fellmemes | Test Drive #4

Entry tags:

! test drive

Test Drive #4

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!

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

Please link top-levels here where your character has left a gold coin in Death's offering bowl!

so dumb vampire question - if a vampire were to come in and be nerfed, would that allow them to go in sunlight if they normally die in sunlight? aka are their weaknesses also nerfed and then as their nerfs slowly fade they become more endangered by sun again?

OF THE COAST →

( While the markets are enjoyable on their own, Daenerys feels called to the coast, visiting broad waters she hasn't seen at such close quarters in recent memory. The air is fresh, the sand warm beneath her hands as she sits stretched on the beach; it's a novelty, being able to watch the waves lap almost close enough to touch her. A calming sight to behold, this horizon. It's where you might find her, watching the tide move out in silence.

The opposite can be said above her.

Should someone turn their gaze skyward, something as large as a small pony circles through the air with a shriek, wings outstretched as it glides, the sun warming Drogon's wings. You might also have caught the moment when he lands, stalking over to the woman that rests upon the sand. It might be alarming, if not for Daenerys sitting up straight, arms open, welcoming, as the dragon drapes its head across her lap. It's questionable as to if you should approach; best not to startle her or her child. )

BEYOND THE CITIES →

( War. Of course it's war. The unending wheel, spoked by these factions and their leaders, crushing everyone else beneath their vie for power, to win for the side that deems their goal the right goal. It's what she's set her sights to stop at home, and now she finds herself in such a familiar situation, to participate for the survival of her world so that she might one day return and break that wheel into nothing.

But in that time, does she support one wheel for the sake of breaking another?

It's an awful reality to face, an awful decision. As she walks the woods, finding people bent over shrines praying, weeping, she knows that the wheel of this world has done much the same as the one in Westeros; crushed those beneath it.

With Drogon barely seen through the canopy of trees circling overhead, you may find her just as she finishes speaking to a mourner, sitting with them before a shrine as they regale their lives, their stories. If not that, she'll be found making an offering to Death's shrine, a coin tossed in with no prayers offered. Sometimes, it feels as though it follows her. Death and freedom keeping step wherever she goes. )

( ooc | I'm up for wildcards if that suits you. also Daenerys is from season 3/4! )

Edited 2020-01-27 18:13 (UTC)

[that's— that's the weirdest bird he's ever seen.]

[prompto had been minding his own business, taking pictures of the coast and testing out his camera's settings hoping that it would work just fine despite all the magic, so imagine his surprise when he focused his camera and zoomed in on the dragon's shape as it glided over the water and stopped by the beach.]

[knowing nothing about self-preservation, it seems, prompto rushes towards it and stops a few feet from the dragon and the woman it seems to be snuggling against, finally being able to take in just how big the dragon really is.]

He-hey! [he starts, a squeak in his voice, but altogether polite as he keeps his distance.] That's, uh, that's a dragon, right?

[duh]

a. something something bad moon

i.
[ A little rude? How about extraordinarily so, at least so far as Fane is concerned. Outside the gates, Fane is making a small commotion, since, well, he's dramatic.

For the last time, I've no interest in whatever is happening back there! All of that fuss has nothing to do with me, but clearly, this does.

[ He gestures towards the Temple with a huff and takes a half step forward before a guard steps in front of him to continue to shoo him away. Maybe less than gently at this point, because this hooded new arrival isn't the most pleasant...

Looking around for someone to join him in this effort, the hood turns your way. If you look about as confused as he feels, he'll implore: ]

Oh, come, don't give me that look. Surely you agree that this is more interesting than some revelry.

[ Or if you seem a bit more comfortable here, or have just walked up to hear what's going on, a much more sharp: ]

You look more at ease in this place... Is there some reason I am not allowed passage? These idiots have yet to give me a satisfying answer!

ii.
[ But eventually, Fane is bullied (perhaps bodily) into heading to the celebrations. Everything about his posture doesn't seem like he's particularly pleased to be here, and keeps pulling his hood lower down on his face the more he seems to be noticed. With his face completely shadowed, it's hard to tell that there's bare bone under there, after all.

He observes for a time, waving off the revelers when they approach, generally speaking, though he still ends up with a Chrysanthemum or two despite his best efforts. Though eventually, after listening and watching, his curiosity gets the better of him. For his experiences with being a "savior," it's never been so positive. It leaves him feeling... confused. ]

What are they celebrating, really?

[ He's speaking to you, rather clearly, since you've ended up close to each other, but he's also still watching the celebrations. ]

b. gone fishing

[ The cat itself is odd, but really, what isn't? Arriving in a new world gave him some hope that the people here wouldn't be so dull looking, but as with many things, it was a misplaced hope. This feline creature is perhaps one of the more interesting ones, but still. Boring.

That's the sort of thing that Fane is dwelling on as he listens to the cat's pitch, because from the tone, he has no trouble guessing where it's going. It's a familiar song and dance at this point. Go kill some thing that's terrorizing the useless peasants, collect reward, et cetera. Why, all that's different with this is that he doesn't find himself with companions to— ]

...I suppose that is a minor issue.

[ It's said to himself as he continues to mostly ignore the cat, who responds with a rather annoyed flick of its tail. Just as the cat picks up its explanation again, Fane interrupts as he looks at someone that looks as if they might be capable. That someone, naturally is you. ]

You there. You look as if you may be halfway competent. There is apparently some creature terrorizing the town— [ He waves a gloved hand dismissively ] —So would you care to come with me to slay it?

c. wildcard!

[ The standard prompt! If none of these prompts appeal to you, let's make our own! Feel free to PM this account if you have a particular idea or a question, but otherwise, I'll gladly roll with whatever. ]

Edited 2020-01-27 18:25 (UTC)

[As the Moon Rises]
While less than ideal, Illumination can't find it in herself to complain about the unexpected relocation to some other fool world. It doesn't have her connections here, nor her research, but apparently it has chrysanthemums. What rapture. What relief. Thank all the lords and little ladies for that saving grace.

As she walks among the locals, she maintains a polite, if aloof presence. She will not dance, thank you, she will politely refuse the local drink. (Do you know how it would affect one of her species? No? Let's not risk it. Instead, you enjoy it. Celebrate, friend. From the sounds of it, you deserve it.) Moon's tits, with the flowers that have been woven into her pulled back hair and a delicate string of buds wound around her horns, if Cynda and Mother Iron could see her now, they'd laugh themselves sick.

With a smile that wouldn't melt butter, she looks to a nearby neighbour and foists a drink off on them: "Here, they keep pressing these into my hand, and I'd rather not."

[Gods Wood]
While she may not worship any of the local deities, Illumination certainly believes in them and respects them. (At least until proven otherwise.) She doesn't have much to offer, but spends a little time watching how the people here interact. It seems simple enough: a few kind words, a coin in a bowl, and not even a drop of sacrificial anything. No blood, no wine, certainly none of the messier sorts of sacrifice - what a relief!

[Terebellum]
Ah, at last, a school. She doesn't think she'll be able to afford the tuition this term, but perhaps she can ...well, let's be honest. She doesn't really have the people skills to sweet talk anyone, but she has the knowledge and drive. In her experience, the only things really needed for doing well in higher education tends to be high achievement and an immunity to a variety of poisons.

Edited 2020-01-27 18:25 (UTC)

Vampires will still suffer in the sun even when nerfed! They can, however, request assistance from their faction leader, request sunlight immunity for a blessing, or as a quest reward once they're in the game.

i love it, thank you mods <3

( She had seen him, of course, but in some respects, that was the beauty of a new world; none to recognize you, to expect, to look to you for their first and last answer. It's not a responsibility she wishes to shed by any means, but a reprieve- Who wouldn't be grateful?

Drogon is the first to look up to him as he approaches, and Daenerys' gaze lifts as well once he's close enough to speak. Her hand strokes over Drogon's head, down his neck, easily affectionate despite what he is. )

It is. ( She tilts her head, curious. ) Have you ever seen one before?

I've seen creatures like it, but never... super up close, or anything. Mostly in pictures.

[with drogon's gaze, prompto stands up a little straighter, afraid of making the wrong move. the woman with it, though, seems nice enough. prompto thinks that if he is friendly and respectful, he won't have any reason to fear getting eaten up. besides, doesn't it look like a big dog, staying still to get his head stroked?]

Would you — [he swallows] Would you mind if I took a picture of you and, uh, him? Him.

[he motions at his camera, raising it a little bit with his hands]

You do not look like you possess the tools to create one. ( A picture. All those that she's seen are created with chalks, charcoals, paints. Created by artists on street corners and in open markets, painted within houses while you must sit still for hours for the portrait to be completed.

She looks down to the item in his hands, brow furrowed. ) Unless you mean to use... that. ( Whatever that is. )

› 1. setting stars - court of stars

[ What a cold place.

Aspen curls his large white wings around him to stave off the chill of both wary glances and climate alike, turning away from the others who were brought alongside him. Clad in several layers - a translucent white dress over a slip and a powder-blue capelet - he steps out of the crowd and into the city a bit more, completely quiet. He carries a delicately curious expression on his face, benign and confused.

Instead of focusing on the others who have come with him, his gaze falls on those around them, the distrustful glances, the spoken-aloud whispers of inevitable betrayal. He's guarded with his thoughts for the most part, but the more he hears of it, the more his wings twitch and he finds himself tensing, his shoulders raised as he curls his arms around himself too, worry and doubt starting to cloud his expression.

He would, perhaps, feel more charitable if he was allowed to the castle he'd come all this way for. He understood of the perils of war and how others wouldn't trust those who were meant to help them - Belias had certainly refused to trust after a betrayal and Aspen understood that well, but the only way he was able to move forward was when he tried to trust again. Before then, it was just disappointment after disappointment, or so he'd heard.

He's not sure where it comes from - it's a surge of protectiveness, to be sure, but should he really feel this way to people he doesn't know? - but he's had enough of the whispers and the accusing eyes. Bowing his head, he reintegrates with the crowd of Otherworlders, crystalline staff held in his grasp but chin tipped down. He seems uncertain as he speaks to the one nearest him, and his small figure - no bigger than five feet - mean that there's a defenseless air about him. ]

If we are to wait, perhaps a visit to someplace less... openly suspicious of us would both soothe our spirits and theirs.

› 2. markets of the coast - kyst

Wh... what? Mine apologies, are you asking that of me?

[ Tiny little angelic-looking him with a crystal staff that is clearly meant for spellcasting? ]

Don't you have another quest more suited to someone who won't get eaten?

[ Aspen's wings droop - of course there isn't and they really need help... he steels himself, brows furrowed as he rises to his full height (not much.) ]

Gods - yes, I'll help. I'm no good with animals, though...

› 3. beyond the cities - gods wood

[ The sight of an angelic figure in a place for mourning may not be imagery the natives are familiar with, but some of the Otherworlders may have their own thoughts of this "omen".

Aspen tenses when the gold is pressed into his palm, a shudder escaping him that goes from the top of his head to the very tip of his wings. His expression is marred not by grief but sickness - it seems as if something about this place is inherently disturbing for someone like him, and yet, he does not throw the coin away or run.

But... he does wait. He waits for others to come, to drop their coin in the offering bowl - Otherworlders and natives alike, they come and ago, and Aspen waits, staring at the gold coin in his hand and then at the bowl, uncertain, pale face a little paler as his wings shuffle and curl around him again, protectively this time.

One might find him, tired of his hyper-vigilance, murmuring - ]

What wish do I make for the dead, and what happy memory can I give if I remember nothing?

[ - to himself.

It's at least an hour before he finally does step up to the bowl, briefly closing his eyes and offering the coin. He says nothing aloud, but he does pause to relay his wish. After he does, he rubs where the coin had left a small imprint from his nursing his maelstrom of thought, hurrying along to blend into the departing crowd, despite not blending in much at all. ]

Edited 2020-01-27 19:03 (UTC)

i. moonrise

⟪ there were no celebrations like this in asshai, where it is the city itself is oft the cause of death. nor could such things be found on dragonstone, a castle so somber each laugh that threatens to pass one's throat is set for starvation before it could brighten the halls.

it is not a kind of mourning she considers faulty –– if anything, celebrating life, celebrating what those who passed have passed for seems sound to her.

and, of course, there is the fire, defeating the darkness of the night and keeping its terrors at bay.

still, as she stands and watches the flame, unblinking, a tall woman in a red dress, with red eyes, red hair, even her cheeks reddened by the heat of the fire, she appears to be waiting on something.

if you happen to question her, or even if you merely happen to stand close by: ⟫

Pray tell, when will they burn the dead?

ii. the gods wood

⟪ nothing sends the chill of dread down her back quite like the words 'gods wood'. good for nothing but a burning, a gift to the lord of light. still, still, while this shape of heathenry the north of westeros is so given to is hardly her own, it is... something she can, at least, name.

this is why she seeks it out.

imagine her surprise when she does not find it as unnerving, as deeply unpleasant as the one by the wall.

something of the trees seems to soothe her, and anyone who happens to head into the same direction as she can tell that, step by step, some unknown tension seems to leave her. much like everyone else, she gets gently, insistingly, and with well-meaning manhandled into taking a golden coin. it grows warm, and warmer still, between her fingers as she holds it. now that she has it, received it from one who could likely use it, it would feel... false, to dip it into her own pocket, or else to not give it to the forest as she is meant to. ⟫

What are the spirits of this place like?

⟪ too early to call them gods, but too much respect, still, to call them false. part of her question is asked to purchase time, as she tries to choose from the dead in her life one whom she should make an attempt to honour in this strange way.⟫

iii. offering

⟪ this day, she had spend at a market –– a bizarre thought, considering. as a priestess, tasks of making purchases for the temple no longer befell her. as a slave girl, she would not have been entrusted with coin, much less freedom of movement outside the red temple.

things had been different still in westeros.

now, though, she is outside of kyst, a safe ways away, her purchases resting in a simple basket. she herself is kneeling in the snow (which seems to be melting around her) as she sets up a small fire. this seems to be a well-practiced thing, right down to a sly movement of her hand, which appears to cause the first log to burst into flame.

anyone more knowledgable of sleight of hand may notice that, instead of her powers – all blocked – she used a different trick, a small dose of powder hidden in the long, red sleeve of her dress. now that her fire is happily burning away, she touches the basket, takes out a small doll made of straw, a child's toy. next, she dresses – well, rather wraps – it in a piece of fine cloth, and then, she seems to wait. ⟫

Do you require something of me?

⟪ you know, in case you haven't approached her and are simply standing and watching. ⟫

iv. wildcard

⟪ surprise me! c: ⟫

[he tilts his expression—clueless, momentarily—before grinning. he understand that some people from this world aren't necessarily form a civilization as technologically advanced as lucis. it makes things like his camera seem so incredible and futuristic.]

Yeah! My camera!

[his enthusiasm can be heard in his voice as he raises the camera even further and takes a few steps closer.]

It basically uses light to record an image into, uh, a bunch of little tiny points, kinda. We call it pixels, which is like stored data, and it replicates the image digitally, which can be printed out later to have it physically— [he stops when he sees her slightly perplexed look] I'm not making any sense, am I?

[bashfully, he rubs his nose with the back of his hand, then takes another step closer.] I'll only take one if you're alright with it, though. I don't wanna scare your dragon.

001 | THE SETTING STARS

( this place is clearly in mourning, which isn't really helping Hayley with her current coping issues. so instead of lingering around the sad looks begging for help, Hayley finds any tavern open and serving.

when the sun goes down. because apparently that's a thing she needs to worry about.

the bartender is kind enough to offer a drink, she guesses she looks like she needs it. but she doesn't offer much extra in conversation, and Hayley lets it go. at first. the longer she sits there, though, the more she realizes how quiet it's died around her. people move seats over, giving her a wide berth. ) Fine, I can take a hint.

( she gets up from her chair, taking her drink with her as she leaves the tavern entirely. surprisingly, no one stops her. the loss of the cup is worth it for the relaxing breath they all take when the Otherworlder clears the scene. Spotting another who clearly doesn't come from here, Hayley frowns at them. )

If you're looking to socialize, inside probably isn't your best bet. ( she approaches the little wall that separates the tavern's yard from the street, climbing onto it to sit down while she drinks in the cold. ) The beer's not bad, though. ( she shrugs. she supposes it depends on what matters most to you right now. )

002 | MARKETS OF THE COAST

( there's a cat talking to her.

Hayley is fairly positive she's not lost her mind- actually she hasn't ruled that out. this is a very strange cosmic event to be pulled into after all. the cat, though, really isn't helping her think this is anything more than a fever dream. )

All right... ( she draws out hesitantly, wide eyes still on the cat. ) I'll bite. ( she looks around for someone nearby that might be up for an adventure. and apparently "someone up for an adventure" is really just any Otherworlder that can confirm this cat is actually talking right now. )

Hey. You want to help out?

003 | BEYOND THE CITIES

( exploring the woods at night would be less creepy for the vampire if her abilities weren't so weakened. she feels exposed, the darkness nearly suffocating with the potential of danger. from the rumors she's heard, though, she has nothing to fear from the forest. so long as she means it no harm at least.

admittedly, she came her with intention. she doesn't find the shrines by any luck or chance. once she hears of Death and their realm, she seeks out some way of finding them. it's early, she's aware, but Hayley is accustomed to working on tight timelines. she doesn't waste seconds, being former immortal helping her realize those seconds are too precious to waste.

instead she finds the shrines mostly empty. most people don't venture out into the woods at night, but she has little other options to her. on her way out, and older woman presses a coin into Hayley's hand. genuinely, Hayley thanks her for the advice and the gift. one that she readily offers to the shrine. )

I don't know if you're... really listening. Or if you have better things to do. ( she folds her arms over her chest, holding herself as she mulls over her thoughts. ) But if you are out there, I could use some help. ( she bites her lip. ) Or maybe just some guidance...

( once she's finished, she kneels down to press her coin into the bowl before she speaks- ) You know it's rude to listen to someone's prayers.

004 | NETWORK

USERNAME: HAYLEY

Well this is definitely a strange situation to be in.

I guess I'm kind of curious here. It seems like there's two choices, but we weren't asked which side we wanted to be on.

So... does everyone really support the side they're on? Or are you just doing what you have to to get by?

005 | WILDCARD

( feel free to make a starter of your own or pm me with any questions! )

[ The ease in which she deposits her offering startles him.

Aspen feels as if he's seen a ghost. His white, feathered wings curl close around him, protective in his time of uncertainty, as if keeping him from his curiosity. He waits, for a brief moment - debating on whether or not to follow - before he scrunches his nose and turns after where she disappeared. ]

Excuse me - ?

[ She is human, and he is not. He can tell that, but the similar hair and a shared air of poise make him pause. ]

( With shrines at home, he doesn't make the trip to the woods as often anymore, morning offerings just part of his daily routine. In the aftermath of the battle, however, he's come with the steady procession of mourners, dressed in shades of solemn black.

A young woman is at the offering bowl ahead of him, her hair almost as white as the snow dusting the clearing, and he can't help but feel an odd twinge of familiarity. Still, he's got a task to do, and skirts her to crouch where other offerings have been left, brushing powdery fluff from a section of clean stone and placing a bottle of scotch there. He's not great at prayers, but Lorelai never seems to mind his utter ineptitude at spiritual matters, just so long as he's honest.

Rising, Tony tosses more than a few gold coins in the bowl, and turns to leave until he catches a glimpse of the woman's face. No way, that's... )

...Daenerys?

prompt 003 here!

The dead.

( With a chrysanthemum pinned to his jacket, Tony watches the partygoers wheel and dance around the fires with a kind of subdued intensity. )

You ever been to a jazz funeral? Same concept. Celebrate the life, not the death.

THE SETTING STARS

[ The eyes on her are familiar. The distrust and hope and hurt. That's how the people of Yharnam had come to look at them, after enough of their people were dead. After the scourge failed to be held back. It was convenient to blame the Hunters, and in a way the Hunters were there to be blamed. The reminiscence rubs something raw in her. The same parts of her that are always rubbed raw by how the universe is always repeating itself, and how she is never free. It's building in her when someone comes crying to her in the square, ]

Otherworlder, what are we going to do?

[ Anna stares. She has round brown eyes in a pale, doll-like face and she looks from the tear-streaked question out onto the other mourners. They all want to hear her answer. Anna takes off her hat and pushes her dark, ratty hair off her face. Making herself visible, available, human. ]

You want my pledge? [ Quiet, a tinge of defiance, and then louder, a tinge of pride: ] I am a Hunter, and I will run this Hunt for you. Be warned, Stars people. The Hunt is ugly, and you may come to hate me for what I will do for you.

[ But in a way, the Hunter was there to blamed. ]

NOKKEN - CW: GONNA KILL IT

[ She doesn't speak to creatures, certainly not ones that hunts humans. She is assuredly going to kill the nokken, swiftly and ruthlessly. You have a chance to try to convince her to try a different tactic first. ]

WILDCARD

[ She's a rather frightening looking visage. The leather coat she wears as armor gives bulk to her small frame, and it shows off her many battles. It is singed at the hem dangerously, stained with blood, marked with claw marks. Quite honestly, the coat smells like someone died in it and there's a subtle musk of ash, incense, rot, and blood around her at all times. She wears a large hat that covers much of her face, an unkempt rat's nest of hair spilling out from underneath. She often also wears a piece of leather armor that laces from her collarbones to her nose. She looks like a killer. In the market, or in a tavern. Maybe that's appealing to some people. ]

GODS WOOD

[ She puts the gold coin in the offering bowl solemnly. She thinks about her younger sister, Grace. Anna had left the mountain village where they lived as orphans to find a cure for Grace's illness, and never returned. She left her to sister to die, to join the Hunt. She regrets that choice every day. ]

an offering for death

That's...the grimmest question I've had tonight, thanks.

( If his remark is intended to be a rebuke, it's a very mild one. Newbies always have questions, that's part of being new, and chastising everyone who gets awkward about being transported to Fellden out of the blue would be exhausting. Tony takes a sip from his mug, nodding at the revelers in a kind of vague way. )

You missed it. The pyres went up maybe a few days after battle.

[ If he had a nose, surely it would be wrinkling at the concept. ]

How... odd.

[ His tone is more curious than judgmental, however, as if the very idea of a celebration of death were alien, though it does go a bit beyond that. Even having spent a fair amount of time with mortals and observing their customs around death, to have such customs in the first place still feels foreign. When your people don't die, it's a bit hard to have customs for their passing.

But, no, he supposes if he's not to cause a panic, he'd best not speak to that. Irritating. Absently, his gloved hand tugs at the corner of his cowl to keep it low. ]

Is it many people who died? Surely this is not the norm for a single passing.

Strange is an understatement! I will admit that I am not necessarily a fan of the idea of this, but it is at least good to know that there are others around that will fight for what is right,

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Test Drive #4

OOC QUESTIONS

DEATH OFFERINGS

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Daenerys Targaryen → Game of Thrones

dragons!!

fane ; divinity original sin 2

Illumination | OC

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aspen | oc

melisandre 🔥 asoiaf 🔥 moon

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Hayley Marshall ( the originals ) stars

beyond the cities

Beyond

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II

(Hunter) Anna ⭐️ Bloodborne OC ⭐️ Stars

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I

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04 ; UN: SAINT-XIV