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

[starscollapse]

I would wish for clothing not like this.

[ It is functional, she'll agree to that. Their captors providing them with clothing would seem to be a benefit for them as much as in the reverse. Though, considering they were brought here without anyone's express permission, it could have been worse than waking up cold and wet and having basic provisions shoved at them.

Merrin takes a step further into the room, glancing all around, up into the rafters, and the opposite wall, before her eyes meet the man's again. ]

I have known those who mumble in their sleep, though it has been some years since I've...shared space.

[ On Dathomir, when once her clan thrived and their voices and laughter echoed through the mountains, she could scarcely sleep through the night without Ilyana giggling and whispering secrets across the air to her. That is only a memory now.

Though privacy wasn't guaranteed, she had her own room on the Mantis. She could have her own space here, it seems, or at least, spread out a bit more. Is it better to be closer to those you don't know and keep a watchful eye on them, or keep some distance? In either case, her guard will remain up and she more than knows how to protect herself. ]

If we are to share this room, I would give you my name. I am Merrin.

[starscollapse]

Academic.

[ She notes the word, speaking it alone and letting it hang in the air for a moment as she considers him, his presence, this world, the storm beyond them. Only seconds ago, as she tried to focus, was she met with images she had wished not to see again. She should be able to tame her thoughts better, she should have more control by now. The mere fact of her sudden arrival here should not be enough to loosen her grip on her thoughts and mind, but it has.

Any disappointment in herself and any feeling of being unsettled by terrible memories, though, would be unseen behind her consistently impassive expression. ]

What I have is from the living and the dead, from all that was and is. I hold it inside, I shape it and wield it. Is this Academic?

[ She has spoken aloud spells before, namely the Chant of Resurrection. She also assumes magick must manifest in everyone who wields it the same way, that it comes from all things, that it is felt down to the blood and bones of one's being. She would not know how to call it, though, Academic or otherwise. ]

[revise]

On cue, a flare of lighting forks horizontally across the sky overhead.

"I don't think that's going to be a problem," Wake says. Though if they hurry, they might beat the worst of the rain and wind. He can smell it on the air; it's going to be a rough night.

In a matter of minutes, the pair of them are moving toward the settlement's margins. Wake has pulled the collar of his coat close. The bullseye of the storm lantern in his possession cuts a hot stripe through the darkness ahead of them, illuminating the static flicker of the rain pelting down around their ears.

"I didn't catch your name."

He didn't ask until this moment.

[starscollapse]

Wise. I would not wish to see you dead today, Jacob.

[ But maybe tomorrow. Kidding! She means it in a kind and friendly way, though perhaps the way it's said leaves room for interpretation. She has the air of someone who is possibly still getting used to being around a lot of people.

He didn't necessarily owe her more by way of an explanation, but she's interested in knowing, and it softens a few of her harder edges. His hand gets stared at for a second longer than it probably needs to be before she offers her own in return, shaking his briefly. ]

I am Merrin. You speak and act like someone who has need of watching for others frequently. You do not seem to have lived anything like a quiet life before this.

[ Though it's not entirely asked like a question, it's a question, or rather, an invitation for more if he chooses to share. ]

storm

[starscollapse]

[ While rain isn't unheard of on Dathomir, it is not a frequent occurrence. She might almost feel something like whimsy (if she were capable of that feeling) at the sight of it were it not for how unrelenting the worst of it is. The lightning fascinates her, though she understands it to be unnatural here, from context clues.

As she speaks, Merrin's accent will resemble that of someone from Russia, though her actual home planet is quite a distance from Earth. ]

I do not know, myself. I have been here only days now, as you. [ Or, she assumes, given the question he asked. ] I heard them speak of... twisters [ a brief halting sound on the word ], but I have not seen such things yet.

[revise]

Some people might ask about the baby goat. Wake works the hatchet the rest of the way into his belt, careful to angle the leather guarded business end of it in a sensible direction. Maybe he should have taken the knife offered by one of the commune's members to start with instead.

"I'm not going back in. I need to take something from it."

(The knife had bothered him. Repulsed him. Appealed to him. If he thinks about it, he might be able to put his finger on why. But he isn't going to do do that.)

Instead, he hefts the strap of the waterskin further across his shoulder. Hitches the empty skin itself higher against his side. He gives the stranger and the goat a thorough once over. Do the extra details mark him as a Summoned, or just as a character prominent enough to have bothered rendering with some precision?

"Did you come through it too?"

horizon

[vecna]

Henry Creel loves the dark corners of places. The things in which hide in the shadows, usually unseen from eyes that don't seek anything more than light and comfort. There are interesting things that lie in wait; the truth, usually.

Of course he finds the door with the spiral marking.

And of course he opens it, stepping within the wide clearance of an attic room.

The man approaches the desk and the typewriter and the Writer, too, if he's here. He keeps his hands clasped behind his back, looking about the darkened room.

"I'm not sure this is what I expected," he says, casually, curiously.

B

[vecna]

[Does he mind? Henry dislikes the goats; let them be stuck up on rooftops and trees for as long as possible. He gazes up to view the creature bleating at him from above, and the smile that spreads across his face is strained.

But polite enough as he redirects his look to the man he doesn't recognize.]

If you want to retrieve it, how exactly do you plan on doing that?

[Says the telekinetic man who could, theoretically, heft it back down with his powers but. Perhaps he's being subtly stubborn in his own way.]

[whatam_i]

"And I'm not." He repeats, lost in his own thoughts for a moment but Iggy's comment about hell makes him lift a brow.

"Oh? And why's that?"

[dead_tongue]

He can't really argue much about whether or not Ed is a good guy - they did just meet. But Iggy believes in the fundamental goodness of people.

Iggy shrugs. "No evidence for it."

[sscuriosity]

So, you wound up here the same way I did.

[Dustin casts a forlorn look back toward the video game, considering a couple more goes with it before trying to find his way back to Solvunn.

Whatever.

She's behind the bar, and Dustin misses beverages other than water or tea.]

Do they have coke back there? Sprite?

[He knows of a couple of cocktails that utilize one or the other so he has to ask. It's not exactly some high-end establishment but it reminds him of home in the best possible way.]

Yeah, one of my friend's favorites.

to quote seabiscuit, king of the horses: neigh

[chocolateries]

[ silena loves the stables, she always had. the pegasi at camp were tremendously gentle with her when she was a small child and then endlessly patient when she taught the incoming campers how to ride them. sure, she didn't speak horse like percy ended up being able to, but horses have always been her thing.

sure, sometimes when these ones don't calm fast enough she finds herself reliving the gasping, unbearable pain of the dying, the drakon's acid eating through her armor and clothes and skin, the unexpected chill of darkness creeping up her spine, but she can't blame the horses for being spooked. she certainly can't blame them for her mistakes.

despite the familiarity in the mundanity of the stables, she does have to walk it off more than she would like, striding away and shaking off the phantom pain until she doesn't feel like screaming or crying or both. letting the storms literally blow away her fears. she always finds herself back at the stables anyway, determined to try again. she will not let her own terrible choices continue to impact other people, especially when she knows she can calm these horses! she's back at it soon enough, but instead of finding a stranger in the stables, she finds percy.

the faraway, unnerved look on his face makes her think the adhd got the best of him, the feeling of ice clawing at her throat confirms it, but instead of trying to shake him back to reality immediately — would coming face to face with a dead girl even help? — she moves to the horses instead, whispering the spell in a consoling voice. calm down, horsies. ]

Shh, shh. [ the horse stills with her careful shushing, with the spell, and the feeling of her blood boiling inside her skin calms with it, but she still doesn't move to percy. ] It's just storms, you're stronger and braver than the wind. I know Percy probably smells like a storm too but he's actually pretty cool.

[diametrically]

[ If only the Crown were kind enough to bring people here that were tired. That'd be a thought. But even if that had been what they'd been told, Cassian wouldn't believe it.

...The beds are pretty comfortable though.

Her hesitation is noted but he waits patiently until he receives the pair of them. Casting a quick glance at the titles he motions his head towards the other side of the library where these ones are meant to be shelved. ]

I didn't have much time to read before. [ He almost adds, "being kidnapped", but sound carries in the library. ] I try not to spend too much time in the castle. How is the library holding up to your expectations?

[sonofacesius]

Will clung to his dad for a few extra seconds, giving him a big squeeze before reluctantly letting go. It was nice to see his father. It was nice to hug his father. It was just nice to feel safe again with someone familiar. He smiled, and for a moment too, he started glowing. Apollo was glowing, Will was glowing, it was a lovely, if not really bright, moment.

"I'm honestly not sure what I'm doing here. My working theory is that someone grabbed me by mistake and they were trying for like, Percy or something." You know, one of the demigods who could actually defend themselves? "But someone else told me it had something to do with your potential." Will shrugged at that and gave his dad a once over. Didn't look hurt, which was good. Because. God. But the regulation uniform wasn't exactly Apollo's style was it? Also, the Star? He supposed it fit, just as well as his own Empress card, but. It was still weird! Back at Camp everything was so sun-coded.

"No offense but...That uniform is not your best look. Come on, I got money."

[revise]

The clack of typewriter keys stops.

The man behind the desk, who must be the Writer because he is here in the writer's room writing, looks up. His expression, a parody play of blank shock. His hands, hovering over the keys. This isn't the first time he's been uncertain of what he's doing behind this desk. The choices he's making on the page. But sometimes this place—the room that is the writer's room that is not actually that room—affords him a rare and dangerous clarity.

He is certain that he didn't write this.

"You're not supposed to be here."

Because there are a dozen type-written pages laid out under the sickly glow of the desk's bankers lamp, and none of them say, 'A monster arrived through the spiral door.'

Because no one is supposed to be here.

[vecna]

The staccato clacking of the keys halts, but the silence that bleeds in to replace it is just as poignant. It draws his gaze towards the Writer, and Henry's head tilts with a curious, prying assessment.

"If that's the case, maybe you should have locked the door."

Some people might call Henry nosy, but locked-away notions compel him almost as much as the shadows. He has a talent for unearthing things he shouldn't, and given the state of his own domain—the door to Creel house blockaded with snow, a dire chill seeping through the cracks in the walls and the shattered windows—anywhere else is more welcoming than his "home" away from home.

He draws closer, quiet footsteps against the flooring.

"What are you writing?"

And who is this man? Someone new?

[ancunin]

Her preference was for blunt force trauma. But I wouldn't call it a passion.

[ hmmmm ]

Was his fascination one that seemed...

... an uncontrollable urge at times?

Accelerator | A Certain Magical Index | Free Cities | The High Priestess

[levelshift]

Barracks A

[Going from the most technologically advanced city in the world to some military outpost in a shithole desert is certainly a change. Accelerator gets the rundown after being pulled from the water, and after getting dressed properly and being given a simple wooden crutch so he can be mobile he's left to his own devices. That suits him just fine, he doesn't particularly want anything to do with these people and they clearly have a lot of military business to get back to.

So there's a skinny, short kid with white hair and red eyes wandering around, exploring the barracks with a disapproving scowl plastered all over his features. He makes his way to the mess hall where he gets a cup of watery coffee. After finding a seat, he takes a sip and makes a face.]

This is garbage.

[And he promptly keeps on drinking it. Coffee is still coffee, and even if it isn't good his standards aren't exactly high.]

Barracks B

[Eventually, he'll make his way to a quieter, more low-key part of the barracks. He finds an area in some shade and leans against the wall of a building. Specifically, across from a lone trash can, which he scowls at.]

Qliphah Puzzle 545.

[There's only silence in response, and after a moment he decides it can't hurt to try and help her whole summoning process along. Lifting his cane, he sharply jabs at the trash can, knocking it over and scattering litter everywhere. He stares firmly down at it, but there's no weird jellyfish girl forming. No literal trash demon, which is a very disappointing thing.

He clicks his tongue in annoyance.]

New Wave, New Age

[Accelerator, while thankful to have found a library, is keeping his distance from that table. He hasn't approached, so he doesn't have his own personalized tarot card. The thought of making one is a little unnerving to him, and he looks troubled.

The use of tarot in this place is so casual, he really isn't sure what to make of it. Sure, it existed back home, but up until recently he had very little interaction with tarot. That was the kind of ridiculous superstition that had no place in Academy City, and he's still very new to the world of magic.

But because of recent circumstances he now associates it with one person. One specific, awful person who caused a hell of a lot of misery for a lot of people who didn't deserve it. He's muttering to himself, unsure of whether this is all just an unfortunate coincidence or if there's some version of that person here who has gone and made all his magical research a part of this society's culture.]

That bastard talked a lot about this tarot bullshit, but he never bothered explaining any of it. I can't tell if he'd be impressed or offended.

[Aleister Crowley: Infamous magician, world's greatest villain, creator of espers, co-designer of one of the most popular tarot decks in the world.

And the shittiest teacher you could ever imagine.]

Wildcard

((If you've got another idea hit me up! I'm cryptophyta on plurk.))

[whatam_i]

"True, it doesn't stop people from believing though. I'm not one of them though."

[diametrically]

[ Her sentiment about their clothing is a shared one. It was only until recently that he'd convinced the mages that saw to their clothing that he wanted things that were a little more...practical than fine.

He'd never had a taste for finer things, content to wear whatever it was that was on hand. There was also never a need for him to own nicer clothing when most of the time it ended up dirty or torn.

Her initial phrasing doesn't go where he thinks it would so he puts it up to just how she phrases things. ]

If I sleep mumble you can tell me. I'm Alyx. Nice to meet you.

[ Shrugging his cloak off he makes his way towards his wardrobe. ]

Is this world different from yours?

🐎🐎

[praecautio]

( the whinnying draws her out of her self-imposed shell, more than anything else here in thorne is capable of doing.

pegasi and horses have some distinctive differences, but whether they are bound to the earth or most at home in the skies, they are magnificent creatures. strong, loyal, resilient, and undoubtedly beautiful. stirring restlessly in the stables because of the raging storm doesn't make them any less powerful. as much as the romans are renowned for placing strength above all else, reyna doesn't respect much of anything or anyone, existing wholly with an absence of fear. she's come to embrace the idea that flaws are what temper true heroes. without those weaknesses, they can't learn and then they can't grow, and they certainly can't understand anyone else around them.

( and she is trying to understand why she's been chosen, why the gods — it's easier to attribute being snatched to their schemes than mages — have pulled her away from camp, away from her duty, away from everyone and everything familiar. the important thing to note is that she isn't sitting around feeling sorry for herself; she hasn't before against overwhelming facts and she won't succumb now. )

reyna takes a deep breath and approaches a stall calmly, impressing a sense of compassion and peace towards every horse in the stables. she doesn't know if lord pegasus' blessing lingers on her in this strange new world, announcing her as 'horse friend' or not, but she does know that she means them no harm, and she will lend each of them her strength if she can. a comforting tether — a tie to the earth, a warm hand above the muzzle, courage to persevere. that's what she hopes it translate as because she doesn't know the words to the magic that weaves through thorne. not yet.

before she can well and truly focus up and sap her own reserves by lending it to the horses, she's distinctly aware of someone smacking into a wall nearby. she ducks and creeps around first, instinct schooling her into a practiced reflex to observe prior to leaping into the fray. but, it's just some guy.

...some guy that is giving nico di angelo a run for his money in crippling vision fun times.

reyna moves thoughtlessly, going to him in case he has the stupid urge to collapse and grabs him by the shoulders ( maybe under the arms if he's seriously tipping ). she attempts to jostle whatever's overtaking him with a light shake and an insistent voice. )

Hey. You have to— ( is he even listening? is anybody home upstairs? ) Snap out of it.

the north wing ᕕ(ᐛ)ᕗ the tower

[kastellano]

( the only punishment luke has face-planted into in these bizarrely forgiving fields of punishment is the outfit.

he spends the first few hours in a state of suspended shock, uncertain about what he's seeing, hearing, and experiencing. forgive him if he zones out on the tour, letting names of power slip through the cracks in his mind. he doesn't know which person to thank ( the high mage, maybe? ) for hearing his pathetic and misguided endeavors ( well, they failed, didn't they? ) and deciding, hmmmm, that guy, he's the one! honestly, he feels like he should scoff at them. tell someone that they should get an assessment of some variety because they're obviously lacking in clarity. who does that? who pulls a murderer out of the judgement line?

because while he hadn't been ready to give up everything — he'd lost camp, thalia, annabeth, his future — luke knew when he was beat, and he knew that his plan for salvaging justice and hope for demigods twisted into something he no longer recognized along the way. there's no getting around it; what he pictured in his mind versus how ugly it transpired, and there's no reversing it. there's just the small solace in knowing his death saved the only people he ever cared about.

but he's here, alive, and somehow all of that feels . . . cheapened?

a sacrifice that's been erased like a line in the sand is not the same as being resurrected as a boon from the gods themselves.

he wanders aimlessly for what feels as endless as a wave of kronos' presence, as lost in the halls as he is in his own repeating thoughts. he doesn't notice that while his arms are crossed defensively around himself, one of his hands is tucked into his armpit — what had been his one mortal point — to cradle the spot where a dagger had been. he's so unusually disorientated that he ignores his senses telling him to turn back ( being the son of the god of roads, among other things, has its perks ) and has the luxury of being snapped at by a girl younger than him about bunk arrangements. it's like cabin eleven all over again. a mild irritation that he would cling to by the skin of his teeth if that voice in particular didn't unmoor him, causing him to stop just beyond the entry.

run, comes to him while panic seizes him.

he grabs the doorframe unconsciously, steadying himself, anchoring his treacherous feet that want to take flight.

and he can't speak.

there's a scar on his face, a remnant from a dragon and a failed quest, that makes it hard to look in the mirror most days, but that isn't why shame heats him from head-to-toe or why his fingers uncurl from the doorway.

luke doesn't run but walking away from annabeth chase feels like the right thing to do when he's done it enough. he can only hope she missed the pieces; her, the girl constantly twisting the rubik's cube of the constellations. )

[karsiteweave]

At times uncontrollable. At other times, decidedly controlled but aimed seemingly on a whim at whoever was in the way.

☀️☀️

[divasmio]

[ With his recent adventures, plenty of old traumas and insecurities are fresh in Apollo's mind. The horses are a surprising trigger —

—Waking up one morning to discover he is the new sun god, and Helios is nowehere to be found, finding out that he'd inadvertently damned the titan to suffer thousands of years of misery in a half-conscious state, and feeling thousands of years of survivor's guilt hit him all at once —

When Reyna grabs his shoulders he's shaken out of the vision, but his head isn't quite clear.

He's confused by the sight of her. Where were they? Sutro Tower? Being forced to face what a horrible, abusive person he'd been to Koronis, to Harpocrates, to the Sibyl of Cumae— ]

Reyna?

[ What? No. That's not right. That's not the crackling voice of Lester Papadopoulos. Did that come from him? Where was he? Who put horses up here? ]

[cleptes]

She looks visibly pleased at his reaction, happy to continue talking about it.

"Maybe. If there's something worth stealing and I can get away with it. I doubt they'd be happy if they found out. Probably throw me into a dungeon or something."