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

[slipscream]

( It isn't lost on Benedikta either, which likely explains the small smirk that touches the corner of her lips as she raises an eyebrow at him: )

Let me guess. The Free Cities.

( Her tone is mocking, as always, and she leans back against the bar as she watches him for a response. Could it be true? Did Cid merely have to die to get some twisted version of his happily ever after? Cid is here, after all, and so is that woman Jill — perhaps now he'll finally shut up about those pointless dreams of his. )

That would certainly be something, wouldn't it?

[slipscream]

( The salute gets a snort from Benedikta. This man is ... something else, isn't he? She's disappointed in herself that he reminder her a little of Cid — if Cid were a little more overtly ridiculous and a little less focused on a singular goal. Seems like she has a type, huh? )

Benedikta Harman.

( She tilts her head, the tail-end of an eyebrow lifting just slightly. )

So, Dante. As you can see, I am a distressed damsel of the highest degree.

( Benedikta makes a lazy gesture towards herself: she is evidently not distressed, and women with attitudes such as hers are rarely helpless in the face of danger, but she seems to be enjoying the not-quite-ruse all the same. )

If we can get along, might you be interested in lending me your assistance from time to time? I can make it worth your while.

[slipscream]

( That gets an amused snort from Benedikta. )

I suppose that remains to be seen, doesn't it?

( In truth, Benedikta isn't really the "dunking" type, but the woman's response had been unexpected enough that it has at least relaxed the cut of her shoulders somewhat. She's content to let them drift into silence for a while, but then the woman starts shifting and pressing at something in her shoulder.

The stranger looks mildly frustrated by it. )

... Long day?

( Benedikta indicates her shoulder with a brief nod of the head. The woman's physique is impressive, after all, and she can't help but be curious as to whether the pain is merely daily wear and tear or perhaps the result of something more. )

[ramuhed]

(Cid's not even truly sure what the expectation of others is just yet. There's very little he can offer that he hasn't seen in others already. Unless it's dominant related, then the Free Cities will have to deal with the disappointment; Cid isn't keen on dying in this place every time he calls on Ramuh.

That's even if Ramuh will answer, that whole thing has one big question mark over it already. Thankfully there's other things to take in and a quick glance inside the tavern gets a big grin. Some things never changed no matter the location.)

Fantastic. I'd be lyin' if I said I needed anywhere else. Nothing a pint can't sort out. (Cid mulls something over, casting a curious glance at Geralt.
This guy seemed to know what he was talking about and then some.) Fancy a drink? That way I can keep on at you with all the questions until you finally tell me to piss off.

(ooc: apologies this is super late!)

[ramuhed]

Aye right, I like hearing that from someone who isn't much older than a bairn.

(All in good nature, it's not the first time Cid hears an old man joke and it won't be the last; an unusual thought to think there'll be opportunity for more. Even Cid can't help his own amused look, gaze lingering a little on Hilda's hair. Hilda looks older than his daughter, but the pink is throwing him off a little. It's a bit unusual...)

True, never let it be said that I didn't try, and it's not like Charon is around to give me a smack for it either.

(Cid peers over at Hilda's own block.)

Hmm. I just did first thing that entered my head and that turned out to be a real pain in the arse. Maybe somethin' simple in shape?

[ramuhed]

(There's no need to back down from a sparring match, or so it is in Cid's mind. It's not like he's going to be taken out and sent off to the next afterlife just by having a friendly fight with someone. Whomever this young woman is, she's already well above the others in precision and strength.

It's that strength which has Cid's teeth clicking together from the force of Diana's counterattack and it's enough to have the man grinning slightly as he fights for his sparring life. If only he could move as fast as he could sass, the pommel of Diana's sword smacking him straight in the chin. Cid staggers back a few steps before correcting his posture, back on the defensive as he rolls his shoulders.)

Careful, don't want to damage this lovely face now do we?

(Apparently there's still time for one sassy comment, even in a sparring match.)

(ooc: sorry this is super late!)

[ramuhed]

Nailed in one.

(Cid is still catching up on the layout of this new world, and the idea he's been picked up by one of three factions isn't sitting well on his shoulders. Sure, everyone could say the Free Cities were perfect and boo, Thorne bad, but until he's seen that intel with his own eyes Cid is going to remain a little doubtful before diving into a cause.

Everyone thinks their own cause is the best.

The mocking tone isn't new, but it is a little welcome, if only because it means that things aren't being thrown at his head yet.)

And I might be there, but who knows? There's all manner of weird shit going on in this world if you hadn't noticed. (Cid pauses, silent for a good few seconds. He shouldn't ask but his own curiosity is practically killing him, and Benedikta is one of a handful of people who would understand. If she tells him to piss off then fine, but until then? Chat time.) How's the feathered one doing?

[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.

[pepsifree]

[ Marty affords the mug another glance, then very carefully puts it down. ]

Hey, bartender? [ The woman behind the counter doesn't hear him, preoccupied with cleaning the mug already in her hand. So Marty tries again: ] Hey, lady!

[ This gets him a look and an abruptly huffed out "What?". Marty points to his mug. ] Is this stuff magic?

[ And all he gets for that effort is barked out laughter which, while embarrassing, also doesn't answer his question.

Frowning, Marty decides to offer the other man his drink. ] ...you should taste it to make sure.

[pepsifree]

Well, you've had a rough night, it looks like. [ Which isn't his main reason, but is appropriate and true nevertheless. Marty stuffs his hands into his pockets. ] That and I wanted a good reason to check the place out.

[ He doesn't bring up the fact that most bars back home tend to turn him away and he wants to see if he can actually get in here. Typical teenage excitement. ]

Aaaand... maybe we can hang out while we drink, too?

[ He doesn't want to admit that the perpetual darkness here gives him the creeps. That would be embarrassing. ]

[pepsifree]

The rubble slams down with a mighty sound and Marty's jaw drops at the sight of it.

"Holy shit..."

In hindsight, it probably would've been wiser to do something like that in the first place. But the way these people treat the shrine and all had kept him from even trying to grab something from that general area.

The stick in his hand is rendered useless, so Marty tosses that to the side. But he does walk up to the snake corpse, crouching in front of it with his arm slung over his knee.

"You freakin' pancaked it!" he says, turning from the snake to the man that did it. "I... I got no idea how to clean this up."

Marty does lift the rubble, at least, but makes a face immediately after once he sees the mess of snake left behind on the surface. "Ooooh, that's gross."

[monomachy]

[Diana falls silent for a few moments as they walk, and then she finally answers. She has not yet learned that sometimes a lie is kinder than the truth; just give her a hundred years or so to figure it out. But now, she gives Jill the truth, harsh as it may be.]

You are correct. All the factions face some kind of corruption or fault in their leadership. But Thorne... months ago, there was a diplomatic meeting. The advisor from Thorne was attacked, and before an investigation could be conducted, the Queen there laid the blame at the feet of the Free Cities with no proof. She attacked one of the Free Cities' settlements--Libertas. Her magic decimated the city and its people. We are still rebuilding parts of it.

[There is pain in her voice, distress. Even if she wasn't in Libertas at the time, she had seen the gruesome aftermath. She had spent weeks digging out corpses from the rubble.]

I imagine you can see why I do not hold the highest opinion of Thorne or its leadership.

[theidlemaiden]

Hey!

[ The protest is punctuated by a pout that barely conceals a grin. Good natured ribbing doesn't distract from the fact that she catches the trail of her eyes towards her hair. If he was used to jokes about his age, the initial looks of curiosity when it came to her hair colour would never stop either - not that she minded. ]

I'm plenty old enough, thank you very much. Not as old as you of course, but I'm definitely not a baby.

[ As attention turns back towards her sculpture, or rather, marble slab, she lets out another sigh. ]

A really simple shape would just be a rectangle and well... [ She motions to said rectangle in front of them. ] Maybe a diamond or something? That would be pretty simple, right?

[notrunninganymore]

So you were brooding rhetorically. Got it.

[Is he making fun of this idea? Absolutely.]

Don't let me stop you.

[notrunninganymore]

Gabriel grins at the reaction, noting it for possible use later, but is quickly distracted by that atrocity that she holds up.

"Talk about crimes against nature." He is aghast. Almost genuinely, because wow. There are so many different jokes that suddenly come to mind, and he considers just going ahead and saying many of them, but begrudgingly decides not to. The best one probably wouldn't make sense if slang is different wherever she's from anyway.

So instead--

"How'd they stick the hair on there? Is there skin under it?" Is this like a canteen? If so, maybe Catra is onto something with the comment about how humane it is. If not, and they've just glued hair onto whatever artificial materials they use here, he has many other questions like 'how dare you' and 'for the love of god, why'.

[notrunninganymore]

This place is eternally night, there's gotta be.

[It would be absolutely absurd if a place that has nightlife 24/7 doesn't also have several bars. He begins glancing around for which direction looks like it might be most likely to host a seedy but not too seedy bar, but as he does so he can't just let her first comments go by without asking--]

How'd you get kicked out?

[notrunninganymore]

[Gabriel does absolutely nothing to help during this entire slapstick comedy, and in fact he really wishes he could summon up some popcorn or something. This is beautiful, and he appreciates Marty's sacrifice in participating in it.

So he's grinning shamelessly by the time of Marty's question, shaking his head.]

Seems like you've got everything under control.

[Although, actually--]

The treat plan wasn't half bad, he just likes your sleeves more than the hay. Maybe he'll follow you right to the finish line, if you can stay out of reach long enough.

[Care to try outrunning a goat? For the glory of victory and whatever trinket they might get for winning?]

[leitstern]

[Brooding.

Jasper clenches his fists but not his jaw. Arrogant little blabbermouth! Who is this man to judge, well, anyone?]

Likewise.

[Yeah. That'll show him!]

[notrunninganymore]

[What Michael isn't saying--or doing--is just as important as what he is, which Gabriel is keeping in mind as he tries to figure out just how unimpressed with this whole situation his brother actually is. He's pretty sure at this point that there's no threat here, at least not without some sort of additional reason, and that's really about as much as he could hope for. This reunion's probably just as much of a confusing shock for Michael as it is for Gabriel.

The rambling about practicalities is another good sign, even if some of it's a little worrying, like the remark about not being able to leave the commune. He's about to ask further about that part, but then Michael drops that last comment, and of course he has to ask first--]

Who else?

[He isn't even bothering to joke until he knows what they're dealing with in this respect.]

[notrunninganymore]

I wasn't brooding. I was gossiping, and gossiping by yourself isn't very fun.

[He is also being annoying on purpose, another thing which isn't very fun alone.]

[pepsifree]

[ Gabriel's question earns him a good, long suffering look. But as Marty turns his head and sees the goat approaching him again, he hefts himself up on his palms to crawl backward from it. ]

Say you'll split the winnings [ it's hard work turning his head from the goat to the guy to the goat again all while crawling backwards, but Marty manages ] and I'll do my best.

it ABSOLUTELY is, thorne tends to be paranoid as it is so it'll work perfectly

[godshattering]

That I can't answer. I'd assume Thorne would be more inclined to being offered magic as we know it rather than the Free Cities wanting magic to be imbued into something with purpose beyond spells alone.

[ Something Istredd or Kyle can tackle, however, since one or both of them will know more about that. There's other far more magically inclined people there than he'll ever be himself, or so he's heard. Claude's about to add onto that in the spirit of curiosity, but then. Then he's tempted to roll his eyes at the neutral viewpoint mentioned, but - no, on second thought, he definitely rolls his eyes a bit at that while still smiling in actual entertainment over something expected. ]

Ask away, but I'm not in the business of withholding information about Abraxas. That'd go against all of us needing to work together considering none of us know why we're here when it comes to being brought into a place faced with yet another war between three nations.

[ Still: far from the first time in his life when he's not been believed or had something said treated with even the mildest of suspicion, so he's not going to dwell on it. They were on opposite sides of a war and in the spirit of honesty, it's hardly as though he'd given most anyone many reasons to trust him back at the academy.

Or in Abyss, though Claude's expression brightens with something too quick to be anything but genuine at the mention of it being their ideal experiment. ]

Perfect. Maybe if we do our best it won't offend Yuri so much if he ever manages to show up here. [ As if any of this is voluntary, though he brings a hand up from beneath the water to wave in a vague gesture like he's considering some landscape between them. ] I'm sure between the two of us we can manage to recreate the underground quite well. Hilda might have started on it at one point but that place is so big there'll be plenty left for us to work on building out, and I haven't spent much time working on any part of Garreg Mach while there.

[ That test of the Horizon's limits is intriguing too, and for a second he's tempted to tell Linhardt about the times a few months ago when he found himself trapped in places within it he'd never seen before and didn't belong to any Summoned. But - considering at least one of those wasn't so pleasant, perhaps that's a better topic for later. Something to ease into, certainly, if the Singularity doesn't take care of that like when he'd arrived. ]

I suppose it goes without saying I'd like to start with the library down there since there's quite a few things I'd like to have as references again, and I have a feeling your memory will help with that. There are some things we learned during the war that I think we can use to fill in some of those missing pages in the books.

[notrunninganymore]

You've got yourself a deal.

[Chances are good Gabriel won't even want whatever they're given, but even if he does, it's well worth the trade for getting to watch this little show.]

I have faith in you, goat-whisperer.

[pepsifree]

[ This guy's totally making fun of him, isn't he?

But Marty's a man of his word, so as the goat approaches, he pushes up hard with his hands to get on his feet. It spooks the animal some, but a soft couple of tongue clicks and a well-timed wave of the sleeve get the goat approaching him again.

As Marty walks backwards, he sees some other goats being led along by people. And, sure, clean sport's all well and good, but...

Catching the other guy's eye, Marty cocks his head in the direction of the other contestants.

Then, a whispershout: ] It'd be easier if we didn't have competition!

[notrunninganymore]

[Gabriel's following along slowly, both supervising and observing 'his' goat's possible success, but although he is totally making fun of Marty he's also entirely willing to help. They're in this together, after all.

And sure, Gabriel could just try distracting the other animals, could try distracting the people, could do any number of normal things. But although his grace is just a flicker of what it could be and usually is, it's still enough for him to play a little dirty.

So he catches Marty's eye in return, waggles his eyebrows, and then looks toward the nearest competition. A flick of his fingers and suddenly the dirt under their opponent's feet should be more accurately described as mud, and down the person goes, unhurt but very confused.]

Rookie mistake. Gotta watch where you're walking.

[Don't mind if the same thing happens to the next closest challenger. Normally Gabriel prefers to be a bit flashier and more creative than this, but he's a little low on power, and although some magic is normal here and therefore nothing particularly noteworthy that doesn't mean he should draw too much attention.]