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

[cryptsleeper]

Three other vampires, including Lenore who is an experienced diplomat. But by all means.

[His father is going to be a stubborn ass. Alucard knows it, and he knows that there's no point in trying to argue either case right now. He pockets the coin purse, biting back any comments about taking it just for the purchase of the bloodwine or the lanterns that cast a spell of darkness around the user.

He's offered what he can. Alucard is fine with letting his father have the last word.

There is a flurry of bats. The beating of a few dozen tiny wings, and then nothing at all.]

Linhardt this weird little magic gremlin in Castle Thorne at night

[sleepfan]

Oh, that is right. Thorne does have a queen.

[Linhardt had wandered off in the middle of the apprentice mage's explanation. What Claude was telling him was not exactly making Linhardt inclined to expend any effort on Thorne's behalf. On the other hand, Claude himself should be taken with skepticism. Hilda had said Claude was withholding, and if he withheld from Hilda Linhardt can't imagine he's going to get more truth. Or Claude might genuinely be mistaken, or not privy to something important. Or the Free Cities and Thorne might be lying, rather like the Church and Arundel's people.]

Thank you for telling me. I will act accordingly.

[Linhardt yawns. He has no responsibilities. None of these people are his people. 'Act accordingly' means 'have an exit plan'. Linhardt isn't going down with the ship.

The Free Cities have what? Linhardt's face sharply whips towards Claude's and his eyes pierce the other man's.]

Do they have a ready supply of lenses? Or devices useful for increasing viewing size?

Why would anyone choose one?

[Both magic and technology are means of taking one's understanding of the world and using it to bend the world to one's wishes.]

The Church's restrictions were a tragedy. Why limit one's society in those ways?

[Linhardt sounds genuinely confused. Is it really about power? But why? Everybody could be eating peach sorbet and sleeping! There could be fewer famines, fewer plagues. Use all the tools at your disposal to improve life. Isn't that supposed to be what governing is?]

Who are those people and why should I talk to them?

[People.]

I don't like that.

[The not remembering. It's vulnerable. Linhardt doesn't like that.]

I like to sleep in Seteth's office. Professor Hanneman has some interesting notes in my Fodlan and we've found some of Seteth and Rhea's things as well.

Is the Professor's room the same in every Fodlan? What happens if two Summoned try to create a space together but they conceive of it differently?

[nimona]

I could turn into a lot of things if I wanted to be boring about it.

[She shrugs, stretching and shifting back to human.]

It's way funnier to attack people as a giant bird.

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?

[respiting]

That was his best friend? Didn't seem like it to me, I thought that guy was also in love with him.

[ And those are not the actions of a best friend, unless this theatre play's gone and changed everything around.

Which, you know, wouldn't surprise him. There are weirder things he's seen here so far. ]

I dunno, man, maybe I'm just not the audience for this. The fight scenes were cool though.

[oversight]

Blake shakes his head upon reading the questions, arms splaying as if to prove there's nowhere on him to hide these tricks he's being accused of playing. He understands the feeling, though, having been there himself even weeks after being introduced to the concept. For Blake's part, he avoids the magic as much as possible, and that includes utilizing this specific form of unsettling prestidigitation.

"Go on, pick any table," he says, gesturing around them in a way he hopes is obvious to Wrench. He presses the paper and pencil back towards the larger man, noting that he should keep it, but then points a second time, this time to a table that's only just opened up, and then an empty table nearby. And then he shifts in his seat and even makes a point to cover his eyes so Wrench's choice is less obvious to him.

The magic is common here. It doesn't exist where I come from.
The message appears wherever Wrench decides to go. And a second appears a moment later.

Come back and let's have those drinks.
Blake figures they'll need that and maybe a bit more paper. It's hard enough to explain this to himself, so Blake's hardly the person to school Wrench on the ins and outs of Abraxan magic.

[catchtheseclaws]

"Ohhh," Catra says, because suddenly she gets why Istredd is being so informative without any of the personal opinion that people usually give when talking about stuff like this. Because they're in the heart of a kingdom that believes powerfully in its own right to conquer all, and has the power to destroy cities, so there's probably ears everywhere.

She doesn't think she can judge just yet. For all she knows, the rebellion that led to the Free Cities and Solvunn were all made up of terrible people and those places are the actual worst. Or Thorne might really be a case of a royal lineage who needs to own everything.

"Thanks. I feel... a lot more educated. What was it you said about that magic teacher who turned out to actually be you? Adequate if a little dry?" Catra's lips twist in an slyly amused little smile. "If I'm going to be dropped into the middle of an almost-war, it's good to know the lay of the land."

[thepath]

[ Is this guy trying to cheer Cal up? Or is he just taking taking pity on him? Honestly, Cal can't really tell, but maybe that's why the cheering up actually kind of... works? At least, he's smiling as he comes over to look at the necklace that Wilhelm points out.

And then raises his eyebrows in surprise. Hey, this is actually a pretty solid choice, especially for someone who claims to not know any space witches. ]

You're pretty good at this. [ He leans in a little closer to check out the white stone pendant, then adds, almost as an aside: ] It kind of matches the talisman she carries around.

[hatejakku]

[ Despite himself, Finn feels his shoulders loosen and relax as he follows. ]

Thanks... Is your home at all like this place?

[ Finn's only found just enough to know he isn't in his own galaxy anymore. Not any of the known parts, anyway. ]

[hatejakku]

[ Finn could let a bad day slide, but it was different when taking out his issues on someone else. Not that he was, but... felt like it. Anyway, he doesn't explain all that. ]

Good to meet you.

[ And Finn pulls up a smile, small but genuine, before reaching out to shake his hand. ]

Are you new here, too?

[ Right. He's not the only one going through this. Stop thinking about just you, Finn. ]

[catholica]

Guess it's similar. Not quite but close.

( and he knows that he's lucky because some people end up here and they're completely turned around. )

Close enough that I was able to pick up things pretty easily. Is it anything like yours?

as he should be!! there's gotta be plenty of things to uncover

[godshattering]

[ There's a hint of a raised eyebrow at that blasé remembering of Thorne's monarchy, though it's done in passing considering there's much he doesn't know about the Free Cities' government himself. Besides that, it's not like Cadens is any safer beyond the illusion of it compared to Thorne's outright restrictions. Regardless, the warning's been passed on, and from what he knows about Thorne, any other dangers will likely make themselves apparent soon enough.

None of that matters as much as the technology aspect either, and Claude has to laugh at Linhardt's immediate interest. ]

Yes, there's a few ways to magnify things around the shops and markets. Speaking of someone else you should meet, it's definitely Viktor. He's in Cadens with the rest of us, but he's known for helping to create different inventions based upon requests as long as they're reasonable. He's a pretty talented scientist in his own right.

Istredd is a rather impressive mage, and Kyle is... [ another pause while he searches for the right description, if not one that'll impress upon Linhardt the importance of finding them both, ] exceptionally useful. He's observed a lot that I think you'll appreciate when it comes to learning more about where you are.

[ There are others, too, but those are the two people he's willing to bet Linhardt would be most interested in talking to first when it comes to getting useful information about being here. He shrugs slightly at the vulnerability part, considering he has no way to refute that and it's something which had certainly bothered him even with the promise of it being temporary.

Linhardt being concerned about places to sleep is something easy enough to smile over, though it's fleeting when he's caught off-guard by what's said next. Because: ]

Huh. I hadn't actually thought about that before. Teach's room is the same as I remember it being when he lived in it both at the academy and during the war. I'm not sure I have an answer for the latter, though Hilda created the aerie and we both created some wyverns within it. Wyverns we both remembered and agreed they seemed as we remembered, but now I'm curious. That's worth an experiment, I'd say. Maybe we could try it on somewhere like one of the halls or the cathedral.

[ Somewhere no one's particularly attached to, anyway. ]

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?

All that Adrestian paranoia is going to come in handy.

[sleepfan]

[Linhardt's face is calm in the face of the raised eyebrow. The warning is received: It is disappointing but not surprising to hear that his environment is not safe despite seeming to be so. He can't help but give Claude a smile; yes, he is interested in the technology. Manufacturing tools is not actually something Linhardt enjoys (it is too similar to the boring mundanities of Hevring's work), it is merely that it is easier for Linhardt to make his own in Fodlan than outsource them.]

I am going to need to secure money then.

[As well as an excuse for said money given his so far established disinterest and that he wouldn't immediately and obviously be spending it. Nations get so testy about trade over hostile borders. Hubert's coffee is fine, but smuggling cheese from Faerghus is a bridge too far. Of course.]

Does magic have any value in trade or would such an offer be received with hostility?

[If he could barter directly he may not need to handle currency. On the other hand, if it's received that badly he should keep quiet so nobody raises the price or refuses to sell to a mage. Which is...not something Linhardt has ever had to think about and it makes him feel something that goes in the feelings box. He's always had magic. Did they think he was evil when he was four? As a baby? What do they think of the others' Crests? Do they know?

Of course Claude has already started collecting a bevy of people that were 'useful'. That is a very extroverted, Claude thing to do. Likely Hilda and Sylvain as well to a degree. Linhardt himself raises an eyebrow at Claude in turn.]

I will keep that in mind: It is good to know that there is someone I can ask about things and receive a different and perhaps more neutral viewpoint.

[Linhardt goes back and forth about whether or not Claude is telling him all this to make a good impression and rope him into something later. He will cross that bridge if he comes to it. For now, the information sharing is mutually beneficial.

He gives Claude a more genuine smile when the other man offers to experiment with him, eyes lighting up. Linhardt's voice remains steady and calm, but he speaks a little more quickly than usual. He's excited.]

Abyss. We should do Abyss. The others won't have good memories of it, so we don't have to worry about their timelines getting mixed in, which would reduce the variables and make it easier to determine what is happening. And anywhere we don't agree on we can check against both our memories at school and later on to determine if our Fodlans differ due to decisions made recently or if there are also differences from before we were born.

[For example, if the books differed then that would mean there were differences between his Fodlan's and Claude's that existed far before the war going differently - Linhardt is assuming that their timelines shared a parent at some point (because surely there would be timelines where Fodlan didn't exist and ones where Linhardt didn't go to the Officer's Academy and ones where Almyra took over Leicester and so on), was it possible to identify the split?]

And test Horizon's limits at the same time.

[Which Linhardt is certain appeals to Claude. From what he's understood, Horizon is far more private than anywhere else and Claude likes to keep secrets.]

[leitstern]

[The question provokes a deep intake of breath. He returns his attention to the pile of ashes, closes his eyes and sighs.]

Yes, to myself. I did assume you would understand.

this is fine with me i live for prose <3

[iustise]

John offers her a smile in return, ducking his head in response to her compliment.

"Ah, you flatter me," he says, gently. "I have a son -- he is grown now, but there was once a time when I was called upon to help teach him riding, much the same as these young fiends."

He shrugs. "I suppose you might say that I have the benefit of practice."

[provenforce]

[ Suddenly it feels like cold water has been poured over her head. Rey stares mutely at Finn for a moment, processing that. They won. She presses her lips together, before shaking her head. ]

I don't. The last thing I remember is...

[ Shame. Failure to do anything except make things worse for everyone else. She lets go of Finn, falling back on her heels. ]

I ran. I fought Kylo Ren, and then I ran away.

[provenforce]

[ A corner of Rey's mouth lifts and she shrugs her shoulders. ]

Yes and no. New here, yes.

[ She gestures to the ground, indicating the land they're on, in this moment. ]

But I have been to this world before. Just a different part of it.

[chosenfordarkness]

[ It is lying by omission, but what will be worse? Knowing what's coming and being unable to change a thing or hoping for the best before the inevitable, horrible truth that nothing matters is proven? ]

Here's the thing, Cal. I do know. I've been here over a standard year, and I've not heard of anyone doing it. Sometimes they come back, but not all of them remember being here.

[ Anakin shakes his head moving to sit with his elbows on his knees, contemplating. ]

It's a nice thought, but I don't think you understand how deep everything goes. How corrupt it all is.

[beautifullies]

[ Claire grins and licks her thumb clean. ]

All you need is a little smoke. My husband goes hunting for hives for us until I can establish something like this at home. It's honestly nice to know that I can even do it, I wasn't sure. But the bees seem to enjoy their new home, or they don't mind it anyway.

[ All she did was build the houses, with Nanaue's help. ]

It's the flowers that give honey their flavor.

[ Crouching down, skirts pooling at her feet, she plucks a seed out of her apron pocket and pushes it into the ground. Pressing her hand right nearby, she concentrates for a few seconds, eyes closed, and when she opens them, a fragile blossom has sprouted from the ground, a tiny pink bud just barely visible. ]

The brighter the flowers, the more bees are attracted to it.

[ Looking just the slightest bit sheepish, Claire clears her throat. ]

Sorry, this is likely dull, I tend to go on when I enjoy a topic. But I'm willing to bet you've just learned a hell of a lot more about bees than you anticipated today.

[pepsifree]

Look, I've never messed with a goat before, so--

[ As the animal meanders towards him, his expression lights up. There's a quiet, childish part of him that's just happy to be here; his parents had never taken to him to any petting zoos or anything growing up, after all. ]

That's it, little guy. [ He uses his best "working with animals" voice, which basically boils down to talking to the goat like it's a dog. He even shakes the hay in his hand like this coaxes it further. ]

That's--

[ But it bites on his sleeve instead. ] Gah!

[ Marty yanks his arm back, but wildly underestimates the powers of goatkind. The goat is steadfast, its teeth dug in, and it's a miracle it missed any skin along the way. ]

Jeez, c'mon-- [ He tugs, and tugs, and tuuuuuugs...

...and rips the sleeve, landing on his ass. ]

Okay. That was a bad idea.

[ The goat swallows what bits of sleeve were in its mouth. Marty seems none the wiser to the way it's eyeing him again.

He pokes his head up to look at Gabriel. ] You got something else in mind?

[ordinar]

[It's a little bit of both? Maybe through all his bouts of moodiness, he's learned how to pick up the signs that someone else is stuck in their head too. Anyway, he's glad that his lame attempt at cheering up this stranger seems to have worked.]

Yeah? [He tilts his head, curiosity sliding into his expression.] Where do you meet a space witch anyway?

[Which is the more sly way of asking if he's actually been to outer space, because that would be so fucking cool.]

[crossreversed]

[Chrollo reaches out to shake Finn's hand. If his own abilities were disrupted by arriving here, it stands to reason anyone else who just arrived will be in a similar situation so there's no need to worry about accidentally fulfilling conditions of someone's ability right now.]

I am, it's all a little disorienting and overwhelming.

It's nice to not be the only one being tossed into the deep end.

[crossreversed]

Yes, I'll need a break before I try to bring myself good luck again.

[He shares a grin with her, they're on the same page at least on playing along with this. A bit of harmless fun.]

I don't know that I'm up for any adventures now unless it stays in heavily populated areas.

[Chrollo lifts up his drink, as if concerns about inebriation are why he doesn't want to go too far off.]

But I'm always happy to have a drinking buddy, none of mine had the misfortune to arrive here with me.

[youmiscalculated]

Adora's eyes widen, because food? She's on it. "I've eaten so much, Catra, it's all so good! There's something called coffee, and it's a drink, not a food. But it gives you energy. It's not magic, it's just what the plant's seeds do when you grind them and brew them."

She's learned ALL about coffee. So much. In fact, Adora may need to stop drinking three or four or five cups a day.

"I had something called popcorn, which apparently people eat when they watch...something called a movie. Unclear what that is so far. And the sweets! I can't wait to feed you everything I've had so far. Then we can try new things together!"

The happiness exuding off of Adora is amplified by the caffeine, and boosted by the high she still feels at the fact Catra's with her. "The people are nice too, someone named Hilda bought me a cloak, just 'cause I thought it was pretty. I haven't even seen her again, isn't that..."

Trailing off, she'll let Catra finish that sentence. It's more generous than they'd known anyone to be their entire lives until Bright Moon. Except with one another and the small tokens they'd manage to scrape up for one another, no one ever just gave them anything.