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

[blindrun]

Changed my name. Changed a lot about how I operated. Same for you I bet.

[ can't wield a lightsaber or use the force without the threat of an entire army state coming down on you at a moment's notice. ]

Don't worry, it doesn't seem like anyone even knows about the Empire here. For better or worse, we're far away from their rule.

[uglyponcho]

You can say that again. Forgot most of what I learned from my master in the time that passed.

[That was good news, however. Or bad, depending on one's character type.]

That's good to know. Last I remember, myself and my....comrade were almost killed by the guy with the mask and breathing issues. I'll thank anything to get away from that.

[blindrun]

[ oh, if that doesn't send a chill up his spine. ]

I ran into him too. [ the description alone is too distinct. kanan is certain he's in charge of all the inquisitors. ] Last time I saw him a whole temple collapsed on top of him... but something tells me he's still alive.

[uglyponcho]

Alive? When I last saw him, he was holding back an entire ocean. A...thing like that doesn't die.

[A biblical sight, to be sure.]

Judging by the way things are around here, I'm sure you won't mind if I try to prepare myself for someone like him showing up.

[blindrun]

We all have to prepare for that possibility. He's coming for us, one way or another. Only a matter of time.

[ the sith won't stop until every last jedi is dead, no matter how long it takes. he truly hopes that monster never appears here, or else it won't just be them in the thick of danger. if not even ahsoka could defeat him, then who can? ]

Look, let's not worry about him right now. You and I should stay in communication. Are you claimed by the Temple or Court?

[uglyponcho]

You're right. Have to focus on the positives.

[Hang in there, Cal.]

Me? The Temple. I don't really understand it but that's what it is. You?

[blindrun]

Temple too. Means we're both in the same faction. We'll see each other around often.

[ which he doesn't care about, but what it means right now is that him and cal will be close by. having allies is important, and right now they're both pretty low on people. ]

Gotta say, I never thought I would meet another Jedi so far out of the galaxy. [ he smiles a little. ] It's good to meet you.

[uglyponcho]

Yeah? To be fair, I only know one other...sort of. So I guess I have the same sentiment. But uh...

[He looks to the side, despite what a useless gesture it might be.]

...no offense but how do you get around? I've seen injuries like that where people had caustic chemicals splattered on their face. With wounds like that, you should have assistance but you don't really seem to need any.

[He doesn't know where it came from but Cal knows what someone with ruined eyes looks like.]

[blindrun]

The Force. After my I lost my sight, my connection strengthened and compensated for the loss. [ he lifts his hand up to touch his eyes, frowning. ] I let my guard down when I shouldn't have. A lightsaber was slammed into my eyes.

[uglyponcho]

Wow. You can use the Force for that?

[He rubs his forehead.]

Sorry, sorry. That was kind of insensitive. Outside of a few things I'm good at, my master only really taught me combat techniques. I'm just surprised you can use the Force for that kind of thing.

I know the pain of being hit by a lightsaber though. Not exactly pleasant.

[blindrun]

Hey, I didn't know either until it happened.

[ and good thing too, or else maul would have killed him right there and then. he doesn't want to think of what could have happened to ezra if he lost him right when maul had his claws in him. ]

My master was Depa Billaba. She taught me to value the force and strategy as much as combat. [ he breathes in and sighs. ] I'm sure she would have taught me a lot more if I had completed my training under her, but... well you know what happened.

[uglyponcho]

Master Jaro Tapal for me. We focused on discipline and self-control. My master included clones in my training all the time. If what I was doing looked too easy, he'd call in clones to try to stun me so I could focus better. It was all high fives and words of support from them after every session.

When the purges started...I don't know. A lot of stuff that happened was my fault so, yeah. I spent a few years not using the Force, mostly out of shame. Judging from personal knowledge, I'd imagine you did the same.

[blindrun]

[ ugh, clones. even knowing what happened now it still doesn't sit well with him. depa could be tough on him but jaro tapal sounds like a whole other level. but any questions about training get set aside. ]

I don't know how old you were when it happened, but I was fourteen and never knew a life outside the Temple. My master sacrificed her life to save mine, and I have a feeling yours did the same. They wanted us to live. There's no shame in that.

[ he's done a lot of things he's not proud of, but he's done a lot of things he can hold his head high for. his actions are his to own no matter what. ]

[uglyponcho]

You're right, there's no shame in it. Still doesn't erase those feelings but holding onto them does nothing either. Especially when you know worse has happened. But I also know I won't forgive the Empire for it either.

[blindrun]

They'll be taken down one day. It's like Master Kenobi said in his message to us - a new hope will come in time. [ he reaches out to settle a hand on cal's shoulder, firm and resolute. ] We must have trust. In ourselves and each other.

[uglyponcho]

You're right. We can fix a lot. And with Master Kenobi and Anakin still out there, it's just a matter of time.

[The absolute joys of knowing very little of things that happened.]

There's also a lot of kids out there....Force sensitive. I've seen it. Knowing there's a new generation helps.

[blindrun]

[ yeah super hyped for anakin coming back one day to take down the emperor, shit's gonna be cash, why are you making me type all of this? ]

Yeah, I found one out in Lothal. I've been training him for a couple years now. He's... well, he's fine.

[ "fine" like ezra isn't a way more competent jedi than he was at the same age, but whatever!! he loves his son. ]

[uglyponcho]

Fine? That's better than nothing, I suppose.

[It's enough to make him shake his head though.]

I'll have to give you a lot of respect though. You're not that much older than me but you've taken on a padawan. I wouldn't be able to sleep at night knowing what kind of idiot stuff a student would be up to, knowing how I was.

[blindrun]

[ a snort: ] First day I met him he stole from me multiple times. I only convinced him to stay by promising to teach him how to use the lightsaber he stole off my belt.

[ he can't believe that was three years ago. things were a lot simpler in his life before him, but he wouldn't trade the life he has now with him for the life he had any day without him. ]

I'm sure you'd do fine. Turns out they teach you as much as you teach them.

[uglyponcho]

That's a way to meet someone.

[Still, he had to laugh a bit sorrowfully. He already had that vision of training kids and it still hung with him.]

I wouldn't do as well as you think. But, if you want someone to show your padawan a few lightsaber forms, I'm probably the best you've got as side talent. I can't help much on the Force end of things since my own abilities are rare enough that I doubt I would meet another Jedi that had them.

[blindrun]

Rare abilities huh. [ well, every jedi has their shtick. he didn't realize his would be seeing through the force so hey thanks maul. ] What can you do exactly?

[uglyponcho]

Force Stasis and also Psychometry. The last one was probably why Master Tapal was chosen as my teacher. Without proper discipline, it's easy to find yourself sliding into the dark side. Grab the wrong thing and all that anger and hate flows back into you.

[blindrun]

[ ah yes, that precarious slide into hate and temptation. reminds him of that damn sith holocron ezra clung to for the longest time. ]

For someone who says he's more combat oriented, you sound more in-touch with the Force than I do.

[uglyponcho]

More in touch with the Force? Not really. It's more about hearing "You need more discipline, Padawan," about a thousand times a day.

[Cal has to laugh at that.]

I'm sure we've all heard that enough. Still, it doesn't take someone who's Force sensitive to be able to tell right and wrong and not make the wrong choices.

[blindrun]

[ kanan laughs too because yep, that was him, and also what he told ezra a dozen too many times. ]

I never knew how much of a pain I must have been to Master Billaba until I started training my own padawan.

[ he remembers how excited he was to train under her, and how much trouble he found himself in. she was always there for him, even to the end. speaking about her doesn't feel as painful as it used to be though. ]

But you're right. Good and bad aren't Jedi concepts, and each of us face trials with the code. What I learned the most from being out in the real galaxy is that nothing is as black and white as the council told us when we were kids.