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

OOC QUESTIONS

[felldenmods]

FORTUNA

[felldenmods]

Please link top-levels here where your character has approached the fortune teller in Kyst!

V | DMCV

[summonere]

A. AS THE MOON RISES.

[ Coming to this place strips him of something. It's almost a familiar sensation: being cleaved. As he reorients to the dreamscape, he becomes aware of what's been taken. He feels weak. As things solidify he leans heavily on the cane in has hand for support.

A large vulture-looking bird appears beside him, streaming black smoke like he's not quite real and the dreamscape makes that all the more obvious. ]

Hey V, you look like shit.

[ He gives the bird a withering look and doesn't answer, instead choosing to look around. ]

We need to orient ourselves. Go, take a look and tell me what you find.

Whatever you say, Shakespeare.

[ Another frown before the bird flies off to reconnoiter. Alone now, pale-skinned and white hair, he starts to walk slowly towards the noise and fuss...

Something he regrets quickly as the revelers get hold of him. He's so exhausted he can barely fend them off.

Help. He genuinely does not look like he's doing well. ]

B. MARKETS OF THE COAST.

You gotta eat. [ Griffon is mothering overhead as V moves through the market. ] Look, I'll just snatch something off one of these stalls and meet you up ahead alright?

[ V looks up at him, unimpressed, ]

They can hear you.

Nobody's payin' attention to me. Watch this dive bomb, buddy!

[ The vulture goes right ahead and does it, despite V's warning...

Which is how V ends up helping decorate a shop to earn the stolen chow. He's not amused, and struggling to get the decorations into place. He prods them with his cane, trying to get them to hang straight. ]

You really need to eat.

Shut up already.

[ He sits down abruptly, leaning back against the side of the building tiredly, eyes closed. ]

C. BEYOND THE CITIES.

[ Paper lanterns are more his speed after such a difficult day. He banishes Griffon back to his core for a few minutes of peace and quiet, and just follows the instructions in contemplative silence. The distraction is welcome, and when those lessons are done, he retreats to somewhere with just enough light to read by, and buries himself into the gold embroidered book of poetry. He murmurs it to himself, like a mantra to soothe himself, ]

WHATE’ER is born of mortal birth
Must be consumed with the earth,
To rise from generation free:
Then what have I to do with thee?

D. NETWORK (VOICE).

[ He has a languid, sonorous way of speaking, ]

Anthropomorphization. It can provide depth to metaphor, without the use of additional explicit descriptors. The Romantics favored it, since they loved to glorify nature. It's a useful device, relating to nature as an organism with which to express human emotions. A classical theme. Humans like to see themselves in things.

Everything they write is about finding themselves, and their place in the world; whatever that means to the individual.

You'll find that poetry retreads many classic philosophical arguments.

So. What do you think. Is there any meaning in the world? A divine plan? Or is all of existence an absurd accident.

[ He's not being serious, but his voice sure sounds like he is, viciously so. Go on. Give him a dissertation on the unanswerable. ]

D

[notimefordreams]

Well. There was once a man who said that all the world was a stage. If that's the case then we're all part of some weird cosmic play in the end.

If not then I can accept this is all absurdity in the end with some vague organization.

[summonere]

I always wonder if there is true organization, or if the minds of the world simply impose their delusions of it strongly enough.

[ He has no firm opinion on any of this, he merely enjoys the act of contemplation. He follows up in a more friendly tone, ]

What roles are in your wheelhouse?

constantin d'orsay | greedfall

[takeroot]

I. moon

[All things considered, Constantin isn't in the mood to party the precise second he arrives. It's been, let's say, rough lately for him, and half of him is sick with stress and the other half thinks he's still sick with actual sickness, despite his sudden surprising relief. It's not great! He spends a short while simply wandering, looking a little haggard and in need of a good nap.

But a party is a party is a party, right, and who is he to refuse when someone presses a drink into his hand and thanks him with misty eyes for the heroic splendor of his presence? Constantin is weak to dramatics; it's him who nearly bursts into tears the more people who approach him with such earnest thanks and emotion - he gets really, really into it. And so it's no surprise that before long he's way into the festivities, adorned with a crown of laurels and a few drinks deep when someone drags him laughing into a dance.

He can be found at any point, really, but if it's at the tail end of a dance, he'll break off and turn to the nearest person, eyes bright and maybe a little tipsy:]

Evening! Quite a remarkable party, isn't it? A woman cried! On me! Just for saying hello to her— to be quite honest, I didn't know where to put myself, but I mustered the courage to weather her tears and made it this far!

[This is. The best party he's ever been to. People think he's the best just for being there? He is LIVING. Also, nice to meet you, total stranger.]

I can't say this is the sort of thrilling adventure I set out to have, but what fun! Don't you think?

[Alternatively, if you find him later when the festivities have quite literally exhausted him, he's sitting by the Temple doors, turning his crown of laurels over in his hands without really looking at it. Every so often he runs his fingers through his hair, which is innocent enough until the third or so time in a couple minutes. He'll glance up at anyone making a loud enough noise or footsteps—]

Oh— I thought I was... You know, it doesn't matter! Not anymore. Good evening! [A beat. He lifts the crown of laurels just a little.] There isn't any persistent little piece of this stuck to me, is there?

[the party...........has been wild. does he look rough? (he does.)]

II. kyst

[Shopkeepers and tavern owners are very persuasive, sure, Constantin sees and acknowledges this - the taverns especially, he's all in for a free drink, the warmer and more spiced the better - but what's even more exciting to do in a new city?

Get totally lost. Like, down to the bones. Spiritually, physically, mentally. Lost as shit.

It is somewhat hard to get lost on purpose, by the nature of the thing, but Constantin is trying his best. He'll look the opposite way while turning a corner, breeze confidently down an alleyway before turning right back around when he finds a dead end, the works— he can even be found stopping people on the street to ask where all the "fascinating nooks and crannies" are in the coastal city, which, well. Depending on who he asks, the answers are less than helpful.

Eventually, he will find you, marvelous passerby, and approach with enthusiasm if not familiarity.]

Brave stranger! What say you to joining me in having our fortunes told? I'm assured it will be an afternoon to remember and time well spent!

[Pleeeeease do this thing with him!!! There's a decent chance you are, also, nowhere near the fortune teller. He might actually be lost now. Success?]

III. woods

[Super not feeling skulking around in the woods right now, even for what sound like very interesting shrines, so Constantin can be found, ah... standing just at the edge or thereabouts, standing on tiptoe occasionally to see as far as he can into the woods themselves. This is only somewhat working? He's trying.

If not that, he will be drawn in to making lanterns at the lake, which he does not have much finesse at, but he makes up for it in earnest effort. Arts and crafts? He didn't get that kind of lesson as a child, so these lanterns might be a little creased, or lopsided, but goddamn it he's proud of them!!

Can he make, he wonders, a lantern for himself? Is that in poor taste? He definitely finds it in poor taste to ask, but he'll frown at a lantern for a while in thought.

As he glances at a neighbor's lantern, with a soft chuckle—]

I daresay you've taken to the craft much more easily than I. What is your secret?

[it's not that big a deal except that it is]

IV. misc

[helloooo wildcard me at will! i can be found at jojoveller for w/e you may desire. also ig lmk if you do not want...greedfall spoilers.]

Ramza Beoulve | Final Fantasy Tactics

[zodiac_brave]

A. Court of the Stars

[Ramza stands, arms newly laden with strips of fiber for weaving. Amber eyes widen in shock. He has no idea what to do with these.

The reveler who gifted him the items takes pity and reaches to take them back.]

I can weave it for you.

No! [What was previously perfect military posture shifts into flailing.] You need not go to such lengths on my behalf. I will endeavor to learn it. If you but show me how to begin….

B. Markets of the Coast

[did someone say job propositions? Ramza is never one to turn down a side quest request for assistance, so here he is, wreath in hand, eying a hook on the second story of a tavern wall.

He looks from the hook to the wreath, judging this distance.]

I do not see why I couldn’t throw it...or I suppose I could climb up there…

[He looks around, trying to gauge how other people are managing.]

C. Beyond the Cities

[There is a silence in the woods that reminds Ramza of a church. It is not the absence of sound, but rather a reverent aura in the air. It is the kind of place where one steps carefully and speaks only in hushed tones.

That is not to say that Ramza is not armed. A sword hangs sheathed at his hip, because in his experience, woods that locals warn you about entering tend to be monster-infested or haunted. One should always hope for the best, yet it is ill-planning not to prepare for ambush.

He enters the forest all the same. He no longer has a god to pray to, but he still possesses both faith and desires for which to pray.

In a less occupied section of the Gods Wood, between shrines, he kneels and bows his head.]

C

[spardablood]

[ Somehow... he should have known such a thing were possible. That his humanity was capable of finding its way to this realm, this world. But, no. His humanity is not an it but a he and Vergil stands there at a gentle distance with the Yamato held in front of him, eyes of icy blue staring to the frail human he has never truly met before.

Ahhh, how to go about this, hm? ]

To Tirzah.

[ That's how he chooses to break the ice, boots softly touching the earth he walk upon, the Yamato gently twirled some as he regards V with a careful sort of curiosity. ]

One of my favorites.

[summonere]

[ His shoulders stiffen, not immediately looking up, but when he does there's a low burning fire in his eyes. Vergil.

Vergil.

He stops Griffon from trying to come out, clamping down hard on the familiars immediate fear and concern, but also can hear him: Run, V, run.

He won't, but he does stand up slowly, brushing off his clothes before answering blandly, ]

Am I the only one who knows that?

B

[sealeted]

...not to take sides, but your bird has a point.

[Hakuno knows more than she likes about your body betraying you and crashing due to fatigue, or soul-deep damage, or accumulated stress, or on one memorable occasion, a feast so terribly cooked it inflicted all three of those states at once. There was something about the taut line of his shoulders that caught her eye as she wandered around the shops, even more so than the outspoken animal companion. She crouches down net to him, and offers a wrapped paper bundle, warm to the touch.]

Here. I'm an alchemist, but offering random people off the street potions is... more than a little sketchy. I bought this sandwich right across the street, though, if you want it.

[spardablood]

Who else would?

[ Surely not Dante, what with his constantly finding his twin's love for poetry to be boring and all. Not to mention that book itself was something so precious and special to Vergil that he was rarely without it back then.

Much like his words, his movements are slow. Calm. Curious as he casts a glance to the frail man that is a part of him. That is him in a sense and it only has the devil within softly growl beneath the surface of his flesh at the sight. But... no. There won't be he need for it to come out, nor for the Yamato to shine silver in the touches of light here and there.

At least... that's not what he's aiming to have happen. With Vergil, he has a tendency to go from 0 to 100 real quick. ]

So you find yourself here, do you? An ironic gift from this world, perhaps. Considering everything.

[ Not that V would know what he speaks of having transpired here. But, Vergil often talks aloud to himself. Why would now be any different? ]

[notimefordreams]

If you want to get technical then one could argue it's less organization than societal rules. And those could be called the delusions of the masses.

[She huffs out a breath then.]

Me? The usual. Daughter, sister, teacher. Nothing very glorious anyhow but not everyone can be the leading role. You have anything unique in yours?

[summonere]

Hah! [ Griffon caws immediately. ] Look at that, just look at that! Told you, told you I was right, V!

[ Oh my god. Please never agree with Griffon. A pained expression crosses V's face, brows pinched deeply, he points that expression at the familiar before relaxing it a little to look at her. He is reluctant, but... hungry. Weak. ]

...Thank you.

[ He accepts the sandwich, although he still doesn't really seem to want to eat it. ]

[summonere]

No. A background player only, but that has its benefits.

[ Wow so angsty and mysterious V... ]

What do you teach?

Link (vers 1.0) | The Legend of Zelda | Court of Stars

[metempsychic]

A: The SETTING STARS

[Amidst the whirling dancers is a young man in a long red cloak. While he can't quite keep up with the others, since their steps are alien to him, he is clearly doing his best. His grace is almost dancer-like... or maybe it's the grace of a well trained swordsman.

Sometimes he'll reach out those passing by.]

Might I have this dance?

B: BEYOND THE CITIES

[Link sits beside a fire built next to a crumbling statue within the Godswood. Which God the statue might have been is unknown to him, but he still feels a heaviness in his heart when he looks upon it.

Maybe a peaceful flame will keep himself and this forgotten spirit warm.

He pokes idly at the fire with a stick when his sensitive ears pick up on the sound of someone moving close by.]

Come over or go away.

C: NETWORK (Voice; UN: Link)

It seems like this compass does everything short of what it is truly intended to do...

Am I supposed to speak into this? Can anyone hear me?

[sealeted]

...

[Her calm expression stiffens into a minor reflection of his, as she realizes she may have just encouraged some magic avian equivalent of Gilgamesh. Sorry V.]

...There's... no way I can say this that doesn't come off as pushy, but do you want to borrow my scarf, too?

[It's... it's the dead of winter and he's barely wearing something that counts as a shirt. There's so much to worry about in regards to this man, all at once.]

[summonere]

[ It bothers him, that he doesn't know anything about this world. That Vergil knows something that he doesn't, that Vergil has gone on and gone forward and yet they're face to face. It's the only possible answer, for the half-breed to recognize him like this. To be himself, and still know. It's not right. It's not right. ]

You have a cruel sense of irony.

[ So does he. Inherited from a thing filled with hurt. ]

B

[royalboar]

[V’s cane pokes and prods at a decoration overhead, but the festive, twinkling piece of decor doesn’t straighten itself. It only goes more lopsided, threatening to land directly on Dimitri’s head as he passes near. If it had been angled at Dimitri’s right — his blind spot, for reasons made obvious by the eyepatch — it might have comedically sprawled across his hair and shoulders when it fell. Thankfully, that’s not the case, and all it takes is a hand reaching up to entangle his fingers in the laurel to stop its descent.

Mostly. The loose part of it, though, still hangs down and smacks him across the forehead.]

Ah—

[He blinks in surprise, before turning his attentions to a stranger who appears… less than enthused. Wan and in need of energy, he would venture, if the rambling of his bird(???) meant anything at all.]

Do you need… help?

[DO YOU NEED HELP V]

[summonere]

Look at this Mother Theresa! Giving you the clothes right off her back, and we didn't even have to fight her for 'em.

[ GRIFFON PLZ. V bats at him to shut up. ]

I am... ill-prepared for this weather.

[ He admits it reluctantly. ]

[summonere]

He needs all the help he can fuckin' get!

[ GRIIIIIFFFOOOON PLLLLLZZZZZZZ. V scowls at him!!!!!! ]

I'm... almost through with this.

[ Is that a yes? Is that a no? ]

[spardablood]

[ At his words, Vergil can only smile albeit just barely. How must it feel for V to be face to face with him in a way like this? Such a thing... shouldn't really be possible, considering who they are to one another. Who V is to him. But here they are. Face to face. Both unsure of the other for different reasons, no doubt.

Glancing off to the side, Vergil taps the Yamato down to the ground in front of him, merely taking in everything around them for a moment. ]

I'm sure Nero will be pleased to see you.

D

[metempsychic]

...I would have to say there's meaning in the world and a divine plan laid out by the Gods.

What that plan may be? Er...

...That might not be something most mortals will ever know.

[summonere]

[ He bristles angrily. He doesn't like that, at all. To have his friendship with their son used like a strike. ]

I'm not his father.

[ An accusation. Has he been pleased to see you, Vergil? ]

[royalboar]

[Ah. He blinks again. What a strange, very snide bird. A companion, a familiar, something in-between? He cannot know, and he’s not sure he wants to get… er, dragged into the middle of it.

So Dimitri spares Griffon a glance, then offers the laurel back to V. It hangs limply in his gloved hands; he’s dressed properly for the chill.]

Are you? [Straightforward as always, he cannot help but sound a little dubious. He’s glancing up at the state of the decorations, some of them hung nicely, yes. The rest, well…]

Can you afford a break? It is cold out, and if you are hungry, you should find yourself something to eat. Decorating can surely wait.

A

[pauldron]

[The city is alive again, people new and old scattered through the streets. Old habit drives Lightning to patrol, looking for someone who may or may not appear here this time, but when she passes the knot of revelers around V and manages to catch a glimpse of his wan face, she sighs quietly.

Why do they keep doing this? You'd think after the first two times they've have gotten their fill of barreling over people. Her stride shifts, turning her back around towards him.]

Give him some space. He can't save anyone if he keels over.

[That gets their attention, at least, and those joyous expressions turn to sincere worry as they realize just how unwell he looks.

"Oh! Apologies, Moon-savior!" They say, hands helping him to a nearby bench. Someone calls for drink, another for food, another for a blanket because it's cold and he's so pale and. Yeah, they're going to go like that for a while. Oh dear.]