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]

A year...

[ a hand comes up to his face, scratching his chin as he absorbs the weight of what that means. that would explain why ezra is acting strange. or rather, explains why he wasn't responding the way ezra anticipated he would. it doesn't make a lick of sense, but he doesn't need the force to tell him ezra is being honest. ]

Well. [ well, indeed. he taps his fingers on the table and breathes in to let out a sigh. ] Alright. That's fine. I don't get how or why, but if that's how it is then all it means is we're from different points in time and space.

[ what matters more is that they're here together. and a year is -- it's a lot of time, but not so much in the grand scheme of things. they have each other is what counts. ]

[merging]

Yep. I think I know how, but the why's... yeah, don't know about that one.

[There's so much he wants to say to Kanan. So much he wants to ask. Let go, he reminds himself. But it's hard to let go when he's sitting right in front of him.

Still, it should be fine so long as he doesn't talk about the whole death thing.]

I asked about the Loth-wolves before because something like this has happened before. Or not this exactly, but time and space stuff, you get the idea. Back then, they guided me to what I needed to do. I thought maybe they'd be here too.

[blindrun]

Interesting. Legend was they were force sensitive beings of old, but never knew how true that was.

[ he hasn't seen any real ones though, or not yet it seems. looks like ezra knows a lot about them. which does bring up an important point: ]

I trust you understand you can't tell me about anything that happens. The future is not for any living being to know. It must unfold day by day, guided by our will and actions.

[merging]

The future is always in motion. But what happened in my past can't be changed. We might not even be on the same path.

[There were so many, after all. Paths, choices, worlds. Kanan had been pulled from his time, but he'd eventually have to return. Just as Ahsoka had.]

I've already told you about you cutting your hair... but I won't tell you anything else unless you ask me to. How does that sound?

[blindrun]

Sounds good.

[ it's tempting to ask, he has a lot of questions, but he knows better than to give into that temptation. he wants to live his life, not have it narrated to him. ...although-- ]

Does my hair... look ok short?

[ his great fear. ]

[merging]

Uhhhhhh. Well, you're the one who cut it, so it looks pretty good considering that. And you shaved off your beard too. Next time I'd ask Sabine, though?

[Or not, considering how short she'd cut Ezra's hair. He was still mad about that, but she claimed it was necessary. Apparently she messed up one part and then tried to salvage the cut, but he thinks she did it on purpose!]

But you looked different. Younger, in a way. More like Caleb, I guess.

[blindrun]

[ he... doesn't remember telling ezra his real name. it must have happened in this year he's missing in time. just what could have prompted that reveal? it troubles him, but he can't will himself to hold back the small smile that ezra's description conjures up. he doesn't know what caleb dume looks like anymore. ]

I bet Hera hated it. [ she would. though she also hated his beard game so maybe she appreciated a clean shave. ] Alright, enough spoilers. If you're in the Court and I'm in the Temple, it means we can exchange information. Last night the locals told me the Court murdered a peace envoy and lead an assault on Temple grounds a week ago.

[merging]

Yeah... [is all he can say at the mention of Hera. While he's not sure of her feelings on Kanan's hair, it instantly reminds him of what actually happened that night. How lost they all had been.]

I've been asking around for ways out of here mostly, but from what I can tell... something bad happened with the Court and the offworlders? I guess someone betrayed the Emperor? The welcome party was not all that welcoming.

[blindrun]

Mine was... awkward. [ or, awkward for him. being welcomed as saviors brings up some bad feelings for him. ] They hailed us all as heroes. Happy we came. I think they've been desperate for good news after everything.

[ he wants to protect them too, even with the uncertainty that goes through him when he thinks about this war. he told himself for years to never get involved in another war and it took a long time to realize he had to fight for the galaxy. but that was his galaxy. ]

[merging]

I'd take that over all the weird stares. No one wanted to talk to me either. Plus, at least you're not on the side of the Empire.

[Different empire, but still. And it might be nice to be treated like a hero, considering he missed all the aftermath on Lothal.]

[blindrun]

Emperor, Priestess, Lord, doesn't matter what the title is, it's all the same. [ but he gets it. ] We're going to need to be cautious. Play along and do what we do best discreetly.

[ i.e. be little rebel shits ]

[merging]

Of course. [he grins because that's his specialty! Although Ezra might go about it less discreetly than Kanan would. Considering he just liberated a planet and all and that went okay.]

There's... so much I want to tell you, Kanan. A lot I don't want to too.

[blindrun]

And there's a lot I want to ask you. But I won't.

[ bite your tongue, the future is not for any person to know. there is only the present and fragmented memories of the past. ]

Don't focus on our differences in time. What matters most is we're here together. [ he smirks a little. ] I'd be worried for you if you didn't have anyone you know here. You're a natural troublemaker.

[ new galaxy, world, culture - ezra is a tough kid and he can take care of himself, but kanan will always worry for his family. ]

[merging]

Come on, I'd be fine on my own.

[It's said with a laugh, worlds away from the way he used to think. The kid who used to believe he couldn't trust anyone, that he didn't need a family... Now, he needs to believe that he'll be okay without them.]

I had a great master, after all.

[blindrun]

Yeah, yeah.

[ he grumbles a little, not at all impressed at ezra's smooth talking. but it makes him quiet with thought because... it's true. ezra is like a diamond in the rough. he's grown from his difficult beginnings and has truly come to shine as an example of what a good jedi should be. better than he ever was at the same age, having abandoned the force and the way for what rationalized as protection.

ezra doesn't need him, yet kanan isn't ready to say the opposite back to him. he breathes in and tries to shake it off. ]

Just don't piss off that Emperor too bad. Or only piss them off with the right plan. We're here to save this world and both sides think they have the right answer.

[merging]

I'll try my best.

[And as much as he's grinning and joking around, he is serious about that. He's not planning to go and get himself killed any time soon.]

What do you think is the right answer? I'm guessing this isn't as simple as Empire bad, Rebels good.

[Not that there weren't some complications what with the Republic and the Separatists and offshoot groups, but the Empire is... bad. Rebels... good.]

[blindrun]

[ a snort, mildly derisive as he shrugs. ] You know how I feel about wars.

[ rebels good, war bad and bloody and people lose their lives senselessly. but ezra won't be satisfied with that answer, so he elaborates- ]

Even before the rise of the Empire, people still struggled and suffered under the Republic. The Empire is evil, but the Republic was... ambivalent. Apathetic even. Anytime there was a problem they threw Jedi and Clones at it until it was solved. And if it wasn't solved? Just blame the Jedi and the Clones.

[ he was young and never on the front lines. back then he wanted to be, couldn't wait, even wished the war would last longer until he got to be a jedi knight himself. caleb dume was eager to fight and fearless... until he saw what war and its outcomes looked like firsthand. ]

[merging]

I've only ever known the Empire, but knowing the Republic was run by the same guy... it's not hard to imagine how bad it might've gotten. Plus, there's Mandalore, Ryloth, and even those droids we met. Aaaaand I don't know how good I would've been at being a Jedi back then, if anyone found me.

[Lothal had been different during the time of the Republic, but that was only because it wasn't involved at all. No one paid it any attention until the Empire determined it could be useful.]

What about here, though? Do you think someone's... right? Seems like you've asked around more than me so I'm curious to hear your take on it all.

[blindrun]

[ he crosses his arms and shuts his eyes, both in thought and exhaustion at the predicament. yes, he agreed to help protect this world, he followed the wolf, but that doesn't mean he knew the gravity of everything until now. ]

The worst thing about the Clone Wars that I know now that I couldn't before is that there was no right side. For all the years it went on, it turned out to be a lie. The war was a sham and everyone was manipulated, the Jedi most of all.

And it wouldn't surprise me if this was much the same. Powers above manipulating people to feel a certain way, and then forcing their will upon others through it. Everyone in the Temple loves the Priestess and why wouldn't they? The Court just invaded and she rallied her troops to save them. But does that make her right? I'm not so sure.

[ he breathes and sighs it out, knowing his feelings are influenced and frayed by his past. a jedi isn't supposed to have attachments, but kanan saw the error in that nonsense years ago. it began with hera, then zeb, sabine next, and came full circle with ezra. ]

Instead of thinking about who is right or wrong, approach it another way Ezra. What does "being right" mean to you?

[merging]

I'm not sure if right now is the best time for a lesson, Kanan...

[He's teasing! Even if he's technically graduated Jedi School, he doesn't mind getting one last, LAST lesson from his master.]

Being right's subjective, you said as much. But for me it's- I mean, it feels like it's obvious, doesn't it? Not hurting people, making things fair, being nice. Stuff like that. And even if you do something for the right reasons, it can end up... wrong.

[Ezra's reminded of the paths he was shown. He had a chance to save Kanan, to save his parents, and he knew it wasn't the right thing to do. Putting that into words is a different matter, though.]

[blindrun]

That's right. Good intentions can still lead to bad outcomes if you don't approach it correctly.

[ most people, he believes, have good intentions. he's seen his fair share of people thinking they were doing what's right and nearly getting people killed. he too has been in that position before, and he's sure ezra has as well. it's only natural. ]

You want to pick what's "right" and avoid what's "wrong", but no Emperor or Priestess or anyone can tell you what that means. Not even I can tell you which path to take. You must make that decision for yourself. Trust yourself as much as you trust those around you.

[ and ezra is right about one thing - he wouldn't be the jedi he is now if he was raised in the temple. the order had a very strict way of doing things and ezra has been unconventional since the first day they met. no master would think to train a padawan who stole their lightsaber off their belt, or tolerate any brief flirtations with the dark side. but kanan knows he would never be a master like the ones of the temple, or his own, and he's proud of that too. ]

[merging]

I want to help these people.

[While he might not know anything about the Temple or the Court, he knows that much.]

I don't know who's right, or if anyone is even close. Maybe no one is. And I don't know how I'm gonna do it either, but I still want to help somehow.

[That's what he trusts to be right, what Kanan and the rest of his family have taught him.]

But uh... Kanan? [Ezra smiles sheepishly.] I do still wanna hear what you think. Not cause I need you to tell me what path to take, just... what are you going to do?

[blindrun]

Not going to let me dodge this one huh. [ not that he felt he could, but he'll admit to trying. ezra has never been anything but direct with his feelings and questions from day one. ] Like you, I want to find the best way to help the people here. I'll start with the Temple territory since even going on Court land could get me shot... or the equivalent of being shot.

[ do they have blasters here? this world doesn't feel very technologically advanced compared to the wider galaxy, but they also have interesting compass devices that can transmit a solid offering of communication. ]

It's no different than what I did before you came around, or even after that. Talk to people. See what they need, what troubles them, and find a way to help. I'm not ready to take sides, but we can't be quick to judge the Temple or the Court. We don't really know anything about this world we've been dropped into, and it looks like we're going to be grounded here for the foreseeable future.

All I know is I'm not taking out my weapon and marching out for any wars I don't believe in.

[ it took him a long time to get on board with the rebellion and he mainly tolerated it for hera, who was always so passionate about her efforts since the day they met. he doesn't think she would want either of them rushing into this conflict without assessing, and that sticks out in his mind as much as his own feelings about wars. ]

[merging]

That sounds like you.

[he says it with a smile so hopefully it's clear that's a good thing! Talking to Kanan like this still feels unreal, and yet too familiar. It's so easy to forget this isn't how things should be and then suddenly he's reminded of the way things are.]

Me neither, though. I agreed to fight, but I never technically said who I was fighting for. We'll see what we can do for the people here, and then... find a way home.

[Because Kanan can't stay here. Ezra's own future is unknown to him and maybe it ends here, but like Ahsoka, Kanan will have to return to his path.]