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

kairi \\ kingdom hearts \\ stars

[flowereffects]

[[the setting stars]]

[ Kairi, being as friendly as she is, attempts to work her way into the natives, picking out a drink and settling herself down in a chair nearby a group of them. But before she can even speak, she notices the air shift, as though she's some sort of unpopular kid trying to eat with the popular ones. ]

Um, hi there.

[ She smiles regardless, some cheer in her voice, but there's no response save for their wary stares, and she starts to get the message, especially so when she overhears one of them whispering to the other about betrayal and such. She wouldn't do that, she thinks, but maybe now's the time to leave before making anything worse. She's fine with moving herself to help others regain comfort, even if she doesn't quite understand the circumstances. ]

Sorry, I'll find another place to sit.

[ She doesn't sound too downtrodden — she's fine with it, really! But maybe it was a little awkward to watch as a third party? ]

[[ markets of the coast ]]

[ Kairi isn't a hunter, but she's not someone to turn down helping others out, either. Especially when lives are on the line. So she eagerly accepts her new hunting role.

And once she arrives at the river where it's said to be, she notices someone else nearby, and calls out to them. ]

Hey! Are you here to make the Nokken leave, too?

[ She doesn't really know what one is, and she isn't counting out the ability to ask it to leave, either. ]

[[ beyond the cities ]]

[ Kairi is very capable of showing respect to the forest, and she does just that, especially when asked to pay her respects with the gold coin she's been given. She adapts well, and gives a nod to the kind stranger. ] Oh — of course. [ She'll do just as they asked.

A wish or a happy memory, huh... to someone she misses. That's an easy one. So easy, in fact, that it takes her only a fraction of a second for someone to come to mind. Sora isn't dead, she knows that much for a fact (always, always believing in him), but he's the one she misses regardless, so she offers up her coin and speaks. ]

I know this will reach you... wherever you are. Just know that I'm thinking of you, and I'll find you soon. [ A soft laugh, like she's just talking normally to a friend. ] I mean, look at where I've ended up. I bet even you haven't been here before. [ To this world, that is. She can't help a little teasing. ] But don't worry. Once we're together again, I'll bring you here. I know you wouldn't want to fall behind, right? [ She smiles warmly. ] See you soon, Sora.

[ She's used to writing him letters and such, talking to him when he's not able to respond. She just likes to do it. ]

the setting stars

[increscents]

( it's definitely uncomfortable to witness from the outside, especially seeing how young Kairi is in comparison to some of the Otherworlders brought in so far.

so of course, Hayley steps up. )

Hey. Why don't you come sit with me? ( she offers, gesturing to the small wall that lines the edge of the yard. it's not as comfortable as inside, but it's certainly a lot more peaceful. )

[flowereffects]

[ Kairi perks up at that invitation, giving a smile in response. ]

Oh, sure!

[ And she approaches her, looking back at the others she'd tried to sit with moments prior before moving on from them. ]

Thanks for the invitation... I'm not sure anyone else would've wanted me to sit with them either.

[ She can't really tell what most of them are thinking in terms of her, but it doesn't seem good? ]

[increscents]

They'll get over it. ( Hayley answers dismissively of the attitude of the locals. deep down, though, she worries they won't relaly.

no need to share that worry, though.

Hayley moves over to make better room for Kairi, patting the spot for her. )

You just get here too, I take it?

[flowereffects]

[ Then she'll happily take a seat in the offered spot. She's not quite capable of being so dismissive of others' feelings, so maybe it's a good thing for her to be with someone who can. ]

Yeah. Not long ago. I wonder what happened before we got here.

[ To make them act that way, that is. She hasn't really encountered this sort of thing when arriving at a world (not that she's been to many personally), or seeing Sora's travels to worlds when she was within his heart. ]

markets of the coast

[intoner]

No. I'm here to kill it.

[Why waste time trying to convince this thing when you can just kill it?? Although looking at this girl, Zero has a feeling that whatever this thing is, it'd probably be the one to kill her first.]

[flowereffects]

[ Wow. Okay. That's very straightforward of you, Zero. ]

Um, you're sure you don't want to try talking to it first? Maybe there's something that can be done.

[ Like... a compromise, that lacks people dying. ]

[intoner]

Not really. [Don't worry, Zero's here to be the most straightforward person you'll ever meet.] Killing it'll be faster.

[Also in her experience, any monster that can talk is TERRIBLE. Dragons, fairies, they all suck and never shut up!! If the Nokken talks, it probably sucks too!!!]

[flowereffects]

I guess so.

[ She can't argue that it'd be faster — after everything it's done, surely it won't be an easy feat to get it to leave without causing any more trouble. ]

Okay... Then let's find it first, and see what it's like.

[ She's still not sure what a Nokken is, so if it seems reasonable, she'd still at least like to talk to it. ]

[felldennpc]

[ Following her message, Azrail appears between a blink of Kairi's eyes and the next, an empty space finding itself filled quite suddenly. He's quiet, exuding a calm aura. ]

Sending a message across worlds? A feat not known to many.

[flowereffects]

[ She's a little shocked at the sudden presence, but she calms down just as quickly, taking it in stride.

She smiles softly a moment later, giving a small nod and responding calmly. ]

Yeah... [ She's only aware of a handful of people who can travel so freely, and it wasn't until the last couple years of her life that she became fully engulfed in such things. ] But I know that no matter how many worlds are between us, he'll hear me.

[felldennpc]

[ The confidence in her words is surprising to him, unaccustomed to those who visiting the Woods who possess such conviction. ]

Dead or alive? [ It seems an imperative question. ]

markets!

[pauldron]

[In stark contrast to Kairi's recently arrived state, Lightning has the look about her of someone well settled into her role in this world. She's on her knees not too far from the river, watching it with a wary eye that turns to Kairi.

Kids. Unprepared kids. Again. Damn these faction leaders...]

That's the idea. These people have enough to deal with.

[They don't need monsters chewing at them all the time, either.]

[flowereffects]

[ She feels better about having someone else around anyway, especially since this person seems to be rather prepared, maybe even used to these things. ]

Yeah... They seem pretty troubled.

[ She makes her way up closer to the water, next to Lightning. ]

Have you spotted anything yet?

[ She doesn't even know what it looks like... ]

[pauldron]

Not yet. But if it's attacking anything that gets close to the shore, it'll show up once it knows we're here.

[Once it knows being the key phrase here. This is a long river. It's got to be here somewhere, but they could be searching for a while. She scans the winding stream, barely sparing Kairi a glance as she draws near.]

Don't get too close. It's too cold to get dragged under.

[flowereffects]

[ She stops and remains where she is. ]

Oh... Yeah. Got it.

[ She would prefer to avoid that. ]

We should try to let it know we're here then. Maybe if we threw something into the water...?

[ It's too cold to be spending a long time searching the whole river for it, too. ]

setting stars

[lightblooming]

[ Aqua had been attempting to collect as much information as possible, though it's proving to be more difficult than she had hoped. Still, Aqua's never been one to give up.On top the message she first received when she woke up, it's obvious that there's something potentially dangerous happening in this world, too. The tensions feel too high for it to be completely at peace. The more she finds out, the sooner she can get to the bottom of all of this.

However, Aqua's quest to find more information is temporarily cut short when she hears a familiar-sounding voice. She turns towards the source, eyes widening. ]

... Kairi? [ No, there's no mistaking it. ] It's really you.

[ But, if Kairi is here, what of the other Guardians? ]

[flowereffects]

[ Kairi reacts similarly to the familiar voice — she can't lie, it's nice to hear something familiar in such an unfamiliar place, even if unfamiliar places have their own fun to them.

She looks surprised for a moment, before smiling at her senior. ]

Aqua! I could say the same to you. It looks like we've both ended up here.

[ She can't help but wonder if that means any of the others are here. ]

[lightblooming]

[ She has mixed feelings on finding Kairi - Aqua's glad to have found a familiar face, but to be trapped in this world without access to their full abilities - it's dangerous, to say the least. ]

Both of us? ... Then, you haven't seen the others?

coast

[terraria]

[ Hm?

Aspen gives pause as he hears a voice call through the distant din of rushing water - he startles upon seeing her, clutching his crystalline staff. Long silver hair swings behind him like a pendulum. ]

I - yes, but you...

[ She's so young!

... granted, he may be older, but he's a fragile-looking wisp of a thing with delicate white wings. ]

Are you certain you'd want to do something perilous?

[flowereffects]

Huh?

[ She didn't think too far into the danger of this plan, but it doesn't phase her anyway. ]

Of course. If it'll help the people around here, then I've at least got to try.

[ She's simple. Help people, fix problems, ignore one's own danger. Maybe she gets it from her friends. ]

[terraria]

[ He steps towards her, hands drawn forwards to grip onto his staff. ]

If you're certain about this, then I would like to come along. Would you be open to that? I would like to know of the creatures here.

beyond

[puppetgirl]

[ It's almost like herself, when she speaks to the shrines while on her own. But Kairi has far more energy in comparison to Orchid, whose displays of emotion are extremely subdued. The past days have been difficult on Orchid, yet she manages a tiny, rueful smile as she listens to the other girl cheerfully speak as though her friend truly is here. Her smile lasts for a second. There hasn't been much for her to feel happy about these days.

Once again, she finds herself yearning for Apollo. She misses her so much. ]

...I hope you can see your loved one again soon.

[ Orchid's voice is quiet, in a volume close to a whisper. She's standing alone in the shadows of the trees, apart from most people. But close enough for Kairi to hear. A girl about close to her age, but the plush cat in her arm might give off a childish air about her. ]

[flowereffects]

[ Kairi snaps up softly at the sudden voice, unaware she was being listened to but not particularly embarrassed by it. She already wears her heart on her sleeve, it's relatively difficult to embarrass her over showing her true emotions.

Instead, she turns to see Orchid in the distance, standing in the shadows, and she gives her a soft smile and a nod. ]

Yeah, me too. But he's never really too far from me. So I know I will. [ A sentiment that may be difficult for others to understand, but something she feels innately. ]

Are you here to offer a coin, too?

[puppetgirl]

[ Again, she manages another small smile at the girl's spirit. Though they've only just met, she'd like to believe she will see this Sora again too.

She nods, reaching into her pocket to pull out a coin. If only there was more that she could offer. For those she was unable to save in the previous battle. Her goal was to help every person, regardless of sides. A far too ambitious feat and as a result, her reputation has been tarnished.

Stepping out from under the shade, she moves to join Kairi's side. ]

A wish...

[ Her gaze lifts briefly up at the shrine. Even if no one shows now, Death can hear them... she knows. She, too, could offer it to someone she misses. Like Apollo or the Queen. They're still alive, but she misses them. Today, her offering is for all that fell during the battle. ]

I wish to become stronger, to protect everyone's smiles.