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

[thepath]

[ Cal completely forgets about the rest of his food, along with the proffered bun, as he turns to face Anakin on the bench, his gaze searching. Even without taking the Force, or his weakened connection to it right now, into account, something about the other man seems... off.

It's just that he answered the question so casually, almost flippantly. Cal can understand numbness, from those five years he spent on Bracca when he forced himself to feel nothing about the Purge, but now? Even with a decade of distance between today and that day, he can't think of it without anything but pain and grief. ]

I'm Cal Kestis. My Master was Jaro Tapal.

[ He lets out a breath, the memory coming back to him more clearly. ]

We met before at the Temple, when I was a Padawan. Though I can't blame you if you don't remember. [ It was a long time ago, after all, and he was a lot younger and smaller back then—made even smaller by comparison to Master Tapal. Still had the shock of red hair, though. ]

[chosenfordarkness]

[ Distance, validation, and the sense that what he did had been the right answer at the time certainly help with the flippancy. The Purge had been so fresh in his memory when he'd first come, but being in a place for so long has given him perspective. He doesn't have to think about it if he so chooses. A task made harder when the universe decides to keep summoning Jedi.

Cal's name doesn't immediately jog his memory, but Jaro Tapal certainly does. ]

Oh, that's right. You're a lot older, now.

[ That doesn't seem exactly right.. but he sighs in resignation, running a hand through his hair. It's the same situation that he and Obi-Wan are in. ]

How many years has it been? Time works differently here.

[thepath]

[ Even though he opened himself up to it, you're a lot older, now feels like a punch to the gut for some reason. Would Master Tapal even recognize his Padawan anymore? Cere had said that he would be proud of the Jedi Cal is today, but... some days, it's hard to believe.

He looks away, pushing the thought aside. ]

Differently?

[ That's ominous. Why is he starting to get the sneaking suspicion that his earlier thought about Anakin not looking much older than he remembers is about to become relevant again? ]

It's been ten years since the Purge—for me. Why?

[chosenfordarkness]

[ It's difficult to surmise what the dead would think of the person that has grown without them around. Easy to linger in those thoughts, and definitely easier to doubt they would.

Anakin hums in response to the question. ]

Abraxas isn't very concerned about timelines.

[ He studies Cal's face, not getting the impression he's being lied to. What would he have to gain in that situation, anyway.. but ten years? Instead of immediately answering the question, he replies with one of his own. ]

What is the galaxy like?

[thepath]

[ Cal doesn't answer right away, the wheels in his head turning as he regards Anakin. There's something that feels cagey about the man's answer—something deliberately cagey—but Cal can't tell if his suspicions are warranted or that lingering stab of betrayal is still bleeding out.

It's Anakin Skywalker. One of the Grand Army's most distinguished generals, the Hero with No Fear. But Cal has seen Jedi fall—in fact, he's seen more Jedi fall than not. The Purge left none of them unscathed.

He glances back down at his food, gone cold now. ]

Not good. The Empire just keeps getting stronger. Force sensitives are being hunted down and killed. Nobody's free.

[ It's not a very hopeful answer, but it's the truth. He looks back up at Anakin, his gaze intent. ]

What aren't you telling me?

[chosenfordarkness]

[ There's a great deal not being disclosed, but honestly? Cal wouldn't understand, in the same fashion that Obi-Wan wouldn't understand. Does what any of them did back home matter in a place like this? He's yet to find that it does.

Not good. Nobody's free. Not exactly what he imagined it would be like. Disappointing, really.. but given what he knows about what comes after, should he really be surprised? ]

It appears as though none of us are quite from the same moment. For you, it's been ten years, but for me, it's been no more than a day or two. For my Master, Obi-Wan is here by the way, he's years behind. Best not to mention it to him, I think.

[ Maybe that's giving Cal a little too much, but there's nothing anyone can do about what's already happened. ]

[thepath]

[ Anakin, why didn't you just say that? For kriff's sake. If he was trying to protect Cal from the shock(?) of finding out he's ten entire standard years ahead of the other Jedi—well, that's not what catches him by surprise. ]

Master Kenobi is here too? [ Don't answer that—rhetorical question.

I regret to report that both our Jedi Order and the Republic have fallen—it's so strange that he can still hear Master Kenobi's voice in his head, even though he hasn't touched that holocron in years. One final message to the Jedi.

Cal's brow furrows in thought. Did Master Kenobi survive the Purge too? If he's years behind, as Anakin says, then there's no way of knowing. ]

You haven't told him? [ His real question is: why? ]

[chosenfordarkness]

[ Because he's dramatic, Cal. Sheesh, a guy can't have a cryptic monolog? Anakin raises an eyebrow at the question. It might be a valid question to someone who doesn't have their own interests first. ]

How well do you think you'd take the news? The last thing he remembers is my Knighting ceremony. Why put him through the guilt and have both the war and the Purge looming over him?

[ He's quiet for a moment, opting to look out on the square and watch people go by. ]

Why does any of that matter when we're in a place that stands outside of time? We're allowed to exist outside of our worries and expectations.

There's no Order, there's no Empire.

[thepath]

[ Cal falls silent for a long moment, absorbed in thought. He doesn't know when Anakin was Knighted, but judging from context it was either before or very early on during the war, which—well, Anakin does have a point. The weight of the war and the Purge is heavy, impossibly heavy.

But still. The idea of keeping something so momentous from a fellow Jedi doesn't sit quite right with Cal. It feels like lying by omission and, truthfully, he's not sure he can look Master Kenobi in the eye and say nothing, hide everything he's done for the past ten years. The old Order probably wouldn't recognize the Jedi he's become. Something would give him away.

But is the hurtful truth any kinder? ]

I don't know.

[ We're allowed to exist outside of our worries and expectations. A nice sentiment, but Cal is all worries and expectations and he doesn't know how to stop. Even now, he's itching to go back home, to return to his chosen family, to rejoin the fight.

No, he can't set the Order and the Empire aside so easily. What is he without them?

He takes a different tack. ]

Master Kenobi is a member of the Council. If he knew, he might be able to do something when he goes back. To prevent 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.

[thepath]

[ A year? Anakin has already been here for a year? Cal almost doesn't know how to wrap his head around that much time spent away from his galaxy—from Merrin and Greez. From Kata and the Hidden Path. Even if time passes differently here and they never notice he's gone—he notices he's gone.

But that's not the important part here. If what Anakin is saying is true, that no one has been able to change the inevitable course of events they left behind, then... it just doesn't sit right with him, doing nothing. Not even trying.

He's not built for that. All he knows is to fight.

He sighs, running his hand through his hair—a habit of his. When Anakin mentions the corruption, Cal's head snaps up. ]

It's better than the Empire.

[chosenfordarkness]

[ The passage of time is noticeable, but what did he really have to get back to? A planet of lava and a lightsaber duel with his Master to the death isn't as appealing. If he's got any say in the matter, he won't be going back.

Anakin hums in thought, considering how he should navigate the rest of this conversation. ]

The Empire would have happened regardless, the Sith Lord infiltrated the Senate long before the Clone Wars.

[thepath]

You mean Palpatine.

[ Yeah, he knows about that motherkriffer and he's not dancing around it. It hadn't been hard to connect the dots or piece the timeline together, especially after their crew's little jaunt to Nur. The Emperor, the fall of the Republic, Darth Vader, the Order... ]

It didn't have to be inevitable. The war—

[ He stops suddenly, his mouth pressing into a thin line. He still doesn't want to believe that the Council—the Order—was wrong, but... nobody won. Not the Republic, not the Separatists, not the Order. They fought for nothing, in the end. They died for nothing.

He releases a breath, then continues: ] There had to have been another way. We were peacekeepers.

[chosenfordarkness]

[ He's fully ready to argue, but lets Cal speak his mind and get everything out. There's little either of them can do in Abraxas, especially given that the scales have already tipped toward the Empire for both of them. ]

Since when have peacekeepers needed child soldiers? [ Anakin gives Cal a pointed look, knowing it also applies to him. He'd had a Master, they'd had their own troopers that turned on them. ]

Yeah, I used to think that, too- that the Jedi were working toward liberating the galaxy.

[thepath]

[ Anakin's got him with the child soldiers line, and it's obvious by the way Cal's expression shutters, his mouth pressing into a thin line. The thing is, Anakin isn't wrong, and Cal knows it—he's thought the same thing, actually. Wondered about it, recalled how damned young he was when he was apprenticed to Master Tapal and sent off to war.

At the time, he'd felt proud of the accomplishment. Looking back, he's not so sure it was an accomplishment. He was just a child—not much older than Kata is now. She deserves a childhood, and so did he.

The easy answer—the one he's been clinging to all these years—is to say that the Order did the best they could, that they tried. But the seed of doubt is in him, and he doesn't like the cracks its roots are putting in the foundation. ]

When did that change? [ His voice is quiet. ]

[chosenfordarkness]

[ He almost feels bad for shoving that realization at him. Almost. He's positive the war changed Cal in much the same way it had changed Ahsoka. She'd been far too young. He'd been far too young for a Padawan, all things considered. A lot of mistakes had been made in the beginning. ]

Right about the time I was Knighted. It wasn't how things usually went- they needed Generals for all the troops. [ Anakin sighs wearily. ] I was just starting to get used to that when the Council decided I was going to train my Padawan.

[ There is a lot of vehemence behind the way he spits out the Council's name, but that's almost always how he's felt about them. Always quick to judge him, but never to trust him when he felt he'd more than earned it. ]

She was only fourteen and I didn't have a say in the matter.