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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
▶︎
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
▶︎
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.
no subject
[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.]
no subject
Pryna, a messenger from the Astrals themselves-- delivering the Prophecy to one not of their blood, not their family, not even of the Oracle's. He never understood this, truly. Then again, he is ultimately a mortal man, standing so much below the divine. Their designs are beyond him, and he is but their glaive. (But why--)
His voice is low, his words slow, careful. ]
The Draconian's voice itself... is an array of knives to the mind.
[ But the Astrals are all like so. They are too powerful, too great. Receiving a message from Titan feels as if being struck by a starfall. Being in Shiva's presence, even as charitable as she is, can still freeze one on the spot. Standing in the Bladekeeper's presence-- it's a good thing Ignis heard it from Pryna instead of directly from the Astral. Otherwise, he may not have been able to continue down the Altar of the Tidemother.
His focus, distant at first, lifts and meets Ignis', sharp. ]
Consider yourself blessed.
no subject
[That.]
[There's a pause, jaw tightening ever so slightly, and Ignis's posture notably straightens. Almost military-like, with how stiff his shoulders set, and the way he folds his hands behind his back.]
[To hide the way he has to dig his nails into his own hands.]
[Blessed. Blessed to see a man he so ardently adores die, alone, in the dark, having the last time he'll ever see his father being on the end of his sword... Blessed, to wake up every night since, bile burning in his throat, thinking nonstop of those same visions.]
[Oh to be blessed.]
[Ignis closes his eyes. Bites his tongue, quite literally. Pain does well enough as an outlet, or else... Well. He would say he has no idea what he would do to the founder king, but no. That's a lie. Ignis knows exactly what he would do. He's already done similar to his brother.]
...A highly unpleasant experience.
no subject
"Perhaps," he grants. Of course the prophecy isn't pleasant. Neither are the hordes of daemons that have brought humanity to its knees. Immortal and mighty, there is no end to their onslaught without light. Yet Noctis is innocent, and he is good, good in the way Somnus never was. The conclusion is the same, however. They both put their duty, their star, the people upon it, above their own lives.
"But it is the only means."
no subject
What he says aloud, after he has swallowed back the urge to tear something apart with his teeth and opened his eyes, is, "In our world. Here, there may be alternatives, and I believe that is something worth investigating in its own right, in order to make His Majesty's duties far easier, as is my duty."
While it goes against Somnus's apparent priorities for the prophecy, Ignis feels this is a perfectly acceptable answer to give from someone of his station. It places his priorities as helping Noctis, and still wanting to solve the issue of the Starscourge. Perhaps Somnus may disagree with the methods, but he won't be able to view this idea as inherently tarnishing Ignis's character.
Not that Ignis necessarily cares on a personal level what this man thinks of him... but there may yet be a use for him, if only to gather more information at some point in the future.
Also, his presence here is going to drive Ardyn up the wall, Ignis has no doubt, so that'll be nice.
no subject
However— the mention of seeking alternatives evokes a small lift of single brow. This is not only the arrogance of a mortal who believes he knows better than the gods.
It is hope. Fragile, powerful, ruinous hope. Devastating.
His tone lowers.
“Take caution. You gamble with the lives of many.”
no subject
....But he learned a long time ago that saying such things in polite company is hardly the way to make allies. Or to avoid time in prison.
So instead, he eases up on his stance from before, one arm crossed before his chest, and does a shallow bow. "Your advice is taken into consideration," he says, which is all he'll do before discarding it completely. He made his choice a long, long time ago. There will never be any other outcome than what he's already decided on. "However, it would be a failure of my station if I did not show even the most passing of interest in such a possibility."
no subject
Watching them fail brings him no joy, no satisfaction. Watching them suffer, watching them wither, watching them die, one after the other, his child, his grandchild, his descendants, his family-- it has turned his heart lifeless, lightless. What remains is a cold, desolate space, silent save for echoes of choked anguish and stifled agony, weaknesses crushed by the weight of the Ring, the burden of duty, and divine light. Yet scattered in that space are one hundred and twelve gravemarkers, each epitaph cherished.
They were all innocent, even the cruel ones.
Noctis is innocent.
The hope of what if, what if one can save both the last of his line and their star, is a candle so small, he doesn't even know it's there. He hasn't felt warmth of fire in two thousand years, after all.
So Ignis will see this from Somnus in the few, scant seconds it takes for him to compose his expression: a distant look, a frown that wavers, and then, all at once, impassive, refined steel.
"Return to the True King's side."
He's dismissing Ignis.
no subject
But there is nothing more to say. Straightening up, Ignis turns away, and reaches out to part away the willow's curtain with a smile.
"As though I need anyone else to tell me where my place is, Somnus Caelum."
And he leaves the confinement of the willows to step out into the sunlight, where he knows his love awaits.