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childrenofbajablast2025-07-01 07:56 am
diceofthegods) wrote in childrenofbajablast2025-07-01 07:56 am
TEST DRIVE MEME #4
Arrival
Broken Palace by Jonathan Eng
0:07 / 1:13
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During 2014 Jonathan Eng composed the soundtrack for interactive narrative experience The Sailor’s Dream, consisting of a mix of instrumental tracks and a seven-part musical story told in folk song-form.
Like all who come through the summoning circle, your arrival is heralded by a dream. Waking up is a dizzying, disorienting thing... and possibly made worse by the fact that you aren't alone.
Right after you appear, so does someone else. If you're lucky*, they'll simply blink into existence by your side. If you're not, there's a chance they spawned below or above you. That's one way to make a memorable first impression. Best untangle yourselves and get things figured out.
If you're extremely unlucky*, instead of another person being brought through the summoning circle, it's a monster. The creature buzzes menacingly and immediately darts at any potential fresh blood it can.
Some welcome this is. If you aren't the fighting type, hopefully someone nearby is. Eventually, one of the local Town guards will slay the monster before it - and you - cause too much trouble or lose too much blood.
Right after you appear, so does someone else. If you're lucky*, they'll simply blink into existence by your side. If you're not, there's a chance they spawned below or above you. That's one way to make a memorable first impression. Best untangle yourselves and get things figured out.
If you're extremely unlucky*, instead of another person being brought through the summoning circle, it's a monster. The creature buzzes menacingly and immediately darts at any potential fresh blood it can.
Some welcome this is. If you aren't the fighting type, hopefully someone nearby is. Eventually, one of the local Town guards will slay the monster before it - and you - cause too much trouble or lose too much blood.
SINK OR SWIM
Since several people in Town by now are fully-fledged dragons, Dimitri and Hoshiko have teamed up to provide some training drills for those wanting to hone their skills. Although meant for more veteran dragons, newcomers are also welcome to observe and learn what they might be able to do! They may even be paired up with a more established offworlder of the same dragon type as a mentor.
These drills will be around the new(er) formed lake thanks to a previous offworlder's efforts. It provides the perfect place to see what someone's breath weapon can do in different environments as well as help people cool off if they need to. Either way, don't expect your trainers to go easy on you. While not an exhaustive list, the training drills include...
Although this is supposed to be super serious training time, no one is stopping you from having a bit of fun too. The climbing structures are fun to jump off into the water. Those ropes dangling over the edge from thick tree branches make a great swing to catapult you far into the lake. Sometimes, some play is necessary even in the midst of 'work.'
These drills will be around the new(er) formed lake thanks to a previous offworlder's efforts. It provides the perfect place to see what someone's breath weapon can do in different environments as well as help people cool off if they need to. Either way, don't expect your trainers to go easy on you. While not an exhaustive list, the training drills include...
- ⁂ Underwater Breath Attacks - No matter the situation, a dragon needs to be able to utilize their breath weapon accordingly. Sections of the lake have been sectioned off for different dragon types to practice this. See how poison or acid spreads, learn how to electrocute or freeze enemies, or even boil the water with a bit of concentrated fire. No aquatic animals will be harmed, but they can't guarantee you'll come out unscathed if you happen to fall in.
⁂ Marksmanship - As the resident ranged shooter expert, Hoshiko will be testing people's accuracy with their breath weapons. She'll have a variety of targets around the lake set up to hit the bullseye of if you can. The most difficult though will be the moving target that's strapped to herself. For a large dragon, she moves surprisingly fast and will duck in and out of the water as well to provide an appropriate challenge.
⁂ Conjuration Classes - Taking this opportunity, Ardyn Izunia (
fatedfinality) is offering his services in his growing conjuration skills. Does he have permission? Who knows! Probably not! Does he care? Also no! Learn the first level spell/cantrip 'Find Familiar' and summon your own fun little daemon friend! They will not infect anyone, thankfully, but if summoned incorrectly they can harm the summoner or those nearby. All part of the training, he'll say, and let people handle it as they're meant to.⁂ Staying Vigilant - While parts of the lake are sectioned off, this one is clear about not entering. A painted sign reads: "Beware of kelpies." It might be easy to presume this is also part of the training drills, but it actually isn't. Dimitri is trying to keep offworlders from being drowned. Thankfully, the kelpies aren't actually that much of a threat. Why, you ask? Well...
"Hey," says one, skirting the edge of the lake shore. "Hey, I need some help here. I'm stuck in the kelp and can't get out." This seems reasonable. It is covered in kelp and waterlogged. Besides, a talking horse surely isn't the strangest thing most people in Town have seen by now. Maybe you can assist just in case. "I promise I won't drown you," it adds, which is a bit suspicious but may still not be enough to deter someone entirely.
However, another snout and muzzle pokes up from the water nearby its friend. "Wait- We are going to drown them though for real, right? Like, I just want to be sure-"
"Shut up," the first kelpie hisses. "You always do this, man! This is why we never get to drown anyone!"
"Sorry. Sorry, it's just- You said we weren't, but I thought we were so I got confused. A-anyway, right! Hello. We are totally normal horses who will not drown you. Please, come closer."
If you refuse, the kelpies continue to bicker until they're effectively deterred and sink back down into the depths before (weakly) attempting to drown someone else again later.
Although this is supposed to be super serious training time, no one is stopping you from having a bit of fun too. The climbing structures are fun to jump off into the water. Those ropes dangling over the edge from thick tree branches make a great swing to catapult you far into the lake. Sometimes, some play is necessary even in the midst of 'work.'
THIS HEAT IS INTENTS
It's Raining Somewhere Else by Toby Fox
2:01 / 2:54
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Robert F. "Toby" Fox is an American video game developer and composer. He is best known for developing the role-playing video game Undertale.
During the day, the heat becomes almost intolerable at its peaks. While some dragonbonded were lucky to get an ice type, others may not be. Without more modern amenities, people of Town and Offworlders both are left to do what they can to combat the rising temperatures. It is recommended people open their windows at night to let the cool air in but then close it again as the sun starts to climb.
After a couple of days of sweltering suffering in the midst of a heatwave, Charlie offers camping equipment for people who may want to escape the warmth as best they can. People can camp by rivers or lakes to keep cool, fish for food, and set up bonfires at night. Slayd might be seen at your campsite, even, with a fun tune to keep spirits up.
Although not an exhaustive list, some of the things offworlders can do while camping are...
The change in attitude is only temporary though and will diminish over time once someone is away from the tent for a few hours. Once they return to it though, the cycle will begin again and some may catch on to this pattern. But what's the harm, really? Enjoy the cool breeze, have a good sleep, and hopefully sweet dreams. You might even be more amicable to sharing your tent space thanks to your improved mood but that is up to you!
After a couple of days of sweltering suffering in the midst of a heatwave, Charlie offers camping equipment for people who may want to escape the warmth as best they can. People can camp by rivers or lakes to keep cool, fish for food, and set up bonfires at night. Slayd might be seen at your campsite, even, with a fun tune to keep spirits up.
Although not an exhaustive list, some of the things offworlders can do while camping are...
- ⁂ Chase or catch lightning bugs. They are in abundance during the early nighttime and can provide a bit of fun.
⁂ Cook over the campfire. S'Mores, meat, whatever! Just be careful of attracting predators if you do this. Dispose of all your food properly lest you invite raccoons, bears, or more to your campsite.
⁂ Foraging. Similarly, finding food out in nature is a fun activity. Although the Fae might try to trick you with dancing lights, they're easy enough to dissuade.
⁂ Stargazing. The constellations here are different, but it might be worth mapping them out or learning their stories.
⁂ ( NSFW - Nudity ) Skinny Dipping. A classic camping activity once the sun sets is stripping off your clothes and going for a swim. The water is cool, no one can see, and it's kind of freeing!
⁂ ... and lots more! Have fun out there, offworlders, and try not to do too much damage.
The change in attitude is only temporary though and will diminish over time once someone is away from the tent for a few hours. Once they return to it though, the cycle will begin again and some may catch on to this pattern. But what's the harm, really? Enjoy the cool breeze, have a good sleep, and hopefully sweet dreams. You might even be more amicable to sharing your tent space thanks to your improved mood but that is up to you!
Rocky Talky
One of the things that was given to you in your welcome pack from Charlie was a summoning-stone. Although it looks like, well, an ordinary stone- It's actually magic! You can look through it and see someone else's face too if you're both viewing your stones at the same time. It can also record your speech and deliver that to someone else in a snap.
One of the other features is that you can scrawl on it. It will turn your writing into legible text that you can send others to read on their stones. Of course, you need to attune yourself to your stone first. To that end, it prompts you to set up a Rockstar Profile:
One of the other features is that you can scrawl on it. It will turn your writing into legible text that you can send others to read on their stones. Of course, you need to attune yourself to your stone first. To that end, it prompts you to set up a Rockstar Profile:
COMMENT CODE TEMPLATE
Notes
⁂ Hello and welcome to Children of Bahamut! If you have any questions, suggestions, or feedback feel free to comment here!
⁂ We have a top-level directory for ease of finding new players to tag! After some feedback, we ask that only new players link their top-levels though current players are allowed to top-level and enjoy the TDM if they so wish as well!
⁂ Similarly, for the marksmanship prompt, players will need to roll a 15 or higher to successfully hit Hoshiko's moving target.
⁂ You can customize the the Rockstar Profile however you wish! So long as its readable, have fun. 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.
⁂ Full Navigation ⁂
⁂ We have a top-level directory for ease of finding new players to tag! After some feedback, we ask that only new players link their top-levels though current players are allowed to top-level and enjoy the TDM if they so wish as well!
- (Example header: character name | canon | new/current player )
⁂ Similarly, for the marksmanship prompt, players will need to roll a 15 or higher to successfully hit Hoshiko's moving target.
⁂ You can customize the the Rockstar Profile however you wish! So long as its readable, have fun. 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.
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[The question is said almost placidly, and yet there is a sort of point to it. The ring keeps all its past owners held tightly within, to his understanding. Centuries of staying stuck with one another, waiting and waiting and waiting...]
[All for a result that makes Ignis want to bite through metal.]
[He carefully does not show this on his face, although his gaze is laser focused on the first king.]
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Then his head turns, casting creases of shadow upon his expression where they weren't before, and he meets the other's gaze evenly. Ignis' point has indeed been heard-- which means Ignis knows his soul, and those of his family, remain in the Ring's crystalline gaol.
And so he makes this clear: ]
Our duty prevails in death.
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[For example...]
Did your duty involve betraying your brother and forcing him into immortality?
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I know that he was to be the king, and I know that you took abridge with that. However, from there, poking about his memories seems to be a rather difficult thing.
Although it's undeniable that your actions lead to our current situation. [THANKS, SOMNUS] What would you say happened, then?
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Crownsguard.
[ Somnus’ cadence is cooled steel, a blade being sheathed, unwilling to waste effort on the bygone. ]
It seems you have already reached a conclusion.
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[Either way, it's clear that there's no kindling with which to catch light. He'll have to switch tactics. What those will be... He'll decide shortly.]
[For now he merely shakes his head.]
Oh, hardly. Especially since it is hardly a conclusion when I simply am asking you of your choices.
Yet I can see this particular talk will bear no satisfaction for either of us. I take it you have already spoken with the local deity here?
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Let us walk as we speak. [ And he turns, simply expecting the other to follow. He's new to this realm. There is much more to explore. ]
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[One would never expect his bit of idle pondering from him, considering how he falls properly into place behind Somnus, and a little to the side. He does have some sense of decorum in the end, and he thinks this is the better way to go, after essentially trying to throw rocks through Somnus's window.]
[You know. In the conversational sense.]
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Somnus' steps leave imprints in the rich clay of the shore-- marks of his human presence in quite some time.
He speaks when they near a family of ancient willows. ]
Our souls have been taken from our star. Do you not seek to return to it?
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[Keeps his steps light and careful, even as he stays near the shore.]
[To the shore, and marveling at what a pointed question this old king is starting with. Well.]
I will return to it in due time, and with more knowledge to help Lucis prosper and rebuild. To better aid Noctis.
[...but this old king doesn't need to know that this means shattering the prophecy, and very likely killing at least one old god. Ignis keeps that to himself. Besides, he hasn't yet gained enough information or power to accomplish these goals just yet. He'll keep to the simple and much nicer sounding explanation.]
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But his voice weighs lower in pitch, deferential, perhaps. Solemn, most certainly. ]
The fate of all rests with the True King. Protect him.
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That was always my purpose.
[And he will protect him from all. Even the gods, if necessary.]
Yet he is quite safe and protected here, so there is little need for concern. [And in the winter, he apparently likes being fluffy, so, there's that]
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As they reach the willows, Somnus lifts a hand, parting their wraith-like branches, and steps beneath the shaded blessing of their canopy. ]
Yet his duty lies upon our star. He must return.
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And he will return in due time. Certainly, it is clearly not up to us with the knowledge we currently possess- or do not.
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That is not reassuring. Our realm cries for deliverance.
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[He doesn't say that. All he does is make sure his expression is carefully schooled, just in case Somnus should turn to face him there, in the scattered sunlight beneath the willows.]
In what manner of deliverance do you want for it?
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An odd question, Crownsguard.
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I find it perfectly reasonable to seek clarification.
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[ He could stand there with back to Ignis; but for this, he turns slightly, watching Ignis from his periphery. ]
The Prophecy, to which the Chosen is beholden, secures the future.
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And so that would be to your satisfaction. I understand, then.
[Although he really does have to wonder just where Ardyn fit into things, then...]
Regardless, a way back will take time and research.
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From when were you summoned?
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Altissa.
[Which is somewhat vague, but that, too, is on purpose.]
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So:
Somnus gestures to him with a dubious, prompt wave of his hand, as if to say 'cease this'. ]
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[And maybe some small amount of pettiness, which Ignis is also in no short supply of when he feels allowed to let it loose from its cage.]
[Still, with the point made, Ignis answers a touch more indepth.]
I had just received the prophecy from Pryna, and yet had not stepped forward those scarce few meters to see the state of His Majesty, nor Lady Lunafreya.
[And thus, no putting on the ring.]
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