shrine Offerings
As a new arrival, you'll be encouraged to perform your first offering. This can be anything that feels right to you: fruit, wine, flowers, even an animal you've hunted. Whatever you choose, it must be retrieved by your own hand meaning you must pick the fruit, cut the flowers, or pour the wine yourself. You can travel to the shrine by yourself or with a companion. Once there, lay your offering and ask for a blessing through Solvunn's tradition of High Magic. Blessings are often made for the commune overall such as abundant crops or good weather. You will not see the effects right away, but you may find over the next day or so that the sun has cut through the rain. Of course, you're free to dismiss this as the nature of how weather works...but don't be too loud about it. Solvunn takes its beliefs very seriously.

Evening Feast
Potluck-style feasts are common in the settlement as a way to strengthen the community. You'll be invited to join in one of these feasts at any time, held outdoors in a lush grove filled with wildflowers. As a new arrival, you won't be expected to bring anything yourself but you'll make a better impression if you do so even if it's merely a few apples you picked in the morning. Want to help hang decorations before the feast? Your assistance is more than welcome! Place flowers, pin ribbons, or lay the tablecloths. The food is simple and hearty, ranging from stews, roasts, fresh bread, and puddings. If you're shy, someone will be there to fill your cups and plates if you won't do so yourself. Eat, drink, and be merry - it's what the gods would want.

Nocwich
Nocwich, which is shrouded in an eternal darkness and is home to the werewolves and the vampires, opens on the first weekend of every month for a total of 3 days. Shortly after arriving, you'll be given a pendant that allows you to travel to and from the portal. In Solvunn, the portal is a short walk away. You can enter Nocwich freely and explore what's available in Oleuni Square and Luna. You won't be able to enter Ikorr nor will you be able to exit into another faction's portals. Once there, you're welcome to meet those from other factions, take in the sights, and - if you've come by some money or a generous soul - even make a few small purchases. Inns are available for a fee if you want to stay overnight. Otherwise, you'll need to return home through the portals each day.

◎ Settling In

When you're ready for your bed, you're brought to the center of town and escorted to an apartment above one of the establishments in town. The living conditions are temporary if you'd like them to be: the local families would also be happy to host you in their home. In return, you'll be expected to contribute to their household, taking upon daily chores and repairs. While money has its uses, many establishments and craftsmen are happy to barter with your time or skill for their goods. You'll find your willingness to trade and your friendliness with the natives more valuable than gold.

You can even leave for the other two settlements if you like, but you're encouraged to remain in the Primary Settlement. Just be sure you have an invitation to the Secondary Settlement. There are tales of travelers visiting the secondary settlement without invitation disappearing without a trace. The gods are as hungry as they are protective.

Questions and Answers

If after reading these you're still unsure about anything, or your question wasn't covered, please feel free to hit up our Questions thread below!

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.

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.

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 nation?

In Thorne, characters can leave the castle but not the city. In the Free Cities, they can take a trip from the outpost to the nearest main city, Cadens. In Solvunn, they can explore the entirety of the Primary Settlement.

Can my character eventually change nations or kingdoms?

Yes, but tensions between the major nations are at an all-time high. Doing so is possible, but will require some plotting and discussion with the mods once you're in-game!

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). It will also affect your character's day-to-day life and development. Characters who seek technological advancements or combat will find more of it in the Free Cities while those keen on court politics and learning magic will have the most access to it in Thorne. Anyone who wishes to uncover the secrets of the Old Gods and forest mysteries will best do so in Solvunn.

This is not to say characters can't do these things from another faction - with effort and the help of friends, anything is possible! Don't get too anxious about your choice. This is just one of many, and every character in each scenario can work their way towards many individual goals and outcomes. Additionally, once in-game the Horizon will provide characters with a way to easily find cross-faction CR.

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?

Your Arcana sign won't have an immediate impact on your character beyond them seeing it on themselves or being told what it is by the locals. You're welcome to disregard those aspects in your prompts or try out different signs.

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.

If you're interested in threading with characters outside your borders on the TDM, you can utilize the Nocwich prompt which will allow all characters to meet in person regardless of arrival scenario.

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.

Can I try out more than one arrival scenario on the same TDM?

Yes, although only threads taking place in the arrival scenario you formally choose upon applying can count as canon. However, you're welcome to try out as many as you like on the TDM.

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Comments

daenerys targaryen | game of thrones | judgement

[stormborned]

thorne. - trail riding.

[ on horseback is a familiarity; while comfortable, reminding daenerys of her long weeks riding on the great grass sea as drogo's khaleesi, it also makes her long for essos, for the people she's left behind, and for her own army and khalasar both. they undoubtedly still await her return in meereen, even as the detritus of the obliterated yunkai ships still floats in the bay of dragons.

her people need her, now more than ever and yet it's easy for her to lose track of the press of responsibilities that have hung heavy over her head ever since viserys's death, while astride a mount. galloping at momentary high speed with the wind in her hair, she can imagine that she's flying — perhaps even on dragonback.

she urges her steed on, keeping the pace until she encounters another rider, stopped at the crest of a sloping hill where they can see a valley beyond, lush green gardens and glowing ponds of water. she pulls up on the reins, patting the mare's neck affectionately as they stop beside the other. ]

Magnificent view, [ she offers, nodding her head in the direction downhill. ] Do you plan on taking your mount down?

free cities. - training grounds & city tours.

[ she's more than at ease around the soldiers at the training grounds — she's traveled extensively enough with her own growing militia, riding side-by-side with the unsullied during their trek across essos. she has no intent to train with a sword, but she does find one or two of them inbetween sessions willing to discuss morale and the state of the conflict between themselves and thorne. the sentiments are concerning, even if she has no stake in this war; a mad monarch, dissenters fed to wild beasts, gruesome blood rites. she can't help but make the parallels in her head upon hearing of it.

to another summoned nearby, she offers in the way of conversation: ]

What do you know of Thorne, of this Mad Queen the soldiers here speak of?

[ she joins the ranks of the libertas refugees on the city tour, a long walk past notable locations within cadens. they visit portham hall, architecturally impressive but with squalling bureaucrats, which she turns away from; they meet performers and actors, at catterborough theater; and lastly, they encounter the hall of natural relics, containing skeletal remains of great desert beasts. it's this last locale, with splendorous skeletons of what resemble giant sand snakes, that holds her interest the most. the bones remind her of her children, of drogon's nest in the great grass sea he'd flown her to after daznak's pit; of the detailed drawings in the westeros history books jorah had gifted her, featuring skeletal remains of dragons long gone but preserved in the cellars of the red keep.

she stares for long moments — perhaps too long, with something akin to sadness in her eyes. ]

solvunn. - shrine.

[ she isn't one to leave matters in the hands of those who are purported to be chosen by the gods, so dany heads out into the woods herself to seek out this shrine that has seen a powerful sacrifice. if there is magic here in this quiet, rural community, she is wont to know of it firsthand.

she carries no offering with her, despite the encouragement to do so by the townfolk, but she does concede to having a companion join her on her journey, and she turns to them thoughtfully as they make their way into the woods through the forest. ]

So, tell me — do you believe in 'gods'?

nocwich. (oleuni square - various)

[ at the shops and stalls of the marketplace, one can find daenerys wandering about and examining the brewed ales, shadow lanterns, and especially the night bloom flowers, which hold particular interest for her as she marvels at their beauty.

she can also be found in the gambling den, no stranger to the kinds of wagers made whether it's in the free cities or vaes dothrak, or the former slaver's bay. there are always those hungry for currency, believing luck to be on their side and trusting fortune will smile on them. she hasn't sat down at a table to make a wager of her own, but she could be persuaded.

and lastly, modesty isn't much in her repertoire, so when it's inferred that nudity in the hot springs is expected, even of visitors, daenerys is nonplussed; one might find her already soaking in the hot water up to her collarbones, her silver-blonde hair piled high atop her head in a wound braid and allowing a few long curling locks to touch the surface of the pool. the water is hot, near-scalding, but she doesn't seem to pay the temperature much mind — in fact, she'll encourage anyone mildly curious about the springs to participate. ]

...It's hot, but if that's your preference, by all means feel free to join me.

wildcard.

[ ooc: feel free to wild it up with a prompt of your own, or pm for plotting! daenerys is coming in from the end of s6, after she's saved meereen but before she plans to sail for westeros. ]

nocwich.

[gynvael]

[ Geralt's not gone out of his way to look for Rhaenyra, but with Nocwich being the rare point of contact between kingdoms, he finds himself keeping one eye out for her while he's here. He's fond of her company and besides, she's one of the few in Thorne he's come to trust. He has a worn cloak tossed over his shoulders, less for the cold than for the (illusion of) some anonymity, though his hood is down.

When he catches sight of the familiar locks of white, he follows her through the winding market stalls, towards the gambling halls. In the overcrowded room, full of smells and barely lit with torches, it isn't until he's next to the woman that he realizes it's someone else: a face that's younger, shorter stature, not the right scent.

But he presumes he's already caught her attention, coming this close. He tips his head—an acknowledgement that she isn't who he meant to approach. ]

Sorry. Thought you were another.

Free Cities

[cryptsleeper]

[When he first came to the Free Cities, Alucard had taken to the museums immeditely. They were not familiar, but they afforded him quiet out of the heat of the sun and did not force him to interact with others. Some of the displays came to feel like friends that he would stop to visit.

That's what this is, walking into the room of giants. The bones that are hung from the ceiling, the ones behind glass cases with notes beside them. He's not surprised that the room is busy today - the usual excited children running and remarking upon the size of the beasts, a small group of staff tallking in a corner about what tasks need to be done for the bones tomorrow when the building is closed.

And the occasional loner like himself, eyes fixed on the ceiling.

Alucard settles onto one of the benches placed beside a coiled beast that may as well be napping in faux grass. His eyes move back to the ceiling, and he's not sure if he catches the other observer's eye. For politeness' sake only, he nods once in acknowledgement.]

nocwich

[giantanimal]

[Damen also has little use for modesty. Akielos is a hot country. Nudity, for any gender, is not taboo. He is already standing naked, an incredibly tall, broad-shouldered figure with a handful of scars at his belly and shoulder. At her invitation he flashes a dazzling smile and slides into the water without a second thought.]

...you weren't kidding about the heat.

[He raises an eyebrow, but it doesn't bother him enough for him to do more than comment on it. He wades past her, revealing a mass of scars along his back, then turns to take a seat on the other side of the pool.]

» solvunn — shrine;

[mobezon]

{ louis isn’t shy when it comes to companionship. it’s all he’s known, and perhaps he should contemplate more on what type he keeps around. he hasn’t truly been alone, and if divinity is held to the same standard, then it’s locked into him no matter how much he rejects. therefore, in a vast farmland with strangers, he took up the offer to accompany someone.

frankly, he took up her offer since she’s marked like him. her unique hair cannot be hidden as his surreal green eyes reveal a hint of his true nature. regardless, he simply wanted to take a walk. the fresh air would be solid, and the sun rays would be hidden enough at the time they left.

he keeps his hands carefully laid by his sides in the motions of walking through a scenery that evokes pleasantry in the sight alone. her question drags out a low chuckle, not at all meant to be mocking. it’s lined with hidden desperation to just how intimately he knows the topic presented. }

I did. I’m not sure I do anymore. For a while I was devoted to one god, even if He condemned me for my interests. And, you?

thorne!

[ziryla]

( a horse is no dragon. but it would not do her any well to dwell within her horizon in the hope of chasing syrax in memory, no matter how convincing the visage, no matter how much soul is poured into her creation.

she cannot live in her head when there is a realm around her, when there are people she is finding to know in ways that are far more than titles and crowns and petty quarrels turned vicious treacheries.

the stables offers a reprieve, and a chance to get to know the castle surroundings, the winding trails, that may one day be used as an advantage.

she had taken to a tall, lithe mare, a bay that glittered in gold dapples in the right light. no syrax, but her particular moods had been a fond enough substitute.

she had created a hill to take note of the view, falling into thought until her mare’s snort, and the sound of hooves stepping behind alert her enough to turn.

she doesn’t necessarily gawk, but it’s a close thing, eyes widening at the sight of brilliant silver hair that is so startlingly familiar (in ways Geralt’s isn’t, she notes, the touches of warmth in the cascade of waves). the way a fire always warms does her heart hammer loud in her ears as she tilts a chin in wonder.

rhaenyra blinks, realizing the stranger had asked a question. ) I was intending to, yes.

( but, she cannot help herself: ) Are you a recent summon?

free cities, city tours

[theidlemaiden]

[ Hilda hadn't really meant to fall into helping out with the city tours. Besides not considering herself anywhere near knowledgable enough about Cadens and Abraxas by extension, she wasn't particularly interested in regurgitating facts about a city that she wasn't intimately familiar with yet.

But she had since committed her time to helping Sam out with being part of a bootstrapped welcome committee to new Summoned. Helping in this instance took the form of not only acting as a friendly face for someone to connect with, but also to keep stragglers together so they didn't get lost or overwhelmed. Both tasks were things that Hilda felt like she could confidently do in the scope of her abilities and she was taking it Very Seriously. Which is to say not very seriously at all.

It's hard not to notice a missing head of white hair though. Hilda hadn't engaged in any conversation with the young woman during the tour, but when she was suddenly missing from the group that was now standing in front of an incredibly large skeleton of a flat-tailed grokko, Hilda decided to go looking.

It doesn't take long to locate her, thankfully since she's only several exhibit rooms back. ]

Oh, there you are! I thought we were missing someone. Everything okay?

solvunn

[beautifullies]

[ The answer is easy for Claire. As they walk, she has a basket with her in case she sees anything that looks to be worth foraging. It's the only reason she agreed to go, not because of any belief system. ]

No. My fate is not tied up in some invisible being. That said, if it's what people here believe, I'm not going to make waves. Respect costs nothing, even if I think offerings are a waste of time.

[ Claire turns to her comanion. ]

And you? [ She smiles, just a little. ] Don't let my answer frighten you off.

Thorne

[northerndragon]

[He is not riding so hard today. He took a rabbit, earlier; it is in his saddlebag, and there is nothing to chase. But the air is pleasant enough today, and he decides to take some of it in, letting the horse meander before turning back.

A flash of pale hair as a woman passes him on the trail. It isn't Rhaenyra Targaryen, he knows that much -- he didn't get a good look at this one, but Rhaenyra is older. Some other Targaryen, maybe -- there had been dozens of them, and this girl is as like to be Good Queen Alysanne as she is to be one of Baelor's sisters, or no Targaryen at all. Some of the other Summoned have the look, but not the blood; they come from worlds where no one has ever heard the name. Each time, he wonders why none of his own family is here.

Eventually, he catches up to the girl at the top of a hill, distant now from the stables. She asks him a question.]

No. Look.

[He gestures to the small group of soldiers near the foot of the hill.]

No point. They'll just send you right back up. Better to find another trail.

joel miller | the last of us | the hermit

[aintyourdad]

free cities;

(exploring cadens)

[ He still looks a little shell-shocked, which probably isn't surprising, given how long it's been since he's seen such a populous city, so many well-fed people, so many luxury goods for sale.

If this is a dream, it's the weirdest fuckin' dream he's had in decades.

When he bumps into someone, he jumps, takes a hasty step back, immediately hunching into a defensive kind of stance, like he's ready to fight, to beat off whatever comes -

And then he breathes, glances around, shrugs it off. He still looks haunted. ]

Sorry.

[ He does not sound particularly apologetic. ]

(training grounds)

[ Joel is not participating in sparring or any such thing. He is, however, observing the action, leaning against a wall or nearby fence, arms crossed over his chest, a critical look on his face. ]

Y'all think this'll actually help, once you're in a fight for your life?

[ He is skeptical. ]

(settling in)

[ The barracks room is a little more familiar territory for Joel. He's been in rooms like this before, though, again, probably less clean, less comfortable, less safe. He sits on the edge of his assigned bed, as if he's still not sure any of this is real. Then he glances up at his (probable) roommate. ]

They're enlisting us for their war, aren't they? That's what they want us for.

nocwich; market/gambling den;

[ He wanders the market square for a bit, but it's all pretty overwhelming for him (still). He's not sure if he'll ever be able to wrap his head around all this - all the abundance, the safety. Eventually, he finds his way to the gambling den, and the tension in his shoulders eases, just a tad. ]

Please tell me someone knows how to play Texas Hold 'Em.

wildcard;

[ Any location or scenario you want to roll with is fine by me! Or feel free to hit me up at frodabaggins! ]

settling in

[stepping]

[ laura doesn't especially like the barracks, but there's a certain novelty to being in a building like this after years spent in tents or less, enough that she's willing to tolerate it for now. there are worse places to sleep, at least.

she's sitting on her own bed too, bouncing slightly on the mattress like she's testing it out with a look caught between amusement and disbelief. the question doesn't catch her off-guard, because she's wondered exactly the same thing. laura just hasn't put voice to it yet, and she stills at the thought. ]

Yeah. Yeah, I think that's exactly what they're doing. [ whether that's a good thing or not in her eyes is hard to read, her tone is mild, expression pleasantly neutral. ] Is it working?

Cadens

[philancer]

[ To be fair, Sylvain hadn't been paying especially close attention to where he was going, either, so he's likely just at fault.

But he doesn't miss the sharpness of that reaction, the look in the man's eye, or how he hunched in defensively without hesitation. He meets the man's gaze, his own turning faintly concerned before he hides it behind a sheepish smile and holds up his hands in a gesture of surrender. ]

It's okay, I wasn't paying close attention, so it's just as likely my fault. Sorry back, in that case. You alright? You look... a little overwhelmed. [ It's a look he's coming to recognize in his time here. ]

training grounds

[giantanimal]

[Damen, who has been handily taking on anyone willing to spar with him, turns and raises an eyebrow, resting the practice sword on his shoulder.]

It's worked pretty well for me so far.

Damen | Captive Prince | Strength

[giantanimal]

Free Cities

Damen is no stranger to a military camp, though the specific uniform is not what he's used to. At least he's been wearing the Veretian style of uniform and armor long enough now that this isn't too far off. He can appreciate that this uniform, at least, doesn't have nearly as many laces, even if it's still more complicated and stifling than a simple chiton or his Akielon armor. Still, impressive that they had his size. He is taller and broader than most men, and with clothes as fitted as these, that can be an issue.

He's more than happy to engage with sparring with whoever asks, whether with sword or fist or anything else, though if it's a weapon he hasn't used before, he's going to need a moment to get used to it. He even participates in an obstacle course or two, reveling in the freedom and euphoria of moving his body. His energy seems boundless, and even after a grueling match, he's ready for more. "Is there oil? Who wants to wrestle?" Wrestling has always been his strongest sport, and it's been too long since he's had an opportunity to do it. Of course, he is assuming they'll be doing the sort of wrestling he's used to--Akielon-style wrestling--so if someone takes him up on it, he'll start removing his uniform.

Other soldiers approach him to enlist, since it's obvious he's a fighter, but he shakes his head fiercely. "I'm not joining someone else's war without good reason." When they try to give the reasons, he adds, "and without proof. Words are easy."

Nocwich

Despite his height, Damen manages to meld with the crowd pretty easily once he's in Nocwich, taking a moment away from the people trying to recruit him to a war he doesn't want to center himself and think. Or, more specifically, center himself and drink. He finds himself sitting alone at a pub, drinking some subpar wine and lost in his thoughts. He thought he wanted to drink alone, but now that it's happening, he'd probably welcome the company.

Eventually, he gets himself together and enjoys the marketplace. He enjoys a soak in the hot springs where he's as quick to shed his clothes and unabashed in his nudity as any werewolf. The water feels good against his back, which has stiffened more than he'd realized. His scars are almost entirely healed by now, so much so that he rarely thinks about them anymore, but they're still fresh enough that he probably should. He doesn't entirely let his guard down--he doesn't think he's been able to do that since he was first sent from Akielos in chains--but he certainly appears to relax fully. And so long as no one attempts to approach him too threateningly, he'll stay appearing to relax fully.

It's even almost the truth.

Wildcard

[pm me or just set something random up! I'll roll with it.]

Free Cities

[philancer]

A chuckle comes from beyond the fence that marks off the training area. Sylvain stands there, propped up against his spear and watching the display with amusement. He's both tall and broad himself, although he's dressed in civilian clothing and not a military uniform at all.

He'd heard the answer the new Summons had given the soldiers, knowing they won't like that, but that they'll accept it. For now, at least. He's still worried about how long that will hold true, but that's not a worry for today.

"They have a lot of words here, but at least they take no for an answer." A pause, as he takes in the man that had thrown out a challenge to wrestle, amusement in his dark gaze. It reminded him of Caspar, actually. "Although if not, I bet you could take them. Maybe they'd take defeat via brawling. I'm sure it would be an eye-opening experience either way."

nocwich

[wrists]

[ did someone say approach threateningly? well if it isn't laurent sauntering to the hot springs like a disinterested cat, yet all his hairs go up when he catches sight of those familiar scars stretched across a broad back, water glimmering in the dim light on bronze skin. he stops by a rocky ledge of the spring, his arms loosely crossed over his chest as he regards damen, jaw tight. then he relaxes, adopting his customary air of indifference. gross. ]

Get out. I'm going to bathe.

lestat de lioncourt · interview with the vampire (amc) · judgement

[malicieux]

thorne · trail riding

---

[ Nostalgia, that's probably the appropriate word for this. The surrounding terrain of forests and mountains already reminds Lestat of his home in Auvergne, for better or for worse, but the notion of taking a horse out for a ride in the surrounding trails tickles his romantic fancy. Which is sort of nice, since for the most part everything else about this situation has him feeling more-or-less annoyed. He's not even sure which part of it bothers him more. Naturally, he dislikes the idea that he doesn't get to go where he pleases. The notion of being confined (particularly this false confinement, allowing him to move around the city but no further) gets under his skin and makes him prickle. The loss of his preternatural abilities is another sore spot.

It's actually due to that fact that Lestat isn't even quite sure how late he'll manage to stay out on the trails before turning back. What, exactly, is the point of being nocturnal when one's ability to see in the dark has failed them? The thought makes him huff out an annoyed sigh as he starts his ride.

As the twilight steadily fades into night, he doesn't expect anyone to be out here. But it's his nature to be social, so when he does come across another person on the trails, he's not too upset by the sudden company. ]

They are quite striking, don't you think?

[ He's referring to the glowing ponds that seem particularly illuminating at this time of night. ]

thorne · settling in

---

This will not work for me.

[ Said in a haughty French voice and accompanied by a vaguely displeased sneer.

It's nothing against the rooms or the beds themselves. Lestat's certain that most people would find little to complain about the set-up, except that, well. He's not exactly most people. It's not even necessarily that he needs a coffin to sleep in. His hours of rest can pass as easily in a bed or a hole in the ground as in a casket. Lestat simply enjoys the tradition and the drama of it, and he enjoys the quiet. That's why it's the other beds that really make him dislike this arrangement.

The curtains will do well enough to keep the sun out, but the thought of having others tramping through during the day and disturbing his sleep already has him in a bad mood. He notes to himself to ask immediately for even a dusty crypt in the castle basement to find his respite.

When he's not darkening his corner of the dormitory, he seems most content to lurk in the libraries as most of the castle residents are going to sleep. Books of interest to him appear to be ones on the history and geography of this place, if the pile beside him at any given time is any indication. ]

nocwich · the marketplace

---

[ To some extent, Nocwich should feel more welcoming to Lestat. At least, that's what he tells himself. If there's a place here that's always dark and filled with other vampires, then why the hell is he wasting his time with Thorne?

As is the case with most things in life, the expectations don't quite live up to the reality.

Lestat can see quite quickly how the novelty of never-ending night might wear off. He imagines it to be like those places where the sun rarely sets and humans must face eternal daylight, causing restlessness and monotony. And if Oleuni Square is any indication, then Nocwich is on the verge of being underwhelming. Still, he's keen to learn more about the nature of the vampires in this place. Do they differ much from what he is and knows? Or are they the same? His track record with other vampires may not be inspiring but it's hard to deny the ache to grasp something familiar in a strange land.

Other visitors can run into him around the Marketplace. He takes note of the stalls and their wares, the strange concoctions that are equal parts amusing and off-putting. ]

And people actually purchase these?

[ He asks it almost with a laugh, not knowing or not caring to have seemingly offended the woman selling them.

Lestat can also be found being particularly by the Main Stage. The performances are a far cry from the fine operas and concerts he's grown accustomed to, but, much like the mountains of Thorne, this stage of players and musicians tugs at a part of him he put to rest long ago. Watch him carefully and you may even catch something not unlike a smile on his face as he applauds for the troupe.

Before his visit in Nocwich is over, he'd be remiss if he didn't try to visit Ikorr. And he does try. He tries until it becomes very apparent that it's not going to happen, and he throws his hands up, walking away as he expresses his frustrations in French. ]

wildcard

---

Choose your own adventure! Fine with any prompt in any location, or anything in between. Feel free to reach out if you want to discuss something~

Trails

[a_better_man]

[Mat's on his way back, mounted on a solid looking horse with one of the simple hunting bows on lend from the castle over his saddle. The days are lasting a bit longer, coaxing him to stay out longer in turn. Particularly when his days are now so filled with lessons and practice, but it magic or music. A day off is a rare thing, to be taken advantage of. Besides, it's pretty at night out here.

And apparently he isn't the only one with the same idea of lingering as the sun sets and vanishes entirely. Which is of no real concern to Mat, his light producing ring on his finger and illuminating the area around him.

He grins in greeting as he approaches, a tall and slim young man in a black fur trimmed cloak and high leather boots that seems quite comfortable in the saddle. He doesn't recognize this fellow, must be freshly pulled.]

That they are! Worth the evening chill. Not too many folks out at this time to enjoy it, though.

» nocwich — the marketplace;

[mobezon]

{ All Louis wanted was a distraction from the strange new world. The performance goes by with a hitch, and he’s thankful for the spots in the back where he can be partly hidden. In the cover of the darkness, full of a cold pinch to the skin, he was not fully prepared for when he caught a glimpse of a rather familiar visage. Too familiar.

There’s no mistaking it.

Out of all the places, a foreign land where he’d been whisked away, almost seemed like a terrible joke in need of a boot. Therefore, in all the calamity of his existence and decades of attempted isolation, Louis decides to exercise the self-restraint that he’s all too accustomed to honing. He isn’t as explosive as he’d been all those years ago, and it’s as if the heat curled into him was laid dormant in favor of allowing Dubai to quilt in its place. Louis doesn’t have his knife cane anymore, and even then deep down he can’t ignore the rude relief to the familiarity.

The cluster of people departing after the end to the show allow Louis to skirt at the edge where the main stage can be seen. He could always follow the rest of the others, let them carry him off and that will be it (for a moment at least). The rise of his Nola accent becomes stronger when Lestat is within hearing range. }

They did better than I thought they would.

trails (have another vampire encounter! ;D)

[hemovore]

[Lestat isn't the only one who finds the idyllic woods nostalgic. Having been raised in isolated mansion surrounded by a thick forest Edgar can't help but feel the scenery laid before him homely. It's always been in his nature to be dawn towards to wilderness and rural areas rather than the big flashy cities. Something that he's found to become regrettably more rare further the modernization goes. Ah, but you can take boy out of the woods but you can't take the woods out of the boy, or how would one say.

Edgar, however, instead of taking a horse had decided to travel by feet. It made him feel far more free, being able to explore the small paths invisible to humans and inaccessible by a horse. It doesn't take a long before he finds himself overcome with sentimentality as he picks flowers and then climbs up to old tree. He settles down on one of the branches and watches as the day slowly turns into a night.

It is then, when she smells it. The scent of strange blood nearby, something that's not clearly a human but not quite like his either. Edgar can't help but wonder if it's one of the local vampires that he's heard of? Or maybe even a werewolf? As exciting the thought of meeting one he knows it's better to be cautious. He stays quiet in the tree, sharp blue eyes staring keenly at the direction where the scent is coming from. He wonders if the tree is enough to give him any coverage in the case the person turns out to be malignant. But what appears from the woods is not a monstrous figure that he had expected. No, instead it is handsome man on a horseback with a brilliant blond hair.

He quietly observes the man, until he is spotted and spoken to]

Yes. Quite. [He responds with calm yet cheerful voice.] Though I must say you're missing out on a greater views being down there.

8] waves in dhampir | Attempting to get to Ikorr

[cryptsleeper]

In my experience, pressing them for more information only raises their guard up more.

[Alucard is aware he fits in with the local population. Too pale, fangs obvious, he holds himself with a little bit more substance than he should. In truth, he's only lurking around the area to pick up on what rumors he can. It isn't productive, but it makes him a familiar face.

Subtle is not in his skillset. Never has been. It's nothing he learned from either parent, Dracula and his mother being prone to dramatics as well.

Still, the attempt is worth it. And what he did just witness was a very intent man.]

sandwich i mean nocwich

[satanicpanics]

[ Eddie has made Oleuni Square one of his regular stops, if only because it gives him a break from the pastoral mundanity of Solvunn. He like Solvunn; at this point he even considers it home, but sometimes you just need a break from goats and farmland, and Nocwich can offer that.

Besides, he likes spending money…on the exact wares Lestat is critiquing. There are beautiful, high quality wares throughout the market, but what Eddie is perusing is jewelry that’s close to the same flimsy quality you might find in a gumball machine. It doesn’t matter to him. He can afford it, and he’s still desperate to build his ring collection back up. It’s not like what he owned back home was exactly fine quality. ]

Yeah, those of us with incredibly cheap taste? Absolutely.

[ He grins, happy enough to poke fun at himself. ]

You're in the wrong stall if you're willing to spend anything more than a handful of coins.

Karli Morgenthau | MCU | Free Cities | The Tower

[oneworld]

⦿ Free Cities - Cadens Desert Outpost 003, Arrival/Barracks

[ It's quite a shock to go from bleeding out in the lower levels of a construction site to being pulled out of a pool of water, naked and robbed of ill-gotten strength, so desperate to die for your cause because where else are you going to put all that pain and strife and serum intensified anger at the world than to martyrdom and desperation. Perhaps it comes as little surprise, then, that when Karli is pulled out of the water, her flight or fight instinct kicks hard towards fight. There's an undignified scuffle by the side of that pool, one she's fated to lose, all the strength she gained with one fatefully shitty deal bled out of her.

As a result, when she is led out of the cavern and into harsh daylight, it's flanked by two of the soldiers, each holding one of her arms in firm grasps. It must look ridiculous - Karli is a young, lean thing, face full of freckles, and between the bruises blooming on her face and the way she keeps holding her abdomen and wincing, coupled with the typical arrival fatigue, she looks like she would keel over at a stiff breeze. Yet still, she looks someone debating poor life choices, like she would take a swing at the entire world if someone let her, like the fight hasn't left her by a long shot, lips curled into a sneer when she's told about the 'honor' of her forced presence in this world - but while she still looks about three seconds from kneeing someone's groin, she visibly thinks better of it, raising her hands in a placating gesture when she's let go. As much as her first instinct is to fight her way to answers, it's clear that she's in no condition to even make the attempt. Peace, then. For now at least, until she notices someone staring. And if there was any doubt about the fact that she's just a 19 year old kid at the end of the day, her face shifts in a way that looks like doors slamming shut and barbed wire being draped on defensive walls. ]

What are you looking at?

---

⦿ Free Cities - Cadens Desert Outpost 003, Around the Outpost & Barracks

[ Karli spends some time around the outpost, familiarizing herself with the layout. She moves through the structure like someone assessing hostile territory, wary of the soldiers, wary of all strangers, but it's clear she gravitates more towards other Summoned. Her wariness towards those in power and authority here is pretty clear.

For as drained as she looks, this is a young woman in survival mode, frustration only mounting when the realization begins to sink in that not only is there no way out for her here - it's the desert in one direction, and hours towards a city in the other - but in her current state, she is quite dependent on local hospitality. This, at least, is met with the quiet resignation of someone not unused to that.

Still, she makes what she can of the chance to roam around unhindered. Tests the weight and heft of a few weapons at the training ground - clearly unfamiliar and unpracticed with most, and in no condition to make use of them.

If encountered at the mess hall or barracks, she clearly sizes up other Summoned, but gives them a nod and a greeting In the mess hall, she'll push a bowl of food to them if they don't have anything yet, in the barracks Karli will be sitting on a bunk and watch others settle in. She's clearly uncomfortable with their current military surroundings, but doesn't seem to take issue with the quality of accommodations. Gesturing either at the food or the sparse sleeping quarters depending on location, she'll offer a wry: ]

Could be worse. Though I'd like to burn the recruitment outfit.

[ And later, once night has fallen, she slips from the barracks and sneaks out to the back of them. It might not be entirely necessary to be so secretive - but if someone where to either follow her, or notice her outside, the reason for her slipping through the darkness like she's trying to disappear into the shadows might become obvious. Avoiding the soldiers and trying to avoid anyone else as well, Karli ends up in an isolated corner where she slumps to the ground.

Her hands are trembling badly as she clenches and unclenches them, eyes squeezed shut shut as her breathing turns ragged. Her shoulders slump, and she pulls her knees to her chest, wraps her arms around them and buries her head. Her shoulders are tense from trying not to cry.

And for once, her guard is down, and she gives no indication of being aware of company, should any be close by. ]

---

⦿ Free Cities - Wagon to Cadens, Cadens City + Marketplace, Daytime

[ Additionally, she's going to try to catch a ride on the wagon to Cadens at some point sooner rather than later. And while she refuses the hand offered to her by one of the nearby guards to get on the wagon, opting to pull herself up, she almost immediately pales and has to drop back down, pressing a hand on her abdomen and flinching with pain. She's not too seriously hurt after arriving here - but the fact that arriving here left her mostly healed but still in pain likely points to the severity of whatever that wound was before she was Summoned.

Embarrassment immediately turns into stubborn, angry overcompensation, though, and she tries to pull herself up onto the wagon a second time. She might be more inclined to accept a helping hand if one is offered, though. If none is offered, she soldiers through the moment of pain to heft herself up and take a seat, jaw clenched and unwilling to seem weak.

Having taken the first chance she got to leave the Outpost, Karli moves through the city of Cadens as if she's never been anywhere else, as if she knows every nook and cranny, but the casual air is an affectation to the practiced eye. She's pulled her wild red curls away from her face, hard eyes tracking movements around her and the curve of streets with the air of someone always looking for a way out, always expecting the other shoe to drop. She takes notes of the refugees, and it's not hard to see the mixture of weary resignation and old rage on her face. For someone so young, she looks old and tired - and can be seen mingling among the refugees as if she belongs among them, with a surprising knack for striking up conversation with those fallen on hard times.

Old habits, it turns out, die hard. Karli is moving through the crowd of a marketplace, and perhaps it catches the eye of someone who knows what it is to case a crowd. The way she glances, around. The way her hand seems to barely even move, yet absolutely darts out, grabs an apple from the display of a vendor - that's practiced ease, that's an old habit. She's good at it, too, for anyone able to make an assessment like that. Five paces later, and she's dodging out of the crowd, to the shade of a corner of the marketplace. The apple is passed along, here, if another Summoned still happens to watch, from Karli to a refugee kid, casual. And just a little later, her eyes track over the crowd as Karli looks for another stall to grant her a five finger discount. She turns her head when she finally notices being watched, and makes eye contact, one eyebrow cocked, as if daring the other Summoned to comment - on the apple, on her cavalier attitude, on anything really. ]

What? You wanna judge?

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⦿ Wildcard

[ OOC: For anything else not here or for starters in Thorn/Solvunn, feel free to hit me up via PM or on inkcharm, I'm easy!

If you prefer prose over brackets, feel free to tag in with prose. I'll match preferred format happily. ]

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[shadowthief]

I’ve no room for it.

[Inej shrugs lightly at the near-accusatory question. She’s been on hard times in the past, would likely be again in the future eventually.

The city has been feeling the stress of the Libertas refugees, still struggling to piece lives back together after the attack on their home weeks ago.]

It’s awful, I don’t think either city was in any way prepared for this scale of disaster.

Abby Littman | Ginny & Georgia | The Lovers

[everybodysterrible]

A. Non-Conformist (Free City)

Abby took enough time to look around the barracks to find all she needed for what must be done. A flat clean space to work, a pair of scissors, and enough obscured sightlines she could take off her top, letting her undershirt deal with her modesty.

Not that she cared if anyone saw her like this, she cared more about this ugly ass uniform she was given. That she couldn’t just go around in. She’d started hacking away at the thing almost right away, removing the material halfway down the shirt. Her stomach was great, why hide it? She was now going to the trouble to clip the seams holding the sleeves on. It was too hot for sleeves anyway.

She hummed to herself as she worked. Letting the idea of looking half-way cute in this ugly ass crap keep her sane. As nothing else about today was going to help with that.

B. Merchants (Free City)

Now that Abby had properly made her uniform unique to her form, she could go on with finding her other essentials. She hadn’t done anything to the waist down of the military garb, but the top was now sleeveless and cropped. She’d need new clothes, but before new clothes she’d need her face.

Make-up, skin care, hair dye. She liked the brighter pink highlights in her red hair and intended to keep them if she could. But even that came second to everything else to put her face on every day.

Her body language was a bit dodgy, as she was considering just lifting and pocketing things. But she was a little too freaked out and scared to go through with it. She wasn’t hiding her fear very well, either. You’d be freaked out too if you woke up naked in a pool. Her mom wasn’t here to bail her out if she got in trouble. She was here alone, truly alone, without the rest of M.A.N.G. to help her.

“How the fuck am I even suppose to pay for anything?” She was seriously questioning what she was doing, or meant to do, in this narnia shit.

C. Exploring the Free Cities / Wildcard

Abby elected not to stick with a proper tour group, and to just wander around the city. Museums and Theaters, great, sure, that’s every city. If she’d thought about it, maybe reading up on where she was and what this place was would be smart. Instead she was looking to see if weed existed and getting distracted anytime anything magical went on.

Often saying, under her breath, how much she can’t believe any of this shit going on. Generally speaking, she is being a surly terrified teenager masking her fear with swearing and snark.