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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! |
please get a room
[he takes a swig, taking a few steps to the side, and looking inside the glass as if trying to discern just how much is left.]
I can keep calling you kid, kid. That's not the issue here.
[dante glances at the devil bringer, nero's arm as scaly as always and with a bright blue glow in the scarring veins around it.]
You got the Yamato? [another swig of ale... he's one of the drunks nero was most likely trying to avoid.] Just checking when you're from.
he would if he could...
Old.
Look, he's thinking it. He's gonna say it. Just give it time. ]
When I'm from?
[ Nero huffs sharply, then nods. ]
You really think this is some sort of time travel, huh? Yeah, I've got the Yamato.
[ Not the weirdest thing to happen in his life at this point, which is really the only reason he's willing to entertain the idea. For the moment.
He takes another pause, uncrossing his arms and gives Dante another look up from head to toe. ]
What about you? You look like hell.
GWOSS...for now, baby
[all well-kept secrets that the young devil hunter is not privy to as of yet.]
[his smile is rueful, and it lasts a moment, before he's finishing the rest of his drink.]
Time travel, no. Just a whim of the gods of this place. [he indicates at the twin moons up in the sky... like it's supposed to mean something, and at the tattoo of a waxing quarter on his right arm.] You've been here before, not too long ago. You'll meet people that knew you.
[it's... a heads up, if anything.]
You know? Sometimes, a devil hunter has got to get past his cowboy phase.
[he walks nonchalantly towards his nephew, and puts an arm over his shoulders, easy as can be.] Just fresh out of jail myself.
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And you're ready to bow to those demands? That's the biggest load of crap I've heard so far.
[ Also that he's been here before. He doesn't like that at all. And when Nero doesn't like something it's very clear as he scrunches his nose like he's just gotten the whiff of something horrible. ]
I think I'd remember a place like this.
[ And that haircut, Dante. Or lack thereof?
And when they'd get so friendly? Dante is--well, yes, he's a friend. (Look at him, using the F word.) He's someone that Nero can trust to work with and make the right decision, even if it was a hell of a rocky road to get there. That doesn't mean he's ready to get all huggy, here.
He rolls his shoulders to move Dante's arm again. (Dante will, at least, get the scapegoat of the alcohol on his side.) ]
I hope you don't expect me to believe they let you out on good behavior.
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What do you think I was in jail for, huh?
[nero may remember a more flamboyant dante, draping himself on surfaces and reciting poetic nonsense of his own creation. dante now is rugged and confined to a more pessimistic realism and the weight of age and marked exhaustion. he's still the same old, but the cowboy phase really was a phase at the time.]
You're lucky I'm out at all to meet you!
[and he starts walking away, nonchalant as ever, perhaps expecting nero to come with.]
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Knowing you? Could be anything from "breaking and entering" to "public indecency". I'm putting my money on that one.
[ Which is exactly the Dante he's picture, as he really hasn't had time to reconcile how the man has changed other than "old
er". Hell, he hasn't had the time to round out some of his own edges. Still a lot to prove. (Even if Dante has helped in that regard, though he won't admit it.)Which is why he's a little too much like a dog confused why he's been told to wait outside the store. He's not great at waiting or staying in one place.
Nero makes a face, almost a disbelieving scoff. ]
I'm the lucky one?
[ But whatever indignation he feels the need to make, it dissipates pretty quickly the farther Dante gets away from him. Nero gives a grated sigh before trotting on after him. Left behind? No way. He's got no bearing right now. "Wait up" goes unsaid. ]
I don't know, I think it would've been kind of fitting to find you in the can.
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[hmm... he rubs at the more overgrown beard on his chin, noting that he'll definitely have to shave. he glances back just a bit to see that nero is following him, as planned, a slight smirk on his face. but he keeps walking, not giving nero room to pause or catch up, the boy needing to keep up with the eccentric uncle he doesn't quite know he has.]
[with the same flurry of style as usual, though, dante pushes back his red coat's lapels and pockets his hands.]
How do you feel about war? A penny for your thoughts.
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An arrow? What are you talking about?
[ This guy gets impaled by his own sword and walks it off and he expects Nero to believe an arrow would almost take him out. ]
Who'd you piss off?
[ Because that's really the most plausible explanation and Nero is obligated to be at least a little bratty about it. It's their established rapport, after all.
He manages to catch up to walk beside Dante, though he keeps sweeping the general area. When Dante asks that, though, he turns to look at the older man, brows heavy. ]
War?
[ He scoffs, turning his gaze back out to the people around them. By the looks of things he wouldn't have even imagined a war was going on. ]
Hmph. When I was doing work for the Order it wasn't war--it was specific nuisances that needed clearing out. People died because they were protecting something. And they weren't going to battle with other people.
[ He shakes his head. ]
But actual war? Waged by people? It's bullshit. I get that there's stuff worth fighting for, but it's usually the guys up top who aren't on the front lines calling the shots. They don't give a crap who gets stepped on in pursuit of whatever they think they need. Those aren't the wars that people sign up for but they're the ones that seem to last.
[ He's seen way too many kids displaced by conflict for it to settle well. Kyrie is the kind of person who points that out in order to do something about it. He won't be as kind in his appraisals of the situation, though. Not when it's not in front of her. ]
Waging war sure is easy from the comfort of your home.
[ He glances at Dante again, raising his brow slightly before motioning out to the celebration with a cock of his head. ]
What kinda war is this one?
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[he keeps walking, listening to what nero says. there's some sense of comfort coming from the fact that the nero from his time holds the same, or similar values to those of nero from before—he's always been the same, and while he's grown and changed, his core values are the same. a testament to who he is as a man, and what kind of man he will grow to be. a much better one than himself, that is something dante has made peace with.]
[there's a moment of consideration for dante, as their walk leads them down to an emptier and quieter path between a number of houses, away from the bustle of celebration. it is now when dante finally turns to face nero, a serious expression on his face.]
The gods here get off on loyalty. A misstep and you'll suffer consequences from jail to one that could cost you your life.
[he's seen it, when one of his closest pals in this world was banished; made a spectacle and an example for defying what the emperor stood for.]
You might want to keep them fighting words to yourself.
[frowning, he brings out one hand out of his pocket and gestures around in a circular motion.]
What if fighting this war meant saving our world and the people in it? [nero has a girl, he remembers, although her name escapes him at the time.] You'll have to use your sword and gun, and that. [he points at the devil bringer, before putting two fingers to nero's forehead, pushing him back slightly.] Most importantly, you'll have to play it smart. Can't have you running your mouth off or letting your temper get the best of you, kid.
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But it's not blind, it's earned. And he's not a very trusting individual. He doesn't think Dante is either.
He frowns, but raises his chin as he crosses his arms. ]
Do you buy it? That that's really what we're here for?
[ Dante's opinion does mean something, even is Nero will draw his own conclusions.
There's a pause as he glances down at his right arm, flexing his fingers on his bicep. He's learned to accept it at this point--it's a tool he can use to protect the people he cares about. ]
Hey, I can play nice. But I'm not about to pledge my allegiance to someone I've never met.
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I was in jail, wasn't I? I don't trust anyone who calls themselves a god—but there's something to it here.
[something real, in the way that sparda seemed like a myth but there was some weight and truth to who he was and his role in the subsequent saving of the human world from being swarmed by demons forevermore.]
All Vergil and I are working towards is making sure we save our world and we find a way back. [it's simple as that; if it takes bowing to a few gods, or breaking a few rules... that's basically what they're doing. this gives dante pause, though, at the thought of vergil and — nero. a nero that doesn't know and never lived through learning that he has a father, and that it is vergil. so after a moment of silence, he adds.] My brother's here.
—but don't worry, he has his own Yamato. He shouldn't be asking you to return the one in your arm.
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What were you actually in for?
[ All jokes aside...
But if Dante says there's something to it? He believes it. They may not want to approach it the same way, but he'll give everything he's hearing some credence. So there really may be something at risk--reality. Home. And for Nero? Home is really one person. Someone he'll go to the ends of the world for without a second thought.
So he nods, accepting that much even without a snarky comment. That says enough in and of itself--
--Wait. ]
What?
[ He narrows his eyes with a slight frown. ]
Your brother, huh?
[ Someone he's only heard about in passing. Really, Nero doesn't know much of anything at this point, thought it's a terrifying thought to think of there being two Dantes. Nero uncrosses his arms and gives his right arm a harder frown. He encircles his wrist with his right hand before giving Dante questioning look. ]
Two swords that can open portals to the demon world? Don't think that's going to cause a few problems?
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[dante may be many things, but nero witnessed firsthand that the only reason dante ever shot at sanctus was because the man was a demon, much the same like the soldiers keeping guard around him. he would never actually hurt humans, or let human hurt themselves if they were ignorant to their own plight.]
No one has to know you got one, too.
[well, that one's going to hurt vergil; the lack of recognition in nero's eyes, but what really was he expecting? there's no way his nephew would remember something that hasn't yet happened for him.]
[he tilts his head up, a thoughtful scratch to his chin...] Perhaps Vergil can teach you how to wield it properly.
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People like the ones back there?
[ He juts his thumb back towards the party.
He squeezes his wrist before letting his arm drop. No one has to know. ]
I guess it doesn't matter much as long as no one else knows how to...do the whole demon world thing.
[ Not that Nero knows how. Not that he particularly wants to know how. That is, until Dante suggests it, and Nero's expression softens just a bit into genuine surprise. ]
Yeah? You'd think he'd do that?
[ Having no frame of reference for what kind of person Vergil is, he doesn't realize how ridiculously hilarious the notion is in the first place. That damn fourth wall. ]
Can't say I've been first pick for class.
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Hell, I dunno, kid.
[it's not whether vergil would or wouldn't—dante's pretty sure he would, but dealing with nero now might be too much.]
[so if nero is seeking some kind of reassurance, dante will provide none.]
He's something of a dick. Doesn't get along with people and doesn't like playing nice too much. [he scoffs, his expression hardening a bit despite how he forces a smile past the thoughts on how badly vergil might take nero's return in this state.] But, I'll fight with you whenever you want.
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(He'll regret that thought in a few years. Give it time.)
But Nero actually has to let out a short laugh at that, taking a step back as he stars to pace casually. ]
Not really making him a good sell. Runs in the family, then. [ Har har. ] How'd he lose it in the first place?
[ Something that powerful isn't something you just misplace. ]
Just got out of jail and already lookin' for a fight? You're going to have the fuzz on your ass again in no time if you keep this up.
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[dante's shoulders relax, a lilt of laughter in his tone, the type that takes on when he's being nonchalant and here for a good time. he's had his fill with being serious and a Mature Adult, and pulling all sorts of mental gymnastics to not let some truths come out.]
I think I'm charming and fun, if I have a say in any of this.
[he is! as far as he's concerned!]
How about I buy you a drink some other time and tell you about it? It's a long story. Your disrespect is making me reconsider even talking to you at all.
[he's messing, clearly]
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[ And he's just being generous enough to offer. It is in jest, though, and ribbing Dante is how most of his interactions with the older man have gone. Despite the fact he wasn't sure when he would see the Demon Hunter again, it's easy to fall into. He did leave a big impression.
You're biased, Dante.
Nero pivots on one for and cocks his head to the side. ]
Why do I feel like that's just an excuse for you to drink?
[ But, really. He does want to know. ]
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[he laughs, pulling away from the wall entirely, the usual swagger in his step. his appearance must have made it clear that dante is from point in the future, no longer finding the need to keep his nephew so disconnected from himself. but that feeling itself is strange; there's reconciling the fact that nero hasn't really lived through the experience of losing his arm and learning about his legacy.]
[things are always so damn complicated in this damn family.]
[dante grabs for nero's right arm, hold tight on the devil bringer as he brings it up between them both.]
Shall we put to the test how far behind you are?
[power-wise, that is. there's nothing but pure mirth in dante's expression.]
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There's really no reason to start raising hell in the middle of this "hey we didn't all die" party--and Nero might have told Dante to knock if off, but with the lift in his mood and something to prove? ]
Heh.
[ The large blue veins along Nero's right arm begin to glow. ]
Is that what we're testing?
[ Hey, he's got to ask because the next thing he does his curl his claw-like fingers into a fist and thrust it forward squarely at Dante's jaw. ]
'Cause I'm wondering if you've still got it, old man!
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lizard-arm in time with the young man's punch. the devil bringer got him once before, but never again.][dante dodges by sidestepping the punch, a wide smile cutting across his face.]
I guess you'll just have to find out.
[he shoves the hand away and grabs for nero's collar, picking him off his feet and spinning in circles before throwing him in the general direction of the roofs. the distance between them will allow dante the space he needs to summon his devil sword into his hand, jumping after nero right after, swinging the blade at him.]
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His left arm goes up to grab the handle for the Red Queen, but he leaves it at his back while his Devil Bringer acts as a shield to block the swing of Dante's sword--
--one he doesn't recognize?
Sparks fly with the contact like metal on metal and Nero grits his teeth as he gives the blade a quick once over. ]
Decided to turn in for a new model?
[ He doesn't wait for an answer, shoving forward to try and push Dante back as he simultaneously pulls the Red Queen out and up around his shoulder to swing in turn. ]
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[dante can't help laughing when they're up close, his blade coming to contact with the devil bringer. he's forgotten how damn sturdy the arm can be, especially with the yamato embedded into it.]
[pushed back, dante flips backwards and lands gracefully on his feet, using the momentum under his boots to move forward once more, intent on catching the red queen with the devil sword. nero has always been pretty strong, but he's never quite been at the same level. he's a force to be reckoned with anyway.]
[he kicks under the boy's feet, at his knees, looking to knock him off balance; the devil sword opens up, burning red with fire. the red queen isn't the only blade that can bring the fire anymore! he slashes up and diagonal, looking to force nero into leaving his front open.]
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Speaking of hands, Dante has usually had the upper, but for Nero that just presents a greater challenge and has been good at keeping Nero on his feet--or off, as he's trying to do. Red Queen makes contact and Nero presses what he hopes will be his advantage until that leg comes sweeping down underneath him. He sees the motion and starts to jump to avoid it, but he is not expecting to see the other sword suddenly light up. ]
Whoa!
[ That ruins his flow, turning what would have been a nice flip and recovery to jerking backwards to avoid getting his face sliced open and burnt off. That's kind of important. His arm and blade are up in the air as he steps back for a step, just for half a second, but that's really enough for someone with their speed. ]
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[a tilt of his head] You'd be dead by now.
[he's grinning, letting go of the younger devil hunter, taking a step back and sighing as he rolls his shoulders.]
You still got a long way to go, Nero.
[that's just trying to rile him]
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