Test Drive #4

[felldenmods]

Welcome to the January 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 February 1st, and continue to be until 11:59 PM UTC on February 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.
✦ We have added a Suitability section to the application. Check it out! We will be requiring this going forward as it not only helps players see if their character is a good fit for the game but it lets the mod team gather some ideas about direction for your character!
✦ 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 Death or its Attendants if you risk placing a coin in their offering bowl.
✦ As in December, a secondary blessing will be available in February to those that tag others on the TDM!

All set? Perfect! Welcome to Fellden.

AS THE MOON RISES. You’ll find yourself just outside the Temple gates, which will be locked if you try to open them. A little rude, keeping you out after bringing you all this way, and the more you try to look up at the Temple structure the more insistent guards become in pushing you down the pathway to somewhere else. 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! Chrysanthemums will be offered as brooches or corsages, food and drink placed into your hands, while live musicians play loud enough for the dead to hear — for this is a celebration dedicated to them. Several were lost in the battle held the previous weeks, and the Priestess has decreed a time of mourning through revelry. Spirits must be kept up, even in these dark times. 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 despite the pall that may hang over the town. 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 prepare the interior for a solemn remembrance of those lost. Guards at the door will instead direct you to the center of the city where most of Starfolk have gathered to say their goodbyes and reminisce of memories past. Venturing there, you'll be greeted either by those who are serving food and drink from nearby taverns, or those with drawn faces tired from battle. Or perhaps you're a late arrival and the worst of the exhaustion has left the city, now imbued with laughter and happier memories! Those loyal to the Court of Stars greet the newcomers with guarded gratitude in their eyes and wary hesitance. How many more of these Otherworlders will betray them, they wonder out loud. If you try and take a seat with a party or three, chances are the conversation will halt as soon as you grow near, and the longer you stay the more uncomfortable the gathered people become. Trust is not easily gained in the Court of Stars; broken now as it is, the natives of this world fear the worst for their Emperor. Will you help us, or will you hurt us, they ask, wanting to believe they still have a chance at surviving this exhaustive war. Whether you choose to remain for the remembrance or wander off, one thing is certain: things must turn around for the Stars soon. If you do manage to sneak off, a hopeful 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 with an extra amount of people who sought refuge here during the attack on the Moon Temple. Some calm had finally started to settle but now the foundation has once more been shaken. Newcomers will be welcomed with smiling faces from merchants as they look to try to sell their wares. Tavern owners and barkeeps will beckon with the promise of warm food and delightful drinks, a place by the fire, and information to help you find your bearings. The air is rife with the scent of the coastline, fishermen bringing in their haul from the day. Perhaps if you pay enough attention, 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 for something more exciting will find closer to the northern border of Kyst a rather curious bi-pedal cat bouncing on its back legs. It flags you down with a wave of its paw, asking excitedly if you'd like to flex your claws into a juicy quest. You're just the hunter for the job! Purr-fect in every way! Out in the wild lands there's a great beast in a deep river, and it's bothering all the people who live in the nearby town! They can't get fresh water or fish for their meals; it's furr-ightening! If you agree to help, the cat will explain that the creature is a Nokken that has been luring many a brave fisher to their untimely death. It must be removed either by force or by convincing it to leave! Help them, Hero-wan Kenobi, you're their meownly hope!

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, and leaving offerings for their passed. If you catch their eye, they will beg of you to pay respects as well, and press a gold coin into your palm. Offer a wish or a happy memory to who you miss and place the coin into Death's offering bowl and there's a chance someone will be there to speak with you. Be mindful of your actions though; those that show disrespect will be forcibly removed from the Gods Wood by the trees. If the forest is too intimidating, Terebellum is open for semester registration, and the grounds are even more regal with a light dusting of snow all around. Students of all branches of magic can be found exploring the campus and practicing their craft. If you're lucky, perhaps you can find a teacher who will explain what is offered here at the University. But ah, there's a catch! Tuition is extremely expensive, so you must impress your faction leaders if you wish to widen your breadth of knowledge within these walls!

Comments

[mirrortide]

you get stuck in one for 5000 years then tell me how you feel about them

also yikes that sounds not good

[uglyponcho]

[Cal ends up giving the bow a once over and was pretty sure it was something of a rarity where he was from.]

Your weapon looks a little primitive. You sure it'd be up to the task? I'd rather not use you as a lure, in any case. Letting you get in the first shot would be smart though.

[merging]

I can account for... five? If you count the Grand Inquisitor too.

[Grand Inquisitor, three on Malachor, and the one Ahsoka had defeated to make her lightsabers.]

But we had all of them after us and then... nothing. The Empire knew of our position and sent a Grand Admiral. They're gone. Why else would the Inquisitors suddenly stop inquisiting?

Also, you're kinda being complacent yourself. You don't wanna teach someone because you're afraid they'll fall. If your padawan is tempted by the dark side, it's your responsibility to support them and help them find their way back to the light. You're giving up before you've even tried.

[sweariff]

[He watches it all play out of of the corner of his eye, as still and placid as any other patron nursing their drink. Anna's voice lacks the venom to make her truly frightening, but her presence is like a black wall. Bigby can feel it behind him, looming large as she stands parallel to him, and hear it in the way her hands slam the table with a thud like distant thunder. The hasty, retreating footsteps that follow tell him all he needs to know, as does the way she kicks the chairs in — another louder thud, storm clouds coming in.

The bar goes quiet then. The tables around them go completely silent, watching Anna as she returns to her seat. A few minutes pass before conversation picks up again, quieter now and with a distinct sense of unease. If all eyes weren't on her before, they sure are now.

The same goes for her eyes on him.

Bigby's seen this before. A shitty tavern in the Court of Stars is no different from a shitty bar in the Bronx. While Anna wasn't exactly subtle about it before, now she's outright staring him down, like she's begging him to notice her. She probably is. When you've been told you're not liked by every different kind of person in every different form, for over three hundred years, you learn how to read the writing on the wall real quick. You also learn how not to pick fights when you can.

Hunched over with the bar with his hands folded together, Bigby looks up and makes eye contact... with the bartender, a plump woman with circles under her eyes, and nods her over. He orders a refill on his drink.

All the while, he ignores Anna. Very blatantly, too. Almost defiantly so. It gets easier once the bartender brings his drink back over.

From behind them, the doors to the tavern open as a few new people come staggering in, the wind blowing in after them, and with it, the tavern's scents. Stale sweat, rotting wood, old leather. Cheap mead, wine, rum.

And under that, blood and fur and old magic, cold like the wind moving through the trees in the dead of winter, and twice as primal. Like the hot, stinking breath of an animal in the dark.]

[sweariff]

never said i disagreed. i'm not the biggest fan either.

and yeah, that's putting it lightly. the emperor wasn't very happy, but all considered, they've been pretty forgiving. it's their people who are taking it the hardest. it was a huge slap in the face and a betrayal for them.

[mirrortide]

glad we agree mirrors suck

also i can kind of understand that whole thing too what with being disappointed by the people who were supposed to help you that really sucks a lot

but also maybe war isnt really that good of an option to begin with just saying war like mirrors also sucks

[sweariff]

yeah but at least mirrors are easy to get rid of.

no one wants to go to war, but if it were that easy to stop and if these people didn't think it was their only option, we wouldn't be here. as far as they know, we're their only option.

fraux | granblue fantasy | stars

[uppercutter]

the setting stars.

[ Fraux is no stranger to being the topic of conversation, especially when it's done in hushed whispers and gazes hardened with skepticism. It is clear, however, that the majority of the crowd that is reluctant to so much as look her in the eye have gone through some turmoil; she doesn't particularly take any offense, but with that inkling of reason she decides not to overthink.

It was not long that she had betrayed another person -- though the sting is subtle, Fraux abandons the idea of harboring any malice towards these strangers. The tense atmosphere never reaches her, if her friendly demeanor has anything to say about how she walks around the center of the city.

If you just so happen to be sporting a sour face then she's quick to approach, both hands holding skewers filled with meat and assorted vegetables (there's a pineapple mixed in there for some reason... as a treat) that she hands to them. ]

Here, eat something. If we blend in a little with their merry making then their stares get just a little less obvious.

markets of the coast.

[ A Nokken -- now that's the first she's heard of the creature, but it's certainly not the first time she's been requested to hunt something down. Especially not by a cute, furry little cat whose puns brought a faint smile to her face before she finally agreed.

But it's not only beneficial for the town as much as it is to her. To learn more of this worlds and the possible dangers that inhabit it, as well as the people here who may inch her closer to her own desires. Slaying one monster won't immediately replace the Captain she already holds on such a high pedestal, but there was never any harm in throwing in some worthy competitors. The more the merrier, as they say, though she's in no particular rush...

At least that's certainly how it looks when she's slightly bent over the water to see her own reflection. Fixing strands of her hair before she leans back to face her companion. ] Ah, sorry, I felt that something was off. [ Her tone is cool and relaxed, returning to the surface of the water. ] Do you think they're aware why we're here and they went into hiding? Maybe we should try luring them out... though I'd think that baiting them with a fishing rod may just be offensive to them.

[ She shifts her weight onto one foot, chin propped between thumb and index finger as she cants her head to one side, clearly in thought. ]

beyond the cities.

[ Fraux knows better than to misbehave when she's focused on her image, but right now the gold coin snug in the palm of her hand weighs heavy with disbelief.

She has offered herself to Death before; promises that she knew would be deceived once she had met her goal, but Fraux remained aware. She wished to extinguish the lives of those who harmed her, as well as the world that she harbored so much love for -- her temptation running ragged and malicious, so much so that she learned to not even flinch when she's manipulated kindhearted people.

As she stands there, somewhat in a daze, the thought of betrayal gives her an idea -- should she fail in this world, would all those promises come true?

And then she's reminded of that person. Someone she so desperately wishes to meet.

With a somber expression, she offers her coin. ]

I can only hope that... Once we meet again that you'll see me as who you remember, and not who I've become.

[ Immediately she feels foolish. The silence between her breath and drawn out sigh almost unbearable; she has already fallen for the temptations Death has promised her, and there's no turning back after she's grasped his hand. ]

Ah, how odd. [ -- and yet, Fraux smiles. ] It feels as if my chest has gotten a bit lighter, I wonder why?

wildcard.

( if there's anything you'd like to do with fraux in particular feel free to message me! otherwise throw in what you'd like and i'll totally roll with it. )

[uglyponcho]

There's probably a bigger danger to their regime out there. Maybe Master Yoda or Master Kenobi decided that it was time to strike out. Or maybe...you know...Anakin.

[The most powerful Jedi ever. Though Cal is entirely ignorant in that history.]

Alright, alright. You got me there. But, look. I can already tell that your master is a pretty amazing person. I'm just not there yet. You'll have to trust me on that. I won't take a student just yet but, like I said, I'm more than willing to pass on what knowledge I have.

[song_of_ice]

I was being sarcastic. [Given how tired and numb he felt, he supposed it was difficult to tell what he meant by his tone. He at least smiled at the woman, managing to do that genuinely, better than what he offered death.] A poor jest, my lady.

[He had been here long enough to know that many had died in their world before coming here. This wasn't a special or notable event, but it still stung him all the same. That darkness was still attached to him and he wasn't going to shake it off easily. Not unless Death decided to take away that memory.]

Maybe we're buying his good favor?

[song_of_ice]

Prompt II

[liberee]

I'm not sure why. I gather that.....something must have happened for them to be wary like this. But it isn't like I -- like we did anything yet?

[So yes it is rather. Frustrating to say the least. Elsa is admittedly used to being alone and would once have much preferred this sort of option in having everyone leave her alone. But she's grown since then, from her fears. So of course she is concerned about this, as she watches the person leave, before glancing back to Jae-Ha.]

You're new too then? I'm Elsa.

[liberee]

[This was....hardly stranger than a walking, talking snowman. So Elsa's well learned to just kind of roll with things at this point, really. Let alone the snowgies or Marshmallow of her creations specifically. She considers still, though she raises an eyebrow in silent question at Bigby's comment about the oxygen. As if she's considering if she should ask how he knows that or not. Probably not.....]

I can freeze it. Easily. I just don't want to possibly affect the fish or anything, was my concern. If my freezing it could help us deal with it, find someone else who then might know more about what to do? I'm not sure freezing it would necessarily be a permanent fix. As easily as I could still keep it frozen in warmer months.

[yinception]

"That's exactly what I asked when I first came here and someone first identified me as new. And now I can confirm beyond a doubt: it truly does."

Raising the cup at her in a silent toast, he proceeds to knock back a good part of the contents - but not without enjoying it. In fact, his face lights up in obvious enjoyment at the taste.

"I've been here... a month or two now? Not as long as some, but long enough to answer some questions if you have them."

[terraria]

Huans are really worth so much to you? [ It's a bit surprising - the devotion. Aspen shakes his head. ]

... do you want me to step into the river?

[ He tips his head forwards, wings curled around himself. ]

If I'm "bait" and we'll fish it out...

[terraria]

[ ... is that meant to be a pun? Even if it's not, it ekes a surprised laugh out of Aspen, who has to fight down another snicker as he follows. ]

Green and healing magic, for the most part. I'm not sure what fishing would entail. I've never done it.

[terraria]

[ Aspen lowers his gaze.

That's... hm. ]

I didn't think that one could ask for Death to watch over someone, but... I understand.

[facultative]

[When he finally releases her he keeps his arms on his shoulders, still kneeling down to her height.]

I've been here for a while, Snips.

[Unlike some characters, Anakin looks more or less the same even down to the robes he still wears. There's no visible tattoos and he hasn't chosen to dress like the locals.]

[muffled sounds of the imperial march]

[facultative]

[Someone that knows him, but finds that hard to believe. All signs point to that nebulous future he's been told little about where he's dead.]

Ask the Force if I'm lying.

[For someone that's so closely attuned to the Force, Anakin's presence could often only be felt by those in his immediate vicinity. He lowers his shielding slightly, not enough to glimpse the turbulent emotions he tries to keep hidden, but it would verify his words.]

[facultative]

Yeah, like they're going to be able to use the Force.

[Ordinarily he wouldn't have a problem with teaching kids how to survive on their own, but knowing that the merchant was likely affected by the same incident that orphaned those kids on top of the recent famine makes it all feel a little like they were dragging each other down. It couldn't be just about survival.]

wildcard

[scandroid]

[ Having heard about the Stars gaining new recruits lately, 9S took it upon himself to evaluate them. It's pretty easy to spot the newbies, the confused look in their face, even if they try to hide it... he thinks he can still spot them. What he really wants to keep an eye on are potential double-crossers, as the Court has suffered enough due to them lately.

However, what he wasn't expecting to spot in the crowd is a familiar figure with short, white hair. ]

2B? No...

Alert: This unit is currently wanted by YoRHa. Annihilation recommended.

[ Yeah, he's gonna ignore that for now, although he's noticeably on guard. ]

...you're A2! We met in the Forest Kingdom...

[ Well... according to his memory, at least. ]

[mirrortide]

true

well i cant say im overly fond of fighting but if its to save the world i guess i can manage at least a little what about you whats your take on all this

[mercurio]

[the shot is actually enough to give prompto a chance to pry himself off from the claws of the nokken. the blond sputters and takes a deep breath before swimming out of the way. it feels something of a useless attempt though, considering the creature exists with the river, in a sense. both he and shay are at a disadvantage.]

[which is why it boggles his mind that shay dived in as well!]

[he pushes himself up the shore of the river, weighed down by his soaked clothes, rocks and pebbles disturbed by his boots. prompto takes a moment to catch his breath before putting his hands on his knees, a few ragged breaths keeping him in place before he hears splashing again.]

[—that's right, shay.]

[he notices the man's rifle, remembers his own faithful gun somewhere in the armiger. the magic is shoddy at best, reminding prompto of when he first gained access to royal hammerspace, and it's after a few failed attempts that he gets not only his gun in his hand, but a bazooka and a sword clambering down by accident.]

Whoops.

[he grimaces for a bit, before pointing the gun at the water. the nokken peers back over the surface, and prompto shoots at the other shoulder, drawing a miserable shriek from the creature.]

[nuncommon]

Goodness, do you and your companions find yourselves saving the realm often? That must keep you very busy.

[ She's impressed! ]

But I'd be happy to help, temporary arrangement or not.

[mirrortide]

Oh. Makes sense. [She supposes, putting a hand on her hip as she makes a slight face as she considers it, though in the end she just outright asks:]

Buying his good favour? What d'you mean? Whose favour? Why would you need to buy favours?