TEST DRIVE MEME #17

[abraxasmods]

Test Drive Meme

Important Links

Setting ⦁ Game History ⦁ NPCs ⦁ Arcana ⦁ FAQ

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 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. You can also find answers to questions asked on previous TDMs in their respective question threads.

The TDM is forward-dated to when the summonings occur in-game (when applications are accepted), at the start of April.

While the world is undergoing some tumultuous weather, newly arrived characters will be assured that everything is being taken care of and cautioned to shelter indoors where possible.

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 getting anywhere. If you reach for an item you were carrying the 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 territories: 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.

Go to scenario

Kingdom of Thorne ⦁ The Free Cities ⦁ Solvunn Commune

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 spring, the weather is cool and marked by howling windstorms. In the distance, snow continues to cover the mountain peaks. Spring flowers are beginning to 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:

• Windstorms batter the walls outside. The city of Castle Thorne is largely safe, but debris, fallen trees, and toppled wagons are still a danger. Try not to go outside unless you have to! Across the sky, lightning surges horizontally, never touching the ground.


• 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. There's some buzz about the arrival of Admiral Rudolph Sidwell, the Queen's uncle. While Rudolph is temporarily staying in Nott, he can occasionally be seen in the castle halls when he visits Castle Thorne.

◎ Exploring

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

Sorting Tomes
A few apprentices out on errands have grown trapped behind some fallen debris, leaving the library short of helping hands. Volunteers are desperately needed to help sort and shelve the books, which are beginning to pile up. Fortunately, Thorne's magical shelving system means the shelves will immediately let you know if a book has been placed incorrectly. Unfortunately, the way this works is that the book will expel itself back out and fall to the floor. Watch your head!

Serene Steeds
Due to the heavy storms, Thorne's prized horses are growing nervous in their stables. To help soothe them, apprentice mages have asked you to cast a calming spell on each horse. The spell relies on Academic Magic. While the spell only requires saying a few words correctly, a lack of concentration can result in some unexpected memories or feelings surfacing, inducing strong emotions. You might vividly recall a tumultuous moment in your life or find yourself reflecting on who you are, where you came from, and where you might go next.

Painting Session
You're encouraged to explore Thorne's proud naval history in Borrel at its Maritime Fair. Because of the storms, it's being held indoors within heavily strengthened walls. Here, you can join a paint and cider session where you can follow a guided instructor to paint a displayed model of Thorne's famous naval warships. To finish your masterpiece, decorate the frame with Borrel's famous sea glass. The paints and brushes are enchanted to help you along, but it requires a little concentration. Growing frustrated with your progress might cause some splatters or turn the colors muddy. Not to worry! You can always start again with a fresh canvas.

Nocwich
Nocwich, which is shrouded in eternal darkness and is home to the werewolves and the vampires, is, unfortunately, CLOSED due to recent events.

◎ 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).

As an important figure to the kingdom, you can't move out of the city of Castle Thorne without permission or take any extended trips. If you're feeling restless, though, day trips to Nott or Borrel via portal are allowed, or you can visit Nocwich. Don't try to sneak out - someone will bring you back. 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 or you can earn some pocket money by doing chores around the Castle.

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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, though the sandstorm has obscured the sun, lowering the typical spring temperatures. At night, temperatures will drop further. 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 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:

• Sandstorms assail the cites, especially in Cadens. The dust is thick and choking, and visibility is low. Try not to go outside unless you have to! Across the sky, lightning surges horizontally, never touching the ground.


• In the Cadens barracks, soldiers are hard at work fortifying its walls and preparing for further changes in weather. Shops and merchant stalls that populate Cadens' outdoor markets are absent. With the storms going on, the city streets are eerily empty except for vagrants and those who don't have shelter to retreat to.


• City guards are 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.

◎ Exploring

Despite the troubles that plague the land, the barracks and Cadens have much for you to indulge in.

Pimp My Ride
Innovation is the way of the Free Cities, and showing it off is just as important. Every few years, wagon enthusiasts will display their customized New Magic-powered wagons in the Wagon Parade. Although this usually takes place in the streets of Cadens, this month's storm has forced the parade indoors into the Fortune Arena, the oldest horse arena in the city. They'll need help boarding up windows and doorways so that the this year's amazing entries aren't harmed. As with any event, pop-up merchants appear along the parade line selling food, drink, and a variety of commemorative tokens.

Masking Up
Dust storms are not unheard of in the desert, but the reduced air quality is still a concern. In response, the government is distribuing breathing masks and is asking for volunteers who are willing to brave current conditions to hand them out. Standard government-issued designs are free, but some wealthy citizens have elected for a more refined design while the cautious opt for total coverage. You'll be given your own mask (in the design of your choice), but the winds will still be a force to contend with. Be sure to travel with a partner for safety.

New Wave, New Age
New Magic is how the Free Cities diverges from reliance on more traditional magic. With New Magic, the Arcana plays a much more limited role. However, New Age thinkers of Libertas have risen with the arrival of the Summoned. They stress that to move to the future, you cannot forget your past. To encourage this reconnection with one's roots, a group of New Age practitioners have set up a table at the Cadens Library. You can take part in designing your own tarot card on pieces of thin metal. The goal is to create a design that speaks to you the most: find inspiration from your connections to the world, from home, or through an important symbol in your life. Special pens will easily burn and engrave any marks you make, so craft carefully.

Nocwich
Nocwich, which is shrouded in eternal darkness and is home to the werewolves and the vampires, is, unfortunately, CLOSED due to recent events.

◎ Settling In

When you're ready to turn in, the barracks are waiting for you. They have a communal bathing room at the end of the hall, with curtains that can be pulled around the individual raised round tubs for privacy. Each barracks room is rather sparse. Six simple beds are set against the wall, three on each side of the room, each with a trunk at the foot of it. You can greet your roommates here, most of whom will be new arrivals, as well.

If you plan on making use of your assigned quarters, you'll have your basic needs met: uniforms, a roof, bland food from the mess hall, and access to the training grounds. You won't be paid unless you formally enlist with the army. The longer you take advantage of the barracks, the greater the pressure to enlist. Some soldiers will start to see you as a freeloader if you refuse to join them yet continue to use their resources. If you're set on not enlisting, you'll eventually have to strike out on your own. The government won't provide for you 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, but you will want to start making money. Nearly everything in the Free Cities has a price - including the portal to Aquila. Luckily, the portal to Libertas is free if you want to stretch your legs.

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Welcome to Solvunn

You're in a grassy clearing amid 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 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 who 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 who 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. With spring on the way, the winds remain somewhat chilly and the rains are heavy - not to mention the small twisters forming across the plains and on the ocean. 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:

• Small twisters assail the settlements. While it isn't strong enough to lift homes or large structures, important shrines, and small animals are still in danger. Try not to go outside unless you have to! Across the sky, lightning surges horizontally, never touching the ground.


• Shops and stalls have closed due to conditions. The strong community means in Solvunn everyone has chosen to pitch in to help each other out, delivering meals when there's a break in the storms, finding lost pets, repairing broken gates, and exchanging essential goods.


• Fishing in the Tertiary Settlement has also ground to a halt. Isar Hart, who sits on the Council, can be seen frequently in the Primary Settlement to gather much-needed supplies for the residents.

◎ Exploring

Despite the troubles that plague the commune, the commune and its settlements have much for you to indulge in.

Shrine Offerings
As a new arrival, you'll be encouraged to perform your first offering. Due to the turbulent weather, Solvunn believes offerings in the tradition of High Magic might quell the Gods' fury. Create a bundle using a combination of fruit, wine, flowers, or an animal you've hunted. It must be picked and put together by your own hand. Once you're ready, you can approach any shrine belonging to a God that speaks to you: is it Cadaevos, who purifies the community and soul? Endrborrin, who brings forth spring and change? Vagn, who oversees one's journey in death? It's a good idea to travel with a partner. While the twisters aren't deadly, they can be dangerous if you're not careful. Perhaps, along the way, you can talk about what the concept of gods and blessings mean to you.

Goatnado
Due to the heavy rains, Solvunn's fine tradition of goat racing has been put on hold so the goats can be kept safe inside their pens. Of course, the goats prefer their free-range lifestyle and are prone to escaping. Help find missing goats or tend to the ones who have been returned to their pens. It may not be as simple as following the sound of bleating and tying them up; reports of small twisters picking up goats and other livestock have been made, sending them far away from their pens and farms and even into the more dangerous wilds or inconveniently on buildings and houses. You'll need to team up and track them down before they can cause any property damage or get hurt themselves.

The Shrieking of the Weeds
Goats and livestock aren't the only victims of the sudden winds. Farmlands and crops also face the brunt of destruction. The twisters travel quickly across Solvunn's low and flat landscape, and the freshly tilled earth is even easier to disturb. As a result, Shrieking Weeds, a staple garden guardian in Solvunn, are being ripped from the ground and sent in whirling, noisy tempests that keep everyone up all night and day. The weeds must be retrieved and will only quiet when planted back into the ground. Luckily, you can easily follow their discordant cries to find them.

Nocwich
Nocwich, which is shrouded in eternal darkness and is home to the werewolves and the vampires, is, unfortunately, CLOSED due to recent events.

◎ 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.

Goat-drawn wagons can help you get to the other settlements, but you're encouraged to remain in the Primary Settlement. If you insist, though, no one will stop you from leaving. Just be sure you have an invitation to the Secondary Settlement. There are tales of uninvited travelers to the Secondary Settlement disappearing without a trace. The gods are as hungry as they are protective.

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Questions & 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 territory your character is drawn into has nothing to do with their morality, beliefs, or how highly they regard themselves and their 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 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 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 into 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 territory?

No, they must remain within the territory except when visiting Nocwich. Review the Travel section on each territory's Setting page for where characters can go within their borders.

Can my character eventually change territories?

Yes, but tensions between the major territories are at an all-time high. Doing so is possible, but will require some plotting 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. Those interested in court politics, the Singularity, and magic will have the most access in Thorne. Anyone who wishes to uncover the secrets of the Gods and other mysteries will best do so in Solvunn.

This is not to say characters are locked out of other scenarios completely. With effort and the help of friends, anything is possible! Don't get too anxious about your choice. Every character in each scenario can work their way towards many individual goals. Additionally, once in-game, the Horizon, Nocwich, and certain events will let characters make easy cross-border 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. You'll 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?

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. In situations where Nocwich is closed, you can put up prompts for multiple scenarios, though only the one you choose in the application can become canon.

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. 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

[whatam_i]

"A plant?!" Ed asks, a little bewildered that a plant could make such a noise but then again Ivy was always going on about how plants could talk so maybe....?

His thoughts are interrupted though when one of the little weeds, that look more like baby bok choy to him, smacks him upside the head.

"AaaaaaaaOOOWW!" He cries out, clutching at the spot where he's been hit. "WHAT the hell?!!"

[dead_tongue]

Iggy has spent a lot of his life rationalizing his upbringing. It doesn't match up with anything cultish, doesn't even seem to have much in common with any of the religious trauma he's read about online. So. Clearly, his childhood was just fine.

He bites his lip, wishing again he hadn't said anything about it, but then they're actually in a clearing, in front of an honest to goodness shrine.

Iggy pauses, wondering how to proceed. Slowly, he approaches the shrine, undoing the ties on his bag.

"Uhm. Hi."

A stupid way to start. Iggy exhales deeply and kneels in front of the little shrine with no embarrassment.

"I don't really know what to say, yet, so I'll just say what I was taught in my world. I think... I think you'll understand it, if I have your domain right."

Iggy sets down the fruit and flowers, then places his palms together.

"O God, make me your channel, a link beyond the light. Let me bring forth messages of closure and of peace, proving existence continues beyond death.

Make me your guide, O All, to those loved ones, dear ones, who are lost, that I might guide them to you.

Amen."

Awkwardly, he stands and looks around.

Nothing.

[carmesi]

He speaks like a man who is used to the uncertainty of things; to hope for the right piece of the puzzle to fall into place after committing to a series of facets of believing, though prayer need not be involved. Like a constant stream of possibilities, almost.

Lantern and attention turned towards her, Wanda raises an eyebrow, and that much is the expression that will greet Wake: a kind of unamused sense of the world, pledged in by something raw and under the surface—of understanding that goes beyond words.

"I don't live in the settlement anymore." Meaning that he would be right. Wanda raises her hand, takes a step towards him, and fixes a seam of his coat that's gotten caught under the strap of the waterskin. She smooths her fingers for a second longer over the section of cloth, and her magic imbues itself onto him. "It won't keep your skin or head dry, but this much should keep your clothes dry instead."

Magic, that is.

She takes that exact step back, her hand returning to its rightful spot over her crossed arms.

"I'd like to hear about the stories you write some other time, Alan Wake."

[dawn_is_breaking]

"I certainly wouldn't complain." She says with a little smile, she can take care of herself but it would be nice to have someone to talk to. And the fact that he's a tall, dark haired good looking man doesn't hurt either.

"Are you a new arrival as well?" She asks as they slowly start to wander through the area, looking up at him as she is a petite woman and he is quite a bit taller than she is.

[inthenameofhades]

As said baby bok choy bounces of Ed's head, Zagreus Dashes forward - a movement that looks like an instantaneous shifting forward, in a streak of red light - to catch the offending plant before the wind can carry it away.

"Are you alright?" he says, looking back at Ed as he holds the plant in his hands. A plant which continues to screech.

"...You wouldn't happen to know how to get plants to stop screaming, would you?" Was this a common problem, for mortals?

[inthenameofhades]

A tall, dark-haired good looking man who also happens to have a few unusual features. Like the one eye that is a hellish red, surrounded by black sclera. And if she looks down, she'll notice that feet that a glowing red-hot, like they're burning from the inside.

"Not as new as you, but...relatively so, I think? I'm still not very good at tracking time like mortals do," he says. "I arrived in the batch of Summoned before the last. I'm Zagreus."

[aquilus]

I don't intend to ask permission.

[It may not be required. He'd like to think that anyone in Cadens would be willing to offer the barest courtesy of shelter in a storm, but if not, well. He knows how to intimidate. If his sudden new acquaintance does as well, they'll have numbers on their side.]

Besides. The stablemaster owes me a favor.

[whatam_i]

Ed is perfectly fine, he is surprisingly resilient for such a lanky man. But he does have a temper so when Zagreus manages to catch the screeching weed Ed immediately looks down at it angrily.

"SHUT UP YOU STUPID THING!!"

Yeah, real helpful Ed.

[sketchycharacter]

Nate.

[He offers a friendly nod. It won't take them too long to get there, but it's long enough they may as well have conversation.]

So, you already into the hippie thing or just offering that out of politeness?

[dawn_is_breaking]

Strangely enough Dawn isn't all that shocked by the glowing red-hot feet, or his eyes, the actually remind her of Kory aka Starfire and in that there's a bit of comfort.

"Zagreus...." She repeats, both to make sure she is pronouncing it correctly and also because it sounds vaguely familiar.

"It's nice to meet you, I'm Dawn."

[sketchycharacter]

[Nate feels a simultaneous urge to roll his eyes and sigh in relief. It's a weird sensation. He'll lean toward the latter internally, though. Nice to have someone more ~modern~ around.]

Not my favorite thing either. On the plus side, I never have to charge my phone here.

[As silver linings go, it's only okay.]

You'd be surprised how many people in our little group never heard of wifi before they got here. Some barely heard of plumbing.

[inthenameofhades]

Well, as far as Zagreus knows, that could work. With great expectations, he looks down at the plant.

It does not stop screaming.

"...Congratulations mate. I think you've successfully convinced it to scream louder," he says dryly.

[inthenameofhades]

Perhaps if she's very, very well read on Ancient Greek mythology and literature, she might have encountered his name there. Several references to him do exist in the texts, after all.

Though as Greek gods go...Zagreus is on the ridiculously obscure side. Fame was not something he was fated to receive.

"Pleased to meet you too mate," he says, with a friendly smile. "I am still learning my way around, but...is there a particular shrine you would like to visit? I'll do my best to guide you."

[wwrench]

Probably not surprisingly, Wrench regards the young man's actions with more self-consciousness than Iggy seems to hold for himself. Despite his abject desire to witness this for himself, now that they're in the midst of it, it all seems so vividly intimate. Another person -- a practical stranger -- caught in a moment of vulnerability and possible hope. It's not unlike catching Iggy with his pants down. Though Wrench realizes even as he thinks it that his companion probably wouldn't mind that very much, either.

It's so different than everything he was taught, though. Not just the devotion to a mythological figure, but the willingness to lay something bare that feels like it could easily be exploited. But since Iggy doesn't seem to mind at all, Wrench moves closer. He tries to wriggle himself into a position to stand to catch a glimpse of what words are being spoken, but it's damn near an impossible thing under the best of circumstances, and with the wind whipping and the light already waning in this little clearing, it's all a blur.

Instead he waits until Iggy is back on his feet and watches the man watch the air. Was he expecting something? A burning bush, or a booming voice from above? Wrench can't really tell.

You look like it didn't go to plan.

[judgmentbolts]

[ Just where he loves to be, caught between one stubborn fool and another. The old man had turned down the offered mask too, at least initially, and it was far too big for the child. Cid tries one last time - Well, you can wear it, or I can leave it for the wind to carry off. - and thankfully the man finally sees some sense.

Cid puts an arm around his back, helping him brace against the wind, but it's slow going. The old man can only move so fast, even with his help. At least their rescuer seems to be carrying on at a steady pace, just ahead. ]

If it gets any worse, just get the girl inside — we'll manage!

hazel levesque 💎riordanverse 💎 justice

[aurokinetic]

⚔️ NORTH WING (THORNE)

[ They say they're not prisoners... But it's difficult not to feel like one with a storm raging outside and the wing being guarded as heavily as it is. It makes her itch for a sword or something - anything, but since arriving she hasn't even been able to muster up a pebble. ]

[ It's concerning. ]

[ But she doubts just walking up to someone and asking for a sword will help. Even if fighting off a practical army of zombies hours before would be a perfectly justifiable reason, Hazels gets the feeling they wouldn't get that so she's more watchful and cautious than she would be otherwise. Doesn't seem eager to jump into the fray of court life - she's really not - and after a while of watching storms decides the best position is to approach. ]

[ Half raising a hand to another approaching Summoned she pauses to rub one hand against an elbow. ]

Hi.

[ Helpful! Greetings! She doesn't necessarily look shy, just uncertain of where best to stab this question - her gaze glancing down the corridor before asking: ] Do you know what they're so worried about protecting us from?

🖌️ PAINTING SESSION (THORNE)

[ Hazel has always enjoyed art and making it, even if she'd not been able to do as much of it these days as she'd like (Centurion - Praetor? - of a Legion in active war does that and all). It feels weird just taking time to do it now, taken as far away from Camp as she is -but when in Rome and all that. She had started off fine. Great, even. The piece turning out well for someone not at all traditionally trained in art — ]

[ — and then she grows frustrated not because of her own ability but because with every flick of the wrist the stupid brush wanted to go somewhere else. She groans, readjusts, and tries again. Again and again the stupid thing tried redirecting her and even if it was tiny, miniscule things it took all of the fun out of it until... Finally. ]

[ Finally. She gets up and throws the brush down in frustration and pushes herself away from the canvas - still a beautifully done sketch of the ship itself, even if the colors by now looked more akin to something out of a swamp. ]

That's it. What's the point of art if you're not going to let someone do it on their own?

[ Grumbled. ] They could at least give normal brushes
too.

🎭 MASKING UP (FREE CITIES)

[ Hazel spent a good chunk of her life in Alaska. The idea of a dessert is about as far away from the snowy landscape she'd found home in or the swampier lands around New Orleans. She's not used to it and found herself coughing more often than not during her stay in the Free Cities. In some ways, it's more comforting than any modern place she'd seen - probably, because it feels more like the era she was born into than where she came from. ]

[ With little else to do in this new world - a bizarre statement in itself - she finds herself helping to pass out the masks to the people who venture out. Choosing for the free standard edition, she can't help but perplex over the more... artfully designed one with a wrinkled nose as she holds it up to squint at while walking to the next distribution ]
]

This can't be comfortable. What's the point of all the spikes...?

💎 OOC/WILDCARD

[ Feel free to wildcard/make your own prompts as needed! Mostly seeing what sticks, so feel free to reach out to plot with my by PM or what not! No prompts in Solvunn since I have a character there, but feel free to wildcard as needed! ]

[dead_tongue]

Iggy's relationship to both sex and prayer really isn't terribly different - both are intimate, but also something he's done in front of people so many times that it's become impossible to be self conscious about.

He looks to Wrench and smiles. It's a sweet expression, not quite shy.

I don't know what I was expecting.

I guess that's it, then. Don't suppose you'd walk a boy home, too?

PIMP MY RIDE.

[misclassed]

[ Sephiroth's companion had arrived with a case full of nails, freshly forged, and shook the dust from his hair with an irritated snort as he'd entered the arena. He'd been content to follow along without assisting much more than doling out the nails in equal bundles — and reassurances that no, they won't bend if you hammer them in wrong. By the time Sephiroth makes his observation about the cars, there's a sizable dent in the collection of nails, and his companion shrugs as he counts out the next bundle. ]

How should I know? Mages are always doing stupid stuff. [ But he should probably just look in the direction this kid is indicating, which he does as he hands over a bundle of nails to the soldiers. ] With the smokestacks, they probably got some kind of combustion engine. Depends on what they're burning. Whats mako?

[wwrench]

I think you do know. It's fine if you don't want to tell me.

There's a ritual to it, isn't there? Wrench might not know what words Iggy spoke in front of the shrine, but he's certain they were calculated. The younger man wasn't simply chanting the first words that came into his mind. He must've thought they'd have some kind of impact, then. Needling any further just seems like bad form, though. Maybe the next time Iggy prays, if it all goes according to his plan, he won't even need to ask at all. Maybe the impact will be that obvious.

Oh, I thought I'd leave you out here as my own sacrifice. Wrench lets the implication hang for a moment until he can't help his own smirk. You found somewhere to stay already? He's not surprised; the locals have been more than generous with the summoned, so far as he's been told. It's not difficult at all to find shelter; he just hasn't taken anyone up on their offer himself.

masking up

[aquilus]

[It doesn't escape Altaïr's notice that this one of the newly Summoned is very perceptive, able to spot people others would miss. It's unusual. He doesn't comment on it. Some people are, after all. He should know.]

As you say.

[He's not slow but neither does he rush; mostly he moves with purpose, keeping an eye out for whoever Jacob spotted and continuing to size the man up. Perceptive and chatty, it seems.]

That's a broad question. What is it you want to know to acclimate?

Masking Up

[sonofacesius]

Will had already been running around moving boxes from the apothecary to the new clinic. It had taken a bit of talking to before he accepted a mask and wore it. Camp had somehow convinced him it was a badge of honor to try and brave a sandstorm unaided, and he didn't always think things through. Especially when he had also convinced himself he really wasn't good at much besides helping people. So, he was helping people. At least Nadine had convinced him to grab a mask? He ducked in a nearby building, slamming the door shut against the storm and dropping the box he was carrying. Maybe if he waited a bit it would die down a little more? Unlikely. But worth a shot!]

Oh, trust me, it's not. Neither of them are really. But it's better than the alternative. Which involves coughing up a lot of sand. Eye abrasions. Not recommended.

[Then he got a longer look at the person in front of him and blinked.]

Hazel?

[yeah, kind of hard to forget your boyfriends half-sister.]

You're alright, right? You didn't get hurt in the storms?

[Nico would never ever forgive him if he let you get hurt or go missing in these storms Hazel. Not that she couldn't take care of herself. Actually, she would probably be taking care of him. Still, it was the gentlemanly thing to do right?]

Wildcard!

[inthenameofhades]

In Horizon, the space that Hazel stumbles across won't exactly look familiar - it's certainly not the Underworld that she knows. But there's probably about the vibe of the dark palace surrounded by a river of blood, full of wispy figures and way too much skull decorations, that will remind of her of the Underworld.

Once inside, she'll find herself soon being greeted - but not by person. By a big, red, and very excited three-headed dog. One who has practically launched himself at her, and begun frantically licking her face. And the rest of her too, because his three tongues are probably about as big as she is.

"Cerbarus!" A voice calls, accompanied by the sound of running footsteps. "What in the blazes...wow, he really likes you."

The source of the voice is then revealed to be a dark-haired young man, with mis-matched eyes and perpetually burning feet, who tries the big dog away from her. He is...not particularly successful at this.

"Hi, sorry about this," he says apologetically, trying to bat away one of the three tongues. C"erberus usually isn't this keen on new people..."

[sophos]

A bad storm can do that.

[ she's used to bad storms being a sign of godly infighting, or godly outfighting, but annabeth hasn't delved into the logic behind this particularly strange weather pattern. she has too many other pressing things to stress over first. ]

Sky Bison? [ despite everything, annabeth does remain curious. ] A flying bison?

[ 'he must like water a lot' is probably the biggest understatement of the century. the girl might catch herself before saying smelly, but annabeth picks up on the implication; the combination of both thoughts almost makes her smile, the amusement flickering at the corner of her mouth. she has no qualms about telling percy to his face when he stinks at any given moment, even when it's not true. ] Mostly the salty side, unless he jumps into a cesspit of a river or something.

[ which he then wants to clean so the smell lingers a while. it's gross. ]

[sophos]

[ there are many more ways she could describe percy jackson, but she doesn't particularly want to wax poetic in the moment. mostly she takes the time the man talks to study him, albeit without looking like she's doing so. ]

[ she almost asks why he'd help a stranger, but she's not about to turn down another set of eyes, and she's getting a vibe from this place of communal aid, at least among the fellow summoned. she 'forgets' to say thank you though, at least for now. ]

I'm Annabeth. His name is Percy. [ she pauses. ] And who are you then?

🐎🐎🐎

[chocolateries]

I asked too.

[ percy is the only person she knows that can talk to horses, not that it ever stopped silena from holding entire one-sided conversations with the pegasi at camp.

of course she is here, the stables were more her domain than anyone else's — she gave half the camp lessons and grooming and looking after the pegasi was her main chore during the winter months when most everyone else was back in school or at home. she keeps feeling the burn of phantom acid on her face that isn't there anymore and horses (even ones without wings) make sense to her, there is a comfort in the familiarity of the mundane.

all she needs is a god in a tiger print shirt calling her sarah beth. ]

But I don't speak horse so it wasn't a very long conversation.

[ she shushes the horse she touches gently, smoothing her hand down its neck and feeling it relax just barely under her fingers. she knows the spell, but her head is too jumbled to give it a shot so she is doing this old school. there, there, seabiscuit. ]