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

[areou]

( clarisse looks to sylvain with a cautiously optimistic expression, but it's clear she hasn't let her guard down yet. she might be asking for information, but she has no reason to trust anyone yet — and, in her experience, the most helpful people often turn out to be monsters. )

Percy. And Annabeth. Have you seen them?

[areou]

( clarisse stops dead in her tracks and latches a hand onto nico's shoulder as if to brace herself. )

What? ( she stares at him like he's grown two extra heads and started speaking latin. also, she's usually the one out of the loop, so she drags him away from the small group milling around waiting for the next wagon and into the shadow of an awning. the wagon into the city can wait. they're talking about this now. ) Start talking, Ghost Boy.

( she leaves camp and suddenly everything goes to shit. typical. )

[heelies]

[Achilles looks like one born to have his likeness sculpted in marble for later generations to remember. He is at once lithe and strong, composed of both muscles and beauty. Likewise, the son of Peleus senses power about Clarisse such that he has never known to be borne by a maiden. Her hands, he notices, are shaped for the swords and long-shadowed spears of battle rather than the distaff and loom that are a woman's domain.]

No, Zeus the lord of gods and men will not answer every prayer. [His eyes darken, and sorrow wells up in his voice.] Well did I learn this when he granted Menoetius' gallant son Patroclus victory in battle, but in the same tilting of his mighty scales denied him safe return.

[He turns his curious gaze on the strange maiden.]

But what is this you are saying? Are you a child of the gods? I must know, fair maiden...if Zeus who marshals thunderheads is your grandfather, then who do you claim for your father?

[Her mother he does not consider, as the only she-child of Zeus he knows of is Helen who leads men to ruin. And grey-eyed Athena, of course, a virgin goddess.]

[theidlemaiden]

[ If someone, or even the Horizon, ever thought to teach Hilda any spell that allowed her to converse with animals, she probably would be able to get a donkey to do just that. Anyone who had ever been on the receiving end of her infamous stubbornness would be the first to admit that she probably could out-stubborn a donkey.

And maybe some day she could also out stubborn some guy who she'd love nothing more than to accidental stab with an engraving pen. Trying to placate her isn't going to change that feeling any time soon. She hums giving him an almost dismissive shrug. ]

Maybe a little. Nothing to get excited about, obviously. You obviously did at home in your world?

[demigoth]

[ Nico gestures weakly towards the wagon, but allows himself to be drug off. Clarisse could probably manhandle him away even if he didn’t allow it, but Nico doesn’t want to cause a big scene. Bigger. The lightning storm is already pretty bad.

But he sours a little at the nickname. Clarisse is fine, as far as he’s concerned, but she’s nowhere near free and friendly use of nicknames that could be insults. ]

Will and I got a quest to rescue Bob.

[ Does she know who that even is? She’s been away from camp for almost a year now. Ugh, this is going to sound like he’s betrayed everyone. ]

The Titan that me, Percy and Thalia saw fall in the Lethe.

[ More like Percy threw him in, but Nico’s hoping to downplay any former aggression. ]

Mr. D and Chiron know, so…

[ Thunder rumbles. Nico points up at the storm clouds. It sounds like Zeus found out. ]

[kobes]

There's a soft exhale, perhaps of relief -- not that Koby doesn't support art or whatever, he just supports rules a lot more. Plus he doesn't want any newcomers getting into trouble, not when he's there to guide them otherwise.

"Maybe that's a better plan. At least for the first one." There's a thoughtful nod, then Koby holding up his own card, tapping the word at the bottom: Death. Very grim. "I don't know how accurate they are -- I've done some research into what they all mean, and it isn't always how they first appear, but...even so. I like "The Empress" better, I think."

[krazed]

"Yeah, like we've been magically whisked here sans clothes by their freaky gods to help them." It's what she's been told but she's got no real intention of getting more involved than necessary. She'll help, especially where it counts, but she's not gonna be some Mother Theresa paragon of humanity for a bunch of people she doesn't know.

Harley leans in close to match Ed's energy because the idea of being conspiratorial about basic shit is entertaining to her. "Well, vampires and werewolves for starters. Little kitties with wings, and various species classified as 'monsters.'"

[misclassed]

[ Is the stabbing really accidental if you want to do it? Put your heart into it, kid. Stab him because you want to. ]

Enough for you to not be excited that someone's telling you the tool's making your work sloppy. [ You can and should be proud of your work. That blunt tone from earlier is still there: evidenced by his plain refusal of the New Age practitioner's tools, and the unhindered compliments for the parts of her work he does approve of, artifice just isn't his nature. ] I made swords my whole life. Nobody ever complains that my blades aren't sharp.

[ And one day, he'll forge a sword that can cut anything. Musashi already cut through the void with his blade... but that might have been more on the merit of her swordplay than his blade. He can make something better, surely. A sword that splits karma, severs destiny, cuts through fate itself. He just needs a hot enough fire and the right materials. ]

[philancer]

[ He takes a moment to search through his memory, trying to remember if he’s heard those names before. Coming up with nothing, he gives the girl an apologetic glance before shaking his head. ]

No, those names don’t sound familiar, I’m afraid. They could be brand new, though. Or they could have been Summoned to one of the other Factions. But chances are they’re not here at all, even though I’m sure that’s not what you’d like to hear. None of us are quite sure how they pick who to Summon here, but they rarely do it in groups of people familiar with one another, although there’s occasionally exceptions here and there.

[areou]

( all at once, it feels as if the lightning streaking the sky has stricken her directly in the heart, so swift she staggers on her feet, then finds herself frozen where she stands, staring at the man who she now recognizes, without a doubt, as achilles, son of peleus and the nereid thetis — and, in her mind as well as most of the world, the greatest greek hero who ever lived. now, his presence stirs not just awe in her chest, but a deep, unyielding sorrow. for a moment, she feels as if she's just entered the field of battle as she had then to find burned and broken body of silena beauregard wearing her stolen armor.

gallant patroclus. fair-hearted silena.

treacherous tears sting the corners of her eyes, but she blinks them back, trying her best to laugh at how ridiculous this whole thing is. what is this, some sort of cruel joke to remind her of how she failed? how she'd let herself become so blinded by her own honor and pride that she in turn forged the same path as the hero who stands before her? she'd thought, naively, that she'd faced her grief and made peace with it. but as she stands in the shadow of achilles who wears the same haunted look on his face, she understands there is no peace. only the aching passage of time. )

You're Achilles. ( and it sounds almost strangled with emotion; she can hardly bear to speak his name, but not out of fear. under different circumstances, she might have been excited, thrilled to meet her hero. now she just feels hollow. but she stands a little taller nonetheless in an attempt to regain her composure. to meet him as a warrior and not some sad little girl crying for a lost love. ) My father is Ares, war-bringer, destroyer of men.

[areou]

( don't lie, percy, you missed her. and, yeah, if one of her first instincts was nearly to hug him, she'd missed percy, too. the fraternity, as much as she's tried to make it in the image of ares' cabin, isn't exactly the same. and college is nowhere near as fun as camp. she's still figuring out how to ... make friends. or even coexist with mortals who sometimes feel like aliens to her.

it's nice to be reminded of home. nicer to know she isn't alone.

she shrugs off his question, as if the answer should be obvious. unless he thinks she's been here for days or something. she'd probably be a lot more high-strung if that was the case. )

I dunno. An hour ago, maybe? ( she casts a curious glance at percy beside her. ) They pull you from the same weird fountain they pulled me from?

[sophos]

[ it's a solidarity she wishes she didn't have with him. they have plenty of other shared experiences, and even the worst of those is still better than their latest joint effort. ]

[ annabeth pulls her head away - only her head - so she can look at his face again, still keeping her arms wound tight around him. she just wants to take him in for a moment, to watch his expression, make sure he's - relatively - okay. ]

I've heard it takes about a week for powers and abilities to restore. Give it a few days, then they'll be talking your ears off, I'm sure.

[sophos]

[ she just arches her eyebrow right back. does it matter where she went?? ]

[ the woman seems to be suffering her own, however brief, internal struggle, but annabeth will take the high road and not remark on it in any capacity. not even with facial expressions! she wins. ]

Like this stuff? I don't. Any magical abilities are usually inherited and not really academically learned. [ divine wisdom might count as a personal boon, but she spends so much time around demigods with actual magic gifts - like hydrokinesis, charmspeaking, and literal animal transformation, among others - that the lack of physical manifestation often makes her forget. it's not that she finds herself lacking in that respect - it's just different. ]

No citadels full of tomes.

[sophos]

They might be fun to visit, but probably not to live in. [ she just wants to marvel their construction, okay. the arches? the ceilings? please let her admire the internal structures. she could care less who actually lives there. ]

[ annabeth considers her answer, though not long enough to be weird. ] New York. Long Island, specifically.

[ she might technically have started her life in virginia and have a place with her father in san francisco, but camp half-blood is home. if she wants to say she's from anywhere, new york is it. she's been there longest. ]

[whatam_i]

He gives her a skeptical and somewhat flat look.

"....you're joking right?" Vampires and werewolves he can maybe believe, but probably not until he sees them with his own eyes but cats with wings??

"Flying cats?"

[sophos]

[ the pits of hell are pretty trying. she does not recommend it. maybe everyone in castle thorne is just meant to be tired and that's why they have nice, comfortable beds. she's going to start wondering about it for real. ]

[ there's some small hesitation at his offer, but then she leans in and dumps the top two books towards his hand. ]

I volunteered. I wanted to see what the library was like. Not much of a reader?

[whatam_i]

He thinks about it for a moment and then nods, in a way that's what happened between him and Oswald. They hurt one another enough times for it to be over.

"I doubt that." He says as he takes the last book from Iggy, "If there's something beyond death then I think she and I would end up in very different places. Isabella was a beautiful, kind person with a good heart."

[whatam_i]

For a second Ed wonders if he could feed the screaming weed to one of those goats he saw earlier but then something clicks and he snaps his fingers.

"Soil! That's it, let's bury the dumb thing. I bet we won't be able to hear it if we shove under a foot of earth!"

[sophos]

[ annabeth feels more tactile than she ever has, and though it's something she's grown into slowly, the last few months does seem to have exacerbated it. the last few weeks even moreso. she doesn't miss clarisse's reaction to her almost hug - she's far too observant for that - but she allows the other girl the ignorance of it and doesn't call her out for it. ]

[ it doesn't matter or need explanation: clarisse is her friend, and she still feels like she wants to hug her. having learned her lesson from prior mistakes, she sets the books on the floor instead of the shelf, wanting them out of her arms regardless. ]

[ then she make a face before she can stop herself. reading? clarisse? ]

You're full of shit.

[sophos]

[ she can hear the genuine curiosity in the girl's question, and it's that kind of wonderment that always pulls at annabeth. she can respect the curiosity, the desire for more knowledge, especially when it's coming from a good place. maybe if this girl had been rude or unkind, but it's been a pleasant conversation so far, so annabeth feels no need to be snarky about it. ]

The bison don't fly where I'm from. But we do have some horses with wings that seem to be lacking in this place. [ not a single pegasus in these stables. disgraceful. ]

[ she rolls her eyes, but it's lined with amusement. ] Please don't. I'll only take ones that go by Percy.

[dead_tongue]

Poor Koby. Iggy was made for getting into trouble.

Iggy looks at the card and smiles. "I don't know much about it, but I know Death is good. It's change. Passing from one state to another, maybe. I once read the really scary card is The Tower."

He hums a little bit before finally picking up his magic pen.

"I like the Empress, too. It feels very warm. Very nurturing. Not as exciting as some - I feel like if I had to pick, I'd want The Star! That sounds good, I think. It feels arty and hopeful and stunning. Or The Lovers. I'm a great lover."

He looks at Koby. "What about you?"

shrine

[macwraith]

[ Ah. He's been caught observing. When Red approaches, his tone is friendly and open, with a distinct Scottish accent. ]

You something of a demonologist? [ He gestures in a vaguely encompassing way at the items in the young man's hands as he steps forward. The language sounds like something he might've heard before, but Red can't be quite sure; it's not really familiar enough to him. ]

Great question about the shrines. Haven't been there meself. Not sure what to make of all this god-talk yet.

goatnado!

[macwraith]

"It's been said one catches more flies with honey than with vinegar. Perhaps the same can be said of goats and shoutin' at the top of yer lungs at them?" Red suggests with a faint edge of amusement, standing a few feet away with arms crossed and eyes on the goat above.

"Why don't I climb up there and hand it down to you instead?"

[rookvision]

I've dealt with more than my fair share of snakes in the past, yes.

[What else can you call a Templar but a snake with its fangs dug deep into the city, pumping poison into its system?]

Truly? That's all it took? Are you some sort of diplomat, then?

[He's pretty impressed! And then he quickly grows concerned when he sees Eari's posture simply collapsing on itself, because Jacob had just been making small talk with the fellow. He'd thought he sounded encouraging, but it's apparently touched a nerve, so he turns to look at him, a hand quickly darting to his elbow as if to steady his partner.]

You're out here in this weather. That takes a measure of courage already.

[rookvision]

[Yeah, willing, all right. So willing that he plans to recruit these troublemakers and have them focus that propensity for causing problems into a real cause.]

Mm, I'll check Portam Hall out as well, but I'm aware not everything gets reported to such a rarefied hall. [Plus he doesn't trust them.] Thought I might step in and take care of those problems before they get big enough to get Portam Hall's attention.