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

mercedes von martritz, fire emblem: three houses / free cities / the empress

[martritz]

talent show.

[ much like back home, mercedes looks out of place amidst the soldiers and the general militaristic vibe of cadens; too soft, too pliant, a gentleness that doesn't seem to have a place here despite her years in war. although the uniform fits her, it's uncomfortable and stifling, having grown too accustomed to her robes. but she makes do, as she usually does — she gets along with the children, and they've all too easily roped her into helping with the talent show.

she's been mainly relegated to mending torn costumes and stitching together puppets, though she can be found helping to look for the missing instruments and props. likely not a very good idea when she's such a fresh face, especially when she ends up bumping into someone— ]

Oh! Excuse me. [ she takes a step back, an apologetic smile on her face. ] I'm very sorry. Are you all right?

oh my gourd.

It's certainly fancy.

[ the... laser tool, she means. what happened to just using a regular knife? but she's not one to turn down the opportunity to help, so she holds up her pumpkin and turns to the person next to her. ]

How steady are your hands?

nocwich.

[ while most people may be wary about the eternal night in nocwich, mercedes seems to find it charming, a pleased smile on her face as she wanders among the stalls in the marketplace. there's a vast variety of things she hasn't seen before, but chief among them are the glowing night blooms. rather than save what little coin she has, she ends up buying a few of them.

... only to turn around and offer it to the next person she comes across, slipping the stem into an empty button hole or a breast pocket. ]

For you.

wildcard.

[ feel free to catch her anywhere else in nocwich or cadens! hit me up if none of the above prompts spark joy and i can throw something together! as a note, i'm voicetesting so please be gentle with me. ]

oh my gourd is right >.>

[philancer]

[ Eifstide is not a festival Sylvain has paid a lot of attention to in his time here - it's not quite like the harvest festivals he's far more accustomed to back home, although he supposes a few of the themes still manage to be familiar.

He hadn't really intended to take part in much of the preparations or decorating for it, though. Mostly, he'd just been content to wander, to see what was new here. Honestly? He's a little surprise they're even celebrating, with a war looming. Something he's no more happy about now as he'd been about it back home.

But still, that familiar voice from off to his left is enough to have his steps slowing, then stopping, sure that his mind must be paying tricks on him. It's been so long since he'd heard it, he has to wonder if something is messing with him again. But when his eyes land on her familiar form, he goes still, his breath hitching in surprise - along with a complicated tumble of emotions at the familiar features. ]

...Mercedes?

:')

[martritz]

[ it's definitely different, but such is what is expected when she's pulled into another world entirely. or so they've told her. mercedes isn't a scholar by any means, nor is she someone who dabbles in research — most of what's been shared is a little lost to her. but what she doesn't expect is to hear a familiar voice, and to see an equally familiar face. ]

Sylvain... ? [ blue eyes widen in surprise, her expression going a little slack, before it melts down to delight. ] Sylvain! What a treat to see you. I was thinking I'd be here all alone.

[ she isn't aware that it's been some time since he's last seen her, more surprised that she's found someone familiar at all in this strange place. she sets down the gourd and goes up to him, a warm smile on her face. ]

Are you all right? This is all rather sudden, isn't it?

[philancer]

[ The shock takes a moment longer to wear off for him, but by the time she reaches him, his familiar, wide grin is back as he laughs warmly and reaches out to catch her about the waist, lifting and spinning her in a delighted circle.

Sorry, Mercedes, he's a little happy to see you.

He's also... changed a little, from how she perhaps remembers him, depending on when she last saw him. For him, it's been over two years now. His hair is a little longer and there are earrings dangling from his ears and his eyes... might look slightly more gold than the warm brown she likely remembers.

But his warm manner and fond smile haven't dimmed any - in fact, they seem a little more... genuine now. More real. ]

I can't believe you're here! Did you just arrive?

gomen for the wait!!

[martritz]

[ sylvain picks her up easily and she gasps in surprise, her hands immediately finding purchase on his shoulders as he spins her around. it's something she doesn't expect, but she's not about to complain—all he gets is a giggled sylvain! for his efforts before he sets her down again. ]

Yes, I arrived with the most recent wave of summoned. It's been a few days now, I believe.

[ now that she's on her feet again, she's able to get a better look at him, taking in his longer hair and accessories; the change in his eye color, the warmth of his smile. it hadn't been long at all since she'd last seen him after the battle at enbarr, but something tells her that much time has passed for him since then. her expression softens, hands coming up to cup his elbows. ]

... But it's not the same for you, is it?

<3

[philancer]

[ He’s grinning down at her, warm and fond, as he sets her back on her feet once more, though his hands stay resting at her waist, making sure she’s steady.

And maybe a part of him just reassuring himself that she’s real. ]

No, not quite. I’ve been here… a few years now. Time… it works a little strangely in this place.

[ Which was an understatement, really. ]

!!! talent show!

[godshattering]

Well, do you remember where you left it?

[ This question is asked to the girl Claude's crouching down in front of who looks rather distraught that her sword has gone missing right before they're suppose to rehearse for the brand new play being put on this time. He's been here to this orphanage many times before and the thought of trying to look for a sword - which might not even resemble a sword given how they've had to put different art supplies together over time - is... well, a little daunting. But also nothing he's not handled before when tracking down this item or that, so he nods when the girl tells him in a rush about five different places it might be. ]

Okay, how about this: you stay here and keep practicing, and I'll go look for the sword. If it doesn't turn up I'll help you figure something else out, alright?

[ After considering this the young girl takes a deep breath, sniffles, and nods, and runs back to her friends. He huffs a laugh under his breath as he stands and glances back over his shoulder one last time while turning a corner, which turns out to be a mistake when he immediately collides with someone. ]

Oh, sorry, I--

[ Someday, Claude's thought before, he'll get used to the possibility of running into those from Fodlan summoned here that he'll never see again upon returning. Today isn't that day either as it turns out, though whatever flicker of surprise might've appeared on his face vanishes in an instant as he automatically reaches out to steady - ]

Mercedes. You've shown up just in time to rescue me from a predicament. You haven't happened to see a very important sword around here, have you?

gomen for the wait!!

[martritz]

[ the sight of claude is even more of a surprise than anyone else she could have run into here, if only because the last time she'd seen him, he was on the back of a wyvern heading to almyra. blue eyes widen in surprise, her hands unconsciously gripping his forearms as he steadies her, before her expression softens into a warm smile. she may not know how he got here, but a familiar face is always a welcome sight. ]

You know, I think that might be it. Over there, [ she points to a heap of props in the corner, partially hidden behind a rack of spare costumes where something that looks like a hilt sticks out of it. ] Were they able to tell you what it looks like? I'm not sure if it's the same sword, but we can always make another.

[ yes, they don't have a lot of spare time, but at least they're not out here trying to recreate heroes relics. ]

no worries at all!!

[godshattering]

[ It's mutual surprise, it seems - though there's so many reasons for surprise it's difficult to land on just one possibility for it. Or even a couple of possibilities for it, but Claude sets that mystery aside temporarily. They've got another one to solve first.

Though that one might also be past tense shortly since as he lets go of Mercedes now that they're both still upright, he glances back over his shoulder to where she's pointing. ]

Ah, you might be onto something there. Seems the kids haven't gotten any better at organizing since the last time I was here.

[ Not that he has much room to talk about organization, though he (and the kids too, probably) would make the argument he knows exactly where everything is in the chaos. Nothing to do but head over to kneel down next to it and start gently shifting things this way and that. ]

Let's see. If it's the sword I'm thinking of... it might be paint which does most of the suggesting it's a sword. [ As Claude glances up to Mercedes it's with a grin, but: there's some truth in that quip. ] Fortunately I've brought some paint with the other supplies I was dropping off so we're in good shape there. When'd you get here?

nocwich

[northerndragon]

[Jon has missed Nocwich -- misses it always, now, which is something he would not have thought himself capable of before a few moons past. And the fact that he had not been able to visit it when he last ought to have been means that he doesn't take this time for granted. He's walking through the square with purpose when he encounters the young woman -- a few years younger than him, he'd guess -- who pushes a glowing bloom through a button hole on his tunic.

It's a kindness, and it takes him momentarily aback. She reminds him of someone -- of the way someone used to be.]

You have my thanks, my lady. [He tries to smile, but he still looks a bit baffled, to be receiving a flower from a woman he has never met.] Are you one of the Summoned? I don't know you. I am Jon Snow. [He accompanies this introduction with a little nod of greeting.]

Nocwich

[godofrain]

[ Nagato had barely noticed the woman at first: she was just one of the many, way too many bodies that seemed to be pressing all around him. Solvunn was nothing like this dark city, and not as densely populated, at least where Nagato usually lived. His real body had spent the last eight in solitude, with just visits from Konan and sometimes Madara: the sudden influx of so many people in his personal space has left him on edge, so when the blond woman just stepped even closer and made to touch him, the ninja jolted as if she'd just tried to stab him, jumping back a few feet and almost tripping on a werewolf before noticing her 'weapon'. Oh. Well. That was awkward.]

My apologies. [The ninja muttered, slowly getting back up from the crouch he'd falling into by force of habit.] You... startled me. I haven't hurt you, have I?

[Thanks the Sage he'd not yet managed to steal any weapon he could use back in Solvunn or that little lapse on his part could have ended in tragedy.]

KICKS DOWN YOUR DOOR oh also i guess talent show

[theidlemaiden]

[ Just because the arts is currently suffering doesn't mean that Hilda, or any of those out of work artists are taking it lying down. A lack of funding certainly makes things more difficult, but not impossible to encourage creativity. And since the costumes and props aren't technically in use right now, what better way to make use of them than by creating an opportunity for them to be used in the talent show?

They must have just missed one another earlier. As Hilda returns with a basket full of ribbons and baubles, scraps that she and Jesper no longer needed, the
children that had been eagerly awaiting her clamour at her pants causing her to bump into someone. So caught up in the noise she almost doesn't recognize Mercedes. But when she does, she does a double take. ]

Mercedes?

[ There's a beat that follows as her eyes widen before she's quick to pull her into a fierce hug. ]

Oh my Goddess - you're here! And of course I'd find you at the orphanage.