TEST DRIVE MEME #12

[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.

The TDM is forward-dated to when the summonings occur in-game (when applications are accepted), at the start of June.

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. Though some tension is in the air when locals discuss recent abductions and an execution involving the gods in Solvunn, there's also a buzz of excitement from the recently concluded Blossom Cake Festival - where a new pastry chef was crowned champion for this year's cake!


• Though life in the Castle is beginning to resume as usual, you can sense that a major crisis has only just been resolved, and some of the fallout remains. There are also rumors of strange floating lights appearing on the furthest outskirts of town.

◎ Exploring

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

Cupcake Decorating
Noteworthy participants in the Blossom Cake Festival are given the honor of having their cakes displayed in the castle. You can have a slice of this year's winning creation, filled with delicate notes of lavender, pecans, and vanilla. Also available are an equally impressive chocolate cake feature and a lemon honey cake. The champion pastry chef will be there to give decorating lessons. Why not join someone and pipe some flowers on a cupcake? Even if it doesn't turn out like you hoped, you can eat it afterwards!

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.

Dewey's Decimals
The main library in the Castle is in chaos. Apprentice Mage Dewey has received approval to implement a new classification system of all publicly available scrolls and tomes. This can cause a huge disruption to studies and projects, so Dewey has been given a deadline of one week to complete his task. If he catches you in the halls, this harried and sleep-deprived mage will ask for generous volunteers to assist with the project. Though he only has gratitude to offer, he assures you that the changes will streamline the research process for centuries to come. You can help move heavy books from one section of the library to the other, take down shelves with the use of a few approved telekinesis spells and capture book worms who are notorious for destroying old papers.

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

◎ Settling In

When you're ready to rest, you're shown to the North Wing, which has been set up as living quarters for you and your fellow newcomers. There are four people to a room, but each generously-sized bed has opaque curtains that can be drawn around it. You can meet your roommates here and discuss your shared situation (those who were previously brought in may have a great deal of information to tell you).

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

Welcome to the Free Cities

Dry warmth hits you at once as you're set on a hard floor of dull ruddy stone. Men and women in unfamiliar uniforms of brown and red leather stand in a semi-circle around a small pool of water - the very pool you were just pulled from. The water is still now, rimmed in pale gold tiles with odd symbols etched into them. Across it is a raised pedestal with a card bearing an Arcana symbol.

A guard covers you with a simple robe and returns to their place in the semi-circle. Before you stands another woman, dressed in a more elaborate and decorated uniform than the others. A sword rests at her hip. She carries an air of authority as she approaches you with a nod and a warm smile. "Sorry about the circumstances. Take a minute, catch your breath. I'm Prime Minister Marlo Reiner and you're in The Free Cities. That nice lady over there will explain everything to you and get you settled."

A robed mage off to the side approaches to help you up. She brings you out of the cave through a corridor that angles upwards until you emerge in what looks like some kind of storage facility. You'll learn you're in the Cadens Desert Outpost 003, a military base on the outskirts of the major city of Cadens. You're told the world is in delicate and dangerous times, and you're needed to help. You're important and they're very grateful you're here.

◎ Surroundings

While you're currently at the outpost just outside of the city proper, Cadens on the whole is a large bustling city. Temperatures 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 large 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, as well as a gruesome execution involving the gods in Solvunn. Scholars and laymen alike can be heard debating the nature of gods and men.


• From Cadens to Aquila to Libertas, the streets are 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. It's evident they're here for your protection rather than to prevent you from moving freely. Nevertheless, the atmosphere is cheery, with many innovative inventions and fashion item still on display following the month's festivals celebrating the arts.


• Though life in the Free Cities is beginning to resume as usual, you can sense that a major crisis has only just been resolved, and some of the fallout remains. There are also rumors of strange floating lights appearing on the furthest outskirts of town.

◎ 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.

Arts & Science Workshops
Throughout Cadens, those skilled in their craft have set up free workshops, both to market their wares and to encourage creative minds. You can attend a workshop on writing with one of Libertas' famous playwrights, learn how New Magic can be used to useful household devices such as fire-less lamps and iceboxes, and get a brief lesson in the art of color theory to aid you in your future as a painter or clothing designer. Why not join a friend in the workshops? Or make some new ones!

Pimp My Ride
Innovation is the way of the Free Cities, and showing it off is just as important. Every few years wagon enthusiasts will come forward with their customized New Magic-powered wagons in what they call the Wagon Parade. Locals line the main streets of Cadens to view the curious designs as they move from Portam Hall to the Grand Academy. A panel of judges in front of the Academy will vote on that year's best design. The winner receives a certificate and, most importantly, notoriety. There is also a crowd favorite award so attendees are encouraged to write their favorite wagon on a slip of paper. And there are several contenders this year. As with any event, pop-up merchants appear along the parade line selling food, drink, and all sort of small baubles and commemorative tokens.

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

◎ Settling In

When you're ready to turn in, the barracks are waiting for you. They have a communal bathing room at the end of the hall, with curtains that can be pulled around the individual raised round tubs for privacy. Each barracks room is rather sparse. Six simple beds set against the wall, three on each side of the room, each with a trunk at the foot of it. You can greet your roommates here, most of whom will be new arrivals, as well.

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

Welcome to Solvunn

You're in a grassy clearing in the midst of a circle of large stone slabs stacked to look like doorways. In the middle is the same glimmering pool you were just pulled from. An elderly mage stands before an ornate altar. He holds an old leather-bound book in one hand and in the other is a card bearing an arcana symbol. "I detect no ill will from the gods," he says. "It seems we've been blessed with success."

Those that had gathered all breathe a sigh of relief and now seem pleased. One offers you some clothes of leather and knitted wool that seem to fit you perfectly. A rough-looking man steps forward once you're dressed and motions with his head outside of the stone circle. His speech is informal, his consonants harsh.

"Hold your horses, I can see all those questions coming about! Rowan March, at your service. I'm one of the council members of Solvunn. There's a lot to discuss, but it's best talked about over a hot meal." He leads you to a horse-drawn carriage and helps you up into the back. He talks the entire ride to the center of the Primary Settlement. You're told that the world hangs upon the brink of disaster and that there are those in this world that are happy to see it fall to ruin with their meddling.

You're important. The gods have graced them with your presence. They're delighted you're here.

◎ Surroundings

The Primary Settlement is full of greenery, blessed with the fresh ocean breeze. Winds are gentle and temperate 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 booming as the celebration of the Spring Equinox is in full swing. Vendors are eager to barter goods and are in the habit of including extra gifts with any purchase or trades made. If you are looking for a good deal, now is the time!


• Those in Solvunn are openly discussing the recent execution of former Council member Josselyn Creed. Many believe justice was served and that the gods have set things right. If questioned, they will praise the Summoned for capturing Josselyn and restoring the Old Ways. The ashes of her bones remain on display by an altar in the Primary Settlement - a reminder and a warning not to stray from the flock.


• Though life in the Commune is beginning to resume as usual, you can sense that a major crisis has only just been resolved, and some of the fallout remains. There are also rumors of strange floating lights appearing on the furthest outskirts of the settlements.

◎ Exploring

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

Giant Crop Picnic
Potluck-style feasts are common in the settlement as a way to strengthen the community, but the spring is unique for featuring giant crops. Oversized gourds, melons, and cauliflower are aplenty as the locals display their creations proudly. Considered a blessing from the gods, receiving the boon of a large crop is a great source of luck and pride to Solvunn. As a new arrival, you can take a look at these unique fruits and vegetables - and eat them! - as well as help hang decorations before the picnic. Place flowers, pin ribbons, or lay the tablecloths. The food is simple and hearty, ranging from stews, roasts, fresh bread, and puddings. If you're shy, someone will be there to fill your cups and plates if you won't do so yourself. Eat, drink, and be merry - it's what the gods would want.

Acts of Love
Shrines around the settlements dedicated to Lyfbringr are overflowing with offerings. Flowers and all manner of sweet and bountiful things are the most common. It's also customary this time of year to present gestures of affection with one another in front of his effigies. You may see lovers, neighbors, friends, and even business partners make a show of embracing or shaking hands in hopes that their relationships will blossom like the spring flowers. Newborns of man and beast are also brought to be blessed in his presence. Newcomers are encouraged to set off on the right foot in the Commune by participating in this tradition, and begin their journey into High Magic.

A Weekend of Weddings
Weddings are popular in spring due to Lyfbringr's presence and this year is no different. Declan Gardsbruk and Tiril Blom, a handsome inheritor of the Gardsbruk Farms and a popular local singer, are getting married! While weddings in Solvunn are often a community affair, given the Gardsbruks' involvement with the Summoned, Solvunn's Summoned are explicitly invited as honored guests. Celebrated over several days, family and friends from across every settlement come to town. A bonfire blazes throughout the week. The height of the celebrations is the binding ceremony itself, held on the final day. The couple and their guests will gather by a shrine in the forest. Their union is made official underneath an arch of wood, reeds and seasonal flowers. The party continues until the following sunrise, symbolizing the beginning of a new life and partnership. In addition to attending, you can help weave the ceremonial wedding arch, keep the bonfire going, or simply enjoy the drink and music until you can't remember where you sleep.

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

◎ Settling In

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

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

Questions and Answers

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

How many slots are open?

Please check the Taken page for how many player, franchise, and canon slots are available. Activity check will be processed before applications open, so the count may change between now and then. Existing players can apply for a second character without restriction.

How do I choose a scenario for my character?

Pick whichever situation appeals to you most. Which faction your character is drawn into has nothing to do with their personal morality, beliefs, or how highly they regard themselves and their own accomplishments. Anyone can be put into any one of the situations.

What happens if my character refuses to comply with the NPCs?

They will be forgiven for their moment of panic or anger if they have one, and the faction leaders will try to calm them and persuade them further. If they put up too much of a fight and/or start actively attacking anyone, they will be warned once that everyone is willing to put them back in the well where they came from (see below), and if they continue to fight they will make good on that promise.

My character intends on causing a lot of trouble (destroying parts of the cities, murdering the NPCs, etc.), what would happen to them?

Characters who make too much trouble for the mages and other NPCs would be thrown back in the well (which will mean drowning in the void, not returning home). Brawling with other PCs and causing minor damage is fine and will be greeted with a cranky attitude and intervention from various NPC guards, and there will be plenty of opportunity for destruction and murder later, but for now the Abraxans have no desire to keep huge liabilities around.

Is the power loss for characters permanent?

No, but it does take a week or so for their powers to be back in full, and certain powers (determined on a case-by-case basis) may require nerfs. If your character has world-breaking powers, please discuss with the mods what modifications may be necessary.

Can my character leave the bounds of the nation?

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

Can my character eventually change nations or kingdoms?

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

How much will my choice of scenario affect my character's plot later on?

This choice will determine where your character initially lives as well as the bias of the information they receive from NPCs (although other PCs can and most likely will give it to them a bit more straight). It will also affect your character's day-to-day life and development. Characters who seek technological advancements or combat will find more of it in the Free Cities while those keen on court politics and learning magic will have the most access to it in Thorne. Anyone who wishes to uncover the secrets of the Old Gods and forest mysteries will best do so in Solvunn.

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

Are TDM threads mandatory for my application?

No, you may use other samples, but we encourage you to post to the TDM and get a feel for this game and its mechanics before you join. If you do not have a TDM thread you will still need to choose one of the three scenarios on your application.

What if I haven't settled on a sign yet?

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

Can my character go to the Horizon?

First time visitors to the Horizon must be taken there by other characters, through either shared meditation or a physical journey to the Singularity, and all first-timers experience memory loss. For the purposes of the TDM, we suggest against using the Horizon.

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

What about making use of the network?

Much like Horizon they would need to be introduced to it by another PC, as no NPCs would be aware of the network or be able to access it. Because of this, we would advise against using this mechanic for TDM top-levels.

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

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

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Comments

Questions

[abraxasmods]

[boltaction]

hiya! i have a question about just how naked a summoned like vash the stampede would be. in his canon he has a prosthetic arm that can be removed for maintenance and etc, and i'm curious if that would count as something he'd lose in the process?

to be clear, i'm totally okay with this if he can eventually get a new one made. 👍

Bay Kennish | Switched at Birth | Thorne & Nocwich | The Star

[wasalmostdaphne]

[Overall note: Bay is Deaf due to her current canonpoint, she won’t be able to understand anyone who is looking away when they talk to her, or if she can’t see their lips (due to a mask or not having lips) if they are looking at her.]

A. Castle Thorne - North Wing

Bay can be found more relaxed in the gilded cage of the North Wing, there’s not as much foot traffic so she doesn’t get herself as underfoot as the rest of the castle or the town. Usually she’s got herself hunched over some parchment and a pencil sketching something, usually it’s a person or a place. Or she has a book with hand gestures on each of the pages, taking regular breaks to practice what she sees in the book.

The othe noteworthy thing is that if you talk to her, and she’s got her head down and focused she won’t respond unless you catch her eye or touch her shoulder.

B. Castle Thorne - Cupcake Decorating

At first the Master Cake Decorator seemed ready to offer Bay some pointers, but Bay effortlessly made three different types of flowers on three different cupcakes. With skill that pretty clearly stated she’s done this before. After a brief nod of approval the Master Baker wandered off to leave Bay to her own devices.

“I didn’t know I could do that,” Bay says, turning to fully look at the Summoned next to her. It’s worth noting Bay’s looking at the person’s mouth and not their eyes, or the rest of their face, as she talks to them. "Do you need help with yours? What are you going for?"

C. Castle Thorne - Wildcard

In the Castle proper, Bay seems to be pretty much always under foot, as someone rushes this way or that in the corridor calling for her to get out of the way, she doesn’t react being pulled out of the paths of hurried pages, servants, or Summoned as they catch Bay not being aware of her surroundings.

Otherwise she can be seen talking with one of the Librarians. Well, studying, after arrival she’s being taught Abraxian Common Sign to help her function in the Castle and serve the purpose the Summoned are meant for here. She’ll regularly be found with him talking, or trying to, around the castle but especially near any pieces of local art.

Lastly Bay often watches magic classes, mostly just in awe of the fact that magic is real. Not that she doubted it with all that’s happened to her the past few days. Like with everything she unerringly focused on what she sees to the point that anyone could just walk up behind her and catch her off guard.

D. Nocwich

Bay was surprised, after being given a small stone to provide light (not enough to pierce the night, but more than enough to read by), that Oleuni Square is lit enough she can pocket the stone in her dress and wander around the market freely. She’s not equipped to buy anything, but she’s curious as to what she can see here.

Of course, as is usual with her she’s not used to her current condition, and crowds, and regularly bumps into people not hearing them in her periphery. When she’s still, and not a tripping hazard, she will be peering over any art and art supplies she can find in the market.

nocwich

[leitstern]

[The walk from the hot spring to the market is a peaceful affair. He pays no attention to the people passing on either side, content to occupy the middle of the street. He is careful to dodge and weave through the crowd but is happy to bump shoulders along the way.

That he might be responsible for the latest encounter doesn't cross his mind. He stares incredulously at the offender.]

Do you mind?

Nocwich

[outwear]

Similar to Bay, Sam is using the light in Oleuni Square to read. He's flipping through some parchments stacked in a messy heap. His hair hangs uncharacteristically limp and there's a four-day beard itching its way out of his face. He's alert and aware, maybe more than aware because he's lifting his head every time a new group of people meanders past. It's almost as if he's looking for someone.

He notices Bay, but doesn't stare, mostly out of habit; Sam's used to turning a blind eye (although some would accuse him of being unfair in his application of such things). She looks young. God, was he ever that young? He must have been but the memory feels so far away now. He feels ancient.

It's probably another three minutes before Sam's finally compelled to ask, "Hey, are you new around here?" Summoned all have a vibe and Sam's pretty observant, but then again, he'd known people he did recognize to hide for months at a time, so why would a stranger be any different? "I'm Sam," he adds because otherwise, he's just some insanely tall crazy-looking dude questioning a total stranger.

Fëanor | JRR Tolkien's The Silmarillion | Thorne | The Tower

[tinkerheart]

He did not expect to wake up drenched in water, getting dragged out of a fountain like semi-drowned kitten with no respect for his name or station. In fact, he did not expect to wake up at all. All this is secondary. Curiosity vies with anger for control, while Fëanor looks around takes in the surroundings, trying to no avail to identify anything familiar in it. Strange people he does no recognize. They tell him to calm down. Calm down! Ha!

Curiosity does win in the end. Fëanor accepts the clothes he's been given. Noticing not without a fair amount of disdain the poor craftsmanship of their make. Truly, someone should send both the weaver and the tailor back to their respective apprenticeships for this fabric abomination. He does follow the chatty youngster though. Does not even interrupt too often. The moment he realizes this is not Arda. That those people, if there's truth to their words, have pulled his fëa from under the greedy paws of the Valar, his mood shifts and he laughs frightening the young apprentice who looks for the first possible occasion to free himself of his company.

Fëanor pays him no mind. Let the child go. He can take care of himself. This is brilliant! He might have left his affairs unfinished, but the very fact that someone was able to pull such a number on the mighty Powers of Arda is endlessly funny. He has already realized the people here are no Eldar. They have the coldness and a shadow about them that's entirely unfamiliar. It alone supports the theory this is indeed not Arda, but some other completely different realm. Excellent.

Cupcake decoration

Why would you even be given a piece cake if you weren't expected to form an opinion on it? Fëanor is rather disappointed that his own is not taken with appropriate respect. He had no chance to speak with its maker, but he is curious of his technique. So he does not join the lessons expecting to learn something, merely wanting to witness the chef at work.

He shares his opinion with any poor soul that gets unlucky enough to be paired with him.

"I do think the whole set piece was needlessly top heavy, but the balance of flavours was quite alright. Especially, when compared to the other two."

Magic lessons

"Interesting."

Fëanor is more lenient to those who are still learning. Himself, he picks up the spell immediately. After a second try, his execution is flawless. It was only the second because he was too occupied trying to dissect the wording of the spell to pay enough attention for getting it completely right. He seems to be perfectly fine with ceaseless light explosions. Honestly, it can't be called a good practice if someone is not getting a third-degree burn once in a while.

Dewey's Decimal

He knows a failed project when he sees one, but he also takes pity on the poor apprentice with true fear in his eyes. He's in a good mood, with not much to do, and isn't this an opportunity to look through what is studied here. Maybe something catches his interest? For now, he hasn't seen a proper forge, so a library will do.
Adding another spell to his collection does not hurt either. With two, it's a bit early to get their system figured out, but Fëanor feels he's on a good path. But pity does not make him hold back on honest opinions, or rather chastising criticism.

"This idiotic and overly complex system," he declares. "But I see why it's an improvement over existing one. It might be a good start."

Nocwich

Fëanor did not bother to change into any other attire for his visit. In fact, he was too busy investigating the pendant he was given to even think about it. Given complete freedom to explore Nocwich, he does exactly so. Making notes on anything that catches his interest. Which is, frankly, everything.

Wildcard
[OOC: Feel free to assume meeting Fëanor anywhere around Castle of Thorne or Nocwich. He'll be going around and inevitably having strong opinions on everything. Most of them very damning. His standards for any craftsmanship are sky high, and he doesn't feel silly things like politeness should stop him from expressing said opinions. So it's entirely ok to assume he has just criticized something, or someone's work or went on some overly long tirade on how things could be done more efficiently.
Either PM or bitweaver works for plotting.]

( magic lessons SORRY NOT SORRY )

[politicians]

[ elrond had stepped in just to do a little catch up in his studies. and immediately froze. it couldn't be. elrond had never met the elf, but he knew him. they all did. and his family knew him better than most. not to mention his mentors had passed along tales and stories of him when he was younger.

his expression tightens and for a moment he considers simply turning on his heel and leaving. instead he studiously ignores fëanor to fetch some scrolls he needed to pick up. let it be on fëanor's terms first. ]

rocket | mcu — free cities, solvunn — no arcana yet

[respiting]

what the hell am i doin’ here? ( free cities ) ;

[ Here we go again, right?

At this point, it’s hard not to take this whole world-hopping, time-bopping thing in stride but the unexpected thing here is that for the first time in a long time, there are no familiar faces from the get-go. None of the people he’d come to call family (though you’d never catch him saying that aloud) can be seen from where he’s standing, but that doesn’t really mean anything. It’s no reason to lose his shit. Not yet.

Rocket takes the opportunity instead to stretch his legs, readjusting the waistband of his uniform trousers (with the custom cut-out for his tail, of course), and strolls right on through to Libertas’ garden park memorial with nary a care for whatever responsibilities he may have been assigned at the barracks.

If someone tries to stop him, he’ll respond with a biting: ]

I was told people here were grateful I'm around. [ It's pretty clear he's only taking that at face value because gratitude is still something he’s learning to get used to; it shows up so infrequently. He crosses his arms, an ear twitching.

And don’t think the snatches of gossip he’s been hearing around town escape him, certain words seeming to draw a sense of stillness in him that feels too contemplative, too serious.

What he says, of course, doesn’t reflect whatever inner turmoil he might have. ] So what’s the deal with this thing?

[ He gestures to the memorial itself with a dark-black clawed finger. ]


goin’ up to the spirit in the sky ( free cities ) ;

[ You might catch a raccoon walking around, still in uniform, inspecting the parade of wagons with a very keen interest in the absolute nitty gritty, all the way down to the very last nut and the very last bolt. It might even be easy enough to mistake him for a judge, what with the way he’ll make an off-handedly snide remark about one wagon, and then marvel another with just a little less bite. ]

You know, I gotta give it to ‘em. That thing looks like a hunk of rolling trash parts but it’s not bad. Hope it wins.

[ He raps a knuckle against the side of a spectacularly bulbous engine, admittedly pleased with the hollow echo the sound produces and stretches his features into what can really only be described as a shit-eating grin. ]

Still. Give me an hour and I could do better.


laugh, laugh, laugh, i nearly died ( solvunn ) ;

[ It’s a little sobering to see something so grim and marked with violence in a pastoral place like this — but it’s good. It’s a good thing. Maybe this place reminds Rocket of some other life not lead, some alternate timeline (yeah he’s all about those these days) where he could have lived out the rest of his days doing dumb shit like gardening and farming and … you know, being blissfully happy.

But executions, violence, punishments and warnings … these are things that ground him back to reality. It makes the knitted wool feel less scratchy over his fur, though he’s admittedly a little overwarm right now. That's got nothing to do with the altar though. ]

Yeesh. [ He’s staring at the ashes on display, the ones of that former council member he’s never heard of. And sure, he could be a little more sensitive to something he has absolutely no knowledge about, keep his comments to himself, but Rocket likes to push buttons sometimes.

Okay, he likes to push buttons a lot of the time. He’s pushing one right now. Yep. Yep, we’re going for it. ] Guess it’s better than keeping a head on a spike, right? Less smell after a week in this sun.



wildcard ;
[ ooc: canon point is just post-endgame for now while i de-rust my voice.

for now i’m just bopping between the free cities and solvunn but i’m down for any wildcard in any city while i try to figure out a good match. in between wandering around, in the free cities rocket can also be found doing a little training (imagine a raccoon flipping around, doing a little target practice, keeping his claws sharp, you know normal stuff); and daring someone to come along with him into the badlands.

in solvunn, rocket can also be found pigging out on free food at the picnic, and scoffing at all the lovey-dovey love matches and marriages, and maybe burying fully-grown radishes in the wrong plots of some unsuspecting farmer’s garden because that’s just hilarious.

the world is our oyster so if the above prompts don’t jive, feel free to leave something below or shoot me a PM! ]

solvunn

[leitstern]

[Jasper continues staring at the shrine without listening to the outside world. Unfortunately, the outside world has the unfortunate habit of being rude. The more it talks, the more his peace is disturbed. He looks unbothered by the talking rodent - he speaks to monsters and is one - but the sheer crass of it all? That makes him talk.

That he is rude himself counts for nothing.]

Did nobody teach you not to speak ill of the dead, rat?

[How should he know this thing is a raccoon?]

Jasper | Dragon Quest | Solvunn

[leitstern]

This home which once was serene | Solvunn

[The empty bed beside the window has been uninhabited for months. One morning a woman enters to replace the wildflowers in the pitcher. She exchanges another bouquet with a posy of pink carnations and baby’s breath. Silence is perpetual and habitual - and disturbed when she breaks with routine.

Bedding is stripped and replaced. Protective charms are hung around the bed. Medicinal herbs are bundled with twine and hung to dry. Magic permeates their leaves, infusing the air with the scent of gardenia and sandalwood. Ten minutes later a man is helped across the threshold and transferred to the bed. He offers his gratitude and is content to be left alone.

Now there is peace. Now there is silence.

Nothing until vigorous knocking breaks the peace. One minute passes before he awakes, lethargic and dazed from daydreaming. He groans and closes his eyes for a second. It takes another minute for the hammering to disturb his rest. He slides his legs over the side of the bed. Sitting upright, he looks up begrudgingly towards the door. Whoever it is, they’re loud enough to wake the dead.]

Enter.

Now is home to the screams | Solvunn

[The primary settlement is hardly as impressive as the castle that had been home for the past thirty years. The school is a simple building, the library unimpressive, the markets quiet and peaceful. The town hall looks too small for a town and homes are little more than huts and hovels.

But his home now lies in ruins.

He stands before the altar bearing a pile of ashes.

Perhaps this settlement is what he deserves.]

And to flying plates and shoes | Solvunn

[The shrine is a combination of colour and shade: a symbolic union of light and darkness. Ears of wheat lie across stalks of millet and scoops of oats and rye. Green beans, cabbages and tomatoes wilt in the heat but he knows better than to remove any from their offering spot.

So he watches who comes and goes.

Lovers. Partners. Friends. Clasping hands, stroking fingers, crossing arms. Looking into each other’s eyes, embracing with free and open emotions. Each in good spirits. All in a cheerful mood.

He takes a hesitant step but turns his back instead. He furrows his brows and pinches his nose, fingers his hair and looks anywhere but towards the shrine.

There is a bouquet of heather and purple clematis in his hand.]

But I have no souveniers | Nocwich

[The image of a city shrouded in eternal twilight is a familiar one. His hometown had once shone like a jewel in summer. Now it rots beneath everlasting dark.

He arrives in the square and feels the tension twist his shoulders. Werewolves and vampires. Humans and monsters. All mixing uneasily but living under the same sky.

His hands begin resting by his side. His memories of familiar faces steal the spring out his step. He looks away from people who meet his eye and crosses his arms. He has a few words for those who continue to badger him but otherwise continues his journey.

One stall catches his eye and he stops to look at a gold pendant from the counter. He lifts it gently in his palm: a shield on a chain. The way he stares at it one might imagine him looking at something else.]

plates and shoes

[aquaveiled]

[ Himeka has been watching a bit herself, simply because that's what she enjoys doing--people watching. You can learn a lot about someone just by how they interact with others and the environment around them. Sure, she has her own offerings to make to the shrine, but she's just as content to enjoy the aura of affection the required "ritual" provides.

Especially after how dark the last few months had been, with the kidnappings, the horrifying experiments... strange to think it wasn't all that long ago. Solvunn seems to have blossomed once justice had been served.

"Justice", as they see it.

But when this man seems to have second thoughts after watching so many others make their offerings, Himeka decides to step in--literally. She steps out, partially in the way but sporting a smile. ]

Were you next?

Rude | Final Fantasy 7 Remake | Thorne/Nocwich

[not_actually_a_bad_guy]

Castle Thorne - North Wing
Rude feels like a wet cat as he is pulled from the fountain. It is something about the sudden water that just has that effect on him. He starts to ask a question as the underling runs back to his group and the big wig of the group starts talking. Mage, huh? That is different. Probably some sort of self-important bullshit. It is not like he isn't used to that from home. Fuck, where the heck is he? And how does he get back home? Then the bigwig is handing him off to one of the underlings, also not a new thing in Rude's world, who proceeds to speak at a pace that would impress even Reno. Shit, where is Reno? Rude's been here all of five minutes and he is already missing his redheaded partner.

As they are walking, Rude's trying to pay attention to both the information he is given and the layout of the castle they are walking through. Thankfully this isn't something that is entirely new to him. Soaking up information on the go and adapting is something the Turks have to be good at. That and putting whatever feelings they have aside for the sake of the mission. And right now, this is a mission in Rude's mind. No time to panic.

Once he left in his room, he just stands there for a moment. One hand pinching the bridge of his nose he sighs. This is a lot of information to take in. He doesn't feel entirely prepared for this situation. Then again, when is one ever prepared for being kidnapped to another world to serve in a war? Well. No time to dwell on that right now. He got work to do. Time to meet his roommates.

Castle Thorne - Magic Lessons
It doesn't take long to pick up that there is magic here, and it is very very different from the closest thing he is used to. So once he hears that there are magic lessons happening he figures that the best thing to do is to check it out. Anything that he can use later is worth doing now. At first, he is just quietly at the back of the class, somewhat unbelieving that he can actually learn to do this. But as the class goes on he is willing to give it a go and even if he is by no means a natural at it, you can certainly see the beginnings of something by the end of the class.

And he shows up to the next class, and the one after that, steadily building his skill.

Castle Thorne - Settling in
It's been a rough few days, but you wouldn't know it from looking at Rude. It doesn't take him that long to establish a rhythm. He keeps to morning workouts, running the perimeter of the castle. Besides being a workout and something that feels familiar it does give him a chance to map the castle and get to know it better. Some of these runs also venture into the city, trying to get a feel for the major landmarks. Another time he makes it to the castle gardens and quickly decides that his workout ends right then and there, instead of exploring this rather new environment. At meal times he tends to settle at one of the larger tables, welcoming people to sit with him. He is quiet, as he always is, but not disinterested in what you have to say.

Nocwich
Just when he thought he had the castle, or at least the North wing, under control another variable pops into the mix. Rude debates about going but then his curiosity gets the better of him and he is headed to Olenui Square. And once he is there he can't help but smile. It reminds him of back home. Of winding through the streets after a long day, or night for that matter, and relaxing. He wanders around the market, checking out the goods on offer, but making no purchases of his own.

and they were roommates.

[oversurge]

Guess who's in luck—because when that door swings open, the roommate waiting for Rude is none other than his redheaded partner. Who, currently, is a little less of a redhead, seeing as he still hasn't figured out how the hell to touch up his roots around these parts, but whatever.

And okay, maybe it's not a coincidence; he'd glimpsed Rude getting the good ol' tour earlier with that kid who rattles off the same script to everyone like he's reciting a presentation to a bunch of bigwigs. Reno doesn't wanna make it a thing that they're buddies—trust is in short order, and he's taking his time deciding whether he wants to throw his lot in with Thorne or not—so he decided to hop into the nearest empty room and lounge on the bed, waiting for Rude to pop on in.

Here he is. The man himself. (Without the shades, though, which is weird.) Really fucking missed him, y'know? But he's not gonna cry about it or anything. It's just, look, you try getting yanked to another Planet and wind up with Sephiroth of all people as your only back-from-home companion. It ain't great.

'Course, it begs the question of: why him and Rude? And Sephiroth? Talk about a strange mix.

"Hey there, partner." His feet are crossed at the ankles, arms tucked behind his head. "Took your ass long enough to get here."

max mayfield , stranger things , the hermit

[madmaxed]

SOLVUNN
i. arrival

( max opens her eyes to the startling dark, one that swallows up her immediate scream. the pinpoint of light may have been the only anchor in this moment of impossible suspension, but as soon as a hand breaks the surface and grasps at her arms, max thrashes and yells and there is the pinprick of cold air on skin, grass and dirt under knobby knees and the rest of the introductions are downed out in the intensity of her disbelief and bone-rattling fear.

it is a blur, all the way to the settlement, until the very moment she's let back down from the carriage.

rowan march is right — there are questions. or there should be. she should have them, should be spurred to action, as they've done so many times before now. but all she'd done was stare at him as if she expected him to sprout extra heads and limbs. given the last twenty four hours, it isn't an unreasonable expectation.

max remembers the endless expanse of a terrible sky, stretched bloody and sinuous. she remembers eleven; she remembers the hope she tried so hard to convince herself of keeping and how visceral the loss of it felt. she remembers how her bones sounded when they snapped and the sickening calm of the end promised by a monster. she was sure she died. it was so real.

but this feels real too. the clothes feel warm, the air smells distinctly unlike hawkins. people talk to her, and although she brushes past them too quick — rude, she's sure — she hears little through the ringing in her ears.

there's a moment where she finds a tree, just a little ways out from the settlement, knees drawn up to her chin as she stares ahead of her. she just needs a moment. she's fine — she'll be fine. she just needs to stop thinking about everything that was happening. and then she can figure it all out — if this is real, or fake. but it doesn't help that the last thing she remembers is vecna's face. )

ii. exploring

( begrudgingly, max was starting to become more and more convinced that this was real. after the messy, unpracticed and fumbled way of stuffing the inner turmoil somewhere to the back of her mind, she was finally starting to accept it.

whatever that meant.

because this meant — that she had been pulled from certain death right from under vecna, and into what was basically one of munson's dungeon and dragons games, which is crazy that she was paying enough attention to lucas' descriptions to even make the connection.

wandering through a place feeling entirely like an outside wasn't an unfamiliar feeling. harder to ignore how absolutely insane she felt, staring at the faces of every passer-by trying to spot a familiar one, and max hadn't realized how much she'd want that between trying to convince herself she didn't need it. it was the sort of false bravado of a teen way over her head.

still, she finds herself amidst the offerings to a god she can't pronounce, overhearing conversations of high magic and bountiful harvest and on and on and she can't help the twist of disbelief scrunching her nose as she turns to look at the nearest person to ask, incredulous: ) — wait, they're really not kidding about the whole learning magic crap?

NOCWICH: oleuni square

( alright. she might not have been wanting to admit it, but something about this place was kind of cool.

maybe it was the fact that there was nothing immediately trying to kill her, or end the world as they knew it. maybe it was impossible not to feel a little bit swept up in the dangling trinkets and the ding of music.

she's at the stalls, though a particular potion shop catches her eye. namely, she holds a specific vial a little too long, something that promises the easing of nightmares. but — she has no money, and she's not sure how the locals would react to her trying to steal it. not her first go-to regardless, but a single night of decent sleep was a hell of a promise. slowly, she sets it back. )

WILDCARD ( always up to do something else!! she's exploring, and likely poking her nose into places she shouldn't! lets wildcard it! )

PICKS YOU UP AND SPINS - exploring.

[hairington]

[ steve has been busy with the spring equinox preparations; it had been something to do, errands to run and things to help set up. and even as the celebrations started, the locals around the primary settlement know enough about steve to know that he'll be around, and happy to help, if they needed it. it kept him moving, kept him busy, and that's all he could really ask for at this point. there's not a whole lot else for him to do with the fact he can't really sleep, not a whole lot else for him to do with how he still smells rot and decay on the air. but festivals, parties, the friendly way the locals say hi to him as he passes through the square - these are distractions he can handle.

somewhere along the way he starts hearing whispers, other members of the primary settlement talking about new faces amongst the summoned. how they continue to be blessed, and how thankful they are for the support, that the gods must be pleased with what they're doing- but steve doesn't hear the rest. instead, he thinks of robin being alone for over a month in thorne. thinks about the fact there's still a chance someone else might be brought through and if he doesn't go looking for them-

he starts heading in that direction, preparing himself to be disappointed but knowing that it would be on his mind the rest of the day if he doesn't go to check. and it's a good thing he does, because just as he's about to head off across the main thoroughfair of the festival he catches a head of red hair out of the corner of his eye. part of his brain says he needs to stop being paranoid, that it's probably himeka or one of the locals, but he decides to look anyway as he is still heading off in the opposite direction, towards the pond, the summoning circle.

that's when steve stops, because there's no way- and yet there she is. he blinks, once, as if trying to remember how to do this or what it is he's doing, before he calls out across the crowd. ] Max! Hey! [ truthfully, he really doesn't care about the eyes that might turn to look at him, because he's already starting to push through the bodies themselves, muttering quick i'm sorrys and 'scuse mes as he tries to weave through them. ] Max!

Jake Jensen | The Losers | The Fool

[killorder]

Thorne

North Wing

The clothes are... okay really nice but also he would probably break a lot of laws for a chance to get some jorts. There's so many question he's had since he came up out of the water, and there's magic, and nothing of it all makes sense.

But standing there, trying to get information from the guards and not getting it, he's facing one thing that makes a lot more sense to him if he someone would answer him. Finally he turns on the first person coming through the door either way.

"Hey. Have you been here long? What's with the guards? Just who are they protecting us from?"

Exploring

Jake has landed into the tabletop fantasy game of his dreams. He's dressed in silk and sandals and living in a damn castle. Not that he's not desperate for some answers - like just what he was given that he's considering his future as a bard because, dammit, what else would he play??? - but also just seeing what this place is about.

So he finds himself drawn in to work on decorating cupcakes. It's something that he's never done before, but after two slices of cake, he figures he should play along. After all, they're probably edible.

Later in the day he gets drawn into the library to help haul around scrolls and capture... bookworms. HA! He loves that part. He throws himself into it. If nothing else physical labor is easy and something he's good at even if he's starting to have technology withdrawals.

"So like is there like no computers? What about phones? I mean, how do people communicate?"

He might be asking someone directly, or he's just talking to himself. You never know.

But when he finds classes on learning magic!? Oh yeah, he's diving into that. Not that he can entirely focus, just mesmerized every time someone makes a shield form, the flash making his heart race.

He finally finds his focus, the shield flaring up before him and he... well, he squeaks, eyes wide.

"Woooow. Holy shit it's real. I'm real. I'm going to be a freaking wizard."

Solvunn

Surroundings

The Gods have spoken

That never seems like safe words. If only because in so many movies that seems to precede: And you will be sacrificed for a prosperous season.

And as he wanders this place, Jake is beginning to wonder if that isn't what's going on.

He gives small nods to people as they wander past him, adjusting his tunic and trying to make sense of it all. After all the talk in the ride over, he's not sure what to make of it all. People staring, the smiles and generosity. He offers smiles, and he gives little waves at people, but all the while he's got this thought in the back of his mind.

A thought that involves wicker forms and pretty girls in flower crowns and, yeah, sacrifice.

So of course he finds himself standing there, listening to others talk about the blessings and the works of gods and talk of Old Ways and...

"Wait, that was a person?!"

He blurts the words out before he can help himself, back up a step. He's a man who has blown up buildings with people in it, and killed in the name of defense and his country but this is sacrifice.

Exploring

Despite his misgivings, Jake is doing his best to fit in though. Even as crazy as this whole place feels. Except there's something about it that's comforting, when he puts the sacrificial ash out of his mind at least.

The generosity of everyone at the picnic though is nice to see, something he's not used to as he helps set things up. Hanging decorations, setting tables, and generally making himself as useful as people need him to be.

As the events of the week go on, Jake tries and avoid a lot of it. In the end he finds himself helping out at the wedding. He works on the arch when asked, then takes time tending the bonfire so others can party and enjoy themselves. Despite himself, he hates turning down their generosity and after realizing the wine he's given isn't dosed - no judging him! there are sacrificial bones in the square, okay? - he is more than willing to accept another.

As the night winds down, he finds himself sitting by the bonfire, staring into the flames. He's talking to... someone. Himself maybe? Someone nearby?

"It can't be that bad, right? I mean, not even an efsigeeee... wait, that's not right. I mean, no men in wicker, right? All good then. I hope," he mutters, flopping onto his back. Which is when he realizes he's not alone.

"Oh. Hi. Why are you upside down?"

He might not realize he's laying down.

Nocwich (with him coming from any faction)

Given his pendant, Jake takes the time they have in this other city. He's heard stories and there's definitely things going on here that, like so much of this world he's found himself in, is supposed to be stories.

Except like the rest, this isn't.

So there's a curiosity there that has to do with what he thinks is fantasy more than what he's used to. So if he hears anyone talking about vampires or werewolves, he's likely to eavesdrop. Very openly. Maybe a bit rudely.

Wildcard

(Considering factions for Jake. I had him on the tdm before in Free Cities, and open to prompts from there as well if anyone is interesting. Either throw something at him from any of the factions, of Nocwich, or ping me at mythotica for me to write a starter.)

North Wing

[wasalmostdaphne]

"I have no idea. I've been having the weirdest week of my life and I only got here yesterday. I would guess, since we're not from around here, that we're rare and valuable and possibly kidnapping worthy?"

Bay's eyes are focused on Jake's lips more than they are on any other part of his face. And have been since he started talking to her. She takes a bit better to the grimm's fairytale wardrobe she was given with a dark green dress that does amazing things to her hips than she'd like, but she still moves like she has no idea what to do in this dress.

cloud strife ( ff7r )

[unsocials]

THORNE
[ supposedly, he can't just.. leave, and after getting a look at the borders being so heavily guarded, he certainly gets that it's not going to be a simple matter if he tries. even so, he'd made himself scarce pretty much as soon as he was free to do so, and spent the next couple of hours exploring the castle and the surrounding town.

he stops by the library and decides that's a mess best left to others, looks for and doesn't find his personal belongings in his assigned quarters (disappointing), and finally winds up near the outskirts, inevitably drawn to the poorer sections of any city. and more importantly, perhaps, the lights that popped up there as he was drawing near. he winds up walking into the midst of them-- reckless, maybe, but they don't seem harmful, and they remind him of some of the simpler, prettier effects of materia. ]


FREE CITIES
[ cloud's pretty small by soldier standards at home, but that doesn't seem to matter much the minute he gets his hands on a practice sword. sure, his mako-enhanced abilities are missing for now, but his training certainly hasn't gone anywhere. he's still fast and deadly-- maybe a little too deadly for the training field, actually. he can get a little.. lost, especially after what just happened at home.

still, if someone calls him on it, he's swift to apologize.. and also call the training session short. maybe.. maybe he's not really ready to be doing this without taking a little time to process, actually.

otherwise, the military camp feels familiar, like things had been before he'd left shinra employment. it's a little too simple to fall back into old habits, so he's grateful for cadens and the things that take him out of his martial mindset.

although.. the magic workshops are sort of sketchy, right? he's definitely frowning pretty obviously at the display of a lamp, for instance. ] .. Where does the magic.. come from, though? [ this feels like shinra during the early days, when people had thought mako and magic were unlimited resources. ]


SOLVUNN
[ though this place is very different, it admittedly reminds cloud of nibelheim.. a little. it's smaller and slower and simpler than somewhere like midgar, and the focus on farming and community are a lot like his hometown. of course, unlike his hometown, they apparently recently executed someone, and here are her bones. on display, a morbid, awful warning to everyone who sees them.

had she deserved to die? he has no idea, he wasn't here for all that. but the indignity of not being allowed to rest in death is pretty fucked up, even by his standards (and he'd worked for shinra).

still, despite his uneasiness, cloud attends the picnic later, in large part because he gets his calories where he can, and the food here is familiar and enjoyable. he isn't shy about piling his plate high. he also takes the time to observe some of the giant vegetables, filled with a weird, almost painful nostalgia about it. he's sort of an odd figure, though-- slight and blond, but a loner, frowning faintly anytime someone looks his way. seriously, cloud, lighten up a little. ]


WILDCARD
[ he'll also check out nocwich if someone wants to do a thing there. alsjf i know these are pretty generic prompts, so if none of them work, feel free to pm and i'll come up with something specific for our characters! ]

thorne

[ushiri]

[ Even the poorest sections of Castle Thorne's city are nicer than the slums of other cities - there's no one homeless or begging. Kahlil also makes rounds here, where the working class has their neighborhoods. Even frequenting the taverns and other gathering places, people seem content. It makes the difference between here and Nott even more stark. ]

Careful. [ He warns from a near distance, having stopped when he noticed someone standing in the strange lights. ] They're harmless so far, but...

[ He trails off, frowning. They remind him of the will'o'wisps that had wandered into Nott and led him, Reno and Natasha astray. ]

adrian chase 🧜‍♂️ peacemaker (dceu) 🧜‍♂️ free cities

[besthumanfriend]

THE SARSTINA

[ There's no way Adrian's staying in the military barracks. As soon as he can hop a ride to the city he's there, totally incognito - kind of incognito (he needs to steal some clothes that aren't military issue). Everyone says this tavern is the place to go for new Summoned, and he's down to meet some like-minded kidnappees. This is his first kidnapping (as a kidnapped), first interdimensional travel - he was hoping for something a little more scifi, but this is cool too. Very D&D, but like, steampunk.

Really misses his Vigilante suit, though. Would've made a way better impression. As it is, he kind of lurks in the corner, awkwardly bobbing his head to music that isn't playing and waving hopefully at anyone who wanders too close. ]

Hi there! New here. My name's Adrian. [ He motions to his chest. ] Super nice to meet you. Just curious, how much does it cost to rent here? Also, what do people use for money? Or is this like a ye olden times bartering situation? I'm cool with that, personally. I just don't have a lot of stuff right now so...

[ He trails off with a strained, awkward smile. ]

ARTS & SCIENCE WORKSHOPS

[ Done with the color theory class, Adrian is seated with some others who are doing some actual painting. It's a study from life, apparently, as one can tell from the other canvases being worked on by others.

Adrian's painting, however, seems to be from imagination. A dolphin's head gazes up from the water at a wolf looking down at it, the moon hanging over them. It's... not well done, but clearly he's putting in an effort! ]

I think if dolphins and wolves could meet they'd really appreciate each other, you know? They have a lot in common. [ he explains, if anyone ventures to ask. ]

PIMP MY RIDE

Okay, I'm sorry. Just gonna say it. These are really lame. [ he laments to anyone unfortunate enough to be in his vicinity while he's near the voting stand. ]

I mean - look! [ He gesticulates at the vehicles up for vote. ] No flames? No flags? [ He scoffs. ]

Is a demon fighting a centaur painted on the side really too much to ask?

[ This is a hill he is willing to die on. ]

the sarstina (and i'm sorry)

[respiting]

Anyone ever tell you you reek of desperation, kid?

[ Of all the """people""" to have waved over, Adrian unfortunately gets an asshole of a creature who does not identify as a raccoon. Hasn't even got a clue what the hell a raccoon even is. (And it ain't him, all right? It's not.)

As it is, Rocket's got a small kiddie-sized cup of something in one clawed paw and he looks the guy up and down like he's assessing him. ]

I dunno about the rest of that though. I just got here too.

cardan greenbriar . folk of air . the devil

[elfhames]

CADENS

[ it is a larger city that welcomes the high king of elfhame in the very most loose definition.

it’s militant, the one who greets him bearing a similar countenance to his court’s former grand general, though cardan is certain madoc would rip half this place apart before they managed to get their sad little attempt at an introduction in. cardan might have even enjoyed that little display. it’s a passing thought, really, honest, and he believes himself allowed to have some sharp feelings for the situation he was in, fast as he moves from it. nearly as fast as he moves away from the barracks, eager to put distance between himself and all the iron within. he’s little appetite for crossing blades.

the city itself is dizzyingly big for his liking, given the numbness of his magic. this place too stinks of rot and iron, entirely mortal in some unpleasant way and it all settles nauseatingly into his lungs, stomach, shoulders.

it is an oversight that finds himself passing by some doorway to some workshop — though how was he to know? it is an oversight that has his shoulder clipping someone else’s, that has him stumble back. one hand flies to catch onto the passerby, more instinct than politeness, while the other flies out to grip a railing and only when the deep burning sets in does he realize the error: the guardrail is made of wrought iron.

he flinches away, his palm coming away from the metal with an angry, burned line and he bares his teeth and hisses his surprise.

black eyes rise, and if they lock on on someone caught between his grip, he offers a withering smile. ] My apologies, [ he says, though it’s more of a croak, and while he means it near as much as propriety dictates (fae cannot lie), his heart isn’t in it. ] Is there a stables? Near by? [ he needs to leave this stupid place. ]

THORNE

[ well, isn’t this ironic.

he finds himself in the stables and tries, very much, to not think about all the times he had done this very same thing as a child, and, more to the point, how much he still hated such stories.

he sits on a bale of hay with a goblet of fortified wine, long legs folded up, elbows propped against the knees — a silhouette of black clothing, night-black curls and eyes to match, all sharp angles — from the tips of his sharp ears to the irate flicking of a thin, tufted tail. it’s a stormy disposition that does not improve the more time passes and the more the goblet drains — a single glass of barely passable wine will do little, anyway, as he hides himself away amidst the horses and ponders just what it is, exactly, that he should even be doing now that he’s here.

he stares at one for a moment, a dappled grey with a delicate neck and with ears perked up towards him, and he scrunches his nose though subpar wine is hardly the biggest problem in the first place. another long suffered sigh, as he squints out at the nameplate carved by the stall. ] Zephyr, hmm? Maybe you and I ought to go out for a ride. See you earn the name. I’m sure its better than what they might wish of you and I here, hmm?

[ there’s a snort, and should anyone else walk into the stable at this very moment, cardan will give them a withering glance and raise his cup. cheers, he seems to say. or maybe go away. ]

WILDCARD ( he can be dropped anywhere to cause trouble! canon point will be end of wicked king! happy to wildcard/yolo it )

thorne

[ushiri]

[ Kahlil doesn't often frequent the stables. He knows how to ride, though it's not something he does for pleasure or hunting - and with Thorne's various restrictions mixed with their widespread use of portals for travel, there's no other reasons.

What he does sometimes come here for is to flirt with the stablehand, picking up recent gossip from another source. He's on his way out from doing just that when he hears another voice - unfamiliar, and out of curiosity he makes his way in that direction to find a young man conversing with a horse, drink in hand. The withering glance is taken in stride, normally he might take the hint, but this person seems new and he decides to chance a word or two.

Kahlil stands tall, dressed in clothes no finer than the servant class. His long, dark hair is tied back. Nothing in particular marks him as another Summoned. ]

Careful - [ he nods toward the goblet, then the horse, both eyebrows raised and his tone wry ] I hear that one's a lush.

Jacob Frye | Assassin's Creed | The Sun | Free Cities

[rookvision]

[one: obstacle race | the barracks]

[Jacob's head is still spinning by the time he's dressed himself, but he's now a far cry from the slow-blinking, stunned stranger who'd been pushed out of the cave, so there's that at least. The military uniform itches against his skin, a little too starchy and stiff for his own tastes—it's new-made, he thinks. He'd be surprised if they weren't recruiting all these abruptly wayward souls.

Right, he needs to leave the barracks immediately. He's already an Assassin, he'd much rather not be a soldier for a military he barely trusts. He's on his way out when something catches his eye, and he stops to watch an impromptu obstacle race happening right in front of him.

He nudges the nearest person, quite possibly a fellow Summoned, and says:] What did they wager, do you know?

[Because he's going to win it.]

[two: pimp my ride | free cities]

[It's easy enough to melt into the crowds of Cadens when Jacob gets there, two hours later. He gawks at the wonders of the Free Cities, eyes bright with delight at the sight of such new marvels. He's going to like it here, he knows it—Evie would too, he thinks with a pang in his heart. But she's not here, so he takes in the sights alone for the most part.

It was inevitable the parade would draw his attention. He isn't Ned Wynert who's deeply interested in transportation (and the criminal usage thereof), but Jacob knows the future when he sees it, so he pushes through the crowd to get a better view and watch the wagons pass them by. No horses are around to pull these wagons—he's almost gobsmacked to see it.]

Like staring into the future. [Glancing to the side, then nodding to one of the wagons passing by.] That'd make for a lovely tavern. I wonder what's powering them? One of those new internal combustion engines?

[It's magic, but he doesn't know it yet. He's thinking of Pearl Attaway and her internal combustion engines—if they can power an omnibus, he can't see why they can't power these wagons.]

[three: wild card]

[if the above prompts don't grab you, this option is for you. feel free to assume Jacob will also be visiting Nocwich as well as staying in Cadens! or hmu at mollymauktealeaf to hash something out.]

pimp my ride

[aquilus]

[Altaïr hadn't planned for or desired conversation with strangers when he'd decided to take a look at the very odd parade. He must just have one of those faces.]

It's magic.

[An unspoken 'obviously'. Never mind that Altaïr has no idea what an internal combustion engine is, though he could make an educated guess based on the language and be wrong about it.

His gaze slides to the side. No, this isn't anyone he recognizes.]

You're new here.

nikolai lantsov — grishaverse — the fool — thorne

[parce]

thorne

[ He is trying to look unbothered by it all. Closing your eyes in one place, surrounded by familiarity and waking up somewhere quite different would be enough to throw anyone off but Nikolai doesn't want to appear on his back foot. He doesn't want to appear weak so he acts like this happens to him all the time and he falls in like he's been here for an age.

At least the ornate walls of a castle are something easily recognizable. It's not Ravka but it's something and he holds onto that small thing.

He spends the majority of his time walking around the castle which is how he comes upon the spread of sweets. He helps himself because he is hungry and it looks very good. Nikolai cuts himself a healthy piece of the cake and then wanders towards where decorating lessons are being given. He stands back, not wanting to be pulled into any kind of instruction but wanting to listen all the same.

Unfortunately, Nikolai can't avoid being corralled and put to work forever and truthfully, he might have been a little bored so while moving books isn't the most glamorous thing, it gives him something to do.

He opens one of the books that he's been tasked to move and starts reading it, taking a seat on the floor, tucked against one of the shelves to page through and see if he can find out a little more about this place. ]

nocwich

[ When he's able to leave the castle, he does, thinking it the best way to find out more about what he's been dropped into. He's been told by various Summoned that Nocwich is a place where he can meet those from other factions and that's exactly what he hopes to happen.

The marketplace is buzzing as he arrives, vendors and shoppers alike looking for the best deal. Nikolai window shops mostly, not having any kind of currency in his pocket to buy something.

But, he moves from one booth to another, taking it all in before he finds a bench to sit on, stretching his legs out and crossing his arms. ]

ooc

[ Feel free to wildcard whatever you'd like! ]

YES - Nocwich

[itookashot]

[ Jesper always goes to Nocwich for that weekend no matter what's going on in his life because it's a rare chance to leave the Free Cities, and he likes to sneak looks at what other people sell for his own inspiration. One of these days he might even try to sell, who knows. He is familiar with all of Nocwich now, knowing it like the back of his hand.

He is contemplating whether to bring Wylan here the next day since they're still building on where they're at, and he spots a familiar face on his way to the Hunting Grounds. The best part of this place can be doing a little hunting, keeping himself sharp. It's startling to see the 'privateer' here, or at least he thought he was that until figuring out the truth recently.

Well isn't that something!

Jesper grins as he approaches Nikolai and flops down on the bench next to him without any hesitations. He's always comfortable with people.]

Well if it isn't his royal privateer-ness.

quentin coldwater ✧ the magicians ✧ solvunn

[squatmance]

ａ． ａｒｒｉｖａｌ

[This isn't how Quentin recalled the afterlife looking. When he stepped calmly off the post-mortal coil, he was picturing his previous visit to the Underworld: sterile tile, numbered tickets, a bureaucratic expanse. The forest is new, and if he's honest, not entirely unwelcome. It doesn't make sense, though. Another world on the brink of disaster? Another yoke of responsibility, just after he's proven himself incapable of bearing the last one? This doesn't sound like peace, or rest.

Still, he can't help the strange prickle of curiosity that grows as the wagon reaches its destination. Everything about the place calls back to another time, another life spent at the edge of an ancient, welcoming village. The familiarity is both comforting and heartbreaking; a warm blanket over his shoulders, and a punch to the gut, a reminder of something long over. He needs to see more.

He also needs a Xanax and a fourteen-hour nap.]

Hey, what's- [What's this world called? he means to ask, trying to maneuver over the edge of the wagon. The horse gives one last jolt, though, and Quentin topples out, landing face-first in a puddle of mud.

Fucking spring rains, am I right? Hope someone has a ye olde towel.]

ｂ． ａｓｈｅｓ， ａｓｈｅｓ

[Okay, so far this place doesn't seem like the worst, if you ignore the "brink of disaster" bit. But being freshly dead has kind of skewed Quentin's fight-or-flight for the moment, and as he awkwardly watches the festivities and gapes openly at the giant crops, he can feel himself compartmentalizing the bad shit for a later date. Probably tonight, after he finds a quiet corner to freak the fuck out in.

For now, he's still not positive that any of this is real, and that it isn't some death fantasy designed by his brain, letting him play out his high fantasy hero dreams. One detail is giving him pause, however, and he comes to a confused stop in front of the bone ashes. Execution is definitely not tonally consistent with the rest of this town, which otherwise looks like the opening scene of a Disney movie. Brows furrowed in characteristic confusion, he looks over at the nearest person.]

Is this, uh- [Interaction isn't his strong suit.] Does this happen... often? The whole- burning thing?

[Is he going to get Joan-of-Arc'd if he breaks a law? He doesn't even know the laws.]

arrival

[carmesi]

[—that has got to hurt.

the gaggle of children that wanda's leading away from the school and towards the center of the town for them to find their ways home (everyone in the settlement knows everyone) laughs at the display of the man falling face first in a puddle of mud. they're younger, so their understanding of the weight of 'divinity' from the summoned is a little lost on them when something funny happens.

wanda shoos them away, and then makes it over to him, hesitating for a moment before leaning down and touching his shoulder—just a prod.]

Did you break anything?

nicholas d. wolfwood | trigun stampede | the hanged man | solvunn

[diametrically]

solvunn — settling in

[ There's probably something biblical about getting hauled out of a pool of water butt naked into a new world. If he believed in signs or were a more religious man there'd be something there about new beginnings or some shit, but the people that pulled him out of said pool did that for him. In the haze of confusion, hearing that there's no ill will in him and that they've been blessed almost draws a wry, rude laugh out of him but the way his chin is smarting after bashing his chin against some rocks stops him short.

What's even weirder is the fact that this place is so fucking green. The air is green, the surroundings are green. Even the muddy, shitty parts (and by shitty he means the smell of manure) are you guessed it, green. He wanders the markets a little dazed, head throbbing when he spots a pipe and tobacco on one of the stalls. It's not a cigarette, but it'll do. Same thing, right? ]

Uh, I can give you a blessing or something in return. Can't say I have anything else to my name right now unless... [ His eyes trail over to the nearest person beside him. Also why yes, there is a giant bruise beginning to form on the bottom of his chin.] my friend here wants to spot me something in good faith?

solvunn — a weekend of weddings

[ Playing the "priest" card to get a hold of some basic essentials has backfired on him. Who would have thought? It served him well until the soon to be wedded couple came to him asking him to perform their ceremony. He'd tried to correct them, tell them that he was more of an undertaker than a priest (whoever thought that undertaker was the same thing as a priest definitely had a screw or two loose - but he's used to that sort, isn't he?). Unfortunately, something about how damn welcoming and hopeful the couple were when they'd heard that he was priest-adjacent and were more than open to what his take on a wedding was made it difficult to turn them down.

He'd never openly admit that their starry eyed, warm smiles was the reason he agreed. If he had to give anyone an answer, he'd go to his own grave saying that what really swayed him had been the promise of several boxes of hand rolled cigarettes and an extra set of clothes. A man can only live in itchy tunics and sandals for so long, okay?

So you may find him just before the last day of the ceremony (hours before really) scribbling out his ceremonial script, cigarette gritted between his teeth. Unfortunately a goat seems to have mistaken his script for its second breakfast and is rushing away with, it determined to play keep away. ]

Fuck - someone stop that goat!

[ Or you may find him afterward the ceremony, enjoying more of the drink and less of the music. There's no skirting around how...weird his ceremony was. The couple seem pleased enough, but how you perceived it is entirely up to you. It seems they forgot to throw in some matches with his spoils. How stupid would it be to use the giant bonfire to light up his cigarette? Probably really dumb. ]

Yo, got a light? I'm out.

nocwich —

[ The sudden darkness of Nocwich is a far cry from Solvunn. Not that he's complaining. It's just different and he's barely gotten used to all of the life and greenery around him. Now he has to get used to vampires and werewolves? Talk about a place doing a guy's head in.

But much like a cat he's always landed on his feet. And there's more to this visit than just sight seeing. He'd be lying (and he will) if he said that he had hoped to find some kind of familiar face here so long as it was a vaguely friendly one and not his former boss or associates. He's still got little to his name and the locals here don't seem as enamored with a priest, but he browses the stalls anyway, taking in the oddities.

It isn't long before he stops to stare at a food stall selling deliciously large skewers of meat. His stomach growls noisily and he casts a glance around, making awkward eye contact with someone near by. ]

What? You've never seen a guy react to a sizzling stick of meat before?

wildcard —

( Hit me me with something random! Give me a curveball! Or hit me up via plurk @ timescars/discord/DM for something specific. Also, I will say that I am on the fence about apping + new to WW so please be kind klajhsdf )

wedding

[aquaveiled]

[ Weird? Yes, the ceremony was a little weird, but after a few days of celebration they could have had Eli the goat conduct the ceremony and it would have made enough sense to her. If anything she thought his style was...amusingly laid back. Which did kind of fit some aspects of Solvunn's community. More-so she found it interesting that a newcomer somehow either offered or got roped into it.

But enjoying drink is usually where you can find her and where Himeka inevitably runs into the newest member of the local clergy (apparently). She's taking a hearty drink from her drinking horn when he happens to ask her for a light.

Which may or may not be a worse idea than going up to the bon fire for one. ]

Sure, what kind would you like?

[ She wiggles her fingers and four small orbs of Dancing Lights appear up around her. ]

They can come in different colors.

vash the stampede | trigun stampede | death

[boltaction]

> solvunn - unattended

[ he can't get over how green this place is.

sure, both ships five and three had their arboretums, but they had been carefully maintained and manicured. nothing had been allowed to run amok; the flowers were pruned regularly and the trees were trimmed back when their growth spun out too far in one direction over the other. the upkeep had been meticulous and everything was documented, from the water retention of the soil to the oxygen saturation.

the same cannot be said for the wild nature of solvunn. the humans here let the grass grow as high as his knees, preferring to let the grazing of their livestock keep any overgrowth in check. anything that their goats weren't keen to nip to size, it was nothing a couple hours swinging a sickle couldn't manage. and then they'd bundle that, too, setting it out to dry for the winter months.

the diversity of the flora here is also beyond his wildest imagination. it reminds him of aged pastoral paintings he'd seen long ago while browsing the holo-library when he was young. their pale blue skies and abundant forests reflected an old earth he himself would never get to experience except through the artistic medium of long-dead artists, encyclopedias, and documentaries.

and yet, here it is. right at his fingertips.

he's standing just at the edge of the settlement, bent at the waist, fingers gently cupping the head of a wild daisy like it's the most wonderful thing he's ever seen... and not just a common weed. ]

> solvunn - a weekend of weddings

[ the minute vash had stepped foot into the clearing where the primary celebrations were halfway between still being set up and already in full swing, he'd drafted himself into helping. nothing was too small or too laborious. he helped stack chopped wood near the bonfires, delivered baskets of flowers and reeds to the people braiding together the ceremonial arch, and even assisted a rowdy group of little girls weave ribbons through their plaits. that last one had been the most difficult-- he still wasn't used to his new prosthetic, and anything that asked for fine motor skill was, uh, a learning process. thankfully they'd been mercifully patient and happy with the final results.

when he'd moved to find some new place he might be needed, a woman had gently forced him back into his seat and put a flagon in his hands, telling him that he ought to take it easy. she insisted. a nearby man had grunted in affirmation, making vash flush bashfully. instead of making excuses, or trying to assure them that he really liked making himself useful, he responded: ]

Thank you for the drink... I will.

[ neither of them leave him be until he's drank at least half the contents of the mug in his hands. by then it feels like a waste to not finish it down to the drop; it didn't hurt that it was also really delicious. so he settles in, legs loosely crossed at the ankles, sipping his mead as a colorful tapestry of people, music, and dance wreathes around him.

it's been an age since he's truly been able, or allowed, to relax, and he guesses it must have been be obvious. ]

> nocwich

[ nocwich is both darker and brighter than he expected. before stepping through the portal, he'd been told that the land that lay across the magical divide was enshrouded in eternal night. he'd been prepared to watch his step as reality shimmered and melted around him, expecting to need a moment for his eyes to adjust, only to be greeted by the warm and myriad lanterns of oleuni square. though it's a far cry from the midday sun he'd just left behind, it's not so drastically different as to leave him blinded.

if vash weren't so used to the markets that established themselves at the gangplanks of docked sandsteamers back on no man's land, the sheer magnitude of the sights, smells, sounds, and the throng of people responsible for it all might've otherwise been overwhelming. instead he steps into the crowd as if this were his hundredth visit and not his first, eager to familiarize himself. he lingers at several stalls, longer at the ones selling food, before one spilling over with an abundance of strange flowers takes a firm hold of his attention.

he reaches to touch one of the softly glowing blossoms, and thinks better of it, dropping his hand instead to fish into his jacket pocket where he'd stashed a few coin for the trip. ]

How much? And, uh, how do you care for it? Should I put it somewhere dark?

Nocwich

[cointosser]

[Jaskier often takes his trips to Nocwich solely for pleasure, but this time he has much more intention. While he is taking his first steps into true venture capitalism, he is mostly figuring it out as he goes.

Which… it simply makes sense to scope out his competition, doesn’t it? Or to even scalp their customers? Not all plant stores are created equal, and Jaskier is sure already his is destined to be the best.

No one said the market had to be fair.

So Jaskier is mostly overheating the conversation with a curious eye, but when the questions come and the vendor hesitates a second too long (being only one second), Jaskier sweeps in next to him with a rustle of his red leather coat and a smile.] You really must be careful asking the merchants for advice. [But Jaskier doesn’t hesitate to throw the man a bag of coins, enough for Vash to take his plant and then one.] They’ll give you terrible advice so your plants die and you come back more often. You’d have much better luck at a proper green witch.

nicholas d. wolfwood, trigun stampede / strength

[yoke]

[ it's a moment of clarity you only get in those precious last moments; whether you're bleeding out in the desert, on a couch, or in his case, drowning in the void. actually, the sensation of drowning in and of itself is a novel one, something that wolfwood had never thought he'd ever experience given the fact that he'd crossed an entire godforsaken desert with no body of water in sight just to babysit some alien psychopath's twin brother, but hey. cross that off his bucket list.

did you find a reason to put down your cross? conrad had asked him. at the time, wolfwood didn't have an answer. he still doesn't. he doesn't know what's worse: not finding a reason to, or finding one. each step across that wasteland of a planet felt like digging himself deeper and deeper into his own grave; can you hit rock bottom if all that's left is sand? or now, nothing at all?

and it's in the middle of his existential crisis that he feels a hand grab his, hauling him up to the surface. wolfwood coughs up water, soaked and naked and looking like the spitting image of a drowned stray cat, but thankfully (?) alive. a weird backwards baptism, he's off to a great start already. ]

>1. solvunn - local undertaker touches grass for the first time
[ there's a moment when he's finally brought to the settlement and left to his own devices where wolfwood stands in the middle of it all and just. stays there. takes a deep breath in, deep breath out, and squints directly above him at the sky. everything is so very green, yes, of course, but he can take a breath without getting a lungful of sand, which is amazing in its own right. there's actually a distinct lack of sand in general, which is also nice.

this is the kind of scenery he's only seen in books back at the orphanage and later, on ship three. but neither of those compared to this. wolfwood lowers to a squat where he is and puts his hand right in the earth, sinking his fingers into the grass and soft soil, something akin to childlike wonder briefly crossing his face.

afterwards, wolfwood can be found hitting up the picnic, because no one says no to free food, even when you've been highkeylowkey kidnapped. wolfwood may be genetically enhanced, but he could do with a couple more bowls of stew, honestly. from there, he'll wander around the settlement and can be found lingering near crowds and listening in on conversations as he helps out with chores, taking note of the discussions regarding the recent execution. nice to know that certain things don't change no matter how picturesque the place may look. otherwise, catch him chilling with the livestock, more specifically the chickens, cleaning the enclosures and replenishing the feed with something like a practiced hand. ]

>2. nocwich - local undertaker (re)discovers gambling
[ unsurprisingly, nocwich is a little more his speed, if only because wolfwood has been to his fair share of shady places while looking equally shady himself. the effect is a little ruined now that he has his new digs and is without his glasses, but whatever. he makes a circuit of the marketplace, and while there are some things that catch his eye, he ends up checking out the gambling den.

wolfwood isn't a gambler by trade, but he is a liar and a bit of a cheat, which means he'll hopefully manage to win a few small hands if he plays his cards right. it's mostly just an excuse to snoop around more, listening in on conversations amongst the other players as he moves from one table to the next, maybe sneaking a drink or two with his small winnings.

he doesn't stay long, though, either because someone has caught onto his cheating or someone decided to get salty about a stranger taking their winnings. in any case, wolfwood slips out of there quickly just as two or three of the locals get up from their seats, checking his surroundings before sidling up next to whoever's closest. ]

You hungry? I'll get you something to eat.

[ please just go along with it. ]

>3. wildcard
[ if none of the above strike your fancy, feel free to throw something else at me! or shoot me a pm and i'd be more than happy to come up with something more specific 👌🏻 ]

Nocwich

[wasalmostdaphne]

[Bay came in mostly to see where the high rollers were. Not- to play, but the Gambling Halls were well lit and she was hoping to see some useful information. Reading the lips of anyone who looks overly important. Also while she looked for her sister, if she was here too.]

[She's paying a bit more attention to the shadows around her, people moving and milling. She knows that watching without playing can get a girl in trouble. And that she doesn't want to play having seen her brother end up five digits deep in the hole. So when a shadow is definitely too close to her she jerks her head to see who it is, and what he says. Catching the end of it.]

Sure? Food sounds great. You're buying, right?

[She hasn't a single idea who this guy is, but she does know 'guy on the wrong side of gambling trouble' when she sees it, and she's not entirely ready to make a scene and throw this guy under the bus. Yet.]

eliot waugh » the magicians — the star.

[pendejadas]

( NOCWICH ) » holy fucking magic;

{ he's not sure how it happened. throughout the years, there has been much unsavory thrown at him and his friends. when he thought he was done with one near world-ending event, another came rolling by. he was still reeling over the fact that magic is back. at least there is some in the new world he landed.

he was being told way too much information than he'd care to gather while his mind kept reeling. he understood the important bits soon enough as he's past the hazy cloud of confusion. not that eliot isn't accustomed to all sorts of haze. there's a sense of disappointment when he tries to see if he can catch a glimpse of margo or quentin in the castle. hell, even penny would do.

when he's told about a magic portal to nocwich, he takes to it immediately. he's used to portals and lightly is reminded of the foundations in the neitherlands. the ones that lead to different worlds. hopefully it's not those. he still risks it.

eventually eliot can figure what the hell is going on. it's not as if he's not used to it. fillory put him through enough bullshit that a man dating a koala didn't phase him eventually. too bad he is without his bottomless flask. he makes sure to wave whoever's attention he can gather as he scrolls down the shops at the marketplace. }

Is there a bar around here?

{ yeah, priorities. if he fails, he follows the path leading towards the hot springs, and he stands outside of them for a moment. it's been a rush of week with his magic simmering underneath, awaiting to regrow. he might actually need a minute as he leans against the wall. it is a lot. eliot just won't admit to it as he collects himself so he can go inside. months without magic, and now it's suddenly back. }

( THORNE ) » home sweet home, but less apocalypse?

{ it could all be a twisted joke. then again, the castle seems as real as the one in fillory. eliot cannot deny the similarities and there's a tinge to thinking about his time as high king. he tried his best, but even when he did great there were forces that set him back. when he enters the cake decorating area, all he can think is that it's a prime distraction. his eyes sparkle a little when he sees the baked goods. }

Huh. At least it's not little cakes.

{ since gods can go fuck off and all that. he hasn't had a great experience with any of them. he might roll his eyes if he sees a little cake, but for now it's cupcakes. the thing is, eliot loves to cook and baking is an extension. it's not something he revealed to many except margo. it seems lacking without her here. she'd pushed him in ways no one else has been able to, and he'd gladly hold her flower if anyone caught her wrath. instead of lamenting over it, eliot takes some of the decorating materials and sets to craft a rose over one cupcake, one that reminds him of her. he adds details that take him a few minutes and it seems lifelike from a distance by the time he's adding thorns along the sides. }

࿐
{ if he's not wandering, eliot does end up where he was told would be his roommates. he hasn't spent much time at his bed. it's not as if he hadn't grown up with too many brothers that he had to share with and can't handle it. three other roommates is manageable even if he's beyond it. it's the reason he moved to brakebills so he didn't have to share. eliot keeps occasionally coming back to see if there's someone interesting enough to talk to. at one point, he inspects the curtains with a disproving light shake to the fabric. }

They need more color.

{ he sighs, flicking the curtain before lowering his voice. he'd seen the magic lessons around, but he's yet to try it out. of course he's eager, but... it's been a whole quest to bring it back. he decides to take a step back and tries to bring forth his discipline of telekinesis by flicking his wrist. nothing happens at first, but then the curtain budges slightly. it's weak. he seems to be restricted for now. better than having no magic, he supposes. }

( WILDCARD )

ooc; throw me any scenerios. i see him in thorne i can't have two in solvunn ah. still don't know exactly from what canon point, but here we go it ain't gonna be s5 slfk. somewhere in s3 most likely. pms are open if you have any questions!!

thorne

[ushiri]

[ Not three roommates. Just the one.

Kahlil's had this room to himself for about a month now. With no one else appearing with a Summoning and no one else needing to suddenly vacate their old room (like him), he's been able to have his own space, even if it was always meant to be temporary. Even so, he's kept to his own side of the room rather than spreading out. His few personal effects are neatly stored beneath his bed. And Kahlil himself is sitting on the bed when the new arrival enters, untying his boots to place them at the foot of the bed. He's tall, though it's hard to tell when he's seated, his shoulder-length hair tied back. His knuckles and hands are scarred with thin, razor straight lines.

He lifts his head, watching with faint curiosity as the stranger plucks at the curtains - and then attempts something. A small gesture, an even smaller movement of the fabric. Kahlil frowns slightly. ]

What are you trying to do?

Nina Zenik | Grishaverse | Thorne + Nocwich | undecided on arcana bc you can't rush inspiration

[prelest]

Thorne: Cupcakes
[ Waking up in an unfamiliar place, far from home, surrounded by strangers, isn't exactly Nina's idea of a grand time. This certainly doesn't make up for it - but at least it gentles the discomfort a little bit. ]

Oh.

[ She sighs in ecstasy as she takes another bite of the prize-winning cake. And, because she is a delicate lady with delicate manners, she swallows (most of) that bite before she speaks to the pastry chef responsible for this masterpiece: ]

Usually something this pretty tastes absolutely horrible. But this is - Mm! What's the herb in here - oh, it's lavender, isn't it? Wonderful! But it's so beautiful to look at that it almost breaks my heart to eat it.

[ A patently insincere sentiment: as she eats another hunk of cake, her eyes glitter with avarice, not grief. And then she turns to the person beside her and says: ]

Have you tried this? It might actually complete you as a person. I think it's making me more spiritually whole.

Thorne: Magic lessons
[ Nina attends magic lessons quite assiduously, of course. And, no great surprise, she excels immediately. It tickles her a bit that they call this magic, when it's clearly a science like any other, but that's a sentiment she keeps to herself; it's clear enough that the people here like thinking of this as part of a great mystical tradition, and she's not going to borrow trouble by challenging that viewpoint.

But skill at the Small Science lends itself to understanding this science. So, within only a few lessons, she's mastered the shield of light (smiling wonderingly on the first day to herself to think that she's wielding something like Sankta Alina's power in her hands). And she sits with it firmly in place, watching the students who are struggling with something that's maybe a little smug. ]

Nocwich: Various
[ Upon first arriving in Nocwich, Nina feels uncomfortable. The eternal gloom that shrouds the place feels eerie - maybe even dangerous. But you know what really helps with a place making you uncomfortable? Finding out that place has a glorious set of hot springs and a full spa with tea and really fluffy towels. Who can worry about a volcra hiding out there in the dark when they're immersed to their chin in hot water?

Nina can be found cheerfully naked in the hot springs. She can be found also sorting through the trinkets at the market, wrinkling her brow in confusion as she tries to figure out what exactly the liquid in this necklace is. And she can be found watching the plays, head cocked in concentration as she considers what she might glean about the people who wrote it. ]

Cupcakes.

[wasalmostdaphne]

[Bay had grown bored decorating cupcakes she didn't bake, and decided her life was very weird and it would be better with cake. Unlike some people she was taking smaller bites to get a better sense of what was in the cakes she was trying. And she was taking notes about the flavor and ingredients for later attempt to recreate it herself.]

[Which she was weirdly good at as another sign of how this life she was apparently good in the kitchen.]

Were you talking to me?

[Bay barely caught the woman talking out of the corner of her eye, but turned only to catch the last few words. And 'spiritually whole' was not really enough context to have any idea what she was on about.]

Dante Reyes >>> Fast X >>> The Tower

[dante_enchante]

<<< Thorne - Arrival >>>

Two minutes. Two full minutes Dante had once died while floating in water like this. Lost, consciousness ebbing until there wasn't anything but darkness. Not remembering the hands that pulled him out then even as a hand grabs him now. Fighting both against the hold and to grip their forearm hard, hauling himself up and out of the water with a man who might brag about his death (two minutes of it) but wasn't ready to relive it.

He flops back onto the stones, gulping down breaths of air, the world around him coming into sudden and sharp focus. The light. The voices of other. The uncomfortable scrape of stone across his butt as he sits up. There's talk about where he is, but none of it makes sense. Blinking as he pushes sodden strands of his hair out of his eyes.

"Where are my clothes?"

Someone comes forward with... okay there's cloth involved but...

"No, not that. My clothes. Something with a designer label?"

Whatever the hell this is, it's not going well already.

<<< Thorne - Castle and settling in >>>

He's still wrapping his head around how they did it, but that whole magic hand wave tailor thing is something Dante could get used to. A pair of Gucci slippers would be nice, and something with some real color, but it's a start.

Wandering through the castle, Dante handles himself like he owns the place. Sure it's not the villa in Rio but a castle in wherethefuckistan he is might be the next best thing. Listening though the entire time, one to be patient while he gathers all the information he needs to make his move.

There's definitely no denial of a slice of cake or two, and when they mention decorating cupcakes, he figures why not. It's actually a lot of fun making a handful of lavender cupcakes, indulgent in frosting and touched with whatever sparkling edible glitter or dragees might be about.

He glances up at someone else doing the same. "So... you around for this so called execution I heard about?"

Definitely cake decorating talk, right? He might be a bit too interested as he dabs a bit of the frosting onto a spoon and casually licks it off.

The whole concept of a shared bedroom is kind of beyond Dante. Only child syndrome much? He considers the room from the door, moving to one of the beds. He pokes at the pillows and toys with the curtains before flopping down onto the bed with a sound of pure disgust as he drags a pillow closer and shoves it under his head.

"If someone snores, I'm going to find some creative uses for that protection spell," he mutters. "I am not losing my beauty sleep."

<<< Thorne - Magic lessons and Playing in the Stacks >>>

Magic is real. Magic. Actual wizards and witches and spells and freaking real. There's a lot of science and technology that runs pretty damn close to what he thinks of as magic, the God's Eye for one. This though, this is the closest Dante has come to feeling like a kid in a long time... except that he's never really grown up.

He takes the field though, listening as they recite the magic words. He goes over them in his head as others around him practice. Some work. Some pop in blinding light.

Only when he's sure he's got them does Dante try. At first there's nothing but a second time, with more of a conviction to the words, and there's a shield of light before him.

"Well I'll be damned." He's grinning though, his mind already going over the possibilities of what he could do with actual magic at his fingertips. None of it is good.

Later when he's looking for more information on magic, he finds himself voluntold to help move books. Maybe less told and more compliments to his strength and physique but whatever it was, it worked.

He's supposed to be moving books. What he's actually doing is perched on a stack of books in a corner, flipping through anything he can find on magic. He might be in the way but he hasn't thought about that yet.

<<< Nocwich >>>

"Vacation time. Better be worth it."

Not that Dante's done much since he arrived, but he's heard talk and done a bit of research in the time he's had, and he's curious about the access they have... and others he might run into.

He might be playing up the idea of a vacation but the truth is, Dante is eager to gather information. It might take time, but then he's used to lying low and finding out everything he needs to know and putting it all into place.

He's also interested in spoiling himself. He's a man of both worlds.

So he checks out the shows offered, explores the gambling dens to take in how the odds seem to play, and finds himself wandering the market. At one point he finds a ribbon in practically the right shade of purple, and he glances up with puppy dog eyes at the nearest person.

"Buy a new guy a hair tie?"

<<< Wildcard >>>

(ooc: open to pretty much anything in Thorne or Nocwich. He's likely to be exploring everywhere to lay down the groundwork for his new kingdomlife. I can be found at mythotica to discuss details or bounce ideas off of.)

Nocwich market

[blackeyedprince]

Kell stares, not in the slightest respectfully, at the mountain of a man making sweetest puppy eyes at him.
The werewolf owner of the stand shamelessly giggles her heart out right as she shots him a pointy look and coos.

"Come on, Kell, don't be a miser."

He looks around. Their little scene has already begun to attract attention. Kell lets out a tortured groan. Seriously, last thing he needs now is a spectacle.

"Fine."

He drops the coins on her outstretched palm, takes the ribbon from her ignoring the wide toothy grin she flashes at him. He passes the ribbon to the guy.

"There. Welcome to Abraxas"

Or something. Kell's deep scowl doesn't match his words.