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.

---

return to main navigation

Comments

[aquaveiled]

[ She is, admittedly, a little surprised that he returns to the shrine so easily, but pleased all the same. It is what he came to do, isn't it? Maybe all he needed was a little encouragement after all. She's certainly not going to complain.

At his thanks, her smile just widens, her tail waving with a happy flick behind her. ]

We came here for the same reason, right?

[ Rather than flowers, Himeka places a pie at the shrine. It's cooled during her period just watching the procession of townsfolk, but still fresh as of that day. Made with love--as is required. ]

This is for the family I've grown here. They've been through a lot recently. I think they can use a little extra boost.

[ She takes a step back before turning her attention back to the new man. ]

What about you?

[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. 👍

[aquaveiled]

[ Mayhaps she should have expected that. Trees, after all, should not move...except for the ones that do, and those are often of ill-temperament at their best.

Despite the ability to shift that branch, she is a tree so no sound comes from her boughs at the scream. But she hears it in the way that it vibrates through the air, echoing in the wood of her trunk. Water, blood, whatever it is that flows through her resonates with it. She stays frozen in place, the rough image of the girl shifting and pulling away.

Slowly the size of the tree begins to dwindle, the flowers pooling together and moving upwards along the tendrils of leaves, taking the shape of hair instead. The branch that had reached out shifts into an arm and, after a moment, the shape of a woman (not fully human) in local garb takes shape. ]

...-orry!

[ Talking too soon before her vocal chords had fully returned. She raises both her hands up in a "surrender" position. ]

I'm unarmed, I promise.

[ Gods, the girl is in a panic, isn't she? Wielding that branch like a sword. A panic that Himeka herself had caused when she clearly just needed a moment alone. Good job, that. ]

me tbh

[madmaxed]

( he's still steve. he's still steve because no one else has those eyes and that flop of hair and the energy of that whole hero thing he likes to do like its his job. (would billy have been more like him if things had been different?)

yeah, steve looks different now, the longer she stares. more and more like he didn't just get here, didn't just get here a little while ago like he says and that sinking feeling only dips deeper. different scars, different marks stare back now and what the hell is there to fight here? was it not over? and did he seriously have a sword?

and you're okay? he asks, breaking her out of the line of thinking and she has to ignore the question because how do you answer that? chin lifts and she looks at the people around them, only response a scoff.

in a different moment, she would have said something scathing and slightly mean, something to point out that obviously no, not okay, that they were both in some fantasy town with way too many goats. but she can't even muster that in this moment. the interruption is well timed, then, when he tells her they should walk away from here.

max follows, herded away by a gentle grip as she shakes her head. ) It doesn't feel real.

( max lets silence hang over them as she sticks close. feels childish, in that odd teenager way, worried to admit she's stupidly relieved to not be alone. too stubborn to admit how scared she was, how uncertain, or how she shouldn't be either of those things. even when pulled to a strange new world, there's some knee-jerk reaction to want to be okay when she was anything but.

it is reaffirmed in his question and words wither in her throat, and her pace slows to a halt. she tries to steel herself, tries to — ) Um — I was —

( never mind that it was an odd question. shouldn't he be from the same time? don't be afraid, that monstrous voice echoes and she clenches her teeth. it will all be over soon. max tucks her arms around herself. ) We'd all split up. For the plan, to kill Vecna? ( her eyes are distant. she can't even look at steve. ) We went to the Creel House, and I —

( there's a farmstead in the distance; a passing breeze pushes loose strands of red hair from her face; it's all sensations she should cling to, to try and separate herself, but — ) — the last thing I remember is being in the Upside Down. El was there too. Vecna — he, um — ( voice barely above a whisper. she hadn't wanted to go. she doesn't remember a lot, everything a dizzying, numbing blur, but she did remember that. hollowly: ) — I don't think I made it, Steve.

[leitstern]

[Jasper regards her offering with cold interest and curiosity. But when her question reaches his ears he directs his gaze to his bouquet.

Were he to claim nobody in particular he would hardly be believed. Who comes to lay flowers at a shrine for nobody? It cannot be helped.

He wrinkles his nose, plucks up his courage and dives on in.]

An old friend from home.

[Who lays flowers for a mere friend?]

solvunn

[leitstern]

[Jasper leans over the crops, ignoring the gourds, cabbages and fennel in favour of fruit - especially strawberries. One is sliced and served to him on a plate and he holds it against his chest as he watches the world go by.

One man catches his eye.

Slight. Blond. Frowning at everyone. He wrinkles his nose. It's like looking in a mirror.]

If you insist on devouring everything on your plate you had best get started.

[It's hardly sound advice, coming from a man whose has devoured copious amounts of cake.]

[madmaxed]

( a naturally bad attitude combined with the experience of a drowned rat did make for bad first impressions, to be sure.

she follows the gesture upwards, until her attention the source of his fascination and her own bind sputters.

it's a spider.

color drains from her face. the crunch of spider sacs underfoot is a sudden half-memory enough to make her skin crawl, enough to snap her full gaze to henry's face as though expecting something terrible to happen. some revelation to shift in the blink of an eye, for verdant green to change to viscous red and for a hand too long-limbed to reach for her, for her to —

but no such thing happens, and instead, she finds herself to have stared a few moments too long before needing to peel back to look at the web above them, some valiant effort of playing it off, blurting out the first thing that comes to mind: ) Does she bite?

( another pause, nose wrinkling. ) And I'm new, yeah. Like, a few hours new.

Do we — need to do that? Bring their gods offerings when they do? ( they literally kidnapped them from another world, her raised brows seem to say. if that's even real and true. )

[everybodysterrible]

[Abby is more than aware of how weird this situation is to be in, if on the other side of it last time. So she wasn't expecting a thank you or anything overly mushy.]

Eh.

[Abby stretches, letting that act, and her utter disregard for the comment hopefully cement how little the act matters to her. It's more about the act when it was done for her when she was new.]

I'm Abby. Guessing wherever you washed up doesn't have much of a plan for teenagers either?

[wasalmostdaphne]

"Not exactly built for listening in, I need to be pretty close to read their lips. And while I apparently just 'know' the common language here, it doesn't make lipreading easier."

He's trying, but literally she is the last to be helpful ferreting out information in this place. She has pretty regular access to books, but just the language books to help her acclimate. "I got the same sales pitch as anyone. I don't trust it, but I don't really have a better prospect given..."

She'll just vaguely gesture toward her ear to the point.

[wasalmostdaphne]

I was, you bumped into me while I was avoiding someone else. I didn't hear you coming, and I'm not used to that yet.

[She's been having a rough few days before the washing up in a castle fountain. Honestly that was the less weird of her two recent wake-ups which is saying something. If he wants an apology he sure as hell isn't getting one.]

[satanicpanics]

Surprise.

[ Honestly, Eddie never felt like he really got to know Max. They were neighbors for a time, sure, and she was part of the same friend group as Dustin. And he would never fail to mention the whole Vecna ordeal, but Max always felt a bit more distant than someone like Lucas, or even gloomy Mike Wheeler. He feels immediately protective of her, though. She believed he was innocent, and by this point, she’s nothing less than a comrade in arms. And honestly? He just glad she ended up in Solvunn, rather than half the world away in Thorne like Robin had. ]

Uh, well, I’ve been here about nine months, so no.

[ Honestly, you missed the worst of it, he considers saying, thinking about the abductions, but he doesn’t. The bleak mood from those two months still looms over Solvunn like a cloud, no matter how many decorations are hung or how much food is being offered. Eddie doesn’t need to add to it just yet. Instead, he joins Max beneath the tree, leaning back agains the trunk.

There’s probably a lot of questions to be had on both sides, but Eddie’s specialty is keeping things light. A well placed joke goes a long way, after all. So he doesn’t ask the last thing she remembers, or what happened with Vecna. She doesn’t need that right now. Steve is bound to ask her anyway. Instead, he smiles, and takes the conversation a whole different direction: ]

So, I’m gonna warn you now, there’s a giant shark man wandering around here. He’s pretty cool, though, honestly? Great taste in music.

[respiting]

You ever smelled sun-baked flesh before? It is nooot good. It'll put you off your breakfast, that's for sure.

[ Has he for that matter? Eh. It's not as important as trying to get a reaction out of his new companion. He does that.

And yeah, he absolutely comprehends that look, which means a snappy comment slips past his snout before he can even think about whether it's something he should be saying or not. ]

Don't see a lot of you small humans around. Where'd you come from?

[leitstern]

If you insist.

[Because he doesn't intend on apologising. He adopts a wide stance, fingers digging into his hips. Proud. Confident. Unyielding.]

What country do you hail from?

[Thorne? Solvunn? Everybody here comes from somewhere.]

🥺🥺🥺🥺

[hairington]

[ and she’s still max. closed off, a little mean, way too smart for her own good; she doesn’t even have to say anything for steve to know it’s true, that she’s her. steve may not have been super close with her this last year, or ever - really - since she first moved. but he did know her, fought monsters and laid traps and saved hawkins with her, and that - be finds - doesn’t really just go away.

it’s more grounding than steve was prepared to handle in this moment, a reminder of a life that exists outside of this place alone. where she should be wearing her headphones, listening to her tapes, probably telling him to fuck off when he hadn’t really said anything to begin with.

steve’s kind of lost track of how long it’s been since he’s seen any of that from someone else, how long it’s been since they’ve been the only ones from hawkins. and now? ] Yeah, well, that never really stops.

[ there’s a part of him that does try to sound reassuring, but it comes out more exhausted. a little bit like he gets it, and he wishes it was different, but…that’s just the way things are.

they walk for a little bit, and steve feels himself relax along the path. he knows this way, knows the family that keeps the farmstead, knows the kids who like to race down this way and back up the hill and how when it rains the water becomes a full river heading down into the grass behind them. but he tries to think about what it is that max sees - impossibly green pastures, too many goats to count, and steve harrington carrying a sword. he just about opens his mouth, thinking that maybe she thinks the question is a bit too strange so he’ll have to explain why, when she stops. fully stops. ]

Hey- [ he takes another step or two to stand in front of her, because he can tell there’s something wrong. more than just the curse (which should be broken) and more than just her being her- and that’s when she keeps going.

the plan to kill venca, the creel house, the upside down; this all sounds right, which is good. they all remember the same thing, but then max gets that distant look in her eye and says i don’t think i made it, steve and everything around him comes crashing down. because he doesn’t know, does he? if she did or not?

but that doesn’t matter, and before steve let’s that cold, dark, angry feeling rise up much further in his chest he’s shaking his head and grabbing her shoulders. ]

No, no way. Not possible. You definitely made it, and you know how I know? Because we killed Vecna. The plan worked. We- [ the empty front yard, the trembling ground, gates breaking open everywhere. they’d run all the way back to munson’s trailer because they weren’t sure they could trust anything else and that’s where they found dustin and-

steve shakes his head, something cold and stubborn settling in his jaw. his hands curl around her shoulders as he leans down just enough to hold her eyes. ] You made it. I know you did. Okay?

[wasalmostdaphne]

[Weird shift in things, going from blaming her for not seeing him coming to asking where she landed in this weird place. Sure, fine, whatever. It isn't like he can track her back through a portal only meant for locals.]

The Kingdom of Thorne. Why?

[not_actually_a_bad_guy]

It's been about 12 hours since Rude last saw Reno and even so, it is a relief to see him now. But as he turns he notices a lot of new things, the clothes, the hair. Oh, that must eat at Reno, not being able to dye his hair.

But Rude doesn't comment on it yet, instead, he closes the door before looking around the room with a certain wariness born out of years of checking rooms for bugs. What he wants to do is to pull Reno into a hug, but not yet. Leaning on the door, folds his arms, looking over Reno again.

"How long?" It has to have been a while, judging from the roots.

[not_actually_a_bad_guy]

Rude doesn't jump or even flinch as Sephiroth approaches him. The man is hard to miss, being both taller than Rude and with that telltale hair. Rude feels like he is watching a ghost approach him. Then again, it wouldn't be the weirdest thing about this place if it really was a ghost.

"General."

Rude has to admit, he had not expected the man to know his name. The Turks were supposed to just be background noise, people moving things behind the curtain as the more flashy parts of Shinra distracted everyone, including the rest of Shinra.

"Did not expect you here."

Re: Settling in.

[not_actually_a_bad_guy]

He actually hadn't said anything, just rather assumed it was someone else who enjoyed the gardens. But he turns to her when she speaks and nods. It sounded familiar enough to him and just to check he tries sign language.

I could sign if that helps

His signing feels rusty as fuck, it had been years since he learned it but he thinks he got that all right.

[leitstern]

[Thorne. Cities. Solvunn. All have representatives in Nocwich. The Summoned or those local to the world. Strange creatures, weird monsters and peculiar humans. His question allows him to strategise and treat people appropriately.

Yes. He is aware of the irony.]

Personal interest.

[Also known as natural curiosity.]

[carmesi]

Wanda.

[hopefully, in sharing her name, she will get his in return—without having to actively ask for it. it figures that he would be more familiar with steve, but she hadn't anticipated for him and bucky to have really interacted much.

or maybe she just forgot? it's been many years since.

ugh, in any case... she isn't the best at small talk. she shifts from one foot to the other.]

Alright, I guess? [uhhmm] Not usually the first question people ask when they arrive and start noticing the [she waves her hand about, motioning at the altar of ashes] weirdness of this place. That is to say, I've been here a while. Could probably answer other questions you have about Solvunn or this world at large.

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.]

[wasalmostdaphne]

His signing is, to put it bluntly, rough. She gets it, but like any language without use it'll get hard to just use. Still, it's a welcome sight after the week she's had. Her smile is genuine and absolutely happy to have that little element of home offered to her, if not perfectly executed.

Thank you. "But, I think we should stick to the local language. At least for the moment."

It might be nice to help him practice, have someone to talk to so she can keep practiced too, but for the moment she needs to keep communication clear. "When did you learn to sign?"

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.

[rookvision]

[At the response of it being magic, Jacob turns to look at the other man with a skeptical eye.]

...right. Magic. I suppose it could be. [It's not that he doesn't know there are stranger things in this world than can be easily explained, god knows he's seen more than his fair share of that, but. That would not be his first explanation.

He rubs at his arm. His wrist feels strange, without the weight of his hidden blade.]

And here I was trying to keep a low profile. [He wasn't.] What gave it away?

[aquilus]

[Part of him wants to scoff at the doubt in the face of what is evident, but - he can relate, so he can have some empathy.]

I didn't believe in it either.

[It would be a little much to say he believes in it now, but he can observe that it does exist, as knives exist whether or not one believes they can be cut.]

Your lack of familiarity with magic, for one. It's common here. Not all can wield it, but you'd have to be excessively oblivious to go a long while without recognizing it.