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

[diametrically]

[ The insinuation, or rather, joke that she might throw something at him if he were to keep her awake is met with a brief pause before he resumes putting his cloak back into the closet. She'd probably be able to hear however a brief, amused laugh in the form of a breath.

It lingers on his features as he turns to look at her again, arms settling crossed across his chest. That amusement however quickly fades at the mention of the Outer Rim. He's too practiced to allow tension or caution to be so visible on him. Instead both are masked by an air of curiosity. He'd gone so long without encountering anyone else from his galaxy; had he become complacent in thinking that no one - friend or foe - might show up here? ]

I've heard of it but I've never been myself. [ There's a pause. ] I'm from Fest.

Evelyn McKinnon | Lonely Broadcast Station | Thorne | The Hanged Man

[alwaysonair]

General Exploration

Once her initial arrival and the information overload tour was over, Evelyn decided it would be much better if she went exploring the castle on her own. She could take things in at her own pace that way, and actually figure a few things out about whatever the fuck she'd gotten yanked into now. To be clear: she's used to weird shit happening in her life at this point, but this whole thing is on an entirely different level than the sentient fog and anomalies in the woods of Pinehaven.

Normally, she'd be itching to explore the city proper, but the windstorms have deterred her on that particular mission just yet. She has experience with freaky weather conditions, and if magic is real in this place, she doesn't want to find out how bad that could make everything else here.

Still. New place. New weirdness. She needs to study up, which means going to the library and figuring out where to start. She's looking for something on the arcana because hoo-boy, she doesn't know a single damn thing about Tarot.

The Roommate Prompt

When she's not busy wandering the town or the castle itself to familiarize herself with the place, Evelyn can be found in her room, usually with a book like Thorne: A Rich History or Magicks for the True Academic.

Maybe this is the first time you've seen the short redhead; she cuts a pretty unimpressive figure, short and small enough that she looks like maybe she's been sick for awhile, a fact only further supported by the pallor of her skin. The only thing that might make someone glance twice in her direction is the left eye she no longer has.

"Do you think this is some crazy head trauma dream?" she asks whoever might be in the room at the time. "'cuz I gotta say, this is some real Tolkein kinda shit for my brain to come up with."

[alwaysonair]

Yeet!

[She barely has a single second of warning before the book come flying directly at her.]

Shit! [Evelyn manages to not get pelted in the face with the book, but it still smacks into her shoulder and then falls with a loud clap! to the floor.] What the fuck, man? You're gonna take someone's eye out, yanno.

[Though her voice is a sharp snap of annoyance, when Jerry looks for the source, she won't be very intimidating at all: She's short, pale as the dead, and missing one eye. She thinks she's hilarious for that last comment, by the way.]

[unresponsives]

I can't say I'm used to sharing.

( not anymore. she'd done a lot of that when she was younger, though heather now only shared a room if she were sleeping with the person )

At least there's two beds, it makes things less awkward. ( than sharing with a stranger, anyway ) What's your name?

standard teddy disclaimer: I rotate their pronouns, but peter is free to narrate as he would assume

[tedandroses]

[Teddy feels a little inspected under that gaze, but not in a bad way, necessarily. They don't really have anything left to hide after being yanked naked through a pool to a magic Ren Faire village; if anything, the intensity of it makes them curious, and they look back, a little bit of a smile curling at one corner of their lips. And then it's gone: he smiles easily, in a way that reminds them, almost less settlingly, of the laidback, rough-around-the-edges attitude of some of their old bandmates.

Also, he's right. Damn it.]

You know? that's...not a bad idea.

[Teddy looks down at his little collection: a very smooth, flat rock covered in lichen; some weedy wildflowers persistently growing where they wanted to that he'd been careful to pick at the base of the offshoot; a decaying piece of wood with mushrooms sprouting all over it.]

Mine is...very mushrooms for the mushroom god. But you never know, there might be some god of...renewal? That appreciates this if my guy doesn't feel quite right.

You know, worst case, I go bludgeon a rabbit real fast.

[This is a joke. This is ...a slightly weirder joke than typically Teddy levels at people she's just met. Her expression briefly crosses from deadpan to maybe yikes to a hopefully charming grin.]

And I don't mind a lot of walking. Sounds good, honestly. I'd like to get a better feel for this place.

[Teddy offers the hand that's not holding a bunch of decaying matter for a handshake, hand clasp, whatever.] I'm Teddy.

Re: never apologise for delays! life occurs

[tedandroses]

Teddy's often shy of initiating contact -- being thoughtful about consent to touch is, also, a convenient stepping stone -- but they love physical affection; sometimes it's really the best way to communicate certain things. What being so easily accepted feels like is one of those.

He gives as good as he gets, hugging-wise -- Teddy's pretty strong, and hugs are supposed to be rib-crushing, in his opinion -- and the length of the hug doesn't bother him at all. It's a bit of an excuse to gather himself, if anything, ducking his head into Iggy's shoulder for just a second. "You weren't kidding," he laughs. "I had to teach my first girlfriend to hug properly. You're not going to break me, I promise."

Teddy considers this. "Hell yes, you would." She does a little gesture of cascading curls. "With the hair, and everything! Little pastel heels, heart under one eye? I can see it. Plus! I'm pretty sure no asshole would be calling landscapes boring. You could just be an artiste. With like, a rich patron." She laughs.
"I'm not sure this town is ready for it, but I can see it."

Teddy nods, slowly, thinking about it. "I was too." Raised religious, that is. "What flavor? If you -- You don't have to go into that, if you don't want to." It comes easy to Teddy; they're still kind of wrestling with what they do believe, and the concept of devotion to gods here is almost more familiar than not, but it can be pretty traumatic for people, and they get that.

"It's -- yeah, I would say I'm in the same boat. And I, definitely, don't think what I believe in is all that immediate." They pause, imagining if one of these gods just showed up and did something in front of them. Jesus. No pun intended. "At least, you know, until proven otherwise. But then again, we prayed for people who were sick, or in pain, you know? And -- other less important stuff. That's at least a little immediate."

He makes a face. "Oof. Yeah... I've seen animals killed, I've gone hunting, even, but for food, mostly. First time I shot a deer I cried and cried. My cousins teased me about it a little bit. And it was a good clean shot, took it right down, and it fed us for months -- but." He makes a face and shakes his head; he's still not a fan, and doesn't like sport hunting at all, despite having very good aim: he gets pleaded with by those same cousins to come enter the elk lotto, but never has. "I do think I appreciate food differently than kids who've never seen small farming, or hunting? But there's also a ...lot there to talk about."

Teddy thinks about it. "I guess if you believe that a sacrifice to the gods directly affects what happens to you, though, it's not any different than killing for food. Moreso, really, because that livestock would normally be food, or be worth other kinds of food. So you're saying, God, I'm giving you this life that could very literally keep me and my family alive, because I hope you'll protect us. That's pretty intense."

She rubs the back of her neck. "And...I just got real depressing there. But, also, I'm pretty sure we don't have to sacrifice anything," she adds, and if it's a little hopeful, well. "I feel like sacrifices are a thing one of the." She waves. "Big guys do? The Council, you know? I get the feeling the every day offerings are more. Flowers and food and things."

aagh my gmail ate this sorry!

[tedandroses]

Teddy does blink for a minute since, despite all the weirdness of -- everything that has happened to them during and after getting here -- they have yet to have seen anyone who looks quite like this...guy? Is that even correct terminology for humanoid but with feet that look like red-hot pokers and a fully black and red eye?

Teddy can't help but huff a laugh at Hello mate, though, because it's so casual despite the young man(/demon?/elemental?)'s rather impressive appearance. "I wouldn't say no," she says. "You don't have any experience, um, wrangling goats, by any chance."

It seems like that might not be his, you know. Field of expertise.

[OOC: teddy disclaimer: their preferred pronoun is "anything, as randomly as possible" and I tend to switch by paragraph, but Zagreus ...I mean, idk actually what being a minor deity gets you in terms of picking up on things like that, but whatever he would assume is totally fine in terms of narration!]

[judgmentbolts]

[ Cid inclines his head. It's one of the friendlier welcomes he's received so far, to be sure. He'll let the other topic drop; maybe he ought to keep his nose out of something for a change.

The name Fodlan is unfamiliar, but that's not surprising. At best, he knows two of the three creatures she's mentioned, and one of them isn't exactly common. It's strange to imagine a place that doesn't use chocobos, when they seem to be the one constant the world over.

Still, it's good to know that he's not the only one taking a minute to adjust. ]

Had a head start, if I'm honest. I was working on a project like that back home — different materials o'course, but the same principals. [ An engine is an engine, after all. ] Always had a knack for tinkering, I suppose.

[ He shrugs. He doesn't mind talking about himself, but he's not exactly keen on it either. Old habits. ] If you're not much for it yourself, what do you get up to around here? Can't imagine you spend all your time listening to old men go on about their hobbies.

[dead_tongue]

Iggy smiles. "It is," he says with perfect assurance. Perfect because he's heard about the hereafter from hundreds of dead people.

"Really?" He supposes he shouldn't be so shocked - everyone is from different dimensions and points in time, it seems, so why not? He hums thoughtfully.

"Well," he says slowly. "I can't say I've ever really thought about it since I could... potentially just ask to talk to them... but... oh! David Bowie!" He looks so delighted, but then remembers Jon will have no idea who that is.

"He was a really famous musician," he explains.

[judgmentbolts]

[ Cid just takes the hovering as an indication of where to find what he's looking for. Unfortunately for Viktor, stepping back just means that he's free to do as he pleases. He's accustomed to a hearth and an iron kettle, but it seems to take him almost no time at all to intuit what he needs to do to get the water boiling. The tea even comes in little sachets. ]

And if you've been in my situation, you know how often a plea like that falls on deaf ears — or into greedy hands. You don't strike me as the latter, but I've no desire to take advantage of your kindness either. [ He leans a hip against the counter and gives Viktor a friendly tap on the shoulder with the back of his hand. ] Let me make you an offer — hear me out. This is your work all around us, isn't it? Some of it? All of it?

[ Viktor might already be able to guess where he's going with this. ]

[dead_tongue]

Iggy's so ridiculously comfortable with physical contact that he sometimes has to remind himself to ask if it's okay. But Teddy hugs back so tight that he thinks he'll be alright in just surprising them with affection in the future.

"Really?" he asks. "That's so cute, though! Have you had many girlfriends? Boyfriends? Anythings?" He just loves romance stories.

Iggy primps his hair and grins. "I'd be dazzling," he agrees. "Even in boy drag. Gosh, what a time to be alive." He looks around. "Well. We got stuck a little further back, I guess. I'll find something appropriately slutty for parties, I'm sure."

His smile becomes a little more defensive. It's not that he consciously expects Teddy to suddenly turn on him or make fun of him, but historically talking about his family's religion has resulted in people either thinking he's a weirdo or a fake. Sometimes other people raised in Evangelical Christian sects have accused him of devil worship.

"Uhm," he starts. "We're Spiritualists." A nervous glance. "I don't know if you know what that one is, I guess it's kinda... niche. Uhm. But we did a lot of healing prayer, which it sounds like you're used to. Less important stuff too - for people to get jobs, find love, whatever." He skirting around the big thing that sets Spiritualism apart from other religions until he knows if Teddy is going to react poorly.

Iggy looks half impressed and half queasy. "I've never even seen a gun," he admits. "Damn. That's so butch."

He shakes his head. "That's not depressing. Things die. And I think you've really nailed it, like that's very much the vibe." He chews his lower lip a little. "I wonder if people hopscotch between them depending on what they need or if they adopt one if it matches up with a career or something. You know, it's all very strange to us but it's kinda neat?"

[cleptes]

His appearance did make her wonder if it was a result of him being here or if it was something that he carried over from his own world - if he even did come from another place and didn't always live in this castle. Perhaps she will ask him about it later, but she was more keen to get rid of these books and quickly.

"Yes. Please show me the system, that would be helpful." She replies with a slight smile, continuing to listen to his explanation. Bela knows that having more knowledge about where she was would be of a benefit to her, so she decides to take it all in and also take advantage of his offer of help.

"Sure. I'll follow you." Bela adds, waiting for him to lead the way before following after him, occasionally glancing around the library as she walks.

"How long have you been here for?" She asks after a few moments, curious to hear his answer.

[dead_tongue]

Iggy nods, half smiling. "Sorry. It's just kinda what caught on a few thousand years ago. I'm not saying it's the best cosmology."

He pats Zagreus' shoulder. "You guys are still totally valid."

[judgmentbolts]

[ Cid inclines his head. ] That is a surprise, but not an unpleasant one.

[ It definitely shifts his perception of the situation, though he can't help but worry that it makes things even more precarious. He's not yet ready to take for granted that it's lasted however long as it has.

He's about to ask what sort of community; whether Steve means it in the general sense, or if there's some specific group they've managed to form, but the answer to his other question throws him for a loop almost as much as it does his companion. Cid scrubs a hand over his mouth. He doesn't know that he has that long left, even if they've managed to patch the newest hole in him. ]

Two years... Sneaks up on you, I take it. Is that typical? Sticking around that long? You must have something you wanted to get back to, back home.

[macwraith]

"Oof. No, then. Let's be having none o' that."

Red uncrosses his arms and steps forward, walking around the building to find a way up to the roof. Finding no ladder, he instead drags over a sturdy crate, giving the top of it a good push with both hands to make sure it's not going to snap.

"Come closer. If you climb up on here after me, I can hand the kid to you easy."

[sonofacesius]

It was almost funny that Will's fatal flaw was most likely his poor self esteem, his lack of ability to adequately self reflect, considering the lengths with which Apollo had to go through in order to shine a light on almost the same thing. To have the masks torn away, to actually see who you really were. They both just manifested it differently. Apollo, through his arrogance and almost air headed behavior, Will, absolutely convinced he wasn't enough, and did his best to overcompensate for something that wasn't even there.

But since stripping away Will's powers and sending him helpless on quests that could shatter the fate of the world wasn't exactly Apollo's style, they would have to settle for something more human, like talking and hugs. And in that way, something truly Apollo-like. Apollo loved people. He was the god of civilization and everything it embodied.

Will was so talented, but struggled to see it. He could see those talents reflected in everyone around him, but not himself.

So Will did the only thing he could think of doing, something he'd wanted to do and keep doing since he saw Apollo, not as Lester, not in a dream, but actually real. He gave him another hug, wanting to feel his dad and everything they had missed together. What it was like to have a parent (even if he didn't need one!)

"I'd like that. I'd really like that, Dad."

For a moment, he let himself be a kid, enjoying everything that he had missed and just feeling safe. His father was real and warm and here. Will didn't have an answer for him, he didn't know how to make himself believe everything Apollo had said.

"Well I know you wouldn't lie. You're the god of truth."

[assembles]

[ Steve could delve more into the subject of a potential war, the specifics of the ongoing conflict between the Cities and Thorne, and on and on, but he worries about doing that here in the barracks. While he doesn't think he'll get thrown behind bars for that kind of chatter, he also doesn't need to add a target to his back right now.

Especially not when it might implicate a newcomer, too.

He realizes how daunting it must be to hear that there's a chance of being stuck here for years, but it's something that new Summoned have to adjust to over time. That's certainly how it went for him. ]

There are definitely a handful of people who've been here longer than me, but then there are others who are only here for maybe a few months before they're gone again. [ Returned back home, or so he hopes. ]

I'm not sure if it snuck up on me, exactly. Plenty has happened in that time. There's not many dull moments around here.

[ He gestures to out in the desert, where a tornado of sand is building in size. Case in point. ]

When you get the chance, you should take the wagon ride to Cadens. It'll be easier to talk there.

[macwraith]

[ Red's eyebrows climb with interest. ]

Your spiritual endeavors are so open to new loyalties?

Most folks where I'm from believe in one Almighty God. Not the case here, it seems.

[ There's no judgement in his voice when he says this, no indication he thinks they should believe one way or the other, only mild curiosity as he tries to get his bearings. He wants to see what the others who've been brought here make of all this, especially those with some understanding of theology or gods in their own realms. ]

https://media.tenor.com/bgDqBQTVGx4AAAAe/drake-and-josh-hug-me.png

[stations]

( Through a recurring series of unfortunate timing and cosmic intervention, Jack and Jerry have been missing one another's presence from the moment Jerry was pulled through. This means Jack wanders through to Borrel completely oblivious to Jerry's presence there, and with absolutely no expectation of seeing the guy.

He just really likes doing the paint & sip thing. It never, ever turns out the way the instructor intends, but it's still fun anyway — and so, with his head largely in the clouds, Jack wanders into the paint session with a full cup of paint in both hands...

...only to drop them both when his brain registers leave room for Jesus. Specifically, the familiarity of the voice, and its owner. Red and blue paint lurch up and out of the cups on either side of him, fully coating the nearest canvas in a swirl of absolutely mangnificent artwork that, through divine intervention, looks either like a very classy vagina, or some kind of abstract orchid. The painting instructor gasps. Jack doesn't notice. )

Jerry?!

[karsiteweave]

[ All from different versions of their world? ]

Gosh. Quite a lot to take in, if I'm honest. Do you think there are other differences, then? Besides the name of our illustrious leaders.

[heelies]

How strange it seems to Achilles that to one whom he has just met, he is as familiar as the banks by which one grew to manhood — a deeper knowing than a man's name and deeds which are exalted in song across so many lands. Stranger still, Zagreus' familiarity strikes in Achilles the longing for a bond he cannot remember for it has yet to be forged. This is the nearest thing he has to familiar in a land so foreign.

Thus, warmly does he answer, "It is not so difficult, it only requires patience and practice. Just so with dividing the meat — one must know where to slice, but once he learns, it comes easily. Watch, son of Hades—"

As Peleus' son places his blade, he describes each step for his mentee. The narrator, however, has not eaten meat in over a decade and has no desire to delve into the subject on Google, so the audience will have to rely on imagination.

[karsiteweave]

A cult? You're not making it sound appealing, I must confess.

[techmaturgy]

[Luckily, Viktor seems to have the sense not to intervene further, even if this is his workshop and his tea and his kitchenette. Instead, he tries to peer over Cid's much more formidable shoulders, looking a bit put out by this line of questioning. He supposes he can't judge, for someone who might be used to every interaction being transactional.

The good news is that he seems to have enough sense to realize Viktor is purely altruistic in intentions--maybe it has something to do with the work he observed in the main area. The tap on the shoulder, however, is a bit much.]

You don't owe me anything. [He says again, though by now he does get the idea that Cid is just going to do and say what he likes. Well, if it makes him feel better, about all this...] You don't know who I am, or what I do here. What are you offering me?

gen ex;

[stations]

Jack is not, generally speaking, an outgoing guy. He doesn't have a tendency to greet new faces to Thorne — largely because he doesn't even notice them. It's entirely possible there are people that have been in this faction with him for years that he would not recognize if somebody held a gun to his head.

Evidently, the universe seeks to balance out his introversion in the form of his familiar, who has taken to making friends on his behalf. In this case, it's in the form of a rather chonky raccoon who may or may not be slightly glowing a neon green, and who definitely has a set of luna moth wings fluttering at her back.

Said raccoon has decided to play divine intervention, and quite rudely invites herself to climb up Evelyn's back to perch on her shoulder. It is not graceful. She is heavy, as rotund as an overweight cat, but she is Very Invested in whatever it is Evelyn is reading. Her little bandit paws reach out, fingers gripping, encouraging her to turn the page.

[starscollapse]

[ It would seem entirely possible that the two of them could exchange jokes and because of their natures, be internally amused, but never actually laugh out loud. As it is, Merrin thinks nothing of the way he chooses to react - the exhale of a breath that clearly indicates he might have enjoyed the momentary teasing, yet would hold back from allowing too much amusement to peek out. She understands this.

She continues watching him over her shoulder, noting the way his expression shifts. The idea of others here being from entirely different galaxies hasn't entirely sunk in, if only because she's barely spoken to anyone else. ]

Fest. I know of this. [ That wouldn't have been true when she'd first left Dathomir, of course. She knew nothing of the galaxy beyond Dathomir at all. ] Like you, I have not been.

[ The question now hanging between them (at least in her mind) is the the extent of the Empire's reach on Fest, and his loyalties. In their short interactions, she does not believe him to be an Imperial, but trust is fragile where they come from. One cannot afford to assume. She is, however, not afraid to make her own loyalties known here. ]

I lived alone on Dathomir. [ Mostly. She did not associate with the Nightbrothers often, and Malicos was a blight she prefers to forget.] It was only when I left that I came to know more of the Empire, and those who resist it.