TEST DRIVE MEME #13

[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 August.

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 summer, the weather warm and mild. To anyone used to hotter climates, it might even feel somewhat 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 debate an execution involving the gods in Solvunn or the recent emergence of the Fey, there's also a buzz of excitement from the Crown Sprint - where a noble steed named Summer Eclipse and her rider Maertisa Cassidy were declared this year's winner.


• Life in the Castle has chiefly resumed, but the permanent increase in guards indicates a crisis in the past. There are also rumors of unusual rifts and creatures appearing out of nowhere.

◎ Exploring

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

Equestrian Exhibition
Hot on the heels of the extravagant Crown Sprint, Castle Thorne continues the celebration by displaying its finest horses. These include the Haylean Warmblood - bred for Hayle's mountainous cold regions - and the oldest breed in Thorne, the Circinean, named after Thorne's original settlement by Lake Circinus. You can get riding lessons from participants in the Crown Sprint, visit or volunteer to take care of the horses, or help the children who've arrived to take part in smaller pony races. While the children just want to have fun, many hail from noble and aristocratic families, so you find yourself witnessing a certain temperament from their parents...who are significantly more competitive and cutthroat than their kids.

Magic Lessons
Regular magic lessons are held by apprentice mages as part of their training, usually involving learning to cast a small spell. 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. 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.

Occupying Octopi
Due to the unusual rifts last month, a few octopi have made their way into Castle Thorne. These cephalopods have been spotted lurking in the baths, hiding in pools and lakes, and even taking a dip in the kitchen's water basin. Mages are desperate to catch the loose octopi so that they can return the animals to the ocean. The mages will give you a simple enchanted tracking orb to help locate them, but octopi have a habit of being elusive and squeezing into tight spaces - so retrieving one might take some innovation! Maybe it'll go smoother with a partner?

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 sweltering, and the climate is hot and dry. Even the summer nights are relatively warm. 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 the majority of it has been rebuilt including a new garden park memorial that commemorates the lives lost. Chatter has shifted from the fire attacks to the gruesome execution involving the gods in Solvunn, as well as the Summoned's invitation to visit the Feywilds last month. Scholars and laymen alike can be heard debating the nature of gods, men, and the Fey.


• 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. Many have just returned from a fulfilling trip into the desert known as The Firebrand, where hobbyists celebrate innovation, independence, and unique inventions.


• Life in the Free Cities has chiefly resumed, but the permanent increase in guards indicates a crisis in the past. There are also rumors of unusual rifts and creatures appearing out of nowhere.

◎ 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.

Marble Engravings
A researcher named Esi Hollandse has unveiled her newest creation: a handheld "laser" tool powered by New Magic meant to help sculptors sculpt stone. Come visit the beautifully displayed marble sculptures created using this new technique, which allows for more refined carving techniques. Want to try it for yourself? Why not! With some guidance, you can create your own etchings on a small stone block and take home your newest piece of art.

Swan Song
Due to the unusual rifts last month, several swans have invaded Cadens and are now becoming a menace, stealing bread, grains, and desserts from market stalls and shops. You might come across a shopkeeper chasing a swan after it stole their cheese or a harried attendant at the museum shooing a bird away from their precious artifacts. Perhaps you could lend a hand? Or, you could find yourself an unsuspecting victim of a swan. Any captured swans can be brought to Portam Hall and delivered to one of the government departments there, though you might have to stand in line while grasping an unhappy bird. Be careful not to let it escape!

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 the temperatures are comfortably warm with light humidity. 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 with the fruits of spring and summer. 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 no longer discussing the execution of former Council member Josselyn Creed, but 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. As well, there's curious chatter surrounding the Summoned's invitation to visit the Feywilds last month.


• Life in the Solvunn Commune has chiefly resumed, but the focus on appeasing the gods and increased shrine offerings indicate many have not forgotten the troubles of the past. There are also rumors of unusual rifts and creatures appearing out of nowhere.

◎ Exploring

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

Goat Racing
That's right. One of Solvunn's fine traditions is its regular goat races. Meant to be a bit of informal fun, there's a pen of goats where you can choose a goat, get a number, and simply join one of the starting lines. These goats are not trained so the race is less of a race and more pure chaos as the goats do what they please. Whoever eventually wrangles their goat over the finish line wins. The only rule is that you can't pick up or physically pull your goat, but you're free to cajole, lure, or even use a bit of magic to get yours to the finish line first. Winners receive small prizes of cheese, ale, wood charms, woven baskets, and other similar tokens.

Shrine Supervision
During the recent Summer Equinox celebrations, the youth have a habit of holding their own tradition called the Guardian Séance. These unsanctioned rites are quickly stopped by Commune Elders, but there's been some damage and messes that need to be put right. Elders have asked you to supervise the adolescents who've been assigned to clean up the shrines and restore the damage they've caused. Beware of snakes in the grass! You're also welcome to help the teens with their task. Once completed, Elders will invite you to make an offering in the formal traditions of High Magic.

Bird Baths
Due to the unusual rifts last month, and with the convincing of a few of the Summoned, Solvunn has agreed to raise some of the unique pack birds on one of their farmlands. Unfortunately, the week's downpour has caused them to become very muddy. Desperate farmhands have asked for your help giving the birds a good wash to clean their dirty feathers. You can also help feed them grain and prevent any jealous goats from headbutting or fighting these docile birds.

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

rey | star wars | arcana tbd

[invariances]

thorne:

[ castle thorne boasts beautiful land and magnificent architecture, courtly protocols and politics — and above it all, academic magic. she's drawn to the explosions of light coming from the castle's practice room, not anywhere near annoyed by the bursts of failed light shield spells, but a little nostalgic instead as she looks on. and in her mind, she imagines force-adepts training with their masters long ago on some distant core world, trying out their fledgling powers; telekinesis, saber dueling. children, most likely — young and bright and eager, all of the stars of the galaxy shining in their eyes. it's a romanticized version of what was more likely something not so very organized and effectual, and yet there persists a yearning etched on her expression that nearly anyone nearby would be able to see.

elsewhere in the castle, she discovers an octopus in one of the bathrooms sloshing about in a half-full tub, and she tries in vain to capture it but it's a slippery little devil. it's able to squeeze itself into cracks and crevices, eluding her; the tracking orb allows for detection but that's about the extent of it. after an extended amount of time, rey sits down exhaustedly on the tile floor of one of the bathrooms, her clothes soaked head-to-toe in bathwater and no cephalopod in sight.

...she looks up at the person hovering in the periphery of the doorway, beseechingly. ]

What's bait, for an octopus?

free cities:

[ cadens is hot and dry, the climate familiar and not unlike jakku. the mandate of wearing military garb leaves something to be desired, but she can overlook any discomfort for the moment in favor of learning what's been happening in this place, the devastation of libertas notwithstanding. the memorial to the fallen draws her attention and she lingers in the garden, walking slowly and somberly among the gravestones.

there are lots of public demonstrations of training of various sorts going on, but it's no wonder that she's drawn to the group gathered to witness a new magic engraving tool. she watches in open-mouthed shock as the researcher demonstrates how the laser tool cuts through solid marble, and then when there's a lull in the chatter, she steps up to the front of the group of volunteers to deliver a stern warning: ]

This isn't an artist's tool, this is a weapon, and it should be revered as one — not as a plaything to fashion sculptures with.

solvunn:

[ the calm serenity of this place is probably getting to her, but rey is perfectly content giving a bird bath. she holds one of the little juveniles in her hands, rinsing him under a fountain to remove the caked mud and dirt from his feathers. he's whirring and chirping as she does, and when she feels the reverberations coming from his little body as he tries to sing, rey laughs softly as she glances up at the person nearest her. ]

— So chatty, isn't he?

[ elsewhere, she finds herself contemplating the altar on which rests the ashes of the executed council member, josselyn creed. none of the solvunn locals seem keen on answering her questions about the infractions the councilwoman had committed, nor on whether her execution was justified, so she's resigned to remain in the dark about it. but upon approach by another, rey turns to ask thoughtfully: ]

...Do you believe people have the capability to change?

wildcard:

[ feel free to set up a scenario of your choice; alternately, hmu @ spinebarrel for plotting! ]

thorne - practise room

[pepsifree]

[ It feels childish to be so captivated by the idea of it, but hearing there're magic lessons makes it impossible for Marty to resist checking it out. Some eternal fear of rejection lingers in the back of his mind-- what if he's so bad at it they ban him forever?-- and while it keeps him from entering the room, it doesn't deter him from standing nearby. He may not have the total confidence to walk in, but he can linger like a bad smell easy peasy.

The other person standing nearby piques his interest, that said. If he looked curious, she looks downright longing. In a slightly mean way Marty thinks that makes her a little more pitiful-looking than he is, but at least that gives him the courage to walk up to her.

Hands in his pockets, Marty's head tilts as he enters her line of sight. ] You're not gonna go in?

[invariances]

[ rey is lost in this self-made reverie to the point that the young man has to lean his head into her line of sight for her to even acknowledge he's there; she snaps out of it immediately, though, when he does. ]

— No, I — [ she can't deny she's intrigued by the magic being displayed, of being able to generate one's own energy shield. it'd be useful to protect and defend against an attack, especially while her own connection to the force is dimmed a bit in this place. ]

— It just reminded me of something, that's all. Something I've never actually seen, just heard stories of.

[ she looks at him then, at his youthful face and perceived nervousness. ] You should join them though, you're not much older than a youngling, yourself.

[pepsifree]

"Youngling"? [ The term makes him frown some, the space between his brows wrinkling. ]

What do I look, twelve?

[ If she actually says "yes" to that, though, then he's going to curl up and die. ]

Is... magic a normal thing where you're from? [ Marty's arms cross over his chest. ] If you've heard stories about stuff like this, [ there's a vague gesture to the room and all its sounds ] anyway.

[invariances]

[ he’s a bit touchy about the youngling part, so rey dials back her judgment concerning his age — he might be the same age as herself give or take a couple of years, it’s hard to tell — and just shrugs slightly as if to dismiss his concern. perhaps youngling was poor choice of words. she’ll try to do better.

shaking her head briefly at the mention of magic, she casts another look into the room as more misplaced bursts of light splay against the walls and the doorway in which they linger. ]

…It's not really considered magic, where I'm from — at least, not this kind of magic that they're doing, in that room.

[ her gaze falls on him again, and this time she sighs and sets her lips together in something of a calculating look, one that suggests she’s wondering how much to tell him. ]

It's more like the ability some have, to tap into the energy that surrounds all living things.

[ …a pause, as if to see if he understands or if any of this might sound familiar to him. ]

man as a star wars buff marty is like Hang On... but i shant make him break the 4th wall

[pepsifree]

[ What she says is familiar, definitely, in that way most fantasy tropes are familiar by the year 1985. "The energy that surrounds all living things" sounds like a phrase he should recognise-- some pop culture phenomena or other.

But the woman speaks of it with utmost seriousness. Having seen the population here, and others that were freakin' pulled out of water, he decides to believe her.

After all, if magic exists in this bizarro timeline... ]

And you can do this? "Tap into the energy"?

[ Marty's hands shove into his pockets. ] That isn't really a thing where I'm from. Not outside stories, anyway.

Evie Frye | Assassin's Creed: Syndicate | Free Cities | Hierophant

[meetmyblade]

Cadens

Training Grounds - Exploring

[Evie doesn't have any desire to enlist with the military, nor does she particularly want to draw their attention to her not insignificant fighting ability, but there's something quite satisfying about getting one's frustrations out by hitting something and she certainly has some stuff to work through, which is why she makes her way to the training grounds once she's got wind of its location.

It also puts her in the position where - she hopes - she might be able to overhear something useful that might be able to help her in her current circumstances.

She looks, to all intents and purposes, like your average physically fit young woman in her early twenties, but for those in the know, they may be able to recognise a degree of skilled proficiency in those practice weapons she's using, and an equally impressive use of her fists when it comes to unarmed combat. She stops when she notices anyone giving her a second glance, and smiles encouragingly.]

Do you fancy going for a round?

[Later, Evie takes the time to explore her surroundings. The presence of guards certainly draws her attention - something to file away for later use - and she immediately sets out and about trying to get the lay of the land.

She finds herself on a bench near the garden park memorial and listens to the chatter, trying to make herself as inconspicuous as possible. She tries, unsuccessfully, to try to focus her
sight on anyone who might be worth talking to (or eavesdropping on) about these things she keeps hearing about, but it's no use. It's like she's swimming through a fog every time she tries to engage it, and even then it doesn't last for a second or more.

Unsettling. Very unsettling.

Well, time for plan B. Upfront human interaction.]

Excuse me... I'm new here and I'm curious. Do you know what this is a memorial to?

[But, at the end of the day, Evie Frye is an Assassin and the way that Assassins get on top of the topography is to climb. So she does; she sees the topmost spire of Portam Hall and she is going to put that on her to do list eventually, but without any intelligence on the area it would be a very foolish thing to go and do right off the bat.

It's not like she's Jacob.

As the evening begins to fall, Evie can be found moving amongst the shadows on the rooftops, scouting for guard rotations and getting up as high as she can to look around the area. She is certainly not expecting to find others up there with her.]

[OOC: Happy to come up with any other starters if none of these appeal! Hit me up on LuceButNotLiterally or message me here if you want to do something different.]

memorial!

[godshattering]

[ It's been a little while since Claude's been to Libertas, but on a whim today he decides to make the trip through the portal. There's shops and stalls to visit, something which he does each time he's here and makes a point of doing, but he decides that can wait a little bit. He hasn't been back here, now that he thinks about it as he approaches the park, for a couple of months since the gala. It'll be good to see it in daylight again and to take a tour of everything that's been built.

The memorial is the first thing he stops by; despite the weather being on the warm side there's a pleasant breeze moving through now and then. It helps him become lost in thought - mostly - while studying the sculpture to take in how it's changed from all the additions. But he's always paying at least a little attention to his surroundings even unconsciously, and so when someone speaks Claude turns with a half-smile. ]

I do. Libertas was attacked by Thorne about a year ago and suffered great losses. Parts of the city had to be rebuilt and it took a long time. If I remember the rebuilding process correctly, this park was created to have an open space here instead.

[ Now he turns around fully, memorial set aside for a moment as he considers her then holds out a hand for a handshake with a wider smile should she be amenable to it. ]

I'm Claude. When'd you arrive and how confusing was it for you?

:)

[meetmyblade]

[It's extremely nice to get some answers. Evie listens intently, taking on board all the new information her companion has to share with her. A conflict with great losses and damage to the city. Might that be the reason for the military presence around here?

But she's been offered a smile and she returns it in kind with one of her own.]

Oh, today actually, and it was very confusing, I don't happen to make it a habit to arrive in new places after being pulled from a pool of water.

[She takes Claude's offered hand and shakes it warmly.]

It's nice to meet you Claude, I'm Evie. Thank you for the explanation. And you've been here for a year?

[godshattering]

I have, yes. A little over a year now by this calendar, and this attack happened after I'd been here for about three months.

[ Which - feels strange, that there's been both so much time that's gone by and yet it somehow also feels like it happened just last week. That's nothing to put on a new arrival so his smile doesn't waver as their handshake ends. ]

You and me both about not making strange arrivals a habit, by the way. Even less so when it involves being dragged out of said water naked, but at least we're all united in having to experience that.

[ Perhaps a bit too nonchalantly thanks to having a considerable about of time in between his arrival and Evie's far more recent one where that shock could very well still be present, but Claude's not one to dwell on it. Especially when there's far more important things, like - ]

Since you made it out of the barracks, which is a smart move if I can offer my unasked for opinion, has anyone told you you don't have to go back there if you don't want to? I know they probably told you about a curfew, but no one will track you down if you don't return.

rooftops

[aquilus]

[The stranger Altaïr spots isn't the first person besides himself to travel the rooftops of Cadens. She's note even the first person he's seen up here recently. She is the only person he's seen move with such purpose and an easy stealth that would prevent most people from noticing her at all.

He's not most people. So since he's up here anyway, he follows from a distance for a while, making certain that she doesn't notice him — easier said than done, as she's clearly very alert to her surroundings.

Eventually, he approaches from behind, dropping down from a higher point and making no attempt to conceal the sound of his landing. He's here out of curiosity, not suspicion, and allows that much to show in his measured tone.]

Are you looking for anything in particular?

creepy creep

[meetmyblade]

[It's been a very long time since anyone's got the drop on Evie, so when she hears the soft thud of someone landing behind her, she flinches and turns, hand going automatically for a knife in her boot that she doesn't find.

Damn.

She's furious with herself for not being more aware and takes a moment to evaluate the man in front of her, trying to see if he's going to pose a threat to her. He doesn't seem to from his stance and his question and she lets her hand fall as she rises to her feet.]

I'm not entirely sure. Perhaps I'll know it when I see it.

[aquilus]

[The woman isn't as afraid as some might be to find a man suddenly looming behind them, but her reaction — quick and frustrated, judging by her expression — tells him more about her.

Interesting.]

I don't know many who would come up here without at least some idea of what they expect to find.

memorial, emerges from rp break to shriek SISTER

[rookvision]

[Jacob has not climbed the spire just yet, but that’s only because other things have claimed his attention: exploring Cadens on the ground, talking to people, trying to see what the criminal underground is like around here so he can crash into it with all the subtlety of a drunken elephant…

And, currently, running after a swan that has a hat clutched firmly in its beak.]

Bloody swan, get back here! I just bought that!

[If losing something is going to be a running trend every time he sets foot in a new city, he may well stop traveling altogether. The swan is booking it in the direction of the memorial, and Jacob is gaining on it when he spots her and skids to a stop. And lets the swan get away, but whatever, he’ll get a new top hat.]

Evie! [Hello twin sister your brother has come to ruin everything.]

BROTHER!

[meetmyblade]

[She hears the swan before she sees it, and her first thought is oh god not again. Her second thought is why is that swan carrying a hat and her third thought, as the swan comes tearing into her line of sight being pursued by a very familiar figure bellowing at it is:

Of course. Of course Jacob is chasing a swan. Why wouldn't he be chasing a swan? That's perfectly normal, mature behaviour.]

Jacob Frye, leave that poor animal alone!

SISTER HELP

[rookvision]

[The swan is taking this momentary distraction as an opportunity to gleefully scamper off in the general direction of a body of water, its prize still clutched in its beak.

Jacob, meanwhile, shakes his head, incredulous. Trust Evie to immediately take the swan’s side over Jacob’s when it’s perfectly obvious that the stupid bird is the aggressor here.]

That poor animal stole the hat I just bought! I didn’t even do anything to it before it swooped in and took it right off my head, the cheeky little sod!

HELP HER WHY ARE YOU LIKE THIS

[meetmyblade]

[Evie gets up off her bench, shaking her head in sheer and utter disbelief.]

What did you do to get a swan to start bullying you? And why is the hat your priority?

[She probably shouldn't have asked him that, the chances are the answers are going to exasperate her.

And thank god because if Jacob is being his typical self then that means he's alright and that's a huge weight off her shoulders.]

IT’S NOT HIS FAULT THIS TIME it’s the swan’s

[rookvision]

I told you! Nothing! Why, I’d even go so far as to say it’s an ungrateful little wanker because I was feeding it before it yanked the hat right off my head.

[Okay, so maybe a chunk of bread might’ve accidentally knocked the swan on the head, but he hadn’t thought it would take that much offense. He huffs out a breath, peeved by how this day has been going for him—first having to deal with real actual magic being a thing, then the swan, then his hat going missing.

At least Evie’s here. He would miss her, if she wasn’t here—he hadn’t entirely let himself think about what it meant that he was here and she wasn’t. And now he doesn’t have to!]

And I just bought that hat. Not twenty minutes before that feathered fiend decided to take it for himself, in fact.

Vlad Dracula Tepes // Castlevania // Free Cities // The Emperor

[beallandendall]

Arrival: Free Cities

[For Vlad “Dracula” Tepes, his unexpected arrival from the water earned a suspicious look and shift of his eyes to each of the individuals present. After experiencing repeated visitors to observe him while he experienced the recent ‘eternity’ that came with being in Hell, he was now forced to assume that one of the various elements of Wallachia had finally succeeded in jerking him back to life. It was a foolish proposition.

…or it would have been had he had the strength of his usual robust powers. He didn’t, feeling weak and furious to be drawn away from his wife in Hell. She had come to be with him, but at least it meant that she could return to Heaven where she belonged.

He drank in the knowledge that he was freely offered, and he found himself miffed that this strange group of humans was glad he had come. Did they not know who he was and what deeds he had done over the last centuries?

He had to wait until nightfall to actually travel anywhere, leaving him plenty of time to consider this new situation of his. That they put him in what appeared to be military garb was laughable; what he wouldn’t give to have his cape back but that would come with time. He needed information.

He walked the journey from the cave to the city of Cadens once he wouldn’t be turned to ash from the sunlight. He began to walk the city to gain his bearings and gather information.]

Excuse me, I’ve been told that lodging can be obtained from barracks. Where might I find those?

Nocwich – Oleuni Shops

[Now this was more like it. The eternal darkness suited him far better than the city would, and he had every intention of exploring the full measure of what this place had to offer. He would need to find the court of vampires and learn of their methods and politics before he could insist that his own position was far greater than theirs.

That would require travel to Ikorr apparently.

For now, he moved around the neutral territory of Oleuni. He moved around the outdoor stalls and shops for now, less interested in their goods and far more interested in the words that people spoke as he gathered information. He assessed vendor’s good and ask them questions about the state of the neutral ground and learning what he could about the powers that be here.

He even made a point to pick up and admire wares of the vendors, being conversational as he said:]

My wife was never much for jewelry, but I am certain she would relish such a well-crafted necklace. Wouldn’t you agree? [He turned his head to examine the person next to him, inviting a comment.]

Nocwich: Hunting Woods

[Finally. Some peace and quiet. Vlad eased his way off of any hunting trail to be into the dark and admire the flora that had adapted to the low light. He could imagine himself staying here, having a little cottage despite any dangers and gathering some books. It didn’t seem to him that he would be returning home any time soon, and what home was Hell anyway? In a sense, there was peace here even if he was separated from his dear wife.

He eased himself to settle himself down on a large bolder, his elongated ears picking up the sounds of animals moving about in the underbrush. He folded his hands into his lap as he sat, considering how an eternal life in this place might unfold. War would come; it always did. Now that he felt his powers were returning to him after a time of being here and adjusting to this place, he would have to reach out to the vampires of this place.

His shoulders tightened as he sensed a presence drawing closer. He lifted his chin from his chest and stared into the darkness, his pupils glowing red in the darkness.]

And what do we have here, hmmm?

Wildcard;

[Please feel free to make up a starter if you like. Keep in mind that outside of Nocwich, Dracula will only be able to move around at night. Otherwise, I'm perfectly open for discussion on a thread by PMing this journal or apormorphine]

Hunting; His name is Adrian Tepes and he's handling this like a normal person

[cryptsleeper]

[The woods of Nocwich are quiet in their eteneral night. It is one of the nicest things about the place, and one of the reasons Alucard wishes that the space was open more than the mere three days each month that there is permission to travel. He knows the Square well enough now. He's working on mapping the woods and trying to make sense of the animal territories throughout. Foraging isn't something he is especially keen to attempt in the space, but it's fine.

He's long since made a point not to change form in the woods either. It is a sure way to become sport, even if there would be true joy in romping about the underbrush as a wolf, or shrieking through the air as bats. So he continues through the woods until--

--there's an out of place scent.

In the comings and goings of various Summoned over the past two years, Alucard had always entertained the notion that his parents might one day count among those ranks. Hector. Sypha. Lenore. It would only make sense. But in all of those entertained notions, the dhampir did have a preference for which parent it might be, and it absolutely wasn't the one he murdered with the help of friends. The parent who wouldn't react well to say, fucked up blood experiments on people that ran the risk of turning (but didn't, thankfully), or being murdered in the first place.

Alucard is still in his tracks for a long while, trying to decide if it is smarter to address the problem now or to wait. Few people know what his father looks like. On the other, he's made his name here and it won't take long for his father to figure that out. Especially if they've been summoned to the same faction.

He exhales slowly and walks in the direction the scent is coming from. This is fine and terrifying at all.

There's no greeting. No noise. Only a gaze from golden eyes that want to know if he's seeing a ghost, and Adrian, two years older and looking well enough. Better than the last time they encountered each other, at the very least.]

Two vampires act like adults always

[beallandendall]

[The forest had plenty of little creatures skuttling beneath the underbrush, but that wasn't what he was interested in. His eyes slowly narrowed as he became aware of a familiar scent, one that he would know absolutely anywhere in any manner of concentration.

He rested his elbows on his knees and interlaced the fingers of his hands together as he continued to stare into the darkness. He had been here long enough that some of his powers had returned where he had little issue of any other predators bothering him in the same area. It was even less of a threat if his dhamphir son had indeed come calling.]

You know better than to think that you can approach me without my being aware. [He let there be a potent pause before adding:] Son.

[How? Why? He didn't scent the Belmont or Speaker Magician. Just Adrian.]

[cryptsleeper]

It's been two years since I've last seen you, and you dead at that. [Alucard's tone is working to be as calm and as impartial as possible with all of this. He does not doubt for a second that they're going to explode into dramatics at some point. They absolutely will. But they can at least hold off the tide for a few minutes to figure out where things stand.]

I think I can be afforded a few moments of preparation for that.

[beallandendall]

[Two years? He rested his chin on his raised intertwined hands, taking his time to consider that information. It was difficult to fathom how time passes in Hell; it's suppose to be a place of eternal damnation, so time likely was supposed to feel like it was passing extremely slowly. And for him, he had no vested interest in leaving Hell, yet here he was.]

And what have you been doing in the two years since you've last seen me? [Since you came with your little useless friends to kill me, was the flat undertone. He wasn't angry about it; oddly, there was clarity in Hell that he hadn't been granted after Lisa had been murdered.]

By all means, take your time. Eternal creatures have plenty to spare.

[cryptsleeper]

[Oh, Alucard hears that undertone. He also does not like it one little bit, because maybe if someone hadn't attempted a genocide--

His own response is flat, although there's really no mistaking that it is flippant and biting back on real anger.] What, you mean besides working through the immense grief of losing both my parents, being summoned to an unknown world while I was still dealing with that, and being imprisoned for two going on three months with no access to my natural abilities?

[Hey. Fuck you.]

I have an architecture firm now that I run with a friend. We've been working with the performing arts in the Free Cities for over a year now.

Gadreel | Supernatural | Strenght

[fooledfirst]

[Solvunn - Shrine Supervision]

[Gadreel picks up a snake that was hiding in the grass. With a firm grip around its neck he looks at it in disdain.]

I despise snakes. [He then flings the snake as far as he can and away from the shrine. He slaps his hands together and watches as the troublemakers clean.]

[Solvunn - Bird Baths]

[These birds are certainly interesting creatures. As a qinged creature himself he can appreciate them. Having just give one of the birds a bath he's carefully trying to feed it grains while keeping an eye out for the goat that bumped him earlier. How rude.]

[Nocwich - Oleuni Square]

[The eternal darkness in this place did make him uneasy. At the same time, he was a curious creature trying to learn as much as he could of this place he had been summoned too. He's walking around the place and taking in the sights.]