TEST DRIVE MEME #20

[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 October.

The upcoming October application round is open to everyone again.

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 in stark modern robes and a large scroll. Two hunting dogs stand by, watching you curiously but politely. The sharply-dressed young looks up from his scroll with a pleased smile.

"There we are." He places a hand at his chest in a short bow. "I am Mace Hemmet, the High Mage of the Kingdom of Thorne, here to cordially welcome you to our nation. You must be surprised, hm? Just calm yourself, I promise we'll explain everything in a moment."

Regardless of your response, he fluidly rolls the scroll back up and motions for one of the young apprentice mages over. "Let's settle our new guest in. New clothes, the works." He snaps his fingers. The dogs perk to attention and follow him out of the room.

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 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 autumn well underway, the weather is cool and rain becomes more frequent. Leaves are beginning to turn yellow and orange. 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. Smaller roads are closed. You may hear rumors of a strange phenomenon taking place.


• 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. The mood in Thorne is grim but determined.


• Apprentices, kitchen staff, guards - everyone seems to be bustling as the new King and Queen settle into their roles. Portraits, paintings, and anything associated with the former monarchy has been taken down. The new High Mage, Mace Hemmet, has recently taken over and is determined to do things differently.


• When visiting Borrel, you'll see a large amount of construction going on, as new warships are being built at a rapid pace, using the aid of magic to speed things along.

◎ Exploring

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

Roaming Dolls
In preparation for the children who will Roam during Eifstide, the Castle is constructing autumn dolls to distribute on behalf of the King and Queen. Supplies will be laid out in one of the castle's rooms where you can create a variety of dolls using cloth leaves, waxed nuts, and yarn. An incantation is provided to enchant the dolls with a colorful sparkle, written in an ancient tongue. Make sure the pronunciation is perfect. A small mistake might cause your doll to turn a foul color or crumble into dust in your hands. If you possess your own magic, you can use that instead!

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 warming bubble over you. Perfect for when the weather gets cold! 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 gush of steam as the spells fail. It isn't dangerous, but it can be annoying...and cause everyone in the room to become very damp.

Painting Session
You're encouraged to explore Thorne's proud naval history in Borrel. Here, you can join a paint and wine 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. If you're feeling restless, though, short trips to Nott or Borrel via portal are allowed, or you can visit Nocwich. Besides, 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 Borrel or the city of Castle Thorne. Or, you can do jobs in the castle itself.

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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, the sun remains bright at midday. At night, temperatures are beginning to dip lower than they did in summer. Bring a coat if you're not used to a slight chill. 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:

• Medical tents, temporary facilities, and other signs of disarray are evident throughout Cadens and Aquila. Libertas is less hectic, but several theaters and playhouses are boarded up, having shut down permanently. A line snakes out of Portam Hall day and night as citizens await their turn with the government. Nonetheless, the mood in the Free Cities is hopeful. It seems they've come into a recent victory.


• Soldiers continue to patrol the streets, keeping order as citizens begin to settle back into their normal lives in the aftermath of the attacks. Theft has become a larger problem, given the damage to some shops and merchant stalls, and the price of staple goods has risen greatly. You may hear rumors of a strange phenomenon taking place.


• 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.

Oh My Gourd
A researcher named Esi Hollandse has returned with an upgraded variant to her creation last year: a handheld "laser" tool powered by New Magic. Originally created for sculpting marble and stone, she's attempting to refine the device so it can carve gourds for Eifstide. Citizens are lining up to test it for themselves and retrieve a free pumpkin to carve in the process. Why not carve a pumpkin of your own? Of course, it's a bit of a two-person job - someone needs to hold the pumpkin while the other operates the device. Be careful! The invention is still in the works so now and again, a gourd might burst.

Talent Show
To raise much-needed funds, children at an orphanage in Libertas are putting on a talent show for passersby and will insist on your participation if they corner you. They'll cajole you into doing everything from acting in a puppet show portraying grand battles against strange monsters to assisting with dance rehearsals. Be sure to bring your enthusiasm! Naturally, as with all talent shows, there might be a terrible emergency that needs your help. You could find yourself being asked to help with costume problems or to locate missing instruments and props.

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. There is a great deal of new recruits around you this time. The Free Cities has been hard at work filling its ranks.

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. Now in autumn, the weather is chilly and thunderstorms increase in frequency. 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:

• A few strings of animal bones decorate and hang among the trees in the forest, while the Tertiary Settlement has an abundance of broken seashells scattered across its shoreline, as if a large amount has recently shattered and has not yet all been swept away by the tide.


• 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, repairing broken gates, and exchanging essential goods.


• Fishermen in the Tertiary Settlement are thriving since the arrival of the God who created the storm wall. Extra fish means you'll likely be offered jars of pickled herring, fresh cod, and plenty of shrimp to feast on.


• An offering bowl has been placed out in dedication to Winifred Bordeaux, who recently sacrificed herself for the good of the commune. It can be found in the woods next to Vagn's shrine, the Guardian of Last Passage.

◎ 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. On occasion, one of the goats may stare at you or lift its hoof, as though it intends to make a knocking gesture before returning to its goat-like ways.

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 woods are mostly safe, 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.

Evening Feast
Potluck-style feasts are common in the settlement as a way to strengthen the community. You'll be invited to join in one of these feasts at any time, held outdoors in a lush grove filled with wildflowers. As a new arrival, you won't be expected to bring anything yourself but you'll make a better impression if you do so even if it's merely a few apples you picked in the morning. Want to help hang decorations before the feast? Your assistance is more than welcome! 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

Jack Frost ❄️ Rise of the Guardians ❄️ The Fool

[floeing]

((ooc: if your character is sensitive to that stuff, they're free to tell Jack is a spirit and very magical. For those observant/with enhanced senses: he has no pulse or heartbeat, and while his chest moves, he isn't actually breathing. It's always chilly around him. Also, Jack has fun magic, meaning he can bewitch your character into relaxing and having fun. I will NOT use this without player permission, but if you already know you want it to happen, feel free to ask! It'll have to happen at the end of the week when his powers are fully back. Characters are free to recognize Jack's name from the myth and make nose nipping jokes, just no 4th walling the actual movie please.))

1. Solvunn - Arrival

[It's not the first time he wakes up inside a body of water, and it won't be the last. He usually doesn't dream, and as far as he knows he can't die, but it still feels that way... because the water around him isn't freezing, and that can't be a good sign. Suddenly he's pulled out and there's so much happening so quickly, "overwhelmed" doesn't start to describe it.

But one thing is clear: they can see him. Every single person can see him. And they're happy to have him.

He says no to the clothes, but they still put a cloak around him as they guide him to the cart, worry about his body temperature. Jack is still in shock and feeling a bit wary about how much he's being touched, but he manages to process the information at least: there's a war, and the Gods wanted him here. So he's been summoned to protect - like the first time he came out of a lake.

Guarding kids in a world where everyone can see him? He doesn't mind one bit.

After explanations are done, the locals worry about his temperature again. Why isn't the cloak working? Slowly forcing himself to relax, Jack laughs and tells them who he is. He tries summoning a snowflake and fails, but it isn't necessary: they're even more delighted to have him than before. They see him as a sign since winter is around the corner. Jack isn't about to complain! The locals make sure to feed him well and while Jack tries to find the sweet things among all the savory, he asks about the settlement kids, who are already gathering to hear his stories. Apparently babysitting is always needed around here, a task Jack is happy to help with.

Moving around without his powers is hard, to say the least. Sometimes a little bit of frost appears under his feet, but it instantly disappears. It means he can hold the kids' hands without worrying about freezing them, but it's still dizzying - all this socializing and touching makes for one heck of staggering combo that leaves him feeling a bit unstable. It's going to be a very long week, but at least he can start by solving one simple problem: he needs a new staff. He's sure the farmers will give him a crook if he works enough, but he doesn't want to wait - his body is too freaking used to the support, he needs to re-balance it.

So he makes it a game for the kids! They sit near bushes and woods, and he sends them out to find the best stick ever. Whenever a kid brings him one, Jack makes a big show out of inspecting it closely, inventing some magic words to make them believe this is serious business (it isn't, he literally just needs a stick.) The larger ones he keeps, the other ones he throws over his shoulder...

And accidentally hit your character. Jack turns around with his best attempt at an innocent grin.]

Oops? My bad. [It doesn't sound like he means it: since the kids are laughing, he thinks that's more important.]

2. Solvunn - The feast

[Having gathered his own army of children that are happy to join any game Jack comes up with equals a huge pile of fruit. Mostly apples. Gathering is much easier when you make it a competition. The first few days, Jack stays on a roof, watching from afar. But as days pass he gets more used to all the people, the talking, and the touching (oh gosh, so much touching). He still tries to sit outside the big crowds, but that doesn't stop them from feeding him.

Shrimp. Pickles. Cod. He stares at his plate with a wrinkled nose until he notices someone nearby that looks as out of place as he does.]

Do you have any pudding? I'll trade you.

[If this is happening at the end of the week, there's frost on the spot Jack is sitting on and a shepherd's crook across his lap.]

3. Nocwich - The Square

A. [Jack doesn't visit Nocwich until the last day, when he's finally got a shepherd's crook and his powers are fully back. For an hour or so, he stands on a roof, looking at the sky with a frown that would make Bunny proud. Eternal night - it feels so wrong. It reminds him of Pitch, and he hates it. If your character finds him there, they'll overhear him say-] Nights aren't the same without you, Sandy.

B. [Afterward, Jack will explore by pulling off a mix of flying and parkour, leaving drops of frost whenever he goes. Sometimes he pauses to take a look at the wares, and noticing the ones made from werewolf hair makes him chuckle.]

Do you think it'll attract fleas? [Yes, random stranger, he's talking to you. And yes, he's floating upside down right next to your head, his chill clear in the air. Enjoy.]

4. Network

so what does a guy hav

[The text abruptly ends, and it's clear to see why: the handwriting sucks. Jack doesn't exactly have the habit of writing things, you know? So he concentrates, and a few minutes later the messages comes again, this time in a font similar to what he saw teenagers use on those phone thingies. The signature, of course, says "Jack Frost".]

so what does a guy have to do to fly out of borders around here?

5. Wildcard
((Any other ideas? PM me or hit me up at buttercupss))

3B

[inventure]

[ see now iris had been extra curious about the werewolf pelts for... similar — but not quite exact! — reasons, though he certainly hadn't the kind of daring jack does to actually put voice to such thoughts. that's why, when jack suddenly appears above his shoulder and says the thing you're not supposed to say out loud out loud, iris momentarily skips right over the fact the other boy is upside down and runs headlong into some level of scandalized. ]

I — don't think you're supposed to just say that...

[ quickly, he glances around him, half-expecting a couple of werewolves to have overheard and teach the pair a thing or two about animal (???) rights (????) ]

[floeing]

[Spending three hundred years without anyone to talk to (except for the occasional meeting with beings like the Easter Kangaroo) have left Jack with no filter. Also he's, you know... a little shit. Iris' reaction is perfect, and Jack chuckles.]

What? It's a perfectly fair question!

[It seems the person in charge of this stall doesn't agree, and a little growl escapes the man. Jack keeps an innocent expression on his face that only makes him look worse.]

But maybe we may need to check another stall. [Maybe???]

[inventure]

[ iris doesn't know much about perfectly fair....... but he does know a thing or two about isolation and loneliness. so maybe he isn't much of an authority on what's proper and what isn't — but he does know that usually when someone growls? it's never a good sign.

he laughs, a high, frail sound that is entirely forced. reaching up, he grabs hold of jack's upside-down hood and slowly begins to make his way away from that particular stall, taking jack with him. they've clearly worn out their welcome! ]

I think I saw some neat jewelry a couple of stalls away...........

[ he most certainly did not, but he's willing to make a gamble there ought to be one somewhere around here, rather than stick around to see if the seller of those pelts is feeling patient. ]

[floeing]

[Iris' forced laughter makes Jack snicker in return, but he interrupts himself with INDIGNATION when he's suddenly dragged away by his hood of all things. (That's new, at least, gotta give Iris points for creativity.)]

Hey, hey, hey! I'm NOT a balloon!

[Soon frost will start going down Iris' hand and wrist, a side effect of touching anything Jack even if it's just his clothes. However he does wait until they're out of the werewolf's sight to poke Iris' ribs with his shepherd's crook. Maturity at its finest.]

[inventure]

If you don't want to be handled like a balloon, don't float around like on— hey!

[ now it's iris' turn to be indignant. though for a second he isn't sure what for — the poke to his ribs or the

—ice? well he's definitely not a lotus, unless really advanced lotus powers involved ice as well as water... but it's silly to think in terms of demiflora anyway considering he's. well. here. while he's still not sure where "here" is in relation to the world he knows, he knows it's far enough away that he's got to majorly readjust the way he's used to thinking.

he stares at the thin layer of intricate ice patterns around his hand, the poke to the ribs all but forgotten. he gives it a few shakes, but the hand remains quite frosty. not enough to have any lasting damage, but definitely enough to leave a message.

he regards jack with — not unease, not necessarily. there's something far more intrigued glinting there in his eyes. ]

How'd you do that?

[ and is it the same reason he can float like that??? ]

[floeing]

[As soon as Iris lets go of him, Jack lands on the ground and starts fixing his hoodie, frost quickly appearing on the ground under his feet. His annoyance disappears when he sees Iris shaking his hand, which makes him snicker. And accidental prank, if it can even be called that at all, but still amusing.

The boy isn't annoyed, though. He's-- curious? Huh. Jack offers a smile and pokes at the frost on Iris' hand, causing it to explode in thousands of tiny flakes.]

Winter magic.

network

[princessvegas]

You can't. The territories all ward their borders hardcore.

[floeing]

no kidding

[Can you feel the sarcasm?]

i thought "i wanna bypass that" was implied

[princessvegas]

Like I said. You can't. The only way over the borders is for them to either fail, or else a real advanced Abraxan portal, and good luck finding that. Even if you get someone who'll make you an illegal one, you better have a metric fuckton of gold to pay for it. You're stuck in wherever they grabbed you.

[floeing]

i knew i should've taken that snowglobe

[He sends that by accident - still getting the hang of this.]

if they're so well protected how are they attacking each other for war anyway?

[princessvegas]

The people in charge all have access to portals strong enough to break the borders. They just won't let many other people learn that stuff.

Also one time they sent a submarine/tank under the lake.

I don't know any specifics though. Where would you even go?

[floeing]

what do you mean where i would even go???
everywhere???
i want to see the rest of this world!
don't you get bored with always being at the same place?

[godofrain]

[Nagato barely, barely managed to avoid taking the stick right in the face thanks to ninja reflexes, batting it away with a hand and letting it hit his shoulder instead. He'd been drawn by the sound of laughing children so he'd somewhat expected things flying but points for enthusiasm.]

[The redhead waved the boy's half hearted apology away with a hand, opting instead to limp toward the nearest stump so he could sit down and relieve his painful legs for a while.]

No harm done. I happen to be looking for a stick myself, if your little helpers are willing to assist?

[floeing]

[Jack can't help blinking at Nagato for a few seconds, not believing his little accident was received without much complaint. Usually people are quickly to get angry with Jack and his shenanigans, considering him careless.

Little helpers, Nagato calls them, and that gains points with Jack for sure. The kids look at Jack to get his approval and he nods at them, waving them off as they run to start searching again. Jack watches them go with a smile on his face before turning to Nagato with a raised eyebrow.]

I take it you need a cane? [He tilts his head.] Magic issue or just wounded?

[godofrain]

[Nagato watched as the children crowded the older boy, obviously eager to please him and ready to follow his instructions and couldn't help but smile, purple eyes softening. It had been a good long while since he'd seen that sort of scene, locked in his tower as he had been.]

Ah, yes. Old wounds that never healed quite right. Nothing to be done but bear with it, I'm afraid. Thank you for your help, at any rate, limping along had been rather troublesome I'll admit.

[floeing]

Oh. [Honestly, Jack doesn't know what to say when it comes to physical wounds. He does suffer pain when he gets hit, but he can't exactly get broken bones. Back in his world he would send the guy to a hospital but...] Maybe the locals may have ointments or something? Or a mage that can heal.

[Soon the kids are dropping all kinds of branches around Nagato, from medium to large size. They weren't cleaned, so watch out for the bugs among those leaves!]

[godofrain]

Please, do not worry about that. As I said, those wounds are old and the... magic of my world has failed to heal me already. I've learned to live with it. Ah, my thanks.

[Nagato gave as much as a formal bow he could do while sitting on his stump to the little girl who was enthusiastically trying to shove a branch (spiders included) in his face. It seemed to be the right size so the shinobi drew the kitchen knife he had hidden in his sleeve and started parring the stick with sharp flicks of his little blade, flicking the spiders away but setting a caterpillar down o little way away so the children could watch it.]

And yourself? You're one of the Called, aren't you? Settling down alright?

[floeing]

[Jack tenses when he sees the knife and stands up, ready to attack even if he doesn't have the means to - a lanky frame doesn't exactly make for strong punches. However, the guy starts cleaning the branch instead, which-- okay, fair. A closer look indicates it's a kitchen knife, but it's still weird for Jack that this is the first thing the guy got from the villagers. He has to remind himself that they're at war, in an unknown place, and that what he feels without his crook isn't that different.

Still, this time instead of fully sitting down on the grass, he crouches, as if ready to jump at any moment if needed. And because he likes crouching.]

Yeah, I am. It's been- [How can he even describe settling down so far? His body feels weird and the lack of magic is getting on his nerves. But then the kids drop more branches in front of him and Jack smiles at them, thanking them just to see those cute smiles in return.] It's been pretty good, actually. Hard to stay mad over what this calling does to your body when I can do this.

[He ruffles a kid's hair, making him giggling. No frost, just music to his ears.]

1!

[divinityfrompain]

[ Julia has noted the very enthusiastic newbie as soon as he started getting crowds of kiddos around him, given that she's often a babysitter and two of her host's children are among them. She has an automatic soft spot for anyone who pays attention to the kids because they can always use positive reinforcement and a steady type of play. She's busy with the orchard and end of spring though so she can only spot him from afar.

She's getting ready to go to the second settlement, a little backpack on, when a stick flies out of no where and hits her. The kids immediately laugh because it's typical, and because they know Julia well and that she won't mind. She doesn't, she laughs with them a moment later. She can tell up close that he's a magical entity, not a goddess like her, but he's something alright.

Her braided hair has flowers in it and butterflies are rested comfortably on them, their wings flapping. ]

It's all fun and games, kiddos, until someone's eye gets poked out.

[floeing]

[She laughs along, and that's already a point in her favor on Jack's book. The butterflies do get his attention, and he has to wonder if they're there naturally or she's enchanted them. Such a tiny detail could either be a green or a red flag.

The kids appear to recognize her and she's talking kindly to them, so for now Jack opts to be friendly.]

Hey now, the fun and games can continue after the relevant eye gets an eyepatch.

[divinityfrompain]

[ It's a boon from another goddess so they're there by choice. Her gardens are extensive and often visited by bees and butterflies because of her. Her eyes narrow slightly as she sees the energy pour off him. No, not an angel, probably. Vampires and werewolves don't usually give off a vibe like that. It's magic which she also radiates, but he's probably something. Fey-adjacent? She'll have to ask eventually, you just can't go up to someone and ask what they are! ]

Oh are you volunteering? We can poke at you like a piñata.

[ One of the kids gets up and goes over to her, giving her a hug. It's Slice, one of the host kids she works with every day. She pats his head. Him and his cousin have been clingy since the emergency shut down a few months ago. ]

Be careful not to go too deeply into the woods, newbie. There are a lot of creatures out there. They're mostly nice as long as you don't annoy them, but there's always a little feistiness possible. Kids, don't let your new friend get gobbled up.

[floeing]

[Jack opens his mouth, ready to explain poking won't do much to him... but he quickly closes when he remembers his powers aren't exactly working as they should at the moment. He pokes his own cheek, as if that could tell him everything. At least the locals have shown concern about his temperature, which means overall his body is hanging in there.]

...you know, I'm not sure that I could pull off a piñata right now.

[When she starts explaining, he waves a dismissive hand. She's 100% right and he knows it's good advice, but he's heard it so many times already. It's gone from an appreciated heads-up to kind of nagging.]

Yeah yeah yeah, I'm not going into the woods until my magic is back, I'm not stupid. [But that means he will go. And most likely annoy something. Details.

Her last remark brings a more serious expression to his face, putting years in his eyes that don't match his young face.] I protect the kids, I don't endanger them. [Most of the time anyway. Danger is a relative term when it comes to adrenaline-filled fun.] Nobody is getting into the forest under my watch.

[A few voices start protesting, saying that's where the bigger branches are. Apparently they have this argument already.]

[divinityfrompain]

I don't think these kids have seen one, they might like it.

[ Who doesn't love piñatas? Although that does give her a clue about him. He's from somewhere that has them, since he understands the reference, so that could mean he's from a modern earth or somewhere adjacent to that. There do seem to be a lot of them, and slang usually gives it away. Another piece of the puzzle. ]

It'll come back, don't worry. I think it was a little less than a week for me before the magic came back. I was sooooo mad about it.

[ Julia came out of the water kicking and screaming and trying to punch people when her magic didn't work. And since she's a petite girl, she didn't get very far with it, but the will was there if not the way. She hands Slice one of her flowers and he returns to the other kids, one of the butterflies floating to follow the flower and land on it again. So it's not her, it's the flowers. ]

Yeah I'm more worried about you than the kids. They know what's in the woods.

[floeing]

[Jack's eyes widen.] ...I didn't think of that! [He turns to the kids.] Alright everyone, new mission! Let's get some glue, paper, colors, aaaaaand- [There isn't actual candy here, is there?] Berries? Maybe some flowers? We're going to make something fun.

[The children get excited about the prospect of an arts-and-crafts project and run in all kinds of directions to find necessary items. When Julia mentions being mad about the lack of powers, Jack snorts, a mix of understanding and amusement.]

I am... kind of mad? It's annoying, I feel weird, and I'm already tired of being on the ground. [His face does show annoyance, but it softens when a girl comes back to drop some flowers at his feet.] But now I can do this- [He ruffles the girl's hair before sending her out again.] -so I'll put up with the annoyance for a little while if I get to enjoy the benefits.

[His eyes now follow the flower, understanding where the magic is at and wondering if Bunny could do the same. The last comment takes him by surprise and he looks at Julia in confusion, blinking a couple of times.]

Worried about me? [That's new.] The woods have monsters, isn't that it? [He shrugs.] Nothing I haven't frozen before.