Test Drive #1

[felldenmods]

Welcome to the August test drive—our first in fellden! 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 are open and will continue to be until 11:59 PM UTC on Tuesday, August 20th; they are not necessary to apply! They're valid for the first four days of the application cycle.
✦ Applications will open at 12:01 AM UTC on the 21st, and remain open until 11:59 PM UTC on the 27th. 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 either arrived on their person or available in the Gods Wood. 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. (Apologies for missing including this on the initial test drive!)

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, 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! Flower crowns will be deposited upon your heads, 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.

THE SETTING STARS. Unlike the Temple, your arrival to the Court of Stars is met with a rather somber greeting, however expressions are relieved, despite any emotional guard that may be up. A gathering of knights, weary from a skirmish along the border they're returning from, pat you on the back and lead you through an open air courtyard. All the gathered people of the Emperor's Court look up from their tasks, giving the passing Otherworlders a knowing nod. There's gratitude in their eyes, but that's all the welcome you'll receive: your presence is appreciated, but growing an attachment is another heartache for those that care so deeply for their faction fellows. The silence is broken when a high-ranking member of the guard gives the proclamation: "Our heroes have arrived! Court defenders, world travelers! Help has come from the far lands to aid us in our battles for our Emperor, for all of Fellden!" From there, the few knights that have not yet departed will lead you through the Court's castle, a brief tour of the most important areas (dining hall, housing wing, guard barracks, and the throne room) is given before they instruct you to rest, because the real excitement begins when the sun falls behind the horizon. Left to drift, you can explore the castle, or venture out to the surrounding city as it prepares for the celebration the Starfolk have in store for the returned soldiers and, now, the new arrivals. You'll be invited to the party that spreads across the entire Court city, drawn into large circle dances, and will find that the locals become more at ease and welcoming the longer you spend with them.

WELCOME TO THE GODS WOOD. Between one blink and the next, your eyesight has seemingly been stolen from you. Or, perhaps it’s more likely that something is covering your eyes? Yes, that’s definitely a blindfold tied around the back of your head, although quite the mystery as to how it came to be there. You vaguely remember a wolf that may or may not have spoken to you, but the blindfold is certainly a new addition to the situation. Once removed, you’ll find yourself in the thick of the woods, with no path or directional indicators in sight. The moon is obscured by the tree line, and the stars above do nothing to light your path; seems like removing the blindfold wasn’t as helpful as you may have thought. As your eyes adjust to the darkness, it’s obvious that you are not alone in this; other people are removing their blindfolds just as you are, staring blearily into the dark of the forest with a similar lack of understanding to how they came to be here. Thankfully, you’ll find some nearby travel packs with self-lighting torches, a few rations, and your faction-provided communicator. The compass, unfortunately, remains broken, which means you’ll have to find your way out of the woods without it. Hopefully your sense of direction is passable! Whether you team up with others, or go your separate way is entirely up to you, but you must find your way out, and the fog rolling in is not going to be of any assistance. This is a Dropping, and the Gods Wood is not kind to loiterers.

DRAWN TO THE COASTLINE. Needing an escape from the hectic energy that greeted you in your faction, an empathetic bystander pointed you in the direction of a nearby transport mirror, which you either stepped into without stating a destination, or didn't give one with enough clarity for the mirror to understand. Spitting you out on the beach just outside Kyst, it doesn't seem keen to let you back the way you came; temperamental teleportation magic. As the largest trade city in all of Fellden, there is no shortage of things to do here! Shopping with what coin was hoisted upon you before your departure, mapping out the city itself to memorize the in's and out's, enjoying a drink on the house at a local tavern where you can get into a mean game of cards with some faction soldiers, or even meeting someone else that seems to have stumbled into this world just as you did. Perhaps you're more keen to the outdoors, rather than the bustle of a large city, wandering away from the city just far enough to find a stretch of pristine beach and inviting crystal clear waters of the ocean; the salty air fills your lungs while the rays of the midday sun are almost blinding against the swath of bright white sand that meets the crashing waves. Regardless of what you decide to do, or where you end up, you're in the closest thing to No Man's Land you can get; enjoy your time fraternizing with the enemy, make some new friends in this neutral land, or stick with those from your own faction to get a lay of the land.

Comments

Aragorn | Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring | Undecided

[elessar]

AS THE MOON RISES.

[ 'Moon Saviors?' The term wins an awkward glance but Aragorn holds his silence.

Not many noticed of him when he arrived. A ranger like him can easily avoid being seen. He draws up the hood of his cloak and vanishes into the crowd. The other 'Moon Saviors' stand out worse than a sore thumb, some of them sporting rather bizarre features that they can't hide. The cloak makes him less conspicuous but not by much. There's an air of danger about him, one that wards off undesirables. Rangers are often misunderstood as dangerous folk but the dying Dúnedain are anything but.

Aragorn suddenly comes to a halt when something darts out at him. If it hadn't been for the precious sound of laughter, he would've grabbed his sword. Three rosy-cheeked youths greet him, two girls and one boy. They offer him flowers and he doesn't have the heart to turn away.

He gets on one knee and pulls back his cloak revealing the smile upon his face. The tallest girl wastes no time placing one of her flower crowns upon his head. Of course, her little sister follows suit while their brother laughs in glee.

Aragorn hoped to escape the crowd unnoticed but he forgot how perspective children are. ]

DRAWN TO THE COASTLINE.

[After hours of traversing the coastline, Aragorn finds himself glaring at the unfamiliar horizon in disdain.

The ranger left no stone unturned as he searched for Frodo and the others. Many of the Moon Saviors arrived with their companions in tow, all except for him. While hobbits are hardy folk, they're a poor match against Sauron's minions. He just managed to sneak the hobbits out of Bree when suddenly, he emerged here. Despite being disoriented and dazed, Aragorn kept searching. ]

I've lost them. [ He mutters. ] But how?

[ He was about to leave until he recognizes someone nearby. ]

You there! [ He calls to them urgently. ] Have four travelers passed by here?

[ Aragorn is cautious. If the enemy's spies are here, he'll need to be cautious but he must find them before someone else does. ]

They're no taller than children.

WILDCARD.

( Feel free to PM me if you want to plot. )

Drawn to the Coastline

[notimefordreams]

[The shout definitely draws Sarah's attention. She's been out here enjoying the sound of the ocean to be honest. Not that New York lacked beaches but it definitely lacked not crowded ones.

She shakes her head gently, brows raised in clear curiosity.]

I'm afraid not. They aren't children, are they?

[She can't help but ask. She's a teacher after all and she has a soft spot for kids to boot.]

[elessar]

Not quite.

[ His answer is terse but not rude. ]

They're young but older than they seem.

[ If the hobbits are lost, then he means to find them but if they're still in Arda, then he's powerless. That thought alone worries Aragorn. The Nazgûl won't rest until they reclaim the ring. ]

Are you native to these lands?

[ He doubts it but he isn't certain. Some of the Moon Saviors blend in well with the locals. ]

coastline!

[direly]

[ Sansa jumps a little at the sudden voice calling to her, having been entranced with the waves for a moment, pausing in her steps. She looks to him and walks a few steps closer to hear him. Not too close. She feels hesitant around people she doesn't recognize, too. ]

... are you looking for children?

[ Because the only people she's seen as small as was... well. Tyrion's size. ]

I haven't seen many on this beach yet.

[elessar]

[ Aragorn keeps a responsible distance once he sees the alarm upon her face. ]

Forgive me. [ His tone is gentler now, softer. ] I mean you no harm.

[ He doubts she'll trust him, especially when he looks so foul. The ranger spent the last few weeks roaming the wilds. His cloth is poor but not tattered and his sword hangs from his hip in a worn leather scabbard. He looks unkempt and just as wild as the wilderness itself. However, there's a strange hint of kindness lurking within his gaze. A kindness that's rarely seen in the gaze of men. Still, Aragorn looks just as dangerous as any sellsword. ]

They would take offense being called children.

[ He jokes with a faint smile. ]

They're older than what they seem but only half the height of a man.

there's nothing to apologize for!

[elessar]

[ The dirty blond curls and miniature height makes Aragorn instantly think of Merry but once he sees the icy expression and the prominent beard, he realizes his error. He gives the little man an apologetic glance. ]

I meant no offense--[ He quickly says before answering. ] They're not children but rather---

[ "Halflings" but he hesitates to say it. The man looks offended enough already. ]

Hobbits.

[ He doubts the man knows what "hobbits" are. Not many do. ]

moon rises

[unabatedly]

[ She isn't certain she's seen this man before, not truly among their number, but the children in the square offering crowns seem to believe he is certainly one of the people chosen to be a part of their war effort. Neria's already gotten a few flowers threaded into her braid, accentuated just around the point of her elven ears, and so the children have taken to their new quarry quite quickly, refusing to let him go. They ask countless questions, hopeful: "You'll stay and save us, won't you?"

It's heartbreaking.

Garbed in nondescript layers and a side cloak of her own that hides the blade at her side, Neria crosses over, seeing the man trying to leave but seemingly unable to do so. ]

Look at all of these beautiful blooms. He looks prettier than a painting now.

[ One of the children giggles. Neria's smile is faint. ]

Ah, but might I borrow him? The soldiers have asked me to pass along some information - very secret, very important. If I may?

[ They don't seem inclined to leave, not really The man's been very nice and patient with them. But if it's important, maybe they'll go... ]

[elessar]

[ He offers the elven woman a warm smile once she intervenes. As much as he adores children, pressing matters are afoot. The hobbits must be here somewhere and Aragorn means to find them.

The little ones let out their displeasure before eventually dispersing. Aragorn pats their heads gently as he ushers them off. Someday, he'll have children of his own. If such a dream comes true, he hopes it would be with his beloved Evenstar and no one else. Yet such a dream seems utterly pointless with such a threat looming over Arda. Middle-Earth is in jeopardy, its fate tied with the Ring. He must find a way to return but what of this place?

His thoughts turn dark as he watches the trio leave. ]

They call us "saviors". [ He states after a moment. ] But we're nothing but strangers in a strange land.

[ Aragorn spares the elven woman a glance. She looks reminiscent of the elves of Rivendell but something about her seems more man than Elf. She lacks their mannerisms, to say the least. This is coming from a man who lived among the elves since childhood. ]

as the moon rises.

[epidioko]

[ Kassandra is, if not uncomfortable with the premise of another war or fighting in one as a chosen champion, then by the crowds. Large part of her life has been spent in solitude, travelling alone, almost always on the road; it takes her a while to acclimate to being among fellow people once more. This time is no different, and she seeks the outskirts of the revelry, the comfort of the shadows.

It is there that she comes across the cloaked man and the three children adorning him with flower wreaths. Unwilling to disturb the scene, she watches from slight distance, smiling softly to herself. She'd always had a soft spot for children, though the sight now makes her think of her friend, Phoibe; the sweet girl who always believed in Kassandra, and whom Kassandra had been unable to save, in the end. The thought still pierces her with sorrow and guilt, her smile wavering.

Her presence does not stay undetected for long. ]

Chaire, [ she greets softly, her smile turning slightly sheepish as she takes a small step closer. ] I'm sorry, I did not mean to disturb.

[ Her movements are slow so as not to frighten the children in her bronze cuirass, a bow and quiver at her back and a curved dagger dangling off her hip. ]

[elessar]

[ Despite being distracted by the children, Aragorn could feel someone there. He peeks over his shoulder when she reveals herself, his gaze briefly flickering to her bow and quiver. The sight of it reminds him of his long-time friend, Legolas. The Elves of Mirkwood were bound to join the council at Rivendell. So even if the hobbits were lost, Aragorn is certain that Legolas would volunteer to find them. Still, he cannot help but feel as if he failed somehow. After all, Gandalf entrusted their safety to him. ]

Fear not, you're welcome here.

[ A smile crosses his lips once the children make their way towards her. They're already trying to adorn her with all sorts of flowers and baubles, much like how they've done him. Aragorn watches in amusement as the children start pelting her with questions. They're curious, all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. ]

Coastline

[songofserenity]

Ah!!

[Ralsei had been rather distracted watching the ocean (He's never seen an ocean before, it's so big!) so he didn't notice someone approaching until he's called out to. He jumps in surprise, but quickly recovers.]

Um, no, I don't think I saw anyone... What do they look like?

[elessar]

[ The ranger arches his brow once he gets a better look at this...creature. He's used to dealing with beasts but what is this thing suppose to be? It's difficult to tell considering the brim of its hat hides it well. Aragorn stares at it briefly before remembering his manners. ]

They're no taller than yourself.

[ He explains with a faint hint of amusement in his tone. ]

Though, not as peculiar.

as the moon rises (if you'd like to avoid any Shadowbringers spoilers let me know)

[towerkeeper]

Sometimes I feel it's a bit like cheating, when they throw children at you.

[Another hooded figure stands nearby, staff in hand, though his robes are in brighter hues of blue, red, and gold. Usually an enchantment would keep his hood solidly in place and cast a shadow over most of his features, but for whatever reason he can't call upon that now. He's settled for pulling it as far forward as possible.

He's already protested more than once at having it removed. This has only resulted in him now having a crown of flowers set over the hood instead.

The response to his arrival has been overwhelming, and the crowd is a bit much for him. His fellow "moon saviors", however, are a curiosity.]

Spoilers are fine! I'm a FFXIV player

[elessar]

[ The newcomer is awarded a glance now that the little ones have taken their leave. They offered their champion flowers and even went as far as to braid them into his hair. With saint-like patience, Aragorn indulged them until they left. He knew that others were watching, but he didn't expect to come face to face with someone dressed so finely. Aragorn stares at the newcomer as he rises to his feet again. His blue gaze filled with questions. ]

It might be right. [ He admits with a smirk. ] Since no man could possibly deny them.

[ All jest aside, Aragorn is curious. He takes one look at the flower crowns and arches his brow. ]

You're one of the Moon Saviors?

Drawn to the Coastline

[galran]

[ Clad in the purple uniform of the Blades of Marmora, Keith frowns as he considers Aragorn's question. ] Don't think so.

[ He pauses to think a little longer, eying the ranger a little as he wonders. Something in Aragorn's voice speaks desperation; the man must have been looking around for some time now and Keith finds himself in no different a position. ]

I've been looking around for some people, also. I can keep an eye out for anyone if you can give me a better description. I can pass your name around.

[elessar]

[ Aragorn tries in earnest to keep the desperation out of his voice, but it's there. He has searched everywhere for Frodo and the others, but his efforts were in vain. It was demoralizing, worrying and frustrating. Gandalf trusted their safety with him. He ensured the wizard that they would reach Rivendell by the fortnight.

This failure stings worse than any poison. ]

I see. [ He does his best to mask his disappointment, but he cannot. After all, men are flawed. ] I hoped to have found them by now, but this land is unfamiliar to me.

[He regards the youth with a sympathetic gaze. While the boy is yet another unfamiliar face, Aragorn can tell he means well. ]

You have my thanks, friend. [His tone is filled with gratitude. ] The little ones know me as 'Strider'.

They're halflings, hobbits. They're half the size of a man and could be easily mistaken for children at first glance. There's four of them, the youngest being a youth with dark brown hair.

AS THE MOON RISES.

[nosimplewalk]

( The festival was bright, loud, and Boromir's chest tightened with all the smiling faces around him. With each smile, each pair of bright eyes cast his way, and cheer aimed toward him were a familiar sight and brought such an ache in his heart. The White City's streets were oft like this; an endless sea of bodies rippling with his step through the streets, hands held high were waves across the crowd as they reached for him, clapped for him, and offered gifts of gratitude. Their smiles were sought pearls in the mouths of oysters as they smiled for him, shouted to him, praised his name.

He was no stranger to the feel of celebration, just as he was no stranger to the dread before the battle. This would pass, these cheers, these smiles, these praises would all pass.

Boromir lifts a careful hand up to his forehead where his crown of flowers sit awkwardly on him. His other hand holds a mug of ale and there's about two little ones who are following after him with food in their hands. They remind him of the hobbits he recently kept company with. For now, he ignores them, just to keep the familiar recollection a moment longer. His eyes quickly move across the crowd, though there is so much happening he can hardly focus on just one area, let alone a single individual.

However, his eyes do settle on someone and it brings his feet to a sudden stop. He locks eyes on the other and he can feel his breath catch in his throat. )

Boromir! *_*

[elessar]

[ As Aragorn rose to his feet, he caught the bewildered gaze of another. The ranger stands there in utter silence, his gaze lacking the familiarity and warmth that should be there. There's no anger, no joy, just confusion. If it wasn't for the cheerful cries of the children, the silence between them would've been deafening. Thankfully, a spark of recognition warms Aragorn's stare once be notices the tunic.

The man before is dressed finely in fancy cloth and good leathers. It's easy to tell that he's some sort of lord or knight. He dresses like one but doesn't carry himself like one. The newcomer seems more like a sellsword than nobility, but that's where Aragorn is wrong.

In his timeline, they have yet to meet. ]

Do you know of me?

[ He questions as he gently brushes past the children. The youths watch them in wide-eyed fascination. It's rare for their saviors to hail from the same world. ]

Drawn to the Coastline

[whattheydefend]

[Faramir has been kneeling, looking at shells near the water's edge. They are both like and unlike those he remembers from Dol Amroth, years ago. It is hard not to see the ocean and wonder if his own land lies on the other side, and if a ship might be found to return him there...but given what strange circumstances brought him and so many others hither, it seems unlikely that a return could be accomplished by any means he knows.

When he hears himself hailed he turns and stands, looking the stranger over with perceptive eyes. They are much of a type, in truth: bearing both bow and sword and the callouses that speak of familiarity with their use, and armor that has seen more than one battle, though Faramir the Tree of Gondor on his chest whereas the other man's armor is unmarked. Even the man's features are not wholly unfamilliar. There is something about them that nags at Faramir's mind, like a face seen long ago, in a painting or perhaps a dream...

But, a question was asked. Faramir can only shake his head.]

No, I fear not. Such folk I have seen, but not here, and not in such numbers.

The Sons of Gondor are here!

[elessar]

[ Aragorn's could feel his heart sink the second the man confirms his worst fear. Even though he was half-expecting that answer, Aragorn hoped he could put this dreadful ordeal behind him. The ranger doesn't have an ounce of luck, does he? No matter where he goes or how far he searches, he simply can't find them. It's as if the hobbits have all but vanished and with them, the One Ring. Aragorn isn't the type to bemoan his fate, but he certainly bemoans theirs.

Death by Sauron's hands is too cruel for such gentle creatures. ]

It's as I feared.

[ Aragorn mutters as he comes to a slow halt. The gentle sea breeze is cool against his skin, but it does nothing to ease his frustration. ]

The hobbits are not here.

[Just when he was about to turn his gaze towards the horizon, he catches a glimpse of symbol woven unto that handsome tunic. Those perceptive blue eyes blink in surprise. ]

A son of Gondor?

[ He peers at the stranger's face in shock. ]

as the moon rises.

[stormborned]

[ Daenerys finds herself watching the children during the revelry, more than any of the other strangers who find themselves being celebrated as Moon Saviors. The title means very little to her, except for the familiarity of being associated with the moon; it's been a long while since she's heard herself being mentioned in that connotation, whether it be in the common tongue or in Dothraki.

The children she's watching now — two girls and a boy, all looking to be in the ranges of seven to ten namedays — have cornered another new arrival with peals of childish laughter, and she smiles in her own private delight when the stranger hunkers down on one knee and removes his hood, giving them a broad smile as they adorn him with a flower garland and instantly dispelling any veneer of danger he might have had while fully cloaked.

She waits until his young admirers finally disperse, laughing and shrieking as they scamper off, before she steps forward into his line of sight, bearing her own crown of flowers and her hands clasped loosely together at the front of her blue tunic. ]

You've made them very happy — not every Moon Savior enjoys the attention of children.

/silently squees!

[elessar]

[That broad smile lingers still even after the children take their leave. Despite being utterly perplexed with his current plight, Aragorn can't help feel oddly soothed by their laughter. It reminds him of the playful days of his youth. Their joy reinvigorates him and helps heal his wounded spirit. However, his smile falters someone when a woman sporting Galadriel's likeness comes to view. The long blond, almost snowy, hair reminds him of the Lady of Lorien and of the world he left behind. He could almost see the light of the Eldar within this woman. She possessed so much of their likeness, but alas, she feels foreign.

Rising to his feet with a laurel of garlands perched upon his head, Aragorn greets the woman with a respectful nod.]

It's an honor that many would squander recklessly.

[He admits with a gentle sigh.]

Too few seem to appreciate the wondrous glee of children.

Coastline

[song_of_ice]

I haven't seen any children, not here.

[Near the Moon Temple and in the town nearby, but none that seemed out of place or lost. Much like the others that had crowded the new arrivals, they seemed very much to belong to this world and more than overjoyed to greet them with flowers and praise.]

What do they look like? They might be in the village or marketplace, but you'll find more crowds there. You won't be able to get a few steps in before they start gathering around you.

[Which is why he retreated to the beach, but peace was apparently hard to find.]

[elessar]

They're not children.

[Aragorn proclaims while still scanning the horizon for any signs of life. It seems luck has abandoned him for now.]

They're halflings with wide ears and even wider feet.

[He turns is gaze towards the man before him with a questioning gaze. Aragorn has yet to meet many hailing from Middle-Earth, but the youth before him looks almost like a ranger. He stares at the young man for moment, his gaze curious.]

There's four of them, all of them lacking footwear since their feet are tough like leather. They wear dark hoods, and are easily spooked.