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

vash the stampede | trigun stampede | death

[boltaction]

> cadens - sarstina

[ vash had remained in the army barracks for less than twenty-four hours, just long enough to get a meal in him and a solid six hours of shut-eye. he left the very next morning when the rising sun was but a mere suggestion on the horizon line, dying the expansive skies of the free cities a pastel mix of baby blue and lavender.

he hadn't exactly been on good terms with the militarized police of no man's land, so being in such close proximity with cadens' finest made him... itchy. enlisting was never going to be an option.

a young cadet had at least been forthcoming with information about other places taking in the freshly summoned.

vash pushes open the double doors of the sarstina inn-slash-tavern. this early in the day there's only a smattering of tired-eyed patrons dolefully spooning breakfast into their mouths or gulping down scalding hot coffee. his exchange with magmara ("you can call me mag.") had been brief and to the point-- she was an old hand at this by now. in exchange for labor and errands, vash would be provided for. ]

Need a top-up?

[ which is why he's armed with a kettle pot filled with fresh coffee in hand and a gamely smile. ]

> cadens - scrappy salvagers

[ folks lugging around hunks of sheet metal isn't surprising, especially when he'd heard talk of the inclement weather and seen the warning! keep out! signs posted on buildings that looked like they'd seen better days. the flooding and the storms had done a number on cadens.

but what does surprise him-- no, it worries him-- is the degree of which of those are children. unattended children.

he's about to try and stop a kid who can't be a day over six dragging a twisted piece of plumbing through the sand when he hears the caterwauling of another. between shuddering, hiccuping sobs they cry for help. it takes all of a few moments for vash to chase down the sound, at the full-tilt speed he runs towards it, and finds it's coming from deep within a bear trap of wreckage. he manages to drag aside a chunk of siding, thankful that the prosthetic arm they'd provided him at the barracks was a lot more sturdy than the one he'd had when he'd been summoned to solvunn, but realizes pretty quickly that he can't do this alone. it's not for a lack of strength, but a lack of hands-- moving the debris could cause the whole wreck to shift, crushing the precious cargo inside.

he crouches and sticks his head in as far as he can. ]

I'm here! You're going to be okay! Just stay still for me, all right?

[ then he turns his attention outwards, searching for anyone nearby that might be of some help. ]

> nocwich

[ he remembers this place.

vash had politely let the person who handed him his enchanted pendant give their three minute explanation about how portal magicks worked, where he was headed, and the days of the month that he could return here to pass through again, free of charge. then he'd stepped through with the confidence of someone who knew exactly what lay beyond the shimmering fog of the portal, and that they'd arrive in one piece and not horrifically discombobulated.

the riot of color and rich smells of oleuni square hit him twicefold-- both in the now and in memory. he really was back in abraxas. why?

money was a bit easier to come by in the free cities than it had been in solvunn, which means he easily covers the cost of a pair of skewers heavy with boar meat from the same stall he'd first tried boar at. he doesn't bother to see if the vendor working the till recognizes him. it'd just hold up the line.

he finds an empty bench to park himself, to eat and to watch the crowd intently to see if there are any more familiar faces milling about. he quietly hopes he does. ]

> wildcard!

(( none of my prompts doing it for you? hit me up with something better! also hi again sob ))

wildcarding

[shaltnot]

[ There's a lot of things he couldn't have expected to see in Cadens. There were definitely parts of it that resembled No Man's Land more than not--the heat, the sand, the military presence and clear hoarding of valuable resources by those who Have from those who Have Not--but similarities aren't direct copies and that is precisely what Nicholas D. Wolfwood is not looking for on that particular evening.

It's been a couple of days and he has mostly been bumming it, trying to get a lay of the land to figure out his next move. He doesn't exactly want to be here, but it isn't like he was having a grand old time there, either. Still...there are responsibilities he has. And if shit hadn't hit the fan in the most spectacular way before he ended up in that pool--

--well. There'd be a lot less to bother himself with.

The Sarstina has been the friendliest thus far so he makes his way back to the same old tavern with the intent to refuel with beer or a shot with the coin he's earned before seeing who would be willing to loosen their purse straps a little for him. He slides into an old chair with a heavy sigh and scans the area, trying to decide if he should just go up to the bar or wave someone over when he sees a familiar head of blonde hair that makes him do a double-take. ]

...No fuckin' way.

[ There's absolutely no way--

Nicholas is up like a shot, losing the lazy languidness of his actions when he strolled in and is up in the other man's business before someone can tell him that's not how you greet people. ]

You!

wild being the operative word

[boltaction]

[ mag has put vash to work wiping down tables and handling drink refills for the night. it's easy busy work, and he's even (surprisingly) had a few coins tossed his way for his troubles.

he's been in cadens for the better park of a week by now, which means he's started remembering the sarstina's regulars by face and name. he spends most nights, on and off the clock, making friendly conversation with them while also gently plying for information. the bars on no man's land were a treasure trove of salient gossip, and here's proved no different.

vash has just dropped off a pair of beers, tucking the carrying tray under his arm, and nearly knocks skulls with the person suddenly in his space. he takes an instinctive step back, already reflexively lifting a spread hand in a show of nonaggression. he opens his mouth to stammer m-me?, only for the reply to promptly die in his throat when his brain catches up with what his eyes are seeing. who they're seeing.

vash's sheepish look morphs into a cocktail of shock, mild horror, and-- selfishly-- relief. ]

... Wolfwood?

[shaltnot]

[ The hair's a little off--well, maybe not as off as it might seem given the very particular sequence of events that happened just before the fall of July--but that painfully meek reaction at nearly being accosted is all too familiar. Too easy to let himself be the target if it'd spare someone else a few seconds of discomfort.

This idiot.

But Vash is standing here. He's alive and--well. As well as he can be. Nicholas grits his teeth, torn between the misplaced anger he felt at seeing Vash just standing there like nothing had happened and the even more misplaced relief that he's around in the first place. This man who's caused him nothing but trouble from the start.

It's a standoff. It's tense because Nicholas made it tense. And there are more than a few eyes on them. ]

--C'mere.

[ So Nicholas does the only reasonable thing and grabs Vash by the collar and starts to yank him towards the door. ]

[boltaction]

[ vash yelps when wolfwood fists a hand in his shirt, quickly handing off his serving tray to another waiter as he stumbles past. even more patrons and wait staff are staring at them now. ]

Uh, don't worry! I know him! We're-- friends?

[ are they? ]

I-I'll be right back!

salvagers!

[godshattering]

[ The cleanup efforts have been helpful to focus on - not just for being able to help but as a distraction after recent events. With everything they'd just been through it's far easier to take some time to focus on repairing the damage around the cities. Like right now, where Claude's paused in nailing up some boards over broken windows to gratefully accept some water offered by the merchant who'd requested assistance.

It's while pausing to drag a forearm over his forehead Claude turns and sees one of the kids he's come to know running up to him. There's just barely enough time for him to understand it's not to plead to join a game going on somewhere but that it's distress on the child's face. ]

Hey, what's--

[ No time for him to ask what's wrong before there's a rushed terrified stream of words about a playmate being trapped beneath something, and that's all he needs to hear before following as they run through the streets. By the time they make it to the collapsed structure, Claude's relieved to see there's someone else here. He's less relieved to realize he recognizes the building from past repairs, however. ]

Careful! This thing's far from sturdy. [ Something likely clear from the wreckage around, and after a quick appraisal Claude spots a beam they might be able to move away to get to whoever's inside without knocking the right down. He grabs onto it to test if they'll need someone else's assistance yet, like possibly the guards he'd sprinted by on the way here, but he makes eye contact with his fellow Summoned first to nod as a substitute for an introduction. ] On the count of three?

[boltaction]

[ vash locks eyes with claude when he comes running, eyes briefly flickering to the wet-faced child in tow. ]

Right. I just need enough space to get my arms in-- if they're not pinned, I can get them out.

[ he spares a moment for the kid that had brought claude here in the first place, crouching to their level. his smile is soft. ]

Your friend is going to be just fine. Thank you for getting help.

[ he looks up right when claude looks his way again, claude's hands already braced on a fallen support beam. vash stands and joins him, making sure his grip is secure before nodding. ]

On three. One... two... three!

[ vash locks his knees and heaves, the rubble groaning as he and claude shift the pillar carefully out of the way. claude's appraisal was spot-on; the half-fallen structure has held. once the shaft is clear, vash drops it onto the packed dirt, and goes prone on his belly to get his head and upper torso into the clearing made in the snarled wreck. he's clearly not a man concerned for his own safety. he hadn't even hesitated.

he can see the child from here-- a little girl caked in mud and sand. ]

Are you stuck? Take my hands.

[godshattering]

[ It's premature given that there's still more to go, but Claude can't help but let out a small sigh of relief when the pillar moves without anything (else) collapsing. As soon as he's straightening back up from their joint lift of the beam, Claude's leaning forward again to grab onto another small board sliding down the pile towards where Vash is already partially inside in search of whoever's in there.

A small child's voice choked with tears answers she's stuck with no other details, though as he peers down through the cracks in the rubble Claude thinks he can see her outline well enough as Vash reaches for her. ]

I think she's scared stuck, maybe not stuck stuck, [ is what's called out to Vash while he's already scanning for what to move next. Aside from the smaller pieces likely to go sliding, the far more dangerous parts seem to be balanced against each other enough to last a few more minutes. Probably better not to risk those for now.

As the girl begins to cry again from the sniffles she'd settled down to before - and in what Claude hopes is relief rather than more fear - another idea occurs to him. Sometimes a little bribery never hurts and especially not the kind he intends to follow through on. ]

Say, I think I went past someone selling popsicles earlier. I bet we could get a few for everyone for being so brave once we get out of here.

[boltaction]

[ vash's face illuminates with a smile, visible to the little girl even in the dark of the collapse, cottoning on to claude's tactic in a tick. ]

Hear that? It's been awful hot lately. I'd love a popsicle right about now. What's your favorite flavor?

[ through her hiccups, she manages to tell him that it's cherry. ]

What a coincidence! That's mine, too. C'mon, let's go get some, yeah? One for you, your friend, the other guy, and me.

[ he wiggles his fingers in her direction, and after a moment, she finally takes his hands. he shifts them to his wrists so he can get his hands firmly around her skinny forearms. ]

Thatta' girl.

[ he army-crawls backwards using just his knees, and soon he and the child are free from the precarious rubble-- only for him to get slammed from two directions as both children cling to him and each other, their bawling reaching new heights.

vash sighs as the tension of the situation breaks. he manages to look at claude over the two little heads crowding him. ]

Thank you. For your help, and your quick thinking.

sarstina.

[gynvael]

[ Geralt is not a frequent patron of the Sarstina; the faces there are friendly, familiar. Not that he minds when that's what he's after—he does, on occasion, enjoy the company of friends—but that isn't always the case, and more often than not, he prefers to be alone.

In a rare occurrence, he has his sword sheathed on his back, blood under his nails. Despite the early morning hour, he's already been up and hunting, taking advantage of the cooler nights to do his work before the sun heats up the desert. He's hungry after riding back, hasn't had time to make a meal, and with coin to spare (there's often coin to spare these days), he decides he may as well make a quick stop at the nearest tavern.

Which happens to be Mag's.

When the man looks up from behind the counter, Geralt stops short. His brows draw together. (He'd remember that smile anywhere.) ] Vash?

GRABBY HANDS

[boltaction]

[ it takes vash a moment; memories of bath houses and snow-covered peaks prickle hot and cold in his memory. he remembers now that the witcher had told him he'd lived in the free cities. but vash hadn't thought to go looking for anyone he might've known-- after all, there'd been no guarantees the remembrance went both ways.

it seems he wouldn't have to worry about that with geralt. ]

Geralt?

[ he carefully sets down the pot of coffee on the countertop. what does someone even say in a situation like this? abraxas had disappeared from his mind when he'd returned home, only for it (and everything that'd happened) to reappear with all the grace of lead buckshot the moment he'd been re-summoned.

because it's geralt, vash skips over the pleasantries and goes right for the question that'd been burning like a hot coal in his stomach: ]

How... long have I been gone?

😭❤️

[gynvael]

[ A split second of uncertainty blooms between them. Geralt, too, has encountered those returned who do not recognize him. Then Vash says his name, and he takes a step forward. He slides the sheath off his shoulder, resting it by his feet against the counter.

Seeing an old face is often complicated. They didn't ask to be here, but he can't deny he's glad to have Vash's company returned.

How long. A fraught question when he bears eight hundred years in his head of things that did and did not happen. ]

You vanished last summer.

[ So edging towards a year. He had not thought he'd see Vash again. Certainly not here in the Free Cities. It isn't the first one of them has been summoned to another territory—but it is rare. Rarer than even one's return. Much has changed since. And though Geralt is still here, not everyone is. ]

😢💞

[boltaction]

[ last summer. which means it's summer now. ]

About a year then, huh?

[ he drops his gaze to the countertop, staring aimlessly at the whorls in the wood.

there's something... different about vash. his smile is as bright as ever, but his latent melancholy is-- heavier. the set of his shoulders is more tense. life had continued on in abraxas after vash had gone, and it seems his life back home had turned its wheels, too.

the corners of his mouth lift again with his eyes. ]

How have you been?

nocwich —;

[respiting]

[ If there's one speck of light in the muck that has been the last week of Rocket's life, it's that Nocwich is open again.

He hasn't had a whole lot to go out for, or reasons to celebrate, and while he's spent most of the time drunk on any kind of anything he could get his paws on, he's here now, wandering the little village, mostly sober.

At least he thinks he is, because lo and behold, he finds himself walking right into the path of an old familiar face. And because he's still a little shithead, and possibly an even more spiteful one at the moment, he points directly in Vash's direction. ]

Hey! You! You owe me money!

[ You know, for the arm he'd never actually had the opportunity to make, but still thinks about from time to time just because it'd been such a cool opportunity.

Sup, buddy. It's been a hot minute. ]

ROCKEEET

[boltaction]

[ vash's mouth is full of kabob meat when a familiar, raspy voice barks at him from several paces away. ]

Mih?

[ he points at himself with his free hand. he chews less than he ought to before attempting to swallow, visibly struggling for a moment, but the cooked meat eventually clears his esophagus after a few false starts.

even if rocket is accusing him of owing him a debt (which he's pretty certain he doesn't, he wouldn't forget something like that), vash brightens with a grin. ]

Rocket! I've heard it's, uh, been a while? Apparently. Hello!

[ then he offers the skewer he hasn't touched yet in rocket's direction. ]

Hungry?

so glad to see u again friendo!!! also sorry for the tag and run, its been A Week

[respiting]

[ Nah, he doesn't actually owe him money, but it sure is hilarious watching the surprise on his face before it works its way into a grin. Rocket's grin answers in kind, letting him know that that's not actually true.

But, you know, it could be. ]

Depends on what you mean by 'a while'. [ There's the time between Rocket last seeing Vash and then never seeing him again. And there's the eight hundred years of time that's just passed and then been taken away, even though the memories are still there.

Rocket's sense of time is a little skewed, and he'd just been getting used to time in Abraxas in general. Frustrating. ]

A lotta shit's happened since you up and left this joint.

[ But yeah, sure, he could eat. Taking Vash's offered meat skewer with a nod of thanks, Rocket wastes no time to chomp on the first bit. ]

So why'd you come back?

helping hands

[fulminous]

[ He doesn't have to look for long; there's a tall silver haired man kneeling down next to him quick as lightning, gripping the piece of drywall threatening to drop any second and hoisting it up. It's just enough leverage for Vash to get underneath further, if he's fast about it. ]

Go.

[ It's heavier than Jing Yuan'd like, but he'll hold it as long as he needs. ]

hi handsome ooh la la

[boltaction]

Thank you!

[ he says just before diving into the jagged tangle of snapped support beams and crumbled walls. ]

Are you stuck? No? Give me your arms. Quickly now.

[ he says to the mud-encrusted little girl he can finally make out beneath the ruin. she reaches out her hands to grasp at his forearms, and he gets his own hands firmly around each elbow. with an athletic twist of his core and his knees, he pulls himself backwards out of where he'd belly-crawled to her, taking her with him.

in less than thirty seconds, vash finally sits back on his heels, clutching the rescued child to his chest. she clings to him, her wails shifting from abject terror to relief. he pats at her tangled hair with his flesh hand. ]

You're safe now. You're safe.

[ he glances up at jing yuan with naked gratefulness. ]

Thank you. I couldn't have done that alone.

;3

[fulminous]

[ His arms are straining just a little as Vash makes his way out with the child, and as soon as the both of them are out he sets the debris down (harder than he'd like), reaching up to wipe the sweat off his brow. His own expression is grateful, crouching down to check on the two of them. No major injuries he can see, just some bruising here and there. It'll hurt, but it'll heal, and she is alive, and that is the important thing.

He glances back to Vash, raising a hand, shaking his head. ]

No need for thanks. I don't think I would have been able to do it alone, either.

sarstina

[theidlemaiden]

[ There's been a lot that's happened to them over the last several weeks. Arguably too much for Hilda to simply sweep under the rug and pretend that none of it had ever happened or write it off as some weird fever dream that she hopes to never have again (which is saying something considering most of what had occurred hadn't been awful.)

But just because it had been nice didn't mean that she liked the cost of it. It's a lot to process which is why she's seeking refuge in the Sarstina after a hard day's work of doing...not much of anything really. So when someone comes by, she puts on her best nonchalant but sweet voice without looking up from her sketchpad. ]

That'd be so great thank you -

[ Wait a minute. Hilda's head snaps up. There's a moment where her eyes go wide like saucers wondering if this is somehow still part of a dream. So much so that she reaches out, and gives his cheek a slow motion poke in the cheek. When his flesh bounces back she seems to snap back to reality. ]

...Vash?! You're back? You're back!

HILDA MY BELOVED

[boltaction]

Hilda?

[ his own soft exclamation eclipses hers, and then he laughs. his free hand-- a pretty basic looking metal prosthetic-- lifts to cup the back of his head sheepishly. ]

I am. As of yesterday, actually... I've been told I was gone for almost a year? But for me I was only gone for maybe an hour. Weird, huh?

[ he tilts the kettle in his hand to fill her mug. ]

How have you been?

VASH BBY BOY

[theidlemaiden]

[ She's since shed much of her care for pretense. The moment her cup is filled she's taking it out of his hands to get it out of the way before launching herself at him to pull him into a fierce hug. She had missed him but had long since come to terms with the fact that she may never see him again. It was simply the way things were here. ]

I'll forgive you for not recognizing my hair or that it was me in the first place. I'll chalk it up to a really creepy ghost chasing through Garreg Mach scaring my visage out of your memory.

[ Hilda could very well be scolding him were it not for the fact that her words are blanketed in warmth. When she pulls him back she ushers him to sit. A sighed laugh is her first response. ]

Hmm...It's been an interesting couple of months. And by interesting, I mean a really mixed bag. [ A mixed bag that she may not be ready to talk about when they've just been reunited. ] I can't believe that the Free Cities summoned you this time.

AHHH

[carmesi]

( coming back from a lifespan of eight-hundred years and back to the now is quite jarring, but at least the present keeps itself to the mundane and a normalcy that wanda has been ever since trying to grasp tightly onto her hands. with nero's death, her whole world seems to be spiraling—slowly but surely—out of control, grief knit into every fiber of her being.

so, when there is something (or someone) who is an anchor to parts of her humanity that don't drag her down into the depths, wanda hangs on to it.

a shock of blond hair and sad, blue eyes; gangly limbs and a slump of shoulders she would easily recognize anywhere. a hand that helped her out in the gardens, once, and a gentle voice. she knows this man. )

I think you owe Rocket money.

( wanda sits beside him on the bench, without much fanfare, and then turns her eyes to gaze at vash intensely. looking, perhaps, for a sense of recognition towards her, for any changes in him since he last was here—

her words aren't a question, but a statement. )

Solvunn didn't summon you this time.

WAAAAH

[boltaction]

[ his eyes widen slightly at the sight of her, but he doesn't say anything until she does, waiting to confirm that she recognizes him first. sure, geralt and hilda had, but he's not convinced everyone will. not when wolfwood doesn't remember being here once before. maybe those from solvunn's memories will be just as fickle.

a gentling of his expression says he's delighted when she does. ]

Wanda.

[ when she looks, she does find changes. they're subtle, but they would noteworthy to someone as intuitive as her. though his lurking, ever-present sorrow had always been tucked away in the corners of his smiles, or in the hang of his head and shoulders when he thought no one was looking-- it's tenfold now.

something had happened. nothing good. ]

No. They didn't. Cadens did. [ sigh. ] I'm really going to miss the tree house.

[ he wants to hug her, or touch her hand, but he knows how poorly that went the first time they met. he doesn't want to risk a repeat performance. ]

[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.