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

Nocwich

[hatejakku]

You all right?

[ If most people saw a guy holding a hand over something and shaking like that in a bar, they'd probably give them a wide berth. Finn probably would, too, under normal circumstances. But this whole planet is strange, and Finn doesn't think this man is a local.

He motions to the barkeep, too. That's why he initially came over here, after all. ]

[heavymetals]

[ He's perfectly calm, touch of frustration aside. He's certainly not about to break a chair over anyone, or throw his glass against the wall. He's upset, yes, and not liking how long it's taking for what is his by right to be returned to him, but he's learned a while ago that just throwing a violent fit isn't going to solve the problem.

Sometimes, patience has its perks. Hard to see them right now, but still. ]

Do I not look alright?

[ He lifts his glass once a fresh drink has been poured into it, barely glancing at Finn before he's knocking that back too. ]

[hatejakku]

Wouldn't have asked if I knew.

[ He probably would have asked, yeah. Either way, Finn leans against the bar as his own drink is poured, practically planting himself to the spot. At least for the moment. ]

You look like you're not from around here... I'm sorry if you are. I'm a little new myself.

[ And if he just made a big fool out of himself, he'll gladly be on his way. Maybe. He likes to know that people are all right, y'know. ]

[heavymetals]

[ He's aware he snapped unnecessarily at the stranger, but Erik's not particularly inclined to apologize. He's angry, frustrated and entitled to feel that way, the way he sees it; and he's never been good at playing nice.

Nevertheless, the edge softens just so. The alcohol helps. ]

I'm not. I'm a— Summoned, I suppose that's what they call us. [ He's silent for a moment, then adds. ] I've been here a week.

[hatejakku]

[ Finn's not waiting on an apology. He's inclined to believe that the other guy's entitled to a little snapping, too.

So he nods, understanding and unsurprised. ]

Two months. It gets easier. Plenty of friends around, too.

[ If he were the type to seek out some companionship, anyway... Finn takes a tiny sip of his drink, not even making a face at the burn anymore. Progress. ]

Free Cities?

[heavymetals]

[ That doesn't seem to comfort Erik in the least. He's not looking to make friends, and he has good reason to believe that even if he were to make some, it would not help at all in making the situation easier. ]

Solvunn. [ Curious that the young man's first guess would be that. Only one conclusion to draw from that. ] But I assume that's where they've placed you.

[hatejakku]

[ Finn's a guy that really believes in the Power of Friendship, unfortunately. What's probably even worse news for Erik, he's making a friend right now whether he likes it or not. ]

It is. Enthusiastic military support and all.

[ Though he sounds distasteful (and his opinions of the local government aren't that high), Finn's actually finding a home in Cadens to the point where he's almost enjoying this new, temporary life. Crazy. ]

Heard... things about Solvunn. Nice countryside. Weird... rituals? But a lot of summoned are there making it work.

[heavymetals]

[ Erik says nothing to that, but his lips press into a tense line, his expression tightens, his whole posture seems to stiffen. It's not difficult to tell that he's not particularly fond of the concept of a military force either. Past encounters haven't ever been good in his personal experience, and over the past decade or so, he has kind of turned into public enemy number one, so. ]

I'm still hearing about those things myself. But it is fairly quiet. There aren't a lot of people there, and it's easy to find a place to be on your own. Can't say I mind that.

[hatejakku]

[ Finn doesn't miss those subtle changes, but he doesn't bring attention to him. Besides, at first he isn't sure if it's because of the military or the rituals. Only one of those is in Solvunn, after all.

But then it occurs to him (or he's reminded, rather) that the other country-states have militaries, too, and Finn still doesn't know anything about them. He opts not to ask. Not the time or place. ]

It does sound quiet... The Free Cities isn't, but I'm still new. Maybe things will calm down.

[ Doesn't sound like he believes that. But anyway, the fact that this guy is actively looking to be alone kind of concerns him, even though Finn knows it's none of his business. ]

Is your home like this place? Magic and that kind of thing?

[heavymetals]

[ He can live with the rituals. Or at least, he can deal with them better than constant military presence everywhere. Just the thought of it is enough to leave his hairs standing on end. He doesn't like them, and more often than not, the feeling is mutual. ]

From what I've been told so far, the tendency is for things to get even livelier. You might not have much luck there.

[ Erik is likelier to get some quiet, in Solvunn. On the other hand, the locals there seem to be less rational, so. Who's to say. ]

Nothing like that. We do have mutants. Humans with unique abilities, developed from the X-gene. I take it none of that is familiar to you.

[hatejakku]

[ Ah, well. That's just pessimistic, Erik. But Finn's lips thin into a line because he knows the man is right. ]

No, haven't heard of any X-gene, but we do have something back home that we call the Force. There are some people who can use it. Sort of behaves like telepathy. That's probably not familiar to you either, though.

[ He wouldn't be surprised at this point. It's always a shock when the rare person does know what he's talking about. ]

[heavymetals]

[ Pessimism has never once failed him. Better than to hope for the best, only to be crushed by the disappointment and pain of it all going to hell. ]

I've met telepaths before. [ Charles comes to mind too easily; and there was Emma, of course. Jean, at least whenever she allowed herself to truly unleash her powers. He has no doubt there are others out there, even if they might not be as powerful. ] But they're mutants, like me. Just a different set of abilities than the ones I have.

[ In case that wasn't clear. ]

[hatejakku]

[ Oh, that is interesting, to hear about these telepaths without the Force. Sure, he's encountered similar on this planet already, but Erik makes it almost sound common.

Finn's not sure if this is a rather rude thing to ask but he's about to ask it. ]

What sort of abilities do you have? If you don't mind me asking.

[ See? Finn can be polite. ]

[heavymetals]

[ It's not an uncommon ability among mutants, certainly, but the intensity of that power varies wildly depending on the mutant. Charles was exceptionally strong, for instance, while some telepaths could only gauge emotions, surface thoughts, or plant vague words onto people's minds. Someone like Charles is rather more unique. ]

I don't. [ Probably the thing about himself Erik minds talking about the least. ] I can create and control magnetic fields, and manipulate all types of metal.

[hatejakku]

[ Finn's eyebrows shoot up, impressed. That's certainly a very unique ability. Sounds almost limited in scope unless one were creative with it, and Erik seems the creative type. ]

That's interesting. I don't know much about magnetic fields in general, but that's a pretty powerful gift you have.

Give it a week or two. It'll come back.

[heavymetals]

It is.

[ No false modesty here. Erik is not only proud of his power, he's also incredibly confident about it. It's powerful, and it's also potentially dangerous, but he's fully in control now. Better than some mutants, certainly. ]

Everyone keeps saying so. Just hope they're right.

[hatejakku]

[ The confidence is interesting, leading Finn to be curious about everything he's likely done before now. Maybe stories for another perhaps. ]

A lot of us have personal experience. [ Seems Finn doesn't mind letting his own issues slip this time, not so much on guard around someone else who can do crazy things. ]

But if they somehow don't, you can probably re-learn it. The people here are very casual with their magic. It's easy to learn once you know where to look and how to feel it.

[heavymetals]

Nevertheless, I would prefer to have my own abilities back. They're a part of me.

[ He can't even describe how incomplete he feels without them, right now. Weak and exposed. No magic could replicate the feeling of being whole.

The way Finn puts that, though, leads Erik to make a wild guess. ]

You're one of the people who can manipulate this Force you talked about?

[hatejakku]

I understand.

[ The Force feels like such a strong part of himself that he never even noticed it in him until he knew what to look for. ]

I can feel the Force. That's about as far as it gets... Felt kind of blind when I first got here.

[ Feels weird to say out loud but it's true. ]

[heavymetals]

[ Drink ignored, Erik takes a moment to study Finn more intently, a gaze sweeping over the younger man. ]

That may be all you can do for now. But with time, and practice, you too might be able to use it.

[ Easy to tell Erik is personally interested in that, not the Force necessarily but just the thought of Finn having unique abilities of his own. ]

[hatejakku]

[ The interest is obvious, as is the fact that it doesn't seem to be a selfish interest. Erik just seems invested in Finn being the best he can be with what he has. There's something about it that insists there's a long story there, something personal and hopeful. Kind of makes Finn want to believe him. ]

... Maybe... They say it comes down to genetics, but I think a person's strength and will plays a large part, too.

Honestly, it's not something I ever wanted. Once I realized I had it, I didn't look much deeper.

[ It's not being put strictly to voice, but fear plays a large part in Finn's hesitancy. That's not really something he feels like he can tell someone without powers like these or even most people with them. Like Rey, for example. How can he tell her that he's afraid of himself using the Force but not her? ]

[heavymetals]

[ Erik considers that for a moment. What Finn says, the way he feels about his abilities. There's some fear there, he thinks, and not a fear of the unknown either. He thinks Finn knows exactly what the Force can do, and he's afraid of delving into it. ]

Maybe you should. You were granted a gift, and you will only know all that you are capable of if you explore it.

[ He understands being afraid of those powers all too well; but to ignore it isn't the solution either, Erik knows that much. ]

[hatejakku]

[ A rational, level-headed response. One that Finn smiles at because it's something General Organa would have said. ]

I've seen what the Force is capable of. I've seen how it can corrupt... [ He follows the grain of wood on the bar with his finger, idly playing with it, maybe a little anxious while he thinks. Then a sigh and he stops. ] Not saying that I won't. Just... taking things slow.

[heavymetals]

That's not unique to your Force. Every power is what you choose to do with it.

[ And he speaks from personal experience. He's used his own to do good, and to do bad. To build, and to destroy. It's not his power that led him down a dark path. It was something else entirely. No different than it would be with Finn. That's what he believes, anyway. ]

[hatejakku]

[ Yeah, see, that's the problem. ]

And what if what I choose is wrong? Every choice has consequences, but not everyone can do the kinds of things we can do. It matters more with us.

[ Their powers are very different but the same principles apply. They're both stronger than what a normal human probably should be. ]