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abraxasooc2021-07-18 11:55 am
abraxasmods) wrote in abraxasooc2021-07-18 11:55 am
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TEST DRIVE MEME #2
TEST DRIVE MEME
Welcome to the second 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 two 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.
Our previous TDM has some answers to relevant questions as well, and feel free to look at our Game History page! Anything on that page - including information about the Horizon and the Singularity - can be assumed to be told to newcomers after they arrive, whether they are prisoners or honored guests. For more information on Ambrose and the apprentice mages, please see our NPCs page.
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. Through the opening you can see a bright room, but 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. Once you catch your breath, you can get a better look at the surroundings: tall trees and even taller stone pillars surround the platform you're laying on. Behind you is an ornate fountain, the base of which is so deep and so dark you might be compelled to scramble away from it lest it suck you back in to that endless abyss. Ahead of you are the walls of a large castle with several tall towers reaching up towards the sky.
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.
Set into an indent on a marble slab behind the fountain is a card baring 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 a mage with highly decorated robes and a large, heavy book. He peers up at you for a moment and starts flipping through the book.
"I beg your pardon," he says, so absorbed in the pages of the book that he doesn't bother to look up, "I am Ambrose Rhett, the High Mage of the Kingdom of Thorne. One of my apprentices will explain everything in a moment, but please refrain from yelling and thrashing about until then. You're quite alright, and screaming gives me a hell of a headache."
Regardless of your response, he keeps flipping through the heavy tome, until he stops on one specific page, stares at it for a moment, and then exclaims:
"Aha!"
Ambrose's expression brightens, eyes twinkling with delight. He waves one of the apprentices over with a fine silk tunic, pants, and some basic sandals and with a wave of his hand they reshape to fit you perfectly.
"Oh, thank heavens," he sighs, closing the book and approaching you with a sort of worn-out relief.
Now that he's not hunching over the book, he doesn't seem quite so stuffy and inapproachable. The apprentices all seem quite relieved at his jovial outburst, and the one that handed you the tunic stops to take the tarot card down from the marble slab. If you show any curiosity about the card, they'll let you take a longer look, but won't let you touch it.
"Please, come with me, you're an honored guest here," he says, motioning for you to follow him towards the castle, "As promised, my pupils will explain your current situation. And, ah - if you had any magic of your own, or other special abilities you can't access right now, fear not, they'll return within the week. The summoning takes a lot out of you."
One of the apprentices steps forward and rattles on and on about the castle, Thorne itself, the names of a bunch of royals and nobles, and of course, your reason for being here. The Kingdom and 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.
Once inside the castle you're taken 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 (the newcomers who were summoned back in June may have a great deal of information to tell you), or you can wander around and meet the others.
There's also a dining hall stocked with a rotating 24/7 buffet in celebration of the new honored guests. Somehow, your very favorite food is part of the rotation (or at least an attempted recreation of it given the limited technology available to the Thorneans). The town surrounding the castle is all abuzz as well, with most shops and services willing to give free samples of their wares to the new arrivals.
You may also notice that your sign is embroidered on your tunic: the same image you saw on the card from before with the name of the sign itself beneath it. If you ask the castle residents, they'll tell you a little bit about your sign (and will mostly stick to the positives, although some might point out the negatives).
Last (and, if you ask anyone else in the castle, least) there is a worn stone staircase leading underground to the dungeon. You can go there, if you wish, but all powers are restricted in the dungeons and spending too much time with the prisoners will lead to some suspicion being cast upon you. If you ask anyone why the prisoners are being held there, you'll be told that they pose a potential threat to the Kingdom (and, by extension, the entire world) and are awaiting trial.
"Drat," Ambrose says with a frown, "And here I thought we'd worked out all the kinks this time."
The High Mage looks up from his book, wide-eyed as he stumbles back. If you look behind you, you'll notice that in the time it took Ambrose to browse his book, the tarot card hanging behind you has reversed and is now hanging upside down. An apprentice runs to snatch it from the pillar and put it back with the rest of the deck.
The apprentices seem apprehensive, but Ambrose regains his composure and resists the urge to insult their newly summoned captive. Instead, he turns to the apprentices: "Get them clothed and we'll send them to await trial."
One of the apprentices drops a baggy, rough-feeling tunic, a pair of pants, and some worn sandals in your lap and glares down at you until you put them on (if you refuse, they'll tell you they can kick you back down that well if you don't want to cooperate).
Once you're fully clothed, another apprentice clamps some heavy iron shackles around your wrists and leads you on. The High Mage is far ahead of you already, muttering some long string of Thornean curses before he stands up straight and pauses, spinning to face you.
"One more thing," he says, holding one hand in the air and chanting something under his breath, "Can't have you getting too troublesome."
If you had powers, the slight connection you still had to them slips away completely and you're left with nothing as the four apprentices drag you towards the castle. Despite your prisoner status, they will answer your questions to the best of their ability.
Once you arrive at the castle you're brought to the dungeons and thrown into a locked cell. There are four people to a cell, and two sets of bunk beds with a thin and lumpy straw mattress. If you're over six feet tall, these beds are going to be awfully uncomfortable. You might as well meet your roommates. Once per day you're dragged out to an enclosed courtyard for one hour of recreation (with some crude weights, benches, and balls lying around but not much else), where you can meet the rest of the prisoners, but you can also talk to your immediate neighbors in the cells on either side and across the hallway. Just don't yell too much or the guards will snap at you to be quiet.
Everyone in the dungeon is fed one meal a day, and for a prison meal it's decent: a bit of meat, a bun, and a salad. It would seem that the Thornean chefs take too much pride in their craft to send bad food to the dungeons. The meals are all served in equal portions, though, so the smaller prisoners may be overfed and the larger ones may be getting hungry. Feel free to fight for food or share with your cellmates.
Crudely embroidered on the back of every prison tunic is the same image that was on your card and the name of the sign beneath it. A guard may explain a bit about the sign, and will be blunt and honest but not overly negative about it.
You may be blessed with a visit from one of the more welcomed newcomers, and they may sneak you some extra food or a small book to read or they may share some of the information they've gathered. The guards will even interfere if the honored guests are being overtly cruel to the prisoners from now on.
Questions
How many slots are open?
Currently, there are only four slots open for new players. We will process activity check before opening applications, so we will have a better idea of the exact count then. Existing players can apply for a second character withour restriction.
How do I choose a scenario for my character?
Pick whichever situation appeals to you most. Whether your character is honored or imprisoned has nothing to do with their personal morality, or how highly they regard themselves and their own accomplishments. Anyone can be put into either situation.
Can I try out both scenarios?
You can! But please keep in mind that only the one you eventually choose can be game canon, if you decide to keep any of your TDM threads.
What happens if my character refuses to comply with Ambrose?
Prisoners will be dragged against their will. Honored guests will be forgiven for their moment of panic or anger if they have one, and Ambrose and the apprentice mages will try to calm them and persuade them further. If they put up too much of a fight and/or start actively attacking anyone, Ambrose will warn them once that he's willing to put them back in the well where they came from (see below), and if they continue to fight he will make good on that promise.
My character intends on causing a lot of trouble (destroying parts of the castle, murdering the castle staff, etc.), what would happen to them?
Characters who make too much trouble for the mages and other staff 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 (if they are an honored guest) or a punishment like denial of food or temporary solitary confinement (if they are a prisoner), and there will be plenty of opportunity for destruction and murder later, but for now the Thorneans have no desire to keep huge liabilities around.
I want to wildcard a prompt or use one of the prompts from the original TDM that isn't on this one (eg. the library), can I do that?
Yes!
Is the power loss for the prisoners permanent?
No, although honored guests will regain their powers first due to the lack of interference from Ambrose, the prisoners will be able to regain theirs soon enough as well.
Can the prisoners talk about anything private, or will they be overheard at all times?
There are guards patrolling the dungeon, but they aren't always within earshot. Most of the attention is being focused on the new guests, so the prisoners will have some opportunities for privacy.
The first prisoners in June were just thrown in their cells without being told they are awaiting trial. Will they be told differently now that the new prisoners are here?
Yes, all prisoners new and old will be told that the Court has shown mercy on them and they will be given a fair trial sometime in August to determine their fate.
Whether or not that's actually true - and whether they believe it, even if it is - is another story, but they will all be informed.
Can my character leave the castle?
Honored guests can leave the castle itself, but cannot leave the surrounding town.
Can my character eventually side against Thorne if I choose to make them an honored guest/can they side with Thorne if I choose to imprison them?
For this TDM, it will be easier for welcomed characters to side with Thorne and for imprisoned characters to side with one of the other two factions, so we encourage you to take a look at the factions and see where you might want your character to go.
However, that is not set in stone and if you change your mind, characters in Scenario 1 will be able to betray Thorne, and characters in Scenario 2 can work themselves into Thorne's good graces.
How much will my choice of scenario affect my character's plot later on?
This choice will affect characters throughout August, but our August event will wrap up the honored guests vs. prisoners plotline, so your character won't be imprisoned for too long. This decision - and every other major decision you make in game! - will also be used to flavor some mod surprises that will be coming down the line.
Don't get too anxious about this choice, though; this is just one choice you'll get to make in a game that has a lot of them, and every character in both scenarios can work their way towards many, many individual goals and outcomes. You're not locking yourself out of anything in the future via the choice you made on the TDM. It will primarily impact the immediate future with the far-reaching effects being up to each player.
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 two scenarios on your application.
What if I haven't settled on a sign yet?
You can ignore sign-related prompts if you're undecided (or try out different signs in different threads).
Our previous TDM has some answers to relevant questions as well, and feel free to look at our Game History page! Anything on that page - including information about the Horizon and the Singularity - can be assumed to be told to newcomers after they arrive, whether they are prisoners or honored guests. For more information on Ambrose and the apprentice mages, please see our NPCs page.
Arrival
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. Through the opening you can see a bright room, but 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. Once you catch your breath, you can get a better look at the surroundings: tall trees and even taller stone pillars surround the platform you're laying on. Behind you is an ornate fountain, the base of which is so deep and so dark you might be compelled to scramble away from it lest it suck you back in to that endless abyss. Ahead of you are the walls of a large castle with several tall towers reaching up towards the sky.
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.
Set into an indent on a marble slab behind the fountain is a card baring 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 a mage with highly decorated robes and a large, heavy book. He peers up at you for a moment and starts flipping through the book.
"I beg your pardon," he says, so absorbed in the pages of the book that he doesn't bother to look up, "I am Ambrose Rhett, the High Mage of the Kingdom of Thorne. One of my apprentices will explain everything in a moment, but please refrain from yelling and thrashing about until then. You're quite alright, and screaming gives me a hell of a headache."
Regardless of your response, he keeps flipping through the heavy tome, until he stops on one specific page, stares at it for a moment, and then exclaims:
"Aha!"
Scenario One: Welcome to Thorne
Ambrose's expression brightens, eyes twinkling with delight. He waves one of the apprentices over with a fine silk tunic, pants, and some basic sandals and with a wave of his hand they reshape to fit you perfectly.
"Oh, thank heavens," he sighs, closing the book and approaching you with a sort of worn-out relief.
Now that he's not hunching over the book, he doesn't seem quite so stuffy and inapproachable. The apprentices all seem quite relieved at his jovial outburst, and the one that handed you the tunic stops to take the tarot card down from the marble slab. If you show any curiosity about the card, they'll let you take a longer look, but won't let you touch it.
"Please, come with me, you're an honored guest here," he says, motioning for you to follow him towards the castle, "As promised, my pupils will explain your current situation. And, ah - if you had any magic of your own, or other special abilities you can't access right now, fear not, they'll return within the week. The summoning takes a lot out of you."
One of the apprentices steps forward and rattles on and on about the castle, Thorne itself, the names of a bunch of royals and nobles, and of course, your reason for being here. The Kingdom and 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.
Once inside the castle you're taken 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 (the newcomers who were summoned back in June may have a great deal of information to tell you), or you can wander around and meet the others.
There's also a dining hall stocked with a rotating 24/7 buffet in celebration of the new honored guests. Somehow, your very favorite food is part of the rotation (or at least an attempted recreation of it given the limited technology available to the Thorneans). The town surrounding the castle is all abuzz as well, with most shops and services willing to give free samples of their wares to the new arrivals.
You may also notice that your sign is embroidered on your tunic: the same image you saw on the card from before with the name of the sign itself beneath it. If you ask the castle residents, they'll tell you a little bit about your sign (and will mostly stick to the positives, although some might point out the negatives).
Last (and, if you ask anyone else in the castle, least) there is a worn stone staircase leading underground to the dungeon. You can go there, if you wish, but all powers are restricted in the dungeons and spending too much time with the prisoners will lead to some suspicion being cast upon you. If you ask anyone why the prisoners are being held there, you'll be told that they pose a potential threat to the Kingdom (and, by extension, the entire world) and are awaiting trial.
Scenario Two: Imprisoned
"Drat," Ambrose says with a frown, "And here I thought we'd worked out all the kinks this time."
The High Mage looks up from his book, wide-eyed as he stumbles back. If you look behind you, you'll notice that in the time it took Ambrose to browse his book, the tarot card hanging behind you has reversed and is now hanging upside down. An apprentice runs to snatch it from the pillar and put it back with the rest of the deck.
The apprentices seem apprehensive, but Ambrose regains his composure and resists the urge to insult their newly summoned captive. Instead, he turns to the apprentices: "Get them clothed and we'll send them to await trial."
One of the apprentices drops a baggy, rough-feeling tunic, a pair of pants, and some worn sandals in your lap and glares down at you until you put them on (if you refuse, they'll tell you they can kick you back down that well if you don't want to cooperate).
Once you're fully clothed, another apprentice clamps some heavy iron shackles around your wrists and leads you on. The High Mage is far ahead of you already, muttering some long string of Thornean curses before he stands up straight and pauses, spinning to face you.
"One more thing," he says, holding one hand in the air and chanting something under his breath, "Can't have you getting too troublesome."
If you had powers, the slight connection you still had to them slips away completely and you're left with nothing as the four apprentices drag you towards the castle. Despite your prisoner status, they will answer your questions to the best of their ability.
Once you arrive at the castle you're brought to the dungeons and thrown into a locked cell. There are four people to a cell, and two sets of bunk beds with a thin and lumpy straw mattress. If you're over six feet tall, these beds are going to be awfully uncomfortable. You might as well meet your roommates. Once per day you're dragged out to an enclosed courtyard for one hour of recreation (with some crude weights, benches, and balls lying around but not much else), where you can meet the rest of the prisoners, but you can also talk to your immediate neighbors in the cells on either side and across the hallway. Just don't yell too much or the guards will snap at you to be quiet.
Everyone in the dungeon is fed one meal a day, and for a prison meal it's decent: a bit of meat, a bun, and a salad. It would seem that the Thornean chefs take too much pride in their craft to send bad food to the dungeons. The meals are all served in equal portions, though, so the smaller prisoners may be overfed and the larger ones may be getting hungry. Feel free to fight for food or share with your cellmates.
Crudely embroidered on the back of every prison tunic is the same image that was on your card and the name of the sign beneath it. A guard may explain a bit about the sign, and will be blunt and honest but not overly negative about it.
You may be blessed with a visit from one of the more welcomed newcomers, and they may sneak you some extra food or a small book to read or they may share some of the information they've gathered. The guards will even interfere if the honored guests are being overtly cruel to the prisoners from now on.
How many slots are open?
Currently, there are only four slots open for new players. We will process activity check before opening applications, so we will have a better idea of the exact count then. Existing players can apply for a second character withour restriction.
How do I choose a scenario for my character?
Pick whichever situation appeals to you most. Whether your character is honored or imprisoned has nothing to do with their personal morality, or how highly they regard themselves and their own accomplishments. Anyone can be put into either situation.
Can I try out both scenarios?
You can! But please keep in mind that only the one you eventually choose can be game canon, if you decide to keep any of your TDM threads.
What happens if my character refuses to comply with Ambrose?
Prisoners will be dragged against their will. Honored guests will be forgiven for their moment of panic or anger if they have one, and Ambrose and the apprentice mages will try to calm them and persuade them further. If they put up too much of a fight and/or start actively attacking anyone, Ambrose will warn them once that he's willing to put them back in the well where they came from (see below), and if they continue to fight he will make good on that promise.
My character intends on causing a lot of trouble (destroying parts of the castle, murdering the castle staff, etc.), what would happen to them?
Characters who make too much trouble for the mages and other staff 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 (if they are an honored guest) or a punishment like denial of food or temporary solitary confinement (if they are a prisoner), and there will be plenty of opportunity for destruction and murder later, but for now the Thorneans have no desire to keep huge liabilities around.
I want to wildcard a prompt or use one of the prompts from the original TDM that isn't on this one (eg. the library), can I do that?
Yes!
Is the power loss for the prisoners permanent?
No, although honored guests will regain their powers first due to the lack of interference from Ambrose, the prisoners will be able to regain theirs soon enough as well.
Can the prisoners talk about anything private, or will they be overheard at all times?
There are guards patrolling the dungeon, but they aren't always within earshot. Most of the attention is being focused on the new guests, so the prisoners will have some opportunities for privacy.
The first prisoners in June were just thrown in their cells without being told they are awaiting trial. Will they be told differently now that the new prisoners are here?
Yes, all prisoners new and old will be told that the Court has shown mercy on them and they will be given a fair trial sometime in August to determine their fate.
Whether or not that's actually true - and whether they believe it, even if it is - is another story, but they will all be informed.
Can my character leave the castle?
Honored guests can leave the castle itself, but cannot leave the surrounding town.
Can my character eventually side against Thorne if I choose to make them an honored guest/can they side with Thorne if I choose to imprison them?
For this TDM, it will be easier for welcomed characters to side with Thorne and for imprisoned characters to side with one of the other two factions, so we encourage you to take a look at the factions and see where you might want your character to go.
However, that is not set in stone and if you change your mind, characters in Scenario 1 will be able to betray Thorne, and characters in Scenario 2 can work themselves into Thorne's good graces.
How much will my choice of scenario affect my character's plot later on?
This choice will affect characters throughout August, but our August event will wrap up the honored guests vs. prisoners plotline, so your character won't be imprisoned for too long. This decision - and every other major decision you make in game! - will also be used to flavor some mod surprises that will be coming down the line.
Don't get too anxious about this choice, though; this is just one choice you'll get to make in a game that has a lot of them, and every character in both scenarios can work their way towards many, many individual goals and outcomes. You're not locking yourself out of anything in the future via the choice you made on the TDM. It will primarily impact the immediate future with the far-reaching effects being up to each player.
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 two scenarios on your application.
What if I haven't settled on a sign yet?
You can ignore sign-related prompts if you're undecided (or try out different signs in different threads).
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Alice Elliot | Shadow Hearts | The Empress
[Coming to in the abyss doesn't faze Alice in the least. She's just died, consumed by the curse she knowingly inherited, and she mistakes her state for her soul traveling to the hereafter. It isn't until an ache begins in her lungs and a hand reaches through to yank her out that she realizes she's been floating in a deep pool of water and, somehow, isn't dead.
It's a disorienting transition, to say the least. Alice doesn't even register that's she's being spoken to until one of the apprentices hands her some clothing and tells her to get dressed. She quickly obliges and starts paying attention to what Ambrose and the apprentice have to say. Not that much of what she's being told makes sense--all she's able to piece together is that this Kingdom of Thorne has summoned her here to help save the world from some sort of nebulous doom.
When she's finally left to her own devices in the North Wing, she lets out a deep sigh in appreciation of the silence and the opportunity to start processing it all. However, she isn't alone in the room she's been left in. With a smile that's equal parts exhausted and friendly, she greets her roommate.]
Hello, my name is Alice. Were you brought here just now, too?
II. Honored Guest
[Alice isn't sure she trusts that the situation is as cut-and-dry as she's been told. Honored guest or not, she can't shake the feeling that she's being held here. It's not dissimilar to how she was treated when she was held captive by the Japanese Imperial Army--everyone is cordial, sometimes even kind, but it's clear that she's there with a Purpose that she has no say in.
Of course, she's not the same broken, terrified woman she was back then and has no intention of just sitting back and letting things happen to her. As such, she's taking advantage of the looseness of her chains and exploring where she can. In this case, it's the town surrounding the castle. However, she's gathered precious little information so far aside from what she's already been told with a side of rosy descriptions of various goods and services.
It's disappointing, surely, but Alice can hardly say she's surprised. Eventually she starts heading back toward the castle, idly looking at a small bar of soap she's been given as she's lost in thought. Since she isn't looking where she's going, she ends up knocking shoulders with another person.]
Oh, I'm so sorry. I really should look where I'm going.
Are you all right?
[Alice is a slight figure, and unlikely to have hurt anyone by bumping into them, but she still wants to be sure.]
III. The Dungeons
[Murmurings among fellow guests and residents of the castle alike suggest that not all who were brought here are being treated as well as Alice has. Once she learns of the dungeons' existence, she makes it a point to check it out. It's possible that the official story of the prisoners' dangerous nature is accurate, but it's just as likely that it's not. God knows she's been held captive for no reason before based on nothing more than the whims of whoever is in charge.
The guards let her pass, although one of them makes a pointed comment about 'not being able to help everyone' while looking directly at the embroidery on her tunic, and she descends into the dark corridors to take a look at who's there. As she visits, she locks eyes with one of the prisoners and feels compelled to say something. Surely, this person must wonder what she's doing there.]
Hello. I don't mean any harm.
[She glances over at the nearest guard, as if she expects him to intervene somehow.]
Are they treating you decently down here?
[There's more than a little concern in her voice when she asks.]
3
[it's certainly not a fantastic first impression for someone who's descended into the depths with sympathy in their hearts, but Hazel doesn't appear to be concerned about the way her tone might be taken. she's a slight woman, barely scratching five feet, making the tapestry of scars and medical stitching decorating her body all the more striking. if nothing else she certainly fits the image of a dangerous criminal, especially with the unflinching gaze she's locked onto Alice after being approached.
she assumes this woman is here to sate her own sense of moral obligation, extract some sort of justification for the disparity between the castle's floors. it's superficial but understandable - she doesn't resent her for it, but she's also written off any meaningful help from the stranger...intentionally, at least. there was no telling what could be nabbed off her person, after all, and it's the sole reason she's engaged in conversation rather than petulantly ignoring her.]
Re: 3
That was insensitive to ask. I'm sorry.
[She doesn't expect the other woman to accept the apology, but her own politeness demands it all the same.
There is a certain dangerousness in the other woman's posture and demeanor, but Alice knows better than to judge entirely based on that. The love of her life, after all, can sometimes be more generously described as "rough around the edges." It's not difficult to imagine him curled up in the cell in this woman's place, surly and ready to punch the nearest person who looks even vaguely responsible for his capture.
If Alice has to be totally honest with herself, that imagined scenario is part of the reason she's down in the dungeon to see who's here. She's both hoping and dreading the possibility that he's been dragged into this world with her.]
Here, as recompense. [Alice approaches the cell and holds out a small, folded napkin with some fruit and bits of cheese tucked into it. She has a few of these bundles on her person, just in case.] I don't understand why they've welcomed some of us and rejected others like this.
So far, I haven't seen anything to make that clearer.
no subject
Save it for somebody who needs it.
[someone who could still eat at all.]
It's kind of obvious though, isn't it? [she tilts her head to the side, several strands of hair falling past her expression.] They can 'see' something about us that we can't.
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In response to the woman's answer to Alice's musings, she sighs and glances back at the guard. He's pointedly not looking at them, although it's clear from his posture that he's listening. She should probably be careful with her words.
But she won't be.]
I don't believe that. If it was something that straightforward, they'd be more clear about it. Instead, all we've been told is that you await trial--they won't even tell us what for. I suspect they've told you even less.
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Not necessarily. If it's obvious to them, why bring it up? It's not like they're going to make you guys sit in the jury box.
[she presumes. because let's be honest, the odds of anyone getting an actual trial in this situation are slim to none.]
They've been pretty fucking chatty about a lot of things in between giving us the stink eye, though. Kinda surprised me. [a pause, and a pointed look at the nearby guard.] Well, some of them, anyway.
2! Also HOLY SHIT ALICE
Is this the sort of thing Flynn deals with, though? Yuri suspects so, and he doesn't know how he stands it.
He's jostled from his thoughts - quite literally - by a young woman shoulder checking him. Her instant apology, so well-mannered but not over the top like the townsfolk, immediately warms him a bit. He rubs his shoulder almost theatrically, wincing for good measure.]
Man, you almost took my arm off.
[It's obvious he's teasing, especially when he smiles.]
I think I'll live.
I didn't expect people to recognize her! ♥ Shadow Hearts fans unite!!
I'm relieved to hear that. I would hate for my first act here to be accidentally killing a man because I was too busy playing with soap.
[She holds the offending product up to show him. It's a small, off-white sample of no real significance.]
It looks like you're a fellow "honored guest," based on your attire. It's nice to meet you--I'm Alice.
yesss weirdly i was just saying yesterday that i wish people played from shadow hearts lmfao
Yuri. Tell me the soap I'm dying for smells good, at least.
lol what timing! and yes they doooooo
The name throws her, and although she recovers quickly it's obvious how much so.]
I know a Yuri back home. He's... he's very dear to me.
[Her voice is equal parts sad and fond. She hasn't found any sight or sign of her rude hero here, and she has complicated feelings about that fact. It would be wonderful, of course, if they had a bit longer together. But she's not sure that "being kidnapped in the name of some world they don't even know" is the best way to do that, especially since her Yuri would take to it like a cat in water.
And, really, it would only be prolonging the inevitable. She gave up her life for him, and that's the reality of the matter.
Of course, there no need to unload all of that baggage onto a stranger. Instead, she makes herself smile and returns to the matter of the soap.]
The soap is slightly perfumed, so it does smell nice. Something floral, I think.
i can give you another yuri that doesn't button his shirt at least!!
[He doesn't need to be a mindreader to understand that look on her face, even with how quickly she recovers. It's obvious too that she doesn't want to get into it, and so he won't belabor the point, but—]
Hopefully we can fix whatever this mess is fast and get back to the people we care about.
all the best Yuris leave their shirts open, it's true (I need to finish Vesperia like woah)
I hope so, too. We all have people we love waiting for us once we're finished here.
[The smile Alice gives Yuri is sincere, even if her words are somewhat disingenuous. She does have people she loves, and a world to return to, but the prospect of being reunited is remote bordering on impossible. Unless her soul is somehow blessed with the ability to remain at her Yuri's side after her death, her time with him is over.
Really, she supposes some part of her should be grateful that she's gotten any extension to her life at all. But it's hard to shake the unease of not knowing things.]
I only wish they'd share more information on what, exactly, this mess even is.
DO IT i need everyone to play vesperia
[By his tone, it almost seems like that's what he expected. Yuri isn't exactly quick to trust, and these people didn't get off on the right foot dragging him here when his own world is a mess.]
Is there any magic in your world?
[It's still a little wild to him that there are worlds without it, but hey.]
It's a great game! I just never finished it, and at this point I might as well play the remaster.
[It's reassuring to find others who are equally wary, and certainly warms her to Yuri a bit. There's a not-small part of her that can't help but feel a bit resentful that she's been functionally kidnapped for her powers yet again.]
There is, although it's rare. I'm gifted with it, which may be why I was targeted and brought here. And yours?
you should! it's got way more content
[It isn't self-deprecating, just a casual statement of fact. He's always been much more suited to physical combat, and that's fine with him.
That idea of being targeted for a rare talent with magic, though—it reminds him of Estelle and the crap Alexei pulled, and he has to tamp down a misplaced surge of frustration. He's so, so sick of self-righteous assholes thinking they can do whatever they want, and hurting people in the process. But...]
What can you do, exactly? Magic seems pretty common here. Your powers must be different if you think that's why they grabbed you.
[He's not trying to be nosey or rude, it's just his natural bluntness.]
2
I've taken bumps and bruises before, Sai. Be assured that I'm well.
[ He doesn't smile as he says it, but that's probably some kind of joke. ]
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[Whatever the meaning (joke?) is, Alice doesn't follow. Is that some equivalent of "miss" or "ma'am" where he comes from?
Based on his stature--roughly a foot taller than her--and response, it suddenly feels a bit silly that she had worried about hurting him by something as harmless as distracted wandering. Still, she stands by her expression of concern. It's only polite.]
Be that as it may, I'm still glad I managed not to do more than slow you down a bit. I should watch where I'm walking.
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[ He raises his hand to his forehead in greeting and looks up in the direction they were both heading. ]
Would you care for some company, if you're headed back up that-a-ways? I see you're also a guest of Sai Ambrose and all his mages.
shadow hearts... i pounce!
It's when he's directly addressed that he hesitates to respond, similarly looking to the same guard as if he needs permission to speak. When he realizes that he won't be stopped, Leon clears his throat. It's been a while since he's used his voice. ]
They haven't been torturing anybody, to my understanding. [ It's a low bar, but to a former crusader, a standard. He hears the guard snort after his answer has been put out there. ]
pounce away!! we shadow hearts fans need to stick together
[It's a very low bar indeed, but one that Alice is relieved to hear Thorne meets. The snort from the guard causes Alice to shoot him something of a sidelong glare, although she doesn't say anything. She doesn't find anything about this situation especially funny, but she's also aware that making a big deal about it will likely land her into more trouble than not, "honored guest" or otherwise.
Since the prisoner--the person she actually wants to talk to--seems receptive to her presence, she steps in closer and takes a closer look at the cell. It's clean enough, for a prison, with four beds. The three other occupants seem content to ignore her for the moment.]
Have they even explained to you why you're locked down here?
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I think it's because the alchemist called Ambrose summoned us by mistake. [ Is Ambrose even an alchemist, or a sorcerer? Leon isn't great at telling one from the other, and his nose crinkles when he finds he isn't as sure as he'd like to be of the other's title. ] A trial was mentioned, but a lot of us are growing impatient. [ Himself, included. He's used to most of his day's hours being spent in sunlight. ]
If they keep us waiting much longer, I feel that others may riot once their powers return.
[ Leon hasn't fought back yet because he's weaponless and in a land that he doesn't know. He'd like to understand more about where he's been brought to before he considers trying to make an escape. He thinks that this is logistically the best thing to do, though he's itching to get out.
Alice seems trustworthy enough. Still, the guard listening in on them makes it hard for Leon to gather information from her. He's thinking of what might be good to know in planning a potential escape route. ]
How is the town outside? Is there a library?
II.
And now with this news of Hayle... it's certainly not as easy keeping his spirits raised.
The very least he can say is that going outside the castle provides fresh air. He only wishes he could bring Geralt to see it. The months are dragging on, and nothing about their positions has changed. Except, apparently, anyone with magic in his place has regained it.
Which certainly doesn't help him much.
With wealths of free time, however, he's been practicing his newly granted magical abilities, small as they are. Now it is no effort at all for him to summon and maintain the little bluebird that sits on his shoulder, providing a quiet song as he moves through the town. He pauses when a few other birds flying past catch his friend's attention --
He stumbles back as a shorter woman runs into him, already offering an apology before he's managed to pull his thoughts from the clouds.
Oh. What a striking coloring.] I -- oh, yes, of course! I hope you are the same? [Oh, no. She has a bit of dust on her sleeve, actually. He makes sure to pat that off for her.] I offer my apologies in turn. My thoughts were in the clouds a bit. Er, literally.
[The bird on his shoulder gently tweets.]