TEST DRIVE MEME #11

[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.

Reminder that the TDM is forward-dated to when the summonings occur in-game, at the start of April. For current players, this means all of the Summoned will have been rescued and recently returned home to their respective factions.

For prospective players, there's no need to familiarize yourself with the recent event, but prompts in the TDM may reflect the aftermath.

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. Now in spring, the weather mild and cool. In the distance, you can see snow-covered mountain peaks that are beginning to melt, and the gardens are in bloom. 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 North Wing, devoted to housing the Summoned, is tightly guarded against outsiders. As one of the Summoned, you're free to come and go. The guards aren't keeping anyone prisoner. They're there to protect you, and they take their jobs seriously.


• Apprentices, kitchen staff, guards - everyone seems to be bustling and busy. The air is tense, and you hear chatter of abductions and mutated victims who were only just recovered a week ago.


• The infirmary is full. Healers are in high demand. Normally, Thorne's staff put effort into welcoming new arrivals. This time, they're focused on what seems to be an influx of the wounded - including other Summoned who arrived before you.


• Despite the troubles, life in the Castle is beginning to resume. Still, you can sense that a major crisis has only just been resolved, and much of the fallout remains.

◎ Exploring

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

Care Packages
Castle staff are putting together care packages consisting of flowers, hot meals, and draughts to manage pain. Gather flowers from one of Thorne's many beautiful gardens. The gardeners will direct you if you ask, though you're welcome to gather anything that catches your eye. There's no magic in the flowers beyond their ability to brighten up someone's day.

You can put together the bouquets and care packages with a partner, as well as deliver them yourself to one of the older resting Summoned. They might be in the infirmary or in their rooms depending on their injuries. Why not stay and chat? Though you've only just met, they've evidently been through something terrible. Perhaps they could use a friend.

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 modest defensive light shield that can protect against a single magical blow. 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.

Forest Growth
Patches of woods in the city of Castle Thorne have suffered from dead flora. It appears to be related to some heavy magical corruption from the past several weeks. Though Thorne's deemed it too dangerous to go directly into the woods, you can help plant new saplings in square crates filled with soil and pack them onto wagons. Make sure they're secured and kept upright. These trees will be taken out into the woods later by mages to replace the withered plantlife in the forests.

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. While Nocwich is normally thriving, no shops are open in Oleuni Square. Nocwich citizens explain that unforeseen circumstances prevent the market from opening as usual and request you return next month to explore. However, you can stay to help. Tents, tables, and medical supplies around the Square need to be taken down and packed up. You can guess that this was once a site for heavy rescue operations and emergency treatment.

◎ 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 are rising, and the climate is hot and dry, though still pleasant - during the day, at least. At night, they'll cool rapidly. Desert blooms dot the landscape for the spring. 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:

• Libertas shows signs of having suffered a devastating attack, but a good portion of it is rebuilt including a new garden park memorial that commemorates the lives lost. Chatter has shifted from the fire attacks to the abductions and failed experiments recovered only a week ago.


• From Cadens to Aquila to Libertas, the streets are heavily guarded. Soldiers patrol all areas, especially those typically occupied by the Summoned. This includes a particular inn and tavern in the heart of Cadens - The Sarstina - where the Summoned like you are often found...though it may not be as busy and thriving as it normally is.


• Instead, many of the older Summoned are either resting in their homes or recovering in Cadens' largest hospital. Doctors are busy, and the hospital is heavily guarded, too.


• Despite the troubles, life around the Free Cities is beginning to resume. Still, you can sense that a major crisis has only just been resolved, and much of the fallout remains.

◎ 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.

Supply Delivery
The Summoned are important to the Free Cities. The government means to take care of them through their recovery, and have instructed the military to assist. Soldiers are packing rations, medicine, and other supplies into crates to be delivered to the hospital in Cadens. You can help pack or make the deliveries yourself by hopping on the wagon. Though you aren't supposed to wander around the hospital, as one of the Summoned you have a bit more freedom than the average citizen. Maybe you could visit one of the rooms while you're there? Or you might run into a Summoned in the halls arriving to check on a friend.

Furry Friends
Researchers in Cadens have been studying the positive effects of animal companions on those who recently went through traumatic experiences. They've settled on the catlike Leosylph, a popular domestic breed, as the best choice. You can help bring these animals to anyone who would like one in the hospitals, or you can simply play with them and make sure they're fed while they're awaiting their assignments. They enjoy chasing mechanical mice powered by New Magic and purr when happy.

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. While Nocwich is normally thriving, no shops are open in Oleuni Square. Nocwich citizens explain that unforeseen circumstances prevent the market from opening as usual and request you return next month to explore. However, you can stay to help. Tents, tables, and medical supplies around the Square need to be taken down and packed up. You can guess that this was once a site for heavy rescue operations and emergency treatment.

◎ 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 pleasantly cool with the occasional heavy spring rains that soak the farmlands. The scent of wildflowers 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:

• Shops and stalls in Solvunn are temporarily closed. Many of Solvunn's residents have instead dedicated their time to helping the rescued Summoned. They're reluctant to speak of the recent abductions, stating that what happened was blasphemous to the Old Gods.


• Solvunn Elders will accompany anyone who strays too far from the Settlements, and will give you protective charms to make sure you're safe. You're advised to stay close to the commune where possible.


• Shrines around the settlements are overflowing with offerings. It seems something has happened recently that's made the locals especially dedicated to showing their devotion.


• 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.

◎ Exploring

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

Warding Homes
In order to aid recovery, commune Elders have asked for your help to ward the doors of homes occupied by the Summoned. Many of these homes are in housing provided by the Council or with host families in the settlement. You can hang bone wreathes on the doors to request blessings of protection and healing from the Old Gods. You can also bring hot meals and herbal medicine to the Summoned while you're there. Host families are friendly, and will welcome you in as long as the Summoned inside are willing to receive you, as well.

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.

Goat Herding
Due to the circumstances, Solvunn's traditional chaotic goat races will not be happening this month. This means the goats are filled with pent-up energy. Ornery and mischievous, they'll headbutt anything that moves, chew fence posts and clothes, and generally make a nuisance of themselves - some even escaping their pens. Exasperated farmers and herders are struggling. You can help retrieve escaped goats, repair broken fences, and do your best to contain the animals.

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. While Nocwich is normally thriving, no shops are open in Oleuni Square. Nocwich citizens explain that unforeseen circumstances prevent the market from opening as usual and request you return next month to explore. However, you can stay to help. Tents, tables, and medical supplies around the Square need to be taken down and packed up. You can guess that this was once a site for heavy rescue operations and emergency treatment.

◎ 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

Abby Littman | Ginny & Georgia | The Lovers

[everybodysterrible]

A. Non-Conformist (Free City)

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

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

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

B. Exploring the Free Cities / Wildcard

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

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

D. Nocwich / Wildcard

”So… the cool place to visit is a weird monstertown of perpetual night which definitely isn’t a recipe for a horror movie. Cool. Coolcoolcool.”

Abby wasn’t sure this was a good idea, but as she didn’t have anything better to do she went through the portal for the day hoping to find… anything interesting, really. But not ‘she ends up a statistic’ interesting. She can settle for seeing some monsters do the mash or whatever, some dancing, some fun. Of course, the shops are all closed. “Seriously? What’s the point of the portal if I can’t even get a ‘I wasn’t eaten by a monster’ tee shirt? This blows.”

Abby lurks around the square, not helping, but also not getting in the way, watching and waiting to see if anything interesting happens.

Nocwich

[beloyaltome]

"Well, you could get actually eaten by a monster," Lenore teases, unable to resist an opening like that. She flares her fangs, which are obviously vampiric, long and needle-sharp. They lengthen with the motion of her snarl, extending out like a viper's fangs.

When she shuts her mouth again, fangs retracting and expression placid, she seems like a harmless and unassuming young woman, sweet-faced and petite. She's very good at making her fangs seem unobtrusive, though she can't hide them entirely, so they're barely noticeable as she speaks again. "Lenore. Summoned, not a native vampire. Lovely to meet you."

[everybodysterrible]

On the one hand, actual vampire with fangs talking about eating her. But talking about it wasn't doing it. So Abby felt a little safer than she probably should, all things considered. She couldn't hide all her fear but she put her bravado back on pretty quick. "If you eat everyone that comes through the portal it's really hard to get repeat visitors. Or new visitors. So I don't think that's a great marketing idea."

Giving your name to a stranger, one who was just talking about eating you, feels like a bad idea. Predator takes a new meaning in this specific context. But it isn't like Abby has anything like a home address to find off of her nickname, "Abby. Not food. And not sure why she was summoned. Also gonna be honest and not sure how nice it is to meet you."

Again, talking about eating her is an aggressive opening Abby is still struggling with.

[beloyaltome]

"Teasing," Lenore assures her, taking a seat on a bench nearby to make herself even less threatening, though she looks the mouthy child over with intrigued skepticism. "Still a little bit cranky about being categorized as a monster, though. I've seen real monsters a little too recently, the mindless gruesome violence sort. I survive on animal blood. Some people here transform. No one in Nocwich eats people--well, that I know of. I have heard that sometimes humans eat other humans, which seems pretty monstrous, so I hope you're not one of those humans."

Can humans be trusted? Jury's still out. Recent experience speaks to no.

[everybodysterrible]

Abby considered this, it was a new perspective on 'monster.' Granted, monsters at home were just fucked up humans. So the whole concept of real monsters were just stories until about two seconds ago. "...Sorry."

"Loving that this place has even scarier monsters, not calling you a monster. Just definitely glad to be here." Abby was more certain whatever brought her here made a clerical error at some point. "And no, I don't eat other people. Not that sort of girl."

[beloyaltome]

"I'm glad to be here, too," Lenore says, softer and more sympathetic now that they have a better understanding of each other and they can move past that bit of tension. "In my world, humans and vampires are on very bad terms with each other. Lots of war. It's very pleasant to be somewhere with nothing more than mutual wariness."

She's intrigued by what Abby says about not sure why she was summoned, because Lenore isn't sure either. None of them seem to be sure, even while the major nations seem to value them so highly. They don't really do anything. "I don't know why I was summoned either. Thorne brought me in, and they said something about having heard stories of my heroic deeds. Which is interesting, since I'm a diplomat, so if they brought me in for heroic diplomacy you'd think they'd put me in a high-ranking political position rather than letting me putter around trying to get work as a seamstress. What did they tell you about why you were summoned?"

[everybodysterrible]

Abby wasn't sure if the sarcasm got lost in translation, or if she was just too used to her friends knowing when she was sarcastic. Didn't seem like a good time to push that to the front. She'll just weakly smile at the idea that 'mild concern of being eaten' is apparently a warmer welcome than home.

"Nothing, really, that times are important, and I'd be expected to help." The entire concept of Abby being able to help was laughable. She was, at best, making it look like she had herself together. All of her strength came from her friends, who she hadn't found. Without them, or her parents' resources, what was she? "Unless they need someone to make some heroic glitter banners. And you'd think with all the restless military crap, they'd be putting diplomacy into action."

[beloyaltome]

Lenore had only caught the sarcasm on the first part, and then the second part had been too colored by her own experiences. Her circumstances here are a significant improvement upon the situation she'd escaped.

"You must be Free Cities, then. They're very focused upon their military, from what I understand. In Thorne, the most important thing to them is their magic, so we're encouraged to learn it. I don't know much at all about Solvunn. I'm new enough to not have friends there." Lenore keeps her hands rested on her knee as she talks, posture as non-threatening as possible. She hopes some of this context is helpful, remembering how much she'd needed it when she first arrived. "Luna and Ikorr, here, the werewolves and the vampires, are neutral. The werewolves are friendly and welcoming, while the vampires are much more aloof. Even I can't get a conversation out of most of them, and certainly not past their gates. But the werewolves do have some very nice hot springs, if that's to your taste."

[everybodysterrible]

"So a wizard country, a military country, some other country, and werewolf and vampire cities in a night country? Am I getting this right?"

Abby spent 90% of class on her phone, so she was never really good at being aware. She also didn't spend a ton of time focusing on the news, as it was all just a bit depressing. "And if I ever get sore from all the saluting and training, I go to the werewolves to relax?"

[beloyaltome]

"Best as I can tell," Lenore agrees, with a shrug. "But I've only been here for two months, so I'm still catching up on the whole situation." So she doesn't have much to offer in the way of advice, especially not for the Free Cities.

"All this," Lenore nods at the tents and everything being cleaned up around the square, "is because a bunch of the Summoned--and some natives, as well--were kidnapped and experimented on by a group of cultists. We're still trying to learn the whole story of what and why, but it seems to have involved a lot of monsters and horrifying mushrooms. So... be careful. Make friends among the Summoned in the Free Cities and stick close to them." Particularly because you seem to be a literal child.

[everybodysterrible]

"So my kidnapping can have more kidnapping on top of it?" Abby's measure of this entire experience kept going down, not up, with more details. Still her tone is more accepting that of course it gets worse. It has to get worse.

What other direction is there.

Wait- "Mushrooms? Like what you put on a pizza if you're terrible?"

[beloyaltome]

Lenore tries to parse any of what was just said, but can't quite make sense of it. Though she knows some Italian, she doesn't recognize 'pizza' as being an Italian word or meaning anything in particular, and the question of why mushrooms on something is terrible is entirely perplexing to her. She can't quite fathom a scenario where mushrooms are a war crime other than the present one.

"Yes to the kidnapping part," Lenore says, brow furrowed in helpless confusion. "What is terrible mushroom peesa? What does that mean?"

[everybodysterrible]

Oh. Oh, people not knowing what pizza is will just suck long term. Like, not to the degree kidnappings on top of kidnappings sucks, of course. Or cults. Or any of what's going on. But Abby can't hide the way her face falls at the question.

"Pizza is a food. And I'm guessing not available here."

B. Free Cities

[princessvegas]

Spotting a new Summoned in Cadens is one of the easiest pastimes that Julie's ever had. Despite the sheer size of the city, the newly Summoned might as all be wearing enormous, flashing signs. Usually it's just the confusion or uneasiness written across every part of them, but every so often, one of them decides to make it absolutely obvious by pulling some shit like altering a military uniform. A poor choice to be sure, in what's basically a military democracy where there's maybe a two dozen of their people.

And the Summoned are a "people", despite their differences.

Julie is also someone who sticks out in a crowd. Her hair is perfect bubblegum pink from root to tip, loosely tied in a bun. Her clothes are that of a local, not a soldier, a peach-colored velvet skirt and a corset of intricately embroidered silk. A matching bolero shrug covers her arms. She has a shopping bag in one hand and a leash in the other, a leash that leads to what appears to be a palm-sized white bunny with black rings around its eyes. And wings.

The bunny has wings, and is fluttering next to her at shoulder height.

"You know they're gonna pitch a fit if they catch you rippin' up their uniforms," she says, sidling up to the girl at the sales cart. Little copper toys, charmed with new magic to sail around a few feet overhead. Nothing special once you've lived here long enough. Her voice is one of mild amusement, her American Southern accent honey-sweet and nothing like that of anyone else in the city's. "You'll get thrown out on your ass 'fore you even meet someone who can set you up at the Sarstina."

[everybodysterrible]

"Well, they really should have thought of that before giving me something this ugly to wear." Abby's not nearly as aggressively individualistic as her friend Max. Someone who can only exist at the highest volume in the brightest spotlight, but she was still one of Max's friends, which meant that shy and quiet was beneath her. Abby had her issues, and one of those was being seen wearing something ugly. Abby was a teenager, all intensity and action, limited concept of consequence. "Give me a tight pair of jeans and a crop top and I'll never touch these again."

She hadn't quite registered all that was going on with the woman that spoke to her, not at first. But a few things were very much on her mind looking at her. Most important, probably, was the bunny. But that didn't really keep her attention, an errant thought it'd be a cute toy with it's own TV show. What caught in Abby's mind, replaying as she looked the woman over, was probably not what anyone else would catch on, "You're American?"

[princessvegas]

"Mm, I'm just sayin', this ain't the place I'd choose to make a stand against the military. You think it was over the top back home, but at least you didn't have a government claim on you." She tilts her head a little, then adds, "I assume, anyway. Never can say for sure here."

Nothing about her tone suggests she's particularly serious about the subject, as, well, seriously as it technically is. Given the past two months, Julie is surprised they're even letting the new ones off the base yet. This girl will learn soon enough that much of their freedom is illusory at best.

"Sure," Julie answers, shrugging a little. She begins to casually walk away, with the very distinct vibe that she expects the girl to follow her. If not, then oh well, but she'll be on her own for answers until some other Summoned decides to approach. "Vegas, by way of Kansas. Most of us here are, in the Cities. At least the ones who come from Earth. Like, normal Earth."

[everybodysterrible]

"Don't really care. I should care since they expect something out of me." The whole 'arriving naked and wet' thing did a number on poor Abigail, so while she attempted to pay attention the whole deal of this place she mostly just wanted to cry. And given the very trustworthy state of the military at home she kept a keen sense of not trusting anything. "But as much as it sounds fun to either join or tell them to fuck off, I really want to just find some nice clothes, some weed, then call it a day."

Abby has her priorities.

She did follow the woman as she walked away, this seemed her best shot at finding anything useful and getting out of what was left of this uniform she had on. Plus she found someone from home. Ish. Close enough to home. Anyone to talk to her was better than trying to find answers herself. "Massachusetts. By way of just Massachusetts. I'm Abby."

[princessvegas]

"I'm Julie. We got some other people from up your way. Nadine's from New Hampshire, and there's a few folks from New York. What year is it for you?" This seems like a bizarre question, but it really, really isn't. It's actually an incredibly important piece of information.

Julie snorts. "And what upside-down version of America are you from where all that shit's free?" she asks wryly. "This ain't Thorne or Solvunn. The only free lunch you're gonna get's the one they give you at the barracks. For now."

But with one hand, she fishes in the fancy little beaded purse that hangs from her wrist. She pulls out is a gold cigarette case, inlaid with little crystals, but what's inside doesn't look anything like cigarettes. Instead, it's filled with joints rolled in rose petals.

"But luckily for you, you met one of the few people in this world with access to weed," she says, taking one of the joints out. When she turns to offer it, though, she pauses and squints, as if for the first time seeing the actual person inside the clothes that had caught her eye. "Wait, how old are you? I'm not gonna get chewed out for hookin' up a fourteen-year-old."

[everybodysterrible]

That was one of the issues Abby was trying to work out. At home her parents were A. Rich and B. guilty. So money wasn't really a problem at home. Here though... "No, money is a thing in the year 2020. I just always had it. I did a little bit of petty thievery but that was acting out due to family shit."

Okay, rose petals of weed seems very decadent and she is here for this. If she isn't suddenly mom'd out of a relaxation she wants. Abby scoffs, she started smoking at fourteen, and that was because of the four of her friends she was the oldest. "Sixteen, thank you. I get it I'm short and this outfit does nothing for me. But come on, consider it medicinal because I've been freaking out since I got here?"

[princessvegas]

"Yeah, I don't suggest petty theft on a frequent basis 'round here," she says, in a way that's probably too blasé for that sentence. "Not 'cause you'll get any real official punishments. I mean, shit, they barely care when we murder people, long as it's outside the city walls. But if you get a rep for it, you're gonna have to join the army 'cause no one'll rent a room to a thief."

Julie pauses, then adds, "We try to not make a habit of murderin' folks in the Badlands, though. But sometimes, it happens, with how many bandits live out there. Just don't go all fuckin' Bundy and hunt 'em, you'll be fine."

The expression on Julie's face implies that she very much does not actually care how old Abby is -- Julie herself was a full-blown wild child by thirteen. But if Nadine finds out that Julie is giving pot to kids, that's like, a whole evening of getting lectured about responsibility, and that's not her idea of a good night. Sixteen, however, is on the cusp, as far as Julie's concerned, and she gives Abby the joint before clicking the case closed and putting it back in her purse.

"Here. If you're willin' to work, I can get you a room at the Sarstina. Mag will probably have you pull shifts in the tavern, maybe do chores around the inn. Otherwise, you can go back to the barracks while you try to find another job and save up."

[everybodysterrible]

"So crime in the city bad, crime outside the city okay. Coolcoolcool." She liked nothing about any of this now. She'd watch enough of the dumb games Press played to have a grasp of this sort of world, the rules. But she didn't like them when she watched it on a screen. And now she needed to live it.

She knew that it'd come to work, and her face fell at the concept. She slipped the joint into her pocket, not really in the mood for it right now. Abby spent her time making fun of work like this, doing this with her time. She could probably manage some of it, the thing about wild parties was cleaning up after them. So the work wasn't impossible. And thanks to her parents, she had to learn how to do her own laundry. "Can't I sell pictures of my feet to creepy guys? Is this what being Ginny is like. This sucks."

[princessvegas]

It's one of those things where the only advice to give is "you get used it". Because you do, eventually. It's amazing what circumstances people can get used to. But every cloud has silver linings, Abraxas included. Abby just has to find hers.

"Feet pics won't be a solid business plan until they work out the internet," Julie laughs, and yes, she is quite aware that no internet sucks. At least losing it here doesn't come with also losing every aspect of normal society. That was Julie's first exposure to no internet. Complete collapse of all social structure and near-extinction of humanity. "There are other jobs, just depends on what you're good at. The deal with Mag is that you either pay rent or work around the inn, so just help out 'til you find somethin' better."

She walks along the street until they reach a boutique with corsets and hats on display in the window. Julie tugs the leash down a bit and wraps it around her hand several times; the flying bunny on the end takes the cue and settles on her shoulder. A soft bell tinkles overhead as she opens the door.

"C'mon. You want new clothes, fine. But don't think you're gonna find much that you're used to," she says, casting a glance over her shoulder. "Just a warnin'."

[everybodysterrible]

Abby couldn't exactly wrap her head around no internet. She didn't have her phone, which was just a vaguely naked feeling. But she didn't happen to be on Earth, with her friends, and their social feeds. So its absence didn't quite take form until Julie said it. "Yeah, no, never getting used to that."

It took her a few moments to remember to walk, in spite of the world shattering realization, and catch up with her new sponsor in this weird shit.

Abby stops again to stare at the window display. The hats are a bit much, but probably useful if she's outside too long. The corsets.. Abby actually likes her stomach, hence the crop top she made herself, but maybe a corset won't be so bad. She shrugs, "I can make it work, I made this work and I look cute even if everyone in the military will hate it or something."

Craft supplies. Once she's got this money thing handled craft supplies will go a long way.

[princessvegas]

"No internet? Nah, you really don't get used to it, but you mostly forget about it not bein' there, at least until there's somethin' you need to google. Besides, we have somethin' way better than the internet," she says, walking over to a display rack and thumbing through fabrics. "It's like the internet you'd see in future movies, where you're actually in it, and you can have anythin' in the world you can dream."

Clothing styles in the Free Cities are varied, especially by which actual city one might be in. In Cadens, it's somewhere at the crossroads of Victorian steampunk and industrial wild west, with a touch of both the fantastical and the military for flavor. Civilian clothes are more fussy than military uniforms, even in their most casual form. But the hat is optional.

"We have our own version of textin'. It's not the exact same, but it's close." Her voice drops inside, where the shop attendant greets Julie by name. She pulls a waist cincher with elaborate detailing out and looks closely at it as she speaks. "Plus, some of the folks from other, non-Earth worlds all got addicted to frappuccinos, so one of 'em invented the blender so they could make 'em here too."

[everybodysterrible]

"I hadn't even thought about that. There will be so many 3AM questions I just can't answer." It's a matter-of-fact, just the stark realization of not having that on hand is going to suck. She isn't quite sure how to feel about 'internet you can be in' but will let it roll around in her head before she comments on it. "Huh."

There's a lot going on with these clothes. Generally speaking, that's bad for modification the way Abby does it. Without web tutorials she'll need to work a little harder if she decides to just make something herself. Abby drifts through the clothes looking at things, popping back out at the talk of coffee.

"How quickly can we pumpkin spice these things and truly ruin this place?" There's a playful little smirk to the words, pumpkin spice she can take or leave, but laying ruin on an entire culture with the super flavorful barista culture. She can get behind that. "Stupid question, but to find jeans I'm going to need to look at boys clothes, aren't I?"