Test Drive #3

[felldenmods]

Welcome to the November test drive! We're so excited to have you with us.

A few things of note:

✦ Test drive threads can be considered game-canon if you choose. They're essentially in a shared dreamscape and take place between your character leaving their world and arriving in the audience hall with their faction leader.
✦ Reserves will open at 12:01 AM UTC on December 1st, and continue to be until 11:59 PM UTC on December 7th. This is to reserve a character, not an application slot.
✦ Applications will open at 12:01 AM UTC on the 8th, and remain open until 11:59 PM UTC on the 15th, or until all application slots have been filled. Once Activity Check ends, we will have an application slot number available on the application page. The IC & OOC intro logs will be posted two days later.
✦ Questions? We have a FAQ that's chock full of good information! If they are test drive specific, we have a top level thread below that allows for OOC questions to be posted.
✦ The network is available to use! No matter where your character is, their compass arrived on their person. Please feel free to include a network post in your top-levels! Once opened, the compass will display instructions on use, such as using voice-commands to activate it. Usernames are your characters first name or their most common nickname.
✦ Below will be a header for OOC questions as well as a request for Fortuna if you risk having your fortune read in Kyst.
✦ Current players who participate in the test drive by tagging new players will be eligible for a secondary blessing in December.

All set? Perfect! Welcome to Fellden.

AS THE MOON RISES.♪ You’ll find yourself just outside the Temple doors, which will be locked if you try to open them. A little rude, keeping you out after bringing you all this way. The thing is, you can hear a lot of commotion in the distance, and smoke rising from the center of a district; you may want to check that out. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire! Except the smoke is not at all something to be concerned over. Instead, people are gathered near a large bonfire in the decorated city square, drinking and carousing, singing songs of celebration; Moon saviors have arrived! War winners! The residents of the city laugh and sing and dance in pairs throughout the square that's dusted with snow, grateful for those who have come to aid them. Their merriment doesn’t dwindle as the sun begins to set on the horizon, twin moons rising in its place. When you (and other new arrivals) are finally noticed by the revelers, do not expect to be left alone! Crowns and laurels of fir and juniper will be deposited upon your heads, seasonal fare of food and drink placed into your hands, while live musicians play loud enough for the dead to hear. You’ll be invited to dance, to drinking games, and offered food and flowers and other items of value. Some may cry when they look into your face, thanking you for becoming their champions during this long and exhaustive war. Hopefully you’re here to enjoy the festivities. Sneaking off is just fine, too, but don’t expect to be let go of quietly; the people of the Moon Temple are so happy to see you! Enjoy the celebration while it lasts long into the night. If you do manage to leave, a helpful citizen of the Temple will inform you of the nearby transport mirrors that will take you anywhere on the map, one of which they will provide to you.

THE SETTING STARS.♪ You'll find upon your arrival that the castle is not accepting visitors as they decorate the interior in preparation of the festive season that quickly approaches. Guards at the door will instead direct you to the center of the city where further preparations are being made. Venturing there, you'll be greeted either by those who are decorating for the evening's party that will enlist you to help, or perhaps you're a late arrival and the celebration has already begun! Festivities are in full swing in the Court of Stars. Starfolk have begun their celebrations of the new arrivals and the ushering in the season of the Winter Festival. Once hesitant, guarded, the Stars citizens now welcome new arrivals with open arms, celebrating their appearance with a deep gratitude. Large circles of dancers will pull you into the fray or pull you to dance one-on-one. Others will place bundles of cedar and juniper in your arms for decorating or perhaps learning to weave your own wreath to wear: some will even take pity, create it for you, and set the laurel upon the top of your head. You'll be invited to dance, drink, eat, and participate in the festivities through a snow dusted square. Even the soldiers will join, knocking shoulders and welcoming you to the Court of Stars. Whether you choose to remain for the festivities or wander off, one thing is certain: you are more than welcome in your new home. If you do manage to leave, a helpful citizen of the Court will inform you of the nearby transport mirrors that will take you anywhere on the map, one of which they will provide to you.

MARKETS OF THE COAST.♪ The coastal city of Kyst is abuzz for the holidays, some calm finally beginning to settle in after the rocky past few months. Newcomers will be welcomed with smiling faces from merchants as they look to try to sell their pricy but beautiful wares. Tavern owners and barkeeps will beckon with the promise of warm food and delightful drinks, a place by the fire, and stories of holidays of old. The air is rife with music and the smell of delicious baked goods. Perhaps you'll hear or smell something you recognize from your home; as Fellden is the beginning of all worlds, it wouldn't be an impossible likelihood! Those looking to help out might be coaxed to assist in decorating homes with laurels, garlands, berries, and other bright green, red, silver, and gold colors. Those who seem very eager to help might be recruited by shopkeepers to stand outside and try to get customers in to see their wares, to have a drink, or to rent a room. Anyone willing to do so even for a day will receive free food and drink for the duration of their assistance. And for the auspicious, some may notice a person who has set up a mild little stall in the back of town, sipping eggnog as she offers fortunes. "Fortunes for the new year, my friend," she tells any who approach her. She offers only a small smile. "A laurel for a card. Only one."

BEYOND THE CITIES.♪ In the distance from Kyst, a large forest looms, the Gods Wood imposing even from this distance. Should you travel there, everyone you encounter will urge you to be respectful while within the forest. There, people can be found visiting intricately decorated shrines, prepared for the upcoming holiday, while people leave seasonal offerings in the bowls and plates within the shrines. You're free to leave the crown you were given at your faction celebration, or perhaps something else that you've been granted since your arrival is better suited for your offering. Be mindful of your actions though; those that show disrespect will be forcibly removed from the Gods Wood by the trees. Best foot forward! If the forest is too intimidating, there appears to be a gathering at the nearby Lake Theta where the Festival of Aeons is taking place. You'll be drawn into the fold readily where people will inform you that it is a celebration of souls, both living and passed beyond the veil. You'll be taught how to make paper lanterns to be set into the sky when twilight falls, with further revelry coming after. Be prepared for a long night of celebration ahead of you as the dancing, music, and festivities last long into the night.

Comments

[summonere]

[ If he were an easier person, he would tell her that he knows he must be erased too. Either he crumbles to pieces or he rejoins with Urizen. One or the other, it's the same result. But it's too uncomfortable for him to say. ]

Yes, I understand that.

[ He pulls out the leather bound book with the big V on it, ]

This is my only book.

[ He'd really like to read something else. ]

[sealeted]

[Hakuno stepped into that Core with the full belief she would die. Gilgamesh's stubbornness and turnabout had been unexpected.

But after clawing her way through each week, desperate for one day more added onto her brief life, believing her death was unavoidable and wanting to die were two very, very separate things.]

The stage in the Moon Cell I knew only consisted of two school campuses and several deadly labyrinths. But... the libraries were among the safe zones, and I have a certain affinity for history, myths, and legends, you could say. Also I got to meet Hans Christen Andersen at one point, so... that was pretty cool.

[He was acidic and bizarrely young and it hurt her deeply, to see him and his Master go the way they did.]

I know some pretty good ones here, if you're in the mood for some recommendations. Do you know what you like or don't like about that, yet?

[summonere]

History, myths, legends.

[ He repeats it back to her pleasantly and adds, ]

Epic poems.

Oh great, you've found another nerd to be a fuckin' nerd with. Can't you make friends with anybody cool?

[sealeted]

...!

[That startles a laugh out of her, bright and clear enough to shatter her natural resting line face entirely.]

I definitely have an affinity for... epics, yeah. Folktales and cycles and sagas, too.

[Her gaze drifts to Griffon and her good cheer doesn't fade, though her eyebrows do lift in mock shock.]

What? Am I less of a 'metal' babe now that I have a taste for literature, too?

[summonere]

Absolutely! Knocked a thousand style points, all the way down to dismal! Now I'm never gonna get a break from all those freakin' poems.

[ He says all of this, but he still continues to hang around. Still hovering around V like a considered mother hen. His human is weak and he has no intention of going anywhere. ]

He can tolerate it.

[sealeted]

I don't know; maybe you're just like your friend here. You just... haven't found the right ones for you. The ancient Celtic ones have lots of sex and incredible battles and feats. Seems like they might be to your tastes.

[Cu Chulainn was pretty cool too, from what she remembers of him, and of what Rin said of him.]

[summonere]

How about one about me, huh? Where's my ballad about my exploits as one of Mundus' best generals, huh?

[ Griffon! Stop saying that shit to people! ]

You were defeated ignominiously, Griffon. No one is writing about you.

[sealeted]

Maybe...

[Give her a second.]

“Hope” is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul
And sings the tune without the words
And never stops at all.

And sweetest in the Gale is heard
And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm.

[summonere]

Hey hey hey! Do I look like a songbird do you? Do I look like I snuggle this guy and keep him warm?

[ He has been known to. V does not call the bird out on this. ]

I liked it, anyway.

[sealeted]

It doesn't have to be physical warmth, you know. Having somebody to care if you're hungry or not is a kindness not everyone gets.

[V gets another grin, this one a little conspiratorial.]

If Dickinson isn't your type, then maybe Hopkins?

I caught this morning morning's minion, king-
dom of daylight's dauphin, dapple-dawn-drawn Falcon, in his riding
Of the rolling level underneath him steady air, and striding
High there, how he rung upon the rein of a wimpling wing
In his ecstasy! then off, off forth on swing,
As a skate's heel sweeps smooth on a bow-bend: the hurl and gliding
Rebuffed the big wind. My heart in hiding
Stirred for a bird, – the achieve of, the mastery of the thing!

Brute beauty and valour and act, oh, air, pride, plume, here
Buckle! And the fire that breaks from thee then, a billion
Times told lovelier, more dangerous, O my chevalier!

No wonder of it: shéer plód makes plough down sillion
Shine, and blue-bleak embers, ah my dear,
Fall, gall themselves, and gash gold-vermilion.

BREAKS OUT THIS DOPEY SMILE ICON

[summonere]

Now that's more like it! That makes it sound like the bird's the real hero!

[ The bird flashes a little bit of lightning. Still too weak and too new to do much other than express a little excitement. V sits back with a laugh, easy going and genuinely amused. ]

You shouldn't humor him, he'll start to get used to it.

heck yeah

[sealeted]

That's the plan, isn't it? Get him hooked on enough good turns of phrase, and maybe someday he'll be dragging you to the libraries.

[Her not-so-dastardly plan, exposed.]

Besides, reading's best when it's about something you're interested in.

[summonere]

Hey! I can hear you two! [ Griffon lands in front of them to flap his wings at them. ] I wouldn't be caught dead in a library! What would the chicks think?

[ Literal chicks, thanks. ]

I will endeavor to read a little bit more bird-aggrandizing poetry, Griffon.

[ He's still laughing a little, and the demon flaps his wings some more, hopping comically. It's the best time V's had in a while. ]

[sealeted]

That you're a distinguished bird of intelligence, as well as brute beauty and valor?

[She looks up at him with wide, dark eyes, thickly lashed and the absolute picture of innocence.]

Griffon, is it? 'O my chevalier,' indeed. Looks like I really did pick a fitting one, that time.

[summonere]

[ The demon sits up straight and puffs out his chest. ]

She's a real flatterer. I like her. Never listen to this guy, definitely humor me all the time. He lets his other friends insult and bully me! Just ain't right! Not even in my full form chained down to this guy.

[ V tilts his head and translates, ]

What he means is that he picks fights with everyone and they respond accordingly.

[sealeted]

You're one to talk! Aside from the literary issue, you've been a sweetheart from step one with me.

[She huffs out a soft laugh and shakes her head.]

I've got thick skin. And my partner's a lot like yours, in that regard; sometimes he's got a mouth like a machete, and he always runs it whenever he pleases.

[Always.]

Still, I can't bring myself to think very poorly of Griffon when the fights he picks with you are apparently for your own benefit.

[summonere]

[ That was! Crafty! Bringing it back around to him. Griffon is laughing and the surprise shows on V's face for a moment. Then he sighs. ]

I will also try... to do a bit better. We don't normally have the luxury.

[ He tilts his head at her though, ]

Is he here as well, your partner?

[sealeted]

I didn't either, before. But, my partner... he promised me, when he got me out, that I'd get to learn about how to live, and how to enjoy doing so.

[She tilts her head back at him.]

Yeah, he is. We're the same Faction, and arrived here the same time. You'll probably see him around sooner or later; he's... hard to miss.

[summonere]

[ He's glad, because he didn't like the idea of her going through that to only be alone. While he was irreparably tied to this talking nuisance. Although, how different would it be if Shadow were here, more basic demon that didn't speak. ]

Hard to miss... how?

[ Tall? Gaudy? Or just foul mouthed. ]

[sealeted]

[All of the above, and more.]

He's loud and he wears lots of jewelry, and has golden armor.

[She pauses, and feels the need to make an addendum, for the sake of accuracy.]

Very loud, when he gets worked up.

[summonere]

I see.

[ He gives. Griffon. A. Look. Don't you dare get into a fight with this guy on purpose, goddamnit. ]

I know a few demon hunters like that.

[ Look he loves Nero, but sometimes that boy got riled up. God forbid Dante. ]

[sealeted]

He's... definitely hunted plenty in his time.

[His long, storied time. An epic life, one might go so far as to say.]

Though, a lot of his fights ended up against the divine, really.

[summonere]

How does he like having the answer to Fellden's gods?

[ Somehow V imagines it involves being loud. ]

[sealeted]

[Hakuno just winces and shakes her head slowly.]

That's, um... that's a particularly sore subject at the moment.

[summonere]

That doesn't surprise me, based on your description.

[ He laces his fingers together over one knee, just adjusting position. ]

People have been telling me the gods have their ways of expressing their disapproval...