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

Ezra Bridger | Star Wars

[merging]

I. stars

[From war right into another. It's weird, which goes without saying, but it's still weird for him even with all his Force stuff. He'd seen a strange Loth-wolf and then... he was here. It had to be connected to the world between worlds, right? Which meant he should be able to find a way home, if he could just find another door. Or maybe he should be grateful he's not stuck with Thrawn anymore.

Hoping to learn a little more about this place, Ezra waves to a group of people who pass by. And keep passing by. So does the next group. And again at a tavern when he invites himself to a table, they all stare at him when he asks if there are any Loth-wolves or Loth-cats in the area. Or a mural with three figures and a convor? Or an old Jedi temple? He'll take a Sith temple at this point?

He's met with silence and maybe one or two questions of "Loth...?" which he somewhat expected, but they don't seem to understand when he asks about tookas instead. One person gets up to go to the bathroom. Then someone else follows them. Another mentions a meeting they're late for. And he's left alone at the table, sighing.]

II. market

[Ezra passes by a stall, glancing curiously at a fruit that resembles jogans, and then moves onto another selling fish. Suddenly, as if hit by a gust of wind or some invisible force, several of the fruit fall onto the ground. He turns back, seemingly alerted by the sound, and starts to help pick up what's fallen.]

That wind came out of nowhere, huh? Karabast... this one's bruised. I don't know if you'll be able to sell these.

[he says with a concerned tone. And when the merchant shakes their head, he smiles,]

So you won't mind me taking them off your hands, right? Here, don't worry.

[Ezra tosses them a payment that's maybe half of what the fruits are actually worth. If he notices anyone watching, he'll look to them with a grin.]

You want one?

III. network text, un: ezra

i think i picked up someone else's compass thing?
anyone here know an ezra?
you can call me lando by the way

market

[pegafuss]

[ ingrid feels the blast as she walks by, though is off to the side enough to only feel it as a sharp breeze from the blue. her head turns to observe the situation at hand, and she's about to ignore it until she overhears the conversation. her eyebrows raise precariously over it and then her eyes meet with ezra's. she doesn't even flinch as he offers. ]

No thank you. [ hm! ok, no, she can't hold her tongue, gotta fuss. ] Bruised or not, you should pay full price young man.

[merging]

[He can't help but snort at being called "young man" by someone who barely looks older than Sabine. The lecturing doesn't aid her case either.]

Technically, I paid way more than full price. Which would've been free, in this case. Wait, do you think I should've just stolen them? Cause I guess I could do that, but I thought this was more fair.

[pegafuss]

I think you shouldn't try to con a man trying to make a living. [ wise guy over here. ] And where did that blast of wind come from anyway?

[ she doesn't want to make accusations, but seems a little too coincidental. ]

[merging]

Oh yeah, right. There wasn't any wind, so I don't really know what you're talking about?

[Which is the truth. But he did moments earlier comment on the "wind" so.]

I don't see how it's a con either... You sure you don't want one?

ii

[gunbreaking]

...No thanks.

[ squall looks towards him, his expression on the cusp of deadpan. there's the slightest raise of the brow. ]

Try that somewhere else and you might not get away with it.

[merging]

Try what?

[He's still grinning. Whatever could you mean, Squall?]

ii

[coagulant]

[he gets it. people need to do what they need to do to survive. that doesn't make it morally sound to do, but it's respectable nonetheless. he's reminded of a boy he's helped out in the past, giving them blood beads to subsist on, only for that to eventually go in a completely unfortunate direction.

teach a man to fish, though. is that how the saying goes?]

Thanks, but... keep it, it won't do much for me.

[vampire vibe check, complete. but less brooding and more accolade-ing.]

Besides, you put a lot of hard work into scamming that merchant.

[merging]

[He shrugs. Maybe this guy just hates fruit or something, but he's not getting into it.]

Not sure what you mean. I just helped someone sell a bunch of beat up fruit.

[coagulant]

[fruits are the pits, its true.]

How'd they get beat up to begin with?

["a wind"

"yeah, but how?"

millennials these days.]

ii

[facultative]

[Anakin recognises Force usage when he sees it and he doesn't like what that means. This kid is clearly not Jedi trained as none of them would ever put up with that sort of antics. This means he's got some untrained youngling who has just enough control to be a problem.]

No thanks. That poor guy's trying to make up his losses from the famine and here you are taking advantage of his damaged goods.

[He holds a hand out to Force pull the rest of the kid's coins from his pockets.]

[merging]

Hey, wait!

[He tries to grab some of the coins back, but only manages to get one or two. Ezra glares at the man before realizing, he knows that face. And that voice. And that Force signature, in a way.]

Anakin? [said quietly, out of disbelief. Then back to the matter at hand] That poor guy was yelling at kids for trying to do the same. He wouldn't spare anything for them. I thought at least this way he'd get something, and they would too.

[facultative]

[He looks at him quizzically when he hears his name. He doesn't recognise him or his Force signature so that either means someone he'll meet in the future or that future fame of his getting him recognised.

Regardless, he counts out the coins he's managed to pull, taking note of what Ezra has managed to claim back.]

And yet you have enough money here to pay him. He could have gotten his money's worth and those kids could get undamaged fruit. Look, you're clearly new here, but you're going to have to cut these guys a break. They've been through a lot recently.

[The town was in better spirits than he'd have expected after everything that happened here.]

another ii

[puppetgirl]

[ Her eyes follow the gust of "wind", senses picking up on the brief display of power. Although she realizes it's something out of the ordinary, Orchid doesn't say anything. She watches for awhile longer, then gets ready to go about her own business in the markets. As of late, Orchid's been a little distant, especially with the talk of certain people from Stars committing treason.

Then he asks her a question, just when she's about to walk off. His grin is met with a listless stare. This girl looks old enough to be a teenager, but with the stuffed cat she carries in her arms, she might give off a more childish air about her. ]

...No thank you. [ Orchid speaks softly in a near whisper. ] You're the one who bought it.

[ Also she doesn't really understand he just conned someone... ]

everyone loves ep II attack of the clones

[merging]

It's fine.

[He tries to make his presence more open, the smile on his face now more friendly than mischievous. Maybe this girl got scared after watching him do all that?]

These aren't all for me anyways. So if you want one, go for it.

[puppetgirl]

[ A few passing locals give Orchid a glance, for some reason. She has a bit of notoriety with some of the Stars soldiers that may be in markets today. Though he smiles, her gaze remains expressionless. Still, she doesn't accept. ]

...Who are you giving them too?

I

[uglyponcho]

Hey, uh...

[He doesn't like being rude but butting in at this point seemed pretty neccessary.]

...did you say Jedi Temple? Where did you hear about something like that?

[merging]

[It’s not rude! His eyes actually light up at someone recognizing the phrase, but then realizes that even with no Empire here he should still be careful.]

Yeah, I... there was a Jedi temple on my home world.

[uglyponcho]

Really?

[He's a bit excited before he realizes how that could look.]

Where's that? Not that I'm trying to pry or anything. I just...

[Cal nudges at the lightsaber on his own belt. It's him trying to be subtle but not entirely working out. He only knows how to fight Inquisitors, not outsmart them.]

iii..... combo-breaker, un: rey

[purpose]

General Calrissian?

[ With a wince, she skims over the foolishness of that question. What other Landos could there be? ]

I didn't know you were here.

[merging]

yep i'm here
lando calrissian
that's me

[purpose]

[ S q u i n t s. That doesn't sound much like Lando, but — well, Rey hadn't known him, despite her familiarity with stories of his adventures and the smooth ease that only smugglers seem to possess. It's hard to say with any certainty. ]

There's no one else from the Resistance here.
Just us.

[ Would Lando have even considered himself Resistance? Rey considers it for all of two seconds before deciding he must, if he'd come to join them in the end. ]

iii; un: goro

[acerejective]

Oh? How did you pick up someone else's compass? I thought they were to specific to each of us.

[merging]

someone must have dropped theirs
i thought maybe if i put a message out here i could try and find them

[acerejective]

I would think that would be hard if you have their communication device.

So do you have two?