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ABRAXAS MODS ([personal profile] abraxasmods) wrote in [community profile] abraxasooc2024-03-20 11:39 am
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TEST DRIVE MEME #17

Test Drive Meme
Important Links
SettingGame HistoryNPCsArcanaFAQ
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
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.

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.

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.

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.




inthenameofhades: (Sarcasm and snark face)

[personal profile] inthenameofhades 2024-03-23 09:55 pm (UTC)(link)
"Well...you do have a point there," Zagreus acknowledges. "It's a pity Mother isn't here - she'd know what to do. Or just use her power to make it stop. Blood and darkness, this thing is loud."

If Zagreus were not an immortal god, blessed with a superhuman constitution, his ears would probably be starting to ring by now.

"Perhaps we could...muffle it somehow?"
krazed: (berks(18))

[personal profile] krazed 2024-03-23 09:59 pm (UTC)(link)
What Harley's familiar with is disgusted sneers and sneers of all varieties. A person doesn't lead the charge on the underbelly of Gotham without making a few enemies. In her case, half the city wanted her dead and the other half was happy to get that done for a price.

This guy's lack of love for bad food doesn't make her bat an eye. There are so many people here familiar with her old stomping grounds. Simpler times, back when she had bold ideas on how to help people and a dream still taking up occupancy in her head.

"Get used to the undignified, it's out here in spades. If you can roll with those punches you'll do just fine here."

Here, being Abraxas overall, there was more to the place than just the factions and the various levels of medieval tabletop madness. "Harley Quinn. Strike the miss, it doesn't suit me."
seaweedbrain: (145)

[personal profile] seaweedbrain 2024-03-23 10:08 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Yeah. Being called 'dummy' by Annabeth does something kinda funny to his heart, like it isn't really about the word but about the way she says it, that tone meant just for him. Anyone else and he'd shrug off the name-call, but with Annabeth he almost ... savours it. ]

You know how it goes.

[ He says it lightly, like it's no big, but he still has zero plans to repeat that spell again.

Not for a while anyway. ]


You try and focus on one thing and you wind up thinking about five totally related but also unrelated things, and then you're seeing ... all kinds of stuff you wish you didn't have to see for the rest of your life.
whatam_i: (listening)

[personal profile] whatam_i 2024-03-23 10:11 pm (UTC)(link)
He doesn't like the sound of that, he prefers to keep his strange sense of dignity but he's also not an idiot. If he has to adapt he will, and hopefully find ways to benefit himself in the process.

Her name makes him smile and he offers her his hand which has long, slender fingers.

"Edward. Nygma."

"Are there any other tips you'd like to share with me about this place?"
seaweedbrain: (094)

[personal profile] seaweedbrain 2024-03-23 10:22 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Percy studies the guy. He doesn't look like he's got a whole lot to him, nothing to punch a freakin' god into submission anyway, but he knows what it's like to be underestimated. Gods have been doing it to him since he was first discovered to be a demigod.

So if he says he can punch a god, Percy fully believes he can punch a god.

It does help that he's ... made of rubber too, yeah. (That's a new one.) ]


What, like a real-life action figure?

[ If his old Batman figures start to come to life, Percy's pretty sure they'd want to have a few words with him. He wasn't always the gentlest kid when he sent Batman soaring across his mom's apartment because the T-Rex bested him that day. ]

Well unfortunately I'm still all flesh and blood. Kind of a lightning conductor in my case.
seaweedbrain: (021)

[personal profile] seaweedbrain 2024-03-23 10:32 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Percy resists the urge to groan. ]

If it were you? Actually, yeah.

[ Look, even his hallucinations of Clarisse would totally be mean to him. It's just facts. That said, having a full conversation with a hallucination might be stretching it a little ... and when she lets him go, somehow that just solidifies the reality that Clarisse La Rue is actually here in Thorne, standing in front of him in a stables.

His life could get weirder, and it has, but this is pretty weird on its own. ]


I'm okay, I'm okay. [ He assures her, shaking his head of the last of the cobwebs from those haunting visions, and instead now really thinking about the fact that he's here with a fellow camper from Camp Half-Blood. And not just any camper, but Clarisse ... whom he has admittedly developed a slow-burn, begrudging respect for. She's familiar too, the first sign of home since he arrived here and was swept up into the magic and silk shirts and strangely comfy sandals. A pang of homesickness pools in his stomach. ]

Um. Thanks. [ Yeah, it's a bit awkward. But he's pushing on. ] For, you know, snapping me out of that whole thing.
catholica: (M11WXOX)

W E N C H

[personal profile] catholica 2024-03-23 10:36 pm (UTC)(link)
( matt can hear how intoxicated the man she's playing with is so it's no surprise to him when she decides she's done with him and asks for a new opponent.

he doesn't recognize her voice so he's guessing she's a new arrival and while matt's constitution is high, he's impressed that she's done five shots and sounds like she's absolutely fine.

it makes him think. )


He didn't take you seriously.

( that's what matt says when he approaches, cane in hand and glasses fixed to his face. )

Sounds like he's going to pay for it too.
tedandroses: (smirky)

[personal profile] tedandroses 2024-03-23 10:42 pm (UTC)(link)
"I think it could look dapper." Teddy's tone matches his amused grin, but he's really only half joking. It's already become completely apparent that stepping out for a smoke break has ceased to be an option when things get overwhelming.

"Wrong person to ask, but." She makes a little yikes sort of dubious face. "I'd presume until told otherwise that advertising on the street sure will. In closed company?" She shrugs and makes a little scale with her hands. "I mean. You're asking, so I presume you get it." Teddy tips her head. "No judgement, but. Why? They seem pretty ready to make sure we have the basics. Maybe not fancy, but..." she waves generally at the town. It's not fancy. As far as she can tell there isn't an upper class or nobility sweeping around in brocade, which is -- genuinely kind of odd, in a good way.

Teddy laughs at that, and it might be the first time they've really laughed, more than a breathed huff, since they got here. They drop the learned mellowness from their accent and let it go full on Central Appalachian (plus a little, more like some of the further-off kin that only come around for reunions, but if you're gonna do it, you gotta do it) --

"Well ain't it nice for you to say so. I sure think you'd have a time of it 'round where I stay, though -- now, in Charleston, you can get cable some places, but Beckley and south? Pfft. In the holler we're talking DEE ESS EYL. Some guy with the company, moved up from Richmond -- and dumber n' a box of rocks, bless him," -- at this, he almost instinctively leans in (and it is, in fact, gossip from his father) -- "Heard he tried to put up a satellite all by his own and pretty near broke his neck."

Teddy's eyes are bright with restrained laughter.

She clears her throat and offers a hand, grinning, settling the accent back to where it usually is: tugging vowels a little bit and sanding the edges off consonants. It's different to make fun of yourself than to have someone else do it. "I'm Teddy. It's good to meet you. Uh, West Virginia, if you didn't catch that. And -- it doesn't look like this, no, this is more...Tolkien. But. The feeling isn't...I get it, is more what I mean. Though...Pastor Dan would probably not appreciate that." A smirk tugs at one side of her mouth.
She pauses.

"Wait. Did you say 2024? I'm from behind you. Do we have a new president? Are -- Sorry. You're not the news."
Edited 2024-03-23 22:48 (UTC)
dead_tongue: (nerves)

[personal profile] dead_tongue 2024-03-23 10:47 pm (UTC)(link)
Iggy listens to all of this and thinks longingly of the bus - something he never thought he'd do.

He smiles back a little. "Yeah, I don't think anything ought to be out in this weather."

He falls silent a moment, looking at the horse again.

"Uhm. If... if we're not good at horses, or forests, or... I dunno, making stuff? What happens to us? Do they kick us out? The guy who got me settled didn't seem to be implying anything like that, but..."

Iggy shrugs.
areou: (pic#10958517)

[personal profile] areou 2024-03-23 10:54 pm (UTC)(link)
( clarisse makes a face like, yeah, okay, that's fair. she's not sure whether she should be proud that he thinks his hallucinations of her would insult him, too, but it probably doesn't mean he thinks less of her just because she's rude to him more often than not. right? it is with overwhelming and begrudging fondness that she calls him an idiot and tells him he looks like shit. in her own way, she's looking out for him. she's just maybe more aggressive about it than, say, annabeth. (though she's sure annabeth can be plenty aggressive about it when she wants to be.)

she nods at him, crossing her arms and leaning back against the paddock wall. she desperately wishes she could fast-forward through all this mushy crap. of course she snapped him out of it. they're friends, whether they admit it or not. and she's got her friends' backs, no matter what.
)

Don't mention it. ( which seems to mean, no, seriously, don't mention it, this is embarrassing. ) You're lucky I didn't slap you. Any longer in that trance — was it a trance? You looked like you were about to start spewing a prophecy or something.
dead_tongue: (smiley)

[personal profile] dead_tongue 2024-03-23 10:56 pm (UTC)(link)
Iggy giggles completely silently. "Okay, fair enough. I'm really bad at being subtle. And I mean... they expect us to do something in return, don't they? Use our skills? Because let me tell you, sweetie, a carpenter I am not."

The accent is fascinating to Iggy, who has never heard the sort in person. He leans in when Teddy does, unconsciously mirroring. His eyes are wide, his lips curved in a delighted little smile.

He shakes the offered hand. "West Virginia," he repeats, saying it like it's exotic. "Okay. I don't know where that is aside from the USA and I guess... to the west?"

Iggy nods. "Well, you got one a few years ago, yeah. We have the same Prime Minister, I'm afraid." He grins again. "I'm Canadian. Sorry."
whatam_i: (seriously_trying)

[personal profile] whatam_i 2024-03-23 10:59 pm (UTC)(link)
Mother? Ed briefly wonders who this guy's mother is but then the weed keeps screaming and it's hard to focus on anything but that.

"Might as well try." Ed says and grabs a handkerchief out of his pocket and tries to stuff it into the weed's mouth.

"Ah ha." He says when it works.

...for about two seconds and then it spits it out into his face.
cleptes: ((83))

( I love Nygma! )

[personal profile] cleptes 2024-03-23 10:59 pm (UTC)(link)
Hearing a sound from beneath the bed immediately puts Bela on edge, wishing she had a weapon on her. When the tall, gangly man appears in front of her and has the audacity to shout, it only makes matters worse.

"Do I mind?!" Bela exclaims angrily, fixing him with a glare. "I'm not the bloody idiot who decided to hide under a bed and scare the living daylights out of people! What is wrong with you?"
misclassed: FGO; CRAFT ESSENCE. (077.)

dukes up, girlie

[personal profile] misclassed 2024-03-23 11:00 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Pink ones are trouble. Undeniably. No matter how you look at it, if she's pink, she's going to cause problems, probably. There are two wolves inside of you. One of them wants to avoid a confrontation with another pink troublemaker. the other one has standards. ]

Engraving ain't beginner work. And look — [ As he leans in to point at the pen in hand and the beginning of Hilda's design, the table hosts has begun to realize that this cranky bastard's arcana must be the magician. They're prepared to let this run its course. Good luck, Hilda! ] See how it's just melting and moving the metal aside with each pass? When you try and go back and do extra detail, you're just gonna end up smearing slag into what's supposed to be clean work. It's sloppy.
Edited (typing accents is bad i hate it im not doing it) 2024-03-23 23:09 (UTC)
northerndragon: (Default)

[personal profile] northerndragon 2024-03-23 11:10 pm (UTC)(link)
Jon shrugs back.

"They want us to learn magic. Lots of classes, in the castle, at all hours. You might also find yourself able to do a few things you weren't taught." He decides that Iggy seems easily rattled, and elects not to demonstrate his own surprising, untutored abilities. The horses themselves are rattled enough that they probably wouldn't appreciate wolves or balls of fire. And Jon... well, to him it's madness, but madness that has its uses.

"They won't turn us out." He might say, The problem is rather the opposite, or he might say, They keep us under close guard, or We are a prize they will not loose easily. None of those seems wise where it might be overheard; neither did Istredd's talk of hostages. So he finishes, "They seem eager to see that we're protected."
dead_tongue: (bruh)

[personal profile] dead_tongue 2024-03-23 11:13 pm (UTC)(link)
"Nope. Not where I'm from, anyway. Like culturally it's the norm but it's not like... compulsory."

Iggy's eyebrows lift.

"...how the heck does that work?"
dead_tongue: (hmmm)

[personal profile] dead_tongue 2024-03-23 11:18 pm (UTC)(link)
Iggy frowns. "Magic," he repeats. Then, sounding infinitely more depressed, "Classes." He sighs. "I hate learning," he whines.

"Can't we just say, 'thank you but no' and go like... I dunno, open Ye Olde Hot Dog Stand?" He glances about and then leans in a little closer. "I'll level with you, Jon, because you seem so nice - I am not cut out to be a wizard. My career path back home hinged on arts and leisure. Plus I look stupid with facial hair."
inthenameofhades: (Sarcasm and snark face)

[personal profile] inthenameofhades 2024-03-23 11:19 pm (UTC)(link)
"Well...that was almost successful," Zagreus says, sighing with disappointment. "Perhaps a larger piece of fabric? One that can be better secured?"

And since the only pieces of fabric Zagreus had available were the ones he was wearing, he promptly removed his shirt and promptly wrapped the weed in it, with particular focus on covering the mouth. There's no way it's going to be able to spit this out.

...But after a moment, they still hear the sound of now slightly muffled screaming. At most, it's marginally more tolerable now.
whatam_i: (angry_concentrate)

(yaaay!)

[personal profile] whatam_i 2024-03-23 11:22 pm (UTC)(link)
"Well I'm not the one being careless and not looking where I'm sitting!"

He counters, brushing dust off his clothes.

"And I wasn't trying to scare you, I was checking under my bed to make sure there wasn't anything weird."
northerndragon: (Default)

[personal profile] northerndragon 2024-03-23 11:24 pm (UTC)(link)
"Not all of the wizards have beards," he points out, entirely reasonable. Jolyne, for example, has a smooth enough face. "But aye, some people seem to come here knowing a lot of magic already. Some are like me: there are things back where I come from that I can't explain. Dead men walking and fighting. I study, because it seems to be of use, but I'll never be a wizard like Ambrose or like Strange.

"I teach the sword to a few children in the city. My sister plies her needle and means to do it for coin. If you wanted to open some kind of shop, I don't think they would stop you, so long as you did not harm the kingdom."
inthenameofhades: (Sarcasm and snark face)

[personal profile] inthenameofhades 2024-03-23 11:24 pm (UTC)(link)
"Well...I have bleed blood rather than ichor, and I can create my Bloodstones..."

Something he demonstrates, by holding out one hand as thing streams of blood appear around his arm. They swirl in the air, until they form together into the shape of a large, glowing red crystal above his hand.

"And I'm...still figuring the rest out. This is admittedly still somewhat of a relatively new revelation for me."
dead_tongue: (I mean I guess)

[personal profile] dead_tongue 2024-03-23 11:38 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh boy. The pop culture lag is gonna kill him.

Iggy listens, feeling more and more out of his depth. He looks at the horses again, then back out toward where the storm rages on and on. He doesn't burst into tears again, but that's only because he's trying really, really hard not to.

"We don't have stuff like that back home," he says quietly. "The dead stay dead. Talkative, maybe, but dead." He studies his hands for a moment, then sighs.

"I'm sorry. I'm not usually so pessimistic. I'm just trying not to freak out."
dead_tongue: (bruh)

[personal profile] dead_tongue 2024-03-23 11:43 pm (UTC)(link)
Iggy stares. Stares some more. Then, for variety, stares again.

"...okay," he says. "That's. Cool. Uhm. But like - and no offense - kinda lame as far as god powers go? I thought gods could like... create people and make lightning and ran the universe and all of that."

He adds again, quickly, "But I wouldn't know anything about it."
theidlemaiden: (pic#16006940)

[personal profile] theidlemaiden 2024-03-23 11:46 pm (UTC)(link)
[ If he ever says that to her out loud, she'd vehemently disagree and take offence. Which, really, would probably only lead to her proving him right. So maybe it's for the best that he keeps that thought to himself.

(But the likelihood of her proving him right anyways is bound to happen in due time.)

The use of the word 'sloppy' again would make her eye twitch and her smile tighten if it weren't for the fact that she was still keeping her reactions on a tight leash. It would be easy for her to tell him that she does engraving probably more frequently than most of the people seated at the various tables - but that feels like inviting more criticism than she's already getting. Initial reaction aside, she does see an opportunity here since he seems so insistent and didn't take the initial hint.

Offering the pen to him she flutters her eyelashes. ]


Oh, right. I see it now. Do you think you could show me how you'd handle the pen? I'm sure someone more skilled would be able to do a better job.
cleptes: ((49))

[personal profile] cleptes 2024-03-23 11:55 pm (UTC)(link)
"Well, there's nothing weird underneath your bed anymore." She replies bluntly, still ticked off at how her day has been so far.

"I'll just pick another bed then." Bela adds, quickly getting to her feet and chooses the bed opposite of his, sitting down on it with a sigh.

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