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

[sophos]

[ she will appreciate the bed for the sake of it, in the meantime. there really is nothing like a good bed after not having one for a very long few weeks. ]

[ her own answer to his question is spit out before she can really think on it, mostly because she's surprised by it. between a new world that should presumably have its own language and her dyslexia, the ease of the books here is a novelty. ] I can read it all.

[ a beat. ] The language. The words. I wasn't expecting to understand it all without effort, I guess.

I haven't left the castle yet. Where's a good place to go first?

[diametrically]

[ Something that he could relate to upon his arrival. Nothing says literally sleeping on rocks and being on the run to get you to appreciate a mattress no matter how thin it is.

Her answer has him turning his head slightly towards her, eyebrow raised slightly in question before answering her question first. ]

Nott or Borrel. They allow day trips by portal. Might want to watch yourself around Nott; some still don't like Summoned.

[ Not having forgotten her reply to him he circles back to it. ]

You have experience ending up in other worlds with different languages?

[ Galactic Standard was taught nearly everywhere, and if not taught, people were quick to learn it. He hadn't thought too much about it upon arriving here and frankly would have been just fine trying to learn a new language. He'd done it before (several times in fact), and at least it would give him something to do. ]

[sophos]

[ she files away nott and borrel, determined to visit both at some point now. ] Can they tell we're Summoned? Like do we smell or glow or something, or is it the general sense of looking out of place?

[ annabeth knows it's easy to tell when someone's a fish out of water, so to speak, so perhaps she'll have to figure out the best way to blend in if she doesn't want that kind of negative attention. ]

[ and then i found out they're still dyslexic so small changes. she doesn't answer him at first, wishing she hadn't babbled, but trying to come up with an answer that doesn't leave the doorway open too much for more questions. ]

No. Usually learning new languages just takes time. And sometimes reading is - [ she huffs up, mostly internally, though her shoulders do straighten. ] It was just instant here. [ understanding greek had been one thing - they're meant to. english remains a struggle to read, and this new native language also spins for her, but everything else about it just happened immediately. ] Like... magic.

[ gods it's probably fucking magic. she seemingly answered her own question, at least. ]

[diametrically]

[ The identifiers gets a sound of amusement out of him as he stops to shelve one of the books. When it's clear that he won't have to dodge out of the way, he continues. ]

There's nothing to show we're Summoned but they might catch on eventually. Nott is close-knit.

[ He's done what he can to mitigate some of that attention but that's a difficult thing to accomplish when he's taken up a role as a courier and all of the couriers are Summoned. Oh, and the bikes. No one else in Thorne has a bike. Yet. ]

Most of them are friendly as long as you stay out of alleyways and don't cause trouble. [ A lesson he'd learned the hard way. ] It's not really us they don't like. They associate us with the Crown.

[ It's says a lot without saying much at all; and while he'd be happy to spew off the crown, she did just arrive. He keeps a watchful gaze on her as they continue down the next aisle. The pause is...telling in some ways. ]

Is that a good thing or a bad thing?

[sophos]

[ ha, she made an adult laugh. or close enough. in her defense, maybe they did smell! she's used to demigods having a tasty aroma to monsters. ]

[ she wrinkles her nose. ] Makes sense. Communities sometimes have to watch out for their own. [ and strange people being summoned like this... yeah, it doesn't take a lot of thought for her to see why some locals might be wary. ]

[ annabeth considers what he says about the crown, and the almost careful way he puts the sentence together. she's been thinking about the monarchy here too, what it means to the people, what it means to the summoned, but if this is a gods-are-always-listening sort of situation, she assumed she'd have to be careful about it. ]

What? [ excuse her, distracted for a moment, as her brain comes back around to connect what thing he means. ] Oh, the language. Well, it's certainly convenient, to have it so quickly.

[ and she jumps right back into what she thinks is the better question, probably a little more blunt than it should be or even need be. ] Are we allowed to talk about the Crown freely? Is it just Nott that associates us with them, or are other places like that too?

[ sorry buddy you've opened the question floodgates by simply engaging with her. ]

[diametrically]

[ If she does smell, he'd tell her. Not because it's his place to make comments about that sort of thing (and there are plenty of species in the galaxy where the more smell, the better), but because it might be ruder coming from someone else. Or maybe it would come across as rude.

...Or maybe not considering the way she just phrased that question so boldly. Cassian doesn't stop walking but his lips do twitch a little further up his face. Questions are a good sign to him. It means she won't blindly follow whatever the Crown is trying to feed them. However, it could get her in more trouble than she'd like and possibly make it more difficult to return home - if that's what she wants that is.

He glances down at the next book which will thankfully take them further into the library and away from the front desk where the librarians sit. He tilts his head, indicating a pause at least in response to her first question. ]

That depends. [ It's an answer to both her question. ] I think most of the Summoned in other territories don't associate us with the Crown. But they're in a similar positions to us where they were summoned here without expecting to be. The citizens of Thorne - [ He shrugs. ] it's hard to say.

[sophos]

[ annabeth is full of so many questions, my guy, just you wait. ]

[ his lack of answer is telling in its own way, and that in combination with the direction he takes her - deeper into the library - just tugs at her curiosity and makes her think she might have hit some kind of jackpot. do they have to be secret? she's great at those! she follows after him, too distracted by the potential to note the specifics about the section they're in, but she can always come back to that. ]

[ she at least as the wherewithal to wait till they're further away from other people before she continues like she hadn't even stopped. ]

I meant more the citizens of Thorne, or maybe even the citizens of the other territories. [ she was mostly thinking about thorne, figuring it more prudent to get the low down on her own area before she moved on to others. ]

Do they not like talking to us? [ she definitely wants to talk to locals too, but she doesn't want to be obnoxious about it either. but if they don't even like to engage much with the summoned, that's another answer on its own. ] I suppose they don't have to be a monolith. I just don't want to screw up how I approach them.

[diametrically]

[ Great he loves questions. As long as it's not about him.

The further they go into the stacks, the less people there are. There are other people milling about putting books back too, but most keep to themselves and pass them only the briefest of glances. Apparently they're too preoccupied with ensuring the books on their trolleys are put back where they should go to speak to them. Which is a blessing, really. ]

Like you said it's mixed. Some of them are suspicious, some don't like that we have avenues of citizenship open to us when it's not open to outsiders - at least in Throne. Some see us as a curiosity.

[ There's a touch of disdain in his voice mixed with the weariness of someone who prefers not to be noticed at all that she might be able to pick up on. He's quick to shake it off though as they take a left down the aisle. ]

Depending on the Summoned, they might have a good relationship with us and not mind us being here or interacting with them. Just be friendly with them, help if they need help, and there probably won't many problems. [ He offers her a sideways glance. ] Name's sometimes help too. I'm Alyx.

[sophos]

[ she might get there one day, but right now she's far too focused on figuring out this place as quickly as possible. there's certainly too much to look at in a day, much less a single conversation, but she's grateful to have at least found a willing conversational target. she's gonna hoard him as a source for sure. ]

[ as they get further from people, she gets a stronger sense of leaning into privacy, so her voice lowers, to avoid carrying off into the void of the library. she does notice his reaction to his own remark, thinks he rather prefers not being perceived, but ultimately remains tunnel visioned on the world topic at hand. ]

Well, I wasn't intending to go out and pick fights with them. Citizenship like... what, we get more rights automatically or something? More job opportunities? [ she feels like she's in a strange medieval fantasy land, but she doesn't know if that reference will even mean anything. ]

[ oh, right. names. introductions. she does forget that sometimes when she's on a roll. ] I'm Annabeth. Have you been here very long?

[diametrically]

You never know. The swearing I heard earlier could be a sign of a troublemaker. 

[ He says it lightly enough that it could be teasing as is the way his eyes skip to her before back to the shelves so he can keep an eye out for where this book is supposed to go. The last thing he wants is an actual concussion.

Fortunately it's not just a means of stalling in some way to figure out what exactly job opportunities means. Perks of being from a galaxy far, far away. Or something like that. ] 

That, more status and access to living in the city walls itself. It's highly coveted to the people that live here. I don't know any Summoned that have received it. 

[ His thoughts drift briefly to Yennefer who might be the closest to it over anyone else if only because of her proximity to the queen. Briefly he wonders if she'd accept it if it was offered to her. Personally he wouldn't care to have it. But he knows how enticing comfort can be. How much it can act like a set of blinders to wider problems. At Annabelle's introduction her gives her a nod. ] 

A little over four months. 

[sophos]

I never get in trouble. [ she says it perfectly straight faced in such a way that suggests she perhaps gets into too much trouble, with a look in her eyes that almost dares him to argue. she'll have a counter. people think percy's the troublemaker, and it's not that he isn't, but annabeth's more likely to flounce the rules on purpose. ]

So we're favored. What is it they expect us to do for them in return for all this? [ it hasn't escaped her notice how cushy her set up is here. but annabeth is far too used to those kind of expectations, especially from a higher power. her higher power is just usually gods, not monarchies. ]

[ she frowns. four months isn't that long in the grand scheme she supposes, but it's still... longer than she'd like to be away from home. ] There's people who've been here even longer, isn't there?

[diametrically]

[ Cassian recognizes the look of someone trying all too hard to convince another of something that is probably true. But after a moment there's a hint of a glimmer of something (definitely not a laugh though because why would he ever do something like that?) in his dark eyes before he holds up his hands - and the book - in surrender. ]

Right. I shouldn't have assumed.

[ But he'll believe it when he's sees it. Hands lowering he offers her a shrug. ]

They'll hope you side with them. Use whatever abilities you have and put them to good use here. They've been in conflict with the other two nations for some time now and it has to do with the Singularity.

[ It would be just his luck coming from a galaxy at war straight into another on the brink of it. As if he can sense her displeasure about being kept here that long he offers her an understanding glance. But there's also no point in trying to hide what will eventually come out one way or another if she speaks to other Summoned. ]

Some have been here for more than two years. There's no easy way home but some have gone back to their worlds. No one knows how.

[sophos]

[ this is the second hint of amusement she gets, and it somehow feels like a victory? usually she's on guard when people laugh at her - but he's not really laughing at her in that sense. ]

[ and in annabeth's defense, sometimes trouble finds her first. ] You know what they say about assumptions.

[ she hums. ] They seem very pro-Singularity here. Does that mean the other places feel differently?

[ two years. she can't imagine being here that long. does time pass back home? will she age and go back, if she even does, as an adult? she wants to ask, but she already knows alyx won't have the answers. she frowns more deeply anyway. ]

So it's... the long haul, in some capacity. Thanks for being the bearer of bad news. [ she does try to say it more sympathetically than sarcastically. ]

[diametrically]

[ At the rate she's going maybe she'll get him to crack a real smile by the end of the day. Who knows! ] 

You make a bantha's ass out of yourself? 

[ What is a bantha you ask? ...She might actually have to add that to her list of questions because he's not going to answer it in this moment. It doesn't seem to be the most pressing matter. ] 

Thorne thinks its powers needs to be bolstered. The Free Cities wants to destroy it. Solvunn thinks that we should keep things the way they are.
 
[ In other words it's the perfect storm for a war. Eventually they get to the place where he thinks the next book should go. He slides it into place, readying himself to dodge out of the way. Thankfully he doesn't have to, and the book remains still.

His lips lift wryly at that. ] 

You should know what you're in for. And you're taking it well. I'd feel more guilty about it if you had a stronger reaction. 

[sophos]

[ a lofty goal, but she's very skilled. ]

I was going to say it makes an ass of you and me, but now I just want to know what a bantha is.

[ she wonders what each differing view could tell her about the other territories, but she'll have to table that for later - she's got to focus on thorne first and get her own bearings before she can scramble around for everywhere else. ] They seem extra keen on magic here. Makes sense they support the Singularity, but it does leave a lot of room for a pretty tense world.

[ how many wars must she suffer. at least this one doesn't seem to have actually broken out yet. she pauses a moment, to watch him put the book away, mostly to try and note the section and title. ]

[ there's room for a freak out to come; annabeth is just scarily good at compartmentalizing. and for now, at least, it's still a better situation than what she just left at home. ]

I'm kind of used to this whole - [ she gestures vaguely, at the space around them, at thorne, at abraxas itself, at the very notion of being summoned as a hero. ] - thing. Jumping universes is new, but I can spare a panic attack until I'm alone. [ a beat. ] That was a joke, just to be clear.

[diametrically]

[ With Waspination Ointments and Other Unattainable Potions back in place he turns to face her once more fully intending to answer her question. 

...Only for his brain to stall. He hasn't had to explain what a bantha is to anyone yet. A bantha has always just been a bantha. How did someone explain what a creature was if they'd never seen it before? There wasn't exactly anything he'd seen in Abraxas either that quite fit the bill. Before he can determine what exactly would be the closest thing to a bantha she goes on. ] 

Thorne was the largest power in Abraxas in recent history. The other two split off. [ It's arrogance befitting any government - but especially one as institutionalized as Thorne. He can't help but dryly continue. ] If you haven't met Istredd you can probably find a little more unbiased history in his domain. Including everything that happened to us.

[ The panic attack joke is the kind he'd make but it's just enough to tug on the concern for others that he keeps telling himself he has to reign in. It is enough to momentarily forego answering her question about banthas. His brow cocks. ]

...Is this another of those situations where I have to take your word for it? 

[sophos]

[ she wrinkles her nose, both at his avoidance of her first question as well as the thorne explanation. ]

Great. Nothing like an anxious, recently shrunken kingdom. We really are right in the middle of a powder keg, huh? [ it's fine, what's another war under her belt?? how many is too many? apparently the universe just has an endless supply of them for annabeth chase. ]

I'll have to find him next then. [ she files away the name istredd, as well as the comment about the library. ]

Yes. [ that's it. that's all she's gonna say. how are you gonna argue against that?? you gotta take her word now. ] Now tell me what a bantha is.

[ learning about banthas is the superior conversation to coming within ten feet of her mental state. ]

[diametrically]

If you consider recent, a long time ago.

[ But that just goes to prove that grudges were a long lasting thing for a ruling power. All of that is to say, his earlier warning about watching what she said or did, at least when it came to the Crown, hadn't been for nothing. ]

But they're hoping we can forget about it with fine clothes and good food.

[ If she catches any bitterness in his voice it isn't a mistake but he moves right past it into amusement. The next book still has to be put away and he takes off in that direction assuming she'll follow to at least hear the elusive answer to her question. ]

A bantha is...the closet thing I can compare it to here is a horse. Though they don't look anything like them. Or smell as bad.

[ Which they didn't have in his galaxy either. But it feels like the most common ground thing he can compare it to. ]

[sophos]

Long can be subjective. In living memory?

[ it's easy enough to keep up that sort of feeling, especially if the people can be stirred to it continuously. she's starting to get the feeling thorne might be the kind of place to do just that and to get the feeling she's going to have to be careful with her mouth. it's gotten her into trouble before. ]

Panem et circensus. [ a beat. ] Sorry, it means 'bread and circuses.' It's a Latin phrase that basically implies if you keep the people happy - fed and entertained - they won't revolt. [ her greek is much better than her latin, but she still knows a few important things! ]

So you're definitely not from Earth. [ she'd gotten that impression already, but whatever the fuck a bantha is proves it. ] Too bad I can't ask you to draw me a picture of it. [ on account of being in the library and she refuses to doodle on books. ] But I appreciate everything you've shared with me.

[diametrically]

[ He hums in thought. ]

There's species in Abraxas that will probably remember it. [ He'd read enough about them in Istredd's domain but hadn't had the chance to really meet any of the fey before. ] The uprising happened 10,000 years ago. 

[ Cassian's eyes skip towards her at the sound of the unfamiliar phrasing, curiosity lighting up in his gaze. He's always had an interest in different languages. As much as it had started out as a means of survival and communication, he'd taken a liking to learning it and had a knack for it too. To arrive here and realize that magic made it easier to understand everyone was both a relief and mildly disappointing.

Now isn't the time for a language lesson though. ]

It's true. To some degree. Eventually they wake up.

[ People shouldn't need just the basic necessities to make a life from. ]

You're welcome. [ He pauses. ] There is a way to show you. Let me know if you make it to the Horizon. It'll be better than my lack of art skills.

[ He nods towards the books still in her hands. ]

Good luck with the rest of the books.

[sophos]

That's too long for a grudge. [ she mumbles it despite the complete awareness that she doesn't yet understand the nuances of this world and its international politicking. ]

[ his comment draws her attention, just enough to ping her curiosity against everything he's already said and how he's already explained his perspective. eventually they wake up. it feels like it should say something about him, but she doesn't know him very well. ] I don't disagree. Rome, the Latin speaking empire, did fall as my world knows it.

[ annabeth looks down at her books briefly, having forgotten that was her initial task. it's not her fault she found a good source, beyond what the books were offering her. ]

I'll get to the Horizon. [ she says it with total and full confidence in herself. ] Thanks.

[ not for the lucky well wishes, so much as the entire conversation. ] Don't be surprised if I find you again even outside it.

🎀!

[diametrically]

[ Despite her mumbling he hears it and frankly he whole-heartedly agrees. But he can't say he's particularly surprised by the politics of this place despite it being a whole galaxy away from his own. It doesn't matter what the feud might be about. Egos and a thirst for power and control will always act as drivers for those who needed to cover up what really lay beneath their oppression: fear.

Books can be useful. But so can speaking to the people who have lived here and experienced some of what Abraxas has to offer. At the very least he can provide her with what little he knows.

There's a moment before he leaves where he regards her before nodding. ]

If you swear like that all the time, I'll know you're coming.

[ And with that he turns on his heel in the other direction, lifting a hand briefly up in goodbye. ]