TEST DRIVE MEME #14

[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 October.

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 autumn, the weather is cool and windy. In the distance, you can see tall mountain peaks and fall florals are in bloom in the gardens. 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. Some tension is in the air when locals debate a recent invasion of monsters through open rifts. Many agree that the Summoned are necessary to help stabilize the Singularity to prevent another crisis. The destruction has left areas outside the castle severely damaged, but repairs are underway.


• Although Eifstide is a few weeks away, the Castle's head chef has started to serve autumn-themed pastries and fall-spiced teas in the dining hall.

◎ Exploring

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

Roaming Dolls
In preparation for the children who will Roam during Eifstide, the Castle is constructing autumn dolls to distribute on behalf of the King and Queen. Supplies will be laid out in one of the castle's rooms where you can create a variety of dolls using cloth leaves, waxed nuts, and yarn. An incantation is provided to enchant the dolls with a colorful sparkle, written in an ancient tongue. Make sure the pronunciation is perfect. A small mistake might cause your doll to turn a foul color or crumble into dust in your hands. If you possess your own magic, you can use that instead!

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 warming spell that can chase away the chill for about an hour or so. 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.

Equine Escape
One of the stablehands has accidentally let some of Thorne's riding horses out. In a desperate bid to bring them back before anyone discovers her error, she's approached the recent influx of Summoned for help - hoping that your status as a new arrival means you won't rat her out to her superiors. Fortunately, the horses are unlikely to have gone far. You can search around the Castle grounds, riding trails, and the city's lush woods where they might be grazing. Of course, two sets of eyes are better than one. Maybe another Summoned has seen a lost horse somewhere? Or perhaps you could use some help yourself to coax a stubborn steed home.

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 or Borrel 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. The climate is hot and dry, but temperatures are beginning to cool, especially during the nights. 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. Some tension is in the air when locals debate a recent invasion of monsters through open rifts. Though the majority consider the Summoned heroes, a few protest pamphlets can be found arguing against the government's insistence on summoning outsiders. The destruction has left areas outside the main cities severely damaged, but repairs are underway.


• The barracks where you first arrive show signs of damage. Wounded soldiers fill the infirmary. They exchange stories about invisible hounds and strange mutant beasts that attacked - though some tales are exaggerated. Meanwhile, city guards are especially present around an inn and tavern at the heart of Cadens - The Sarstina - where the Summoned like you are often found. They're here for your protection, not to prevent you from moving freely.


• Although Eifstide is a few weeks away, shops and bakeries have started to serve autumn-themed treats and fall-spiced ales.

◎ 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.

Talent Show
Children at an orphanage in Libertas are putting on a talent show for passersby and will insist on your participation if they corner you. They'll cajole you into doing everything from acting in a puppet show portraying grand battles against strange monsters to assisting with dance rehearsals. Be sure to bring your enthusiasm! Naturally, as with all talent shows, there might be a terrible emergency that needs your help. You could find yourself being asked to help with costume problems or to locate missing instruments and props.

Oh My Gourd
A new invention by a researcher named Esi Hollandse has taken off: a handheld "laser" tool powered by New Magic. Originally created for sculpting marble and stone, she's attempting to refine the device so it can carve gourds for Eifstide. Citizens are lining up to test it for themselves and retrieve a free pumpkin to carve in the process. Why not carve a pumpkin of your own? Of course, it's a bit of a two-person job - someone needs to hold the pumpkin while the other operates the device. Be careful! The invention is still in the works so now and again, a gourd might burst.

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...but they're temporarily crowded, forcing you into cramped quarters with other Summoned and soldiers. Unfortunately, due to the damage last month, only half of the barracks are operable. 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. Additional bedrolls are laid on the floors. 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 chilly and the temperatures are cool. Rains are beginning to grow more frequent. 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 apples, figs, corn, and other autumn crops. 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. A sense of awe is in the air when locals discuss the recent invasion of monsters through open rifts. The locals consider the Summoned their saviors, a sign that the Gods chose correctly. The destruction has left areas outside the main settlements severely damaged, but repairs are underway.


• Although Eifstide is a few weeks away, friendly neighbors have started to deliver autumn-spiced candies and warm knitted socks or scarves to everyone around the Commune.

◎ 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.

Ap-peeling Apples
The orchards are overflowing with apples of all kinds. They must be gathered before oncoming rains rot the fruit. You'll be given a basket to collect your apples, and you're welcome to eat your fill while you work. If you'd rather remain in one spot, a section of the orchard has been set aside for the task of peeling the apples to bake some delicious pies. The task should be easy - except the humid air means the Shrieking Weeds surface more frequently. Harmless and even vital to many gardens, you must rebury the weeds should they rise above-ground and unleash their shrill scream. Once replanted, they'll quiet down and appear as a common weed.

Shrine Ornaments
In preparation for Eifstide, shrine ornaments made of bone and foliage are being crafted around the Settlements. Each ornament is to be delivered to a shrine dedicated to Koth, an Old God that oversees decay and death. Locals will encourage you to create an ornament of your own by collecting animal bones, leaves, and twigs from the woods. Once finished, you can bring your ornament to the shrine and ask for a blessing through Solvunn's tradition of High Magic. For Eifstide, many ask for the Gods to spare their homes from visitations of death and destruction.

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

Questions

[abraxasmods]

[arcaneward]

Hello mods! I have a couple questions for you today!

1. I'm not sure how familiar you are with the lore of Final Fantasy 7, but my first question pertains to Aerith's connection to the Lifestream back on her home planet of Gaia. The Lifestream is essentially the 'life' of that planet and all the living things in it. When things die, both animate and inanimate, they 'return to the planet', ie their essence is absorbed to the Lifestream. As the last remaining member of a race known as the Cetra, Aerith has a unique capability to tap into the Lifestream to hear and see the people within it, as well as hear the 'voice' of the planet itself, and it is said that Aerith can use this voice to locate what her people called 'The Promised Land'. On arrival in Abraxas, her connection to the Lifestream is more than likely severed, but I was wondering if a connection to the Singularity would replace it instead, and if so, what would that entail?

2. Would she be allowed to sell flowers in Nocwich? I'm thinking she'd just have a small basket of them gathered with permission from the Commune, nothing like a stall or storefront (yet).

sandor clegane | game of thrones | strength

[dogmeats]

warnings: period typical offensive language but like worse, murdery themes, liberal use of the c word at any given opportunity; opt out post here.

𝔞𝔯𝔯𝔦𝔳𝔞𝔩 — 𝔰𝔬𝔩𝔳𝔲𝔫𝔫

( Finding himself suspended in the abyss isn't as much of a surprise as you might think. Last thing he remembers, that big bitch beat the ever loving shite out of him, and the little bitch left him there to die at the foot of a cliff. The abyss, he assumes, is what comes before dead men go to the seven hells. If they exist, if it all doesn't just stop, surely he'll be headed there himself.

What is surprising is that the hells look an awful lot like a fucking maester standing in the middle of a bloody field. He's pulled out of a pool of water naked as his name day, the taste of his own blood still in his teeth, cock on display for all to see, and some old fucker stands there hoisting a book. What the bloody fuck.

No ill will from the gods, he says. Blessed with success, he says. )

You're about to be blessed with my foot up your arse if someone doesn't tell me what the fuck is going on here.

( Except he sounds a little too ragged and a little too hoarse to be properly threatening. Even at six foot eight, he still comes across a bit like a limp, drowned rat. Blame the summoning ritual, or blame the fact that he was beaten near to death just before they called him here. Someone offers him a bundle of clothes and he yanks it from them like a dog snatching a bone. It's only the promise of a meal that gets him in the cart with another new arrival; he's been starving for weeks. He can kill everybody after he's tucked away a couple of chickens first. )

𝔞𝔯𝔬𝔲𝔫𝔡 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔰𝔢𝔱𝔱𝔩𝔢𝔪𝔢𝔫𝔱 — 𝔰𝔬𝔩𝔳𝔲𝔫𝔫

( Eventually they make it to the primary settlement. He's given leave to walk around, and the people here are... different. Possibly out of their entire fucking minds. Many of them greet him warmly, few of them seem to flinch at the sight of his scars. Nobody knows of him, or his reputation, or his history, which is a nice bloody change, but it's all completely bizarre. He doesn't trust it.

He can be found anywhere there's ale, pouring himself an ungodly amount and knocking it all back in a long, deep, continuous series of gulps until the entire drink's empty. If anyone, Summoned or local, stares at him too long, they'll get a direct stare in return and a sharp: )

The fuck are you looking at?

( Despite his lingering injuries — and there are many, ranging from the bone-ache in his leg to the healing cuts and bruises on his face and torso — Sandor doesn't wait long before working to earn his keep. He can be found laboring around the village, often with the strength and stamina of three men rolled into one. An impressive feat, given how visibly scuffed he's been. Carrying entire bushels of apples on either shoulder, chopping wood for an hour or two at a time, tilling fields — or outright squashing those screaming little weed shits that keep popping out of the ground. He'll work silently, sweating, never complaining, back-breaking work until he physically can't anymore. After, he'll find somewhere quiet to clean himself and rest his aching body.

You can also find him at mealtimes, segregated off to himself, eating silently and bothering nobody. Children seem taken with him, seemingly enamored with his size and the novelty of his scars, because they keep giggling and daring themselves to go bother him. He largely ignores them, save for the occasional withering glare when they come too close to his meat or ale. )

𝔳𝔦𝔰𝔦𝔱 — 𝔫𝔬𝔠𝔴𝔦𝔠𝔥

( He goes to Nocwich in part because he wants to better understand this world he's been dragged to, and in part because the commune is fucking boring. It's all farmers and country folk, all creepy pleasant townies pretending like their Old God shrines aren't the most unsettling fucking things he's seen in a while. Nocwich, he's heard, is a city of eternal nightfall, populated by wargs and bloodsuckers. By men who turn into wolves. Might as well see it with his own two eyes. Not like he's anything better to do.

So he dons his stupid pendant, and he walks through the stupid magic portal, and wouldn't you fucking know it. Turns out they were right.

He hasn't a single coin to his name, and so time spent browsing the shops is more to satisfy his curiosity than anything. He ambles through like the enormous lumbering beast he is, largely silent save for kindly informing a vampire shop keep once; )

You put those cocksucking fangs anywhere near my throat, I'll rip them out of your mouth.

( He can also be found in the hot springs, stripping off what little makeshift armor he's been able to pull together in a relatively armor-free farming community. He makes for a real eyesore at nearly seven feet tall, three hundred pounds of muscle, with one side of his face scarred all to shit and his thick body positively battered with freshly healing wounds. Don't get caught looking, or you may find yourself on the receiving end of a rather rude remark, along the lines of; )

Mind your own fucking business.

𝔴𝔦𝔩𝔡𝔠𝔞𝔯𝔡 - 𝔢𝔦𝔱𝔥𝔢𝔯

( hit me with anything, anywhere in solvunn or nocwich. you can find me at paingravy for questions or plotting! )

[nomnoms]

[ New friend day!

New friend day!

The very best day!

As the carriage comes to a halt, Nanaue stands in the grass waiting. Atop his head is a crown of bent, rusty metal (someone made for him)!

He lifts one massive hand and waves to the newcomers, his wide mouth widening even more into what must be a smile. ]

Hel-lo!

mealtime in solvunn

[wwrench]

It's only been fairly recently — since helping put arrows through the hearts of a couple of Darkhounds, in fact — that Wrench has started to come around for communal meals. He'd thought he was one of the last to arrive, and somehow stupidly he hadn't been expecting any others. It's his first time witnessing the aftermath of the Summoning ritual from the outside, and it's no less strange than when he was the one being hurtled through the portal buck naked. It isn't so much that he feels a particular need to provide as warm a welcome as what was extended to him, but curiosity and safety demand he put eyes on the newcomers. This seems like the best place to do it.

Right now, though, he isn't watching the enormous man hunched over his food. Rather, Wrench is watching the ones who are watching the stranger. A small pack of kids putting elbows into each other's ribs and shushing one another behind hands trying in vain to hide their giggles. He knows what's happening, of course. Wrench is used to collecting a few sideways glances of his own.

Not until one of the bunch is shoved forward does he move to stand. The little boy with a doughy face and a mop of blond hair approaches the scarred stranger from behind, creeping step by step. And Wrench follows behind the child. Just when the kid is about to extend his hand to reach out and give a tug to the man's shirt, Wrench's hand clamps down on the little shoulder. The caught child shrieks and turns to scramble away.

laboring

[carmesi]

[it's hard to be ignorant to the presence of the tall man. he has quite the presence about himself, towering over others. in the morning, wanda sees him in the orchards carrying apples back and forth; in the afternoon, she sees him chopping wood for hours at a time, tilling the earth, or an ass about the shrieking weeds.

she comes and goes, mostly minding herself and her business, having her own duties and tasks to attend to.

the next day, he's back to the same—to the unrelenting labor, drawing energy from who knows where. and this is when wanda approaches, as he wields an axe to chop wood, bringing with her a flask. at a pause between a swing and a placement of a log, wanda stretches out her hand, offering it to him.]

Have a drink.

[what, exactly, is inside the flask, she does not say.]

nocwich

[princessvegas]

[ Unless she has a scheduled meeting with someone, Julie usually only comes to Nocwich to shop. She's after books today, although that's a bit of a tough ask in Nocwich, where the vampires and werewolves are rather possessive of their knowledge. Still, she's perusing a small section of what appear to be secondhand novels when she overhears such a nasty comment toward the shopkeep.

And it's not that she cares much about the actual vampire, who honestly seems rather unfazed, but she does care about keeping the Summoned in a decent light, at least here in Nocwich. Being dicks to the natives is a good way to get places like Oleuni Square shut down. ]

Don't be a fuckin' asshole. [ The voice that pipes up from the other side of a bookcase does not match that of the native Abraxans. Her accent is decidedly foreign, a drawl most can't identify, and when she steps out from behind the shelves, she doesn't look much like either a vampire or a werewolf. ] No one made you come here, so you can take your goliath ass back through the portal to the funny farm if you can't behave like you have any sense.

[ She puts the book she has in hand back on the shelf, muttering to the vampire with a smirk. ] Swear we oughta make all the fresh meat earn the privilege to open their mouths.

nocwich.

[gynvael]

[ Is Geralt in the steaming water yet? No, but he'd like to be. He would be, were someone's hulking figure not in his path. There's only one way down into this side of the springs. (He should've gone to the other end, but hindsight is hindsight.)

Which, really, he's patient. Waiting is not much of a bother. But since waiting is what he's doing, there isn't a lot else to look at beyond the man standing before him, unless he were to avert his eyes like some sort of blushing maiden. It's difficult for the stranger not to take up space in his vision.

Somehow, he's not surprised when the surly attitude is turned on him. He sighs, shirt in his hands. Can he not seek a soak in peace?

Your business is in my way, is the thought that crosses his mind, but Geralt is not in the habit of picking a fight for no reason. He gestures vaguely at the narrow walkway that is now occupied by said giant of a man as if to say, What the fuck do you want from me?

Because he's pretty sure if he were to push past, that would be equally unappreciated. ]

Nocwich

[hatejakku]

[ If Finn were in that shop, he'd be extremely befuddled by the term "cocksucking fangs" and would ask for clarification. Fortunately, Sandor does not have to deal with that conversation.

But he does have to deal with the guy passing him by at the hot springs who zeroes in on those aforementioned freshly healing wounds. So when he's basically told to fuck off, yeah, he feels like he deserved that. On the other hand: ]

Sorry. I just- I know a healing spell. It should be able to help the fresh wounds a little, if... you wanted.

[ He wouldn't be surprised if the answer was a colorful rendition of no. It's magic, and Finn's a half-naked stranger this guy just met at a hot spring. He can't not offer, though. Physically impossible task for him. Besides, at least he also has his own collection of scars, the one across his back raising questions on how he's even alive. So maybe he earns points by being understanding? Sure. ]

astarion | baldur's gate iii

[ancunin]

( CONTENT WARNINGS: internal thoughts may include violence, sex, possible mention of animal cruelty for vampire reasons, and parasites or the worm-like kind. his backstory is pretty heavy, full warnings and opt-out here! Also let me know if you are cool with spoilers. I'll be taking him from around the start of Act 3. )

Cadens, arrival.

[ There he was - finally, finally on his way back to his home, his city, a plan in place for his freedom and revenge... mostly worked out, along with a bizarre but admittedly powerful menagerie of allies of all things in tow. And yet, here he finds himself. Naked and wet - by no means in a fun way of his own doing, getting stared down by strangers in a strange place. Had his heart any life left the organ would be beating out of his chest in panic at being unarmed and exposed when the last thing he remembers is lying down for the night to rest on his bedroll. This is a dream, is his first thought. A nightmare. One that only gets worse when the strangers begin speaking, explaining. He pulls the offered robe tight around his shoulders and spits bile at them for a good few minutes, getting the unfortunate sense that they're not particularly impressed, or surprised.

They're grateful he's here, as though he had any choice in the matter. Somehow worse are the clothes he's offered, a drab military uniform that hangs loose in all the wrong places. At least the Mind Flayers had the decency to let him keep his own clothing.

There's some talk about what's expected of him, and by then he's simmering instead of boiling. He nods, keeps his commentary mostly under his breath, and hops the first wagon into the city. There's not a chance in the hells that he's returning here before nightfall.

Astarion knows well how to navigate a city. Each may have their own particular flavor, but he'd rather risk the shadows of the streets at night than accept the generosity of his kidnappers, cramped in barracks with strangers.

And in a city, he can find something to eat.

Astarion is fairly irritable on the too-long wagon ride, seated in a corner and giving off an aura of someone who demands a certain amount of body space between himself and everyone else. ]

Gods, this arid heat is wretched... why would anyone ever choose to live somewhere so depressingly landlocked? [ He lifts his chin with a scowl at the 'scenery'. Charming, fun Astarion isn't here right now. He's too aggravated, too out of sorts, too sweaty and wrestling with the creeping dread of his unknown circumstances, like a snake coiled tense in his stomach. ]

Cadens, city.

[ He hopes to blend in with the crowds, passing unnoticed, but it's inevitable that he gets some curious stares. It occurs very quickly to him that this city is almost exclusively inhabited by humans, and so he keeps the hood of his cloak up, hiding his long, pointed ears and the marks on his neck. There's little he can do about his sharpened fangs, and sometimes the light hits his red irises just right. Fortunately, few seem to notice so long as he doesn't meet their gaze for too long.

It's too early for him to hunt, the easiest and least dangerous prey will be most active at night. Even just planning his late night activities is a struggle, though, his hunger doesn't care for excuses, and his unsteady nerves seem to give it fuel. He has to steel himself as he walks into The Sarstina Inn, reminding himself he's not some newborn spawn with no control. He's had two centuries to master this curse. He can wait a few more hours for the rats.

It does, however, make him a little lightheaded. He finds himself a seat in a far corner, and a lovely young serving girl offers him a glass of water. He bites back the urge to verbally snap at her over the polite offer of kindness, water isn't what he really needs. When Astarion manages a tight smile, even she seems to sense the insincerity behind it. And so he's left alone at his corner table for now, listening and watching while pretending to nurse his water like wine, yearning for a shower to wash away the dust of the road, and for the water to turn into something warm and coppery down his throat.

Or, maybe while standing at the bar he notices you watching him, and if you're not a literal child he manages to summon his charming mask for a moment out of sheer muscle memory, offering an practiced, inviting smile. A hint of, do you like what you see? ]

Hello there. [ His eyes are half-lidded, and he waves one hand out and the other to his chest in a lazily graceful motion, bowing slightly without fully taking his eyes off your face, his smile still teasing at his lips. ]

You wouldn't happen to know how I might find the closest and cleanest bathhouse, would you? It would be a godsend, truly.

[ Dust covered as he is, he seems sincere if a little theatrical.

It serves the purpose of distraction. His gaze isn't just admiring (or judging), he's casing you for any coin in your pockets. ]

Nocwich.

[ No. No. Not this shit again.

It's just so depressing.

Despite his misgivings, Astarion doesn't turn around and walk straight back through the portal to escape the land of eternal night.

He can either be found lounging in the hot springs up to his chest, or lurking around the gambling den. ]

At least they can mix a decent drink. [ He lifts his glass, eyeing it with a cat who ate the canary look. ] I'll give them that.

( Feel free to wildcard in any of these places, or skip past his dialogue to talk about something else! )

HECK YEAH Nocwich!

[slipscream]

( Benedikta hadn't imagined that she would spend a great deal of time in Nocwich after her first visit, but that was before Thorne and its surrounding areas had been battered into bits by the so-called Anomalous Beasts. She'd kept herself to herself for the majority of the carnage — no need to risk her own skin for a handful of people she'd never met before, after all — yet hadn't emerged on the other side as unscathed as she'd hoped.

Hardly surprising, all things considered. Luck has never been on her fucking side.

As such, Nocwich is a welcome change from the miserable faces floating around the ash and rubble. The gambling den is always a reasonable stop to pick up a half-decent drink and some threads of slurred gossip — and if the tongues aren't wagging? Well. Someone is bound to lose big eventually, which is all but guaranteed entertainment.

She's waiting at the bar when a man with ruby eyes and fluffy white curls drops an idle comment between them: )

Oh? I'd be inclined to agree — providing you don't mind your drinks spiced with blood.

( Her tone is indulgent if not vaguely sarcastic, and the tail-end of an eyebrow lifts a little way as she gives the man an assessing once-over. If she had to guess Benedikta would say he must be one of the locals, but then his comment suggests that he isn't as familiar with the place as she might assume. Still, that wicked-pleased smile on his lips earns him an exasperated little snort: )

But that doesn't seem like it's too much of a problem for you, hm?

Julia Wicker | The Magicians | The Tower | Solvunn/Nocwich

[divinityfrompain]

GENERAL PRIMARY SETTLEMENT

Julia does not take the sudden kidnapping well. When she wakes up naked and confused, surrounded by strangers, she scrambles to get her clothes on and attempts unsuccessfully to call on battle magic. When that doesn't work, she tries to teleport. When that doesn't work, she is ready to scratch eyes out and run. It takes a little longer than they might expect before she calms down enough to skittishly go into the carriage. What makes her hesitate and then relax is bringing up the gods.

Not her world's gods? Probably? Or maybe it was. They make pocket worlds, Iris said it herself. She still keeps her distance as much as possible until the beating of her heart stops pounding and she can take in the surroundings with a measure of calm.

In private, she continues to try and use her magic, tears in her eyes as she puts her hands into a circle and clearly seems to be expecting something when she shakes her fingers. It takes a little time, but when a spark finally snaps out, glittering, her tears of frustration turn into tears of relief. If there is anyone who comes upon her in the housing area during this time, she will look up with watery dark eyes and smile. "I thought it was gone forever."

Anyone who is supernatural or can sense supernatural beings might find that once Julia gains her powers back, she seems to radiate divine power. She might even seem like she glows to people who can tell, but she seems unaware. 

Afterward, she settles into Solvunn with more curiosity than anxiety. She walks through their shops and stalls, wearing layers as any good New Yorker learned to do through autumn and winter.  She lingers on a lovely wool scarf, running her fingers on the fabric, but shakes her head regretfully when the vendor comes over. "I'm sorry I don't have anything to barter yet, but um, I'll be back when I do."

She may be found confused staring at the ashes of Josselyn Creed on display, her brow furrowed. "What exactly happened here? Do you know?" She asks the nearest person. 

Julia otherwise is eager to help out the people allowing her to stay until she figures it out, and she uses little bits of magic openly, fixing small broken objects or mending clothes, and seems able to coax flowers into full bloom with a twitch of a finger. She can be seen multiple times pausing in front of shrines, contemplating, and in the forest near a ritual spot, doing nothing but thinking.

EXPLORING

Julia is drawn to the goat racing because she's had limited time with barn animals, and so much of it just since coming here, and it seems cute. She has been on the serious side since arriving so for the first time she is full-out laughing as she watches the chaos. She is genuinely enthusiastic when she tries her hand at it and crouches down by the goat, trying to cajole it by pushing her fingers together like someone might try to get the attention of a cat or dog. Until now that's her most experience. 

Julia used to love the occasional apple picking outside of the city so she is happy to volunteer and despite the fact she has enough magical power in her to power a building, she physically is still a petite young woman. Which means she's struggling with giant baskets filled to the brim. 

She is leaning down to pick up an apple from the ground when a shrieking weed comes up and she jumps. "Oh fuck." Julia leans down and reaches out to touch the weed creature. It seems like the easiest thing in the world for the soil to simply drop down at her murmured suggestion and the weed is calm as it sinks down and disappears. She puts her hands onto the ground tentatively and something underneath the surface shifts, some of the other weeds being replanted before they can come up. It is visible that the earth moves under her fingertips.

NOCWICH

There is no hiding that she's a tourist because when Julia steps through the portal into Nocwich, the first thing she does is look up at the eternal night sky with wide eyes. Everywhere she goes here is so different, but Solvunn reminds her of Fillory, and this is something else. She may accidentally bump into someone while taking in the strangeness, walking around the square, and smiling apologetically. "Sorry, I'm being a typical tourist. It's no Times Square, but it's something special." 

Her magic is back and with it her divine power, which feels a little extra overwhelming in a world full of magic and surrounded by people. Julia hasn't started hearing the voices and prayers again which is frankly the best thing, she's not in a place where she can answer any of them. A few times she has to pause and sit on a bench, no doubt looking overwhelmed, although she people-watches for a time and that helps.

She spends almost all of one day just watching the plays and musicians. Julia loves music and considering there's no chance she'll get an iPod around here, it's nice to sit and listen. You can tell a lot about people from their storytelling, something she knows intimately well. She taps her foot along with the music and seems genuinely enraptured in the plays. It's something to do. 

Julia wanders through the market just looking at everything, soaking it all in, although she is quick to tell the merchants she has no money so they don't waste their effort on selling her. It's strange to have no money and she does miss the luxury she took for granted. Especially when she sees the spas and tattoos. She spends all the time she can in Nocwich since she knows it only comes once a month, before returning to Solvunn without complaint.

WILDCARD

[ooc: hit me with whatever you want! Feel free to message me on plurk] 

arrival;

[dogmeats]

They pull him through not long before they pull her in. He watches the spectacle as she fights, as she throws out useless gestures, as she threatens to claw somebody's eyes out with her fingernails. He can respect that. Feels a little like doing the same himself — not that he's saying as much right now.

Instead, he pulls his gifted shirt over his scarred body and dismissively says, "Calm yourself, girl. They've got the kind of magic that can drag people across worlds and back from the bleeding dead. You really think your twig fingers are going to do anything worthwhile?"

You know what totally helps people calm down? Six foot eight completely fucking strange hideously scarred men telling you to calm down.

Look, he's... helping. In his own way. Sort of. Trying to, poorly. It's hard for him to stand idly by and watch a terrified young woman in distress without interjecting himself. His success rate in situations like this is a solid 50/50.

Arthur Hastings | We Happy Few | Solvunn

[smilefornow]

Fresh Greens

It had taken some initial convincing at first, but Arthur is now confident that none of this has happened because he angered The Space God. Or the Wyrd sisters. Though he's reasonably certain both are, indeed, quite angry with him. Along with everyone else in Wellington Wells - if they even remember. Which he supposes really shouldn't bother him, he is well and truly out and can't imagine he'll see any of them ever again. Which had always been the plan. Can't help anyone who doesn't want to be helped, ta-ra and goodbye.

Besides, assuming this isn't all the product of a nervous breakdown, it really doesn't matter now. He is no longer part of the equation. He is removed. He has achieved what cauldrons of potions and group meditation and strange drugs failed for so many cultists and ascended to another realm. Been ascended? He's still very blurry on the details. He'd been far too busy worrying about being denuded in front of strangers and dealing with the effects of what he'd been given by the doctors back home to comprehend it all.

All of this is forgotten the moment he is set loose to wander what he's been told is his new home. Which...looks surprisingly like his most recent one. It's like the Garden District if it had never been bombed and regulated to a Downer holding area. Even the houses are the same sort! But that's not what Arthur stops to marvel at. The grass! The flowers! All of them healthy and green and just growing right there! Are...are those dandelions? They are! Dandelions! He hadn't had much capacity to see things or think about things. He'd only been half hearing what he'd been told, only picked at the food put in front of him - even if it weren't for the corrupted Joy in his system, the last month has taught him to be very suspicious of meat. Or anything anyone else gives him to eat. It tends to go badly.

Without thinking, he staggers towards the clumps of flowers and sinks to knees. When was the last time he saw a dandelion? They'd all been overharvested once the tulips were gone. And they're just here! Just everywhere like...well...like weeds! Eyes wide and watery, Arthur reaches out to grab a fistful of stems and leaves. So fresh! So pliant and tender! The smell of them! No more V-meat (God help him), no more raw rotting potatoes that taste like old compost! No more moldy bowls of mystery gunk that had been sitting out for a week! Goodbye scurvy!

Happily and eagerly, Arthur stuffs the fistful of weeds into his mouth and begins to chew.



Exploring and Adjusting

Alright, Arthur really should have paid more attention to the welcoming speech. Or anything on they journey from the woods to the hamlet. But all of this does feel like some sort of waking dream. Like he's taken too many Space God mushrooms and entered a whole new reality. Which he has. He understands that much. It's like what Dr. F was trying to do. Or something like it. She'd talked a lot about portals and other dimensions, but he'd really only cared about the bridge device. He hadn't had interest in other worlds or the possibility of escaping that way. Funny that. Now here he was in another dimension, and Dr. F's probably still being held by the government in the plague district.

He doesn't know quite what to do with himself. He's aimless in a way he can't remember being. He doesn't have a job or a goal, even an excuse to point him in any direction. He doesn't even have The Holy Yam. Not much different than where he'd be on the mainland, he supposes. How different are his circumstances, really? If he'd crossed the bridge, he'd still be in a strange new world he knows nothing about and has no place in, still reeling from bad Joy, still aimless. If he thinks about it, this might even be....better? It looks better. Like what Hamlyn had wanted to be. Pretended to be.

And there wasn't any stumbling into this world. He'd been brought here. He was, in a way, expected. Welcome. And it's expected that he doesn't know anything and has no money or anywhere to go. He's supposed to be in that position. And it stands to reason that if he's welcome and expected and his circumstances are normal here, then a place can be made for him. He may be dressed like a May Faire dancer that didn't make the cut and in a strange new world, but no one's chasing him with anything heavy or yelling at him or asking him to do anything terribly dangerous, so honestly it's all an improvement. And look! Food stalls with actual food! Inviting scents that aren't synthetically made by machines! People doing strange things with goats! Goats!

Lost in his thoughts, he defaults to the mode of survival he's employed ever since he stopped taking Joy. Smile, wave, greet everyone pleasantly. Look at him, he's so happy! Not a care in the world! It's automatic how his hand comes up and he chirps 'lovely day!' and 'good to see you!' as though he knows perfect strangers. As though his mind isn't going a mile a minute in anxious circles.

Everything is just peachy keen!


Goat Races and Culture Shock

It takes a little while for Arthur's mind to catch up to everything. The effects of the bad Joy had still been in his system and jumping realities muddles a man's mind. But when he's able to truly take in this place, he doesn't know what to think.

The defensive mask of mindless happiness drops away. In its place is confused awe as Arthur simply stands in the Primary Settlement and really looks around. At everything. The chatter and the people fades in from background noise and he hears and sees it all. What is this place? It looks so much like the Garden District but...

"Animals..." The word slips from his mouth like a prayer. There are animals here. All sorts of animals. He'd been a child the last time he saw a domestic animal bigger than a gecko or rat, and even then, it was only a hazy memory. A knowledge that once upon a time there were animals. But it was the same as knowing once upon a time there were pharoahs and knights and burlap was an acceptable fabric option for clothing. Part of some ancient and long-lost history that had no bearing on modern life. He's completely awed by the goat races, not about to participate but he's certainly going to watch.

More than the animals, it's the children that hit him like a punch to the gut. They're...everywhere. All ages. The last time there had been children was when he himself was a child. They, too, were part of some distant and long lost world. A forgotten world. He remembers it all too clearly now, memories surging and churning in his mind, resurfacing from that vast pink ocean they'd been plunged beneath. A Sunday afternoon. Yelling and laughing as he and Percy played half-assed croquet very poorly in the garden. They'd been so small and Percy'd gotten so hung up on playing by the rules but they barely knew the rules....

He stands there, staring at the chaos of children and goats, looking like a man witnessing some manner of miracle.


Apple Picking

Arthur starts skeptically at the basket he's been given. Go...pick...apples. What is he, mad? Oh he knows this game. How many times has this happened? Once even with actual apple picking. It's always the same. People seem nice and friendly, but really, it's just so naïve and trusting Arthur will do their dirty work.

Or they want his things.

It doesn't occur to him that he currently has zero things. He has the borrowed clothes on his back and a pair of ill-fitting glasses that pinch his considerable nose and aren't quite in his very specific prescription. But still. This is the other shoe. There is always another shoe and when it drops, it's horrible.

He sighs wearily, shoulders slumping. Really he should expect something terrible just around the corner, that's all his life has been for the last month. Anything that seems good and helpful isn't. Nothing is ever what it seems.

"So what's the catch?" he asks, mainly to the universe at large. "A large man with a hammer I have to run from while apple picking? Toxic gasses? A very angry granny that just won't stop screaming?"

Why did Mrs. Cake scream so very much?

Fresh Greens

[vengeanceinside]

This is not what Nero wanted to deal with when he went towards the main settlement for his monthly (weekly, if he's being honest) cheese run. 'Cause he's not making cheese by himself anymore, and Eli is, uh. Well. Not a cheesing goat. He's used enough to Solvunn people being fuckin' weird. Half the time he doesn't even blink about anything. There's a bipedal shark that lives near the coast, for god's sake. Nothing makes sense.

Nero walks by, swears he sees what absolutely could not be happening, keeps going, then stops. Then he walks backwards with a frown.

That --

Gross. Maybe 'cause it's just gross is the reason he stops.

"Dude." Nero walks onto the grass from the path, the goat carriage that brought him here already ambling off on its own. His boots stop right near the guy's legs. "What the hell are you doing? You roleplayin' a goat or somethin'? First time being a vegan?"

Guess he's lucky Solvunn hasn't invented pesticides yet.

erik lehnsherr — x-men cinematic universe ( the hermit )

[heavymetals]

[ OOC I'm still undecided on the faction, so I'm doing both prompts and see what works best for him on the TDM. ]


— THORNE

NORTH WING — [ The guards are there for your protection. That's a line Erik has been familiar with a few times before, and just getting that answer is enough to turn his stomach, and immediately decide he doesn't like whoever's in charge in this place.

Fortunately for them, he's not as prone to emotional outbursts. It helps that he hasn't gotten his powers back yet, although that also is irritating him on top of everything else. But he's learned over the years, from good and bad decisions both, and it is perhaps in his best interests that he not react poorly to the current situation.

He is intrigued by the presence of so many others here, however. As much as he dislikes the presence of those guards just outside the doors, the North Wing is where it's easier to run into other Summoned, and to get a chance to speak uninterrupted. Whether he's sitting on the bed assigned to him or standing near the window, looking outside, he'll turn to look when someone else steps inside, turning to face them (hopefully, after he gets at least some sense of friendliness from them). ] Can I have a moment of your time?

EQUINE ESCAPE — [ He wasn't particularly eager to leap into helping out around here, but this beats being stuck in the castle. He still can't go too far, certainly not as far as he would like to, but it's an improvement, and Erik agrees to helping even though he has no personal interest in proving himself helpful.

He can be found roaming the more open and deserted areas, walking quietly, looking around with a sharp gaze. Or he might spot someone else trying to calm down a more frightened horse, giving them a few seconds of failed attempts at an approach before he speaks up. ]

You need to get it to calm down first.

— SOLVUNN

ASHES — [ In a way, Solvunn isn't so different from places where he's lived before. Even the small commune he shared with other mutants just before being brought here was similar to this. But the worst, most painful connection that Erik's mind makes is to a cottage in the middle of the woods, small and simple, quiet and empty of valuables, yet full of everything he thought he would ever need, at some point.

And then, it was taken away. Just like everything else. Even something as simple as wanting to live and love, be loved, was just too much. He deserved none of it.

Walking the streets doesn't make it better, but sitting on the apartment temporarily given to him is so much worse. At least while he walks, he watches, and he doesn't think as much about everything else. He stops hear the altar, curiosity drawing him closer, and steps closer to the ashes on display, looking for some sort of inscription that might offer insight as to what this is. ]

AP-PEELING APPLES — [ He goes to the orchards, because any chance he gets to keep busy in this place, he's going to take. He's nowhere nearly as friendly as the locals, certainly not as talkative, but at least he's not impolite, acknowledging anyone who might address him, thanking them when handed one of the baskets. It's not too warm, but not so cold either that it's uncomfortable, and after a while of putting in physical effort, the breeze actually feels nice.

He gathers a decent number of apples, tall enough to reach even the higher ones. He'll step in and help anyone who can't reach that one stubborn apple dangling just out of reach; and he will also take his full baskets back to the group of people working on peeling the apples, setting the basket down near one of the Summoned. ]

— NOCWICH

[ There's so much he's yet to know about this place. The concept of magic is distant, but not entirely surreal. He is a mutant after all, and he has seen just all the kinds of impressive things people are capable of. Is it so unbelievable that this could be possible, in another world?

But he wants to know more. Wants to learn more. Right now, however, all he wants is to regain his own abilities, what is rightfully his. To exist without them makes him feel hollow, like he's a missing a great part of himself.

Sitting by the bar on one of the taverns, he doesn't seem to be much aware of his surroundings. He's got a nearly empty glass sitting next to him, and a small trinket, something like a miniature figure made of metal, a hand held open over it. He's focused intently, seeming to put more and more effort into it, hand beginning to shake more and more until he lets the tension go with a frustrated breath.

He closes his eyes, breathes deep, then motions for the barkeep to refill his glass. ]

hello??? 😭 — ap-peeling!

[carmesi]

[wanda always tries to make herself available when the summoning ritual pulls in more summoned into their midst. the experience is disorienting and even frightening to some; and—this time around—there are many, many new faces.

she finds herself drawn to the orchards, figuring she'll be able to help with peeling the collected apples. the collection is going rather quickly—a lot faster than her own peeling capabilities allow for. sat on a mat on the ground under the shade of a lush tree where others are nearby working on the peeling, wanda considers her job done (at last!), until, that is, another basket is set down beside her.

looking down at it and then up over her shoulder at the benefactor of more work, she can't help but remark:]

You're working fast.

[it's not the first basket she's seen him bring over. it seems like they have more collectors than they do apple peelers.]

haelva lueltar (dark urge) | baldur's gate iii

[durge]

[ like others, the durge comes with CONTENT WARNINGS in the form of violent/sadistic thoughts. more details can be found here, so please let me know if you want to opt out of content mentioning anything of the sort. also: please let me know if spoilers are okay both for the main game and for the dark urge storyline as well. her canon point is very, very late act ii. ]

SOLVUNN; shrine ornaments

( There is very little that is familiar to Haelva here even after weeks -- nature and greenery has never been something she's surrounded herself with. That she knows with a sense of absolute certainty; even before pulling the pieces of her memory together enough to make do. Whatever that's worth to her, considering how broken she was and is. This place cannot fix her, put memories back where they belong since her brain was spilled across the floor.

They ask for tokens of bone and wood, of decay, and that Haelva can do. Stumbling across her in the woods finds her sitting surrounded by a small circle of miscellaneous bones, her hands and eyes glowing a sickly green as she pieces together the charm -- hovering in the air in front of her. A rabbit skull, wings made from broken feathers, the broken body of a cat. Leaves for a mane, a mummified snake for a tail, and dried flowers for paws. There is care in its construction, a purpose and intent, even as Haelva keeps from injecting it with some facsimile of life. They did not ask for that, after all. And she's not certain she can, the way her magic splutters here and there as she works, threatening to throw the entire thing in disarray.

Some time later has her clutching the creation (posed as if it truly was a cat, sitting and watching everything through empty eyes) as she follows the others to offer it to this unknown, strange god. What god of the dead and decay would be satisfied with these simple trinkets she wonders. Myrkul surely would not be -- and she, like everyone else, knows so little about Jergal to make an attempt at understanding what the old god would have wanted. At the shrine, Haelva does not bow, but offers her creation with careful solemnity. )

The freedom to practice as I have before.

( Gods, after all, take it poorly when they feel as if someone is troding on their domain. )

NOCWICH; gambling den

( The eternal night of Nocwich is far more welcome than the green and nature of Solvunn. For all the recent time she's spent in the sun the darkness is a welcome comfort -- it's no Underdark, but it reminds her of it enough that it relaxes her enough to have her explore more, with an eagerness she'd been missing since her arrival. Not a gambling woman, Haelva understands that money and drink make men more eager to talk, and she needs to know more about this world before she can settle upon some sort of plan on how to proceed.

She settles at one of the gambling tables, and though her luck to begin with always favors the house, a few games more has her knowing roughly when to cut her losses and come out slightly better than before.

The fact that those running the games are very obviously vampires doesn't seem to phase her, but she does keep the collar of her shirt up to hide her neck. Best not take any chances -- she already has experience with one particularly thirsty spawn; adding more to the list seems like a decent way to end up completely drained. (And it is not her blood that is supposed to be running down the cobblestones, but their's -- red as those apples she'd spied at a stall earlier. Rich and fragrant.) )

NOCWICH; various

( Haelva can be found in various places in Nocwich: the hot springs and the entrance to the hunting grounds being her secondary haunts for her time in the city. While she does not seek out company, she won't shun any should she be approached by anyone particularly friendly. )

[ please feel free to come across her anywhere in norwich or solvunn if none of these prompts work! or you can always dm me here or on discord/plurk if you have any questions/want to brainstorm! ]

gambling den

[ancunin]

[ A drow of all creatures from Faerûn stands out, even in a place like this. At first he observes her from a distance, keeping an eye on her in between chatting up some of the locals, trying to understand better how a place like this functions without thralls, or some cages full of 'donors' in a hidden basement somewhere.

If it weren't for the heady rush he got from that first surprise of a cocktail - he'd be more tense about this whole situation. He's never cared for the company of his own kind.

He catches her as she's leaving her table]

Bad luck at the end there... [ He tsks with feigned sympathy, then smiles pleasantly. ] Care to drown your sorrows over a drink?

[ Not his smoothest opener, she actually had a decent run. He's checking her reaction though, just to be sure. There's no love lost between underelves and... to be fair, most everyone else - but in particular the rest of the pointy eared population. ]

Dion Lesage | Final Fantasy XVI | Thorne/Nocwich

[princeofruin]

Awakening
[There is no pressure of water that could compare to the yoke already hanging from his neck. He is no stranger to flying, and as the path of his life narrowed, to falling as well. Yet he is floating still; the weight is not able to completely sink him.

He is silent in the midst of it, because there is no longer anyone to cry out to. There is no one who would listen.

Perhaps it is not meant to be relief that he feels, but feel it he does. That it is over, a finality that has reached the peak of its crescendo and fallen to complete silence.

He can rest. He can forget.

You can never forget.

Is it so surprising that light itself is what appears to him first? It always has come so easily. And he has never rejected its call.

In that, some duties are never finished.]

Castle Thorne -- Halls
[Dion is pulled from the water, and it is much like being born again, or perhaps more like the second time, the time he gave his body to the King of Dragons. There is silence in his mind, and there are people flitting back and forth, flustered and helpful. None of this is new to him.

Except the castle.

Dion stands straight as the clothes form around him, and he is dimly aware he was once nude in front of such company. With their efficiency, their quick explanations, he has the sense they have performed this task many times before, as mentally untaxing as sweeping a floor.

The difference from home is that the crowd parts. They leave. Without orders, without sharp commands, he is left alone in a castle that is not his home and is a wretched reminder of what he once had.

He stares out a window. Mountain ranges unknown to him, and a variety of greens stretching out beyond the stone walls with a lushness that seems to exist merely to mock the Blight. Dion looks at his hand, turning the palm up to him, and attempts to summon light.

There is nothing.

So he did it. Or he is simply, as they warned, weakened from the process. He prefers the former. To think that, for the smallest chance of it, that he has found some small measure of forgiveness...]

A chance for a second life is the domain of the Phoenix, not mine. [Another world holds itself up outside the window, tantalizing.] Yet here I stand.

Castle Thorne -- Magic Lessons
[The burst of light ricchocheted out of a room in the castle is enough to attract him, though his heart hammers, prepared for some terrible scene inside. But as the prince steps inside, he sees only a handful of people -- unbranded -- laughing behind their hands, circled around the one who must be the source of the burst.

It's lesson on magic.

And it is completely foreign to him. These people, all together. Teaching each other. Not a single inked marking on their faces. They practice, quite willingly, on each other -- a spell for warming, apparently, against the chill that lingers outside the castle walls, blowing in through the windows.

One of the acolytes looks up and gives him a smile. Give it a try?]

No. No, I do not... I cannot. I do not have that power.

[Not even when he tries to reach for it. However, the acolyte seems confused by this. Everyone has magic, she says, before going back to her training partner.]

Everyone? [Dion looks overwhelmed by such a revelation. He has been since he walked in the room, honestly. To have worked to eliminate such differences... then to be on a star where the distinction need not even exist. He takes a deep, shaking breath. He should not. He cannot. Not after what his power has been used to do.

Yet the magic does call. He turns towards the closest person, his body coiled tight, though his voice sounds perfectly calm.] Would you mind demonstrating? I did not quite catch the words.

Thorne -- Equine Escape
[It is on one of the riding trails where one can come across Dion, his arms spread out in front of him, his eyes staring down what one could only say was a very startled looking horse.

It's actually hard to say which one of them looks more startled by the appearance of the other.

Dion understands he took this task on, willingly, but at the time he did not truly understand the beast he would be approaching.]

I do not wish to harm you. [He says it calmly, firmly, as if willing the horse to understand. And while he is utterly perplexed why this creature only has four legs, he understands it must be some relation to Odin's steed. Though why it is so diminiuative in size is... questionable.

But preferable. This one looks as if any man could ride her.

His body still stiffens as it snorts, moving closer. It is not to say he fears horses. Only that the only horse he's ever met has tried to end his life on multiple occasions, and he must be prepared.

Dion turns when he senses someone else approaching, but only halfway. His face tilted towards the approacher, but his eyes remain on the horse.] Your aid would be greatly appreciated, if you've the means to lend it.

[Please help.]

Nocwich -- Market
Though he hasn't a gil to his name, Dion can also not recall the last time he had the freedom to wander any sort of market, let alone one filled with artisans from a distant world. He takes everything in with the same muted expression on his face, deftly moving through the crowd with his shoulders high, as if he perfectly belongs.

It is a display of weaponry, though, that ceases his steps. He pauses by a table where a slim, elegant spear is held up, as if in reverence, by wood carvings of wolves. His hand tiwtches for his own. While he misses her hold, he dare not even attempt to recraft the weapon he once was hardly ever seen without.

Forged in our very own Lunae metals, the merchant describes it with a bit of a haughty enjoyment in his voice. An alloy of braerium and steel. She's a beaut, isn't she? Lighter than air, and she absorbs magic to boot.

Dion's eyes trace the weapon. She really is beautiful.] What does one do with a spear which absorbs magic?

[He's never heard of a thing. Then again, he's never seen so much use of magic go on wantonly, without punishment or control. Whatever one likes, I suppose, is the answer.]

I fear I can scarcely afford it. But know I shall return, should I have ample opportunity. She deserves more than to be a display.

Nocwich -- Roof
[The prince can be found easily perched on one of the market's inn roofs, taking in the bustling scene below as well as the neverending night above. This place is so strangely calm to him. Lives being lived without restriction, without fear. There is no danger hanging above their heads -- but there is no mention of deities, either, that he can find. There are no faces looking to the skies, hoping to glimpse their gods there.]

An impossible place, it seems... and yet it stands here still, against all reason.

[Filled with creatures not altogether human, but who coexist with them. Magic lighting lamps, fluttering through the air, gracing clothes and foods. There is no fear here. No blight. And while an undercurrent runs through the crowds, through their differences, there is no open hostility.]

It is rather beautiful in its impossibility.

Magic Lessons

[thedevilwhorose]

[He's here as punishment for setting off too many enchanted firecrackers in his usual class that his teacher, generally willing to Put Up With Lucifer's Bullshit, put him in as a teacher's aide in one of the basic classes, not even enchantments!!

Terrible.

He could be a delinquent and skip but at some point he has to work on his own enchantment spells again and for that he needs his teachers to again Tolerate Him.] It's not that hard [he didn't say he'd be a good aide] you're putting too much thought in it [probably] surely you've heard of enunciation. [He repeats the words, slower, excessively slow, annoyingly being-an-asshole slow, and looks pointedly (rudely) at the man, like he's a dog in training.

Now you is implied.]

sam winchester / supernatural

[fullride]

01 — ARRIVAL
the free cities
A:

[Sam's not sure what's worse, being pulled from the water by strangers like something out of a Shyamalan film or getting escorted out into some vast desert that definitely didn't belong to any North American landscape. He's got the robes, he's got his "symbol," whatever that means and now he's on some military outpost in no man's land. Sam thanks the guard and Marlo for their time, as more of a means to an end and to get them to leave him alone. Once he's settled in what looks like a barracks tent for the traveling foot soldiers, Sam starts looking at their inventory - things he probably shouldn't be going through, for any clues as to where this is and why any of it is happening to begin with.

He's on his second round through another container when he finds what looks like it's just a storage unit for MREs and he stuffs a couple of granola bars into his pockets when a shadow pans across the room behind him, letting him know he's not alone. Simple blessings. It's hard to get the jump on someone in a canvas tent out in the desert, the sun is his best friend and his worst enemy right about now.]

Oh. Uh. Hey.

B:

[After some time to adjust and with some help from those MREs and a map he managed to find Sam is parked outside just before dusk waiting for the last wagon out before nightfall to Cadens. With no available seating left, he's got his back pressed up against what he'd typically think was a gnarled acacia tree if not for the subtle differences. Whatever it was, it wasn't anything he'd ever seen before. The temperature has dropped and Sam's still-wet hair continues to drop and hang in rivulets over his eyes and shoulders, he's got the complete map of the free cities unfolded wide in front of him consuming the entirety of his arm-span. He's not hard to spot standing at 6'4 looking like a drowned dog with eyes fixated and focused on the map and the the various different locations, charted and uncharted on the topography.]

02 — EXPLORING
NOCWICH

A:

[With borrowed sums, Sam is able to pay back and earn money from the house at one of the local gambling dens and it gives him just enough to make his magical pendant exploration worthwhile. None of the vendors really piqued his interest, Sam was looking for a weapon, not wine and pastries but Sam stalls at the shop with knit and woolen items with some vague interest. Bold new ways to use werewolf hair, that Sam hadn't ever considered or had interest in. Even some of the discarded or lost teeth and nails had been fashioned into buttons and jewelry.]

That's sick...

B:

[With idle time and no real answers, Sam takes a loan of a crossbow for some purchase collateral and takes to the woods. Hunting, it's what he's good at. The dark of night is penetrated by the various glowing flora and fungi around. He sees good enough on his own to not need any drops in his eyes, and he's been charting the forest and tracking for forty minutes when he hears the thick underbrush snap behind him. He whirls around, bow aimed and trained on the source of the sound, what he can make out in front of him is clear enough that he knows it's not some kind of beast.]

Stand up. Slow.

[If you're out in the thick of the woods hunting alongside someone it's an unwritten rule to let your presence be known and Sam's not about to let himself become part of the game situation here. Not without a fight.]

03 — WILDCARD
choose your own adventure

[feel free to include your own hot-take of the above listed or introduce some new prompts if you want, like the hot springs, training grounds, eiftide, settling in, or oh my gourd. i'm even fine with network stuff too if it tickles your fancy! i can be found on doggos if you'd like to chat before hand or want your own top-level. <3

3 / braintexts / I'm sorry

[thedevilwhorose]

[It's weird because this text comes across as though mid-thought, out of place.

It gives the vibes of being automated, but someone has to have the vaguest efforts at sending messages. It would likely seem like the equivalent of 'wrong number' except it features that annoying, niggling, Lucifer signature at the bottom of it.

Someone's been near-consistently sending nonsense in the direction of (1) Sam Winchester, not believing the man was gone and simply has been blocking any Horizon Instant Messaging this whole time, and just waiting for the moment he has to open communications for whatever reason.]

Still cool-breezy winds in the mountain-life, fall is on the horizon. Going to be another cold winter, don'tcha think, folks?

aerith gainsborough | ff7r | strength

[arcaneward]

Solvunn— exploration;

[ She can see the sky.

It's what sticks out to her the most, the big bright blue expanse over her head, up and up and up until she can't see it anymore. It doesn't make her skin crawl the way it used to when she was younger, but...

She knew leaving Midgar meant leaving behind the steel sky that had brought her comfort all of her years, but it didn't mean that she liked the thought. The blue sky is endless, ever encompassing. She can see the beauty in it, why people write songs about it, why so many find it romantic. In Midgar, at least, she could return to the Undercity after a time selling her flowers topside, but here? She has no such luxury, outside of fucking into one of the buildings. She's nothing if not resiliant, though. She'll make it through, even as the wide open expanse above her looms like a dread calamity.

Aerith is, of course, grateful for the clothing she's been given. She may have been born in the ice cold snows of the north, but the most she's ever truly experienced for weather is chilly rain and mist falling from the cracks in the plates above. It's plain, but practical, and when the breeze blows, Aerith pulls the shawl around her shoulders a little bit tighter.

At least she's no longer sopping wet.

And at the crook of her arm is a basket, filled with scarves and candies and pastries, gifts from the family who's shop she'd been lead to to sleep in. Not, to be precise, gifts for her — those were in her apartment above their bakery and in exchange she'd been asked to help deliver the goods around the commune. Are you cold? Do you look it? Then she's stopping to hand you a scarf and a warm slice of pumpkin bread, wrapped up in brown paper. ]

Here!

[ She does get distracted by the goat racing, towards the middle of the day. She's too late to pick a goat herself, but she's more than happy to stand on the sidelines, the near empty basket at her feet, as she cheers with the crowd, clapping her hands. ]

Come on, number five! I know you can win! That's the spirit, six!

[ She's also more than willing to help pick apples, her basket emptied of the scarves and pastries, now being filled to the brim with the fruit. When it gets too heavy, she trots over with it, exchanging it for an empty one. On one such trip, however, Aertih comes close to stepping on what looks like a small pile of leaves on the ground, though the immediate scream it sends up causes her to jump, nearly losing the full basket. ]

Oh! I'm sorry, friend! Did I hurt you?

[ Her free hand is clamped over one ear as she sets her basket down, and tries to reach for the little thing with the other. ]

Nocwich—local florist;

[ Her little basket bursting with blossoms is regarded with minor suspicion, as Aerith crosses through the gate, but at her promise that she's not going to be selling them, just giving them out, the guards wave her through. It would be nice if she could, but.. she doesn't know this place. She doesn't want to push her luck. And it isn't as if this is Midgar anyway — it has, from what she can tell, plenty of life to it, even if she can't feel the Lifestream here. And in the Commune, there's very little need for coin.

So. Nocwich full of flowers, people's hearts full of joy.

At least, that's how she's seeing it anyway.

At first, she just stands on the corner, handing them out to anyone who stops even briefly to see what she has. Eventually, she starts approaching people, flower in hand, holding it up. ]

Here. For you!

nocwich 👀

[supersoldier]

[How long has he been in this world now? Longer than he chooses to mull over, and certainly long enough to not be thrown by the flora, local or otherwise — but there is still something about seeing a bright bloom of flowers, arranged just-so, that ushers in a sense of surreality if Sephiroth lingers on the sight for too long. He may be far departed from Gaia, but certain aspects of Midgar still cling to his spirit; that city where hardly anything grew, made of towering steel and the nighttime Mako-glow green that veiled the sky.

And so, crossing by, the sight of Aerith’s basket brimming with flowers actually makes him stop. Makes him pause, and regard this young woman who he does not recognize — and she certainly doesn’t recognize him, right?]

For what?

[He says, about as stoic as one might expect from a man of his mien. But there’s nothing harsh underlying his question — For what?, he means, because why would he require a flower?]

Rey | Star Wars | The Star | Free Cities

[provenforce]

[ [ Rey will retain her memories from the first time she was in Abraxas, just trying her out in a fresh locale :) Also moving her canon point further down the road for all the fun that entails ]

i. The Barracks

[ Her awakening here was only a little less violent than her first awakening in Thorne. Disoriented she fights those that pull her from the water but the memories return to her quickly and she is able to calm herself before she ends up spending the night in a cold cell.

Surprised by the difference, the Free Cities offered her she doesn't say much to the people who bundle her up and send her off with other new arrivals. She isn't sure if they know that she lived in Thorne, the last clear memory she has of the place is standing in the audience chamber while chaos and destruction was paraded in front of them, like some kind of macabre show.

It feels like it's been decades since that happened, even though for her it's merely been days. It's been months, she eventually learns, here.

She chafes in the military uniform given to her, finding herself missing the silk and velvet garments she'd grown accustomed to wearing while in Thorne. Even her own clothes would have been better than this.

The first thing she says when someone addresses her after she's led to the barracks, shown the cramped quarters is: ]

I can't stay here.

[ She backs out of the room, turning and running back out, dodging bodies, trying to block out the sounds of those who are injured in whatever war is being fought now. Panicked she bursts out into the cooling night air, ignoring guards hollering at her to stop as she walks out towards the sand dunes. She needs space to breathe, and she can't even think inside. ]

ii. OH MY GOURD

[ Rey is not going to attempt to carve a pumpkin with the new magic tool that is handed to her. Instead she immediately starts taking it apart, clucking her tongue as she examines the pieces. ]

This thing would blow a pumpkin to bits. Why isn't there a way to adjust the intensity of the blade?

[ The inventor will probably be angry with her when she notices, but for the moment Rey is happy, talking to herself under her breath as she tries to fix this abomination against science and magic. ]

iii. Nocwich

[ Nocwich carries a mix of memories both good and bad with it. This had been where that party had been that had changed things. But she'd loved visiting here, too.

With less money in her pocket than the first time she'd visited Rey walks along the street, mostly just looking at items, smiling a little sadly when she recalls the beautiful flower that is either still in her quarters at the castle in Thorne or had been discarded with her other things. She doesn't know what happens to the items accumulated by Summoned when they disappear.

She stops at a vendor selling similar night blooms. They're lovely and glowing, remind her of times that weren't so dark. The flowers she used to keep on Jakku were never so beautiful as these. ]

I don't even have anywhere to put one...

[ She muses to herself, talking herself out of spending what little coin she had. ]

sort of "The Barracks" lmk if it's not cool

[hatejakku]

[ Finn had been (sort of unwittingly) working on being stronger with the Force. Between hanging out with Cal, learning a little magic, and trying to understand the Horizon, his knowledge and comfort with the Force has only grown. He just didn't realize it until something was suddenly different.

Familiar different. Good different. Almost a very good different but he doesn't want to get his hopes up. So he lies in bed after a hard day's work, staring at the ceiling for all of another minute before admitting it to himself: ] Rey.

[ And he's up. Clothes and boots hastily thrown on, he makes his way out of the inn and towards the city gates, straight to the stables. He knows some people there, freely offers smiles and coin and "please, it's an emergency, no, nothing's wrong, it's fine" and manages to rent a bridled horse without much fuss.

The barracks are two hours by a sedate-paced wagon, but Finn's in a rush. Besides, she... no longer appears to be in the barracks, anyway. At least, what he's feeling isn't in that direction. Almost makes him want to hesitate, but he pushes the horse onwards.

In less than an hour, he sees something in the distance. ] Rey!? [ Somehow, no one is more shocked than him right now. What do you mean he was right? ]

Captain Jack Harkness | Torchwood/Doctor Who | Free Cities/Nocwich | Hanged Man

[51stcentury]

[Jack can't help but feel some small sense of deja vu as he finds himself plucked naked from a small pool of water, provided with a robe to cover himself, and given the run-down on where and how he finds himself where he is. Maybe he's seen it in a movie somewhere? Maybe he's lived it in another life. He can't quite put his finger on it and in the end he doesn't bother trying as he flirts with the young mage who leads him the rest of the way out of the cave system and into the military base proper...]

CADENS - ARRIVAL
[Much as Jack has been enjoying the robe provided to him by the mage, he's far more comfortable with the uniform he procures in the base proper. Running his fingers over the symbol of the hanged man where his insignia would be, he wonders if this is someone's idea of a joke. He supposes it does feel a little bit like one. Although if he were playing a prank on someone, he'd have picked something much more fun than this.

The wagon ride is... Long. And hot. It's been a long time since Jack's been in a desert, and none of his memories of them are particularly pleasant. Understanding that it will do him no good to dwell on either the heat of the desert around them or any such memories it's dredging up, Jack turns to shoot his companion a grin.]

Well. As the kids like to say, isn't this a hot mess? Literally.

CADENS - TRAINING GROUNDS
[There's a tension to the air in the city. Jack doesn't have to be attuned to these things as well as he is to recognize its presence there. Sticking his hands in the pockets of his uniform, he makes his way down the street, picking up bits and pieces of conversation as he goes. Gathering enough to understand that the city -- and perhaps the land on the whole -- has just suffered some sort of rift attack. Strange creatures coming through from another world to wreak havoc.

Jack lingers for a while at the training grounds. Watching the action, admiring the competition -- and sometimes, the competitors themselves. It doesn't take all that much to convince him to join in. There's more than one way to work some tension out, and who doesn't love a little friendly competition?

Soon enough he's getting cocky with his moves (Jack Harkness, getting cocky? Never...) and one thing comes to another and he finds himself flat on his back, seeing stars.]

Phew! You've got a mean right hook... [He announces with a grin.]

CADENS - SARSTINA
[Working some of the tense energy he has rattling around at the training grounds had helped, but sooner than later Jack finds himself at The Sarstina Inn. Which really is more his kind of scenery, even if he's never lived through the particular century that this reminds him of. It sort of reminds him of Cardiff in the 1800's, though, and he wonders with a pang whether he'll ever return again.

It's the constant circling of memory he's been experiencing since setting foot in this place that has him ordering a drink. Of course, he'd be lying to himself if the phenomenon was new, but that's neither here nor there.

He glances up as anyone approaches, eager for the company and to escape his own thoughts for a while. A bright smile plasters on his face, and who's to say whether how genuine it is or not. The shadow of a bruise from his earlier bout in the training grounds ghosts across the corner of his jaw, the only chink in his facade.]

Howdy there, soldier. Care for some company?

NOCWICH
[The pendant travel piques Jack's curiosity, and he finds himself wondering about the technology behind it, even when he knows the answer will probably be "magic". Jack still doesn't know what to make of the "magic" of this place. He's traveled through time and space with the help of a vortex manipulator -- which is a far more fiddly piece of technology than a portal like this, if you ask him.

Poking around the various shops and stands, Jack can't help but sample the goods as he passes. Tasting the wine, admiring the jewels. Letting out a bright burst of laughter as he reads the label on a stall of woven goods.]

Ohohoho! No way. [He runs his fingers over the surprisingly soft wooly werewolf mittens, as they are, apparently.] Well. I guess if the Victorians got away with hair jewelry...

[At the end of the day, Jack finds himself drifting back toward the Full Moon Inn, planting himself at a table on the ground floor and making small-talk with anyone who so much as glances his way. There is a flower stuck in his lapel that he has charmed out of a shopkeeper from earlier in the day. He winks as he notices it drawing your attention.]

I'm told it matches my eyes.

WILDCARD
[ooc: feel free to PM me if you would like to play out something else other than the above prompts! let's plot something out together!! also my apologies for petering out on the last tdm, i ended up getting sick for the whole month after that and missing the app cycle. i tried not to just recycle what i wrote last time BUT if you'd like to continue what we were doing before, let's chat!!]

training grounds

[invicto]

[ This is probably one of the spots James spends most of his time in, despite the sunlight not being kind on his eyes, or his skin. When not in military uniform, he swaps out into dark clothes that cover up most of his skin, a long-sleeved sweater and a different pair of uniform trousers that are just a little easier to move around in when he's out training.

He's taken on a few of the other recruits by now, either defeating them or wrapping up the session with some tutoring instead, trying to show them how to better surprise their opponents. James's abilities are nothing impressive just yet, but they're also discreet and that works in his favor. It might seem strange that the blows aimed at him don't seem to hurt him or even so much as tire him, and by the time he goes up against the new arrival, he's looking more energized than ever.

And naturally, he's not going to waste an opportunity to take advantage of someone getting a little too cocky. Overconfidence works against Jack, and James is quick on his feet, reflexes above average, meaning it's not long before he's clocking him one on the jaw. Nothing so hard that it should ruin that pretty face. ]

Thought you said you could handle it, [ He shrugs, then beckons for Jack to get back up. ] So? Still up for another round, or do you just like to be on your back?

zoya nazyalensky | grishaverse | the emperor

[groza]

i. roaming dolls (thorne option)

[ Zoya holds the doll carefully, balanced on her hands. Meticulous eyes read over the incantation once more. This is not her magic, but Zoya is too proud to let herself fail a task.The crumbled leaves sticking to her boots should speak more to her perseverance than her innate talent. Working hard has never bothered her.

But Zoya is not a never-ending font of patience. The leafy doll perches close to Zoya's face, as if her whispered words might breathe life into it, the air still as Zoya waits to see if this time her doll will flutter to life. Instead, its wings curl onto themselves, Zoya's face souring as she is hit with the smell of wet forest decomposition.

An almost spiteful seeming burst of air knocks the doll out of Zoya's hands. She doesn't seem too upset about it. ]

Surely party favors are not worth all this effort.

ii. barracks (free cities option)

[ Of course Zoya has done her time as a soldier. She did not earn the title of general through years of luxury and pampering. Close quarters are nothing new to her.

...but that doesn't mean she didn't enjoy the personal, private quarters she's been outfitted with as the leader of an entire army. She will deal with it, but she won't be happy about it. Not that Zoya is exactly a bastion of happiness walking around.

She picks the bunk closest to the wall. It has the best view of the door and people can only approach it from one side. She lays her claim to it by draping her standard issue jacket across it. ]

If you snore, I will make sure you will never breathe again.

[ Kidding, probably. ]

iii. obligatory hot springs (nocwich option)

[ Zoya is not shy in her body, joining the locals in shedding her clothes. The pendent hangs around her neck, illuminating her skin as she slips into the water. She is not exactly scared of the dark, but eternal darkness doesn't exactly conjure the most plesant memories for her.

Maybe the Shadow Fold would be different if it had a hot spring instead of man-eating monsters.

She closes her eyes, relaxing and silent. She pays no mind to anyone who joins unless she can feel them staring. ]

Close your mouth unless you want a bat to fly in.

iv. wildcard

[ feel free to adjust one of the above prompts or hit me up for something else hellbender. i play zoya from kos/row but happy to lean into some ic misunderstandings to avoid ic spoilers for show or earlier book folks. ]

I roaming dolls

[blackeyedprince]

[They do care about your pronounciation of that dead language here in Thorne. Kell has quickly realized that being good in his own magic does not automatically translate into doing good in Thorne's favored Academic magic.]

It's not all about party favors. It's about can you make alien magic work for you.

Undertaker | Black Butler | The Magician

[intostitches]

Solvunn


[ What a DAY it’s been! If you were one of those unfortunate enough to see his dangly bits, upon his arrival, he’s terribly sorry for you.

If you could get past the deathly pallour, and skin scarring akin to the monster of Frankenstein, he’s been told that he is conventionally attractive, somehow. (Laughably, he’s meant to be the most handsome character in his series.) Why, even his hair looks cleaner than it has in a decade, easily! Even so, the delicate constitutions of the English would never regard his Academic nudity so unfalteringly.

That was when he knew that he was far from home. No less, they praise him as a gift from the Gods! Ah, and how that tickles him, every time they say it. If they only knew, they might say differently, he’d imagine!

One might easily oversee how pissed he is, in this moment, however. You see, he has been working on this personal project of his, and made revolutionary progress with it. It wouldn’t simply be about losing said advancement and rebuilding from scratch; there are some irreplaceable elements that remain at home.

That is why, despite all of the other tantalizing activities, he has decided to partake in foraging for ornament materials. While he isn’t certain how literal they mean these ‘terrible monsters’ to be, he’s very well never seen a Shrieking Weed before, so he’s decided to keep an open mind about it. Let’s not forget that he’s responsible for some monsters of his own, even! The same may extend to their Gods— which is a long shot, he knows, but he has to start somewhere. Audience with whomever is responsible for pulling him here, would be it . . . ]



[ Perhaps you may catch Undertaker in the forest, first. True to his name, he’s no stranger to death and decay, and knows that he may provide a device to those of a softer nature— and so, he gathers what remains he can find from the forest floor. For any that he comes across, looking for some of their own, the telltale unmistakable clanking of bones in the fabric bag slung over his shoulder, might grab your attention… ]


- 💀 -


[ Or, you may find him back in the town square. While he’s traded away many of the bones that have naturally shed their flesh, by now, he still has many left that must be stripped and cleaned. That’s precisely what he’s busied himself doing, on one of the workshop tables set up outside, near his apartment.

By now, he’s gotten on with the town’s children much better than he anticipated. As it turns out, they really appreciate bones as gifts here, and aren’t deterred by any manner of unsettling behavior (within means, mind you). In fact, he is a Silly-Man that now dons a flower crown, and feathers in his braid, at roughly seven-year-old-height. Perhaps he would have been more formidable in his funeral garb, but what can you do.

Anyway, there’s plenty of room at the table, if you need to do some work of your own. Or, you can inquire about his goods, of course! ]


- 💀 -


Nocwich


[ Late into the evening, Undertaker sits along the back row to the Main Stage. A bloke was kind enough to give him a bit for a sizable contribution of ornament-making materials for his family of twelve, so he’s been able to afford a drink for the evening. If sanitation here is anything like where he’s from, he won’t trust anything that isn’t fermented, so he’s stuck with the wine, even if it isn’t particularly to taste. Otherwise, he seems to be enjoying himself well enough— which might be… strange, considering his hair completely encapsulates his vision.

Perhaps you’d care to join him? ]


- 💀 - 💀 - 💀 -

[ Don’t see a prompt that tickles your fancy? Feel free to reach out to me at s1n, and we can devise some manner of trouble to get into. ]

Nocwich.

[londonbound]

[ The musicians today seem popular, a small band of string and pipe players accompanying a baritone werewolf who earns frequent and enthusiastic cheers from the audience. Rhy, drawn by the crowds, finds himself a seat in the back row (there aren't many left) near a strange-looking fellow who seems to have naturally carved out a bit of space around himself. Or maybe he's just saving a space.

Rhy pops up at his elbow with a drink in one hand and a box of roasted tree nuts in the other (snacks for the show). He inquires in a loud whisper: ]

Hello! Is this seat taken?

esme frost • the gifted • the hanged man

[cuckooo]

◎ 🇸‌🇺‌🇷‌🇷‌🇴‌🇺‌🇳‌🇩‌🇮‌🇳‌🇬‌🇸‌

[ esme's mouth seems permanently set in a petulant moue, tugging at her perfectly well fitting clothes as she walks around. they aren't her style in the slightest and she's uncomfortable! she keeps trying to use her powers and it's making her head hurt! every so often, her hand lifts as if to touch her bicep, a burn in the shape of a handprint branded into her pale skin, but she usually stops herself from touching it. sometimes she does not, prodding it like a sore tooth, as is comforted by the pain that ripples outward.

she's fingering a length of black ribbon at one of the stalls when the vendor offers her quite the deal on the ribbon and a handful of plums, but esme shakes her head. ]

I don't have any money. [ or anything. she's useless for a trade even. ]

◎ 🇦‌🇵‌-🇵‌🇪‌🇪‌🇱‌🇮‌🇳‌🇬‌ 🇦‌🇵‌🇵‌🇱‌🇪‌🇸‌

[ who knows what actually finds esme sitting down and carefully peeling a bushel (a peck? she's unsure how to quantify the fruit) of apples. was it boredom, idly curiosity, a complete lack of understanding of herself as a single unit? maybe is it just the apples, she doesn't exist on thoughts and prayers alone, after all.

it's quiet without a hive mind. her sisters have always been there, despite distance and absence, she's always had sophie and phoebe with her. they were foolish children when they thought it was too quiet without mindee and celeste, alone the silence is nearly unbearable. the silence feels like a blanket smothering her, foggy and dull. it takes a moment for her to even register that someone is speaking to her, looking up. ]

Sorry, what?

◎ 🇳‌🇴‌🇨‌🇼‌🇮‌🇨‌🇭‌

[ hair tied back with the ribbon she does eventually get from the vendor, it looks like alice has fallen through the looking glass into nocwich. she still doesn't have any money, but esme is curious by nature — it's hard to be a telepath with no moral qualms about reading minds and not be curious — as so she finds herself in nocwich anyway.

she picks up a carved mask, beautiful and probably terrifying and holds it up in front of her face, a halo of golden curls surrounding the mask. her head tilts. ]

No, probably not my style, is it?

[ she sets the mask down, fairly disappointed it didn't magically turn her into the creature. isn't that what magic is meant to be used for? ]

◎ 🇼‌🇮‌🇱‌🇩‌🇨‌🇦‌🇷‌🇩‌

( go where your heart takes you! esme is a telepath but it doesn't work right now so she is being generally a stroppy cow who somehow gives off the vibes that she wears matching pastel sweater sets, xoxo )

ap-peeling

[expositus]

[ jessica, similarly to esme, has yet to find a purpose here the way some of the others have. in truth, she hasn't really been searching for one in spite of knowing she'd likely been brought here for a reason (probably because she'd been brought here for a reason), but she will help out where she knows she can.

instead of peeling, she's been hauling bushels (or pecks but no hugs around necks) of apples from the orchards to where they've been set up to get peeled. hence, her interrupting esme. ]

I asked if you needed more. [ she juts her chin towards the bundles loaded in her arms, unable to use her hands at the moment. ]

dan heng; hsr; the high priestess. thorne / solvunn (undecided)

[exuviage]

( note: i haven't decided which area i'm going to app him into yet. spoilers for the xianzhou alliance and dan heng's backstory, though his canonpoint is still freshly post-belobog. buddy had his human skin disguise deleted in the sauce!!! additionally... i am slow. lol. sorry. please feel free to dm me @ rashoumon w/ questions or details. )

( thorne )

[ upon being deposited in the dormitory, this newcomer seems ill at ease. one hand drifts up to press his fingertips against the shell of one long, pointed ears, and a scowl will crease his delicate brow—but the motion does not last. it is quickly reigned in, and as he takes his hand away, the offending ear in question twitches freely on its own. in turn, dan heng turns his unnerving vidyadhara gaze upon the closest person, whether or not they look as confused as he feels. ]

He didn't tell you the name of the planet, did he?

[ great. he's an elf dragon person from space, actually. (prime directive, schmime shmirective. the astral express doesn't believe in that shit, they're blowing their cover the moment someone asks what the fuck a phone is. which would be right about now, if he had his phone.)

later (much later) in the week, the weirdo elf dragon boy has been replaced, with a much more average looking one, with normal ears and his mop of black hair cut short and careless. in the library he can be found, browsing shelf after shelf, seemingly dissatisfied with the selection he is coming up with. the books being set aside contain titles like, "movement of stellar bodies," "divination of the firmament," "sundered earth, sailing skies" or anything else he can find about stars or the heavens.

one small book, bound in faded green linen and worn golden leaf pressed into the embossed pattern of a withered tree beginning to bloom and bear fruit is paused on, before being resolutely set back upon the shelf without a second glance. once satisfied with his pickings--and assuming he has not been interrupted yet--dan heng attempts to make his retreat to the dormitories with his pile to find somewhere quiet and secluded to read... with or without the permission of the librarians. ]

( solvunn )

[ arrival would have gone smoother, if the summoned hadn't been a freaky water dragon person, who can hold his breath for "at least" a hundred minutes. perhaps things are behind schedule, but when the new summoned has been ushered to the wagon there is someone already in it. a pretty face with delicate features and eyes lined in a swaths of red, set under a crown of sturdy blue horns amidst messy black hair stares intensely down at the approaching summoned, and more importantly, the man guiding them. ]

Elder March, if you would just let me see the book—

[ "dinner first, young man!" bullied into silence, the elf "young man" instead offers a hand to help pull the other summoned up into the wagon so they can sit down. his skin is still cool, probably from the water of the void, and he releases them as soon as they are stable on the slats of the wagon, attempting to turn back to the council member to try asking again. but march is gone back around to the front, and waves him quiet once again without even waiting for him to finish addressing him politely. dan heng sinks into the free bench on one side, and sits with his arms folded, jade-bright eyes stormy as he frowns at the rough leather-bound wrappings that serve for their footwear. he stays that way the whole ride back into the settlement, not looking up until his companion offers the first word, quiet under the droning of councilman march up at the front. ]

Hm? [ oh, cute. his ears twitched when they grabbed his attention. that's adorable. ] What is it?

[ ooc: hmmm. i ran out of energy. hmu if you have a different idea for solvunn or thorne! ]

thorne

[northerndragon]

[The lad is strange-looking, but not much more strange than others Jon has seen about. Solaris, for example -- he had caught a glimpse of her down in Nott, and she had had horns, and skin of a hue he's not sure he's seen before, and the strength of a giant. He is not sure the strangeness matters: people are people like any others.

So he aims to answer the question that has been put to him as well as he can.]

Planet? I don't think they start with that. But I think they call their world Abraxas.

You one of those people who flies through the skies?

Anthony Lockwood | Lockwood and Co | Toss up between The Emperor & The Devil

[recklessenough]

Free Cities

Training Grounds

[ His Talent may be dulled but his rapier skills are as sharp as ever. Even if he's left holding a blunt practice weapon, rather than his usual rapier.

Though he doesn't look like much, compared to the older, more muscular soldiers, if anyone has been watching the slip of a boy has disarmed half a dozen over the past while. All in good fun, Lockwood is always good about creating an air of spirited competitiveness, managing to balance a genuine desire to win with an oddly supportive air at the same time. It's actually one of the traits that makes him good as a leader of his own agency back home, this ability to engage with people, test them and see what comes out in the wash.

Anyone who wishes to take up a practice blade against him will be met with a willing, cheerful smile as he settles into a defensive opening stance. Likewise, if there were takers for the obstacle races, Lockwood was quite to raise his hand and volunteer.

Either way, he wore a broad and winsome smile as he turned to his opponant(s) and exclaimed,] I was hoping you might be up for a bit of fun.


Oh my Gourd

[ The first five pumpkins exploded in spectacular fashion. Lockwood was now on his sixth, fiddling with the laser tool as he tried to sound reassuring. ]

I'm sure I've got it right this time!

[ Seriously. Unless someone has an active death wish, they should not only refuse to hold the sixth pumpkin, but also remove the tool from Lockwood's grasp. ]

Nocwich

[ Lockwood desire to visit Nocwich stemmed from curiosity, rather than a desire to purchase any items. He had heard some of the stories regarding the place. Had heard about supernatural creatures, but oddly enough it had been the tales of perpetual darkness that had been the ultimate lure.

Back home, so much of his waking life was spent fighting in the dark, that all these days of diurnal existence had begun to feel oddly false. As if he was losing a part of himself, pretending to be a real boy in a way that made him see an imposter when he looked into the mirror.

So here he was, in Nocwich. The darkness held a comfortable familiarity, though he missed the weight of his rapier swinging from his hip. He hadn't brought a weapon of any sort, and so he remained more alert, and watchful than he'd been in days.

Still. The supernatural lurkers in the shadows had home court advantage, and it was more than likely that Lockwood would not be watching his back when perhaps he should have been. ]

oh my gourd;

[thedreamer]

[ Exploring is the Doctor's modus operandi as a general rule. He's been here long enough now to know just enough, but not long enough to know more than enough, which is simply not enough for the Doctor.

Or something.

There's talk of a new invention, and that's really all the Doctor needs to hear to be drawn immediately to where everyone's gathered. He doesn't need names, doesn't need the how or the why just yet, only the what. The what gets him there, the how is what keeps him there. Of course, he's missed his sonic screwdriver beyond measure so he's immediately thrilled to see a device somewhat resembling his clever little gadget on a more rudimentary level; because of course, his sonic screwdriver is vastly superior.

But this is — well, it's quite something, and he's already enjoying what he sees and naturally wants to join, though his attention is captured by someone clearly having a bit of trouble. A lot of trouble. ]

Well done on being absolutely sure of yourself, that's a good show by any measure, but it's all gone entirely left and not right!

[ The Doctor calls to him, apparently with no fear as he places himself between the gourd and the laser, holding his hands up and out. ]

Now you've absolutely nailed it at blowing them up, less on the carving bit. What were you trying for, exactly? What sort of expression? Absolute horror at the moment of death? Here, here, we'll do it together!

moiraine damodred ★ wheel of time

[cairhien]

★ castle thorn

► THE LIBRARY.

( it's not a surprise to anyone that knows moiraine that she'd find herself here. she may not be a brown sister but there are some things that are easier to discover alone, particularly when you are alone. her questions stem to this world, its history, and perhaps any connection to the dark one. she doesn't entirely believe that this is real, perhaps caught in tel'aran'rhiod, but it won't stop her from seeking what she needs as long as she can. as quickly as she can.

it doesn't take moiraine long to pile books on a table, taking a few trips to go back and forth to the shelves, to pull out whatever seems relevant on title alone. or looks older. books relating to history and magic line her table first, then curious titles. then innocuous things, knowing that the best of secrets can hide in places not ordinarily sought. it's likely she's taken a book someone else might want, either sat with several open at once or leaving them open to find another )

► EQUINE ESCAPE.

( before setting foot out moiraine had made sure to gather a few things from the kitchen that she thought that she could use to coax the horses in their return, slower out but hopefully successful the same, particularly without her power (yet) to calm the horses herself.

it seemingly doesn't take her too long to catch sight of someone and a horse, though the mare herself looks skittish with the oncoming 'help', looking ready to bolt again )

Try this.

( a hand draws out of her pocket bringing an apple with it, keeping it held clear enough that the horse could see whilst offering it to the other, the one closer to the horse )

★ solvunn

► SHRINE ORNAMENTS.

( it's after collecting various leaves and twigs, when moiraine's supposed to be creating her ornament that she acts on her curiosities, so far having spent her time observing others in the shrine, how familiar they seem with the customs or the ways in which they act with one another. it's a hushed question that's asked to one near here, attention briefly on them before looking as if she's still making her ornament )

How much do you know about the God? And this festival?

► NOCWICH.

( curiosity takes her through the portal, a need to explore more of where she is after hearing of this place and what lies within it, though what moiraine hears and expects versus what she sees doesn't exactly line up. the marketplace that greets her is pleasant, catching her with more wares than she's seen in one place and very differently laid out to any market that she's seen in a while.

it isn't the wares that catch her attention, though after trying to ask questions to a vendor without showing interest in what they have has taught her that her questions won't even be entertained. which shames her, considering how well moiraine knows the game, caught too much in her impulse and forgetting the people involved. which is why at the next stall, admiring some of the jewellery she strikes up a little conversation, compliments and sweet words leading into questions. and then one more specific-- )

What exactly are the danger in the woods? Wolves? Or something else?

★ ooc

i'm undecided on a faction so testing a couple of options! her arcana is the high priestess. open to wildcards within the areas she's in! canon point is potentially around the fires of heaven

nocwich;

[thedreamer]

[ The Doctor finds himself here as often as he can be, fascinated by not only the marketplace and its seemingly endless array of offerings, but equally fascinated by the lively atmosphere and the people here. The promise of werewolves and vampires fascinates him eternally as well.

Wandering close to a stall and observing the wares on offer with an expectant and affable smile, the Doctor's attention is naturally drawn to the woman asking the sorts of questions the Doctor himself often asks; which, of course, draws a wider and brighter smile to his face. ]

Oh well done, you! Excellent. Asking the right questions, off to a good start!

[ So excited is he that he hasn't actually...answered the question yet. He'll come to it! ]