Test Drive Meme #2

[diceofthegods]

SEASONS GREETINGS

On the morning of the first of the year, a notification message pops up on everyone’s Rocky-Talkies no matter if they just arrived or are longer-established offworlders. Small minor-illusion fireworks accompany the ping which features Charlie smiling and waving. Alongside him are both Slayd and Dimitri (where Dimitri is not smiling, but what can you expect?)

Without further ado, Charlie begins to speak: "Happy Winter Solstice and beginning of a new year! We have some fantastic news for you! The town of Hast has opened its arms to us in welcome thanks to your good work in the area. Not only that, but we have some very special visitors in their harbor. You will get to meet one of the legendary heroes that saved this world! Hoshiko!"

At her mention, an image of a... wanted poster mugshot pops up with a brunette woman holding up two fingers and sticking her tongue out. "Wait, no, sorry- Not that one!" Charlie corrects, the profile changing to a more recent photograph of the woman. Here, her hair is longer and she holds herself a bit more maturely.

"She'll be accompanied by a group of friendly kobolds who assisted in that journey as well. Hoshiko will be putting on a lovely firework display for everyone as a New Year’s celebration. The kobolds, meanwhile, are avid traders. They travel all around the seas to the north and have collected plenty of interesting items to trade. They have sent word that they are interested in any scrap metal you can find! Thankfully, the beaches near Hast are plentiful in scrap metal to collect from previous mining ventures there. You will also be doing the people of Hast a favor by cleaning up their beaches.

That said, please take care and wear gloves if you plan to collect the scrap! I will make sure there are plenty available in our shop for the taking. I have also restocked it with more warm winter clothes!" Though they are basic, it might be nice to accessorize a little. "Be on your best behavior to our hosts in Hast if you plan to visit, and please go with our warmest wishes besides! Hoshiko will make sure you're safe!"

The next part is said lower since Charlie seems to think the recording has ended before it actually did: "She promised she would, at least."

Hast To Be

The town of Hast is a cascade of buildings that trace down the large Bail Mountain and spill out into the harbor below. Hast is a busy and active mining town. Several mine entrances can be seen dotting the mountainside. Here, they mine for precious metals and useful minerals that are used throughout the continent for a multitude of purposes.

You are welcome to explore the mines at your own risk! You are warned that outside of the normal risks of being in a mine, there are some monsters that inhabit the older mines that are no longer in use. The town is not liable for anything that happens to someone foolish enough to enter unprepared.

The people here are friendly, albeit seemingly always on the move. They appear too busy to even really worry about newcomers. There are plenty of small shops where you can find raw minerals and metals for sale as well as products that are refined from such materials. Tools, more sturdy weapons, and useful gear are some things that may catch your eye here!

Charlie has afforded everyone 10 gold pieces to spend here. We will leave what you buy and how much it costs up to the player, on the honor system that you don’t go hog-wild. Generally, one gold piece = 100 modern-day American dollars for reference. (Please don’t over-worry about what-costs what, we trust you to use your best judgement!)

Aside from material goods, you can also enjoy one of the few pubs or eateries that exist around the town.

⁂ "The Rusty Nail" is a pub that serves primarily the local miners. Meanwhile, "The Bitten Coin" is the tavern that also serves as one of the local inns. If you’re looking for fancier fare go somewhere else you can find some slightly more stately restaurants toward the harbor.
⁂ "The Tossed Dagger" serves some delicious local fish dishes, and "Gordo’s Big Biscuits" is somewhat self-explanatory.
⁂ Most of the entertainment here is bar-fights and somewhat crude performances given the local’s preferences, but you can certainly find comfort at the inn if you’re not looking to mix with rowdy miners and fishermen.

Enjoy your time!

Kobold Chaos

Rusty Bucket Bay by Grant Kirkhope

1:07 / 3:P57

▶︎

Click here to listen.

Grant Kirkhope is a Scottish composer and voice actor for video games and film. Some of his notable works include GoldenEye 007, Banjo-Kazooie, Donkey Kong 64, and Perfect Dark, among many others.

code

The kobolds mentioned are plentifully packed in a barely-seaworthy hunk of metal ship that serves as their maritime clown-car. It is being tugged along by a far more... ship-looking ship. These creatures are hyperactive, will yip your ears off about nothing, and are all too excited to receive any metal or 'shiny bits' and will parade around with it like little peacocks proudly. That said, they are friendly (even if somewhat annoying or tiring for lengths of time).

If asked, they will happily tell you that the scrap is not only to repair their ship but also to build an effigy to their god: the "Arsenal Dragon." When pressed on this, they will say their god is indeed a very real person. He was another one of the great heroes that saved the land! He had ascended to divinity at the end of his journey and is currently helping to rebuild the otherwise desolate north. They will then proceed to gush about how cool and amazing and strong and great he is.

Did they mention great? And strong? And cool? Oh, and amazing!

There are two kobolds running an official trade-in booth hastily constructed on the beach. They have (barely legible) nametags.

"Mung", reads the tag in front of a red and cream kobold with gold horns. "Liberius", meanwhile, is a squat, white creature with thick glasses that looks like he's on the verge of a nervous breakdown at all times.

You can trade scrap metal and they will give you a random magical-or-interesting item of equal value. While can gather as much scrap as you wish, but please keep it to one trade-in per character. Everyone that helps out can report so to Mung and Liberius here and receive - in addition to their item - a bit of reputation as well as five (5) bond points to use for activity rewards.

LIGHT 'EM UP

Once the sun begins to set, offworlders are encouraged to head down to the harbor for a fireworks show on the water as promised. They are gifted sparklers of whatever color they choose and given the option to buy larger fireworks of their own if so desired. It can be noted that any purchased with the gold provided by Charlie have a unique logo branding on them that is separate from the town of Hast. This is a personal investment, it seems, versus helping the town proper.

If questioned, the proprietor herself - Hoshiko - will make an appearance. She wears a long, furred cloak that covers most of her body from view and shields her from the cold. "Look, a lady has to make money in this world somehow," is all she’ll say with a cheeky sort of smile. However, anyone that comes across her is free to make a perception check to notice that they have less gold than before.

If successful (a roll of 12 or higher), Hoshiko will congratulate them on their quick catch and return the gold then. If unsuccessful, they’ll find (most of) the gold returned and a note at the end of the night that simply reads: "Thanks! Here’s your change."

Other than the brief encounter, the captain seems mostly preoccupied with making a magnificent display of pyrotechnics. They launch from her ship and dance across the sky for quite some time before a large finale. Any stray sparks or potential fire hazards are to be expected, whether from her own show or careless handling of other fireworks, but thankfully they have a plan for that too.

A large, white dragon will put out any fires with a powerful blast of frost breath. Sorry if you get caught in the chill! It doesn't seem too concerned with that so much as stamping out any flames before they can spread. "Find someone to warm you up!" it will laugh (in a perhaps familiar voice) before moving on.

Notes

⁂ Hello and happy new year! Welcome to Children of Bahamut's second test drive meme! If you have any questions, suggestions, or feedback then feel free to ask here.

⁂ We have a top-level directory for folks this test drive for ease of finding ones to tag into! We also ask that you please mention though if you are a current or new player in your top-level.

(Example header: character name | canon | current/new player )

⁂ Additionally, we have a separate top-level for rockstar profiles for people to post if they want to participate in an easier icebreaker texting option!

⁂ A reminder that TDM threads can be used for activity rewards even if the other person does not end up claiming and joining the game!

⁂ Full Navigation ⁂

Comments

QUESTIONS, SUGGESTIONS, & FEEDBACK

[diceofthegods]

[avanture_time]

Two questions!

1) Given that everyone currently in the game is of roughly typical human heights or shorter by my understanding, will the 7'4" woman I'm planning to test drive be able to get winter gear that fits her or is she shit out of luck until some clothes can be made in her size?

2) Are the metals and minerals mined in Hast all real-world materials? No mythril or magic crystals or whatever?

SCRAP METAL TURN-IN

[diceofthegods]

[parer]

Ignis will definitely clean up and turn in some scrap metal, inbetween shooing really annoying kobolds away from his shinier scales

[snapp_crackle]

I've established Popp as halfassing his way through scrap collection here and there, hook a fellow up!

[relentless_sentinel]

Nephenee would definitely help with stuff regarding the scrap metal! Although uh she might have fun if they take notice of her shinies...no touching the shield or lance or scales! (please attempt if you wish though, it's funny)

[aisandfyr]

Aisthota turned in a generous heap of scrap!

[zodiheart]

Elidibus is absolutely going to turn in his own portion of scrap metal.

TOP-LEVEL DIRECTORY

[diceofthegods]

Link your top-level here!

Please put in the header:

character name | canon name | current OR new player

kuru'u | original | new player

[falloftindalos]

Top-level here!

Aisthota Fyrstaelwyn (WoL) | Final Fantasy XIV | current player

[aisandfyr]

Aisthota's new but I'm not

dimitri alexandre blaiddyd | fe:3h (pre-timeskip)

[boarishboy]

not met forgetting to link my top-level on my own game's TDM

Wedge | FF7: Remake

[due_reckoning]

He's doing his Best

Biggs | Final Fantasy VII RE | New Player

[alphabeticalplans]

This is 100% normal at this point

ROCKSTAR PROFILES

[diceofthegods]

⁂ The profile image appears best when a 250 by 250 square image. Anything too tall might stretch it strangely or cause issues. If you need to edit or crop a picture to suit, we recommend using Pixlr as a free option for up to three images! We're not sponsored or anything, it's just neat and convenient.

⁂ You can also feel free to customize the background image to suit your needs or character aesthetic. As long as its readable, have fun with it!

COMMENT CODE TEMPLATE

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⁂ Please respond to this comment with rockstar profiles to keep them contained to this thread! Like the top-level directory, you can put your character name, canon, and if you are a new or current player in the header.

hoshiko ☆ npc

[staywildstarchild]

Rockstar Profile

Hoshiko | 30+

A 'hero' of the realm according to legend (and Charlie). While she wouldn't quite label herself that way, her bark can be worse than her bite.

Seems inclined to do whatever is most fun (for her) at any given time and answers to almost no one.

hoshiko ☆ npc

[staywildstarchild]

( For those who want to talk to Hoshiko or simply roll against her sticky fingers, here's where you can do that! )

kuru'u | original | just got in!

[falloftindalos]

pre-h[a]stening
a very overwhelmed, very confused, very small goblin tries to get their bearings.
cw: generally disorganized thoughts/ behaviors

[ this place is... different.

not too different. the trees are still trees and the sky is still sky and the tweenshadows are still hiding in the gaps, which is good, kuru won't need to write this down to remember - but they're not the trees they know. not the right sky. not even the right shadows, which is a confusing delight. (maybe they should write this down. not to remember, just for reference. a bit closer to understanding-)

-but the clothes the kind one gave them are too large, and their tail is stuck in an absolute mountain of fabric, and the fuzzy spots keep getting louder and the grass is breathing and they need to sit. need to breathe. need to let the moment trickle by.

and so, in the early morning, people will find a goblin lying supine by the town fountain - wearing a robe a good ten sizes too big for them, eyes vaguely unfocused, and muttering to themselves in a quiet, raspy alto. ]

Not safe? No, no, not not safe, just- strange. Not familiar. Not home. Have to map them all, need to draw the guide. Any tunnels? Any meeting? Or new shadows, new caves...

[ well, then. good luck figuring that one out? ]

hast makes w[a]st
local goblin has no concept of money. please help.
cw: none

[ maybe you've seen them try to take food from the markets without asking. maybe you've seen their utter confusion at the listed prices in the boutiques. maybe they've just tried to pay for a beer with a full gold coin in front of you- or maybe you were there for charlie's handouts and saw, firsthand, just how baffled the town's new goblin was.

either way, when kuru taps your character on the hip, points to a waterskin in an unmanned stall, and asks without a hint of guile- ]

Not being held, yes? So... Okay to hold, yes? No coins?

[ -it looks like you're going to have to have some complex conversations real fast. ]

a bea[c]hfront jaunt
kuru'u slips out of reality while looking for scrap metal.
cw: blood

[ the beach is a peaceful, if cold, place this time of year. scrap metal is littered all around, ripe for the picking; aside from a few other helpful souls collecting the debris, the place looks as uneventful as you can get.

which makes it all the stranger when a goblin prods at a particularly large hunk of metal-
-looks at it, really looks at it, their eyes suddenly focusing on something just past it-
-and then walks straight into the metal, vanishing in thin air.

there's no sign of life for a good few minutes. silence reigns over the patch of sand and junk. and then, about three minutes after they vanished, kuru stumbles out of the metal once again- beaming in triumph, clutching a hunk of luminescent purple metal, and bleeding profusely from the nose. ]

Found it! Found the- the thing, haha. No more noise in the eyes! [ they stumble towards whomever's closest, offering their trophy to them with a beam. ] Shiny, yeah? Shiny!

[ boy howdy, it sure is. that... that can't be healthy to hold. ]

wildcar[d]
a catch-all + ooc notes.

[ got questions, ideas, or customized starters? just reach out to me at beelzebae/nebellung in the discord or pm this journal, and i'll be happy to talk things over! ]

C

[aigolios]

Oh, what's this?

[ It's head and shoulders more interesting than any other metal bit on this beach. If Rei were the kind of person to make his health a priority he would lead a very different life, which is why he crouches down next to the odd creature, eyes gleaming in the suspiciously eldritch light coming off the metal.

Of course he's going to touch it. Color, shape, texture, weight...

Obviously the creature is strange too, but Rei does not actually care about that. He has his priorities and right now all of them are information. ]

Tell me everything you know about it.

dimitri alexandre blaiddyd ♔ fe:3h (pre-timeskip) ♔ ota

[boarishboy]

♔ hast to be.

After a disorienting arrival and orientation, Dimitri follows the directive to visit Hast. It seems like that's where most other offworlders will be, according to Charlie, and therefore will be his best bet to find anyone he knows. The blond makes his way to The Rusty Nail first... but is woefully out of place.

His regal armor that he arrived with stands out amongst the torn, dirty clothes many of the mining men wear. He's a prime target for 1) stealing from and 2) being confronted for these reasons. "I'm only looking for information," he says, to a man who stands somehow taller than even he does and glares down at him.

"Have you met a man recently with dark hair, a stoic expression, and may be known by 'The Professor'?" The crack of the other man's knuckles indicates that, no, he isn't familiar and is growing quickly tired of trying to talk when he could use his fists instead.

♔ kobold chaos.

"E-excuse me," Dimitri stammers, trying to avoid the kobolds underfoot.

They're so energetic. And quick. And small- He's having a hard time keeping track of them, especially with how incessant their talking over each other is. "Please, I just-" he tries to say, but stumbles a little as he nearly steps on a kobold's tail as it scurries between his legs.

He feels a tug on his arm before pulled down with a small yelp. A kobold is investigating the shine of his armored gloves and asking him to trade. "No, sorry, these aren't- Hey-" He's cut off by another tug of his cloak to reach the gilded lapels.

"None of me is for trade!"

(Help.)

♔ light 'em up.

Once all is said and done and Dimitri has found familiar company, he's... trying to enjoy the display. 'Trying' is the operative keyword here since Dimitri doesn't know how to relax to save his life.

A small firecracker sounds nearby and he jumps with hands circled tight around his lance to defend from the perceived potential attack. Once he realizes it's just a smaller one of these 'fireworks,' he relaxes again and sighs. "I could do without the noise," he admits, but glances up towards the sky where the next booms sounds.

"But it is quite a sight to behold still." Like magic, he thinks, in a colorful array across the sky. He'd heard of fireworks, of course, from a land far from them but never got the chance to see them for himself until now. Despite everything and all his other uncertainties about being here, he is glad for the opportunity.

♔ wildcard / plot with me

(( hello hi, it's chai! bringing you a baby boar for funsies. you can hit me up on discord or plurk @ tentamenace if you'd like to plot something, have any other ideas, etc.!

he also has a rockstar profile here for text threads! ))

Hast to be. (Let's try this again...)

[recreator]

'Oh for the love of...'

Emet-Selch hadn't precisely expected a quiet afternoon over a drink when he walked into The Rusty Nail, having been far more intent to listen in on the locals - see what he could learn about the mines and what may yet lay in wait within. But to watch this (presumably) highborn lord waltz in and practically beg for trouble... It's not really any of his business. He really doesn't need to get himself involved. Yet between the (relatively high) likelihood that this youth is an offworlder and the dragon he shares a connection with whining about being "helpful", well... Not much of a choice left, then, is it?

Emet-Selch clears his throat a few tables away from the altercation. The new year hasn't exactly been kind to him - what with the way the weight of his horns and wings have forced him back into a tired slouch, but at least he isn't over here prepping to throw a punch.

"I do so hate to interrupt these things, but might I suggest that you raise your guard and back away slowly? Not everyone appears to be in the mood for friendly interrogations these days, and a brawl would almost certainly ruin the ambiance. Though, then again, mayhap a little excitement would do these men some good."

Aisthota Fyrstaelwyn (WoL) | Final Fantasy XIV | current player

[aisandfyr]

[A - Arrival]

Aisthota was born and raised in a desert climate, and, more immediately, was in a tropical climate directly prior to an interdimensional summoning circle grabbing her and dumping her in a snowbank. She was, needless to say, not prepared for this, and not terribly pleased about it, either. She shivered and cursed her way to Charlie's office, where shivering continued but the cursing did not, and from there the next stop was the clothing shop, where clothing with proper sleeves could be acquired. It's only once that's taken care of that Aisthota can actually process what's happened.

It is up there on the list of weird things that have happened to her, she has to admit. But at least no one's trying to kill her about it, that's a plus! She will take the wins she can get.

She spends her first afternoon in Town just kind of wandering around in order to get her bearings, making absolutely no effort to hide the fact that she is extremely lost and confused. If "A 7'4" woman is wandering around clearly lost" is all the prompt you need, then this is for you.

[B - Bar]

There are some things you can always count on to stay the same no matter where you go, and one of those things is that folks in a bar love it when a pretty girl dances for them. Consequently, it's not difficult for Aisthota to negotiate her way into performing at The Bitten Coin. The cold weather means she can't dress in any manner close to the traditional sort for the profession, but she's at least kept her usual skirt for the eye-catching flow of moving fabric and the appeal of technical and artistic skill remains true regardless. At least, that's the theory.

"Show more skin!" a heckler shouts from the audience.

"Not in this weather!" Aisthota shouts back, before striking a pose and winking. "Behave yourself and maybe I'll come back in spring!"

[C - Clean-up]

Did someone say to collect useless garbage so you can turn it in for goodies? That's practically Aisthota's favorite activity!!! The kobolds here aren't like the kind she's used to, but that's fine, she can roll with it. She spends some quality time on the beaches shoving scrap metal into a sack, and it is either there or on her way to turn in the fruits of her labors that she will cheerfully start a conversation with fellow metal-gatherers she spots.

"Hey, hey! This Arsenal Dragon of the kobolds', he's probably called that because he has a lot of weapons, right? What kinds of weapons did he use, do you think?"

[D - Downfall]

The fireworks display started so nicely. Aisthota got a nice red sparkler and Hoshiko was very charming when they briefly spoke. But as the pyrotechnics neared their end, she started thinking maybe she might want to buy one or two of her own, which led to her noticing that she had fewer coins than expected (and an Ul'dahn's bookkeeping is never wrong), and in turn, that kept her too distracted to notice the white dragon's approach.

So she's been hit by the dragon's frost breath and is now frozen in place metaphorically and also maybe a little literally.

After a few moments, a quiet pathetic whine escapes her. "Whyyyyyyy...."

Downfall

[recreator]

"'Why', you ask? I should think the answer more than obvious."

A familiar (or not-so-familiar) voice speaks up behind her, and it doesn't sound particularly impressed. Provided Aisthota is still capable of swiveling her head around in the aftermath, she will find a half-dragon, half-humanoid figure lurking a safe distance behind her.

What proves most apparent in the relative darkness are the arching horns, the broad wings that rise behind him like sails, and the luminous golden eyes which shine with their own inner light.

"You were simply standing in the wrong place at the exact wrong moment. Though if you ask nicely enough, I might be inclined to unfreeze you."

Wedge | FF7: Remake | New character, current player

[due_reckoning]

I. Arrival

By the time he makes it to Town proper Wedge is in a bad state. Not that he'd let anyone know if he could help it and one thing that he has gotten very good at is smiling through discomfort. Charlie, of course, does what he can but Wedge insists he's fine, determined not to be more of a burden on the poor man than he already is. Still, it's a comfort to have something warmer than the t-shirt and shorts he arrived in. Even just trading the shorts out for a pair of jeans would be a huge help but he has a heavy coat now too, a bright deep red that matches his bandanna.

Despite how much he hurts or the way he limps slightly, his right leg weak from so many injuries, he makes a point of stopping by the market, gathering a few things and chatting with the vendors and townsfolk. The whole thing is like something out of a weird dream but he carries on, cheerful and polite and ridiculously excited by some of the fresh ingredients he is able to get. Winter squashes and vegetables that had been sealed into canning jars barely a month ago.

To the point that he gets a little overzealous, a fairly sizable basket hooked over his arm that he is shortly leaning on a snowy bench to set it down, one hand pressed over his ribs, trying his damnedest to keep his breathing shallow and careful. "Oh! No, no I'm fine." He answers any inquiries after his well being with a beaming smile and warm reassurance in his voice. "Man! Not used to this kind of cold. Kinda hurts your nose doesn't it?" A playful grin, genuine and dismissive. He's fine. He's definitely fine.

II. Nailed It

Arriving just in time to visit this cute little mountainside village is a stroke of good luck as far as he's concerned. As is the fact that there's a pub that feels so much like home. The sort of people that are used to hard work and harder liquor. The same sort of people he is so used to from Seventh Heaven. Even if he can't help feeling a lonesome ache in his chest every time he glances to the bar and doesn't see the familiar form of Tifa mixing drinks and beaming at the customers.

The best thing, then, is a distraction. One he is all too eager to drag anyone else into, approaching anyone that is alone, especially those that have some of these draconic changes. He slaps a hand down on the table, bright blue eyes sparkling with warmth and mischief as he leans in to hold up a dart in offering. "Next drink's on me if you win~" Not that he started with much gold but drinks are cheap and... well so far no one has managed it. He is the record holder at pretty much every bar in the slums.

III. Older and (ko)bolder

While some people find the kobolds annoying Wedge absolutely loves them. He spends much of the time in Hast chatting with them, discussing the mechanics of their pyrotechnics and geeking out with them about some of their equipment. While he could go gather metal for them he is far more interested in looking at the process and, hopefully, learning how much of it he can potentially replicate. He's the main demo guy for his team, after all and he's only got 3 grenades on him. It's not like he can buy more or make them without any tools or modern equipment.

Anyone that seems to have any similar knowledge or asks questions only a professional would know to ask gets waved over enthusiastically to join the conversations. "Heya! Please tell me you're from a modern place too." Look, trying to explain grenades to the kobolds without demonstrating has been a struggle.

IV. Lit Up(CW: combat PTSD)

Anyone that might have seen or heard him talking with the kobolds is sure to know that the dark-haired boy had made mention of being from modern times, from a situation where this young man that looks barely out of his teens has a great deal of experience with explosives. Which might explain why he's sitting far back from the beach, staring up at the night sky in wonder and flinching with every concussive blast. For as cheerful and bubbly as he's been all day now that the fireworks display is going off he can't hide how uncomfortable it makes him. Too many close calls, too many explosives used against himself and his friends. Too many lives lost despite everything he'd tried to accomplish.

He's twitchy and uncomfortable at first, clamping his hands over his ears more than once. But the grand finale is what finally really sets him off, toppling backwards off the rock he'd been perched on to crouch behind it, one arm raised to shield himself from a threat that isn't there.

((Other thoughts? Hit me up! Discord: Mimicuy)

Arrival

[relativefugue]

Pain in the ass.

That's what Cloud thinks of this dragon nonsense, especially now, with the changes having taken such a hold over him that wearing clothing is just about out the window. He's covered in plenty of scales and even, strangely, some fur, but apparently being a lightning spewing beast also makes Cloud even more sensitive to cold than he'd like to be during a bitter winter that gives Nibelheim a run for its money. He can't just hole up alone in his cottage by a hearth the entire time, there's groceries that need to be bought. Sure, he's slept maybe... once in the last long span of time, but the merc at least can feed himself.

At this point his entire body is covered in smooth, brilliant bronze scales that glint in the light, some looking a little tarnished. Everything is bipedal but draconic- digitigrade legs, a long tail, long ears that swivel towards interesting sounds, and grand horns that curl around the sides of Cloud's head, framed by a brilliant set of fins the color of oxidized bronze. A set of large wings tuck tightly against his back in response to the cold. It isn't much help. The only partial assist he gets is the blond, soft fur that runs along his chest all the way down to his groin, covers his arms and legs, and some that goes from the top of his head (which notably looks like his spiky hairdo) to between the wings. The only distinctly human part of him left is his face, where the scales taper out to soft skin after running down the bridge of his nose and along his cheeks.

He meant to make this trip quick, get back to his brooding by the fire and planning his next set of odd jobs, as well as his bakery work week. Angeal might insist he sleep more before returning to the bakery, but Cloud wants a return to the single semblance of structure he clings to after being thrust back into a solitary life.

He did mean for it to be fast. Until he sees something he at first chalks up to a hallucination. There, doubled over on a bench with a basket stuffed with good stuff at his side, is Wedge. Cloud freezes where he stands, staring for a few beats- the second he realizes Wedge is in some sort of pain and in need of assistance, Cloud is by his side in a flash. He sets a paw-hand on Wedge's shoulder.

"...Your fine was never really fine."

His heart thunders in his chest, the fins on the sides of his head rising ever so slightly and giving away that he's got some intense feelings behind that stoic front. The dog-tag pendant with a wolf head carved on it suddenly weighs heavier on his fluffy collarbone. It's fine. It's totally fine. How long has it been since he saw Wedge? How much worrying about if he made it out of the raid? There's so much Cloud could say, so much he wants to ask- but for now, every piece of him, human and dragon, wants to make sure Wedge is both real and safe.

Ignis Scientia ➺ Final Fantasy 15 (Brotherhood) ➺ Current Player

[parer]

A - Accessorize

The knowledge that they've done well enough to have nearby towns accepting their presence is welcome news, and Ignis of course is glad to go out to the town itself just to get an eye for how the rest of the world works. He would be doing this regardless... but that the rest of his household is excited and interested is only an even greater reason to go.

It is a very fascinating town over all; he wastes no time in getting a good look at its whole layout. Clearly a town for miners, considering the overall culture that any person can spot at a glance, but it certainly has a great much more than Town possesses at current.

Especially in terms of wares. Due to its nature as a still blossoming town with off-worlders and no connection to the rest of the land, it is rather stuck in the basics so far. Clothes to keep you as covered as best and able as is possible, food to last through the winter, and everyone is mostly preoccupied with firewood and making sure the entire place is habitable before anything else too much. So to be able to find stalls and stores just filled with various other things that a person can enjoy...

Well, maybe he's enjoying himself!

Certainly, for those wandering the streets of the more storefront areas, they may be able to sense he's in some sort of good mood where he stands at a jewelry or accessory stall of some sort. A couple of things have clearly been pucked out of place to be set there in front of him, such as a small case made out of walnut for scent bottles, and a chatelaine to be hooked to one's belt.

What seems to have his current attention, however, is an elegantly made metal pipe - long and intricate in the design about it.

Anyone coming over to browse the stall's wares as well will earn a simple nod, and a slight inclination of the pipe.

"Do you know much about smoking, perchance?"

B - Kobolds

The inclination to doing trade and getting items appeals of course in regards to the kobolds as well. Ignis had thought it be an interesting and simple task to accomplish, so of course he had gone to collect some scrap metal and then bring it to the kobolds.

There is a problem that he had not considered.

Kobolds like shiny things. With his claws, and some of the feathers he's showing... Ignis is also very shiny in ways he can't hide with a nice cloak. And so, of course, the kobolds had started up bothering him with even more energy than normal. Which was tiring, on the lowest level, and a bit invasive with some of the more bold ones who dared to touch him (even if most would think a pat not too bothersome).

And so that's why they're here now: with Ignis having pinned one of the squirmy excitable little things beneath one of his large claws.

You would think this to be cause for distress from either the kobold or any viewers, but the latter need not worry. Ignis raises his foot up after a moment, and the kobold scurries off with some excited yipping and gabbering that he's really just ignoring... because another kobold soon darts over to Ignis like the world's most excited small dog. He eyes them carefully before striking out again with his foot, pinning yet another kobold.

Considering the dead eyed look in his expression, one might guess that he has been at this for some time.

Whether they interfere or not, however, someone approaching is reason enough for him to look up. "Ah, I apologize - was I in your way for the scrap stall?"

C - Wildcard

[I'm up for any other ideas, even focused on other characters, just let me know if you have an idea in mind! Ignis is already in the game, but I'm more than happy to play around with other people in the setting, thus the top level!]

B

[blue_ice]

"No, but you look preoccupied."

This young man is nothing if not the human embodiment of a grumpy beanpole. His face is fixed in a mild (for his standards) frown as he observes the kobolds desperately grabbing at the dragon-person in front of him.

Were they his kids? Was this a robbery? What a bizarre place, and he'd barely been here an hour.

"Is this a game, or...a problem?"

Twisted Fate | League of Legends | new character, current player

[fateality]

I. SEASON'S GREASONS / ARRIVAL

[Now, Twisted Fate is no fan of the cold, but he could think of significantly colder places to be. As it is, he just might have lucked out anyway by being here; Runeterra wasn't looking too hot and neither was its future. Shame about everyone else, but numero uno is alive and that's pretty damned good.

He doesn't love it, but if he's here then time to make the best of things. Even if the clothing choices aren't the most fashionable, he does grab himself some leather gloves and something a bit more cozy to wear under his coat.

When he spots you, he smiles in a way that doesn't quite reach his glimmering blue eyes, practiced and friendly.]

Well now! You seem like you got a good back, yeah?

[do you even]

I'm afraid my skills are more refined to shall we say... dexterous occasions? Figured we could team up and get a bit of that scrap for these folks. Now, I got a keen eye, so I'm certain I can point out some choice options.


II. DU HAST

[Look there was a tavern prompt of course Twisted Fate is going to be in there working hard to make money his way. That is to say, he is definitely playing some card games and absolutely making the locals very, very cranky about their losses.

He smiles cheerfully as he shuffles the deck.]

Oh, don't be that way. Your luck just might change next game.

Anyone else is welcome to join, of course? Maybe some new players can spice things up!

[Before one of them tries to strangle Twisted Fate, anyway.]


III. WILDCARD

[make your own prompt or request something else!]

du hast.

[fatedfinality]

[ Ardyn was also working hard at the local tavern. Getting information? No, nothing quite as practical or helpful as that. He was working very dutifully on getting drunk. Between mead that felt more like water and his own paint thinner moonshine, he'd been dying for a decent drink. These still aren't, but they do the job well enough and he has a decent buzz going.

He's as observant as ever though and especially when it comes to people causing trouble. After all, that's usually in his wheelhouse so- Time to size up the competition, it seems. Or help and get a cut of the silent heist this man is pulling on the locals. Either way, it'll be fun. ]

If it's spice you're looking for, you've found the right man. Someone to really root for. [ Astrals help us, he's already breaking out the dumb dad jokes. ]

seto kaiba | yugioh dm | new player/character

[blue_ice]

arrival

Kaiba, still dressed in that ridiculous turtleneck and trenchcoat combo that a teenager thinks is high fashion, is having a no good very bad day. Or at least, that's his first impression of the place. He glares at the dying embers of the summoning circle, scowl in place as he makes his way into town, and is surly as he receives the small welcome package...but he manages a polite nod. Only just.

He drifts this way and that through the street, silently observing the people and dragons. Imposing silouettes, sharp talons, impressive wings. (Maybe they'd be a little more impressive if everyone wasn't huddled up freezing at the moment.) Still, he appreciates the distraction from his own harsh introduction to the winter.

"Beautiful..."

scrap search

Manual labor is so far from Kaiba's usual reality that he's very much making mistakes as he starts combing the beach. Digging too fast, bending his back too much...it's going to hurt later, but he needs to make his way in this world somehow. And that means reluctantly teaming up with other people to do things he'd never dream of back home.

Something in the sands catches the winter light with a brilliant gleam, and he starts to brush the sands away from it. There are multiple pieces, so there's plenty to share. He's stacking his on a hastily cobbled-together sled.

"Magic exists and yet teleportation still doesn't? How convenient. Or not."

frozen fireworks

Finally, he joins the edges of the crowd for the celebration. He's not exactly the partying type (is he ever?) but even he can appreciate the beauty of such a display. It's not something brought to life through code, but...ugh. Magic. Is capable of all this. The light shines against the stars, there's a warm glow, and then...

He bites back a curse. Turns out that warm glow was a little fire catching on the dunes behind him, and the frost dragon helpfully puts it out. But the ice is truly bone-chilling, and he pulls the coat tighter around himself for all the good that will do.

"Freeze a man and he'll be fireproof for the rest of his life..."

Scrap Search

[destinedhost]

Searching for scrap wasn't anything new for Ryou: making dioramas required raw materials, and finding things in dumps or pawn shops were par for the course. He knew how to bend, how to grab things from the sand and clean them off...

...And then to put them gently on a wagon he built from other scrap for transport.

But...

Oh my, that was a familiar face.

"I mean, if we could get ahold of levitation spells I'd imagine the process would go so much smoother."

Was Kaiba asking his input? Probably not, but he was gonna give it anyway.

Ryou Bakura | Yu-Gi-Oh! (Post-Series) | New Player

[destinedhost]

Arrival


(Can also take place after his thread with Kaiba)

A world of magic, mystery, and beauty...

Truly, it was something right out of the tabletop games he spent so much time playing back home. The land was beautiful, even though it was in the recovery stages after a grand calamity; the people seemed friendly enough, though he really hoped that poor Charlie didn't get too annoyed with his questions; and the snow was cold.

Oh, and he had a dragon inside him, that would soon transform him into one.

No big deal, nothing to see here, folks.

After being the long-term host of the Spirit of the Millennium Ring, possession wasn't exactly abnormal for the poor guy, but he couldn't help but feel...well. Trepidation about it all. What would transforming entail? Yes, he would eventually become a dragon, but what would that be like?

He stared out into the trees, wrapped up nice and warm, before picking up a stick and drawing a bindrune into the snow.

Algiz for Protection, and Raidho for safe journeys.

He was on a new adventure, after all...

---

Ryou Hast an Interest in This.

A mining town; how exciting!

Back home, he often kept to himself, hiding in corners and avoided getting too much attention lest the Millennium Ring (or rumors surrounding it) bring him trouble. Even when he wanted to socialize, he kept himself scarce short of his few friends...

But here! Here he didn't have the phantom of the Ring to follow him. He didn't have to worry about Shadows taking him over or dark magic keeping him possessed for days at a time while he remembered nothing.

He could flit from place to place without worrying about a throng of girls following him wherever he went.

So here he was, standing in the inn with his chin in his hands, listening raptly to some story from a fisherman about a giant fish, a thunder dragon, and something to do with cats. He only caught part of it, but he was here for the ride.

And oh, did he love stories.

Hearing them? Telling them? Yes.

Warm food, good stories...This was what peace was like.

---

Fire Bad

And oh, was fire bad. Here he was, enjoying the fireworks, when suddenly he ended up in the wrong side of a small fire that sprouted on the harbor.

Okay, maybe he shouldn't have stared at the colors and got out of dodge when he had the chance, but it was beautiful and blended so well with the snow and the lights in the sky!

So uh.

Ooops.

He was a bit chilled, covered slightly in frost and his white hair only looked whiter under the light. Poor guy.

Arrival

[snapp_crackle]

Being able to fly with his own physical power is new and exciting, so of course Popp has been out there trying his best. Four wings are harder than two probably are, but at least he can still use magic to cheat a little when he messes up. Which is frequently, he has twigs stuck in his hair and coat here and there... Of course, distractions are always a problem, such as the one he sees right below.

Are those runes?! He has to get a closer look-!

If Ryou wasn't already aware of a fellow teenager flying overhead, he's probably going to notice Popp crashlanding upside down right next to him. At least the snow provides a softer landing than normal, but he's still going to whine about it.

"Ow, ow... Don't judge me, flying's a lot harder than it looks, okay?!"

Biggs | Final Fantasy VII RE | New Player/New Character

[alphabeticalplans]

{01} //arrival
spoilers of you haven't finished FFVII:REBIRTH

( This marks the second time Biggs has been very sure he was dead only to wake up in a completely different place, though this time it's with the smell of earth under him and green things, which is weird enough as it is, given the place he'd just been and it's almost complete lack of greenery. Weird, dream, too, or maybe it was a hallucination and he'd just lost a lot of blood.

Wait, it was chilly here, too, and wet, at least where he'd landed. Snow? He's never even actually seen snow before, but he's read enough to know what it is. He's not stupid even though Midgar doesn't really get normal weather anymore.

The sign cinches it. He's having some sort of fever dream, or he's in another weird version of reality. There's no logo or graffiti of a random breed of cartoon dog on the sign pointing toward "Town" to confirm whether or not this is reality or a some other world either. It's not a great plan to head to this place unarmed, but what other option does he have? He pulls his coat a little tighter around his shoulders and heads into town.

After his little meet and greet he's only more confused, convinced it's at least mostly bullshit, but he's also hungry, and so most people can find the guy in the market, from one stall to the next, this time with an apple. A real, sweet-smelling, non-processed apple )

I can just have this?

{02} //lets not be too HAST-y | the tossed dagger

( They had him at "fish". He's never actually had fish before, and given that he was gifted some actual money, more than he's had in his possession at any one time in probably ever, he's going to have some grilled fish, greens he has no idea what they're called or flavored with, and an ale.

And he's going to do his best not to think about the fact that most likely no one in this place knows what a bacteria is, or food sanitation, or spoilage. None of the fish smells fishy, though, so that's a good sign. He thinks he read that somewhere, anyway. If fresh fish smells like fish it's bad. Or maybe that was about something else.

Oh well, he's here now, at the bar, sipping his ale and waiting for his meal. )

{03} //wildcard

( Hit me up on plurk or discord @ vikael if you want to do anything else, or write up whatever you want! I'm hella flexible! )

01

[due_reckoning]

It's not like he doesn't know it's possible. He's here, after all, and he's definitely dead. Still... it's hard to reconcile what he knows to be true with what's in front of him. Wedge manages to half convince himself he's insane, just because there's someone with a red headband doesn't have to mean-

But then he hears what is unmistakably Biggs' voice and he's stuck for a moment, across the main thoroughfare, those bright blue eyes wide. There's a thousand thoughts that run through him in that instant. Relief that he's at least okay here, concern that so many from Midgar are getting pulled in here, guilt gnawing at him once again that it was his fault Biggs had died in the first place.

If there's one thing Wedge is good at, though, it's burying his feelings and greeting every circumstance with a smile. He sucks in a shaky breath, uses it to steel himself against all the shock and guilt and focus only on how thrilled he is to see his friend.

"I know, right?" He chimes in, stepping in next to Biggs and flashing a grin up to him. "But it's the real deal!"