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

[seaweedbrain]

[ Percy meets her eyes now, and cheesy thoughts of getting lost in the greyness of them swiftly has him feeling grateful that she's here all over again.

He doesn't voice those thoughts aloud, thank gods, but the slight shift in his expression from rightfully stressed to something a little softer makes it obvious enough that he's probably got a bunch of really embarrassing dopey thoughts about Annabeth right now.

Refocusing on the matter at hand, and studying her in kind, he nods. ]

I hope so. [ Because it isn't just the horse whispering that appears to be missing. It's his affinity to water too; a quick test with one of the nearby wash buckets earlier had proven that. ] I hate to say it, but I do miss their gossip. And horses have the best gossip.

[divasmio]

Apollo sees Will's eyes getting a little watery, but doesn't press him. He assumes it's about the question.

And what a question it is! Apollo's expression sobers, and he rocks back on his heels, looking thoughtful. Apollo thinks back to the various plagues he had caused over the millennia, how he'd made a game of picking the perfect patient zero to ensure the disease spread quickly. Guilt coils in his gut at the memory. He furrows his brow and glances over at the mirror, watching Will in the reflection, not wanting to look him directly in the eye.

Apollo's first thought is that he had never done it on accident, so it shouldn't be possible — but that was before he'd spent six months as Lester. Now Apollo undertands the unpredictability of godly power contained in a mortal body.

"It's certainly not the worst power to have," he says carefully. "When I was... charged with inflicting disease—" or when the mood struck me, he thought with disgust, "—I would enchant arrows and spread them that way. Perhaps you could learn to focus that power on an object in the same way, practice until that becomes your reflex."

He looks back to Will. "Or just practice using that power in general. Once you know what it feels like, maybe you can recognize it and stop it before you follow through."

[inthenameofhades]

"Really? That seems quite unusual. How do you hear so much?" Zagreus says, blinking with surprise. Because normally, not much from the underworld gets out. Not in normal circumstances, anyway.

"Oh, you're a daughter of Ares!" Something which Zagreus sounds pleasantly surprised by. While there might be some who aren't particularly fond of Ares, Zagreus has always gotten along quite well with the war god. Probably because Zagreus's most common activity involves regularly fighting his way through hordes of his father's Shades. "So you're family then! It's a pleasure to meet you, Clarisse."

[inthenameofhades]

"Of course! Though, I'd like to stand, if that's alright with you. I'm not very good at sitting." And indeed, there was a restless energy to Zagreus - often shifting on his feet, or moving from one spot to another as he spoke to Achilles. He was evidently someone who didn't really like to sit still.

"But I can assure you that you have very much to teach me, Sir. You're one of history's finest warriors. And...I've always appreciated your insight, and your guidance," Zagreus says, as he moves closer so he can get a better look at what Achilles is doing. "Actually...I'm hoping you might tell me about what you're doing. I've never really had the chance to learn hunting. We don't have creatures like this in the Underworld."

Come to think of it, Zagreus actually had no idea where most of the food he ate at the House came from. Except for the fish, of course.

[rookvision]

Oh, delightful. Sand everywhere, just what I always wanted.

[Save him, he's already so tired. That's the problem of living in a desert area, he supposes—or, well, one of them, anyway. Jacob keeps moving forward, wishing he had a hood he could pull up against the storm, but he knows where his target (for lack of a better term) is, and they seem to be—well, they're doing all right, as much as they can under the circumstances, so he'll slow a little and let River set the pace instead.]

Good to know I can trust the other Summoned with helping out if I need it. [The brief spatter of Chinese is confusing to him, though, and he inclines his head towards her.]

What's that mean—wu-ching de shoo? [It's...not a very close pronunciation.]

[theidlemaiden]

[ What happens next is mostly an accident. Mostly. The pen in her hand stills immediately and just long enough to give him a rap on the head with it. It won't be enough to injure him - if anything it's just meant to be a reminder that they were in public and he was very much running his mouth. Some of her flat expression frays a little bit as she hisses at him just as a practitioner casts a glance back towards them. ]

They aren't clowns!

[ The pen is placed back on the table a little more firmly than before. ]

They're not clan crests. They're a sign that everyone in Abraxas falls under. There should have been one when you showed up.

[rookvision]

I'd rather not die today or any day, either. I wouldn't want to miss out on what fun tomorrow would hold.

[Is she not used to handshakes? Huh, that says something to Jacob about how infrequently she encounters people. Not a very social person, he thinks, but she's making an effort and meeting him where he's at, which is nice of her. She could so easily give him the cold shoulder, and Jacob would have a much harder time.

So he lets his guard down a little more, and nods, letting his hand drop to his side.]

I haven't. I lived in London, it's never quiet there. [Unless you're perched somewhere very, very high up, and even then it's still there, on the periphery of his hearing.] I run a group that you might call a neighborhood watch. We keep the people around us safe.

[True, but at the same time, he's not about to tell her he runs a gang, not until he knows her better.]

And you—I'm only guessing here, so feel free to correct me, but you lived the quiet life up until recently, yes?

[rookvision]

Ominous. But not enough to scare Jacob, who simply pulls up the hood of his coat to keep the rain off.

He's a London boy, for all that he's only lived there for a year. Something about the city has carved itself right into his bones, curled its fingers around his heart and dug its nails right in. He's used to rain, to awful weather, to fog and smoke and all the problems of living in a city that's on the razor's edge of change.

Honestly, this is a change of pace.

"Didn't catch yours either," Jacob observes. "Terrible breach in manners on my end, my sister would have kittens." He smiles, and tips an imaginary hat towards Wake. "I'm Jacob Frye," he says. "You, sir?"

🥹💕

[tedandroses]

[OOC: the last couple days have been such a mess, sorry for the lag!]

Teddy blinks a few times. Whatever response they’d expected, it wasn’t the dawning delight with which Iggy absorbs the idea. There’s a subtle feeling of no seriously, what fucked up fever dream is this, but all they can do is grin at Iggy’s impression, if slightly bemusedly.

It doesn’t escape him that Iggy slaps Miss Jackson if you’re nasty on top of big dick energy and puts he/him with soft. It’s not always the case, but it actually is a lot of the time, the same way that since he started binding more often than not, it’s much less intimidating to wear lace or cropped tanks or scoop necks. And besides that, it’s just thoughtful.

Teddy beams right along with him, nodding along in pleased excitement. “Yeah, no — exactly! That’s. Perfect.”

How the hell are they standing in the middle of a …magic communist Ren Faire village that yanked them bodily from home and this is where Teddy feels maybe the most seen they ever have?

And then Iggy closes the distance, a little, to tell them seriously that they’re not weird. Teddy’s half tempted to look around like where am I and what fever dream IS this?. They aren’t bothered, historically, by being a weird kid, especially because of pushing back against norms: they like that about themselves and it’s found them good friends. But it can be lonely, especially when the thing they’re pushing back with is just themself. Iggy so easily accepts it and there’s no reason he has to.

“Oh, I absolutely am weird,” he demurs, but it’s warm and very grateful and just a tiny bit wobbly. “And gender is such a fucking scam, and. …Would it be okay if I gave you a hug?”


The change of subject makes Teddy snort-giggle. “I don’t think of Maid Marian as having the titty shelf dresses, but I also think of her as being a fox. In the furry Disney way.

“You could rock a corset though. Hell yes. Do it. Not sure either of us are made for heaving bosoms, but. Who knows, maybe one of the gods grants petitions for uh, bodily alterations of a temporary nature.”

Teddy pauses. “Man, if they did they’d have a new devotee. That’d be. Amazing. Also just fun.”

[dead_tongue]

Iggy nods. "The way I was raised, is not like God is a person. Some people think it is, but the way I was taught it's more a massive unknowable force that contains all of reality. So it made me and you and gravity and nebulas... it's pretty esoteric, I guess."

It occurs to him that he's standing around in a magical dimension talking to a Greek God about the nature of the universe. Man he wants a cigarette.

never apologise for delays! life occurs

[dead_tongue]

Iggy is a veteran soft bitch himself. He's pleased to see that Teddy looks so happy, slowly coming to the realisation that this might be a conversation that traditionally doesn't go so well. It's not that Iggy's ignorant of how the wider world views gender, it's just that on a personal level acceptance is the norm and has been his whole life.

Teddy's insistence that she's weird, however, just makes Iggy smile a little. He's yet to meet anyone that actually was as weird as himself, but that didn't invalidate anyone's experiences.

He opens his arms. "Oh sweetie, of course! I'm one of the world's great huggers, bring it on in." He is, too - he embraces Teddy like a long lost friend, releasing him just before it gets awkward.

He has to consider this new information. "Oh yeah... yeah, her tits were covered up. Maybe I'm thinking of like... Marie Antoinette. Oh my god I'd look so good in that era."

He grins and gropes his chest. "If I had tits I'd look like a stick figure with circles added, like how a kid draws naughty pictures. I'd still try it, though."

He hums thoughtfully and looks around. "The god thing... that's new to me. Like, okay, I am familiar with the concept from other cultures and like, the occult and whatever, but personally I've got no experience with the idea of anything so big being so immediate. I was raised religious but it wasn't the sort of thing where you sacrifice a goat at a shrine in the woods."

A frown. "...I hope I don't have to kill a goat. I'd cry."

shrine offerings

[tedandroses]

[OOC: super late on tagging Peter so no offense taken if you don’t feel up to replying!]

[Some of the gods hadn’t resonated at all with Teddy; others had, but not in a way they feel very qualified, or in some cases knowledgable enough about the situation, to offer something to. In the end it’s Vimorskas that calls to them: they’re passionate about ecology, and the idea of keeping the land safe seems relevant enough when it’s covered in what seem to be extremely unusual — for here, as well - tornadoes.

Teddy finds themself oddly proud of their little collection as they head back from the very edges of the woods; just in time to see the young man murmuring over his own bundle in a way that feels much more appropriately ritual than anything they’d thought of. They’re a little transfixed, but shake out of it when he looks up. Apologetic:]

I’m …looking for one, too. I got the impression they’re a little bit all over. Who is your offering for? We can work together, at least.

[vecna]

[Aha, well. Normally that is a reckless suggestion, because Henry doesn't precisely look like someone who could catch a goat dropped down from a tree without stumbling over. He's tall, yes, but he's lanky. He doesn't look particularly strong.

Which perhaps lends an oddity (or maybe he can take it as Henry being very adventurous; who knows) when he replies-]

I think that'll require too much fussing.

[Can they make a rope-pully-goat system? Probably. But ultimately, Henry doesn't want to fuss with this overlong if he's going to get volunteered to help.]

Toss the goat down. I'll catch it.

[whatam_i]

"Because it would be just my luck."

"There, done." He sighs and brushes his hands together, "You feel like walking around a bit? Now that books aren't smacking us in the face?"

[whatam_i]

He grimaces at the thought of being thrown in a dungeon, "Yes things are rather...archaic here aren't they?"

"But!" He says and leans towards her a little, "You mentioned that you usually steal occult items, does that mean you have some inclination on how to use such things?"

[whatam_i]

"One would think the Underworld would still have simple tools." He points out with another eye roll and then waits for Zagreus to toss the weed into the hole he's dug. When he does it lands with a soft thud and suddenly goes quiet, Ed pauses and then watches as it yawns sleepily and seems to curl up to go to sleep.

"Well I'll be damned."

[dawn_is_breaking]

Dawn blinks and then nods, "Okay. Uh, so what are you a god of?"

heather montgomery ★ original

[unresponsives]

★ thorne

★ SORTING TOMES
( heather has a fondness for libraries even if she isn't much of a reader, though in an incredibly strange place it seemed a fitting place to be. however this library was far different from what she was expecting -- maybe the castle should have given her more clues. no computers, no google, just books. and mess.

she'd sighed before heading towards one of the piles, lifting a book up, looking at its name before putting it just next to the pile to pick up another and do the same. she does this for three or four books before commenting, mostly to herself-- )

Is everything about magic?

( the magical place hasn't yet settled in )

★ PAINTING SESSION
( heather is not an artist and she was very far from it. the last time she thinks that she'd drawn anything was back in high school, though lingering slightly too long had gotten her dragged into this.

but she'd sat, listening to what it was that they'd wanted and-- it was not going well. whilst the model was very clearly explained it didn't make the guidance of the instructor any easier to follow. or rather she didn't have the visualisation of it. so she was easily frustrated by it, causing the poor effort to somehow be an even bigger mess thanks to the paintbrush. and really, the paintbrush was more frustrating than attempting to draw. which is why, very confused-- )

I didn't even have that colour.

( mild complaints at there somehow being a blue splodge on the canvas. she didn't have blue )

★ ooc
i am torn between signs, hence not noting one. also open to wildcards!

[durge]

Each one has its charms, though I'll admit that Solvunn is by far the more... rustic of the two. And far more likely to be functioning as a cult. So perhaps hardly different than being back on Faerûn.

[sonofacesius]

After everything that's happened to Apollo recently, Will could guess where his mind was going. He knew how Apollo had viewed mortals, how the other Olympians still did for the most part. They were given about as much respects as ant in an ant farm. Fun, a little useless, and occasionally you get to watch them fry under a magnifying glass.

But he also remembered Persephone's own words, suggesting he embrace his own darkness. That Apollo was more than just sunshine and healing, arts and culture. Still, it was one thing to use those abilities, the abilities of plague and disease, against a monster or someone who was actually attacking or causing harm. It was quite another to accidentally infect someone. It was a bit worse than dousing Clarisse in toilet water.

Of all of Apollo's powers to have, it was the scariest. It was also the one that made the most sense, balancing out healing.

Will did notice that Apollo specifically did not mention Will using an arrow himself. He also knew he probably didn't mean it that way but, still, thanks dad. Rub it in a little. He was the son who couldn't hit a target.

"How is this not the worst power to have?" Cause, it seemed kind of bad?

But still, he listened. What his dad said made sense. Practice, and hopefully gain enough self control that he'd be able to stop it before it started. "I'll just....try and infect rocks with the common cold? Or maybe something flammable? That way I can destroy it and so it can't hurt anyone else."

Will finds himself looking down, around, anywhere but Apollo. Then he lit up. Again, literally, as he had an idea. It might not be possible, it might not be probably but, it gave him a little hope. Usefulness. "Hey can I like, vaccinate people with this......"

[dead_tongue]

Iggy frowns. Luck and the afterlife don't have a clear correlation to him.

But then he grins and nods. It's nice to talk to someone who seems to be from a relatively normal dimension.

"I do. You're really nice."

Terrible judge of character, this one.

[joyboys]

Whaaaaaat? You can breathe underwater? That is so cool!!

[ for a moment, it looks like there's stars in his eyes; every single word exudes sincerity, like he truly, honestly thinks what percy is describing is the actual coolest thing. from someone else, it might sound like flattery, from luffy, who has no dishonest bone to him, it's just the truth. ]

So you're like the fishmen! Ahh, that must be so fun... I can't swim at all because of the devil fruit, I just sink, but when we went to Fishman Island, we had to go underwater with our ship and it was amazing!! I can't believe you get to see all of that whenever you want.

monkey d. luffy 🍖 one piece 🍖 the devil

[joyboys]

C A S T L E T H O R N E.

[ the sound of sandals-turned-flipflops hitting against the cold castle floor, slap-slap-slap, is maybe something one might not expect to hear, and yet it's coming steadily closer — until the sound is followed by a blur of red and blue, careening through the hallways like an out-of-control bull. as he skids to a sudden stop, the red-and-blue shape solidifies into that of a young man, a worn-looking straw hat perched precariously on his head, peering at whoever he's passed before breaking into a brilliant smile. ]

Hey! You know where the kitchens are?

[ because luffy — separated from his crew, fished out of water that he'd been drowning in by mystery people and currently in a mystery location — knows his priorities. first, meat. then, trying to find his crew. for that, he needs to be able to think, and you just can't think on an empty stomach, can you? ]

S O R T I N G.

[ if most people who have even a passing familiarity with one monkey d. luffy were asked what the least likely place to ever find him in would be, the answer would be unanimous: a library. luffy reading a book? a once-in-a-decade occasion.

however, that is precisely where he can be found, now: standing in front of a bookshelf, engaged in a shouting match with... the books? ]

That's not fair! You should be waiting until I've got my haki back! C'mon, book!

[ with that, he picks up the book lying by his feet, clearly having hit him just a few seconds ago... and he chucks it right back to the shelf.

the book flies back, immediately, and hits luffy on the side of the head. luffy, in retaliation, punches the book clean across the room. maybe, uh, look out? ]

M A R I T I M E F A I R.

[ now, this is something! the maritime fair has luffy bouncing from one decommissioned ship to another, exploring the cabins, eventually just sitting on the deck of one of the ships, looking far more at home than at any previous point during his enforced stay.

because this? this is home, to him, the memory of the sunny, of the wide ocean all around him, the smell of wood and salt and gunpowder. but it's also not, because it's not the sunny, and his crew isn't here, so it's not his, not in the way that matters.

jumping to sit on the railing, luffy swings his feet, lips pursed. ]

... I wonder how the Sunny's doing.

E T C.

[ feel free to wildcard me! luffy's canonpoint is post-wano, pre-egghead, so iykyk, if you need to avoid spoilers let me know! ]

[divasmio]

Apollo looks back to Will directly, smiling warmly as he comes to the vaccination conclusion. "And that's why it's not the worst power to inherit from me," Apollo explains. "I know why someone as kind as you wouldn't want the power to inflict disease, or the responsibility that comes with it. But with that power comes the opportunity to control its spread."

By vaccinations, like Will suggested, or with other methods — Though Will might not be in the mood to contend with strategically choosing where an outbreak starts to minimize the death toll. Apollo wasn't sure he was in the mood to really dig into that Trolley Problem, either.

[cleptes]

"Items from my world, sure." She pauses, thinking for a few moments. "I suppose if there were some instructions around, like in a book, I could feasibly use them. But I don't think they'd leave their secrets just lying around, you know?"