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

zero | drakengard 3 | stars

[intoner]

i. the setting stars

[When was the last time Zero was around this many people but not for the sole express purpose of killing them?? She sure can't remember, and the longer she has to put up with them, the more she thinks she had the right idea of it just mowing the crowds down. All she wants is to eat and drink in peace, but nooooo, everyone just has to throw the shady looks and guarded whispers and anxious stares.

Frankly, it's annoying.

Taking a seat purposefully near as big a group she can find, Zero eats her meal silently, staring directly at the people around her who grow more uncomfortable by the second. None of them even dare to move, still watching her warily. After swallowing a bite and belching right after though, she says flatly:]

If you're so fucking scared, why don't you just haul ass and get the hell outta here already, huh? [AND THAT'S ENOUGH TO SEND THEM ALL RUNNING. Finally, she can eat in peace... But not without rolling her eye first.] What a bunch of chicken shits.

ii. markets of the coast

Fuck, alright already, I'll go kill your stupid monster! Just leave me alone!

[STOP BEGGING HER, SHE CAN'T TAKE ANYMORE STUPID CAT PUNS!! Honestly, she would've said sure immediately just because she's bored and figures fighting monsters like usual is at least an okay way to kill some time. In her haste to shake off the cat thing though, she leaves before even asking what exactly the monster even looks like.

So if you're unlucky enough to pass by...]

Hey, you! You know what a "Nokken" is? [Alternatively she COULD just slay every creature that crosses her path, but y'know. That's a lot of effort!]

iii. beyond the cities

[Those just outside the Gods Wood are in for a sight today. Before they can even enter, they'll catch sight of what looks like a person being shot straight out of the woods. She skids across the grass for a moment before stopping in an ungraceful heap.

With a groan, Zero slowly props herself back to sit upright.]

Well shit. They weren't kidding about having to be "respectful" in there. [ZERO... JUST WHAT WERE YOU DOING TO PISS OFF THE WOOD IN THE FIRST PLACE??]

1

[pegafuss]

Hey now!

[ ingrid, sitting a table away, overhears the commotion and sees how everyone departs the moment the woman tells them off. even if the rumor spreading is uncalled for, she can understand their hesitations. but more than that, zero was just rude. so ingrid stands from her seat and talks a quick walk over. ]

There are better ways of addressing people and you know it.

[intoner]

[Why do people keep approaching when she's expressly trying to be alone!!!]

I know. [And as she takes another bite of food, chewing through it just to be extra rude:] I just don't care.

[Sorry Ingrid, you're dealing with one of the rudest women in the world..........]

[pegafuss]

[ kill bill sirens ]

You should. [ she scowls and crosses her arms, not amused at all by the flatness of zero's tone. ] They're nervous around newcomers right now. A lot happened in the past month, so I urge you to be more patient with them.

iii!

[conciliant]

[2B is on her way into the Gods Wood when she comes across this unsightly... sight. A girl, being thrown from the trees and skidding across the grass in a beeline towards her, only to stop barely a foot away to fall into a heap on the ground. She remains unmoving from her spot, not bothering to take a step forward to help or back to give some room when Zero lifts herself up.]

Hm. I've never seen anyone get kicked out of the Gods Wood before.

[A frank observation as her head lifts to look into the trees. How relentless. Guess it's true what the humans say: there's a first for everything...]

[intoner]

[Of course someone's around to see her looking like such an idiot, of course. At the very least, 2B not offering any kind of help to her is honestly less embarrassing than if she did. Not in the mood to actually get up just yet though, Zero looks up at 2B from where she's sitting.

Nice blindfold. Then again, given the flower in her eye, she probably doesn't have much room to talk (not that that'll stop her).]

Seriously? People are way more serious here than I would've expected then.

[conciliant]

[If it weren't for the visor, 2B's eyes would linger on the flower for a touch longer than normal, but luckily for her, it shields her gaze while she stares. Its distinct similarity to another flower has her curious, but she's in no mood to question it.]

You mean the Gods are. The humans here never stop celebrating.

[The tone of her voice suggests that she doesn't understand that at all, because it's weird. They're in the middle of a war, and yet they've been drinking and dancing all day.

(Or, at least, since she accidentally ended up in this dreamscape.)]

iii

[puppetgirl]

[ Though it's merely a dreamscape, Orchid wants to stay away from the Court and more busier places like Kyst. So she makes her way to the woods, carrying her favorite stuffed cat in her arm and... wow, she's heard about people being disrespectful in the Gods Wood, but this is the first time she's been able to witness someone getting launched out of it! As amazing as it is, the look that Orchid gives outwardly is almost expressionless by default. Her brow only lifts slightly in surprise.

She's about to ask about any injuries, but, well... this woman seems fine, despite getting thrown out by some trees. ]

...What did you do?

[intoner]

[The stuffed cat immediately makes Zero assume that this girl is an actual child and wonder why this place would let literal children wander around unsupervised—but you know, that's not exactly fair of her. Dito looked like a preteen, and he was a bona fide freak. Who knows, this kid could be, too. Assumptions never helped anyone!

For now, she simply looks up at Orchid from her spot before answering her.]

Told someone in there when they grabbed my hand that they and every shrine in there could take my respect and shove it up their asses.

[puppetgirl]

[ Well, Orchid is kind of weird. Just not in the same way as Dito. She stares listlessly at Zero for a moment, then breathes a small, helpless sigh through her nose. No wonder the woods kicked this woman out. ]

Please be nicer to them. These people... have been through a lot the past few days.

ii

[lovesword]

[ Mitsuri is never one to turn down a kitty, especially when turning down said kitty also means leaving others in distress. Unlike Zero, she stays to listen to every last word, committing description and stories to memory before she sets off...and is immediately flagged down.

At least she can answer this question with ease. ]

Yes! It's a shapeshifting creature that can usually be found near the water. [ As evidenced by all the poor fishermen dragged to their deaths. ] So we just have to head to the river and wait for anything that looks like a Nokken!

[ So like....everything. ]

[intoner]

... How do we know what it looks like if it can look like anything?

[Mitsuri.... Help her out here........ Also what is this "we" business, she just wants to kill a monster alone in peace!]

[lovesword]

[ Don't ask her questions she doesn't know the answer to!!

Which is to say...she doesn't have a good answer for that, her chipper expression faltering somewhat as she mulls over this Very Good Question. ]

I...don't know. [ Already off to a great start. ] But I'm sure if we try hard enough, we'll be able to tell! Maybe...maybe it'll have a really long neck or something, since it's name is supposed to mean 'neck'!

[ First of all, that's not what its name means, and second of all, this is gonna go poorly. ]

ii

[botrayal]

[ No, she doesn't know what a Nokken is, but she begrudgingly accepted the same mission from the cat, for more or less the same reason — killing something is a much better alternative to listening to that thing talk her ear off. Maybe she should have just killed the cat, but...whatever. She's here now. ]

It lives in the water.

[ Helpful....... ]

You're going after it?

[ The tone she asks in makes it difficult to tell if it's a question or a statement. ]

[intoner]

Wow, thanks for enlightening me.

[Zero, you don't get to be choosy when it's your fault for not listening in the first place........ As for the next part:]

Probably. [Honestly, she's kind of debating if the hassle of looking for this thing is worth it just for something to do. Still leaning towards yes though.] Why?

[botrayal]

[ Don't ask her questions in return!!! Even if it's a completely fair and valid one. A2's gaze flickers to Zero for a moment, before glancing back towards the coastline. She should just walk away...but after a moment she speaks again. ]

I am, too.

[ With the implied so don' t get in my way in the tone of her voice. Even if slaying sea creatures isn't exactly in her wheelhouse...whatever, she'll figure it out.

Without glancing back, she starts towards the shore. ]

ii

[summonere]

They're a type of fae, shapeshifters.

[ V is reading as they walk, his answer a little bit distracted. He doesn't really expect to need to do anything, he's really just chaperoning to make sure no one gets hurt. ]

[intoner]

A fucking fairy, are you kidding me? [She groans.] Do you know if it talks?

[Because in her experience, they do, and it fucking SUCKS. If being in a different world means that fairies are different though, she'll count her blessings.]

[summonere]

[ He glances at her, eyebrows raised slightly. She is not the first person he's met who has expressed a dislike for the fae, but none as vehemently as that. ]

What is your vendetta with the faeries?

1

[forlorns]

Call me chicken shit again and I'll rip off your god damn head!

[Hello, meet Kainé. She's always frustrated and exhausted. Listening to Zero shout puts her into a foul mood. ]

Do I look like a fucking scaredy cat to you, asshole? Ugh, you're nothing but a trashfire.

[intoner]

Maybe not a scaredy cat, but you sure look like a fucking moron from where I'm standing.

[GOD she is never going to eat in peace. Of course, de-escalating the situation would be the best way to get out of this mess, but that's about as foreign to Zero as a happy, normal canon.]

Do I even look like I was talking to you? I guess it must be real hard when you're an empty-headed idiot, but lemme spell it out for you: mind your own fucking business!

iii

[uglyponcho]

[Well, if someone is being kicked out, Cal planned on being even more respectful. He'd rather not stir up some crap.]

Most people are generally serious when they make a statement. What made you think otherwise?

[intoner]

Most people don't have the balls to actually back up what they're saying. [She pauses, looking back up at the trees.] Although I guess it wasn't really people in this case.

ii

[terrormine]

Nokken.

[The dainty little girl tilts her head sideways a tick, giving the umbrella she's taking shelter under a leisurely spin as she echoes the word back to Zero. Strolling around under an umbrella despite the lack of any rain or particularly strong rays of sunshine, though... Oh well, surely one could have worst quirks?]

Are you sure you want to be Lokken? They don't idle about Mokken. Many have been Tokken, all those poor unfortunate souls Sokken.

[There may or may not be creatures capable of spewing worse than what that cat did, back there...]

[intoner]

[Zero tries to listen seriously, but as the girl goes on, well... She just gives up because honestly:]

What in the fuck are you even saying? [There's puns and then there's ??? WHATEVER THIS IS, SHE'S LOST.]