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

Questions

[abraxasmods]

Felix Hugo Fraldarius | Fire Emblem Three Houses (Silver Snow Route) | Free Cities | Emperor

[swordofajerk]

Arrival - Carriage to Cadens

[Felix sincerely hopes that whoever he's riding with did not want to make small talk because he is extremely pissed off and could very likely kill someone with a look alone. Or maybe this doesn't scare you, and you think he just reminds you of a prickly cat. Either way, he's curled up on himself as best he can be in one corner of the carriage, glaring out at the scenery as they pass by.

The carriage jostles, and Felix ends up sliding into whoever is next to him.]

Sorry.

[He can in fact speak! Shocking, truly.]

Exploring - Cadens

[After marveling at the city for a moment, because frankly this is nothing like Fodlan (and he includes the weird underground city in that assessment), Felix starts just wandering. He feels naked without his sword or his bow, but he wasn't about to ask the strange people who pulled him out that pool for a weapon. He wouldn't trust it. He can still punch people, worst case scenario.

And worst case scenario might come to pass, as a few of the City Guard flag him down and ask if he's any good at breaking up fights. The scavengers are at it, and apparently Felix looks like a guy who can break them up.

They're right, but do they have to read him that hard?

Either way, Felix heads over to where the fight is, demanding to know what's going on. When one of them tries to get lippy, Felix just grabs him by the shirt collar and drags him in.]

Try again.

[Maybe help the guy? Which guy? ....either guy, honestly, Felix might get in over his head.

Or maybe it's later in the day, when it's really hot, and you happen to be passing by a bit of shade. And you see a very normally-pale man slumped against the wall dabbing at his face and looking a little red. Perhaps dangerously so.

He's from the frigid north. This heat? Hell. Literal hell. Someone keep him from getting sick.]

Evening - Cadens

[Felix watches the carriages, clearly trying to make up his mind. He could go back, but he could also...not. Half to himself:]

I just finished a fucking war. Do I really want to go back to that...

[He's so tired.]

Wildcard

[Feel free DM me if you want some other sort of prompt!]

Exploring!

[philancer]

[ Normally, Sylvain tries to get out to the barracks around the time they start Summoning new people, but with the recent storms and the whole mess with the Singularity... He's been sticking a little close to home instead. Maybe because his head is still reeling. From everything. There'd been so much to pick apart, waking up once more as... well. Himself. His old self? Yeah, he was still trying to wrap his head around that, too.

800 years of fucked-up godhood was apparently more than enough to make your head spin for a few weeks.

Besides, there was a lot of repair work to be done in the city and he'd more than had his hands full with the efforts. This wasn't so different than some of the work he'd done in Libertas after the attack, so he'd turned his mind off for a few hours and volunteered his muscles instead.

At least until the sounds of a scuffle around the next alley had drawn his attention and he groans in annoyance as he heads that direction. Mostly because he'd seen two familiar orphan scamps head that direction a short while ago and he was really hoping they weren't the ones in trouble.

What he finds, though, just has him blinking in surprise. Unsure if he should be trusting his eyes right now. Delusions had been pretty strong these past few weeks, after all.

It still doesn't stop his mouth volunteering a snappy retort before his brain even has a chance to catch up. ]

Oh, you really don't want to try again, friend. Trust me on that.

[swordofajerk]

[Felix is too tired and focused on the guy in front of him to register who's speaking. He just rolls his eyes.]

Who, me or this idiot?

tifa lockhart | final fantasy vii | solvunn | the empress

[suplexer]

solvunn; after the storm

[ Tifa feels as if she's in a daze.

One moment she'd been in bed in a kitschy hotel, having done her best to prepare herself for the challenges ahead. Then she was in some sort of dark pool, the sensation of being trapped under the surface just a little too close to recent events. When pulled from the water, she would have expected to see the face of a friend, whether it was Barret looking concerned, Aerith doing her best to laugh things off in relief, or Cloud intensely staring her down as he asked her if she was really okay.

Instead, she'd found herself in a place she's never heard of, with people speaking both to her and about her as if she's some gift from the Gods. Oh, and she'd been completely naked on top of it.

She's now dressed, dry, and has had the situation explained to her, but that doesn't mean she's any less dazed. She's opted to take a walk around the settlement mainly just to clear her head and get some fresh air, but she still wants to hope this is some kind of incredibly vivid dream.

Where are her friends? What about everything they still need to do? Is this some part of Gaia she's never heard of, and even if that is the case, how did she get here? She's learned by now that the Planet is capable of some truly incredible things, but Solvunn doesn't exist on any map she's studied. (And by now, given their journey, she's studied quite a few.)

Still, it also feels so real. People stare at her when she walks past, nervously excited, almost starstruck, and it's kind of uncomfortable. She's been stared at before, but not like this.

She can also see that this village has suffered some hard times, with how almost all of the buildings have been dealt some sort of damage. All those little details make it feel like this is way more than a dream, but that doesn't mean she can make any sense of it.

Yet as soon as she realizes that the thatched roof of a nearby house is collapsing, the packed and layered straw sliding off of the slanted support beams right toward where a child is playing on the dirt road, Tifa reacts without thinking; she dashes forward to grab the boy in a tackle and whisk him out of the way before the debris crashes down on his head. She lands hard on her side and tucks in to make sure that the boy isn't hurt at all, skidding a few feet away from where the roof collapses into a messy pile. ]

Phew. [ She takes a few moments to catch her breath, and releases the child, who stares at her with wide eyes. ] Are you all right?

[ The boy nods mutely, then runs off, probably to go find one of his parents. Tifa takes another deep breath and sits up, then realizes someone else nearby had seen the whole thing. ] Sorry, umm — I hope that wasn't your house...

solvunn; giant crop picnic

[ A couple of days have passed now, at least long enough for Tifa to realize that no one here knows a thing about her home and that there's a good chance she's stuck here for a while. She hasn't quite accepted that this might be her life for now, not when there's so much undone back home, but she's been assured that time won't pass while she's here.

As much as she'd like to take that as a ressurance, she really can't. Not when there are so many people back home who are counting on her.

Still, what can she do except try to adjust to this new situation for now? When it's made clear that there's going to be a village feast, she's quickly roped in, and at least this is something she knows how to do. Seventh Heaven's popularity was partly to do with the alcohol, sure, but a big draw was also her cooking.

On the other hand, she's never seen crops quite like this. When a giant pumpkin is set down on one of the outdoor work tables, her eyes go wide, but then her face hardens with determination. She pushes her sleeves up to her elbows, and nods to the other person across from her. ]

Pulling the guts out of this is probably a two-person job. You in?

[ Or, later, when the food is all made and everyone's been served up a plate, she finally takes a serving for herself and finds a spot to sit and eat. She's been working most of the afternoon and that's reason enough to be tired, but the look on her face as she stares off is even more distant than that. When she realizes at a delay that someone's come to sit with her, she blinks a few times and glances to them. ] How's everything tasting? [ That customer service line finds its way out of her mouth before she can even think better of it. ]

nocwich; oleuni square

[ As soon as Tifa heard that there was another part of Abraxas that she would be allowed to explore, she'd naturally been interested. She's learned by now that there's a chance that her friends might have been summoned here too, by one of two other territories. The only way she would be able to find out for sure is by taking a portal to a place of eternal night called Nocwich.

Stepping through the portal is a disorienting process, but it's not like she hasn't been through some pretty surreal things in the past, so she isn't thrown off for too long. Still, she wasn't lied to — even if it's the middle of the day right now, it may as well be the dead of night.

She's heard about vampires and werewolves too, and while at one point she might have insisted those were just fairytales, she's seen a lot in the past month or so. Maybe not those exact things, but... close enough.

Either way, she's methodical in how she explores all of Oleuni Square. It's clear that she isn't here to see the sights so much as she's on the lookout for familiar faces. She doesn't linger in any one place for long; it's not like she has any money to her name, anyway, because apparently that's not a thing in Solvunn.

So whether she's scanning the chairs set up near the main stage, walking through the marketplace, or poking her head into the gambling den or spa area, she's quite noticeably looking for someone. Someones, really.

Eventually she ends up near the entrance to the hunting woods, tapping her foot in contemplation as she crosses her arms over her chest. She mumbles to herself. ] Would any of them have gone in? I guess Cloud might have...

( OOC: I did my best to avoid any specific Rebirth spoilers in this top level, but they will show up in replies unless you request that I avoid them — which I'm happy to do, just let me know! Her canonpoint is middle of chapter 12. )

[philancer]

Yes.

[ That was probably not the best answer, but Sylvain's head is still spinning, too. Especially since Felix hasn't even turned around and looked at him yet. He's braced, though, for when he does. He's not changed much in two years, but he's changed some. And that still begs the question on whether or not their memories even match to begin with.

So far, he's been zero for six. He's not holding his breath. ]

Let him go, Felix. I think he'll behave himself now. He's drawing too much attention to do anything else, after all.

[ Which was true enough, and he watches the man's shifty eyes dart around to the assembling audience as he curses under his breath and shoves at the hands still grasping his shirt with a sullen glare. ]

[swordofajerk]

Who--

[Felix lets the guy go, mostly because of the shock of hearing his name, and turns around to see just who spoke.

Oh. Oh, goddess.]

Sylvain? Did--how--what--

[Has Sylvain ever seen him lost for words?]

[philancer]

[ Sylvain's usually more impressed when Felix remembers he knows how to use words.

His expression a hint sheepish, Sylvain just lifts a hand and wiggles his fingers in his old friend's direction. To be fair here, he has the advantage of already having had to do this with Felix once before. Not that he'd stayed long. None of them had, save for Claude and Hilda and himself.

But it still makes his chest squeeze tight at the sight of him standing there all the same. ]

Hi?

[swordofajerk]

[That stupid wave--]

Am I dead? Is that it? Is this...some twisted, fucked up afterlife? I survive the war only to die weeks later?

nicholas d. wolfwood | trigun stampede | free cities | lovers

[shaltnot]

01. free cities - sarstina

[ The Sarstina. He'd heard about it when trying to figure out where to go from the outpost, not planning on bumming around in the desert unless he had to. (Sand, he hates sand. Gets in everything, which won't be too different in the city proper but he can lie to himself.) The name "The Sarstina" was mentioned over and over again, welcoming to Summoned "like him", even if that term didn't really bring the sense of comradery that it should. But it gives him a heading and that's enough for now.

The place is already way more cozy than the sparse rooms at the Barracks, but truth be told Nicholas D. Wolfwood is on a mission much more important than a slightly more cushy mattress.

Nicholas looks around the tavern, not bothering to seek out the proprietress just yet. Instead, he finds the first person who looks willing and taps the table near them to gain their attention. He offers a lopsided grin as a greeting and asks, ]

Haven't got a smoke on you, do ya?

[ Please help him, he's jonesing. ]


02-a. free cities - scrappy salvagers

[ Garbage duty. What a way to be welcomed.

While he normally wouldn't say he's he type underpaying grunt work, it was seeing a group of kids arguing over a particularly desirable heap that pulled Nicholas away from his self-imposed ban on getting involved in other people's messes. (He's been doing a hell of a lot of that recently and look where that's got him?) But he's a sucker for kids, especially those who look like they're down on their luck. If you're that young and digging through trash, you're definitely not on the up-and-up.

So with a gruff sigh, Nicholas trots over to two children tugging on a bent pipe, dragging one another back and forth across the sand. ]

Whoa there.

[ He waves in a casual, placating gesture. The children pause somewhat suspiciously as they eye Nicholas and the other adults in the area. He casts a short glance to the other Summoned nearby before turning a loose grin back to the kids. ]

Looks like you found something neat. Mind if I take a look?


02-b. free cities - scrappy salvagers

[ After the run-in with the kids, Nicholas found himself lending a hand despite his best intentions not to be of any use to these wackos who pulled him across the--

--whatever the hell you'd call this. He may be used to taking orders and going where he's told, but it doesn't mean he likes it and he's got no real clue what power these guys hold over him. Other than the whole new world thing. (Minor...details.)

He tells himself that this is keeping him busy for the time being and that's good enough. He also says that some cash is better than none even if he's not convinced it's going to take him very far, but whatever. Beggars can't be choosers but he's not ready to become a beggar.

Speaking of begging, the muffled sound of someone trapped beneath a collapsed roof of some sort stops him in his tracks. Still alive? Whether they can be called lucky will depend on the condition they're in. Nicholas moves over and scans the road, shouting out to the first person he sees. ]

Hey! Gimme a hand here, will ya?


03-a. nocwich - all the pretty flowers

[ Honestly, Nocwich is amazing simply because it's the first real place he's seen that isn't made of sand. Like, actual, growing like it should out in the world and not hidden away with the best of intentions from some early settlers on an old ass ship. The architectures a thing too, but Nicholas is honestly just.

Kind of. Taken with the fact grass is just growing there like it belongs.

Nicholas crouches in front of a small bed of flowers in front of a shop and squints. He takes one of the petals and rubs it between his thumb and forefinger. ]

It feels so...

[ Delicate? Soft? Velvety? ]

Weak.

[ Nailed it. Just like poetry. ]


03-b. nocwich - gambling den

[ When you've made a bit of cash, what's the best thing you can do? Double or nothing! Nicholas fancies himself something of a card shark when he wants to be and sees no reason not to try his luck in Oeluni Square. Sure, the people who run the place clearly ain't human, but money is money and Nicholas has decided that, yes, even if he's here only for a stint he'd like to have some coin while he is, thanks.

As soon as he sees an open seat, Nicholas unceremoniously plops down in the chair next to another Summoned. He flicks the ashes off of his cigarette onto the floor between them before sticking it back between his lips. ]

So, what're we playing tonight? I got some coin that's burnin' a hole in my pocket and looking to make it worse.


00. wildcard

[ ooc; open to other things! i fill in Stampede gaps with Trigun Maximum. feel free to hmu via pm or if you're in the game discord at freyasaurus ]

[philancer]

[ Sylvain just blinks at him because... that was not the reaction he'd been expecting.

His expression quickly shifts from sheepish to concerned and he takes half a step closer, one hand starting to stretch out. ]

What? No! Of course you're not dead! Why would you even think that?!

[ But that mention of war in the past tense is noted. The other Felix had survived the war, too. Had seen Dimitri crowned, he'd said. He'd almost suspect this was the same one, except he'd clearly forgotten Sylvain all over again, if so. And he certainly hadn't reacted to seeing him like that. ]

[swordofajerk]

[Sorry, Sylvain, Felix is certain he's talking to a ghost. But he doesn't shy away when Sylvain reaches out. If anything, he steps a little closer.]

Because the last time I heard anything about you or, or anyone else was when they reported on the carnage at Gronder Field.

["Reported on the carnage". Not "saw your body myself" or anything to even imply he was there.]

And that was several moons ago.

[philancer]

[ Sylvain winces because... welp. That answered that. ]

I'd say reports of my untimely demise were potentially exaggerated but... they probably weren't.

[ You're not the first to tell him he never walked off that field. He sort of accepts it as a matter of fact these days, in fact. Especially because this place had pulled him out of that timeline just before the battle started. He still has no evidence to the contrary, other than the previous Felix's sole testament that they'd both been at Dimitri's coronation. ]

I don't know how to explain this without sounding crazy. But I'll try. Although you might want to be sitting down for it. Maybe with a drink. Or ten.

[swordofajerk]

I doubt it's any crazier than "you're alive".

[Felix sort of gestures around. Where is he going to sit? Or get drinks?]

Lead on, then.

[philancer]

Come on. Has anyone told you about the Sarstina yet? It's the inn the Summoned tend to congregate to, downtown. The owner has always been friendly with our kind and offered all of us room and board in exchange for work when we first got here. Still does, for people who need it.

[ It's only a few blocks from here, luckily, and it's clear that Sylvain is very familiar with the lay of the land as he slings an arm over Felix's shoulder and tugs him down the alley. Especially since the confrontation seemed settled back there. For now, at least. ]

[swordofajerk]

[Felix freezes for just a moment when Sylvain throws his arm over his shoulder, suddenly realizing that oh. Oh this is really Sylvain and he's here and so's Felix and goddess he needs that drink.

He doesn't hesitate to follow wherever Sylvain is leading.]

No one's told me anything, or if they did I wasn't listening. [Typical.] All I understood was that I was pulled out of the water at some sort of military outpost.

elisabeth alarie ★ original ★ solvunn ★ strength

[retribue]

★ HELPING OUT

( it's easy to see the damage that was suffered after the storms, the flooding still in certain areas of the settlement, those torn from their homes from safety, and the destruction to some of the buildings. but it's also easy to see how quickly they've come together, the sense of belonging that everyone seems to share. and how no one is turned away, even when beds may be full.

it had pulled her in, offering to carry things to people who were temporarily settling in another's home, searching in houses for people lost or items that they needed. it's an easy distraction from what she feels, from her lack of understanding as to what had happened. but really, elisabeth is happy to help )

Where are we taking these?

(there are baskets of fresh fruits and vegetables to be delivered, cooked meals that have already been moving out to the various houses. she's making sure they're going to the right house and not dropping it at a door that doesn't need it )

★ SHRINE OFFERINGS

( it had been easy to gather everything for the offering, a small animal that she'd hunted, gathering flowers around it. cadaevos had been the god that elisabeth had chosen to present the offering to, seeing already the sense of community in this place )

Have you made offerings already?

( it was a strange concept to her, elisabeth never having pledged something to a god before or asked for a blessing, letting her own sense and nature around her guide her typically )

[philancer]

The barracks, yeah. We were all Summoned there. At least those of us pulled in by the Free Cities. They filled you in on the other two Factions? Or has the spiel changed since I came through? [ He's actually not sure how things might have changed, considering the events of the last several months. Hell, the last year. ] Solvunn and Thorne are the other two Factions. There's a lot of tension between all three - mostly over differing views about magic and how it should be used, but they all have a history of conflict as well.

Luckily, the Free Cities seem the most fond of our world - even if we all end up with slightly different memories of it. Claude and Hilda are here, as well. We've been here around two years now, or thereabouts. A few others have been here, too, but much shorter stays. Petra. Marianne. Linhardt was summoned by Thorne for a while.

[ And Felix, but he leaves that part out for now. This is probably confusing enough already. ]

[swordofajerk]

[Sylvain, you couldn't have waited until Felix was sitting down? Because he's looking at you like you're crazy.

Multiple factions? Sure, that's just the war again. Being summoned by these people? Okay yeah that makes sense with what he was told even if he doesn't understand what that means right now. But phrasing it as "our world" and "different memories" and--]

Two years?

[The war ended not that long ago! He'll worry about the rest of it in a second.]

Caleb Widogast | Critical Role | The Magician

[transmutational]

thorne; classes

( Once upon a time, Caleb thought he might be a teacher. Studying at the Soltryce Academy, with its massive libraries full of young minds all sparking together at once, he really believed that one day, he might take up a path that let him share all the knowledge he was fast absorbing like a sponge.

Now, he stands in a class full of new learners as they are all taught the most basics of magic, and it should feel good. To learn something new. To be surrounded by that again. All he can manage to feel is suspicion, and wariness, and a deep, profound mistrust for the people who brought him here.

His keen mind allows him to memorize the words the first time. His ample experience with higher learning of the principles of magic make it easy. His hands already know the motions. But he doesn't cast the spell, not immediately. For a long time, he just watches — the students, the instructor, the people who pass by down the hall. It's only once the class is over and the majority of people file out, when things feel quieter and more private, does he finally murmur the words and flex his fingers, and a strong, perfectly-executed gust rolls through the room.

Satisfied, he packs away his gifted notebook and begins to shuffle from the room. )

thorne; library

( The assistant mages who clothed him were gracious enough to offer him a tour of the castle, and one of the stops had been excruciatingly brief for his tastes. Now that he's been set loose to roam as he pleases, of course one of the first places he returns to is the library.

He steps in for the first time, and nearly drops his satchel.

A very long moment is spent just breathing in the sight of it, and then, under his breath in a rather husky murmur: )

Ohhhhh boy, I think I am going to be very busy...

thorne; they were roommates

( There's a gentle knock upon the door, followed by the tentative entry of a red-haired man grasping a bundle of clothes and — already — a thick stack of books borrowed from the library. He peers around the door carefully, volunteering an audible, polite greeting. )

Knock knock, yes, hallo. I'm sorry to interrupt, I was told that perhaps there might be a- a vacancy here, for lodging. I hope I'm not interrupting anything.

( His accent is ever so lightly German Zemnian, but his pronunciation is clear and eloquent even despite that. )

nocwich; oleuni square

( Caleb decides early on that he likes Nocwich. It reminds him terribly of Rosohna, makes him ache with nostalgia for Xhorhaus. Brings him pain, too, in a small way, over the terribly fresh and recent memory of a hard conversation with a man who- who he'd considered a friend. Who he'd felt invested in. Who mattered.

But he's not focusing on that now. Instead, he spends his three days exploring. He has no money, but he window-shops all the same, making a mental catalog for things he might one day buy on a future trip, should he be sticking around for that long.

He can also be found entertaining a small pack of children on the quieter side of the square, casting dancing lights and making them weave through the air, taking shape, sometimes humanoid and literally dancing with each other or performing neat tricks in the air to the delight of the young werewolves before him. )

wildcard; anywhere

( Hit Caleb anywhere in Thorne, Nocwich, or even slap me a Horizon thing if you're feeling ambitious. You can reach me paingravy for anything! )

[philancer]

[ Sylvain just smirks at him. ]

And I haven't even gotten to the parts I thought you'd need a drink for yet.

[ But his expression softens as he turns them down another side street, taking shortcuts where he can. Luckily this is a pretty safe part of town, despite the unrest after the storms. ]

Yeah, I've been here just shy of two years. I'll be 27 in a couple of weeks - this world's calendar doesn't quite match up perfectly, but it's close. before I arrived here... it was the morning of Gronder. I never stepped foot on that battlefield because I was Summoned here instead. But I know other people have been there... and remember things happening differently.

[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.

they were roommates (im crossing the streams)

[ushiri]

[ Technically, this room has four beds - only two of them occupied, with the third roommate choosing too dwell in the closet space. However - ]

There is - [ Kahlil speaks from the doorway with one hand on it, open because he was about to leave. He frowns, brow furrowing. He's dressed in slightly nicer traveling clothes than what's provided by the castle, openly carrying at least one dagger on his belt. ] - but -

[ Whatever else he's about to say is interrupted by the sudden appearance of a mutated raccoon creature, leaping over his shoulder and at the stranger. ]

time for felix's new favorite weather

[godshattering]

[ At first Claude is merely passing by as he casts a glance across the street when movement and the calling out of a vendor from a stall there catches his attention. He means to see what it is that's being sold, ever curious about what's being offered in the markets, but what he catches sight of instead has him freezing in place as the rest of the world gets tuned out for a minute.

It's not that he hasn't heard over his time here that someone could be summoned, leave, and then return again from other Summoned. It's just that when it involves everyone brought in from Fodlan... well. It can come with so many complications.

Still: Claude's not going to back away from another familiar face and his destination's now forgotten to be replaced with going to greet Felix instead. As he steps back into the walkway where Felix is visibly melting now that he's close enough to take in the sight fully - and confirmed it really is Felix at that - Claude nods to the woman at the stall who's selling drinks, rather fortuitously. ]

We'll take two of whichever ones you've sold the most of today.

[ That's to the merchant who goes to retrieve the drinks in question, which means there's nothing to do but for Claude to turn a very interested gaze complete with an eyebrow arched in amusement upon one rather miserable looking Faerghan that isn't the one he's been residing with for some time. Felix isn't about to be spared the same level of teasing, though. ]

That's an awful lot of wilting going on for it not even being summer here yet. Should I tell you it's only going to get hotter from here on now or later?

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 ))