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

[unresponsives]

I don't think this is a system.

( although it has to be something considering the books themselves apparently seem to know where to go )

Though if the books know what's the wrong place you think they'd know what the right place is and get themselves to it.

( which she may or may not have said that last part at the book she was holding as if it would do anything to help )

[sophos]

[ there's is a pinch of outrage at the way clarisse tosses the book aside like it's meaningless, but annabeth has just lost her laptop and her knife, things far more important than a random book, so against the comfort of seeing clarisse again she honestly doesn't care about a book from another world. if her mother doesn't understand, that's her problem. her mother is the reason she is in this strange state right now, the relief of survival and the fatigue of tartarus in one. (but that's not true, because it was her own hubris that made arachne drag her down, wasn't it?) ]

[ what she is not expecting is for clarisse to make the first move. annabeth had been thinking, even strategizing, how to go in for the hug in the best way to suit clarisse's needs, but the other girl sweeps in loudly like her nature. then annabeth is being hugged. she's surprised by it, just for a moment, but then she easily and eagerly wraps her arms around clarisse and basks in the comfort of it. there's no fight in her own body, and the tension in her shoulders is just a part of her for now, though she does relax a little bit too. she inhales deeply and squeezes clarisse in kind, and part of her does feel a little safer too. clarisse is a formidable enemy, but they've been allies and friends long enough now that it's not a concern. ]

[ she pulls back as clarisse does, though not before giving the other girl's shoulder a brief final squeeze. ]

It's really good to see you too. Even if I'm sorry you also got dragged into whatever this is.

[ annabeth should have a better handle on what This is, but she's very tired too, so it's been a process of adjusting. ]

im sobbing

[sophos]

[ of all the people annabeth might have expected to find in this world, luke castellan had not been one of them. it isn't because she doesn't think about him - she does, fleetingly, but mostly it still hurts so she tries not to. and between the giants and tartarus and percy missing for months, she'd had to tuck luke away because otherwise everything would simply have been too much. ]

[ she doesn't process it's him at first, too stunned and wondering if her mind is playing tricks on her, because it does that lately. if tartarus haunts her, why wouldn't luke? but she watches him hover in the doorway like he doesn't want to be seen, and just as he moves like he's going to leave does it sink in that he is very much real in front of her. ]

[ there is anger at him, a fury that no matter how much she clung to him always lingered, because like everyone else he left her too. it still lingers, alongside the heartbreak, but right now the shock of seeing him again takes the forefront and annabeth lets it, because she'd rather be surprised than anything else. she doesn't want to deal with anything else, not when she already feels like a mess. ]

[ but she doesn't want him to leave just yet either. ]

Luke. [ firm, questioning, angry, upset, somehow all at once. how can she think about the titan war when she's still in the middle of the giant one? ]

[ why is she so deeply entrenched in two wars so close together? luke's presence makes her think it, but if isn't lying to herself, it's not a new thought either. ]

[whatam_i]

"You can't." He says simple and shrugs, "Neither of us can prove to the other who they really are but if it means getting out of this place I'm willing to semi trust someone who has the same motive as I do."

[whatam_i]

"For the usual reasons. Power, control, having ample supplies of lambs for the slaughter."

[mathmetism]

Yeaaah, the bayonet might've been overkill. Sorry about that.

[ he shuffles around, collecting the catapulted books strewn about the library and sets to untying his dagger from the knife book. damn, scolded, and rosa's not even here to be satisfied with his shame.

but he made a new friend, so all's well. ]

Pfft, I'm sure you could still manage a solid cry if you put your mind to it. Tears ducts are only half the battle. There's also the wailing, the fetal position, the ugly faces and yelling obscenities at the Powers That Be.

[ all the books gathered up in his arms and unceremoniously tossed back towards his firing shelf, as he turns excited attention to her. ] Wanna try it?

[philancer]

Sylvain leans forward to rest his hands on the empty chair next to him, even as he gives a faintly sheepish laugh and shakes his head.

"Nah, not yet. Wasn't really sure what to make, if I'm honest. I'm not the most artistic, and there's only so many ways you can draw a sun. Also not something covered by my expertise in scribbling stick figures."

He nods his head towards the finished one, however, still looking impressed. "I don't think you went overboard, though. It goes well together. Do each of the things have meaning?"

The arcana still hold a lot of fascination for him - they had nothing like this back in Fodlan, too caught up in the worship of the Goddess, maybe - so he enjoys learning more about other people's interpretations.

[misclassed]

If their magecraft's so easy, then why're they so short staffed on stablehands with it? Or even a damn farrier? Bunch of cheapskates.

[ The Summoned ought to unionize, honestly.

The only thing that really matters to him is that someone gave him a job, and he's going to get it done, and done well. He reaches into the bucket with the nails, hammers and shoes, and tugs out a bundle of canvas cloth and thin cord — some kind of noseband. Along the canvas are several small, flat rings of forged iron, sewn into the fabric with heavy thread; not pretty work, but neat and tidy. Muramasa holds it out to Annabeth while still keeping his distance from the cagey horse, and does his best to explain the purpose. You know what teens are great for? Being assistants. ]

Put this over its face for me, will you? I had one of their mages put the enchantment into the rings while I was shaping them. It's a trick I learned from a knight with a fairy horse, 'cept fairies like to use brass and I'm better with iron. Should be better than nothing.

[ The tack is is light despite the iron rings, and if Annabeth takes it and helps him by slipping it over the horse's head, the effect is immediate. The horse becomes docile, almost languid in its movements, and Muramasa cautiously steps into the stall after the warning ears relax. "No biting," he mutters one last time for good measure as he fishes a hammer and shoe from the bucket. ]

... Half the heroes out there are demigods, it seems like. [ Can't shake a stick without hitting a demigod in the Throne of Heroes. The place is just lousy with them. ] Finding them's the easiest way to get a good look at divine constructs.

castle

[ordinar]

[It's too early for anyone to be running through the halls like that. Never mind that Wilhelm has just spent an hour training out on the castle grounds — he's still in the process of waking up. When someone suddenly skids to a halt in front of him, he takes a startled step back, pushing a hand through his hair.]

I'm on my way to the dining hall right now, so...if you want to follow me...

[Be his guest. It's obvious that this guy is new. If the question wasn't already a dead giveaway, Wilhelm has never seen him around before. At least he doesn't seem totally freaked out to find himself in another world. It's a good quality to have around here, the ability to adapt.]

[dead_tongue]

"Kinda." Iggy offers up a nervous little smile. "Uhm. Different religious and spiritual movements, mostly."

Oh dear. He might kill this poor guy. "Sorry," Iggy whispers. But then he keeps whispering.

"It's okay, though! Everyone is a virgin at some point. Some people always are! And that's fine, it's cool."

No worries, it happens!

[inthenameofhades]

"I must admit that until...basically just before now, I had never actually wrangled a goat before," Zagreus confesses. Because no, as it turns out this is not his field of expertise. "But so far I'm finding that just picking them up and taking them where they need to be seems to be working out quite well!"

But then, of course, Zagreus is a god. With divine strength alongside the fiery feet and freaky eye. What's simple enough for him...might not be for anyone else.

[[OOC: No problem! Alas, I do not think Zagreus has divine pronoun-sensing abilities. Clearly a failing on his part!]]

[diametrically]

[ Cassian's gaze skips over the markings unfamiliar with what they could mean. There were as many beliefs as there were beings and species in the galaxy so it would be impossible to know them all. But it does beg the question if it has anything to do with an upbringing on Dathomir and the stories he'd been told as a child.

Religious beliefs or what she practices in her spare time is not really his concern. So long as it was against the Empire, that's all that really mattered to him. Of course he can't take word at face value but it's all he currently has. He can't read minds like some people here and doesn't have shared history even if they seem to share a galaxy. So it'll have to do for now.

Some of the tension leaves his body, but only some. ]

We share similar intentions. [ And then - ] I don't think there's anyone here from the Empire. You're the only one I know of from the same galaxy. Everyone else comes from different ones.

[mathmetism]

Whoopsie.

[ jerry peels himself off his buddy, getting up to offer a hand in pulling jack back to his feet (foot). yeah, it was a little much, but jerry's anxiety tends to run the same exponential growth scale with his ludicrousness, and both of those crumbled the moment he heard his best friend's voice. ]

Sorry, amigo, got a little excited.

[ paint and sip and accidental artistic genius forgotten, all he cares about now is catching up. ]

So fill me in, what're we dealing with? Ancient hell god of unspeakable power, insecure muppet with a lisp, what? I'm ready.

[kobes]

"Oh. Like a church?" That's far beyond Koby's understanding -- most people rely on superstitions and vague beliefs about sea gods, that he's met. Don't eat a Devil Fruit and upset them, follow the various rituals and codes of the ocean and so on. The idea of any other religion feels...strange, to him. "Interesting."

Koby stays scrunched down, ears red as he focuses very intently on his card. He's outlining a ship, a ship on fire, more specifically. It seems appropriate for the word "Death". He's not annoyed, per se, just -- flustered. Koby doesn't really talk or think about that very often, unlike most other sailors. He blushes too easily.

"Yes, I'm aware of that. I just -- don't usually discuss that when I first meet someone." Or ever, really. "I've had other things to worry about."

[sophos]

There has to be something systematic about it. What kind of learned and reading based magic system would make use of a chaotic book arrangement?

[ she unexpectedly feels strongly about that. and if there isn't a system in place, even if it's taking her time to figure it out, then the whole thing is probably closer to bullshit. ]

[ she hums. ] That's a good point. I'd say maybe they're trying to open it up for people to make some money as a job, but it's volunteer based.

[starscollapse]

[ As though she'd been holding a breath she didn't entirely realise until his words of assurance were given, Merrin feels some similar tension leave her own body. They do not know one another, of course, and so neither can she entirely relax, but she trusts her instincts.

He does not mean her or anyone harm.

Should she be proven wrong — she is not always merciful to those who cross her. Death by her hands may be swift, or it may be torturously slow. That, however, is not a thought she wishes to entertain or dwell on; rather, she genuinely hopes they may forge an alliance here. Friendship, as it is known by some.

His words intrigue her, though, and her eyes narrow curiously. ]

There are many beyond ours? [ She's still trying to comprehend the size of their own. ] When I left Dathomir, I could not grasp the size of the galaxy, so much I had never known. We were...isolated. That there are other galaxies just as vast — I would wish to know more.

[sophos]

Most people around here don't seem very interested in the stables.

[ annabeth doesn't immediately take the tack he offers to her, a little put upon. maybe it's the flippant way he does so, like she's some kind of assistant. ] You could ask for my help.

[ it's not like she'd say no to helping - she likes horses, albeit not as much as percy and she doesn't share the same affinity - but she doesn't like to seem them so panicked either. ultimately that's what gets her to take it, with a little huff, and slips it over the horse's head with her own sense of ease. she's clearly worked with horses before, even if hers usually come with wings. as she works, she takes in everything he says, the little bits and pieces he reveals about his own demigod filled world. ]

[ divine constructs as he speaks of it doesn't quite seem to line up with what she knows, and she doesn't know whether to feel relieved or disappointed that they likely aren't from the same universe. they have nymphs, not fairies. she supposes demigod isn't a unique concept. ]

Divine constructs, like, things created by the gods? [ she wants... more information before she says anything on her own end. annabeth is cautious by nature. ]

[glaciare]

Five years since your death. ( There's no use trying to avoid mentioning it when both of them are well aware of Cid's fate. To do so would be doing them both an unkindness. ) And nearly a year since we found ourselves here. While there is some unfinished business left for our return, no Mothercrystals remain on Valisthea, and Mid herself saw to the completion of the Enterprise not so long ago. It's a fine ship, Cid, the fastest in the Twins.

( He might not look, and Jill might not have seen, but there are some things she knows: that a father would want to know about the accomplishments of his young daughter. If she dared to think of it -- what would her own father think of her now? Her memories of her father are as hazy as those of her mother, but she would think there would be some pride for a daughter who has fought for an end to the Blight, for the right of all to live as they see fit. )

[starscollapse]

[ She would be correct in her assumption, given Merrin's accent. Of course, that particular geographical area is actually so very far from where Merrin actually calls home. ]

Get to know. Yes. I see the value in this.

[ She steps further in, making her way towards the window as she speaks. ]

Dathomir is...quiet, though it was not always so. [ She doesn't explain further at the moment. ] It is dangerous to outsiders who do not know the terrain.

[ Harsh and brutal, in all honesty. With flora and fauna that can easily kill. So, you know, not a fun adventure for someone just passing by. The land and its people could be cruel and strength was favored over kindness. ]

[northerndragon]

"A bard?" He both looks and sounds dubious, but still interested. "What sort of songs did he sing?"

Jon knows only things like "The Bear and the Maiden Fair" and "The Seasons of My Love" and "Alysanne"... and now, songs he's heard from Mat, like "Weep for Manetheren".

He doubts that this David Bowie knew any of them.

[mathmetism]

[ travis is having some kind of crisis, and that's fine, that's cool, he's in his feels. get it out, buddy, be like elsa and let it go, it's all part of the jerry pascal integrated natural disaster survival training and therapy experiment.

meanwhile, jerry swoops while screaming weee at the top of his lungs.

somehow, magically, against all odds and sense of reason, jerry survives clinging to the back of a goat like tom cruise trying to fly a fighter jet through a hurricane. the twister blows through the village, out into the surrounding fields, and finally dumps them down at the edge of a forest.

jerry sticks the landing by launching off his goat, sailing into travis's side, and using the (maybe) trice dead mutant to cushion his fall. ]

I don't think we're in Kansas anymore, Totovis.

[ in the distance, a goat baas in agreement. ]

[unresponsives]

( what heather pictures from that description is absolutely not what merrin's thinking of, though her eastern european connection is making her think more of a harsher climate, maybe awful mountains, snow... she's never been to that side of the world so her geography's limited to what pictures she might have seen )

But it was home. Have you ever travelled outside of it?

[unresponsives]

( magic, there's the word again. she's not yet used to it being real even if heather's now seen several things that would tell her yeah, it's real. like these books )

Maybe the job is for their entertainment of seeing people hit with books. ( very dryly said, she doesn't actually believe this is true she's just frustrated ) Although people that volunteer probably know more about their books. I've... never come across them before.

( or magic. never encountered it )

[hiswaterknife]

Ugh, that sounds like he'd need to touch the stinky animal still. He actually the tall man will do all the work for him. Oh well, better luck next time. Eari follows as instructed climbing the box with grace, after the man had pulled himself up onto the roof.

"Is like that good?"

There's a fine line with feigning incompetence out of desire to avoid unnecessary work, and actually looking incompetent. Eari is too proud to ever let himself look incompetent. Now, that he's resigned to his fate, he's surprisingly agile for his claims of general clumsiness.

[hiswaterknife]

All of them. In his fit of unrestrained artistic expression Eari might have revealed a bit too much of himself than he ever planned.

"Oh? No." He's far from admitting to it though, so he shakes his head. At least his laughter sounds genuine. "The Wheel is. This is what they assigned to me here. I'd like to know why to be honest. The rest is just for decoration."

He has to at least attempt damage control here, because if he truly wanted to go for decoration he should have picked flowers, feathers, and nice flowing shapes, not skulls and weapons. His current choices are already too telling enough.

"Would you like me to draw you one? You'd probably need to etch it on the card yourself, but I think it's a lot easier with design out of the way."