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

[oversight]

Kind, very kind.

[ His agreeable smile hedges on a smirk and he collects the cards to his side as they come. Watching her practiced deal, memories linger in a way that itches at the back of his brain, a small but stinging reminder of how far he is from home (and still he can't be far enough from his past). That he senses a camaraderie — something that might easily be described as amicable — brings a gentle bubble of relief, at least. ]

Blake. Also free. In honor of a little friendly competition, 'cause you're gonna wanna know who to award those braggin' rights.

[ When all the cards are down, he gestures for Vi to go first. He's seen a couple hands played and there's no advantage to the starting position as far as he can tell. ]

[[OOC: Perfect! I'm gonna send you a PM~]]

i kid you not the first number i rng'd was 8

[dxvi]

Oho, cocky for a newbie.

[ she takes his cue, trading out a few cards to draw something better. it isn't the best hand but it's not the worst, and if they were using real money — she'd bet high, just to fuck with him. half of the game is lying, after all. once he's done his draw, she lays down a middling three of a kind. ]

Read 'em and weep.

1!

[oversight]

[ Amusement building, Blake watches more for the skills needed to effectively play the game, watching Vi as she scoots cards to the discard pile and rearranges the ones in her hand. He's following suit (pun intended), practiced as he is in the art of a proper poker face, but upon seeing the final spread, he doesn't see any point in bluffing. ]

Got nothin'. Less than nothin', even.

[ Gathering the cards into a single pile, he drops them to the tabletop face-down as he folds and then begins to gather the rest, gesturing for Vi's cards. ]

So I'll deal, you ask.

[dxvi]

Love that for you.

[ and for herself, her grin seems to say. unfortunately, it doesn't last long, falling into something somber; brows knit and her mouth forms a small, tight line, passing the deck over a little too roughly. they barely miss spilling out into Blake's lap. ]

You ever met a girl named Jinx? Younger than me, blue hair down to her ankles?

[ whoever she is, she's important — but there's turmoil there, too. ]

9

[oversight]

[ He's scrambling for the cards as they come sliding his way, hands patting indelicately at the tabletop until they've been gathered to him. In the meanwhile his gaze stays lowered and his eyebrows knit, focused purposefully on the task at hand as Vi demands her winnings. ]

No one like that, sorry.

[ As he says as much, he can't quite tell whether she's actually won this round or not. Further bothered by the implication — (What's Vi? Twenty-one, maybe.) — Blake can't help but acknowledge the potential severity of a younger person missing in this environment. His companion's dire tone suggests friend or family; anything worse and he'd expect a more detached approach. Whoever Jinx happens to be, she's got someone out here worrying over her.

(Of course he does consider for a moment that this would also be a good way for an enemy to get close. Preying upon a person's goodwill isn't exactly a new way in.)

With his own practiced hand, he shuffles and deals. Even makes an offer to show the game's meant to be friendly by adding more clarification. ]

Haven't been here all that long, though.

[ While investigating his own hand, he trades nothing and stands on his bet, finally raising his gaze to investigate further. A spontaneous addendum creeps in: ]

I'll keep an eye out. If you want.

4

[dxvi]

[ a predictable response, as it matches the same one she's been getting for the week-plus she's been asking around streets and taverns. she's almost acclimated to it now, expressing her disappointment in knit brows and a few impatient taps of a fingerpad on the table's surface. disappointed — but not discouraged. doesn't look like she'll be giving up on it anytime soon... and Blake's offer to follow up sidles him firmly in her good graces. ]

[ still, she looks a little surprised by it. grateful too, but mostly taken aback that a total stranger would even bother. ]

...Yeah. Yeah, I'd appreciate that. [ gratitude makes her voice softer, richer. ]

[ at least until she notices him not trade in a single card and keep that high wager. even after she swaps out a majority of her cards, she considers folding — but he could be bluffing. she lays her cards down with little more than a high pair. he's practically got a full fuckin' house. ]

Not bad. A little transparent. [ an attempt at levity. ] World's your oyster.

[oversight]

[ A gentle smirk settles at his win – genuine as it is, he's calling it beginner's luck – and as he gathers the cards, he reaches across the table to deposit the stack neatly in front of Vi. Her deal. He'll ask in the meantime. ]

If I happen across Jinx, what sorta reaction am I gonna get from droppin' your name in conversation?

[ It's a little less straightforward than who is she to you? but Blake suspects it will be much more useful in determining the tone of their relationship. Upon reflection, it's the name of the missing party that sets his curiosity on edge. Jinx, unless the word has a different meaning than expected, doesn't feel like a particularly kind moniker, nickname or otherwise. ]

another 4

[dxvi]

[ not an unexpected question. knuckles shift and stress their gnarled, healing scabs as she spends longer than necessary shuffling the cards — maybe due in fact to his beginner's luck. if there's some sleight of hand going on here, the topic of conversation is enough to distract her through it. she takes her time considering the question... to be frank, she isn't completely sure anymore. ]

[ whatever it is, it isn't good. ]

Not like she'll shoot you on the spot. You know, that whole "showing up buck-ass naked" thing.

[ Blake's assumption is correct; only now has Vi even begun to call her Jinx, and only because of the choices she's made cementing that fact. she's delicate in dealing this time, hands throbbing hot and chest squeezing. ]

Sisters are complicated.

8

[oversight]

[ Once more he's spying Vi over his cards, face the image of concentration. He's trying to read her for more than her words and when he goes about changing in cards, he only opts for one. ]

Ah. Only child here. But I've heard that before, yeah.

[ The change in demeanor feels sobering in a way, although Blake doesn't allow it to affect his own outlook. As much as he understands the concern, he's in no place to do much more than sympathize, and even that feels as if it could be taken wrong if it doesn't land just right.

Especially when he lays out what amounts to a full house. ]

You don't think she could find a weapon around?

[ She hadn't really answered his question, had she? And he's assuming his win here, asking even before she's laid down her lesser pairs. ]

[dxvi]

[ the sigh of frustration could be either the question or her hand, throwing the cards facedown with a huff. ]

Haven't seen many guns around here, have you? She's not... she's a long-distance fighter, and she's... troubled.

[ that's one way to put it. even the words seem to settle uneasily on her — too much of an understatement, but to say more is too condemning, too damning to commit her to that reality. is there any saving Powder anymore? she doesn't know. ]

[ the deck slides his way, but her fingers lay atop it, preventing him from taking them even if he might reach for them. it's emphatic, her expression somber and severe: ]

Don't engage with her. Just contact me. Okay?

[oversight]

[ There aren't a whole lot of situations that touch close to home, the remarkable and troublesome items in Blake's history arguably uncommon enough occurrences that it's not every day conversation; however, this hits different. Blake's expression says enough, eyes locked on Vi for too long before lowering in an appropriately contrite manner to stare at her withholding hand.

Back in Gotham he'd spent quite a bit of time working with "troubled" kids. Sick, tired, sad, lonely — ailments of the body, the heart, the mind. Once upon a time he'd been one of those kids, too difficult to be bothered with, and he's never forgotten how it made him feel. ]

I'll get you right away, yeah. Of course.

[ He tentatively reaches for the cards but waits just shy. Eyes lifting again, he smiles a tight smile of understanding. ]

And if you need help bringin' her in, I've got the hands to spare.

[ Plus he has some experience with that, not that he suspects his resume translates to Abraxas. But this wouldn't be the first or last time he'd have to help with this sort of recovery effort. ]

1

[dxvi]

[ the relief of his words and how she relinquishes the deck is temporary. something about the words "bring her in" strike an equally familiar cord, her eyes narrowing just a touch. it gives her an idea of her next question to ask; without some kind of unspoken guarantee, she isn't entirely sure he'd grant her honesty. he's been amicable so far, but if her suspicions are right... ]

[ well. one blue uniform has changed her mind recently. ]

Thanks. [ but she's Vi's problem. Vi's sister. getting anyone else involved — again — is the furthest thing from her mind. she leans back in her chair, drumming a beat out with her fists, expelling more pent-up energy. ] Your deal, Lucky.

3

[oversight]

[ Shuffling, Blake is watching out of his periphery, sensing breathing and movement. Years and years on the force, and being a forever-recovering street ruffian, he recognizes the signs of realization some people get when they're confronted with his very regimented personality. If it walks like a cop and talks like a cop...

Dealing, he doesn't lift his eyes away from his cards, giving Vi space (or maybe offering no information about his hand). He hums quietly. ]

This'll be the first time in a while that's true.

[ Leave it to John Blake to use all his luck here, gambling on a streak. His father would probably be proud and he tries not to think of it as he suspects his low pair to lose... only to find Vi's got nothing on the table.

Is tough luck better than no luck at all? ]

You bust those knuckles on someone here?

[ A subtle nod towards her hands and then he's passing the deck back. ]

[dxvi]

[ maybe it's due to this new nugget of information she's cleaned, but it makes her more adversarial, confrontational. without the tunnelvision distraction of the topic of her sister, she's given the space to watch his dealing and counting hands carefully. ]

[ even with renewed focus and looking for that sleight of hand, she finds nothing. it doesn't surprise her that her luck is truly this bad, but damn, even a guy who's never played this game? good thing she wasn't betting for money, she'd have lost plenty betting high on a low hand. Officer Jake is the type to call a bluff. ]

Something, not someone. Just a wooden training dummy when I was back at the outpost. [ after passing the deck back, she fans out a set of fingers and flexes them. they smart and weep. ]

Feels like I'm not healin' up as quick as I usually do. [ she was told by those at her arrival summoning that she wouldn't have access to her "powers" for about a week — but she doesn't have any. everything comes at a price. ]

2

[oversight]

[ The shift in tone gives him all he really needs to know — he's definitely been pegged — but Blake tries not to let it bother him. It's not the first time, won't be the last. And no amount of explaining that he used to be a cop has ever made a difference for the people who already take exception.

He thinks about her hands, instead, tempted to offer a living dummy because he often qualifies. But it seems too forward, so he goes with the next thing that comes to mind. ]

Sounds 'bout as plausible as the rest, really. Wouldn't doubt it.

[ His deal's done and he trades only one card in anticipation. He's got nothing to reveal — a simple low pair — but he's passing it off the same way as he had with the full house. ]

This oughta be my last hand, so let's make it good, yeah?

3

[dxvi]

Yeah, [ she parrots it back, sifting through her cards while equally as frustrated by the low offerings. she doesn't expect to win the hand — and she's pleasantly surprised when she comes out triumphant by the skin of her teeth, a pair higher than his. it's a sweet way to finish what had been bitter tidings, even if she can't claim it as anything more than a pyrrhic victory. ]

[ as their game winds down to a close, she takes her time to think over her question. Blake has claimed great territories in her history, concessions about Jinx she wouldn't have made otherwise but for a code of honor and devotion to honesty. maybe she's only unearthed one speculative truth, but when her guts tell her someone's a cop, she tends to listen to that feeling. in the same vein of their game coming to a conclusion, the bar has crawled to a slow, no one in the doors for hours and people steadily shuffling out. the fanged barkeep has been polishing the same wine glass for a good six minutes. ]

[ Vi has her fingers on the Justice card, removed from the very top of the deck and danced along its slender edge on the table's surface. she twists it this way and that as she finally settles on a question; after all, it needs to be good. ]

Tell me about your most memorable arrest. [ anyone else would think she meant their own, right? ]

[oversight]

[ Eyes following the card as it turns, Blake considers his luck and maybe it's not so bad. Still, he thinks to tell her that all of them are memorable — there's no arrest he's ever relished — but no one believe him when he says that. And why should they?

His expression smoothes, cockiness tempered by a measure as this game comes to an end. He reaches for the card, but doesn't take it, only requests to inspect more closely. ]

A'right. There was a kid — young, but not too — and he's squattin' an' stealin' 'cause there's nothin' else he can do. He's got no one and nowhere and it's little shit like noodle packs and asswipe. But the law's the law. And, well— I remember thinkin' this can't be right, how can this be right? A kid's gotta eat. Food's not free. The shelters stink and they're dangerous. It's bad all around.

Think it all changed for me that night. No lyin' to myself after and that. 'Bout justice, 'bout fairness. Hard to make sense of it.

[ He sits up and whatever he's had in hand's been discarded in favor of wiping his clammy palms against his pants. ]

There's three squares and a bed on the other side of that story, so it's not a total loss. Still, be nice if it didn't have to come to that, y'know?