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

Beta | Horizon Series | Solvunn | The Star

[simils]

𝐴𝑅𝑅𝐼𝑉𝐴𝐿

[ It all happens in a hazy flash. Her arrival, the clothes, the people talking. Words and words and words. They all make sense and they're all studiously memorized for later introspection. But at the moment she's being told everything, Beta is just hanging on to them to keep herself from having a panic attack. She barely asks anything, seeing how the man seems to know everything she's going to ask already. Not the first time it happens. At more than one moment she wants to argue against the very obvious point of her overall usefulness, but she's to busy not losing her shit to muster the proper valor to even argue.

And then she's dropped in some plaza in a place she doesn't know and given directions to a place she doesn't want to go to sleep on a bed she has never seen again. She's further taken to the place when it's obvious she's not going to move on her own. And when she's left alone...she walks, and walks until her feet hurt, then slumps against the closest wall and finally has a good old panic attack.

But it's one of those quiet, hard to spot ones. It's the kind of panic attack that goes inward, making the edges of her vision blurry and feeling like someone is crushing her ribcage inwards. She can't scream because she barely has air to breathe.

She's going to need a minute here. Or several. ]

𝑆𝐻𝑅𝐼𝑁𝐸 𝑂𝐹𝐹𝐸𝑅𝐼𝑁𝐺𝑆

[ "I don't really believe in gods".

Yeah, maybe she shouldn't have said that, because Beta spent the last hour trying to argue her way out of a very pushy group of believers. Only when she demonstrates her ability to make the best, most aesthetically pleasing bundles for offering is she left alone.

Alone to make bundles for everyone else, that is. Beta tries to stand for her own and rid herself of such a task, which translates into her meekly whining like a wounded animal before being given a bunch of materials.

At least she's creating goodwill? And someone offered money in exchange of her fixing stuff later on (the offering bundles are not going to net her anything because faith or something silly like that). She's more interested in the actual magic, but all she can do for the moment is peek at the believers and whatever it is they're doing. ]

FREE CITIES;; 𝑁𝐸𝑊 𝑊𝐴𝑉𝐸, 𝑁𝐸𝑊 𝐴𝐺𝐸

[ It's been a few weeks after arriving and she's familiarized herself enough with her surroundings to venture forth. A bit. Carefully. Probably in constant contact with people she knows and trust.

Look, at least she's not perpetually holed up as she used to be.

Metal, she knows metal.

Tarot? Only in theory, because she's had years to learn all sorts of stuff, and tarot was at least different enough from the monotony of everything The Zeniths wanted her to learn. She doesn't really believe in it, sure, but with the things she's been seeing, Beta is starting to think there must be a system of sorts to access this so called magic. Anything that can be logically explained cn be mastered, and so she will logically explain this and master it, too.

Through tarot, it seems. At least for now.

The engraving process seems simple enough, but the subjects of her engraving are a different matter. She's made a few sketches in a stack of papers, but she's still debating what to put where. ]

Hmm....where would Aloy go?

𝑊𝐼𝐿𝐷𝐶𝐴𝑅𝐷

[ Hit me with whatever. ]

Shrine Offerings

[divinityfrompain]

It's not really a question of believing in them here, I'm afraid. They're very real in this world.

[ Julia overheard her while on her way to help with some of the torn up land. Everywhere she looks there is something being tossed by the wind so she has been on the move. Her dark hair is braided tightly against her head to avoid it whipping around her and she pauses because there's only one type of person who would say something like that in Solvunn. Wait, are there newbies? Did she miss it? She's been out and about so much recently on repair jobs.]

If it helps, think of them as another species. Then it's not divine so much as living in the same place as multiple types of creatures.

[ If the god part is what's throwing her. Julia would know all about that, being one herself, and formerly a human who didn't believe in any. There is a gust of wind nearby and she shoots out a hand, tossing it back with a wind spell to knock it off course. Unfortunately they don't always help; it's chaotic weather. She sighs and gives the woman a once-over, only to find ....]

Whoa. [ Julia steps in front of her, looking closer.] You are the spitting image of another Summoned, Aloy.

[simils]

[ Julia's voice jolts her in surprise. After she went to sit in a corner to make bundles, people had left her alone, which she had appreciated. Still, she looks different than the other people. Is she like her? ]

So, you would equate them with aliens?

[ She hasn't seen or experienced any sort of supernatural event yet, so she's not readily convinced there's such a thing as magic yet, specially since back on Earth the natives were already deep into misguided mysticism.

She instinctively leans back when Julia draws closer, but her surprise quickly overtakes her discomfort. ]

Aloy is here? She's-she's my sister.

[ Genetic twin, clone of the same person she's a clone of, potato po-ta-to. She corrects herself in time, mainly because talking about cloning with a stranger doesn't sound appealing at all.

But if Aloy's here... ]

You could say we're...twins. I'm Beta.

[divinityfrompain]

Yeah, aliens could be a word for it. They're otherworldly and powerful, and not human. But there's vampires and werewolves and dragons here too, so they're used to different species of things.

[ Beta will learn that once she gets used to this place. It's a veritable who's who of supernatural creatures in Abraxas. She seems pretty timid, Julia feels bad that she might not be treading as gently as she probably should be. She's not accustomed to seeming intimidating in any way, being petite and often underestimated by appearances.

Her smile is bright and instant when Beta mentions Aloy, who is one of the people Julia admires the most in the Summoned. It did seem impossible for them not to be related, but strange things happen here all the time.]

Oh I'm so excited to meet you! I'm Julia, I'm friends with Aloy. She's here! She actually has her own house out in the wilderness so that might be why you haven't spotted her yet.

[ Not all the Summoned live right inside the settlement, some have made their own homes. Julia still stays with the orchardists, but she's considered creating a space one of these days.]

[simils]

Sounds like a veritable fantasy novel.

[ Her voice is tilted with slight exasperation, because her brain is still catching up. That said, she hasn't any other term beyond "magic" to define the mechanics of her arrival, so Beta has little choice but to roll with it for the time being.

The confirmation that Aloy is here finally brings a light to her face. ]

Yes that...that sounds like Aloy alright. [ That sounds like herself, too, which is not surprising. Beta wonders how long has her sister been living by herself in the forest, without the friends she's made along the way. ]

Well...maybe I'll have to go find her. Usually it would be the other way around, but it's not like she has to find me every time.

[divinityfrompain]

That's exactly what it is. Fantasy galore. But it's also all real. You'll get used to it eventually.

[ It's okay that she is still baffled by it all. Julia is one of the lucky people who is used to a supernatural world so adjusting here was pretty easy. It doesn't make it pleasant; she didn't want to be kidnapped to a weird world away from what was extremely important in her real life. Goddess training really had to be up there in necessity, but here she is instead. Still, she was only a few years ago new to magic, so she knows how hard it can be to open your mind all the way.]

I can take you if you want. It's not far from here, but it's better to go by day so the animals aren't out and about.

[ Julia can probably fight back them herself so Beta isn't in any danger, but it still seems like a smart thing to suggest in case she goes wandering on her own later. It can be dangerous in the woods in Solvunn, but most creatures genuinely want to be left alone by humans. They only do something if they must.]

It's up to you. She set up this cool obstacle course, are you good at those too?

[simils]

I suppose...it really is amazing what can someone get used to.

[ Her eyes shine at the offer, but there's a bit of reticence as well. She has no reason to distrust her, specially since Julia mentioned Aloy on her own, but then again...

Distrust still runs deep within her. And yet, Beta doesn't really have many options to go with at the moment. ]

Sure, but...animals?

[ At the mention of the obstacle course, she grimaces. ]

Nnnno, I'm still catching up on the...physical side of things.

[ She's a wimp. A wimpy kid. ]

[divinityfrompain]

That's very true. I mean, you're from a future with robot dinosaurs, you'd know. In my time we don't have anything as sophisticated as the tech Aloy's mentioned.

[ Julia's from 2018, they have technology but it's not along the lines of the dinosaur that Aloy let her ride on in the Horizon. Julia was shocked at something that impressive, but apparently they're normal in Beta and Aloy's time. She doesn't know all of Aloy's story yet but she's tried to get a good picture of her. She's a fascinating woman.]

Yeah animals, don't go wandering around at night in the woods, but during the day it's fine. Aloy's actually put together a hunting party thing, it's really cool.

[ Julia gestures for Beta to follow her. A gust of wind comes shooting toward them, howling in the air, and Julia flicks a hand at it, a spell tossing the wind aside. The magic is so casually used that she keeps chattering to Beta like she didn't just toss a mini tornado to the side like it was nothing.]

We don't have to do the obstacle course. That's something she can teach you separately. I know the way through.

shrine

[furibund]

[ Nebula doesn't get much in the way of the tasks for Solvunn's gods. She does her part in other ways - repair work, hunting or searches, that kind of thing. She has no interest in getting involved in their beliefs more than she has to. ]

[ But it's a touch difficult not to notice when someone else is causing up a stir about them. A small human-looking girl who looks more timid than anyone should be in that moment. She watches briefly from her work before huffing and finishing up. Finally, when the other is left alone and it's put aside she approaches. ]

Careful admitting that so loudly.

[ She wars. Or at all. ]

Gods exist. [ Anywhere. ] And the people here bet their everything on them.

[ This she certainly sounds like she holds disdain - disagreement for. ]

[simils]

I already got an earful, but I guess I didn't look threatening enough to warrant things getting worse.

[ She's been sulking in her corner, making offerings for others that for whatever reason can't or won't do their own. Perhaps this is penance enough, and once she feels like she's done enough she'll stand and leave without people harassing her.

And then she looks up and: ]

Oh, those are...extremely advanced implants.

[ Technology? In this medieval setting? Yes please. ]

[furibund]

Then they're fools. Anyone can be a threat.

[ Not that she necessarily disagrees - the girl doesn't look like a warrior. Sulking does little more to help that. ]

[ It still does not mean she fails to believe anyone can become stronger, or more of a threat than they seem. Even if she is so obviously made into a weapon herself. An oddity, especially in Solvunn, but one that has been - as yet - treated with some humanity. She thinks about Steve's suggestion and dismisses it, even if the girl looks at her with something seemingly different - far more understanding. ]

[ Her mouth twitches. ]

Yes. [ They are. Earth hadn't even developed that far let alone: ] They are far beyond this world's comprehension.

[ Which is a problem in itself! And also now they don't work right but she's not going to say that. ]

[simils]

Uh, thanks? I think?

[ Back home she could hack her way out of many troubles, but here? Here she's just weak and pathetic. Aloy is the one taking down machines the size of skyscrapers.

Beta tilts her head, a hand rising to her temple...where there is no Focus, because of course. Can't have shit in Solvunn. ]

I didn't mean to intrude, sorry. I just haven't seen anything beyond...medieval grade here until now. I have heard the Free Cities are better off in that sense, but I haven't checked it out yet.

hi i am finally here, wildcarding shrines a little

[lightkeeping]

[Aloy spends most of her time outside of the settlement--she's not a people person on a good day, and even more than a year later, she might still be vaguely embittered by the whole "kidnapped to another world" thing. The fact that the Singularity itself is in flux again, and causing dangerous repercussions in the real world means that she's busy enough without doing odd jobs and herding livestock and scrounging up coin.

Though she's more than aware that the probability of additional summoned from her world is greater than zero, she doesn't expect the message from Julia. After only a moment to process, Aloy doesn't even think of the implications--of having to explain to so many people here why she suddenly has a heretofore unmentioned twin--she just goes. Beta needs her.

So it's not long before she finds a familiar face (so familiar, of course. It's Elisabet's, and her own), tasked with assembling the latest round of offerings. Aloy watches for a moment, as if deciding whether or not this is real, then decides that it doesn't really matter.]

You're good at this. [Aloy invites herself to approach. It doesn't really matter if Beta has the best bundles ever--the point is that Aloy has never been more glad to see someone since she arrived here. Her smile, usually tight-lipped and awkward, is subdued but fully genuine. Anyone else around them might as well not exist.] Beta.

you are finally heeeeeere

[simils]

[ Beta's whiny rebuttal of her bundle-making skills dies halfway in her lips, because it really doesn't matter. Nothing matters anything anymore.

It's a good thing she has just finished setting aside a bundle, because Beta stands up (more like shoots up) and hugs Aloy tightly, the only way she has only ever hugged anyone ever...which was Aloy, too. Look, if she's going to be openly affectionate with someone, it's going to be her sister. She can open up to others later. ]

Oh my god. You're here. You're really here.

[ Shut up Aloy she's not crying you're crying. ]

Making bundles sucks.

[lightkeeping]

Yeah, tell me about it.

[Aloy's exasperation makes it immediately known how fed up she is with shrines and gods and related--not that it would be much of a surprise to Beta. There's a breathy laugh in her words, regardless, more relief than anything else.

The hugging is still something she needs to get used to, but it feels appropriate for the situation. After a brief, reflexive tensing of the shoulders, Aloy wills herself to relax and return the gesture, letting it linger for a moment before pulling back. Still, she keeps her hands on Beta's shoulders, an assertion that she's here, and this is real.]

I'm sorry I didn't find you sooner.

[simils]

[ Beta totally gets it, neither of them are really built for faith. The more she learned about it and how she had to "believe" to get anything out of it further makes her a bigger atheist.

She also pulls back, softly. Fortunately that's enough hugging for her as well. ]

It's okay, it's not like there was any way of knowing I was here.

[ But fortunately it didn't take Aloy much longer. Beta was so not looking to bunking up with a bunch of strangers. ]

How long have you been here? Are you okay? Are you safe?

[ Have you gotten yourself in a hundred different sidequests while trying to get from point A to point B? ]

[lightkeeping]

[Aloy is still awkward when it comes to physical contact--stiff, like she's not quite sure what to do about it. This, however, is such a long time coming that she manages, even if there's a slight bit of relief when they mutually decide that the hug is over. She nods, the smile still pulling at the corners of her mouth.]

I'm safe. I don't...actually live in the Commune.

[Which she might have heard from Julia, or guessed herself. Aloy isn't exactly built for society. As for the rest of it...]

I've been here a long time, Beta. More than a year. It's...really good to see you.

[simils]

[ If there's anyone Beta wouldn't mind sitting in silence for a while, it would be Aloy. ]

Yeah, I heard. You have your own Base again.

[ As for the time she's been here, Beta finds it hard to process. There's some incredibly confusing fuckery going on here. ]

This is because of magic, isn't it? Jeez. [ At any rate, hearing Aloy say that it's good to see her gives Beta a much needed confidence boost. She squeezes her sister's arms one last time before awkwardly taking a little step back, hands wringing together. ]

You don't have to be alone anymore, if you don't want to. I'm here for you.

[lightkeeping]

You could call it that.

[But it’s not the Base, not really. Not without her strange little collection of companions, though perhaps this is the universe’s way of correcting that. Aloy can tell that Beta is having a hard time taking it all in, but it does strike her that it would have been even worse, if she were pulled from when they first met. Beta might not know it, but she’s come a long way. They both have.]

It sounds crazy, but it's true. [Magic. But Aloy has seen enough of it by now to know that it’s real, in this world at the very least.] There are…other people here who can probably explain it better than me.

[She doesn't want to say that it's been hard, without Beta and the rest of them. Aloy is used to surviving alone, and often prefers it. Now, however, she knows what she was missing, even if she still isn't very good at expressing it.]

Let me show you the cabin, and we can go from there.

[spiritread]

[ Jinora doesn't exactly have a concept of Tarot, so she's been using the gathering to learn more about it. It's interesting and exciting - even if it's left her feeling a little dazed at what to make on her own plate. She has ideas - thinks of bending and the avatars - and she's thinking more when she looks up, tilting her head at the other girl: ]

Aloy?

[ A beat and she glances at the other's paper, not lingering on it to invade before asking: ] Is that a person? You say it like you don't mean the metal.

[simils]

No, Aloy is my sister's name.

[ And now Beta is wondering if someone has ever joked about Aloy's name, because it's actually really simple to come up with at least a few. ]

One "l" only. I never really stopped to think about it. It's not really that weird...is it?

[spiritread]

[ Jinora nods in understanding. It really hadn't sounded like it was meant to be the metal itself - so she's glad she's right. Her own world doesn't really have that kind of name afterall. ]

Why would it be weird?

[ Asked genuinely. Sure, she and Meelo tease Ikki somtimes but that's just what siblings do. Making fun of someone's name isn't really something that crosses her mind. Which is, perhaps, why her answer is: ]

It's unique. At least it's not 'Lee' there's a million Lees running around.

[simils]

Because...it sounds like a metal?

[ This makes sense? Maybe? Beta isn't known for her own sense. ]

I...don't know any Lee. Maybe in your world it's a common name.

A-anyway, it's nice to meet you. I'm Beta.

[ A totally normal name, not like "Aloy". ]

[spiritread]

So? There's plenty of names that have all kinds of meanings. Just because it sounds like something doesn't make it bad.

[ Maybe she's a little too carefree about it. ]

It's nice to meet you, Beta. I'm Jinora.

[ A beat and she adds: ] I think you're right. Lee's a common name, but I've not heard anyone called by most of the names around here. Even in all of the books I've read.

[simils]

...you're not wrong.

[ Everyone's more carefree than Beta, it's okay. ]

Jinora. I think I've read about similar names. Sounds like the sort of names you would find in ancient Asian culture. Well, my ancient Asian culture.

[ Beta looks around before gesturing broadly at their surroundings. ]

This feels like a more European-based culture, if anything.