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

🎵 Every step you take, every move you make... 🎵

[oversight]

[ Following a couple very tough weeks, Blake has been attempting to get back on his feet, working at regaining his strength and center. He's finding it harder than expected, the mental wounds stacking with the physical after-effects of days and days without proper sustenance. Having been used as a pawn in a ritual, he's felt hollow and troubled since, knowing as he does the terrible acts he felt forced to commit in the process.

It's the peace of the memorial garden that draws him in, like he's more comfortable around the thoughts of the dead than the bright happenings of the living. Lately, he's not sure how he belongs anymore (or if he ever belonged to start), and isolation is his favorite tool of self-punishment.

Thoughts as such only fog his mind until a sharp focus lays upon Crane and blows it all away. He feels a hot rush followed by the cold flush that marks the presence of adrenaline as he's addressed, caught in the act of staring agape. ]

When you're done.

[ His voice wavers and his jaw tightens, teeth work against each other. He hadn't met Jonathan Crane, but there's no mistaking the voice, the face, the eyes. GNN had plastered his face all over after the attack on the Narrows, and during the most recent occupation, it had been confirmed the guy had escaped from Arkham to run the tribunal in charge of sentencing the innocent (or innocent enough, at least) to death.

So, you know, he's going to stand here and watch out of the corner of his eye, not wanting to disturb the grieving woman, but certainly not about to allow this familiar stranger the chance to be alone any longer with her than he's already managed. ]

[restingstitchface]

[Crane straightens on the bench. His hands trail across his knees, collecting in his lap. His shoulders draw together. He inhales and holds his breath, releasing it in a second. It is rude to comment on the man's lack of decorum - so he offers comment in how he collects himself. With a calm mind, controlled thoughts and unintrusive behaviour he comments he is everything this man is not.

Perhaps it's a good thing he apologises to his patient and rises to his feet. Another time, perhaps. His words linger in the air, a threat for a stranger but a kindness for a woman who has done nothing wrong. His back turns towards her and he levels his judgment on their new guest.

Accosting a man kindly sparing his time to console a grieving woman is the logical choice, right?]

Well, I'm done now.

[He considers asking this other man if he has a problem, if he needs assistance, if he needs an appointment. But honestly he cannot be bothered.]

[oversight]

[ Far be it for Blake to assume good intentions. He's so fried from the mental trauma that every shadow holds a promise of danger and every person presents as suspicious. Perhaps unfair to assume Crane's up to no good — the woman hadn't seemed bothered by anyone but Blake if he's being honest with himself — he tries to commit to unfurling his twisted guts, but little has helped in that regard as of late.

Several of his wounds are still healing, although it's only the one line of stitching along his jaw that remain unhidden beneath Blake's bulky clothes. Neither look much like Gothamites anymore, although for someone familiar, it's easy enough to tell in the accents, in the pacing of the words, in the pallor that comes with too few days of sunlight. ]

Yeah, you are.

[ Blake doesn't waver, although he does favor one side as he moves in a few more steps to continue his veiled threats. ]

Don't harass the locals. Don't— get in their heads. It's not gonna do you any good here.

imagine his face is this icon, forever

[restingstitchface]

[Threats. Blackmail. Intimidation. What this fellow fails to realise - same as Falcone had failed to grasp - is that some are better at wielding fear against others. His mind draws comparisons between this toothless display and his business partner. Now there was a man who knew how to wield power; and Batman at least knew how to prey on fears and superstition.

He turns and looks at the woman, turns his back on whoever this is. But the accent, the mannerisms, the knowledge. Everything speaks of Gotham. He seems distracted until he revises his position and returns his focus.]

Would this advice be given under experience? Or merely out the goodness of your heart?

[Or, if he knew the man was a member of the GCPD, would it be advice under caution?]

😬

[oversight]

[ Oh, was that rude? Blake doesn't seem to notice (and truly, he'll feel the fresh sting of guilt later, as if he's required to "rise above it all"). But what should be so obvious has fallen away to this narrow moment gathered on the head of a pin. He's far too worn for intimidation tactics and his bone-deep exhaustion only just helps to reminds him that they're not in Gotham anymore (so what does it matter? It matters, but so much less when they're so far away and he's struggling so much.) ]

Why not both.

[ Although Blake doesn't share his experience immediately, it won't be news to anyone around any part of Abraxas for all that long to know those Lost returning from the north are a little worse for wear compared to the rest. Blake's days in the medical tent and subsequent time at the hospital has helped regain some energy, but even now he feels the need to sit, and so he does on a nearby bench. He'll do what he has to in order to drive off the mourner and any other onlookers, no patience spared in this state for potential upset. ]

Any idea why you're here?

[ There's a subtle emphasis, as if Blake knows something Crane doesn't about his own purposes in being brought through the portal, born naked into this new world like some tool or pawn or prize of Abraxas. He knows nothing more than he did before, except in deeper shades (of loneliness, of desperation, of disappointment and pain). ]

Re: 😬

[restingstitchface]

[There's a pause on Crane's side of conversation. The public tittle-tattle itches in his ears, long after leaving his thoughts. Stories and gossip about pain and hardship. His face refuses to smile but his chest fills with calm breathing - the warmth of satisfaction. When family and foes had made his life hell? His schoolteachers and peers?

His eye falls upon the stitches; on sore wounds and revealing lining. It's almost enough to make him smile. Almost.]

I have no idea. Perhaps the universe is enjoying a private joke.

[oversight]

[ The universe. He almost asks which but maintains his restraint. It's difficult enough to face another world, not to mention strangers and magic and beasts aplenty; rumblings of multiple universes don't need to color this conversation for its more practical purposes. ]

I recognize you. Things don't work the same here.

[ It sounds conversational but they both know it's not. Whether or not it's Blake's way of saying keep your nose clean it comes thick with implication; even Blake, known for being minimally invasive (when he wants to be), has managed to cause issues here and there. ]

Blake. If you care to know.

[restingstitchface]

[Is that remark the most interesting he's heard so far? His striking eyes now pierce with a scientist's curiosity; like a lab technician dissecting a sample. He regards the man as he would a difficult patient. Somebody to be subdued and managed. He remains standing.]

I would rather know how you know me.

[Nobody knows anything. Nobody should know anything.]

If that is no trouble?

[oversight]

Trouble for me if anyone, I s'pose.

[ But there's no hiding it, is there? If they're to be in the same faction, running around in close proximity, it's vital that this man knows Blake is watching. That he shows reason for it, and isn't just another local staring wide-eyed. He wouldn't pass, anyway, like most of the Summoned. ]

What was it? Chief of Psychiatry? Unless you're not the doc from Arkham.

[ Blake doesn't like to gamble, but he knows when to show them and when to hold them and right now he's got his cards pressed tight to his breast. He could be wrong. Hell, with how things have been in Abraxas, who knows if what he remembers is real. ]

[restingstitchface]

I am more than aware you are being facetious, sir.

[The title is less out of respect, more necessity of not knowing a name.

His fingers pluck away his glasses as he steals a seat on the bench, affording some distance between them. His shoulders draw back and his feet tuck in beneath. This twist in phrase - coming from an observant man - makes him pause. To emphasise his dislike of gently prying around an issue and making it obvious. Honestly, this display is a waste of time.

Inefficient, even.

Fingers withdraw to his lap and he speaks in monotone.]

You know who I am and I would be aware were I anything but.

[oversight]

[ The proximity leaves a prickling against Blake's skin, nerves still raw from the torture endured, body eager to remain at high alert while he's still in recovery. He squeezes his hands into fists once, twice, then rubs his palms against the knees of his pants to wick away the clamminess. ]

That portal — the one that brings people here — doesn't care who. Or what.

[ And he only says the latter to illustrate more than just his concerns over the man sitting next to him. All around are beings different from them in surprising, fantastical ways. The wildlife differs just as the terrain only vaguely resembles that of the deserts of Earth.

It's strange to think the most familiar thing to Blake at the moment is Jonathan Crane. And the reverse is true, although he doubts the man knows or would concede to such considering Blake's a no-name in the midst of the thousands of GCPD officers. Maybe if his name were Gordon this conversation would be going differently.

Distant thoughts. He lets them go and glances over, inspecting more judiciously. The doctor seems so young. Blake had only ever seen moired images in newspapers and out-of-context clips in news reports. For the longest time, Crane was the PD's go-to for expert witness testimony. Too bad Blake knows the reasons, otherwise he'd be much more accommodating. ]

There's more at work here than you— than you or I'd guess.

[ His refusal to preclude himself is a gesture in some way, a warning in another; certainly his terrible appearance speaks to some trauma. The dark circles stand out against naturally pale skin, parked like out-of-place visitors below his eyes. His hands shake no matter how studious he is about stilling them. When he coughs — as he does now — it's dry and he hunches from the pain of it. Broken bones, a dozen stitched wounds hidden beneath his clothes, who knows how many proverbial open wounds, and yet he's still not satisfied to leave this man to find this out on his own. ]

[restingstitchface]

[Crane says nothing and settles uncomfortably on the bench. Arms close to his body; yet eager to stretch over the back, hands longing to dangle. The part of his mind that is controlled and practical leads him to do nothing but gesture - a plantive sigh quiet enough to bearly hear.]

More at work than me, indeed.

[His sharp mind dwells on the issue. It takes one second. Fantastical beings are all terrified by something. Heroes fear failure and gods punish ridicule. Important traits that might make a devil human. Fingers clench in the second second. No research. No data. No work.

Somebody doesn't enjoy the concept of idleness.]

One could say I am hardly working.

[Needless to say, he is thinking of starting again. This world is nothing if not a world of opportunity.]

[oversight]

[ The snort that comes out of Blake is anything but dignified. He can't know that they share that distaste for idleness, but as a fairly observant individual, it won't take long for Crane's twitchy behavior and glassy eyes at the mention of work for Blake to get the picture.

He reaches, scratching at the edges of his stitches, nodding in light amusement. The appointment to get them removed is in a couple hours and he's biding his time. He'd have done it himself but Mags had nagged at him just so in her consternation at hearing as much so he's here to fulfill a promise to her. Probably for the best. ]

Plenty of quiet jobs here.

[ Quiet because anything more than that would only make Blake that much more efficient in his suspicions. Never mind that it's become incredibly clear that there are people much more powerful than either of them can claim taking an active interest in keeping things peaceful. ]

The universities, too. Guess, I can't say if your ethics would align, though.

[restingstitchface]

[Fingers lace together. Knuckles clench against feelings of disgust that unsettle his stomach. Muscles tense. His posture straightens as he begins breathing to hold his patience - it's hardly enough.

But it is enough.

He remains calm and controlled as this man needles and prompts, testing his responses with words and acts inappropriate and unbefitting of his company. He exhales. He inhales. He mentally shakes off his frustration and lifts his hand. Seconds tick by as he adjusts his glasses. This stranger knows what he has no reason knowing. That is a rush. One best analysed later in private company.]

What can you say? You don't know anything.

[Okay, so maybe he's biting that hook a little.]

[oversight]

[ The doctor's twitching, while minor and obviously veiled with purposefulness, doesn't fail to catch Blake's eye. He's not so much better himself for reasons that aren't only related to his time in the pit, but Blake will lean every bit of his weight on that excuse if it means giving up less to this man who surely outclasses him in ways he'll never be able to make up for.

He shrugs, a hapless motion that minds the injuries to his ribs. Upon glancing over at Crane, he spares none of the obviousness of the inspection. ]

Suits me fine that you think so. Doesn't change anything.

[ Or does it? Perhaps Crane will spend his time looking over his shoulder, expecting Blake in the midst of every shadow. It feels like the kind of mind game that Blake's apt to lose. Dangling this knowledge he holds, he tugs the line when he feels the tension despite the feeling. It's almost cruel in its essence, with Blake snatching blindly at any form of control after so many weeks without. ]

There're eyes everywhere, doc.

[ And he certainly doesn't mind insinuating himself into that impression. ]

[restingstitchface]

I am more than aware of that.

[Crane falters on what comes next. A name? He knows the importance of those. He knows the importance of keeping them private, too. Names affect perception. Parents choose what to name their children and dictate their lives. Good names produce good results. Bad names? Well, he had chosen another and learned how to wield it. But that name, too, was created by others.

He inhales and chooses to say nothing. This man knows his name. Both names, were he to make an educated guess. He certainly preens himself about that.]

Of course, everyone knows the danger of spying on matters out of boredom.

[Matters that don't concern you. The warning is clear enough.]