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fellmemes2020-01-27 12:03 pm
felldenmods) wrote in fellmemes2020-01-27 12:03 pm
Entry tags:
Test Drive #4
Welcome to the January test drive! We're so excited to have you with us!
A few things of note:
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.All set? Perfect! Welcome to Fellden.
✦ 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!
 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. |
 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. |
 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! |
 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! |
Yona | Akatsuki no Yona
[ Yona had actually felt... relief at being turned away from the castle upon arrival. She had been approaching it with considerable reluctance to begin with, even though it looked nothing like any castle she had ever seen before. Certainly like nothing from her home - which was at least somewhat reassuring. But as they're refused entrance, there's a very visible slump of relief in her posture, a faint loosening of the grip she has about the ragged and travel-worn cape that drapes around her slight figure.
Her faded red cloak hides most of her appearance and she's bundled tight against the chill, but if someone peers at the right angle, one can catch a sight of delicate features and wide violet eyes. Of hair so vivid a shade of red that it looks like a fiery dawn - loose and curling around her face although it falls down to her shoulders beneath her hood.
It's only once she ventures into the city square that her hood is tossed back, almost defiant in the face of those wary and untrusting stares. It's the fearful she carefully ventures to, the ones who look exhausted and wan and spent in the aftermath of whatever terrible trial she has missed by her late arrival. Such faces aren't unknown to her and she wanders among them, trying to help even when they watch her distrustfully. Some she offers drink to, or help in finding a place to rest nearby. One she offers a bandage too when she spots a still-bleeding wound.
Oblivious to those who follow her with their stares, she helps who she can, and it's only after a long while to this end that her long journey and her efforts here start catching up with her and her energy starts to wane. She hadn't bothered to get any rest or refreshments for herself yet and, having just left a similar scene in her own world before arriving is dampening even her normally buoyant spirits. In between helping, she pauses to sink down on a bench outside a tavern, lifting a hand that shakes slightly to wipe her hair back off her face, the curls now tangled and limp.
Her eyes are sad and worried as she scans the square full of grieving people. Not paying attention to who else might be nearby, she murmurs to herself, ]
It seems that there's no escaping scenes like this...
B. MARKETS OF THE COAST
[ Kyst reminds her so strongly of Awa that Yona immediately feels much more at home here. Even though there are no familiar faces in the market or the harbor, she wanders among the merchant stalls with a smile. When bid, she might comply with sampling wares or taking a taste here and there, admiring the pretty fabrics, although she inevitably wanders past without a purchase, even if something here or there might catch her eye for a long moment. A pretty hairpin, a fan. Surprisingly enough, a well-crafted bow and an ornate quiver - even though a much simpler one is currently hooked over one of her shoulders.
She spends a great deal of time in the markets and although she doesn't seek out any of the others currently perusing the stalls, she's not opposed to pausing to converse with anyone who comes up to talk to her, turning to greet them with a warm - if somewhat reserved - smile.
Eventually, however, her wandering does bring her within earshot of the curious-looking cat waving down people for help. It's enough to pique her curiosity to venture over and hear him out. Eyebrows furrowing into a concerned frown as she listens to his plea, her fingers stroke against the curve of her bow as she casts an uncertain look in the direction of the river. There are others who have come to listen as well, some of them looking much more competent at fighting than she.
But after a moment of debate, it's clear she's not letting that slow her down. She lifts her chin in a determined gesture, her lips pressed into a stubborn line. ]
If this creature is luring innocent people to their doom, something must be done about it.[ She turns to look at the person beside her. ] Will you help as well?
C. BEYOND THE CITIES
[ The moment she had heard of the Gods Wood, Yona had ventured out in that direction. She is solemn and respectful as she ventures in past the shrines. Her fingers curl around the gold coin that is pressed into her palm and she bows deeply to the giver before venturing a little distance away.
Hands clasped together, she pauses to kneel before the offering bowl, bowing deeply in deference, her movements graceful and familiar, even though it's been a long time since she's had the freedom to visit such a place. Her offering is given and she offers up a prayer to whatever gods can hear her in this strange land. She does not offer a wish - she is too new here to know the consequences of such an action, if there are any, but there are memories dancing in her mind.
The warmth of perching in her father's lap as a child is the first and most prominent as she blinks back the sting of tears at the memory of her dearest departed. But there are happy memories of those she is now separated from that arise as well. The steady strength of Hak's hand on hers as he helps her straighten her bow, or as he wraps around her protectively. The camaraderie of days spent with her four guardians and Yoon on the road. She misses them fiercely already and she's only just arrived here.
Rubbing at her stinging eyes, she sends up a prayer for their safety and that they aren't too worried about her, wherever they are. That whatever gods are watching over all of them will keep them safe. And her, too, if they've the attention to spare.
Feeling a little silly for crying here, she straightens a little too quickly and bumps into someone else who had also come to make an offering. Her head comes up quickly, her eyes reddened with unshed tears, as an apology quickly springs to her lips. ]
Oh, I'm so sorry! Are you alright?
C!!
Safe from the wandering eyes as people shoot stares at her tally tattoo, knowing that she has, in some way, betrayed the people of the Moon Temple. In places like Kyst, and the Gods Wood, it feels as if less judgement is being passed. She could be completely wrong about that, but she'll go with it anyway.
Except this time, it's all a dream. 2B must have activated sleep mode at some point... likely at the behest of Pod 042, who would repeat the recommendation every thirty minutes. Or maybe it was 9S? A friend in the Moon Temple? Now that she thinks harder on it, she's having a hard time remembering how she got here, or how long it's been. By the time she came to and realized where she was, 2B had already wandered to the shrine without a destination in mind.
And that's when she feels a light bump as someone crashes into her, but she's unmoving from her spot, remaining a steady steel beam, and might accidentally knock the girl backwards as a result of that. 2B manages to catch her by the shoulders so she remains upright.]
I'm fine, but you should watch where you're going.
[Always the polite one, she is.]
no subject
Her head comes up and she takes a moment to blink at the other girl in front of her, tall and slender and reserved, an air of command and sophistication about her. Yona's impressed, even as the other girl reaches out to steady her. Her hand moves to clasp her wrist as she rights herself, thankfully not ending on the ground this time.
Offering the kind stranger a polite - if sheepish - smile, she inclines her head slightly, crimson curls bouncing slightly about her face at the gesture. ]
I should, you're right. I'm normally a little more careful about that, but this place has me a little off-balance still, I suppose. But thank you for your help, all the same.
no subject
[Well, that's troubling.
2B withdraws her hands to her side.]
Everything appears normal to me.
[As in, her visual sensors are back to normal and so is her balance. She doesn't feel like the entire world is tipping on her, or creating hallucinations to throw her off. Things are steady, or rather, as steady as they can be for a world stuck in war, which is why 2B sounds so concerned.
She has no idea that it's just a figure of speech and is taking the girl — quite literally — at her word.]
no subject
No, I meant... This place is strange to me. I've only just arrived so I am still getting my bearings here. [ Casting her a sheepish smile, she gestures to their surroundings, the dark forest and shrines and unfamiliar faces. ]
None of this is normal to me, so I'm not at my best.
[ Did that make more sense or is this getting lost in communication somewhere? ]
no subject
[2B nods in understanding, but as always, Pod still senses her confusion and clarifies, speaking up suddenly from behind her.]
Analysis: Being "off-balance" is a figure of speech, usually referred to by humans as being in a state of confusion or shock.
[She casts her Pod a Look over her shoulder. How embarrassing!? She got it!
But the tone of the conversation quickly shifts as the realization dawns on her—this girl is new, just like she was a couple of months ago.]
So, they're bringing in more people again, huh...
no subject
...E-excuse me, is that your... box? Is it... talking?
(no subject)
c
he didn't mean to interfere with Yona's attention or her earnest attempts to reconcile whatever she's going through, but he had come here to make an offering of his own... a tradition that he doesn't quite get or understand, but partakes in, nonetheless. he was about to leave, deciding better to leave things as they are, as he always tends to complicate matters just by his own existence, but his feet remain planted in the ground.
and then, rapid instincts take over, the organism deep within his heart alerting him to what happens before it occurs, and he doesn't let surprise get the best of him. it's reflexive, honed from way too long fighting revenants who had succumbed to blood thirst and become lost. he stabilizes her sway for her, offering her some balance before she manages anything near a trip.]
I think I'm intruding. [there's always a twinge of regret in Louis' voice when he speaks without the tone of giving command.] I apologize, I didn't mean to interrupt you.
[and then, with some worry trailing into the features of his face.]
Are you alright?
no subject
You haven't interrupted or intruded at all. You've no need to apologize to me, truly. I should have been watching where I was going. I'm afraid I was lost too deeply in my thoughts.
[ Then she gives him a warm, reassuring smile at his worry. ] But I'm alright. It was only a little stumble. I've fallen into much worse, I'm afraid. [ That's added a bit wryly, that sheepishness lingering. After a moment, she adds worriedly... ] I didn't hurt you, did I?
no subject
[which comes off a little more creepy than he had hoped, so he bites back his words. normally, when dealing with other revenants, the exchange is just normal and easy, but Louis often finds himself at odds when it comes to making better connections with humans. he wants to protect them, but from a very unfortunate viewpoint, his species leads him to believe that they're also food.
he lets go of his steadying position, makes sure that she's able to stand on her own, and listens as goes on. Louis nods, understanding that he didn't need to apologize and... thankfully isn't making this awkward at all.
they'd go in a circle of what they should and shouldn't be doing if Louis spoke his mind in correcting her- she's fine, it was his fault, etc, but curtails that inevitable loop as he changes direction, with a small huff of sound.]
No, I'm alright. I'm stronger than I look. [he's lanky, for sure, but there's an absurdly strong aura about himself that's hard to miss, intensity and all.] I think the only bruise either of us are getting tonight are our egos.
[they both seem like the self-deprecating type.]
Can I ask?
What you were wishing for? You seemed so intensely concentrated, I tried to walk away... but I found my feet unwilling to work with me.
no subject
But then he goes on to question her prayer and she turns much more serious once more. Pausing, she casts a glance back at the small shrine she'd knelt and made an offering to. Taking a deep breath, she offers him a small smile, but this time it's shadowed with sadness, a deep worry lingering in her normally-vibrant gaze. ]
I've suddenly found myself a very long way from my home, and from those who see it as their duty to watch over me. I don't know if my prayers can reach the gods of my homelands, or if the gods who dwell here can act so far away, but... I hope wherever they are, that they are safe, and that they will not worry too much at my absence.
[ Absently, she rubs her hands against her arms, as if fighting off a lingering chill, before glancing up and searching his face again. ] What about you? Did you come here to pray, as well?
no subject
Louis doesn't know anything about gods, but he'd wager that if they were real, it would be someone like this who has their ear, and not someone like himself. he doesn't smile, or at least, not very often these days, but he tries to be reassuring nonetheless.]
I hope your prayers will reach them, then. I don't know how far they can travel, but it looks like you're giving it your all.
I'm afraid that where I come from, we don't have them. Or, if we did, maybe they've left us.
[wow, that's real impressive for a first impression, mr. nihilist.]
This shrine is dedicated to Death, or the concept of Death, right? Admittedly, it's a weird concept for me, and I'm not even sure what to do. But I'd like to make amends with it, if it were possible. I think I've cheated it too many times.
no subject
She lets him explain, a hint of sympathy in her gaze at his words. It's not the first time she's heard of someone believing the gods have abandoned them. She doesn't know anything about his world, but she hopes that's not true.
His admission of wanting to make amends, though, has her reaching out to lay her hand lightly against his arm. ]
There's no harm in trying? I'm sure the gods of this land will listen, even if you have never spoken with them before. Why don't you come lay down your offering and send them a wish or a prayer?
(no subject)
(no subject)
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B
[There's a shrug from under his poncho and a furtive glance cast around. But after a sigh, his expression solidifies into something resembling a want to assist.]
I don't want to stir up too much trouble but I also can't sit around and watch people die. Is it possible to be a bit subtle about this?
no subject
She tips her head slightly in consideration of his return request, however, looking a little puzzled. ]
I'm not sure how dealing with a kidnapping swamp monster might remain 'subtle' but I'm open to suggestions?
no subject
[An easy thing to say since he had no idea what the thing would look like. He's seen enough monsters in his day but he's never heard of....whatever it was called.]
If I can get in melee range without any issues, it'd be simple....depending on its size. That said, I'm also open to suggestions on the best way to approach this.
no subject
I'm afraid I'd be of little help up close, but I can offer support from range. [ Her fingers tighten for a moment about the haft of the bow she has draped over her shoulder. ] I can at least keep it distracted for you to get close, or lure it into position for you, if that would help?
no subject
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.
c!
Caught off-guard by the display of emotion, A2 watches the girl with a distant, wary gaze, before it drifts to the offering bowl before her. She still has a coin of her own in her hand, pressed into her palm, that she's doing her best to ignore for now, but it feels...wrong to just toss it aside. Whether or not she winds up putting it in the bowl remains to be seen, but she doesn't make a decision either way before the girl rises and —
Bumps right into her. A2 doesn't budge, and she's not exactly soft to bump into, so sorry about that, Yona. A2's expression tenses only just slightly, but she doesn't look upset. Just...tired. ]
...I'm fine.
[ ...And that's all that she has to say. At least, to Yona directly. She steps closer to the bowl, reaching out to brush her fingers over the edge. ]
...This forest feels old.
no subject
Wisely getting out of her way, she watches for a moment as the other girl steps forward and brushes her finger over the bowl, rather than making an offering of her own. A little puzzled but curious all the same, she watches her, hearing the softly murmured words. Not sure if they were meant for her or not, she answers all the same. ]
It does. But it's more than just age here... [ She glances around the clearing they stand in, gaze lingering on the thick press of trees and the hushed silence that seems to pervade this place. ] I don't know what gods dwell in these lands, but you can almost feel them here, can't you?
no subject
Much as making conversation isn't all that easy for her, either. ]
Yes.
[ She tilts her head back to glance at Yona, expression still tight at its corners. ]
They seem...tired.
[ Or maybe that's just her. ]
B
Being in this strange place, at least there's some semblance of home here. Or close to home. He's been rather vigilant in sticking close to Yona, at least. There haven't been any signs of Hak and the others, and that's concerning in its own way.
At the same time, he can't help but enjoy having Yona to himself for a while.]
If you ask, how can I say no?
no subject
You can say no, you know. I'm not about to make you go with me.
[ Even though she knows that, in a way, she sort of is just by going herself. She doubts he'd let her wander off into danger without sticking close to her side and protecting her. None of them would. She's already missing the others, but at least having him here, at her side, is reassuring in its own way. Being in these strange lands, completely alone... it's a scary thought. ]
no subject
No, but you do have quite a knack for finding yourself in some rather unruly situations, Yona dear.
[He chuckles.]
Besides, it'd be best to go together than alone, isn't it?
B
Hm? ( He lets out a light laugh, ) Are you asking me? Are you sure?