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

what's a touching reunion without a meat incident

[squatmance]

[The jostling escape through the marketplace is a blessing, really. It gives Quentin time to make a last-ditch effort at composure, clenching his jaw and measuring his breath and trying to school his face into something other than stuttering shock. By the time Eliot's long strides slow to a halt, though, stunned reaction has turned into panicked rumination, and Quentin struggles to form any intelligent words.]

You're- [A start.] I'm- [Keep going, buddy.] What-

[He shakes his head. A million frantic questions are begging to be asked - Are you okay? Are you you? Is this real? - but the more he thinks, the less any of the words make sense. So on pure impulse, he makes the one move that does, and pulls Eliot into a tight, desperate hug.

Then, muffled by fabric and bony shoulder:] Hi.

[stations]

( Congratulations and greetings, it is he, captain socially oblivious himself, here to steal the crown and not even realize he's wearing it. On the bright side (or... maybe not), Jack seems both aware of the fact that he's unaware, and fully just does not care. Nary one single fuck given about it. Kanye shrug.

The follow-up inspires a soft ah. Yeah, no, that's... a way more sensible and obvious question. )

It's, um... kind of... both? It's something that sort of happened to me back home, or that I had no control over, but when I got here the Singularity amped it up, like, a thousand percent, and I started accidentally making all kinds of shit at random, which... could be really bad, like- one time I made a goose. I don't know if you've ever met a goose, but those things are fucking terrifying. They have teeth and dead eyes. So, I started taking lessons, and now I can do this--

( He holds up a cup of coffee. It wasn't in his hand, and then it was. There are no special effects, no magical glitter, no Harry Potter words or neat hand gestures. It's comedically underwhelming, but also... hot. Hot coffee. He offers the mug out. )

Coffee?

[parce]

We hadn't met, then.

[ Not yet, at least. He'd been aware of her and he'd wanted to find her but it hadn't yet happened.

He grimaces slightly at the mention of the Darkling but makes no further comment. ]

And what was happening now? The last thing you remember.

[parce]

That is what happened to me. It's one of my more unusual entrances, I'll admit. I don't normally like going so naked without it being my choice but looks like I had little say in the matter.

[ And he'd been given clothing quickly enough. He wasn't modest but it had been confusing. ]

Nikolai. A pleasure, Eliot. Were you also trying to get yourself out of the eye line of the insane librarian?

[parce]

You know, I hadn't given it much thought because there has been so much to think about but now that you've said it?

[ Well, of course that would be what he created. Who wants to visit a stuffy, old Ravkan castle when you could visit an air ship?

It would have to go to the top of the priority list. ]

You would have done well as one of my crew, I believe. Your friend, the sour faced one, would have hated it.

[ordinar]

[The poor pastry chef busies himself with the nearest person who is not...them. Wilhelm does take care to step out of the way, so others can feast their eyes — and their mouths — on the displayed cakes. Shaking his head, he affects a pout and a pitying tone.]

He's not a true believer.

[Just as fast, his expression cracks back into a grin.]

I'm Wilhelm. New around here?

nocwich - plays

[theidlemaiden]

[ Already taking her job Very Seriously, Hilda is attending one of the Nocwich plays for perhaps the first time since arriving in Abraxas. It isn't that she's never a vested interest in the art of stage play - she did - but sometimes when you're at the hot springs you completely lose track of time and end up spending your allotted three days in a spa-filled bliss.

The play comes to a close and as the applause fades, Hilda turns to the pretty brunette woman beside her, tearfully dabbing with a handkerchief at the corner of her eyes. Whether or not they're real tears is hard to say, but Hilda certainly looks misty eyed. A notebook sits open in her lap with notes about the performance scribbled in short hand. ]

I wasn't sure what to expect with this one but I thought it was lovely! What did you think?

[supersoldier]

Real rich, indeed. He continues to look at him evenly, and for what it's worth, it's often hard to agitate Sephiroth beyond a simmer. His frustration bubbles beneath the surface, but he doesn't believe that Rude is lying to him, withholding information. Shinra has levels and level of security, and even a Turk's is going to come up short when it comes to the dirtiest laundry, the ugliest skeletons in the company's closet.

But that Nibelheim would qualify? Why? To save face? To what degree?

"And what did that entail?"

[itookashot]

For now it's better, but there's no telling if it'll be forever. They haven't revealed what they want from us there.

[ And Jesper really assumes that they want something from them. What's the point of all of this otherwise? Thorne in his opinion has already kind of explained what their intentions are; they wanted to be close to the Singularity and the Summoned can do that. Free Cities and Solvunn are a question mark, outside of maybe wanting to balance their own Summoned in existence against the others. ]

Free Cities at least have more freedom though. You can make your own business, rent or buy and live other places, basically build a life. It may not be a shiny castle, but it reminds me more of Ketterdam. In the desert.

[ Although not as corrupt and fun, but there is a lot of freedom there. And it is why Jesper is grateful most of them ended up there, he would have hated going anywhere else. Jesper knows his way around so he finds a bench he's been on before that's just enough out of the way that it isn't an obvious eavesdrop location. He settles down and tugs her with him. ]

I have a lot of friends in Thorne though, you're in good company. They'll help get you up to date with all info. There's a woman there, Natasha, who is a professional spy where she's from. I think you'd get along.

[carmesi]

(ooc: fits right in with the avengers on the Extra department. also sorry for the delay!! excited to see rocket in the reserves ✨)

Then you haven't met people who don't put stock on currency.

[fingers unfurled, she lets rocket take the three coins and do with them what he wills. maybe he will make a little fortune before the end of the day—he seems the enterprising type.

she shrugs, bringing her hands to rest back down on her lap.]

Things are different here in Solvunn. [wanda knows she said this already.] You'll get more out of people if you offer to help with their gardens or fixing their homes and tools. For being a Summoned here, you will be given gifts and treated well. Just overlook their weird cult-y behavior if it's not harmful.

[and she is well aware of how solvunn as a commune comes off. she turns her head to look at him.]

Have you met Nanaue yet? He's a man-shark. [shark-man?] He's got a bit of a following.

[carmesi]

[at his using his own sleeve to try and wipe off the mud from his face, wanda pulls her hand, bringing her shawl closer to herself. well, at least it seems like he has a sense of himself.

no one wants to be a nuisance.]

There are rivers all over. [she says lightly.] I'll show you to the closest.

[there is one that runs across a nearby grove of trees, with step-like waterfalls that lead the way down the hill into a small lake. wanda makes sure that he's on his feet proper before guiding him there; it's a long enough walk that some of the mud will dry on his skin and clothes, but surely that won't be a problem for long.]

Wanda. [her way of introducing herself, glancing over at him.] How are you feeling, being here? It can be disorienting.

matching icons yooo

[carmesi]

[wanda may not have been able to see her boys grow to be teenagers, but she remembers herself at the age of this girl—angry and not wanting people to sugarcoat everything when she already knew the world was a scary, unfair place.

so, she doesn't push about whether the girl is okay. instead, she answers her question, nodding.]

It felt... overwhelming.

[from her end, so she can imagine how max must have been feeling, all by herself. this is a break from those thoughts, from that pain; at least she hopes so.]

Was that the moment when you were pulled out from the ritual pool?

[to be that vulnerable and tossed right into something, in many ways, equally terrifying and confusing. it must not have been easy.]

My name's Wanda. I've been here a while. I've... also had a broken house and a red sky haunting me. [a slight shake of her head, before she asks,] Not the same one, though.

[carmesi]

Oh.

[a pause—]

That has to be disconcerting.

[to put names to faces and faces to names, but having no recollection of the location of where those are familiar from. to have no recollection of the events, of the day-to-day events that transpired.

as they step towards an expanse of green and a single path that leads towards the farm, she has to ask before something unspools just underneath the surface.]

Are you alright?

[carmesi]

Oh, they'd definitely be classified as stuffy.

[wanda thinks of stephen and istredd, but does not actually consider the adjective as a negative one, necessarily.]

But you will find some people there are kind of... cool.

[well, she's only really thinking of natasha. she embodies that more so than any of the summoned there, and she is certain no one will tell her she's wrong (or otherwise biased).

wanda turns to him.]

You have a castle, or are you pulling my leg?

[theidlemaiden]

Getting things that remind you of home and the people from home is really important. [ As she peers down at the flower put in front of her she glances back up at him with a softer expression than one that she had before. ] The person it reminds you of must be important to you too for you to pick something this pretty.

[ But then hearing that he's new, her face immediately lights up like a Christmas tree. ]

I know it's a little belated, but welcome to Abraxas. I'm Hilda. Is this your first time in Nocwich?

[yoke]

[ it's definitely fancier than worm meat. but it sounds like it's a staple here, which isn't so surprising given the variety of cuisine he's seen in solvunn alone.

thancred's already got him figured out, though. while wolfwood may be able to hide his newness to some at first glance, he can't fool those that have been here long enough. so he figures he may as well be honest— ]

Never hurts to have a little more coin. [ the eye doesn't exactly give out a stipend whenever he's in between jobs or in the midst of one. ] And Solvunn's not a place with deep pockets.

[aquilus]

The castle protected us when our enemies would have had us wiped out.

[But it's said without much heat. Masyaf is his home, and the fortress has a practical purpose, but he can see the wisdom of being less conspicuous; all the harder then to block their efforts on behalf of the people.

(He doesn't bat an eye at Jacob not recognizing his name. Why would he? It's not as though Altaïr will ever be an Assassin legend.)]

After so long, I doubt much knowledge of a single master Assassin would have survived. I'm unhappier that it seems the Templars have.

[parce]

Is there a reason you're staring?

[ He'd felt eyes on him for awhile and he'd let it happen, trying to see if she'd say something. When she doesn't, Nikolai peers up at her, arching an eyebrow. ]

Or do you just enjoy my face that much?

[parce]

Swapped...pasts?

[ That gets his attention a little more fully. ]

What magic caused that?

[gynvael]

[ Mm. Solvunn. Not the most rousing place to be. Quiet, though, from what he's heard. He hasn't set foot there. On occasion, he's considered what it would be like had he chosen to go there instead of the Free Cities. But he made his decision back then, inside Thorne's dungeons. He doesn't regret being with the people who matter most to him.

Even if the sweltering heat is a permanent thorn in his side for someone who grew up in the northern mountains. Still, after nearly two years, he's acclimated well enough.

Speaking of. That is, in fact, where he's from. ] Good guess.

[ Observant, isn't he? Geralt slides onto the wobbly stool before granting the rarest of things: an introduction that includes his name. He's reaching for his mug of ale at the same time, though it's entirely possible to mistake the gesture for a handshake. ]

Geralt of Rivia.

very green and very fresh 🤔

[yoke]

[ he doesn't exactly hide his newness—it's hard to when he's surrounded by things that he's only ever seen in pictures rather than in person. the soil is likely something everyone here is already used to, but wolfwood marvels at how cool it feels around his fingers, softer than he expected it to be.

himeka catches him before he can withdraw his hand though, and he blinks up at her momentarily as he attempts to think of an excuse. ]

Nah, just— you know. Checking if it needs watering.

[ nailed it. ]

[mobezon]

{ he does note the leg, a prosthetic that seems advance. it’s a curious aspect, but louis is looking respectfully. ah, and then the arm. technological advances were not that far even in the modern times he knew. there’s astonishment in his expression. }

Believe me. I’ve only been here about four months and it still feels vast. Assuming you’ve only been here, there’s two other factions. We are unable to access them, but you can meet others from there at Nocwich, which is the first weekend where the portal appears. It’s not accounting the Singularity. Sometimes I think I’m too old for this.

{ despite his body being just as it was when he turned in his early thirties, he’s immortally healthy and stronger than ever. yet, his mind has grown with the passage of time and it’s the heaviest some days.

he motions to the vast pastures, finding the cool air rather refreshing. there are some strange floating lights in the distance that recently appeared, and since they are a bit off there is a sparkle in the distance. he hasn’t gone to them yet. }

Some days it’s easier to enjoy Solvunn for what it offers.

[mobezon]

Oui. I was told we’re the smallest faction so we all stick out as Summoned. { it really isn’t difficult to pick up when he hasn’t seen someone around. his mind is sharp in terms of memorizing. he’s not about to say he can hear a different heartbeat rhythm. louis is odd, but he knows what’s up and adapts remarkably. he’s also had a century worth of being poise, so don’t feel bad.

his mouth twitches, slightly amused by the radiating nerves. }

Just don’t piss off the gods. { a slight motion to the ashes, and then a shrug. he doesn’t agree with them so far, but louis isn’t about to cause a stir workout research. } You can also make your own vanilla fantasy in the Horizon. It’s a place that wills to ourselves in whatever we want to create as a domain. But, you’ll need someone to take you there if you want to access it. Are you saying you’ve gone to other worlds?

[pendejadas]

Definitely not what I’d considered a good time, but we do what we can.

{ he’d also was given some nice clothes, and he made sure he got a fresh cut and took full advantage once he realized what was going on. which includes him reaching up to the little wine bottle from the bookshelf he grabs, pointing the end towards nikolai before taking a sip. }

Cheers. Reading isn’t my thing. I was told there were telekinesis spells. Maybe I scared the weird little guy off. I have that effect.

[pendejadas]

There’s magic here.

{ there’s the insensitive part. sort of. eliot knows more than anyone how much magic can’t “fix”. he says it more for his sake as if it might disappear again. he has adjusted, it just wasn’t all the rage scrambling to figure out a way to get it back while trying to keep a country from starving. it shows on his face, the hesitance that makes him seem dazed before he ends up easing into a slight chuckle. }

Oooh, a friend of Dorothy’s. At least it’s Earth. I’m from there as well.