TEST DRIVE MEME #18

[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 June.

While the world experienced some severe weather damage, the storms are now over. Newly arrived characters will be assured that repairs are underway, though they may help if they wish. Nocwich was closed for the last 3 months, but is now open once more! On the surface, not much has changed, but observant characters might notice some increased tension between the werewolves and the vampires.

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. With summer around the corner, the weather is warm and marked by a cool breeze. In the distance, the snow has melted from the mountains. Spring flowers are in full 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:

• The city of Castle Thorne is largely safe and the main roads are clear, but debris and fallen trees are still a danger if you stray too far towards any off-beaten trails. Nott is especially chaotic. The cleanup and repairs in town are going a little slower than they are in the royal city.


• 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 he was previously in Nott to oversee a project, he's now moved to the city of Castle Thorne with his family: Lady Lia Sidwell and his two young sons. They live in a manor near the castle.

◎ Exploring

Despite the troubles that plague the land, Castle Thorne and its surrounding city have much for you to indulge in.

Cupcake Decorating
Noteworthy participants in the Blossom Cake Festival are given the honor of having their cakes displayed in the castle. You can have a slice of this year's winning creation, filled with rich bold notes of tangy orange and vanilla cream. Also available are an equally impressive lavender cake feature and a lemon honey cake. The champion pastry chef will be there to give decorating lessons. Why not join someone and pipe some flowers on a cupcake? Even if it doesn't turn out like you hoped, you can eat it afterwards!

Magic Lessons
Regular magic lessons are held by apprentice mages as part of their training, usually involving learning to cast a small spell. Join if you wish! The spell they will be teaching is conjuring a modest wind spell that can cast a cooling breeze over you. Perfect for when the weather gets warm! The spell relies on Academic Magic which involves a few words said correctly. You'll likely need a few lessons to grasp it unless you're well-versed in magic already. The class of fresh-faced students means there's a constant gust of wind slamming doors and windows as the spells fail. It isn't dangerous, but it can be annoying.

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 an eternal darkness and is home to the werewolves and the vampires, opens on the first weekend of every month for a total of 3 days. Shortly after arriving, you'll be given a pendant that allows you to travel to and from the portal. In Castle Thorne, the portal is a short walk around the back of the castle. You can enter Nocwich freely and explore what's available in Oleuni Square and Luna. You won't be able to enter Ikorr nor will you be able to exit into another territory's portals. Once there, you're welcome to meet those from other territories, take in the sights, and - if you've come by some money or a generous soul - even make a few small purchases. Inns are available for a fee if you want to stay overnight. Otherwise, you'll need to return home through the portals each day.

◎ 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 away for good - 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, and growing hotter by the day as summer approaches. Though temperatures dip at night, they don't drop as low as they did in the winter. 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:

• Heavy flooding and powerful sandstorms have damaged structures in the Free Cities. While repairs are underway, some roads are closed and you might have to avoid dangerous debris when traveling. Watch your step!


• Soldiers continue to patrol the streets, keeping order as citizens begin to settle back into their normal lives in the aftermath of the storms. Theft has become a bit of a larger problem, given the damage to some shops and merchant stalls.


• 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.

Art Workshops
In the continuing spirit of Aquila's Form Over Function festival, where designers show off works that emphasize beauty over utility, free workshops have been set up throughout the Free Cities. These workshops are meant to market wares as well as encourage creative minds. You can attend a workshop on writing with one of Libertas' famous playwrights and get a brief lesson in the art of color theory to aid you in your future as a painter or clothing designer. Why not join a friend in the workshops? Or make some new ones!

Scrappy Salvagers
To help with the cleanup, salvage artist Axn Kade has offered a modest sum to anyone who will bring him scraps of metal. Despite his good intentions, this proposal has unfortunately resulted in small but fierce pockets of fighting over scraps gathered, especially among the vagrants and orphans. Some have even gone into dangerous areas to collect what they can. City guards could desperately use a hand to break up fights and rescue anyone who's gotten trapped under fallen debris.

Traveling Merchants
Word of new arrivals spread quickly to enterprising merchants. Many will arrive with samples of their wares, offering free things to try. These items include miniature pastries, trinkets powered by New Magic similar to those cheap flashing toys one find at a carnival, ales, fresh fruits, and healing elixirs. Not all of the elixirs are of proper quality. Some are akin to snake oil and might have adverse (though harmless) effects - take care not to accidentally turn your hair bright green or similar. All of the merchants will be gathered at a central point in the barracks so they'll be hard to miss. Maybe you can make a friend or two while perusing.

Nocwich
Nocwich, which is shrouded in an eternal darkness and is home to the werewolves and the vampires, opens on the first weekend of every month for a total of 3 days. Shortly after arriving, you'll be given a pendant that allows you to travel to and from the portal. In Castle Thorne, the portal is a short walk around the back of the castle. You can enter Nocwich freely and explore what's available in Oleuni Square and Luna. You won't be able to enter Ikorr nor will you be able to exit into another territory's portals. Once there, you're welcome to meet those from other territories, take in the sights, and - if you've come by some money or a generous soul - even make a few small purchases. Inns are available for a fee if you want to stay overnight. Otherwise, you'll need to return home through the portals each day.

◎ 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 summer on the way, the light wind is refreshing and the rain is warm when it falls. 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:

• Heavy flooding and powerful twisters have damaged structures around the settlements. While repairs are underway, some roads are closed and you might have to avoid dangerous debris when traveling. Watch your step!


• Some shops and stalls have yet to reopen. 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 is also beginning to return to normal, but many fishing boats need repairs. 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.

Goat Racing
That's right. One of Solvunn's fine traditions is its regular goat races. Meant to be a bit of informal fun, there's a pen of goats where you can choose a goat, get a number, and simply join one of the starting lines. These goats are not trained so the race is less of a race and more pure chaos as the goats do what they please. Whoever eventually wrangles their goat over the finish line wins. The only rule is that you can't pick up or physically pull your goat, but you're free to cajole, lure, or even use a bit of magic to get yours to the finish line first. Winners receive small prizes of cheese, ale, wood charms, woven baskets, and other similar tokens.

Shrine Offerings
As a new arrival, you'll be encouraged to perform your first offering. Solvunn believes offerings in the tradition of High Magic will ensure continued protection from the Gods. 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.

Giant Crop Picnic
Potluck-style feasts are common in the settlement as a way to strengthen the community, but the spring is unique for featuring giant crops. Oversized gourds, melons, and cauliflower are aplenty as the locals display their creations proudly. Considered a blessing from the gods, receiving the boon of a large crop is a great source of luck and pride to Solvunn. As a new arrival, you can take a look at these unique fruits and vegetables - and eat them! - as well as help hang decorations before the picnic. Place flowers, pin ribbons, or lay the tablecloths. The food is simple and hearty, ranging from stews, roasts, fresh bread, and puddings. If you're shy, someone will be there to fill your cups and plates if you won't do so yourself. Eat, drink, and be merry - it's what the gods would want.

Nocwich
Nocwich, which is shrouded in an eternal darkness and is home to the werewolves and the vampires, opens on the first weekend of every month for a total of 3 days. Shortly after arriving, you'll be given a pendant that allows you to travel to and from the portal. In Castle Thorne, the portal is a short walk around the back of the castle. You can enter Nocwich freely and explore what's available in Oleuni Square and Luna. You won't be able to enter Ikorr nor will you be able to exit into another territory's portals. Once there, you're welcome to meet those from other territories, take in the sights, and - if you've come by some money or a generous soul - even make a few small purchases. Inns are available for a fee if you want to stay overnight. Otherwise, you'll need to return home through the portals each day.

◎ 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

[carmesi]

I have good friends in the Cities. There are good people there, too. You'll be okay.

( —but wanda has softened even more since, and she knows—from that very first experience—to guard herself when it comes to the emotions that can be transferable through touch alone. it's not like it is hard to discern what flows out of him, though, from just being this close.

wanda pushes a hand through his hair, as if trying to correct stray bangs that don't sit right (a moot point, likely).

only then does she put her hand back down on the bench, fingers curled closed, but near enough to his clothed leg. she sits ever closer to the edge of the bench, worry pressed to her knitted brows. )

Something happened.

[suplexer]

[ As much as Tifa might feel in a haze, never let it be said she wasn't raised right. She instantly shakes Elisabeth's hand. ]

I'm so sorry, I didn't realize you also just got here! And here I was asking you all these questions like you would have any more of a clue than I do...

[ She shakes her head with a scoff (directed at herself), then pulls her hand back. ]

I'm Tifa. And you're right, I think it'll be nice to have someone to explore with.

[ It's nice to not feel so alone, even if she would never wish getting kidnapped onto someone else. ]

[suplexer]

[ Oh, so it's just something you call someone? Tifa won't overthink it too much, then. ]

Well, I didn't offer it! I'm Tifa, it's nice to meet you.

[ Even if neither of them should probably be here at all. Like with Elisabeth, she wouldn't wish for anyone to be in this mess with her, but it is also nice to know she's not the only new kid in class.

While she was ready to just pull out the pumpkin guts with her hands, she decides she should follow the other lady's lead and grabs for her own spoon so she can get to work. With them teaming up, this should be done in no time.

Tifa doesn't show any shock at Lup's foul language, although the idea of being sent to blow someone up by a "Raven Queen" is a lot more perplexing. Maybe just because she has no context. ]

Oh, umm! Yeah, I used to own a bar, and we had a food on offer too, so I got pretty comfortable with batch cooking and developing recipes. But... sorry, you said a Raven Queen? Is that someone here in Solvunn?

[inthenameofhades]

"My sister?" he repeats. It's still hard to think beyond the shock, but - of course. Of course! She looks too much like him to be anything but.

"I have another sibling?" he says, as a grin flashes across his face. Maybe he's never met her before, never even knew he existed. But she's family, and he can't help but be excited to meet her.

Besides, at this point Zagreus has started to get used to getting surprise siblings. It's become a bit of a trend.

The grin fades into confusion, however. "I was Summoned, like I imagine you were. And...what do you mean, escape Chronos? Isn't he trapped in the depths of Tartarus somewhere?"

😭💕

[theidlemaiden]

[ Concern - perhaps even something akin to protectiveness flashes across Hilda's features that settle in a line between her brows. ]

You were only gone an hour at home?

[ Despite being seated across from him initially she's quick to pull her chair up beside his gathering his hands in hers. ]

Did something happen to you? Are you okay?

evening!

[theidlemaiden]

[ Having eight hundred years worth of memories stuffed into your brain doesn't break old habits. When it becomes clear that new faces are arriving in Abraxas yet again, Hilda makes a point to take a path home from the Old Public Hall that will cross paths with where the pick up point for the carriages typically are.

She's long since tempered her expectations and hopes. But frankly after everything that had happened, she hopes that the friends they do know won't appear here. But homesickness always has a way of ebbing back into her heart whenever these summoning cycles come around and maybe, just maybe, she hopes a little bit more today that she'll see a familiar face only because she had forgotten some of those closest to her.

Who she doesn't expect to see is a very familiar grumpy looking one. Who really hadn't been that close to her at all, but was unforgettable in the way that someone who had been stabbed by a cactus wouldn't be able to forget. He seems lost in thought giving her the opportunity to quietly slides up beside him catching what he says. Mimicking his posture - whatever that may be - she sagely nods. ]

The answer to that is obviously no, Felix. There's more life than war you know.

the NOISE I made

[swordofajerk]

[Hilda very nearly gets decked when she speaks, because Felix was far too tired to have heard anyone come up beside him. It's only his own reflexes that save her...or save him, depending on how she'd take getting punched. He remembers her damn axe.]

What the fu--Goneril. What the fuck?!

[sketchycharacter]

Who?

[Eh whoever.]

Hey, some of us get by perfectly well on skill and good looks. Magic's not that important.

[It's helpful though, he'll admit that.]

I think your goat is broken.

[aquaveiled]

[ That is one of the things that Himeka likes about Solvunn--even when she first arrived and there was no precedent for bringing Summoned into their numbers, they made their way. They were like everyone else and as long as they contributed to the community, they could become a part of it. For someone like Himeka who prefers to make herself useful, it was very easy to do.

So it's always nice to see the newly Summoned hopping right into things too. She hopes that they are feeling the same sense of neighborly friendliness and welcoming. ]

Tifa, then. I'm Himeka.

[ She holds out one very goopy hand to shake while her other stays in the pumpkin. ]

I was, yes. Getting whisked across the universe to a random star you've never heard of before and being told you're here for some greater purpose with little context? It's hard to get used to, but day to day life feels almost too normal. It may help, just getting to do little things rather than grand ones.

[erosive]

That curl of her lip remains as Zoya places that jar back down. Regardless of what it is—for or of—she's decided she wants no part of it. (Lup saying it's 'gross' is definitely a reason against holding the jar any longer.)

The shopkeeper mentions something about vampire blood being good for the skin (is it? Or is it simply a marketing ploy?), which prompts Zoya to look at Lup.

"Do you believe this drivel?"

[liches]

Nice to meet'cha, Tifa! I'm Lup.

[ She gives Tifa a silly little salute, made even sillier by the fact that Lup is elbow-deep in gourd gore.

She resumes gutting, but she has a thoughtful look on her face as she replies. ] No, not here. At least I don't think so. I think I would... know?

[ Genuinely not sure on this point. She pauses her task for a moment as she considers. Her powers aren't granted to her by the Raven Queen, not like they would be if she were Her cleric or warlock. Still... surely She'd make herself known, right? Barring that, it would almost certainly cause a bit of a stir in this world's pantheon to have an outsider goddess turn up.

Lup finally shrugs and returns to the task at hand. ]

Anyway, She's a goddess where I come from. Got myself a gig running errands for Her.

[ Like hunting down wayward souls. ]

Owning a bar sounds way more fun, honestly. You must have tons of stories.

[shaltnot]

[ The man shakes his head at first, and then nods as he points to the attached building to the left of Garrus. ]

"Three boys next door, but I haven't seen them in days."

[ That makes Nicholas still. He glances at the other man across from him and gives a curt nod as he lowers the roof back down. It can be someone else's job to clean this up, he's just here on search and rescue, apparently. ]

So you don't think they were around when this thing hit?

[ The man shakes his head, but not in denial as he starts to get back onto his feet properly. ]

"I don't know, I'm sorry..."

[ Nicholas sighs through his nose and shakes his own head. ]

Go on, we'll take a look.

[ After another thank you, the man hobbles off in the direction the kindly non-human had indicated. For his part, Nicholas eyes the adjacent building with furrowed brows. ]

Most of it's still standing, but I'm not seein' how you get inside.

[liches]

[ Lup huffs in frustration. ] So much for a spoiler.

[ Oh well. At least it's entertaining watching the chaos. She leans against the fence and turns slightly towards Nate. ]

Listen, I could get by on skill and good looks, it's just a lot more fun to set things on fire with my brain.

[ She's used to having reality-altering magic at her fingertips, okay, this is a bit of an adjustment. ]

You new here too?

🌵🌵🌵🌵

[theidlemaiden]

[ The hilarity of this scenario is what stops her from outright clawing at him in a knee jerk retaliation to protect herself. And her own recognition thanks to some Crest-ly powers of course. "Eight hundred years" as a god that could turn into a swan/wyvern hybrid horror hadn't worn off it seems and it may show in the sharp glint of steel in her epxression.

Thankfully she shakes it off giving him a furious pout and a roll of her eyes. ]

You know that's not my name right? Just because Holst doesn't mind being referred to as "Goneril" doesn't mean I do. And I'm not going to start calling you "Fraldarius". Talk about a mouthful that I don't want to expend the energy for.

Besides – [ Here a cheeky little glint sparks in her eyes as she gives him a little hip bump. ] we're classmates! Or were anyway. And that at least means a first name basis.

[liches]

"Nah, it's probably bullshit." The shopkeeper glares at her then, but Lup continues on unperturbed. "I'm sure you can get some other kind of snake oil that won't coagulate on your face and make you look like you had history's worst nosebleed."

... Zoya was talking about the skincare advice, right?

[swordofajerk]

[He hates everything about this already, holy shit.

He just glares at that hip bump.]

Hilda. [There, happy?] How long were you standing there?

financial advisor reporting for duty

[carmesi]

( wanda is here mostly to keep up appearances. sooner or later someone might start asking how come rocket has so many coins, or how she happens to always have the local currency with her and just the right amount. once upon a time, she depended on the charity and benevolence of the more wealth-asserted among the summoned... but now?

well, magic is money. or however that saying goes.

if she wins a couple of times at the gambling den, her story about financial wealth can seem more realistic than fictitious.

—that is, until a young man sits beside her. wanda is keeping her eyes on the cards and the couple of die being thrown about, the rest of the people at the tables shouting and putting forth their antes. wanda is waiting for a shift in the wind for her luck. she can also tell exactly how many coins the young man has. )

Can you blow your smoke away from my face? — I doubt you can do much with just six coppers, though. You need at least five silvers to break into the circle.

[shaltnot]

[ It's Nicholas' turn to feel a cold chill down his spine. Vash acknowledges the fall, sure, and he's pretty sure something like that would be hard to forget. (Unless, of course, there's a part of him that doesn't want to remember, which Nicholas can't discount or deny.)

But that he doesn't know what happened after.

Shit.

Nicholas knew that once the explosion happened that the repercussions of that fight was gonna kill Vash if the impact itself didn't. He just never considered that he'd be the one delivering that news--he figured he'd be the one giving Vash hell in the middle of the crater or carrying him out of it.

Not this.

It simmers his anger considerably. His eyes widen a bit which he tries to mask with an uncomfortable swallow and stereotypical snippy comment: ]

Figures you'd ask about everyone else when it was your head on the choppin' block.

[ The bite behind it sounds forced even to his own ears. Nicholas huffs and looks away, hopefully on the pretense that Vash is just being too self-sacrificing as usual. ]

Meryl's fine.

[ He doesn't know. ]

Complained the whole time as usual... You'd've thought she was just pissin' about wrong directions or something.

[ He doesn't know. ]

...

[ He doesn't know. ]

You might wanna take a seat.

[theidlemaiden]

[ Prickly like a cactus and solid like one too. At least that hasn't changed. That doesn't help her place him in their convoluted timeline any more than what she'd heard him say. They know the war ends. Who's alive by the end of it is a different story.

Whatever pretense she had been trying to put on immediately breaks when he says her name. An amused smile lifts starts at the corner of her lips before spreading onto the rest of her face. It's even like the begrudging way he says it at the hands of her bullying hadn't even happened. ]

Hm, would it make things worse or better if I said longer than you'd probably like?

[swordofajerk]

Seeing how "more than a second" is longer than I'd like, there's no good answer to that.

[He hates this.]

Can I help you? There's no way you have any chores you're trying to dodge this late at night.

[shaltnot]

[ He gives a half-shouldered shrug at her question. He hasn't looked at a map yet either, so for all he knows they're not that far away. But he does know that Solvunn is a place he supposedly visited before, but can't go now. Which is a weird concept in and of itself that he's still deconstructing. And definitely won't be dumping on this random gal who's putting up with him. ]

They're callin' it the "Free Cities". Which sounds like the kinda name you'd give a place to convince everyone they got power when they're just playin' their part of the game.

[ He shrugs, fairly nonchalant about it despite the depressing picture he's painted. That's just life. You either deal with it or die trying to change it. Or, if you're Vash, narrowly escape death consistently.

She's got a good grip, though. The natural kind you get when you work with your hands in someway. Hm. ]

Gaia?

[ He let's his own hand drop. ]

Never heard of it. But it already sounds a helluva lot nicer than No Man's Land.

[carmesi]

( it'll only be a matter of time before the young woman comes to understand how things work in the commune. it's not about whether his life was actually in danger, or if she's deserving of this much praise for doing what "anyone else would".

every single life in the commune is important, and one injured child will grow into an adult that cannot do the work he is meant to do, and it's just brewing towards future discontent. a good was done, and it has thus been rewarded. )

Of course you can. ( —accept the cloak, that is— ) I'm not a local, anyway. I was summoned like you, so just — see it as something of a welcome gift.

( wanda will not be accepting anything more. )

We look after each other here.

[erosive]

[ What a badass.

Also: what's a gas station?

Luckily for them both, Zoya spares them the need for an explanation. She rolls with it, as she has with most things since arriving. Questioning what needs to be questioned while letting what can float by… float by. So far, it's limited the number of stress lines her face sports. ]

It does. It's the least they could offer, considering we've been kidnapped.

[ A place like this reminds her of Ketterdam: hungry for money and trade. This world is Kerch: using others as stepping stones to further its objectives. Everything is a battle to Zoya. ]

I've seen 'vampire blood' written on too many items than I'm comfortable with. I'm starting to wonder if that's the catch.

[ Thankfully, none of the flowers seem to be victims of this! ]

[boltaction]

[ the way wolfwood stalls for time inversely relaxes and alarms vash. there's only two reasons why he would: either everything's fine and vash is overreacting, or--

"You might wanna take a seat."

his vision starts to tunnel. his voice is hoarse. ]

Just tell me.

[ his mouth and hands prickle with the onset of numb panic. ]

[erosive]

In all honesty, since arriving, Zoya has no idea what anyone's talking about anymore.

This is the first time where she understands the conversation completely. She almost confuses herself into believing she's back in Ravka, talking to one of her friends. How many times had she entertained herself with stories about vanity when all there ever was was war, war, and war?

She furrows her brows and softens what could be misconstrued for sharpness with her smile.

"Would you trust snake oil from a universe you've been kidnapped to?" she asks with good humour.