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.

---

return to main navigation

Comments

ℎ𝑜𝑤𝑑𝑦 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑑𝑛𝑒𝑟

[righteously]

( It's routine by now. Every time there's a new summoning, Dean saddles up his rented horse that is not named (and yet is nevertheless called) Karen, straps the rifle it took him four months to afford onto his back, sheathes his sword at his hip, and makes the long ride from the city of Cadens out to the barracks to get eyes on whoever it is they pull through the portal. It's a necessity now, considering how many times he's made this trip and wound up carting back somebody from home. Cas, Sam, Jo, and the little noodle who turned to be Cas's kid. There's no freaking telling who else they might yoink in from Dean's world, so missing the new arrivals is not an option.

This month's trip seems to be a bust, though — no familiar faces, and he's not yet eager to hop back on not-Karen to ride all the way home empty-handed. So he's perusing the stalls, more interested in scoping out the new faces than the wares themselves.

And the new accents.

That sure is some twang on that one, that's what catches his attention more than anything. )

Wouldn't waste your time, pal. ( Volunteers the peanut gallery from one stall down. ) Most of the good shopping's back in the city. These jokers are just here to swindle greenhorns that've never seen magical tchotchkes before.

YEE and dare I say it??? HAW

[lonedanger]

[ Len has seen more than his fair share of tchotchkes before, but magical ones certainly weren't in the various inventories of all the caravan folk he used to know. Sure, every so often a particularly persuasive vendor would tell somebody that the item in question had fantastical properties, but both parties were probably doing Jet and just about everything seems magical on Jet. What's more interesting than the crap being peddled by the suspicious figure in the stall is the armed man with the unsolicited advice, and Len turns away from the sundry objects for purchase to give the man a once-over.

Tall. Good-looking. Critically, he has a rifle strapped to him and Len can feel his own fingers itching for the one he lost when he showed up here. ]

So I'm gatherin'.

[ Very few of the local denizens have addressed him thus far outside of a general acknowledgement that he seems to be new, and there's a weird mixture of mild respect and probably trepidation that comes with that. It's also possible that those flitting glances have something to do with the obvious gunshot scar on his right temple. ]

I thought I'd wake up this morning with a hangover but instead I got my ass dragged out of a pool of water by a bunch of strangers, so I guess that's the last time I drink corn whiskey.

[ Perhaps literally. ]

you dare. you DARE.

[righteously]

( The more this guy talks, the more Dean can feel all that Texas-adjacentness talking directly to his subconscious. He's not technically from there, but damn if it doesn't make him feel some strange amount of homesickness anyway.

He posts up against one presently unmanned stall, pointedly ignoring the dirty looks Len's dutiful shop-keep shoot him.

Corn whiskey.

He hums knowingly. Clicks his teeth, offers a single sympathetic shake of his head. )

Gets ya every time.

( Nothing like a morning after involving unexpected nudity and even more unexpected wizards. )

For what it's worth, if you decide you wanna hop back on the sauce, most of us hole up at a place with a little less propaganda and a lot more liquor.

[lonedanger]

[ Len turns, complementary, happy to block the business of the disreputable vendor for the purposes of indulging this stranger's conversation. He gives off the impression of being an old hat at shit like this, or barring that, someone who's been here long enough to sort things out and get comfortable. Not a permanent resident or local; they've been giving the new folk a polite but respectful berth.

His eyes narrow in interest rather than scrutiny - sounds like a dive, and therefore his kind of place. The alternative is that the establishment in question is actually an abandoned alley and he's about to get taken for a ride just to get the shit kicked out of him for the absolutely nothing he carries on his person, but he considers himself a great deal more perceptive than the usual mark.

Len gives him a proper elevator eye, leisurely and lingering, head tipped just so. A sly smile crawls across his face. ]

Tempting. You gonna introduce yourself before suggestin' I follow you to a secondary location, slick?

[righteously]

( The place he's referring to is, miraculously, not actually a dive. He does have one of those on offer, but it's in a slightly less... real version of reality, which is a whole can of worms he's not sure he should be the one to open up. If nobody's explained the Horizon to this guy yet, there are probably twenty better candidates for it than Dean.

(And yet despite that, somehow he keeps being the one to wind up doing it.)

No, he's talking about the real, tangible somewhat respectable inn over in Cadens that most of the Free Cities summoned have collectively occupied in order to get the hell away from the barracks and their less than subtle push to enlist for the war effort.

None of this he says, of course. It's all kindly stowed in favor of sporting an amused smirk and offering out a hand to shake. )

Dean. ( Tacked on like an afterthought: ) Winchester.

( In case the addition of a surname buys him a little more credibility or something. )

[lonedanger]

[ Len returns the gesture, firm and confident, absorbing what information he can leach. Gun calluses and small scars: a man who works with his hands, or is at least accustomed to doing so. The effort is reflected in his frame and the way he carries himself, the kind of bearing that says he knows how to use the tools at his disposal. Len's kind of person. ]

Like the rifle.

[ He observes coolly, regretting the fact that he lost his heavily modified one when he got his ass dragged to this place. Clearly weapon possession isn't relegated to the military alone, because this guy gives him the impression that he doesn't always answer well to authority figures. They probably cost a pretty penny. Pity he doesn't even know what the currency of the realm is. ]

Len. Darin. I'm guessing you're not from around these parts, either.

[righteously]

( Like the rifle — well, that answers at least one question he hadn't gotten around to asking yet. He points and clicks his teeth quietly; bingo. Like the rifle. )

Kansas. More or less. They dragged my ass through the well a little over a year ago.

( If the guy knows Winchester rifles, odds are he's from Earth, and near enough to Dean's time that Kansas should be a place he's familiar with. Always nice to see somebody from the same rock orbiting the same sun all the way over here in Abraxas. )

Yourself? Whereabouts they pull you from?

[lonedanger]

[ He recognizes Kansas, which is simultaneously reassuring and upsetting - can't leave folk well enough alone no matter when or where they're from, apparently - and it shows in the way his eyebrows raise. Less reassuring is the knowledge that Dean Winchester was picked up by these people over a year ago. A year.

Yeah, that's a whole lot longer than he'd like. ]

Nevada. New Vegas.

[ Thank fuck the Strip is all settled down now, no House or Legion or NCR troopers to mess it up. Still not ideal.

He crosses his arms over his chest, frowning a little. ]

Kansas is tornado country. Last time I passed through it was a scoured, unpopulated wasteland of radioactive cyclones. I'm assuming your Kansas is different, 'cause nobody would wanna live out there.

[righteously]

( Nevada, he's on board with. It takes him about two seconds after that second part to properly process the words, and then the furrow hits his brow in the most microscopic version of a double-take. )

Radioactive? Did you say New Vegas?

( Yeah, no, this ain't a 1 to 1 background situation here, safe bet. )

Worst we've got is global warming and a couple failed apocalypses on my end. Sounds like you're from Earth B, or C, or- hell, what are we even up to now? F? Tough luck, pal.

[lonedanger]

Lucky you. There was a big conflict, back in 2077.

[ Len shrugs, noncommittal. When the world as it is happens to be all you've ever known, it isn't exactly considered to be the most unfortunate thing. People make ends meet either which way, and based on what he's been told by other kidnapped residents it seems like there are multiple Earths out there. Hard to wrap his head around the different times and places, but he's doing his best to be as easygoing about the circumstances as possible. ]

Sino-American War. It ended with both parties flinging thermonuclear warheads at each other, they pretty much vaporized the face of the earth.

[ There are still ghouls around that remember the Old World, and the destruction thereof. Len can certainly relate to the whole "you think you're dying and then you wake up different" thing. Can't imagine living that long, might make a man go all pear-shaped. ]

But that was a little over two-hundred years ago, so it ain't like I knew the world before.

[righteously]

( Mental notes added: 2077, sino-american war, thermonuclear warheads, what the absolute holy hell? He doesn't need to say what he's thinking, it's broadcasted clearly on his face: the curl of his lip, the furrow in his brow, the muted disbelief and morbid curiosity. It reads dude, your world is a shithole. )

Huh.

( Is all that comes out, perhaps comically unfazed in the grand scheme of things, which probably gives away the fact that he's Seen Some Shit. Like, a quantity of shit that makes the conversation happening here way less impactful than it should be to any sane, rational human being.

Which... given they're, you know, standing in the barracks of a medieval fantasy world full of magic, maybe that's not a huge surprise. )

Well, believe it or not, you're the third person from post-apocalyptic Las Vegas I've met runnin' around here, so, hell, maybe you've got some company already.

[lonedanger]

[ Len has begun to pick up on the fact that the worlds most people come from aren't blighted hellscapes, so by comparison he probably looks like he crawled right out the wrong end of a deathclaw. It's nothing to take any offense over, really. It just is what it is. Though it's been nice to walk around here without any intermittent radiation storms forcing people indoors. ]

No shit.

[ He forces any excitement that that prospect down - Dean could be lying to him, or they could be very different Vegases. ]

S'pose I oughta introduce myself to them. [ Len adds, exhaling slowly. ] Got some other questions for you first, though, if you don't mind answerin'.

[righteously]

( He inclines his head a little at introduce myself — there's a wryness written in there somewhere, a little inside joke that he doesn't say out loud: they're hard to miss. Particularly Julie, with her loud hair and louder personality. Len'll see that for himself when they make it to Cadens, though.

In the meantime, he settles comfortably back against the empty stall like he's strapping in for the long haul, and offers Len a little sup nod. )

Shoot.

[lonedanger]

As you can imagine, people in my world are usually armed, myself included. So there's no sense beating around the bush.

[ The sup nod is returned, but directed at the rifle strapped to Dean's back. ]

Where'd you get your gun?

[righteously]

( Ahh, yep. There it is. His expression turns understanding, though the slightly grim downturn to his lips probably gives away the fact that his answer's not gonna be a favorable one before he even says it. )

Gunsmith.

( That's the answer he's going with in public, anyway. The truth is slightly less reputable, but it doesn't make a big difference. )

Wasn't easy, either. This place is more of a... swords and crossbows kind of deal, guns are pretty new tech for them, and they cost damn near an arm and a leg. Takes a few months of scraping to get one, maybe a little less if you can prove you're in a career that needs it.

( If you're going through the mainstream channels, that is. )

[lonedanger]

[ Len doesn't bother masking his disappointment, already on-edge by virtue of lacking anything with which to defend himself. He's scraped by with less - and did, after he woke up in Doc Mitchell's house with nothing but a Pip Boy to his name - but to have it happen all over again is a real sucker punch. No guns, no gear, no clothes, no nothing. ]

Ain't that a kick in the head.

[ He opines flatly, sucking a breath between his teeth. ]

What kinda career path are we talkin', here? 'Cause if it's the military I might just tell you to fuck right off, and that'd be a shame.

[righteously]

( The phrasing earns a wry quirk to his lips, and another mental note filed away. The more he talks to this guy, the more Texas he's feeling in terms of vernacular. Not that there's anything wrong with Vegas, god knows he takes his annual pilgrimage there for a reason — or, you know, he did, before he spent a year in purgatory and now a year in Dungeons and Dragons. There's just something a little more appealing about the lone star state that he can't put his finger on.

(It's cowboys.)

That last little bit earns a proper snort from him, and not that he notices or cares, but a rather disdainful look from a passing guard that happened to be eavesdropping. )

Hell no, those leather-chewing douchebags can shove their propaganda up their own asses. ( He has Strong Opinions about the patriotism and politics going on here lately, and he hasn't been quiet about it. ) No, more like.... big game hunting.

( With a nice, weighty implication hovering around big game that suggests he's not talking about lions, tigers, or bears. )

[lonedanger]

[ New Mexico, so Texas is pretty damn close. Caravanners are as akin to cowboys as it gets. Len is getting the impression that Dean seems to find him amusing in some way, but he certainly won't discourage it. There are worse things in this world than a square-jawed man taking entertainment from one's company.

Endears him more, even, to know that sentiments for the local guard are few and far between. The way they're recruiting is uncomfortably similar to that of the NCR, and Len is the last person from his world to trust anything that comes out of the mouth of a military figure. ]

Like deathclaws?

[ Half a second after he asks, he reminds himself that they're not from the same Earth, and therefore expecting someone to know all about the flora and fauna of the Mojave is a bit of a tall order. Len immediately course-corrects and explains: ]

It's like a...ten to fifteen foot tall horned lizard that runs on two feet and has- [ He holds both hands up to emphasize the sheer size. ] -clawed mitts as big as my torso. Rips through people like wet tissue paper.

[righteously]

( Deathclaws, he says, and the look on Dean's face is a certain brand of skeptical immediately — not about the possibility of such a creature existing, so much as that's what they chose to call it. Really? What else they got running around where this guy's from? Murdermouths? Homicideteeth? Stabbyfeet?

That skepticism fades gently into intrigued if not exactly impressed, and there's something distinctly discerning in his gaze as he eyes Len up and down again. Reassessing, recalculating. )

Yeah, actually. Something like that. Less stupid names, for the most part, but... yeah. Monsters.

( Might as well just outright ask: )

You a hunter?

[lonedanger]

[ Hey now, blame Bethesda the Old World scientists who created them to serve as replacements for human soldiers. We can see how well that effort really panned out for them and everybody else. He also probably wouldn't refer to native fauna as monsters - sort of implies they aren't meant to be there - but deathclaws were genetically engineered, so he supposes that one gets a pass. ]

Yep. [ Len pops the 'p'; no sense pussyfooting around it. ] You get a rifle with a half-decent scope I can mod in my hands and I'll catch a bird on the wing from a mile away.

[righteously]

( Well, color him interested. There's a nice split mix between skeptical and impressed — lots of people can talk big, if he's not full of hot air he's Dean's kind of people.

There's a contemplative pause, and then he seems to come to a decision. Shifts to slide his rifle strap off his shoulder. Shrugs the thing off carefully, and then hoists it out in offer. )

Let's see it, champ.

( Followed by a pointed nod of his head toward the training grounds.

No time like the present to find out whether or not this guy's full of shit. )

[lonedanger]

[ He accepts the rifle with a wordless raise of his eyebrows before looping the strap comfortably over his own shoulder. Len isn't especially fond of tests, but has worked his way through enough trigger-happy factions back home to know better than to scoff at what can ultimately be a helpful show of skill. If this is the kind of thing that best facilitates his own acquisition of a regional firearm, so be it.

The training grounds aren't far so it makes for an expeditious walk, and one of the soldiers who saw him visiting earlier gives him a friendly wave he narrowly manages to avoid curling his lip at. The whole area is largely comprised of nonlethal weapons, so he has to wonder whether they'll get kicked out for popping lead into a nearby wall.

Len stops at the only conceivable spot for their purposes: the archery range. ]

All right, slick. You tell me what you want me to knock out.

[ And maybe give him a reassurance he won't get tackled for discharging a firearm around a bunch of jumpy military types. ]

[righteously]

( If Dean's at all concerned about the soldier's reaction to this little firearm display, it in no way shows in his countenance. He seems perfectly confident scoping out a little corner of the yard for them to commandeer, and securing a hefty archery target for their use.

It's that he nods his head at, then posts up off to the side with his arms crossing casually over his chest. )

Let's see how close you can get to a bullseye. Hit the target, and I'll write down a couple names that might get you a decent price on a side-piece.

[lonedanger]

[ Based on the rifle's size and possible caliber Len would hazard that it doesn't create too much of an explosive, ear-bursting sound, which is good news for the people around them. Decades of firearm use without ear protection has left just about every regular gun-toter in the Mojave with chronic tinnitus, and Len is no exception.

Dean steps back to deliver his request and in response Len barks a laugh, nodding his agreement at the terms. Hit the target. A simple request, but he can do one better.

There's a faint breeze coming from the southwest and he quietly takes that into account as he takes inventory on the rifle itself: a peep-sight near the stock, slide-action repeating fire, well-oiled and clearly cared for by an experienced handler. Single loading judging by the slip beneath the barrel, and as he tips it to one side he feels the faint shifting of bullets before confidently chambering a round, tucking it against his shoulder and sighting down at the target.

Bullets are probably just as difficult to acquire here as they are back home but neither does he want to get away with the excuse of a single lucky shot. Len fires three rounds in quick succession with the repeater, one right after the other, with deft precision. Keeps the grouping tight, each one sinking into the bullseye of the soft target, leaving tunneled holes behind.

Satisfied and leisurely-as-you-please, he lowers the rifle and moseys on over to Dean, offering him the gun. ]

So about those names.