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

[swordofajerk]

[Twenty seven. Goddess. Felix isn't sure he likes that.]

Like I said, the war ended not that long ago for me. Gronder was...maybe six moons ago. Closer to five. It's been insane since we put down that beast, I'm sure I lost track of the date.

[If he thinks of the Immaculate One as a beast and not...what it actually was, it's easier for now.]

And I last saw you nearly five years ago, when the monastery fell.

[philancer]

[ That does have Sylvain stopping in his tracks, looking utterly baffled. ]

Wait, what? We... we weren't together, during the war? After the Monastery?

[ ...He has a hard time imagining them ever not being at one another's sides, back home. What had happened in Felix's world? ]

[swordofajerk]

...no. We weren't.

[Oh, boy. Maybe it'll be time for Felix to deliver bad or at least unexpected and unpleasant news.]

You were in Faerghus, last I'd heard anything. I was...elsewhere, and then with the Resistance Army and the rest of the former Black Eagles.

[And goddess, has he regretted that ever since hearing about Gronder.]

[philancer]

You... didn't come back to Faerghus with us?

[ That confusion isn't going away just yet. He's actually struggling to think of a single motivation that could have led to that. As far as he'd known, Felix had never been particularly close to any of the Black Eagles. Not enough to warrant him travelling to the Empire instead of returning home to help defend their lands. ]

Huh. Well. That's... a new one.

[swordofajerk]

I intended to, but someone needed to get Lysithea home and Gloucester was too busy worrying about his own lands to see to her. By the time that was done...

[Well, Sylvain was there. He can guess the state of Faerghus by the time Felix was done.]

I went back, eventually, but you were in Gautier and busy. We couldn't meet up.

[philancer]

I wasn't, actually, although that was the official story. You and I - well I guess just me, in your world - were leading the resistance in Faerghus. Our forces kept the Empire from pushing further north into either of our territories. Neither of us had been home in quite some time - we were moving with a small enough force that could pass quick and unseen by the bigger army and raiding wherever we could. Basically being the biggest pains in their asses we could be.

[ Yeah, Faerghus was a disaster, split apart by civil war, their prince missing and assumed dead. Everything had been chaos. it was all they could do to keep their heads above water.

...He couldn't imagine having had to survive all that without Felix. Didn't even want to consider it. he's not sure he could have done it. ]

[swordofajerk]

[That actually gets Felix to smile a little.]

That sounds like something I'd have agreed to. I was just leading my father's men until until I told him I had somewhere else to be.

[He pauses, debating on if he should add that he had told his father he might be back.

No. He never went back, so why bother?]

And then I ended up in the church's resistance army.

[philancer]

[ He gives another slow blink. ]

I didn't even realize they had one of those. But then again, we didn't get a lot of news from outside our borders.

[ He gets them moving again, turning out onto the main street and then pointing ahead at the large building looming half a block away. ]

That's the Sarstina. We can get food and drink there. And talk about... the rest of it.

[swordofajerk]

...yeah. You're paying, by the way.

[Obviously.]

They gave me this uniform and that was it.

[philancer]

Yeeeeah, they're not real big on spoiling us too much after we first get here.

[ His voice is a low drawl as he glances over at Felix again, giving him a sympathetic glance. ]

I think they hope if we stay dependent on what they do give us for longer, we'll be more amenable to doing what they want. But that hasn't really worked out for them all that well.

And don't worry. It's my treat. We all pay it forward here, when someone new arrives. Especially because we were all in your shoes at arrival. The Summoned stick pretty closely together - even when we are divided by Faction.

[swordofajerk]

Yeah, you're going to need to explain all of that at some point, Sylvain.

[Just saying.]

But if they think I'll do what they want, they may have made a mistake "summoning" me.

[philancer]

Yeah, I just want to get a drink or three in your first, before you decide storming out and starting up another resistance is a good idea.

[ He knows how you work, sir. He's not taking his chances here. ]

Personally, I think they made a mistake in Summoning most of us. They have an uncommon amount of soldiers and fighters they've pulled in here, many of us who have been involved in wars of our own back home. But all of us are just as unlikely to fight for a cause we don't believe in, so they've somewhat shot themselves in the foot, really.

[swordofajerk]

Please, that was all Byleth's idea.

[As most things are. Still, Sylvain is valid.]

So I take it this "summoning" isn't working out as well as they'd hoped.

[philancer]

Oh, it always is.

[ he just snickers, because apparently their Professor was known for that in all worlds. Something so inherently them that nothing else seemed to change it. Even if all the other events around them were always slightly... off. He doesn't know why the Professor seems to be the linchpin of their strange world and war, but it's the one thing he's been able to point a finger at and go "it started here".

Felix's assumption about the Free Cities isn't wrong, though. ]

Well. It has and it hasn't. None of us are all that eager to go marching off to war because they feel like declaring one. But the monarch in Thorne sounds crazy and I wouldn't be surprised if we end up there eventually. If only to keep the innocents caught in the crossfire from getting hurt.

But if they thought they'd have good little toy soldiers in their Summoned? Yeah, no, they've been disappointed far and wide. I think I've only heard of one or two of us who've actually enlisted in the army proper. The rest of us tend to freelance it.

[swordofajerk]

[What is Byleth's deal, anyway?]

Like mercenaries or...? I'm assuming there are options that don't involve fighting, or else this place is in even more dire straits than I thought.

[philancer]

Some are options that don't involve fighting but there's still plenty that do. The deserts outside the city and the barracks are known as the Badlands and it tends to be where the unsavory sorts flee to. Raid on the merchant caravans and things from the wild, so there's always bounties or guard patrols or escorts looking to hire us. Sometimes there's strange beasts out there that need to be dealt with.

But honestly, I think they've used us as envoys and diplomats as much as soldiers since I've been here. There are other races and countries in this world that aren't affiliated with any of the three Factions, and they tend to look at us as a more neutral party to deal with, rather than the Factions themselves.

[swordofajerk]

[On the one hand: a thing he is good at, if probably tired of (if he were being honest, but he's not so that's irrelevant).

On the other: people. Felix gives Sylvain a look as they enter the inn.]

If anyone expects me to be a diplomat...

[philancer]

I know, they actually expect you to talk to people. The horrors. Man, the vampires are gonna love you. The Fae, too.

[ he just starts snickering, wondering how Felix would have fared at the most recent revelry the vampires had hosted. It had definitely been more his sort of party than Felix's.

Maybe he'd do better with the werewolves?

But they'd reached the inn and Sylvain guides Felix inside, giving his eyes a moment to adjust to the dim interior before guiding them towards an empty pair of stolls at the bar. He lifts a hand in a wave at Mags in greeting before holding up a pair of fingers in a silent order before settling down on the stool and making himself comfortable. ]

Welcome to the Sarstina, the central hub of the Summoned community in Cadens. That's Mags, she runs the place. One of the first people to truly reach out and offer assistance when we first started getting Summoned here, from what I understand.

[swordofajerk]

[Vampires? The fae?

Nope, nope. Not right now. Felix is going to focus on one thing at a time and right now that is whatever the fuck is going on here. Or maybe the apparently different world events. Or maybe it's just getting a goddamn drink, he's so overwhelmed already.

He takes a seat next to Sylvain.]

Lovely. [He's not specifying what he's calling lovely right now. This whole goddamn mess, maybe.] What are you ordering me?

[philancer]

A drink.

[ Sylvain grins at him as he offers that very cheeky answer. Didn't you miss him terribly, Felix? ]

Trust me. I got something you'll like. Not everything here matches up with the food and drink we know from home. Some does, but not all. Then again, the fare they have in abundance here in the Free Cities is vastly different to what we would have had in Faerghus anyway. But I've spent a lot of time experimenting. [ His expression brightens when he realizes something. ] I've even duplicated your favorite tea. It took a bit - Almyran pine was surprisingly difficult to replicate.

[swordofajerk]

As long as it's not wine.

[Of course Felix wouldn't like wine. Most of it is probably too sweet. Still, he trusts Sylvain to get him something he likes, ever after all these years.

He listens to Sylvain talk about the food and drink and Felix can't help but smile a tiny bit. He's missed Sylvain, though he'd likely never admit it.]

Why try to duplicate Almyran pine if I wasn't here? Were you just that bored?

[No one else likes it, as far as he could remember.]

[philancer]

[ Sylvain gets a surprisingly sheepish expression on his face, a hint of red creeping up the back of his neck as he lifts a hand to rub at it absently, giving a small, self-conscious laugh. ]

Uhh. It’s Claude’s favorite, too, actually.

[ Which… makes so much more sense, now that he knows all he does. He’d suspected the Almyran connection for a while, just never guessed at the extent of it. ]

Although I did get pretty bored, now and then.

[swordofajerk]

[...why would Sylvain be embarrassed about doing something for Claude? Or, rather, why would he be blushing about it? Felix squints, but he'll let it pass for now.]

Huh. Guess someone else does have good taste. [Felix please.] I'll have to try your replication, see if it's actually any good.

[philancer]

[ No comment. ]

I’m not sure I’d go that far. Besides. Claude doesn’t need his ego stroked any bigger than it already is. [ Says the pot, about the kettle.

But he grins as one of Mags’ bartender helpers brings over a pair of tankards holding a dark, frothy ale. An import from Nocwich and one Sylvain thinks will be a little more to Felix’s tastes. It always reminded Sylvain of home, at least. ]

Here, give this a try, see if you like it. You hungry at all? I can order us some food.

[swordofajerk]

Starving.

[At least, now that Sylvain's mentioned it. Felix takes a drink from his mug, humming in approval. It's about as close to something from home as he thinks he can get, here.]

Now I have to wonder, who's ego is bigger? Yours, or his?