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 | Flat

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

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)

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)

› 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: ⟫

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 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. ]

KYST

[The docks have always had a smell about them. Brine and the strangely earthen scent of a pier that’s been assailed by seawater too often. Fish, pulled up by rope nets, the whole silver catch wiggling as one. It isn’t pleasant, but it is familiar, and Shay takes comfort in how his still nose wrinkles with recognition after all this time.

He stands at the jetty and watches the ships make port. Schooners, mostly, as activity teems with fishermen making their living. None of the vessels are rigged for war, which is telling on its own — neutral territory or not, it doesn’t look like this world’s keen on naval warfare. Perhaps there’s not much out there — beyond the sea — to fight for. Did a dying world mean life was slowly sequestered to a single landmass?

Another ship sails past, pushed by a generous breeze. This one’s tall, shining, its name painted on the side— the Seaduction.

Shay nearly snorts a laugh.]

Well. Not what I’d've called her.

[Half an hour later, though, Shay’s onboard the Seaduction, having agreed to help untangle some of the rigging pressed inelegantly against one of its masts. He can be found here and there, climbing up, pausing, hands working to straighten out the mess. Shay feels eyes on him either from below on deck, or along the neighboring pier.]

Looking to help, or to sail out?

[The fishermen have agreed to let him take the boat out a short distance, as a reward for his help. There’s more than enough room for another, though he won’t extend the invitation a second time.]

HUNT

[He can see it. From his perch in the high branches of a tree, overlooking the winding river below, the water ripples. A faint splash, a trail of impossibly long hair. The sun reflects against the water and it’s gone — and then a second later, back again.

Shay shifts his weight. The branch beneath his boots barely moves at all.]

Need a lure. You look as good as any.

[Someone has to play the part of bait, after all. Shay’s already chosen the role of hunter for himself, despite no discussion of it on the journey they traversed together, into these deep wildlands. He'll make use of the gun strapped against his back.]

OFFERING

[A gold coin lands in the offering bowl, spinning on its edge before landing flat. Shay frowns at it, at all of it — this shrine, these woods. Too full of shadows, too still.]

An offering for Death. Aye, how fitting.

[He hears something, someone approaching, perhaps. A glance over his shoulder.]

I’m not much a man for prayer if you’d rather take your turn. The fallen deserve better words than what I can give them.

((ooc; i'm down for any wildcards you can throw at me!))

I. stars

[From war right into another. It's weird, which goes without saying, but it's still weird for him even with all his Force stuff. He'd seen a strange Loth-wolf and then... he was here. It had to be connected to the world between worlds, right? Which meant he should be able to find a way home, if he could just find another door. Or maybe he should be grateful he's not stuck with Thrawn anymore.

Hoping to learn a little more about this place, Ezra waves to a group of people who pass by. And keep passing by. So does the next group. And again at a tavern when he invites himself to a table, they all stare at him when he asks if there are any Loth-wolves or Loth-cats in the area. Or a mural with three figures and a convor? Or an old Jedi temple? He'll take a Sith temple at this point?

He's met with silence and maybe one or two questions of "Loth...?" which he somewhat expected, but they don't seem to understand when he asks about tookas instead. One person gets up to go to the bathroom. Then someone else follows them. Another mentions a meeting they're late for. And he's left alone at the table, sighing.]

II. market

[Ezra passes by a stall, glancing curiously at a fruit that resembles jogans, and then moves onto another selling fish. Suddenly, as if hit by a gust of wind or some invisible force, several of the fruit fall onto the ground. He turns back, seemingly alerted by the sound, and starts to help pick up what's fallen.]

That wind came out of nowhere, huh? Karabast... this one's bruised. I don't know if you'll be able to sell these.

[he says with a concerned tone. And when the merchant shakes their head, he smiles,]

So you won't mind me taking them off your hands, right? Here, don't worry.

[Ezra tosses them a payment that's maybe half of what the fruits are actually worth. If he notices anyone watching, he'll look to them with a grin.]

You want one?

III. network text, un: ezra

i think i picked up someone else's compass thing?
anyone here know an ezra?
you can call me lando by the way

Moon Rises (moon faction only)

[ being hailed and treated as a hero may be good for some people, but running into someone crying and thanking him for showing up is way past his limit. with a mug of ale, barely touched, and a bundle of flowers in hand, kanan retreats from the main event and to the sides. the most noticeable thing about him is his stone mask over his eyes, yet he walks with purpose and navigates the crowds without any difficulty.

he finds a quiet seat at a wooden table set-up, looking toward the gathering without actually being able to see anything. still he can feel it. the dancing, the merriment, the genuine joy. yet also mixed with sorrow and a sense of desperation. like it has to be this way.

if you're looking to get away from the gathering and come this way, kanan will wave you over to come by and sit with him. no he can't see even as he looks straight at you, but he doesn't need to with the force alerting him to any presence. ]

Don't worry, I won't be handing out any flowers. [ a beat, and then he lifts up his small bundle. ] Unless you want these ones.

Nokken hunting (two tag-ins, open to all factions)

[ after he agrees to the task by cat, kanan is teamed up with someone else who had also agreed to assist. he preferred to go along but the cat insisted this was at minimum a two-person job, especially if one of them gets caught by the monster and needs to be rescued in the moment. fair is fair and so him and his partner are off to the wild lands.

they begin to approach the river, but first have to go through the woods. even with his mask on kanan needs no assistance walking, however his face scrunches into disgust at the foul stench in the air. must be a mix of the fish and those brave fishermen that have had their remains spat out. urgh. ]

Do you think those cats really need fish from here? I'm sure they could get it somewhere else.

[ yes, he agreed to this. yes, he's going to complain because his body is cringing hard from this atmosphere. or maybe that's the bad vibes the beast is giving off that he can feel through the force. ]

[ ooc: only two tag-ins for this prompt please, to avoid repetition. ]

God Woods (open to all)

[ giving offerings to gods he doesn't know isn't his thing, but as he tries to learn more about the locals and their ways, he feels he should at least pay respects. he sets the coin into the bowl and takes off his eye mask, his eyes opening with a clear discolored fog in both irises. unsurprisingly the man wearing a mask over his eyes all the time happens to be blind. he bows his head to the person who comes to take his coin-- ]

May the Force be with you, and your people.

[ and lifts his head up as they do. they smile at him and depart, and only after that does he feel he can let out a sigh. ]

Praying to Death, huh. Not the worst concept to worship I guess.

[ if life is on vacation, har har. ]

Wildcard

[ feel free to make your own prompt or PM me if you want something private! ]

[[the setting stars]]

[ Kairi, being as friendly as she is, attempts to work her way into the natives, picking out a drink and settling herself down in a chair nearby a group of them. But before she can even speak, she notices the air shift, as though she's some sort of unpopular kid trying to eat with the popular ones. ]

Um, hi there.

[ She smiles regardless, some cheer in her voice, but there's no response save for their wary stares, and she starts to get the message, especially so when she overhears one of them whispering to the other about betrayal and such. She wouldn't do that, she thinks, but maybe now's the time to leave before making anything worse. She's fine with moving herself to help others regain comfort, even if she doesn't quite understand the circumstances. ]

Sorry, I'll find another place to sit.

[ She doesn't sound too downtrodden — she's fine with it, really! But maybe it was a little awkward to watch as a third party? ]

[[ markets of the coast ]]

[ Kairi isn't a hunter, but she's not someone to turn down helping others out, either. Especially when lives are on the line. So she eagerly accepts her new hunting role.

And once she arrives at the river where it's said to be, she notices someone else nearby, and calls out to them. ]

Hey! Are you here to make the Nokken leave, too?

[ She doesn't really know what one is, and she isn't counting out the ability to ask it to leave, either. ]

[[ beyond the cities ]]

[ Kairi is very capable of showing respect to the forest, and she does just that, especially when asked to pay her respects with the gold coin she's been given. She adapts well, and gives a nod to the kind stranger. ] Oh — of course. [ She'll do just as they asked.

A wish or a happy memory, huh... to someone she misses. That's an easy one. So easy, in fact, that it takes her only a fraction of a second for someone to come to mind. Sora isn't dead, she knows that much for a fact (always, always believing in him), but he's the one she misses regardless, so she offers up her coin and speaks. ]

I know this will reach you... wherever you are. Just know that I'm thinking of you, and I'll find you soon. [ A soft laugh, like she's just talking normally to a friend. ] I mean, look at where I've ended up. I bet even you haven't been here before. [ To this world, that is. She can't help a little teasing. ] But don't worry. Once we're together again, I'll bring you here. I know you wouldn't want to fall behind, right? [ She smiles warmly. ] See you soon, Sora.

[ She's used to writing him letters and such, talking to him when he's not able to respond. She just likes to do it. ]

i. the setting stars

[When was the last time Zero was around this many people but not for the sole express purpose of killing them?? She sure can't remember, and the longer she has to put up with them, the more she thinks she had the right idea of it just mowing the crowds down. All she wants is to eat and drink in peace, but nooooo, everyone just has to throw the shady looks and guarded whispers and anxious stares.

Frankly, it's annoying.

Taking a seat purposefully near as big a group she can find, Zero eats her meal silently, staring directly at the people around her who grow more uncomfortable by the second. None of them even dare to move, still watching her warily. After swallowing a bite and belching right after though, she says flatly:]

If you're so fucking scared, why don't you just haul ass and get the hell outta here already, huh? [AND THAT'S ENOUGH TO SEND THEM ALL RUNNING. Finally, she can eat in peace... But not without rolling her eye first.] What a bunch of chicken shits.

ii. markets of the coast

Fuck, alright already, I'll go kill your stupid monster! Just leave me alone!

[STOP BEGGING HER, SHE CAN'T TAKE ANYMORE STUPID CAT PUNS!! Honestly, she would've said sure immediately just because she's bored and figures fighting monsters like usual is at least an okay way to kill some time. In her haste to shake off the cat thing though, she leaves before even asking what exactly the monster even looks like.

So if you're unlucky enough to pass by...]

Hey, you! You know what a "Nokken" is? [Alternatively she COULD just slay every creature that crosses her path, but y'know. That's a lot of effort!]

iii. beyond the cities

[Those just outside the Gods Wood are in for a sight today. Before they can even enter, they'll catch sight of what looks like a person being shot straight out of the woods. She skids across the grass for a moment before stopping in an ungraceful heap.

With a groan, Zero slowly props herself back to sit upright.]

Well shit. They weren't kidding about having to be "respectful" in there. [ZERO... JUST WHAT WERE YOU DOING TO PISS OFF THE WOOD IN THE FIRST PLACE??]

[I. As the Moon Rises]

[Years after the cold and the Wall, feasting and celebrating like this (as they did once in Winterfell) felt hollow to Jon. He could still taste his blood at the back of his throat and the cold steel of the knives in his flesh. The wounds weren't smoking anymore, now there were only scars and a stained tunic to remind him of what happened. Drinking ale, laughing, wearing flower crowns, it was nothing more than ash and stink in his eyes.

Still, how many times before had he forced a cheery disposition and endured? Lady Stark's coldness and Theon's words had stung him enough times that he was left bitter and cold, but regardless he joined his true born siblings and forced some measure of levity. He could do that again, at least until the gates opened and he could find some bed or corner and sleep.

He brushed away attempts to give him a flower crown, accepting ale in its place. Drunk. Aye, that was what he needed now. He kept to the back of the crowd, not expecting to be noticed, allowing him to observe in his stead. There were attempts to draw him out, but he demurred each time.

Maybe he did belong here, as much as he didn't want to. This was a celebration for the dead and what else was he now? He was dead.]

[II. Gods Wood]

[The name of these woods was disappointing. When he had heard it, his throat seemed to close with emotion, choking him with hope that he didn't think he'd find here. Some connection to home, some link to his father and a place where he could retreat and think. But there were no weirwood trees here, no snow and silence, no dark pond that would be similar to the ones in Winterfell's godswood. Apparently this was just a place where the gods may roam (as far as he could surmise).

Still, it was peaceful and he wasn't going to turn down the chance to explore further. One of the passers had offered him a gold coin. As he had no way of honoring his own dead as his gods would want, Jon placed the coin in Death's bowl. It was more perfunctory than honestly, done, but still the irony bemused him.]

This is less offering and more payment for services rendered.

[III. Wildcard]

[Choose your own adventure. Feel free to set up whatever, I'll match style and tense.]

SETTING STARS; TEXT

look i just got here and i have no clue whats going on is it normal to be treated like i just drowned someone? its a little uncomfortable since im supposed to be helping and all

also second question has anyone gotten stuck in one of these transport mirrors it doesn't seem really safe if you ask me

MARKETS OF THE COAST; MONSTER HUNTER

[While Lapis is... Fairly confident that getting into a fight with a monster that likes to kill people, presumably using water, won't be too much of an issue, the problem is that she doesn't really want to go alone. The second problem that crops up is that she has... No friends here. No one she knows. No one who even looks like another Gem, and so the problem is, how exactly does she get some help with this? To not go overboard and ruin things she probably shouldn't?

What Would Steven Do?

... Make a new friend, obviously. Even though the thought fills her with some sort of anxiety, and it shows, the moment she stiffly walks up to someone and juts out a blue hand for a shake like she's seen others do. And maybe she's speaking a bit too fast as well.]

A strange cat told me that I had to help fight a monster, you in?

[Perfect. Absolutely nailed it. Just like in her JRPGs.]

BEYOND THE CITIES; GODSWOOD

[It's a little uncomfortable here, surrounded by so many trees. By people leaving offerings for... Something, she supposes. Death? Gems like her don't exactly have much of a concept of death to begin with. But it feels harmless enough she supposes, when a stranger presses a coin into her palm and tells her to leave an offering too.

A happy memory or a wish, and the coin. It's something she has to think about, consider really hard. A wish at this point feels silly, but she can think of a few happy memories to share. Does she have to speak it aloud? Well, might as well, as she drops the coin into the bowl.]

I guess one of my happy memories would be when Steven made Pumpkin for me and Peridot.

WILDCARD;

[If there's anything you'd like to do, feel free to pm me!]

i. setting stars ➤ aaaaalll by myyyyseeeeeelf;

[ regardless of the circumstances, akechi will never turn down free food. balancing high school, investigating with the police as an ace detective (tm), and keeping up with the internet, he's a busy guy!! not to mention this war he's apparently been enlisted to. ]

[ still, though he's enthusiastically eating, it's impossible not to take note of the atmosphere, of how grim and untrusting and standoffish everyone is. he tries to make conversation with a few locals, and is turned away. sad trombone. ]

I see.... so my presence is unwelcome, even here.

[ no one cares, akechi!!!! even though he says it as if mumbled to himself, it's somehow loud enough for you to hear. then, he cants his head towards you, eyes widening as if he's suddenly noticed you're there. ]

Excuse me... do you know what happened here? Some kind of attack, I presume?

[ ace deduction from the ace detective............. ]

ii. markets of the coast ➤ fishing meowni-game;

[ luckily, this isn't akechi's first encounter with a talking cat! and this one isn't saying anything about pancakes, even. and of course, he won't turn down a request for help, so catch akechi awkwardly lingering near the water with a fishing pole...... with no bait on the end. he's puzzling. when he sees you approach, he gives you a wry smile. ]

So I'm not the only one with a soft spot for cats.

[ more like a soft spot for publicity. he waves the fishing rod a little in your direction. ]

Let's see.... what bait would be best for catching a murderous water spirit? Perhaps one of us?

[ a beat. he seems to be waiting for you to laugh. ]

... I'm only joking, of course. [ apparently, that needed clarifying. ]

iii. beyond the cities ➤ where the spirit orbs at;

[ yo if this god isn't going to give him a persona what's the point??? just kidding, akechi knows better than to start something with the locals on his first day of arrival. he shows his deference with breezy smiles and slightly exaggerated bows, taking his coin and exploring the gods wood with no trepidation. he almost seems at ease, despite how intimidating it's meant to be. ]

[ catch him in the middle of his exploration, where he cants his head politely in your direction!!! or catch him just after he's made an offering (what the hell is a happy memory???), where he's kneeling before one of the shrines. ]

What did you wish for? Or is that a secret?

iv. wildcard;

[ hit me with anything ]

AS THE MOON RISES - JUST FOR NEW PEEPS ;)

[ One of the helpful citizens of the Temple is V. He happens to remember all too vividly that it was extremely overwhelming being thrown around in one of these celebrations. He really could have used a map.

V himself is hanging out on the edge of a large concrete landscaping display, reading a book. The bag of pamphlets and maps leaning next to him. It's the talking vulture flying lazy circles above that's most likely to catch your attention, ]

Here's one. Holy hell they're covered in flowers and looking lost.

AS THE MOON RISES - EXISTING CR

[ As the sun sets, V moves on from his volunteer work. Although, of course, as soon as he goes into the square he's buffeted and covered with flowers. He tolerates it. Last time he did this, he had been alone and weak. It's interesting to revisit with a clearer head, and a sense of direction.

He ends up, despite himself, dragged into a tavern by a familiar face. He is far from the life of the party, he's in a corner with his bird... while the bird talks to someone else and V reads. But he does have a drink and sometimes he even takes a drink of it?! ]

Edited 2020-01-28 13:38 (UTC)

A. THE SETTING STARS

[ Yona had actually felt... relief at being turned away from the castle upon arrival. She had been approaching it with considerable reluctance to begin with, even though it looked nothing like any castle she had ever seen before. Certainly like nothing from her home - which was at least somewhat reassuring. But as they're refused entrance, there's a very visible slump of relief in her posture, a faint loosening of the grip she has about the ragged and travel-worn cape that drapes around her slight figure.

Her faded red cloak hides most of her appearance and she's bundled tight against the chill, but if someone peers at the right angle, one can catch a sight of delicate features and wide violet eyes. Of hair so vivid a shade of red that it looks like a fiery dawn - loose and curling around her face although it falls down to her shoulders beneath her hood.

It's only once she ventures into the city square that her hood is tossed back, almost defiant in the face of those wary and untrusting stares. It's the fearful she carefully ventures to, the ones who look exhausted and wan and spent in the aftermath of whatever terrible trial she has missed by her late arrival. Such faces aren't unknown to her and she wanders among them, trying to help even when they watch her distrustfully. Some she offers drink to, or help in finding a place to rest nearby. One she offers a bandage too when she spots a still-bleeding wound.

Oblivious to those who follow her with their stares, she helps who she can, and it's only after a long while to this end that her long journey and her efforts here start catching up with her and her energy starts to wane. She hadn't bothered to get any rest or refreshments for herself yet and, having just left a similar scene in her own world before arriving is dampening even her normally buoyant spirits. In between helping, she pauses to sink down on a bench outside a tavern, lifting a hand that shakes slightly to wipe her hair back off her face, the curls now tangled and limp.

Her eyes are sad and worried as she scans the square full of grieving people. Not paying attention to who else might be nearby, she murmurs to herself, ]

B. MARKETS OF THE COAST

[ Kyst reminds her so strongly of Awa that Yona immediately feels much more at home here. Even though there are no familiar faces in the market or the harbor, she wanders among the merchant stalls with a smile. When bid, she might comply with sampling wares or taking a taste here and there, admiring the pretty fabrics, although she inevitably wanders past without a purchase, even if something here or there might catch her eye for a long moment. A pretty hairpin, a fan. Surprisingly enough, a well-crafted bow and an ornate quiver - even though a much simpler one is currently hooked over one of her shoulders.

She spends a great deal of time in the markets and although she doesn't seek out any of the others currently perusing the stalls, she's not opposed to pausing to converse with anyone who comes up to talk to her, turning to greet them with a warm - if somewhat reserved - smile.

Eventually, however, her wandering does bring her within earshot of the curious-looking cat waving down people for help. It's enough to pique her curiosity to venture over and hear him out. Eyebrows furrowing into a concerned frown as she listens to his plea, her fingers stroke against the curve of her bow as she casts an uncertain look in the direction of the river. There are others who have come to listen as well, some of them looking much more competent at fighting than she.

But after a moment of debate, it's clear she's not letting that slow her down. She lifts her chin in a determined gesture, her lips pressed into a stubborn line. ]

[ She turns to look at the person beside her. ]

C. BEYOND THE CITIES

[ The moment she had heard of the Gods Wood, Yona had ventured out in that direction. She is solemn and respectful as she ventures in past the shrines. Her fingers curl around the gold coin that is pressed into her palm and she bows deeply to the giver before venturing a little distance away.

Hands clasped together, she pauses to kneel before the offering bowl, bowing deeply in deference, her movements graceful and familiar, even though it's been a long time since she's had the freedom to visit such a place. Her offering is given and she offers up a prayer to whatever gods can hear her in this strange land. She does not offer a wish - she is too new here to know the consequences of such an action, if there are any, but there are memories dancing in her mind.

The warmth of perching in her father's lap as a child is the first and most prominent as she blinks back the sting of tears at the memory of her dearest departed. But there are happy memories of those she is now separated from that arise as well. The steady strength of Hak's hand on hers as he helps her straighten her bow, or as he wraps around her protectively. The camaraderie of days spent with her four guardians and Yoon on the road. She misses them fiercely already and she's only just arrived here.

Rubbing at her stinging eyes, she sends up a prayer for their safety and that they aren't too worried about her, wherever they are. That whatever gods are watching over all of them will keep them safe. And her, too, if they've the attention to spare.

Feeling a little silly for crying here, she straightens a little too quickly and bumps into someone else who had also come to make an offering. Her head comes up quickly, her eyes reddened with unshed tears, as an apology quickly springs to her lips. ]

m[a]rkets of the coast.

[ Even under normal circumstances, A2 is not exactly the most social of androids. Even if the atmosphere around the city is a somber one, the fact that there's any kind of hustle and bustle at all - and not a single machine lifeform in sight - is enough to set her on edge. These...are humans here. Living, breathing humans. If Pod hadn't assured her, she wouldn't have believed it, and even then, she isn't familiar enough with his programming to assume that he is unequivocally right.

But that's far from the only unbelievable thing going on here, even if it's the most striking, and instead of hanging around and aimlessly wandering the city, she travels to Kyst and encounters an unfamiliar quadrupedal creature - a cat, Pod tells her, his insight unsolicited - that offers her an objective. Annoying as the creature is, it gives her a direction to point herself in, and once that, hopefully, won't require her to interact with anyone else.

That said, A2 is a hunter of machines, not sea creatures, and she sure as hell isn't going in the water. She could use Pod to try and fish it out, but her instincts tell her that won't end well. What she needs is a way to lure it to the shore to slay it, but how?

For the moment, frustrated at her lack of options, she chucks a sizable rock into the surface of the water, snarling. ]

Come on, damn you! [ Then, quieter, to herself: ] This was a waste of time...

[ Why the hell did she even take this mission? She didn't need to. ]

[b]eyond the cities.

[ The Gods Wood is far less frantic for A2. It's quiet and melancholic, filled with the solace of age and death. It suits her — or, at the very least, it suits her much better than anywhere else she's been in this strange world yet. She may not know those being honored here, but she can still pay her respects with her solemnity. She knows well, after all, the toll of war.

The people she encounters in the Wood are infrequent enough that they don't set her too much on edge — until one weary-looking woman approaches her with a coin, and presses it into A2's palm. ]

No, I —

[ ...But how can she turn down a request like that? Loss is not a human concept alone, and it's not as though she doesn't have those to honor, even if many of them she lost so very long ago.

So after a moment of hesitation, she approaches the offering bowl, her chin tipping down, as she drops in the coin. ]

...I'll be with you all soon.

[ ...Though the last time she had uttered similar words, she hadn't quite gotten what she expected. ]

wild[c]ard.

[ Have another scenario you'd like to play out with A2? Go wild! ]

1. as the moon rises

[despite the fact that there's no miasma in this world and no sign of other Revenants, Louis errs on the side of safety all throughout his initial foray into the structure around the Temple. he's enamored by its architecture, especially as someone who had taken a cathedral as a home base, and for the first few hours of arrival he tries to understand the layout of the environs.

fanfare, it seems, is the general mood, and he doesn't understand why. wait- not entirely true, he does understand the emotions behind it, but it takes a moment to get caught up to speed. it takes an attendant, carefully offering him a flower to shift his apprehension away from the permanent sense of paranoia that's embedded itself into him since losing his humanity.

he draws off his purifier mask, and for a moment, just stares deeply into its vibrant and beautiful color. flowers, although rare, do exist in the Gaol of the Mist. but never this intricate, never this large. nonetheless, between his visage, the dark red eyes, and his standoffish behavior, he's left alone for a few moments to stare.]

Excuse me... [he chances upon someone else who might appear to have lost their bearings.] These flowers, do you know their name? Are they common?

2. markets of the coast

[yeah, he's signed up to kill that monster that's terrorizing the nearby town, but there's an ulterior motive in the works. Louis keeps his eyes peeled for mistles, objects that can spring forth blood beads for consumption. he's well aware that the Temple will provide, but when it's the only thing keeping him from going into frenzy, he figures it's best to have a backup... or ten, just in case. it's exactly how he got by back in the Gaol of the Mist, and it's going to take some time getting used to the sheer abundance of it all out here.

and before, it was always easier to go it alone, scout ahead and understand the layout before making brash moves, but thanks to a few friends he's picked up along the way, his efforts have become a lot more brazen over time. he's in your adventuring party, and he might take notice to the weird stares that he's receiving- either from you or from anyone else around. might as well clear the air before it gets stagnant. or worse, awkward. Louis is perfectly fine with silence, but awkward ones, not so much.]

We're called revenants. Humans who've died and been brought back to life through BOR parasites.

[that... is very reassuring, of course. admitting to being a host to some disease like creature inside himself. that's exactly how you make friends, right?]

Sorry, there aren't many humans left where I'm from. It's not contagious, if that's what you're worried about.

[uh.]

3. the gods wood

[it's calm here, the serenity piercing the forest like a quiet shroud around its exterior. he has a coin in his hand, and he's ready to make an offering, but is tempting Death something he really wants to do? how many times has Louis died already, only to evaporate into mist and be brought back from the brink of death, one memory less for the cost of his failure?

who does he miss? there aren't a whole pool of people to choose from, and the one he wishes the most to see again would also bring him back to the guilt of not being able to do what he was supposed to do the first time around. he clutches the coin in his hand, thinks of Cruz, and sighs. no, it can't be her. he doesn't deserve that. she doesn't deserve that.

without the thought of someone else in mind, he offers Death a small recompense for all the times he's cheated it.]

If I had more to give, I would. All I ever wanted was peace.

[no use looking back, he stands and sighs. an idyllic dream, coexistence between revenants and humanity, a world where blood thirst didn't claim the lives of people who deserved more out of their lot in life.]

[ 01. as the moon rises ]

[A certain amount of histrionic, absolutely undeserved devotion is actually something Lavellan is used to by now, though he doubts it's something he'll ever be comfortable with. Still, he navigates it with much more aplomb than he would have even a year ago--graciously accepting everything foisted on him, making eye contact with every new devotee and thanking them personally. He still isn't entirely sure what's going on, but he's long since learned to coast until he can figure it out.

Unfortunately, this only seems to encourage them, and Lavellan soon finds himself having to hold entirely too many things.]

Oh, no tha--

[Some form of pastry is pressed into his hands regardless.]

Really, I couldn't--

[Yet another flower is pinned to the front of his jacket.

Eventually, he looks to anyone nearby who seems to be in a similar predicament, and offers an exasperated--though still mostly wry--grin.]

Ah. Some help?

[ 02. markets of the coast ]

[Getting his bearings is his priority and done rather quickly--much of the logic of this place isn't too unfamiliar, after all. What is unfamiliar, though, is talking cats.]

This is... some kind of creature? That can be reasoned with?

[Convincing it to leave does sound more appealing than trying to murder it, in his opinion, even if it would be the more difficult solution. After the... cat... finishes his explanation, Lavellan offers his companion a smile.]

What do you think? Fancy a chat with a sea monster?

[ 03. beyond the cities ]

[Despite a coin having been pressed into his hand, Lavellan has no intention of leaving an offering. In his experience, woods like these have minds of their own, and it's better not to tempt their more malevolent impulses in any way. Making a wish, in his opinion, is just a way of making yourself vulnerable.

Still, he's interested in scoping the place out, and it's very likely he'll encounter others on the same path. Here he'll say, by way of greeting:]

You can have mine, if you like. [He holds up his own coin.] An extra wish can't hurt, can it?

[ 04. wildcard! ]

[If you have another idea, I'm happy to roll with it!]

Stars:

[Well, it isn't as if war is something new to her. Far from it, given she has been fighting one back home for years now. So Ahsoka has totally got this. An old hand at it, or however they say. Comes with being a Jedi, a Padawan during her time. The galaxy needed them so they went off to help. Sometimes (a lot of the time) that meant fighting, to try keep the peace that way. This doesn't seem like it'll be so different.

Granted, the politics of it all is usually beyond her, above her head, though Padme tried to teach her a little. Which is why she might be a little confused or even annoyed? when people seem to keep avoiding or ignoring her when she tries to get close, to strike up conversation in hopes of finding out more about this place. She frowns, pouting when yet another person or group seem to ignore her.]

Wait, I just.....? No? Okay, fine.....

Markets:

[So of course she wanders off further. Leading her to the coast, as she might pause every so often to see the wares, perhaps curious to see what was available here. Ahsoka will easily figure the tavern, guessing it to be somewhere to stay and get information perhaps. If the people here seem more friendly and likely to chat to her at least. She might not even be sure how to figure who is local or not, depending on how friendly or such people might be. So she might end up sitting with someone also from far away, sitting with her drink and something to eat and asking about their day, or this place in general.]

[Or she might go on this quest. At the least, it sounds more familiar to her? So she tilts her head, apparently willing to listen to the cat. Because apparently there's nothing so strange about this to her? Or she's just used to odd things like this. It's probably fine. The important thing is that she helps, right?]

So, I just have to go deal with this 'Nokken' for you? Can't be that difficult.....

Beyond:

[Given Ahsoka's age perhaps it isn't so strange that she ends up at what seems like some sort of school? It's interesting to at least have a look, anyway. For all that she had her Jedi training, most of it these days was obviously done while traveling or literally on the field, so to speak. She can't help but to be curious, smiling and raising an eyebrow as she asks about the magic.]

Stars:

Excuse me, I just.....?

[But before Elsa can say any more, whoever she was talking to flees. Apparently not keen on talking to her. Or....any of those from elsewhere. She takes a deep breath, frowning and closing her eyes, lips pursed for a moment as she tries to maintain some cool. Which may or may not entirely stop the chill in the air, the thin layer of ice forming at her feet in her anxiousness about being....here. She wrings her hands and fidgets, reaching up to near her shoulders as if to try to cling to something that isn't actually there before she lowers them again to just below her chest to wring her hands a little.

Still, she actually does stick around, wanting to know what was going on and how she could possibly help with the situation.]

Markets:

Oh -- thank you?

[Elsa says as she is offered to stay in the tavern. Shelter, a bed and food. Company. The people here seem friendlier at least? More open to possibly giving her more answers. So of course she can't say no? Can she? Of course she accepts, taking a seat and sipping at her drink as she initially more observes and listens to the conversations of others around her for a while. Not meaning to eavesdrop, but simply to try gauge more information on what was going on.]

Mm. This is good hot chocolate!

[Or, regarding the Nokken, Elsa might take her time considering the idea. She doesn't want to just dismiss this, when she might be able to help somehow. Elsa bites her lip, crossing her arms as she thinks. Trying to figure some way to possibly help given her abilities.]

It's in a river? I could freeze it, to let someone else help deal with it perhaps then? But I wouldn't want to harm the rest of the fish or anything.....

Beyond:

[Elsa wanders, exploring the area and coming across the forest. She gives a nod in agreement to be respectful, simply wanting to get her bearings in figuring her way around a bit. She pauses, blinking when given a coin and told what to do with it. It takes her but seconds to consider who. Anna. Of course. So she turns to one of the shrines and offers it.]

Anna....I'll be back to have more game nights. Make more snowmen together.

i. MOONRISE (closed to moon)

[ In something of a daze over the recent turn of events, Pepper lets a young woman weave some braids into her loose hair without protest and another to pin a chrysanthemum on her like she's at a prom, while yet another pair of hands presses into Pepper's a cup of some sweet-smelling drink. Someone throws a robe of deep blue over her shoulders, to clothe her in something more than the dubious sports bra and pants she's wearing, though she doesn't realize she can't register any chill. She thanks them all faintly, an automatic instinct rather than any conscious effort, and finds a seat off to the side before her legs give out. While she had chosen to be here, Pepper hadn't expected... well, all of this. The revelry is laced through with mourning, and she can't help but wonder how many have perished. Is it always like this?

The threat is imminent, Tony had told her, but he couldn't possibly have known about this. She takes sip of the honeyed mead to chase away the twinge the thought causes somewhere behind her breastbone, tugging the edges of her newly acquired robe closer about her body. If she looks a bit disoriented, it's only because a lot has happened even before she wound up in Fellden. She's honestly still wrapping her head around the whole thing. That doesn't mean she'll shun company, making an attempt to accommodate any who initiate contact or perhaps take a seat at the same table. ]

So, this sure is... something.

[ Yep, totally nailed it. ]

ii. KYST (ota)

[ In the middle of the hustle and bustle of the markets, Pepper can almost fool herself into thinking she's visiting some old European town during a winter faire. Merchants hawk their wares in stalls and booths of all shapes and sizes, the scent of fresh bread hangs in the air in front of the small bakery she passes by, overtaking the briny whiff from the coast. An old matron loads her purchases into a basket under her arm, while a young man haggles over the price of fresh fish. Small children play tag, weaving around the throngs of adults going about their business. It's simple and straightforward living that went on despite the war, the kind that is a far cry from Pepper's own, everyday life back home. It's not something to be charmed by like some kind of curiosity, she reminds herself, but something to get used to. Sooner rather than later. ]

A) [ She wanders from stall to stall, taking in the different wares available with no small amount of interest. Lingering by the booths also gives her the opportunity to slyly listen in on casual conversations, perhaps to glean some information on the general mood and opinions being floated around by the natives and fellow Otherworlders alike. If she sees someone hesitating over what to get, she isn't above offering her unsolicited advice; albeit with a smile. ]

Shopping for yourself, or someone else?

B) [ Or perhaps you happen across Pepper exchanging some words with a clothes merchant in front of his stall of fine fabrics. ]

Very clever of you, sir. [ Her tone is dry, and it doesn't sound like a compliment. ] I just overheard you offer another patron a better deal for items of roughly the same worth. Is it my faction, gender or glaring sense of newness that's the issue here?

[ Fact is she can't really afford to pay much when she has very little to pay with, but this argument is largely over the principle to begin with. She can't stand cheaters. ]

iii. GODS WOOD (ota)

[ Curiosity gets Pepper to the Wood, but she realizes soon this isn't her place. Worship, make offerings to the Gods? To Death? She isn't particularly religious on a good day, and suddenly she's caught between feeling like a fraud and getting a bad feeling about this, the gold coin that was pressed into her hand upon entry seeming to burn her palm. She doesn't know enough about the way of things yet, about the nuts and bolts of worship in Fellden to be comfortable with dropping the coin into any of these shrines. It makes her hesitate, to turn to the closest person around and offering them the golden token. ]

Here. Do you want this?

iv. NETWORK | UN: PEPPER (ota)

So, how long have us Otherworlders been brought here to fight in this war?

Edited 2020-01-28 10:07 (UTC)

Threaded | Flat

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OOC QUESTIONS

DEATH OFFERINGS

Daenerys Targaryen → Game of Thrones

fane ; divinity original sin 2

Illumination | OC

aspen | oc

melisandre 🔥 asoiaf 🔥 moon