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

[invicto]

Yeah. Kinda gives the wrong impression.

[ That he's stalking them for either violent or obsessive purposes. Been there, mostly for the former, but it really isn't a great idea unless Finn means it. And, you know, is good at it. ]

I have. [ It seems only natural to him, and undoubtedly the fastest way to get some answers around here. And, who knows, some real power. ] Not you?

[hatejakku]

[ Finn's not a stalking kind of guy, unless it's some sort of high value target they need intel from. Even then, he's never the first choice when it comes to stealth. Couldn't be successfully creepy even if he wanted to. ]

Thought about it. Probably should have. [ Admitted with a shrug. ] I'm just not very loyal to people whose first idea of growing numbers is kidnapping, and that's probably not something I would have kept to myself for very long.

[ He gave himself about two weeks before he stabbed a superior with a fork he swiped from the mess hall. ]

Why did you? [ Finn knows why he would have. He wants to know why others actually did. ]

[invicto]

I don't think loyalty's required to enlist, and I hardly doubt they're stupid enough to expect it of any of us.

[ But that's worth what is worth. Maybe Finn needs to feel that kind of loyalty to be in service of an institution of any sort. James, however, doesn't feel the same way. ]

I'm military. It's what I'm most familiar with. [ And probably what he'll excel most at, here. ] Besides, what else am I going to do? Just sit around and hope that luck will find answers for me? Enlisting might give me better access to things I might want or need.

[ Vague, but that's how he prefers to keep it. ]

[hatejakku]

[ Finn tilts his head. Fair, all good points. ]

I also doubt they're stupid enough to let any of us rise in rank so long as they don't believe in our loyalty. Without that trust, you'll have a challenge on your hands. A dangerous one.

[ But Finn gives him a once over and decides that James isn't stupid either. Far from it. So, he offers another smile. ]

I'm military, too, and I kind of get the impression you like challenges.

[ And... yes, he's assuming what James means by "answers" is figuring these people out and getting home. It's a bias, because that's the answers Finn wants. What other ones could there be to find, he wonders. ]

[invicto]

And you don't think that trust can be earned?

[ Loyalty can be faked. It's easy to pretend commitment, interest in a cause. All it takes is some dedication, a few sacrifices. Plus, James is pretty good at acting. ]

Never shied away from one. And a challenge helps keep things interesting.

[ No one wants him getting bored. Really. ]

[hatejakku]

No. It'll just be hard. Personally, faking things isn't something I'm good at, especially as big as this.

[ Seriously, he cannot lie to save his life. Literally. And gritting his teeth through another militant group like this? Unlikely that he'd make it very far. ]

But things already seem plenty interesting, if I'm honest. [ Depending on one's definition. Finn certainly hasn't been bored. ] Like Libertas, for example. Whatever happened there doesn't sound like normal military movement to me. There's something bigger here than just a faction war.

[ Factions, nations, all the same. Sorta. ]

[invicto]

You wouldn't have made a very good spy, then.

[ Bad at faking things, bad at following people. Could use better reflexes too, if he's supposed to be military. ]

Or there's more to the war than we're being told. More than even the natives know.

[ But James tends to start on the assumption that everyone's lying to him. Suspicion is always the best practice, in his personal experience. ]

We should get out of this alleyway, before we garner any unwanted attention.

[hatejakku]

Oh, definitely not, no.

[ At least his reflexes are usually better. Considering he's felt the Force get stronger everyday, Finn's merely considering this week or so a learning opportunity. Besides, might be good for people to underestimate him. Might be great, actually. ]

There's always more... [ Said in a sigh before he gathers himself back up again. ] Buy you a drink?

[invicto]

[ That would be one thing that James would agree with, actually. Later on, he might even admire that in Finn. Even James, who isn't prone to underestimating people, is doing so right now, without even realizing it.

He shoots Finn a mildly surprised look. Usually he doesn't get offered drinks by guys he holds a blade to threateningly. Friendly guy, huh. ]

Sure.

[hatejakku]

[ Yeah, well, Finn kind of feels like he deserved that whole interaction. If anything, he's happily surprised that James agrees, even if a public bar is a great place to talk without arousing suspicion.

Offering a tiny smile, Finn nods towards the mouth of the alley and leads the way out. There's a tavern across the street, not even a block away, so he makes his way over after checking James is following.

The tavern itself is dimly lit, providing about as much light to see by as the outdoors, and it's quiet aside from the low murmur of conversation. Everyone's keeping to themselves, not even looking up to see any new faces enter. Not terrible, Finn decides, as he walks on in. ]

[invicto]

[ At the moment, James would vastly prefer a public place to a dark alleyway. He's feeling pretty confident that he could handle himself regardless, but a bar decreases the odds that he's gonna get attacked without warning, and it should give him a good opportunity to watch others.

He follows after Finn, not actually walking behind him but not beside him either, maybe just half a step of distance. His gaze flickers around them as they head through the door, and after scanning the room, he picks one of the booths in the farthest corner, partly dipped in darkness, and slips into the seat against the corner where he can watch everyone else and know when he's being watched. ]

I'll drink whatever they have that's close to whiskey.

[ Assuming, of course, that Finn knows what whiskey is. ]

[hatejakku]

[ As luck would have it, Finn does know what whiskey is. Considering there are a few different variants back home, all sprung up independently of each other (he thinks), he's pretty sure this will be a mission success.

Instead of saying anything, he gently raps his knuckles on the table twice before heading to the bar himself. He tips generously and gets two glasses poured quickly, even sipping one to make sure- Yep. Yep, that's- Yep.

To his credit, he only nods in thanks as he turns away and manages to breathe through the burn all the way back to the table. The untouched glass is set in front of James as Finn takes a seat beside him instead of across. ]

Pretty close, in my opinion.

[ It doesn't escape him that James picked the best spot to see the room from, mostly because that would have been the first spot Finn took. As it is, he can see the entrance and windows well from this vantage point, so it counts as a win. ]

How long have you been on this planet, anyway?

[invicto]

[ It's a little odd and unexpected that Finn slips right beside him, but James plays it off without showing any reaction. He takes the glass with a glance sideways —he noticed Finn's reaction to that sip, and he has to wonder how often has the guy had this kind of drink before. ]

Close enough, [ He says, after a sip. Can't really afford to be picky, and besides, even if it doesn't taste quite like whiskey, it's still pretty good. ]

A few days. [ Which explains why he didn't know whether or not there was whiskey here. ] You call it a planet— take it you're familiar with space travel?

[ Usually people don't jump to this place being a planet. ]

[hatejakku]

[ Even though Finn outright said it, he's a little surprised by the question. He's referred to this as a planet many times before, but James is the first to ask. ]

I am. Our galaxy is almost fully mapped out, and I feel like I've been to every corner of it. That doesn't seem to be the case for most people here, though.

[ So he understands if that sounds crazy to James, but he doesn't think it does. ]

What about you?

[invicto]

[ It's a curious little detail. Maybe James just hasn't talked to a lot of people, but it's nevertheless interesting that that's how Finn immediately describes it, like it's natural to him. ]

I'm not most people, then.

[ He takes a sip from his drink. Now's the time when he needs to start being careful about how much he'll share. ]

We have a good portion of our galaxy yet unexplored, back in my reality, but it's still a pretty big place. Space travel is fairly commonplace. Personally, I'm more used to being on a starship than not.

[hatejakku]

[ For some reason, this more than anything else has Finn relaxing for the first time since he got here. It's not much, mind, but some of the tension in his shoulders manages to loosen. It's doubtful he and James are from the same galaxy, but it's really nice to find someone here with similar experiences in life. Makes him feel a little less insane with this massive change.

Finn gives back a soft smile and a laugh concealed in a sigh. ]

Me, too. I'm not used to being on one planet or moon for very long. Maybe it sounds weird, but it feels a little claustrophobic.

[ That probably isn't something he should readily admit to a stranger. Feels kind of personal. So, Finn takes a drink (smoother, this time) and shifts gears. ]

You think this is another reality? I was hoping it was just... very far away.

[invicto]

[ They are almost certainly not from the same galaxy, unless Finn's from an yet unexplored section of it. James knows for a fact he's not Imperial, and if Finn was from the same place he is, then he would recognize James as one. Their interaction would have gone a lot differently, he's sure. ]

No, it's not weird. I get what you mean.

[ Same for him, honestly. Not that being on his ship is always safe, but it's where he's most comfortable, and it's what he's most familiar with. ]

I don't know. Unless you're used to magic, vampires and werewolves, I am leaning towards alternate reality. Especially having met some of the other people who were brought here like we were.

[hatejakku]

[ People back home don't seem to share Finn's same feeling of claustrophobia, but most didn't grow up on cruisers either. So hearing something like that from someone here is both surprising and kind of wonderful.

But, thankfully, he's distracted from that train of thought for now. ]

We have a few different people in my galaxy someone might call a vampire or werewolf. And as for magic, it depends. Some people considered the Force to be magic, so I'm not sure this is all that different. Just another name for something difficult to explain.

[ Which is why he's just talking about the Force like it's common knowledge. Sure, some people back home didn't believe it was real, and there were probably some who hadn't heard of it at all or called it something else. ]

But you're right about... different walks of life. Alternate reality isn't a farfetched idea.

[ Everything feels the same but not. It's disconcerting. ]

[invicto]

Guess we have a few species that could be considered that, too, [ he agrees. ] Not as literal as around here, though.

[ There's a highly specific list of features exclusive to those mythical creatures that no species out there really shares to the last detail. James is pretty confident this isn't his universe. It follows an entirely different set of rules of physics. ]

What's the Force?

[ No, he's never heard of it. Definitely never seen anything that he could have even compared to magic. ]

[hatejakku]

[ Finn nods in an almost-agreement sort of way, because he's now wondering what definitions even apply anymore. It doesn't help that he hasn't seen any of these vampires or werewolves around here yet either.

Regardless, his eyes dart up to meet James' and- Right. Different reality. Finn can't imagine there's a place out there not touched by the Force, but that doesn't mean every... reality even knows it's there.

So, he's going to take a second while he thinks through an answer. ]

It's... hard to explain. A sort of energy that's part of everything. It creates chaos and life and connections between people, leads some along a-... I don't know. A destiny, I guess. Sounds ridiculous.

But, back home, we have some things that are really in-tune with the Force. Sometimes, those things are people. There's some biology to it - [ He gestures with his fingers, like he can show the size of a midi-chlorian if he tried. ] - something about little cells in everyone's blood, I don't know. But some are more sensitive to it than others, and they can listen to the Force. See it, use it... Float rocks with their mind, hear other people's thoughts, see visions of the future. That sort of thing.

It gets complicated. I mean, it's amazing. They can heal wounds, move rivers, talk with the dead, but... it's incredible how much one person can change a galaxy when they have the power to choke someone from across the room.

[ Which is where he's pausing to take a drink, this one going down smoother than the last. But honestly, if that's what their 'magic' is, Finn's not sure how many more Force-related conflicts he can let himself get involved in.

Sorry if he's being a bit maudlin. He's feeling it suddenly. ]

[invicto]

[ Well, they've only been here for a short while. Could be they don't like to show themselves, or just as likely, they're really good at blending in. Finn could've very well talked to a vampire by now and not even know it.

Anyway, James's interest is pretty mild, up until the point when Finn mentions choking someone from across a room. His pose shifts, keen interest in his eyes, pretty impossible to hide— not that James was even bothering to. ]

Oh, that does sound very useful.

[ Some abilities more so than others; James knows which ones he'd lean towards in a heartbeat. ]

So it's like a special power that only some people have. Do you?

[hatejakku]

[ It's a near thing, but Finn manages to not choke on his own drink. When he swallows it down, though, his smile is undeniable even if his laugh is quiet.

It's not really funny, James' reaction to that last piece of information. Finn recognizes it for the red flag that it is. Doesn't change that he really just skipped over everything else to light up on that one. Blatant, neon red flag... Okay, it is kind of funny.

And he can't really fault him, anyway. Finn can think of several times where he wished he could do that, too.

But things get a whole lot less funny with that follow-up question. It does cross his mind to lie, but he just shrugs because he knows the pause kinda gave himself away. ]

Like I said, it gets complicated. Just because someone can see something doesn't mean they can use it. And there are a lot of people like that back home.

[ At least, he feels like it is. ]

[invicto]

[ What is funny is Finn's own reaction, drawing a low, warm chuckle from James. ]

Don't tell me you've never felt the urge to choke some asshole from across the room, [ he mutters against the rim of his glass, taking a slow sip. Well, usually he's the asshole across the room, but then again, most everyone is an asshole where he's from, so. ]

But you can sense it, so technically you could use it. Like— if you honed the skill, or something.

[hatejakku]

Across the room. Right in front of me. [ Muttered back. An unfortunate truth, but his smile remains.

For a fleeting second, his thoughts are on Hux at the moment of Finn's first execution. The General pacing and gloating in front of them; Finn on his knees in a hangar with axes near his and Rose's throats. How different that moment could have gone does create a nice image, he won't lie.

But as for how real that could have been- As to James' thoughts- ]

Maybe. The Force isn't a weapon. It's a... living thing. Sort of. It takes a certain kind of person, is what I mean. No amount of practice is going to help you float a rock or choke some guy if the Force doesn't want you to know how. Some people just understand it better than others.

[ And besides all that, Finn isn't even sure he wants to. He grew up with the dark side. If all he's going to do with it is daydream about all the times he could have snapped Hux's neck, he doesn't want it. ]

Nothing but trouble for most of the people who get it, anyway. [ Muttering again before another sip. ]

[invicto]

[ That makes Finn seems only slightly more interesting. Still leaves the matter on whether or not he would actually be capable of choking someone from the distance, but if so, James's interest in him is only bound to go up even higher.

The way Finn talks about the Force makes him think there's yet a lot of reluctance there to use an ability that's readily available to him, but James knows better than to point that out. There are subtler ways to coax someone into something. ]

I can't say I really understand, honestly. It sounds a little subjective and open to interpretation.

[ Why would the Force want some Force-sensing people to have the ability to choke others, but not everyone? It hardly makes sense to him.

He's quiet, watching Finn for a few seconds. ]

How so?