November World Travel

[savmods]

Who: Anyone and everyone
When: Nov. 9 and onward
Where: Kaittos
What: A new path opens up

Without warning, the silvery light that appeared to bring new people from other worlds and old items from home appears once more, and this time it lingers, forming portals as tall as an average human near each of the three Ingress shrines. The location does not appear to be a coincidence; this time, the portals are translucent, revealing the destination on the other side. Instead of taking Avagi's residents to the future, it will take them to another world. If they step through the portal, travelers will find something far different from where they've been living this last month: Kaittos, a peaceful world containing one large land mass and a scattering of lived-on islands across a clear blue ocean. On the mainland, a large city-state occupies the central region and southern coast and resembles what some travelers from some versions of Earth might know of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Bustling and lively, the city is clean and well provided-for due to the temperate climate and the bountiful natural resources found on its northern side; orchards, farms and forests extend into the distance, butting up against a small mountain range. The technology level is low compared to Avagi, with carriages and candles in place rather than cars and electric lights, but the craftsmen of the world have managed some very impressive mechanical feats. Kaittans, the local residents of the world appear somewhat humanoid, but the bipedal race has hooves rather than feet, silvery skin and three eyes with vertical pupils. Although there is no sign of any other sentient species in the world, the locals are nonetheless excited to meet their guests, rather than suspicious or afraid; for some reason, they are not surprised that aliens exist, merely that they are here. In the weeks to come, the stabilized portals will provide a respite from the more confined lifestyle aboard Avagi. Travelers are warmly welcomed and encouraged to explore the land. Some things they'll find include... Art, Culture and Trading With all their material needs taken care of, the civilization on Kaittos has come to highly value cultivation of the mind. The city itself is full of what can only be generalized as culture. Theaters, art galleries and sizable libraries can be found on every tier, but what they offer is not contained by their walls. Street musicians appear on every other corner, artists are easily found sketching at beautiful viewpoints or interested passersby, and people are as likely to find themselves pulled in to participate in a scene or improvisational performance as they are to witness one. Public debate and rhetoric are also valued, with credit given for style and clarity as much as substance. At the center of the city, a large conservatory teaches lessons in many fields to anyone who cares to study. This love of culture is so encompassing that visitors who wish to acquire items or resources will find that culture is also the main form of currency. To get something, they will have to give something. Those with skills that fall into traditional arts and culture could offer a piece of art, a music lesson or participation in a debate with other philosophical scholars, perhaps. But visitors will also find that the locals have a deep hunger for information and wish to learn about other worlds; if they can offer nothing else, sitting down with a scholar to record a tale of folklore or an adventure from their own. Lessons in whatever skills they possess are likely to be eagerly sought after, although the aptitude to learn them may not be there. For those who wish to gain resources or make purchases, a bartering economy does exist to a degree, but it is difficult to break into, as there is little that the locals would truly need from their visitors. The exchange of knowledge is much more prized. Keep in mind, though, that while the Kaittans are not ungenerous, they have an eye for value—the more precious something is, the more travelers will have to offer to earn it, and individuals have their preferences. What might be just the thing desired by one could be pooh-poohed by another. The Culinary Quarter While many on Kaittos see food as the fuel that keeps their bodies going so they may better cultivate their minds, others see cooking itself as an art. This is especially prevalent in this section of the city, located deep in the heart of the city, where chefs toil over new recipes and experiment with new ingredients, serving meals free of charge—unless you consider sitting through a lengthy survey afterwards to be a payment, of course. Although some meals are unpalatable or even dangerous to human bodies, most can be enjoyably consumed. However, around one in five chefs make extensive use of a particular herb that is incredibly delicious—and somewhat addicting. Those who begin to develop a dependency will visit again and again, and the more they consume, the more they may not want to leave at all... The Forest of Renewal Spoken of in hushed voices, this section of woods is regarded with great caution. A space of around ten acres is home to many natural springs that form natural pools between copses of trees, many of which hang dropping branches with deep blue leaves over the surface of the water. If asked, the locals will say that this place is where some very old Kaittans—which are an extremely long-lived species—who have decided they've studied everything available in the world and mastered every skill they can, go to "renew" themselves. They prefer to speak of it in vague terms, as specific discussion of this choice is seen as something of a faux pas. If greatly pressed, it is possible to learn the details ahead of time—but difficult. The truth is that the water of the springs, when mixed with a chemical secreted by the fallen blue leaves, represses memories of those who drink it. Not to the point of complete amnesia; a sip might do away with the recollection of a particular book that was enjoyed, while multiple glasses might hide the memory of a longer period of time. However, there is no control over what is forgotten, or how much is too much. The Kaittans who grow too frustrated with what they view as stagnancy drink to forget so they may have the joy of learning all over again, but the lack of control makes it a risky choice—and some continue to return to drink after they otherwise would have, as they have forgotten what they wanted to forget. (Of note to those of the psychic persuasion: memories affected by the spring water are not utterly obliterated, but merely deeply sublimated. It is possible to retrieve them, but it would be a challenge, especially if the placement of the memory gaps are not obvious.) The Temples While Kaittos’ architecture and culture includes plenty to admire, a few points of interest stand both literally and figuratively above the rest. Three large pyramids tower over the landscape, shining the brilliant metallic blue of a local ore. Over the coming weeks, these structures will be adorned with temporary murals and hangings—apparently, a yearly celebration is approaching. What kind of celebration? The kind, fortunately (?), that visitors are welcome to join in! November 23 marks the anniversary of what they call the Great Awakening: a visit by a powerful spirit that opened their people's awareness to worlds and cultures outside their own. For the next few weeks, the temples offer welcome to anyone who wishes to participate in their trials. On the day of the Awakening, all who succeed will experience a remnant of the spirit's gift. While descriptions of the process vary, all center around heightened awareness: of each other, and of worlds and places far beyond their shores. Those who decide to make this attempt may choose which temple—and which trial—they would face. Trial of Life A test for warriors and scouts, this trial is not recommended to the casual. On entering the temple, participants will find themselves in a maze of obstacles and passages, struggling for survival against dangers both mobile and environmental. To succeed, they must pass inside with no more resources or weapons than can be carried in two hands, and survive for a period of five days. The attackers and hazards within the space are phantasms generated by the temple: solid enough to harm or kill, but prone to re-appearing even once a region should be cleared. Needless to say, extensive warnings will be given to those expressing interest in the trial. Most who attempt do so in groups, and teamwork among participants is readily encouraged. Those who need to leave early are welcome to do so, but fleeing does count as a failure. Trial of Communion The inside of this temple is divided up into a series of open booths. Participants are assigned a station, and will be approached by members of the local population with various disputes that require arbitration. The purpose of the trial is twofold: to assist others with their problems, and to test those making the attempt—in patience, debate, and their skill at resolving conflict through the use of words. No authority is granted to those taking this test. None of those who come before them are obliged to listen. The participants will be presented with conflicts that have been saved up through the year, and required to work out a solution. This can include anything from property disputes to marriage arguments to literal children's squabbles. Breaks are allowed for food and basic rest, but otherwise, those taking the trial will need to spend five days in continual discourse for the sake of others. Those who give up on any problems brought before them or resort to violence in solving them are considered to have failed the trial. Trial of Healing The third temple presents no dangers, whether to one's life or to one's sanity. Instead, it serves as a medical center. Those stepping inside will experience a strange peacefulness and sense of comfort—one the full-time staff confirm has helped many patients to recover. While this temple is open throughout the year, the weeks preceding the Awakening are nonetheless a time of gathering: when healers of all disciplines will come together to assist those in need. While doctors or healers are welcome to share information with their peers, no special skill or training is required to attempt this trial. Instead, participants are asked to spend a period of ten days doing whatever work is required to assist the sick. While most of the ailments brought to the temple are longer-term in nature, it also functions as a triage center for those harmed in the Temple of Life.

---

[While the Trials themselves are intended to be logged here, an update will offer more information on the Awakening experienced by the successful. This will come out on November 23rd! For questions, please head to the recent mod update.]

Comments

Lavellan | OTA

[lavelly]

[ outside the forest of renewal | first responder only ]

(OOC note: It won't be possible to convince him not to go through with it, but he can certainly have a fraught melodramatic conversation with someone beforehand!)

["Renewal." He can't dare hope. Can he?

It would be too much to ask for, of course, that he could be fixed so easily. That relief is at all something he deserves. But he's so tired. Tired of being confused, of being miserable, of hurting people. Tired of not knowing what to do. Can he be blamed for being desperate? Of going for anything that might offer him a fresh start?

Probably. But he's past pretending he isn't weak. Pride has no value to him anymore, and nobody's been able to give him a satisfying answer to why he's worthy of preservation at the expense of other people's happiness. Anything that can change that would be justified.

But he still hesitates at the border, caught up in what ifs, a hand resting on the nearest tree as if it could offer him some insight. It really would be too easy, wouldn't it? There must be a catch. The universe has proven it is not kind to cowards.

He can only hope that, whatever it is, it falls only on him and not anyone else.]

---

[For the rest of their stay on Kaittos, Lavellan is... different. He's not hanging around the sidelines, curled into himself, avoiding eye contact; instead he's open, expressive, talking enthusiatically with the natives and smiling freely. The less observant of those who know him might assume that the change of scenery simply helped revitalize him some. Others might notice that eye contact with him slides away, and he only offers the briefest of acknowledgments to those others who live on the station, as if he knows them best as friendly acquaintances. He isn't rude, of course, but...

He seems to be acting as if the events of the past several months hadn't happened. Talking to him about the Ingress's failure or the intermediaries will be met with polite confusion; he doesn't know any more about them than anyone else. Why are you asking him? There are plenty of other people who were more conspicuously involved. He'll keep you in mind if he finds anything out, though. If pressed, he'll quickly get irritated and defensive and ragequit the conversation at the earliest opportunity. Mature!]

[ mingling and bartering | any time ]

[Lavellan really seems to be in his element here, dazzling the Kaittans with his magic or regaling them with tales of Dalish life and folklore or misadventures from his time in the Inquisition. He's actually a fairly good storyteller, especially with the younger ones, and seems to enjoy having their captive attention. And he's amassed quite an amount of fruits and vegetables to show for it: for the greenery, most likely. Funny how he suddenly seems more motivated to do something about it than mope.

Common topics that can be overheard include:

• Dalish beliefs and traditions--he's asked about his vallaslin (face tats) more than once
• Elven history and race relations in Thedas
• Magic, the Fade, spirits, and dreams (these will have demonstrations, and Lavellan does like showing off)
• Various nations and cultures throughout Thedas, including Orlais, Tevinter, and the qunari
• The structure and history of the Chantry
• The Orlesian Game, complete with stories of particularly irritating nobles (featuring impressions of varying quality)
• Really any more academic aspect of Dragon Age lore. He did a lot of reading as Inquisitor.

Notably, he avoids more personal topics, including things he did or really any acknowledgment of his own position of authority in Thedas back home. He clearly prefers to present himself as a nobody who happens to know a lot, as unlikely as that is.]

[ trial of communion | day 1 ]

[This is easier than he thought it would be.

What's a few property disputes compared to the complex web of alliances, double-dealing, and scandal he'd had to navigate back home? When the stakes had been the fate of the continent itself? This he can deal with. Some of the problems are complicated, and the ones seeking advice less than personable, of course, but it's almost pleasant compared to what he'd expected. Some of it's even fun, like a logic puzzle, and his friendly demeanor helps put everyone at ease and make them more amenable to compromise in turn.

The preference to settle arguments through discussion and compromise certainly doesn't remind him of anything.]

All right, tell me again what you think she did with your wife. I'm not sure I understand the problem yet.

[ trial of communion | day 5 ]

[This is harder than he thought it would be.

Petty squabbles are one thing, but five straight days of it is too much for anyone to deal with; at least back home he had the ability to step out and let Josephine handle anything particularly sticky. Here, he has to hold through and keep his game face on, and his ability to do so drains along with his patience. He's much more irritable and snappish than he was the first day out, even with the children, but even so, he manages at least a veneer of pleasantry that can appease most people.

But as soon as they turn away, his face falls into a scowl, and he rubs his temples and sighs. Only to turn around with a tight smile at the next to approach.]

Yes? What can I help you with?

[ wildcard | choose your own adventure ]

[PM me, plurk me at listen, or just hit me with whatever, I'll roll with it, I'm chill]

trading block

[inconsequence]

[My, but he seems to have improved.]

[The shift between their last conversation with him and the vision of him now do not mark any obvious correlation; they can only assume some other party was responsible. Well, good, they think. Good. Far better that he be back to his insufferable, earnest self, too eager to help and too unwilling to listen, than the self-pitying lump he's done an excellent job of impersonating since the effects of their first meeting.]

[The magic is no longer a shock, nor are his explanations regarding the Fade and related subjects, given his brief explanation of such the last time they spoke. It is the animated nature of these explanations that arrest their attention so, lifting one eyebrow in delicate observation until there's a lull in the conversation.]

You seem quite at ease in a world not your own, Mr. Lavellan.

diana prince | dceu | ota

[monomachy]

EVERY DAY WHEN I SPEAK TO THE MOON [ARRIVAL]

When the portal appears, Diana is understandably wary. Even though she doesn't feel the undeniable need to pass through it as she did when she came to Avagi, there is still something about it that draws her in for a closer look. When she peers through the portal, she doesn't know what to expect--but it certainly isn't Kaittos. And she expects even less so the nearly overwhelming feeling of homesickness that washes over her as she sees smooth marble and a sparkling ocean.

This must be a dream.

There is no hesitation as she steps through the portal. She smells the salt in the air, feels the warm sun beating down on her skin. Diana reaches out, gently placing her hand on a nearby column. The stone is cool to the touch, and perfectly formed. Tears prick at her eyes, and she doesn't try to stop them from falling. She knows this isn't Themyscira, but the similarities are so obvious to her that she cannot ignore the ache in her heart. Her voice is hardly above a whisper. "It's beautiful."

PALE AS A GHOST IN THE AFTERNOON [THE OCEAN]

Diana does not know how long they will be able to stay on this paradise of a planet, but she doesn't plan to waste a minute of it. One of the first things she does after meeting the natives and paying her respects to their temples is scan the coastline for the tallest possible point against the sky. Said point happens to be a cliff, covered in beautiful greenery and jutting several yards out over the shore.

It is perfect, and she climbs it with inhuman vigor.

Diana has set her sandals off to the side, hiding them in a small thicket beside a boulder. Her toes dangle over the edge of the bluff, the wind caressing her skin and the smell of salt and earth thick in her nose. Diana smiles to herself, spreads her arms to her sides, and jumps, falling into a graceful dive.

TRAGEDY HAS A HOLD OF MY MIND [OUT IN THE STREETS]

When she'd discovered that the main form of trade on Kaittos revolved around the exchange of knowledge, Diana had been thrilled. She has always been an eager student (much to her aunt's dismay), and had read every text and scroll Themyscira had to offer. So when she ventures out to find new, more suitable clothing, she is armed with nothing but her mind and wit.

Five debates, three short swordsmanship lessons, one rudimentary course in Ancient Greek, and a handful of archery exercises later, Diana has acquired no new clothing, but instead accrued several small pieces of handmade jewelry, an entire basket of native fruit (that she was assured many times over would not be toxic to her), three strange seedpods, and a host of wonderful knowledge. She sits in a café-like area, munching happily on a bright blue fruit and watching as people pass her by.

BUT I CAN SEE THE LIGHT BETWEEN THE LINES [THE FOREST]

Though the water looks completely innocent, Diana had managed to pry its true purpose out of one of her debate partners during a post-discussion meal. She had gone to bed that night disturbed, uncertain what to think of the possibilities brought to light by the springs. She stands in the grove, still several yards away from the spring's banks, arms crossed and back pressed to a tall tree.

How easy it would be to forget. To rid herself of the lingering heartbreak, the homesickness, the sight of the lifeless faces of soldiers and civilians alike when she closes her eyes. Her memories are extensive--thousands of years' worth of recollections crowding her mind--but only the past several months could disappear. No more remembering the hurt and betrayal in her mother's eyes, no more muffled I wish we had more time running through her brain as she tried to sleep at night.

Her fingers curl into her forearms, nails digging into her skin. It would be so easy--and yet she finds it the most difficult decision in the world right now.

AND I SAY YOU'VE GOT TO LISTEN [TRIAL OF LIFE]

A trial, a gauntlet, is exactly what Diana needs right now. A challenge she can fight her way through, something to get the adrenaline pumping through her veins again. She brings only her shield and her Lasso, along with a small sack of rations pressed upon her by one of the natives she showed how to wield a sword. At the insistence of the trial's judge, she had chosen a partner--and she turns to them now, a grin spread across her lips.

"Are you ready?"

I'M A SONGBIRD WITH A BRAND NEW TRACK [WILDCARD]

[i am open to just about anything!! diana comes from an island very similar to kaittos, and is in her element here. i can be reached via pm or on plurk at watchet if you want to plan anything specific.]

The Forest.

[clussy]

A stick was Eddie's only company that day in the forest. Like so many boys often do, he found himself wandering between trees, randomly hitting away leaves that got in his path. He walked with the simpleness of a kid who didn't worry about getting lost in the woods, winding up in an amnesiac spring. The kid already had amnesia, though no one knew it - including himself.

He doesn't see Diana head-on. Instead, he sees her out of the corner of his eye, his feet slowing to a stop. It's the red and blue of her outfit that catches his attention, odd colors to see in a forest, but then his head fully turned, his mouth fully open.

There is absolutely no denying it. There is no other person he knows in existence that would wear that outfit. It wasn't exactly as he remembered it, but it was close enough in memory, her face exactly as he always pictured it in person, that his heart is thrown up into his throat.

"Diana of Themyscira?" his voice carries between the trees, a whisper of complete and total awe. He naively doesn't think about her stance, the pain that's carried with it. He's too blindsided by his own childish amazement at seeing one of his biggest heroes in the flesh. His branch drops.

"You're- oh my God!" Eddie can't help but shriek a little, hands going to his face, his eyes lit up like the Rockefeller Center itself.

"You're Princess Diana! Of Themyscira!" He breathes each statement like it's part of a holy scripture. Hell, it might as well be.

chara dreemurr | ota, will match whatever format

[inconsequence]

trading block; been chasing kairos with those scapegoat eyes

Someone sure does have a Pacdisc full of precious gems that they have next to no use for. One can assume they're there for the purposes of unloading some of the weight of items their inventory has no use for, in addition to furthering their own store of objects of personal value to them.

Kaittos is not what one could call necessarily kind to the enterprising haggler, particularly if said haggler happens to be a child of dubious age and a smilingly off-putting world outlook. All the same, let it not be said that they do not at the very least make a notable effort of it.

Should all else fail, one might find the child seated neatly across from a scholar armed with a stylus, transcribing a story as they relay it with perfect poise and bright speech:

Once upon a time, two kids played in a muddy garden...

woodland; make peace with your mistakes and they'll turn to gold

[There's something about the overarching canopies that appeals to them, make no error. They will deny it until their very last breath, but they are certainly here for a purpose, and that purpose appears to be, at the present time, walking idly through the scattered copses of trees. Alien the plants may be, unfamiliar in every respect, but something of their posture - the loose shoulders, the neat falling of their hands at their sides rather than clasped behind their back or folded neatly in front of them, the contemplative slide of their gaze across the spread of vegetation - suggests that this is perhaps the most at peace they've been in some time.]

[Which would be ridiculous, of course. They are seldom at peace in any respect, particularly now.]

[You might find them carefully levering a flower or two from the dirt, gently working roots free from their cling to the soil in preparation to scan it into their Pacdisc. Or, perhaps more dauntingly, you might catch them prowling the edges of the section of woodland known as the Forest of Renewal - not with the intention to enter, but with the clear intention of keeping others away.]

[A specific set of others, in fact. Better hope you're not one of them.]

trial of life; call it what you want but i call it growing up and i'm done

[True to the rules of the Game, Chara entered with a Knife in one hand and a Locket in the other.]

[...as well as six or seven smaller knives slid into their shoes, hidden up their sleeves, tucked in their waistband, and just generally secreted all over their person in every spot they could think of that would not be immediately visible to the prying eye. This is not atypical for them, but it pays to make doubly sure, for the moment. They did not arrive unarmed. Every other trial fell far, far beyond the scope of their capabilities and their interest. But this?]

[Violence is surely a language they can understand in full. A language they can implement without hesitation.]

[The Locket slipped over their head, the gold chain heavy and cool on the back of their neck, and the Real Knife a gleaming stripe of scarlet clasped between scarred fingers, and they steel themself for as many onslaughts as are necessary.]

[They are determined to last this trial to the end. Giving up is simply not in their nature.]

[Though they certainly would not refuse help, should one seek to offer it to this literal child of a challenger.]

wildcard; free fall for now

[Want a closed starter? Smack me here or at arrpee. I'll match prose or brackets or whatever come at me lads I'm ripped.]

trading

[shiro2hero]

He's here for his own reasons. Heading back from where he'd been leading the cluster of Kaittian kids in a few easy drills. But Chara's voice gives him pause. He's not sure if they've noticed him or not, but he stops, all the same.

Just listening to their story.

eddie kaspbrak | ota

[clussy]

Content Warning: potential canon-typical mentions of horror/violence/child abuse, strong language, and possible crude humor/conversations.

ᴀ) ᴛʜᴇ ʟɪᴛᴛʟᴇ ᴍᴀsᴛᴇʀ ᴏꜰ ᴅɪsᴇᴀsᴇs: ᴛʀᴀᴅɪɴɢ

(It does not take Eddie a long time to realize that information = currency. It was an easier currency to understand than Canadian money, and a currency Eddie liked to think that he had plenty of. The world itself had been jaw-dropping to Eddie the moment he decided to explore. It was cleaner and far more beautiful than any other place he had ever seen in his entire, young life. He had been completely submerged, walking through the crowds, narrowly avoiding the adults rushing about here and there. And he watched. He watched a lot, watched the way people talked, saw some of the goods and resources being traded off, his eyes wide with want. He barely had anything back on the station and even Eddie understood that that had to change.

The moment he picks up on the knowledge thing? Eddie goes on a personal quest for cleaning supplies. Both for his body and otherwise. He also takes a look at unique looking articles of clothing, some things that looked like this world's version of games for kids, and really, anything else that caught his eye.

Eddie can be seen talking to a number of Kaittans, sitting cross legged in front of scholars, his hands animatedly moving as he describes a variety of earthly diseases that he knows about. One might catch the tail end of one of Eddie's long explanations of some uncomfortable, unpleasant disease:)

...Athlete's foot is disgusting and super contagious. It's this gross fungus, and you can get it by using public showers without wearing shoes....

...Syphilis is what you can get if you do it with a girl- or a guy I guess if you're like that, and you die! I think it's when....

...You want to get a tentanus shot because if you don't and you touch rusted metal your jaw will lock shut then you'll never be able to eat again and- and you'll definitely die. My mom says that that's why I shouldn't play in old houses but like, our house is old so I don't really know how credible that is...

ʙ) ʙʀɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴇ ʜᴇʀᴏᴇs ꜰʟᴏᴡᴇʀs: ᴛʀɪᴀʟ ᴏꜰ ʜᴇᴀʟɪɴɢ

(The temples had caught his eye when he first showed up on Kaittos but it had taken him some time to get there. He didn't accidentally wind up at the Trial of Life temple or the Trial of Communication. No. His feet carried him almost instinctively to the Trial of Healing temple. For the first time in his twelve years of life, Eddie realized what it felt like to actually be calm. He stopped abruptly inside the temple and just watched the people move around him. Even when he tried to remember why he felt so tense all of the time, nothing seemed Big Enough to really jar him. He knew he wasn't sick and that was okay. He didn't need his inhaler. He couldn't remember his summer either and so that wasn't there to float at the back of his mind like a round, ominous balloon. Eddie Kaspbrak was just...

At peace.

He let himself have this moment. Let himself sit down with his small legs curled into his chest and watched, watch the world spin around him. Didn't feel nervous by the sight of adults, didn't even feel squeamish as heroes from the Trial of Life were patched up. As a matter of fact, as he sat there, he began to feel very strongly about wanting to help. At first, Eddie didn't think getting in the way of medical professionals would be a good idea. So he didn't. But he did remember the one thing he always looked forward into the gray, harsh atmosphere of hospitals: flowers. And his fake allergies be damned, he felt pretty determined all of a sudden. He wanted to be useful.

And there sure were a lot of flowers in this city. Eddie gets to work.

He trades one of his artisan soaps for a woven basket to attach to the front of his bike. After that, he cruises through the world and finds perfect flowers. He doesn't know if he's allowed to pick them, but that doesn't stop him from collecting a thick bouquet in his basket. When he returns to the Temple of Healing, Eddie sets his bike up out of the way in a corner and begins to dart around with his flowers, offering them to the really rough looking people, or the people who just kind of looked like they could use it.

So maybe, if you could use it, you'll have Eddie approaching, holding out a single flower with a shy sort of smile and something along the lines of:)

I know this isn't really medicine, but it might help.

ᴄ) ᴡʜᴇɴ ᴇxᴘʟᴏʀɪɴɢ ʜᴀᴘᴘᴇɴs ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴡʜᴇʀᴇ: ᴄʜᴏᴏsᴇ ʏᴏᴜʀ ᴏᴡɴ ᴀᴅᴠᴇɴᴛᴜʀᴇ.

(Eddie will be biking about getting his flowers for the Trial of Healing or looking for things to do/ to eat/ dancing to some of the music/ generally being a kid and getting into light trouble or just having fun so he'll be literally everywhere and anywhere if anyone's interested in something not listed. The only places he won't be is at the Trial of Life and probably the Trial of Communications.)

i'm so sorry?? but also trading

[inconsequence]

[It's time to meet the text-based 4chan commenter who gave him so much grief upon arrival. Not that they'll be quick to share that little fact, mind. They recognize him easily due to both video and apparent age, and - yes, they should think he very much looks human, as far as they're concerned.]

[He's talking about something related to disease. Quite the little hypochondriac, is he not?]

[By the time he gets to tetanus, Chara more or less bursts out laughing.]

Your jaw will lock? [They sound positively giddy with delighted disbelief, like this is all some tremendous joke. Honestly, they don't even care if they're interrupting. It's worth it.] Did your mother teach you nothing other than exaggerated stories about death and dying?

Yori | Tron (1982) | OTA

[yorisearching]

Can't trust these portals

By the time Yori shows up at one of the shrines where the portals reappeared, it's obvious and comforting that their Security specialists have already considered the risks. Nihlus knows what he's doing. Even so, that doesn't change the high probability of danger.

There's no doubt a significant number of Users will want to go through. They've been stuck on a small space station for weeks, and that destination looks too pleasant to argue anyone out of the attempt.

Yori doesn't trust the picture in the light to be accurate, she doesn't trust the people on the other side, and she doesn't trust the portal not to close at the worst possible time, whatever that might be.

Without the Savrii technicians and equipment, there isn't much she can do to study the portal itself and be sure it's as stable as it's trying to look. Still, she's brought a shock staff to prod at it. Or defend herself. Whatever seems most necessary.

She extends the shaft of her weapon to poke the very edge of the portal, watching the ripple of light with a dubious expression.


Shopping with data

The method of exchange is so perfectly suited to the needs of a group of diverse refugees short on everything that it makes Yori suspicious just on principle. She doesn't want to tell anyone anything that might end up used against herself or her allies.

Listening to the bargaining is a good place to start, though, both to reassure herself and to learn. At least the sellers are honest about handing over their merchandise. She'll stand just close enough to listen politely to any ally from the station, in case they need backup.

If she can figure out something harmless to trade, she certainly does need to resupply. Small Users eat through a stockpile fast.


Trial of Healing

If her allies will insist on taking up completely unnecessary combat challenges, which Yori could have predicted without even asking them, the chance to make sure they're all right afterward is one she can't pass up. Rinzler, in particular, if damaged badly enough to come anywhere near a medical ward, would need someone he knows just to make sure none of the healers get hurt for coming too close.

She'd rather not tell anyone the details of being a program, but at least she'll be in place to hear. The healer who's supervising her work looked amused enough to make sure she's informed if any of her fellow station-dwellers come in wounded.

At least it's a chance to practice her long-neglected first aid skills. And learn the vulnerabilities of their new acquaintances...not that she'll ever hint at that.

Before the wounded begin to arrive, Yori's as focused as any healer present on learning the procedures of the temple and the allowances they've made for various unfamiliar species participating in the Trial of Life.

Later, she'll make a point of trying to visit any familiar names, even if the professional healers have them patched up already.

portals!

[inconsequence]

Her caution is noted. Chara draws even with her, their expression flat and shaded as they observe the faint shimmer of light as it resonates from the point of impact with Yori's weapon. Their head cocks briefly to one side before their mouth flattens into a thin, noncommittal line.

"I cannot say I place a great deal of faith in this manner of technology," the child says flatly, "considering the result the last time we had access to such a thing."

Juri | OTA | will match the format!

[beautifulleopard]

(hit me with your best shot)

[Not too far away from the bartering block there's a loud crowd gathered around something. The people are laughing and cheering different kinds of encouragements like "Go!", "You can do it!" and "Amazing!" In middle of the said group is a ring shaped platform -- a stage, and Juri's standing on top of it with a sword in her hand. There's set of protective gear behind her such as body vest and helmet, all left untouched. Someone from the crowd, also holding a sword in their hand, steps up from the crowd and climbs up to the ring to face her. Juri's lips curl up into overly confident and satisfied smirk as she takes the stance, preparing for the duel. She definitely got this.

The opponent goes down quite fast with a little effort and the crowd cheers again. Almost after it another person steps up, this time wielding a sword she's not too familiar with. The second opponent proves out to be tougher as they fight with a style she hasn't encountered before but in the end, they aren't match for Juri's sword.

After beating her third opponent there's few drops of sweat on her temple but she's far from being out of breath. People watching the duels are only getting more excited and now cheering for the champion, there's even leaf and flower petals being thrown at the ring, which she pretends not to pay attention to as she flips her curly hair behind her shoulder. Despite being a complete show-off and confident in her abilities, Juri's never really been one to enjoy the attention of fans. But dang, has she missed this! The competition, rush of adrenaline and sense of danger.

It's all enough for her put up a show like this. Especially considering that she doesn't posses much information about the other worlds nor has anything valuable to trade. The entertainment she provides the more she can purchase.]

Next! [She calls, her demanding voice loud and clear. The thick red curls sway in the air as she turns around to look at her audience, eyes moving from person to person while seeking for her next opponent. No one's stepping up just yet.] C'mon, don't make me take a break just yet.

[Are you up for a challenge or will you stay and watch?]

(ooc: anyone can take part to the duel, even if they don't use sword! Juri's very talented and kind of prodigy so would provide to be tough opponent to any normal people but definitely not unbeatable.)

(princes and princesses)

[The first things that Juri goes after in the marketplace are the items views as necessity such as better food, spare clothing, new hygiene products. But that still doesn't mean that she has to ignore the streak vanity wakes withing back of her mind as her eyes land on the jewelry and other luxuries. With a calm and collected maneuver she steps closer to the booth that sells different kind of fragrances. Unfortunately, the salesperson appears to be demanding a knowledge in exchange. ]

Well, I can't say I'm much of a storyteller but I know one. [Her voice is carefree and light despite the disappointment. She eyes the person next to her briefly before focusing back to the person behind the booth.]

Once upon a time there was girl called a Rose Bride. She was very special one since the magical power slept deep within inside her. An eternal power that will smash the world's shell, revolutionizing the reality. However, the girl could not use the power herself as she was just a bride. Like a puppet without feelings. So, whoever was engaged to her could use that miraculous power. But in order to make the girl their bride one would have to be a champion and win several duels: friendship, choice, reason, love, adoration, conviction, self and eventually the duel of revolution and face The End of the World.

[And that's where Juri stops her story, leaving it open without any conclusion and proper conclusion. The salesperson doesn't look too satisfied with her input to which Juri only answers with an amused laughter.] What? You don't believe in miracles?

[Then she looks back at the person next to her.] What do you think?

WILDCARD
I'm up for any adventures! Trials and exploring! Hit me up :D

stories

[nyx_it]

[While the human tells her story, Vetra lingers at the shop door, casually listening. It's not really a story she's familiar with. Then again, most human stories aren't familiar, so she's probably not a good measuring stick for that.]

[But she's clearly trying.]

[So Vetra figures, why not. She'll throw a bone here.]

Never heard it before. Must be a pretty rare story.

Cayde-6 // OPEN

[deal_me_in]

.arrival & taking it easy
     It had begun as simply wanting to pick up on an old habit. When words failed him for the moment, the Exo had decided to fall back upon the visual, sketching out lines of portions of scenery before him where he sat off to the side of one of the numerous cascades of stone steps in the city that seemed like a snapshot from some lost civilization. With the stub of pencil he had, Cayde drew out distinguishable shapes of the local architecture, the spillage of greenery and flora that decorated just about every suitable corner, scattered across an aged scrap of paper.

     Some time later might find him wandering the streets, soaking in what equates daily life for these people who genuinely seemed to have peace. It's a strange thing, both calming and inspiring, but there's also this tiny bit of awkwardness that he otherwise does a good job of hiding. Someone who's kind has been designated as living weapons and war machines seems to have no place here.

     To be fair, he'd been eager to pop through those portals with expectations of finding something valuable to stash, to fall back upon some old practices. And while he's found nothing that he'd classify as the usual loot or treasure, Cayde can't say that he's completely disappointed.


.cultural exchange
     "Here you go," Cayde says, offering a couple of what appear to be sketches to one of the locals manning a stall that seems more for display than selling wares. "I'll admit, I'm out of practice..." It seems he's drawn out a quick portrait in charcoal of the Kaittan native, simple line work with solid shading. The other image doesn't look like anything seen here in this world, some kind of moon-like body suspended over the abstract shadows of a cityscape. Or it could be a giant eyeball. For a robot, he doesn't seem to have a bad hand, no matter what he claims.

     Folding his arms, he waits expectantly for the verdict, optics brightening as he's handed a small, handbound book. He picks it up and flips through what are apparently blank pages before nodding. "Pleasure doing business," he says with a salute as he turns.


.cayde-6 and the temple of doom
     To be honest, he has no idea what to expect of this Great Awakening thing. There is no denying his curiosity, however. It doesn't take him long to figure out which of the temple trials sounded the most attractive to him, and perhaps he's still holding out on some kind of treasure to make out of this place with, which is only part of the reason he's even considering to tackle the Trial of Life. The rest is purely out of restlessness.

     "Only what can be carried in two hands, eh...." he muses, fingering the handle of the knife sheathed at his left.

Temple of Doom hell yes

[gh0stamidstthec0mbat]

Zer0's all about challenges, so naturally he was drawn to this trial as well. Any potential treasures or whatever are the last thing on his mind, he's literally just here because he's super bored on Avagi and just really wants to shoot shit stretch his legs.

"Only in two hands, / I'm at a disadvantage. / That hardly seems fair."

He sounds like he's joking, but he is looking down at his hands. They're a bit on the narrow side on account of the whole four fingers thing, but he totally thinks he could carry like, his pistol and sword in one hand and his sniper rifle in the other. Or hell, what if they just toss a bunch of shit in a bag? You only need one hand to carry a bag. That's probably not the case at all and Zer0 might have to ditch one of his guns or something or... well shit who knows.

"...the rule's a little vague."

sans | ota | will match any style!

[skelepun]

trading; 11/11~11/15

[It was a strange feeling, being on a mission. The last time he'd been on a mission, well... it hadn't gone that well.

And yet here he was. Eyeing a bag of flour like it owed him money. Along with it was a bag of brown sugar, spices, and a big, heaping pile of butter. Yellow, rich, honest to god butter. He intended to walk away with enough groceries for ten pies. And he knew just the way to do it. Probably. Okay... maybe.

It wasn't going well.]

--orange you glad I didn't say banana? Eh??

[To whoever is close enough to hear, Sans is clearly out of his tight five and into his loose thirty. The jokes were coming with confidence, but the audience was anything but warm. If anything, they seemed frozen over. Still, Sans wasn't flagging -- there had to be someone in this planet that could appreciate a good bad joke, and would reward him accordingly.

Help him? Hinder him? Laugh? Jeer? Cringe and walk off? Whatever any passers by decide, Sans doesn't seem to be quitting his spectacular bombing any time soon.]

trial of life; 11/15~11/20

A

[Trial of Life? That was a funny name for it.

Sans never intended to participate in any of the trials. Whatever this Great Awakening was, Sans regarded it with quiet suspicion. It wouldn't be the first time the locals of a new planet welcomed them with open arms, only to reveal their ultimate goal of sacrifice, imprisonment, or subjugation. The stories from Thisavrou were no more heartening.

Not to mention, all of that gave him a decent excuse to not lift a finger. At least, that was the plan, before the kids threw a wrench in things.

Now he was here, carrying nothing but a wrapped bundle of uncooked veggie dogs. In a bastardized breadcrumb trail, bones jutted out of the ground behind him like broken teeth. Phantasms didn't leave much in the way of viscera, and the bones were bloodless and clean -- looking almost more like decoration than any sort of weapon.

Ahead of him were the kids. Sans listened for their chatter, for the clang of a knife, for any sounds of distress. It was a strange parallel to the loops, and yet entirely different when it came to the thoughts rattling around in his skull.

Are they okay was still his primary thought, and yet this time the they was entirely different.

Sans takes a big bite of veggie dog. Welp. Only thing he could do was keep walking.]

B

[It's late, his eye sockets heavy with exhaustion and overextertion. Magic wasn't a constantly replenishing resource, and Sans was already feeling the depth of his hubris in entering the trial so blithely. The phantasms came hard, fast, and frequently. To say his reflexes were dulling was putting it mildly.

His head droops slowly, only to snap back to attention after a brief sensation of falling. It happens several more times, before--]

[!]

[Whipping around, Sans sends a wave of bones at a phantasm creeping behind him. They miss, wildly over estimating the height of the target -- a target which Sans suddenly realizes isn't a phantasm at all. Eye sockets widening, Sans rubs at them quickly before rising up from where he'd splayed himself on the ground in his haste to fire.]

-- Holy shit. [He blurts, too surprised by the close call to watch his language.] Sorry, sorry, you just--you startled me.

wildcard!

(( ooc: feel free to make up your own starter or PM/ping me at safelybeds and I'll write you a custom thing! ))

trading

[araignee_du_soir]

[Widowmaker was walking by wearing a handmade shawl she'd successfully acquired from one of the locals when she heard that most recent joke. It was terrible. Pausing, she lowered her sunglasses to take in the beautiful sight of Sans proving how unfunny he was. This looked promising; she could use some entertainment.

Pushing her sunglasses back up, Widowmaker circled around the outside of the group until she could approach the skeleton from the side, stopping far enough away that she could be within speaking distance but not actually joining him.]

Your wit seems lost on them. Then again, that is quite possibly a universal truth that applies to all.

Vetra Nyx | OTA

[nyx_it]

BARTERING
[It sure feels nice to be planetside again. Not that she's got a problem with the station -- it feels more like being on the Nexus than anything Thisavrou ever had. But this? This is more of her element.]

[Vetra is in the bartering block. She's brought along small bits of tech salvaged from the labs on the station -- cobbled together into a printer. And she's been doing brisk business trading out the remnants of kett tech data, and Remnant tech data. Printing out schematics for things like armor, like data storage. She's slowly amassing supplies, too, as a result of it.]

[Do you throw in with her?]


"CULTURE"
[... and, later on in their stay, Vetra Nyx has taken up the cultural exchange to an interesting degree. With the abundance of street performers, she's gotten an idea. One some people might disagree with.]

[She's found a bare patch of wall. On some abandoned building. Where she's set up her omnitool as a projector. And, on the wall, she's showing what she's told the native people is "A real classic documentary, where I'm from."]

[It's Blasto. Blasto the Hanar Spectre. And while it's clear most of the natives have picked up on this being a ridiculous film, they're enjoying it. If you pass by, Vetra will probably nod you over, as well. Come have a movie night.]


AROUND THE CITY
[Vetra can also be found just browsing the city streets. Watching a few performers. Browsing shops. Or leaning against a railing to watch the ocean.]

[Run into her anywhere. The wildcard option, basically.]

Culture

[araignee_du_soir]

[Like many others, Widowmaker was drawn to the video being projected on the wall. She had no real idea what was being shown, other than some kind of science fiction B-movie, and normally she wouldn't even bother with it or the turian showing it, but it was so refreshing to be amongst civilization with an appreciation for culture. She was in a good mood.

Drawing up next to Vetra, Widowmaker pulled her newly acquired shawl up to rest on her shoulder better before speaking.]

Bonjour, Mademoiselle. Quite a crowd you have gathered.

Sideswipe | OTA

[redshitlord]

CITY
Wait, you want to look at my game?

[For the most part, Sideswipe has just been wandering. What's he supposed to do here, anyway? Everyone's so into culture and learning. There's nothing for a guy like him. But, then again, since when is that new?]

[Since when is anything relating to his lack of skills new?]

[But the weird aliens are suddenly clustered around him and his gamekid videogame. Asking a lot of questions. Like this is something on par with their lectures or something. He looks around a little wildly, completely at a loss.]



TRIAL OF LIFE
[Predictably, Sideswipe didn't listen to the advice. Didn't listen to the people saying he should try this with a group, with a partner, anything but on his own. What did it matter anyway? The only person who even respected him a little was Rey, and he wasn't about to drag her into this.]

[She didn't need to prove anything to anyone. She was good like that.]

[He just has to survive in here for five days, right? He's got a sword. He's made of metal. If all else fails, maybe he can transform and run them over. That would work, right? This is all going to be fine, right?]

[Right?]

[He makes it to about Day 4 before he has to sit down, the phantasms having done their work on a lightly armored frame. He's clutching his sword to his chest, pulling his knees in. If there's anyone approaching, he resolutely keeps quiet. Keeps his head down. No, he's not calling for help, he's not crying out, he's not crying.]

[Everything hurts, he's so tired he could drop, he needs to refuel, but... no. No, he's got to do this. Prove himself.]

[Doesn't he?]



((ooc: the first prompt is basically a wildcard. Anything you want to do with a giant robot!))

Trial

[notglitching]

[Someone is approaching, though whether Rinzler registers is questionable. The enforcer moves quietly as default, and especially at lower power, his small, sparse lights do little to interrupt the darker regions of the hall. Still, he isn't going to spare energy for masking functions either. Not without a clear and present need.

One curled up Cybertronian doesn't count. A ticking rumble filters through the space, followed shortly by the program's voice.]

Status?

shiro | ota

[shiro2hero]

City | brooding
[It's beautiful.]

[After everything that occurred on Thisavrou, all the weeks aboard the station, seeing a real planet, real sunlight, and the sea, it's almost overwhelming. For a long time, he keeps to the city, exploring, or staring out at the ocean, lost in thought. Looking at it, from one of the balconies, he can't help but think of Lance. How much he'd missed a sight like this.]

[Time has passed and the hurt is healing -- but this almost feels like it's torn it open again. Missing his lost teammates more sharply.]

[Find him wandering anywhere, or being brooding at an ocean outlook.]


City | demonstration
[The whole culture here is something he can try and get behind. People donating skill and knowledge for the sake of others. It's not much, but, he'd be a poor excuse for a defender of the universe if he didn't at least try to offer something.]

[It ends up being self-defense. For life forms with hands and legs to fight with, since tentacles are sort of out of his wheelhouse. And the participants are mostly children. But that's fine. There's something definitely enjoyable about it.]

[In a relatively empty square, you can find the Black Paladin in a small cluster of Kaittan kids, all trying to follow his movements with the uncoordinated determination of grade schoolers. But he's smiling. Which is never a bad thing.]

Okay guys! Keep practicing! You're doing great.


Trial of Healing
[Shiro isn't a doctor. He's not a healer, and just has basic first aid training. He's not Lucio, or Angela. But he's strong. He's physically fit, unlike a lot of people in this temple. It's nothing to him to join in the ranks -- offer himself to help move patients or follow more experienced hands in the effort. He does take orders well, so there's that.]

[Ten days worth of volunteer work? No big deal, right? Surely nothing traumatic will occur while you're trying to help doctors save people. Especially not people who might have been from the station, throwing themselves into the other trials.]


wildcard;
[anything else?? hit me up]

Brooding!

[notyourrookie]

[It's been a long time since he was planetside at a time when he wasn't on a mission or a military base. Just having time to explore is a novelty, and he explores as much as he can. Inevitably though he keeps being drawn back to the ocean. It fascinates and disturbs him in equal measure. It's incredibly pretty, the way that the water seems to change colour and ripples with light. But it's also huge. Ridiculously huge. And who knows how deep it is? Or what could be hiding out in there. He'd seen enough TV shows to make him pretty sure that everyone nearly drowns at least once.

There's a nice balcony which looks out over it and that seems a safe enough spot to observe. He hesitates when he sees someone else on there, but it's a public space so he doesn't hesitate for very long before heading up to the balcony railing to stare over.

"Am i interrupting?"

peter maximoff | x-men (ota)

[quickfingers]

01. Nice Views

[Peter had only just really begun to have the whole space thing settle into reality for him; chaotic conversations and confusing timelines only distracted him momentarily, but eventually it just became... real. A reality that this wasn't Earth, this wasn't home, and there was no guarantee of getting back there any time soon. (Two years, two years some people've been here. If not even longer?) He felt a pang of longing, knowing his sister and mother were far out of reach. But ironically, he'd never been guaranteed closer proximity to his father before.

It's tension inducing. To say the least.

Which is why these bright portals lighting up catch his attention and like others - more like after seeing others partake - Peter goes through too. The scenery change is amazing but what's better is the feeling of freedom, wind in his hair and stretches of land to wander. There are things he wants to do but first he tries to shake out the tenseness of his shoulders by heading to the ocean and first sitting by the water and later wading into it.

Sitting, he'll be admiring the wash of waves at a distance looking notably more calm and quiet when he thinks he's alone. Occasionally tossing rocks from his perch, he'll have his earbuds wrapped around his neck or in one ear - the other listening for any sign his peace will be interrupted. Later on, he'll roll up his jeans to below his knees and start wading out into the shallows of the water for a change of pace. He might even be lured out farther, given the right circumstances.]

02. Nice Eats

[Peter hadn't even eaten his first nutrition cube before he knew he hated it, so it's no surprise that on Kaittos the first thing that he concerns himself with is finding a means of hoarding things much more palatable. He'd been getting by eating less but it came with a hit on his stamina, throwing him out of whack. To rebalance, he's taken to trying local food and bartering what knowledge he's got (music legends, movie story lines and some colorful yet falsified tales that are outright polished lies,) for whatever he can carry and found himself sucked into a few lengthy surveys he had fun with answering. Which is code for "he lied again while answering".

But he comes out of this with some good reserves of strange but edible fruits and flatbreads, the latter of which he eats in picked at pieces as he walks along. He's got his eyes open for other things to try and obtain, keenly picking out others from the station are up to and leaning in to inquire where they got this or that (namely food,) or watching what other people are bartering with the occasional golf clap.]

03. Nice Tunes

[Ready to hoard more items on another trip, Peter takes with him an acoustic guitar from the music hall. It's not the amped up monster he left behind in his mother's basement, but it'll do. He familiarizes himself with the chords, sitting down and strumming out a few different tunes. He doesn't sing along, though he does quietly mouth lyrics every now and then - grinning up at anyone who might recognize one of his 70s or 80s bangers.

He's not stellar at it but he isn't half bad, recovering from an occasional misstep casually and with the ease of a guy who spent a lot of time messing around with play style. He'll play off and on throughout the day in a few different locations before eventually moving on with a little half bow.

Open for requests. Only gonna judge you by your choices a bit, I swear. [He laughs, strumming absently away.]

03. This Bird You Cannot Change

[aka_pistachio]

[ Kelly Ann hasn't really got used to the idea that she is living in space yet. Not just "Orbiting the Earth just out of the atmosphere" space. Like, actual, where no man has gone before, space.

And then the portals opened up.

She wasn't going to go until she heard rumors of actual food, a beach, and music and it all became way too much to resist. It is scary, stepping through the portal on her own. And maybe it's not really "embracing opportunity" the way she's been trying to do, but it's not something a seahorse would do. So there, Wes.

Picking at random, and making sure to fill out the sign-out sheet before she does (You're welcome, Nihlus) she steps through the portal and is stunned. The marketplace is unlike anything she's ever seen. She wanders about in a daze for a while, not really saying anything to anybody (in a very seahorsey way. Dammit.) Until she hears the sound of familiar music. Faintly, and just an acoustic guitar, but definitely something real that she knows.

She follows it. And finds Peter, that guy she has been texting. Wearing some seriously hardcore hipster vintage duds, noodling on an acoustic guitar and calling for requests like he's on a college quad and not busking on an alien planet none of them knew existed two days ago. She cups her hands around her mouth. ]

Hey!

Play "Freebird"!

kurt wagner [nightcrawler] ❧ ota

[shadowblends]

❧ it's my party (trading)

[There isn't much for him to exchange, but what little he has, he decides to share.

At one point, he trades the small bag of precious gemstones he'd received long ago for things that he can use to bake. His birthday's around this time and while he doesn't know the exact time on this new planet, he can make a safe assumption that the date is either close or has come and gone.

Regardless, with the things he collects, Nightcrawler decides to make palm-sized cakes-- not much more than a few bites, although they're plenty for him to celebrate with. If other people like, he will even offer. He'll exclude any details as to why he's made them, though. Enough prodding might end with a reluctant answer.]

❧ wash away my sanity (forest of renewal)

[Eventually, Kurt comes across the spread of trees, decorating the surface of the pond with their pretty blue leaves. He's drawn to it for more than one reason; the idea of renewal sounds too good to be true, but what's the harm in checking the area out?

He perches near the edge and swings his tail around, letting the heart-shaped end hover just above breaking the upper limit of water. Instead of doing so, his attention is drawn upward, brilliantly colored eyes focusing on the foliage above. It's an absent thought-- an idea to try and climb the trees, except he doesn't want to offend any of the Kaittans with his overly curious nature.

So, rather than push his luck, he plops onto his rear and crosses his legs, pulling the bag from his side to remove one of the desserts he'd made earlier.] Happy birthday, [Kurt tells his reflection, lips barely curving up.] Or a belated one. [A shrug.] Whichever.

[He's assuming he's alone, since he hasn't mentioned anything to anyone else. (For good reason.)]

❧ be still and know that i am here (trial of healing)

[His first steps into this temple were greeted with a mixture of confusion and inquisitiveness, though that serene feeling encompasses him much quicker than he'd imagine possible. For the first time in a long while, Kurt feels ... well, at ease. Being on Avagi had tested the limits of his stress and patience. Then, coming here, entering this place where things seem to melt away into tranquility?

It's a blessing, if he's being truthful.

Training with Adrien has taught him more than a little medical training and should anyone need that sort of help, he will be more than willing to offer his services.]

❧ wildcard (for any other needs!!)

[ooc: hit me with whatever you like! if you wanna plot some stuff out first, i'm at totalfruitcup or can be pm'ed.]

into the forest

[notmarieanymore]

[Exploring the forests surrounding her Mississippi home had been one of Rogue's favorite things to do when she was a kid. She and her friends would spend hours wandering through the woods, trying to find cool places to hang out. When they were older, they'd come back with beer and cigarettes in the middle of the night, build fires and have fun.

She missed that, that carefree attitude she'd been able to have, nights singing and dancing around the fire. Now, the level of care she had to have with regards to her powers made things like that so much harder. So it was the call of nostalgia that brought her into the forest and eventually, to the small pond.

She arrives just in time to hear a voice wish someone happy birthday, and takes a few steps closer, choosing to break her silence.] Happy birthday, [she says from behind him. It's then that she sees the tail- she knows only one other person in the world that has that tail in that shade of blue. That speaks with a German accent.

For a second, she's sure it's not possible. But she's here, and so is Logan and a version of the Professor with hair, so is anything really impossible at all anymore? So she'll try her luck.]

...Mr. Wagner?

siegfried // ota

[gerechtigkeit]

[arrival.

The lights that arrive back in Avagi without warning startle him, Siegfried wary about what their intent is. When the images of Kaittos shine back at him, something inside him stirs at the sight of it- and he steps through, taken aback almost immediately by what he sees. The flora around him, the ocean to the side, the city itself alive and thrumming as an oasis...]

This is...

[The Hanging Gardens of Babylon. He'd be a poor recaller of lore and myth if this didn't strike him as something very similar. He knows it's not actually the legend itself, and the residents are not at all human, but-

It's a reminder, a semblance of home. And he's fine with that.

Please excuse this nerd, he's going to just be in the middle of the street staring at literally everything, and may end up becoming a 6'2" obstacle that someone can run into. Oops.

the streets.

Somewhere along the way, a Kaittan child had grabbed his attention by tugging at the armor on Siegfried's leg. Which led to him stopping and kneeling, trying to see what the child wanted. Which then led to the child curiously poking Siegfried's glowing sigil, and delightedly letting out a laugh upon doing so. Upon hearing that laughter, three more children come over to see what the noise was about, and then even more came after they were done.

Somehow he's now sitting under one of the trees in the streets with a gaggle of children around him, all sizes and ages, asking him questions and wondering what he actually is. One of them is even asleep on his lap, leaning against his chest, and he has no heart to move them. Despite looking a little overwhelmed and uncomfortable, the smile on his face is unmistakable. Until he looks up, that is.]

Ah, sorry. They're not bothering you, are they?

[storytelling.]

--a battle that would mark his death. [The two scholars Siegfried is speaking to look at him with a keen interest, obviously invested in the tale he's telling. From the way he's speaking and how he's postured against a wall, he's been at this for a while.] Lugaid, fully aware of the hero breaking his taboo, set forth to battle him with three magical spears- each prophesied to fell a king. With the first, he killed Cú Chulainn's charioteer, Láeg; who was the king of chariot drivers. The second killed Liath Macha, his horse; the king of horses. The last one, he struck and mortally wounded Cú Chulainn. Seeing no other way of survival, Cú Chulainn tied himself against a standing stone, facing his enemies on his feet as he died. It was only when a raven landed on his shoulder that the others knew he was gone.

[Both the scholars turn to each other in surprise, not expecting the ending to be quite like that. One of them eagerly presses a bag of seeds into his hands as a thanks, Siegfried blinking in surprise at the gesture, but nods. The scholars close their books and return the nod back, and leave.

Siegfried gently looks over the bag in his hands before sighing, placing it down by his feet. It joins a small collection he's amassed from simply telling the stories he knows, and he shakes his head.]

I don't think I'll ever get used to this.

[trial of life. [closed to karna]

Ah, but this? This is familiar. The call to fight, to survive- this is the meaning and the reason behind why a Servant exists, after all. A five day trial with only what can be carried in two hands for weapons and resources? Grail Wars usually last for longer.

The only difference here is that he is without a Master, which means he'll have to be cautious in using his mana. Still, this sort of thing is what he lives for.

Siegfried stands a bit outside where the trial begins, a hand on Balmung and looking back at Karna, curious about what the other thinks.]

It's a little familiar, isn't it? [He frowns slightly, thinking.] We'll have to be careful.

[wildcard.

Want something else? Hmu here, or drop a line at chromadestino!]

[vaikartana]

[ Finally, something familiar. The trial laid out for them in this temple might only be significant for ceremonial purposes, but Karna's approach to it is the same as usual: it's something he's tasked with, so it's something he'll see through to the end.

In contrast to Siegfried, Karna is without Vasavi Shakti for the time being. Kavacha has also been persistently absent for Karna's entire stint in Avagi, and it's only Kundala that keeps vigil by Karna's jaw, unchanging and steady despite all of Karna's cosmetic 'differences'.

If this should be a cause for concern, Karna doesn't seem to think so. Flicking his gaze upwards towards Siegfried (why are you so big, damn), he folds his arms across his chest. ]

Of course. I don't intend to underestimate our enemies. [ that said: ] However, I doubt that defeat is an option for us.

[ so fucking plainly............ he honestly can't envision a scenario in which they'd fail, whoops. ]

anakin skywalker | ota

[sasswalker]

Ｉ ｔｒｉｅｄ ｔｏ ｈｏｌｄ ｔｈｅｓｅ ｓｅｃｒｅｔｓ ｉｎｓｉｄｅ ｍｅ
[ It is not often that the "exchange of ideas" is something that finds and catches Anakin's attention. While certainly interested--isn't that the point of traveling like they do as Jedi?--he's so used to being told that he's "too involved," that he often vacillates toward withdrawn. And indeed, for the first while on Kaittos, he is very much that. He observes (or dismisses), keeps to himself, and is still wrapped up in his own thoughts.

His grief is still encompassing, raw and too real and heavy, and he can be found wandering with an extremely sour expression that seems very out of character with the light and levity of the culture he's surrounded by. All grimaces and crossed arms and annoyances. ]

[ But if he's found late enough in his exploration, the mood shifts. He's speaking, easily and amiably, and there's even a hint of a smile in it. Even if his expression still wanders off into maudlin in the pauses between conversation. He can even be caught in the midst of a story, clearly captivated by how he actually has an audience. ]

"Then he fell into this nasty nest of gundarks and it was up to one of us to get us out."

ｍｙ ｍｉｎｄ＇ｓ ｌｉｋｅ ａ ｄｅａｄｌｙ ｄｉｓｅａｓｅ
[ He is not casual, damn it. The idea that he might be rankles and agitates so much that he agrees to the trial without second consideration. He doesn't pause at first to gather a team (or even try), and there isn't a huge consideration given to the supply restriction outside of the lightsaber in one hand and a canteen in the other.

He's a Jedi. He's been through worse. He'll go through worse. (And if nothing else, it's a distraction from the worry and grief and constantly nagging-self doubt that he's already crossed a point of no return.)

And this casual disregard even works alright for a day or so. The terrain is rough, but nothing he can't handle. By the third, however, he's experiencing severe fatigue. He jumps at shadows or noises, and he swears he can hear a far too familiar call in the distance.

So when paths are finally crossed with someone else in the temple, there's an immediate jump and whipping out of his lightsaber. After all, when the place is crawling with too-solid ghosts, a boy can't be too careful. ]

he is a trial

[ventifact]

[Rey does not normally elect to put herself in danger. In fact, she usually does everything in her power to stay as out of the way as possible. But the prospect of having an "gift from the spirit" (or whatever it was they wanted to call it) is just too good to pass up. Besides, she's quick on her feet, can move things with her mind, and has a lightsaber. What could possibly go wrong?

There is exactly one thing that could go wrong.

Though she's used to going days without much food, she realizes that just one more day of rations would have made a difference. She's going to be tired by the end of this, that's for sure. Grumpy and hungry, Rey turns a corner, hoping there's something around it she can kill and eat.

Instead, she hears a familiar buzz of a lightsaber being ignited, and she automatically does the exact same thing before her senses even register who she's facing.

Rey stares, dumbfounded. When she finally speaks, she doesn't lower her arms, and her voice is full of equal measures of incredulity and accusation.]

Anakin?!

peter quill | ota

[sonywalkman]

ｈｅｒｅ Ｉ ｇｏ ａｇａｉｎ ｏｎ ｍｙ ｏｗｎ
[ Peter is actually no stranger to alien cultures, especially those that put their emphasis on culture, but he would be lying to say that he isn't spending the entire time here waiting for the other shoe to drop. The moment when he breathes wrong or pulls a gun out and suddenly there's the whole of the local police force on him for one measly...history of criminal transgression.

(It reminds him a lot of Xandar. A little backward, but it's definitely got its similiarities. Weird.)

But for the moment, that shoe doesn't seem to be dropping. Or that Greek sword thing overhead or whatever that old expression was--it wasn't one he recalled with startling clarity. Point is, it hasn't happened yet. There's no point in sitting and waiting and being annoyingly worried about it, even if he does wonder where this tendency for hospitality is really coming from.

When he finds out that bartering is all about the very thing they seem to already have an abundance of, however, he grins. He's in the middle of trying to haggle for junk food (there are not near enough pastries in space, alright?), and he stops dead with a laugh before pulling out his battered little Zune, putting in one earbud while leaving the other dangling. ]

Alright, man, if that's what you want. How's the song of my planet sound?

[ If paths are crossed here, he doesn't notice immediately, attention still on the alien nodding in agreement. Well, alright, they'd asked for this. He clears his throat in an ostentatious, performative display, and then with no shame at all, he belts out: ]

WE'RE NO STRANGERS TO LOVE--


ｗｉｌｄｃａｒｄ
[ HMU at mustafar or just throw another prompt at me. ]

[nyx_it]

[This is Vetra. This is Vetra passing by with an armload of potential supplies for when they get back to the station.]

[This is also Vetra startling and swearing loudly when she's suddenly startled by Peter belting out Rick Astley.]

DAMN IT!

charles xavier | ota

[welcomeprofessor]

９９ ｂａｌｌｏｏｎｓ ｏｎ ｔｈｅｉｒ ｗａｙ ｔｏ ｔｈｅ ｈｏｒｉｚｏｎ
[ There had been a time, once, when the idea of travelling after school had seemed like not only an attractive notion but a probable one. He'd had endless considerations for doing so all through his tenure at Oxford, and had Moira never come into the pub that one fateful evening upon graduation, he could have spent the whole of this 30s in the Mediterranean or Eastern Europe or...anywhere but Cuba.

Alas, that had never come to pass, and the most he's gotten out of it in the last few years is a ruined trip to Paris and apparently one to an already ruined Egypt that he doesn't even recall (and isn't entirely sure he wants to consider at all, presently).

So when the Ingress portals opened up onto something other than a...well, ruined hellscape, he's keen to jump at the chance. It's new, it's different, it's not this goddamned station.

What it is, upon arrival, is beautiful. And he's instantly distracted by everything. The architecture, the discussion, the libraries...he's unsure of where to start (and could use a hand).

It's going to be very difficult to drag him home. ]


ｐｅｏｐｌｅ ｔｈｉｎｋ ｔｈｅｙ＇ｒｅ ＵＦＯｓ ｆｒｏｍ ｓｐａｃｅ
[ When he said he needed resources for a school, he had contented himself with what had seemed to be the reality at the time: the resources we not available, and he would need to make do with what could be found on the station itself. Texts were at least in supply on Avagi, but when faced with the possibility of supplies and records he doesn't realistically have access to otherwise, he's absolutely jumping at the chance for it. (Even if he should have other priorities at present. Food. Toiltries. Anything other than books).

Which is why he can be found bartering his way around a stack of them (and supplies tucked in). When asked what of value he can offer, it results in a rare, and boldly audacious claim: ]

Well, you see. I can read your mind.


ｗｉｌｄｃａｒｄ
[ HMU at mustafar or just throw another prompt at me. ]

UFOs

[araignee_du_soir]

[At that exclamation, Widowmaker paused suddenly from the nearby table where she'd been transcribing sheet music from her digital copy on her open laptop. Slowly, she turned her head to look at the one offering the most absurd thing.

A moment later, she snorted a bit, convinced that the man was going to run a con on these people. Normally, she wouldn't bother interfering, but her enjoyment of Kaittos made her more inclined to help prevent these people from being swindled by someone who wasn't Sombra.]

Mentalism is not mind reading, monsieur.

Liquid Snake | ota

[saveyourserpent]

[A. CULINARY]

It's good to get a chance to get off the station. As much as Liquid needed a break from everything (not that he'd admit it to many), it was starting to get a little... stale. So when it appeared he stepped through the portal with no hesitation and what greeted him was... interesting.

Of course, he ended up drawn to the culinary quarter eventually. It's bound to be better than what they had on the station.

So, there he is, sitting at an outside table, poking at something that appears to be moving. Hey, come test this out with him!

[B. TRIAL OF LIFE (one person please unless you wanna group it)]

Of course, despite everything he's gone through, despite dying and coming back and the very, very real memory of what had happened before they'd ended up on the station... he's standing at the beginning of the Trial of Life with little more than a knife and a package of food. But, at least he's not intending to go it alone. Someone's bound to need a partner.

"Might as well try this out, hm?"

[C. WILDCARD]

[just a couple of small things for now. as usual, we can always do something else! feel free to come up with your own prompt or plot with me here or on plurk at agentkaz!]

Kazuhira Miller | OTA

[warandpeace]

culture shock.

[Kaz has felt like an outlier for much of his life as the particular sort of soldier he is. While being confident in his skills, he's also felt the needling suspicion that as a soldier he should be, above all else, a soldier with few distractions.]

[He's never been more grateful for those distractions.]

[Kaz is playing his acoustic guitar for a hooved vendor, hoping that the payment is sufficient to pick up some food ingredients. And she's watching him with glistening eyes, rapt in the sad song she's hearing. The melancholy chords. The sentiment of loss in an instrumental alone.]

[She starts crying.]

[Miller looks around, wondering if he should stop. Hopefully, he could call someone in for a rescue because he needs to escape this supremely awkward situation.]

arbitrary.

[It seems like the trial of survival would be Kaz's forte, and it certainly is something he's invested a lot in. His education has been geared towards guerrilla warfare. His training courses dealt with making use of what's around you to sustain yourself. His talents lie in making much of little. And if anything, he feels like John would excel at this sort of thing. The Legendary Naked Snake. Right up his alley.]

[But on his base, the rule of law is that no one turns a knife on their brother. And now, unless they're going to be lucky enough to stay here they're going to end up trapped on Avagi, together, for an indefinite period of time. Maybe with this he can reap some lasting rewards for the good of the station, and to challenge himself in the future to resolve things without violence. So it's the more peaceful trial that he commits himself to, the trial of communion.]

[There's a little bit of him that also wants to succeed out of spite against the intermediaries. No superpowers, no double-think. Just keen discussion and conflict resolution.]

[The most recent issue was a matter of resource management, something that he can do well. The one before that? Two children. That he largely resolved their issue by telling them stories that distracted them until they stopped caring. Now Kaz's sitting in a chair, leaning back and pinching the bridge of his nose.]

It could be worse.

[It's still giving him a headache. But it could be worse.]

culture shock

[notglitching]

Disabling. Effective tactic.

[Miller wanted someone immune to sentiment? Look no further than the harsh, electronic voice speaking from just behind. Rinzler stands in his usual hunch, helmet tilted as he appraises the crying vendor.

She probably wasn't supposed to crash.]

Erik Lehnsherr | X-Men Movies | OTA

[magneticfields]

I got metal in my blood

About Town

[ The thought of demonstrating his powers for the curious Kaittans gives Erik hives. Even if the attention is inspired from a different place, he can't shake the feeling of being a subject under the eye of a curious scientist.

Instead, he creates some tchotchkes back at the Ingress and brings them to trade. Nothing terribly elaborate, mostly human figures in various poses. He is on a mission, though. He needs something to wear while swimming. Possibly a frivolous pursuit, but with any luck they will have access to the water for some time, or access to other water in the future. ]

You want the dancer and the shy girl? Then I'm going to need more than the neoprene. What about the silk, too?

Dancing around to the magnets

Culinary Quarter

[ After a month of nutrition cubes, Erik manages to forget whatever caution he has about not trusting good things the moment he catches the sent of onions cooking in some kind of oil. Before long he is seated at some sort of open-air grill resembling nothing so much as a large hibachi, and soon is joined by a small crowd of Kaittans who are both interested in and debating his judgment of the various offerings. He samples some seared fish and rice. ]

No, no no this is worse. You want more acid, to brighten the profile. Something like... what's that citrus you squeezed over the noodles. Try using some of that. And that purple sauce, the one that I said tastes like soy.

It's in the blood

Trial of Life (Day 3)

[ Erik doesn't really need weapons, but he takes a pair of baoding balls anyway. Which gives him more room for supplies. Plenty of water, and five days' worth nutrition cubes.

He expected a challenge, especially considering how rusty he is. But it isn't the individual challenges that are the real struggle, it's the grueling amount of time. He is accustomed to brief, intense encounters. Not this kind of marathon of violence.

He is fraying near the end of the third day. Past the halfway point, but two more days seems impossibly long. He finds a sheltered spot to rest for a few hours. On the ledge of a rock outcropping, about eight feet above the ground overlooking a small stream, with some more rocks behind him, he drinks some water and tries to formulate a strategy for the coming day. ]

Everybody needs some comfort

The gardens (Closed to Diana)

[ To be perfectly honest, Erik has no idea what he's doing. He is drawn to Diana in ways he doesn't quite understand, and finds it intolerable to think that she may have a poor opinion of him.

It's different than when he met Magda. Or Charles, for that matter. Or even Natalya. The fact that Charles is here is a complicating factor. The fact that Magda is not is a more significant one. He has been reticent and secretive about things he has not been in the past, and he is ashamed of himself for it. It lead to an ugly confrontation, one that was unnecessary and entirely avoidable.

No matter what, Erik has some things he hopes to explain to her, and he knows she is granting him a gift he does not deserve by agreeing to see him again. He waits for her under the wisteria arbor, which is in full, fluffy, purple-and-white bloom.

The one thing he's sure of is that he wants her to think well of him. The rest he can figure out later. ]

food glorious food

[notmarieanymore]

[Its hard not to be curious about the small cluster of Kaittans around the grill. The man in the center seems to be enjoying the attention, as they bring him food. Rogue stands on the outskirts for a few minutes, before making her way to the grill and sitting next to the man.] What would you say is gonna be the spiciest?

[She misses spicy food. the cubes are so bland, so she and Logan have been tying everything they can. but this stand is new and she is curious. what makes this guy play the role of food critic? He sounds like he knows what he's talking about, at least.]

Rinzler | OTA

[notglitching]

A. Quarantine

Rinzler is on patrol when the Portals open. He's typing up an alert for their room-system when the more extensive version goes live. For all that Rinzler signed up on the Security list, he's been hesitant to concern himself with the station-system as a whole. It has no command structure. It has nothing at all to keep it from crashing like the others had.

Nihlus is efficient. Nihlus is effective, both at Security considerations and at making users listen. By the time he's finished with the broadcast, Rinzler has attached himself to two more functions. And has a job to do, right now.

Anyone attempting to enter the observation deck will find a dark-masked figure interposing firmly between themselves and its silvery glow. Words still aren't Rinzler's first resort, but between the combative stance and the rumbling growl, one message should be relatively clear.

Don't.


B. Contact

Rinzler stays on Security detail from then until exploration starts. This includes during the First Contact seminar. Rinzler also volunteers for location assessment... which puts him on the ground when strange-eyed users start approaching at a trot.

Rinzler does not murder anyone. (Immediately.) But his hand sure is hovering over his disks. Want to defuse things?


C. Trial of Life

Cultural appreciation is largely lost on Clu's enforcer. But tests, he knows. Games, he loves. And Rinzler would never turn down a challenge.

He enters the temple not long after arrival—together with a certain Knife Kid. He's considerably less pleased when they get separated partway through. Chara is skilled, but Chara is still prone to taking harm. Chara is as vulnerable as most users to the need for food and sleep, and distinctly unlikely to admit as much. But the passages seem to shift when he backtracks, trails dead-ending without pattern or cause.

You might encounter Rinzler slicing his way through a cave full of ghost-spiders. You might find him crouched with a hand on the floor, staring (or stabbing) at a wall. You might see a red-streaked shadow running up vertical surfaces as the ground below gives way, or growling at the literal wall of fire blocking one tunnel. You might be an ally, enemy, or complete [unknown].

If you can help him, he'll return the favor. And if you can't, he'll take whatever information you can share.


D. Security: Part Later

Those who missed the exciting interlude of Rinzler Guards A Door, don't worry—your opportunity will recur relatively often. With three Portals to keep track of and a bare minimum of volunteers, the program self-assigns himself multiple shifts, keeping watch on the station side of each access point. Terminals have been set in place by the shrines, and he'll insist all arrivals log their signature and any items they brought with them. Those equipped with (or made of) sufficient technology may detect Rinzler running his own scans.

It's Sentry work, but someone has to do it. Keep him busy. Or at least, less bored.


E. Wildcard

[Pick a thing, any thing! When not in the Trial or on Security detail, Rinzler will spend most of his time wandering out of doors. He'll also check up on everyone he knows, and possibly some people he doesn't; feel free to pull him into your own things.

Spam or prose freely, with this or any starter!]

B

[ex_bossily211]

Clara ends up paired off with him during the location assessment of Kaittos. She finds whatever silence that lapses between them to be companionable and nice. Her memories are still touch and go at this point, and something about him is triggering a sense of irritation and intrigue that confuses her. Familiarity is there, but she has no name to put to it until they're planet side and he's pulling out what looks like weapons as they're approached.

"Wait," she whispers to him, extending her arm out before him. She's smaller than he is, so it's not like she's much of a barrier. There's just a hope that he'll listen, because they've got company. If things get violent, she trust Rinzler to be able to handle matters. She's certain it won't come to that, though.

"We need to try communicating first. Words always come before violence." Her arm drops away and she steps forward, offering a tentative smile.

Agent Washington | OTA

[notyourrookie]

Arrival
This is certainly not what he'd expected to see when he came through the portal. He'd been expecting a modern city, or a spaceship or station. Maybe a thunderous wasteland like they'd seen in the simulation.

Not this.

He can't feel the sun since he's wearing his armour, but he can see it, can hear the birds and the water and the people gathering. It's pretty, he thinks, nicer than the industrial decay of the station, or most of the places he's been stationed. His own home colony was new and mostly undeveloped, desert and rock. He's never seen anything like this. And he really has to explore.

He wanders through the town, at first trying to make himself feel safe, building a map in his head of where he'd go if there was an attack. It makes him paranoid as well; the town is full of alleyways and balconies, a hundred places for an attacker to hide.

But as time goes on, and nothing bad happens, he starts to relax just a little, and finds himself just enjoying seeing new things.

He pauses to watch a few theatre performances or listen to people speak, and finds himself wandering the markets and the food quarter just taking in the sights and scents of the place.


The Ocean
He can see the glittering line of the ocean in the distance. He's seen a couple of oceans on various planets, but usually not had much time to admire them, and he's never seen one this crystal blue.

He heads down as soon as he's relatively sure they're not going to be attacked, approaching the waterline warily like he's worried it might bite. When he reaches it and walks along for a while until he finds a beach and then pulls off his helmet to stare at it, the salt tang of the water hitting his nose.


Trial of Life
Wash hears about the trails during his wandering around town, and really, has to check that out. He heads to the temple and checks out the rules and can be found nearby, preparing what he wants to take in with him. Alone.

It's irrational maybe, he's been warned how dangerous it can be especially on your own. He just doesn't care all that much, and the need to keep fighting is strong.

the ocean

[monomachy]

For her part, Diana has spent quite a bit of time in this ocean. She had been taught to swim as soon as she could crawl, and moving in the water is second nature to her now. A few thousand years of practice have made her an accomplished swimmer, one who is very capable of holding her breath for quite some time.

But eventually, she does need air. So it is that she pops out of the ocean several yards away from where Wash marvels at the water, swiping a hand across her face to fend the saltwater from her eyes. And when she sees another person, very clearly not a native and vaguely familiar because of his armor, she cannot help but wave an arm over her head, a bright smile on her lips.

"You should swim! The water is perfect!"

Big Sister | OTA

[handofrapture]

Trial of Life

[Surviving for days on end in an environment filled with hostiles that want nothing more than to rip you apart at the first opportunity and deadly traps around every corner?

Here, it’s a trial. In Rapture, it was daily life.

The Big Sister wrenches one of her needles out of the phantasm in front of her and watches contemptuously as it dissolves into the air. She doesn’t like these enemies. In Rapture, killing had fed into the ecosystem; when she killed, she knew that the ADAM in her foe’s body would be gathered, recycled, taken back by the Sisters to whom it belonged. Here, kills are irritatingly impermanent.

Not that she plans on stopping, however. The sounds of another nearby skirmish draw her attention and she follows like a moth to a flame. One thing about fighting the immaterial: it always leaves her hungry for more.

Anyone engaged in their own battle might find an unexpected ally by their side—an almost 7-foot tall humanoid figure in what appears to be a modified diving suit, outfitted with long heavy needles on each arm. Don’t take it personally if she tries to steal your kill.]

[notglitching]

[The flittering taps of thin wings. The snap of jaws, and the hissing susurrations of a swarm. It's easy enough for the Big Sister to detect, but as she closes the distance, a couple other points of familiarity might become clear. Say, the vibration of a disk's rebound. And the low, steady rumble of its wielder.

A wide chasm fills the center of the chamber, spanned by a criss-crossed network of thin bridges. In and around these anchoring points swarms a mass of hand-sized silver bugs: and the program currently engaging them. Rinzler moves in a quick, efficient blur, evading their attacks and slashing back with two blurred streaks of light.

He hasn't noticed the new entry. But probably, there are kills enough to go around.]

clara oswald | ota

[ex_bossily211]

street music
[Life isn't a Disney movie. Clara's known that for a long time. She's still against singing in public, but now doesn't mind dancing and enjoying the music others provide. The street performers on Kaittos are wonderful, and Clara's easily drawn in by the native music. She wants to learn it and commit it to memory, same as she has on other worlds. So she spends a little too long watching and admiring the performances, and even takes to dancing if any of the locals happen to want to. She's just finished attempting to pick up on the style of dance that's popular in the city when she ends up bumping right into someone. Her hand instantly reaches out to grab their arm or hand, and she's laughing as she turns to face them.]

How about it, then? Fancy a go?

story time
[After her first couple of visits to the city, Clara's managed to gather a group of younger locals that all love to hear her stories. She gladly shares what she can, at least what she doesn't plan using in trade. She goes to the city often, and can easily be found with a large group seated and circled around her. She tells stories about her travels with the Doctor, usually embellished so she looks like the hero of the story. The stories she tells most often though, are ones about other children.

Her story this particular time relates to a young girl who was taken from her home at a young age and was forced into a very important but terrible role. Her life was expected to be given up to appease an old god, and she was expected to sing a very old and very long song to keep him asleep. But of course Clara and her friend the Doctor came in and saved the day, and the story's told with a great deal of animation and acting out on her part. Clara even pulls some of the younger audience members up to act it out with her.

In the end, they all beg for more. She's just about to agree when she glances toward the edge of the crowd and spots someone from the station. Giving them a grin and a quick wink, she motions with a crook of her finger for them to join her up front. Someone's about to help her make a grand escape or act out another story, she hasn't figured out which just yet.]

trading/bartering
[She's got plenty of stories and interesting tidbits to share with the locals, but what Clara doesn't have is a lot of patience. When she feels like she's talked herself hoarse and all she's got left is her incredibly sentimental mother's ring, she realizes she's barely made a dent in filling her bags with supplies and trinkets. She hasn't even managed to find some interesting clothes yet, either. Maybe this is one time her bubbly and chatty nature is working against her.

The vendor she's bartering with doesn't seem to want to hear anything she's got to say, and she eyes her ring with tired frustration. Luckily, she's standing right with someone who might be able to help her. A simple sleeve tug and a conspiratorial whisper should do the trick.]

What do you think that cloth is worth, anyway?


Trial of Life (closed to the Doctor)

[On second thought, maybe this was a terrible idea. The two of them generally have a problem with rushing into things that seem exciting and end up in over their heads. This just might be one of those situations. Somehow, all those extensive warnings and critical looks she kept getting didn't deter her. Just put one of those fascinating barbed bats in her hand and send her on her way. How awful could this possibly be? They've been through countless challenges and have always made it out.

After a three days of fighting for their lives and surviving the general nature of this place, Clara's realizing that she probably wasn't in the best of shape to be doing this. She hadn't been eating or sleeping properly back on Avagi. Now she's exhausted and is pissy because all she wants is sleep and a warm shower and something decent to eat. But she went into this willingly, and whatever doesn't kill her better run because she's surprisingly fierce and vindictive when she's pushed to this point.

This point being her shoulder being knocked out of socket after fighting something three times her size. Logic says they should call it quits so she can get medical attention. Her stubbornness dictates that she's not quitting unless she dies.]

Just pop it back into place already! I can already hear something else growling, we don't have time for this.

[Yeah, this is going to go so well.]

[spacerhyme]

[ curiosity was more than enough to drive him into the trial with clara. he prefers not to consider himself a warrior, and certainly not some sort of scout, but he's a nosy bastard who has got to know what the hell this "spirit's gift" is. he likes this lot and their knowledge-based economy, he's certain any gift of theirs will be worthwhile. like, useful and interesting tech!

and besides, the two of them do this kind of thing on a regular basis, without the expectation of a cool reward at the end anyway. no problemo.

...of course, after three straight days of it, even the doctor's beginning to look a bit worse for wear. alright in the sleep and food department, cheaty alien that he is; he also hasn't really armed himself with any practical weapon, because when does he ever (a pair of magic space sunglasses and a yo-yo, what else does he need?) but he could honestly use a snack, and now there's a hole in the sleeve of his coat that he's been fretting about for days because he hasn't got another coat here, and he keeps finding himself briefly imagining that he can feel the tardis nearby, somehow.

also, clara's shoulder is dislocated. that's a bigger problem. he's currently got himself pressed up against a wall, eyes bugging as he watches like a hawk round the corner for anything that may be approaching to eat them, though his gaze keeps flicking back to his small, irate companion with the bad arm. ]

Clara... it might be time to think about heading back—

[ okay, one of them has to attempt to be the voice of reason.

he doesn't want to say, of course, lest he incur further wrath, but the implication appears to be that she quits. alone. ]

venom snake | ota.

[alterplex]

A: OPEN UP YOUR LOVIN' ARMS. (TRADING)

[ To say that trading words isn't Venom Snake's forte would be an understatement. He has stories to tell, yeah, but they're hand-me-downs of hand-me-downs, DVDs ripped from a poorly-maintained VHS; the things he can tell with conviction he doesn't care to, and the things he can tell without conviction border on lies. Either way, they're useless as collateral— who wants to slog through a 30-minute confession of one man's war crimes, anyway? What a downer.

So he opts to barter something a bit more lighthearted. He sets up camp by a gaggle of bored-looking Kaittans, antiquated cassette player hooked up to a currently-glorified music player that hums to life with a click of a button.

Silence reigns for the first passing seconds, until it hits: the sweep of synths, that unmistakable 80s beat. ]

"—She'll only come out at night, the lean and hungry type—"

[ Venom actually laughs when he sees the nearest Kaittan boggle at him. Even motions for him or her to come closer, while he cranks the music up and taps one foot in anticipation for the chorus. ]

"—Ooh, here she comes... watch out, boy, she'll chew you up—"

[ He's mouthing the words when he catches someone watching him, an anachronistic mix of war-torn soldier and upbeat electropop. There's something bordering on bashful in the way he scratches his chin and stops reciting the lyrics, but he tips his head to the side and raises a brow in silent questioning:

"want to hear something else?" ]


B: YOU SPIN ME RIGHT ROUND. (GENERAL)

[ Celebrations are all well and good, but even the pleasant welcomes become cloying after the 15th invitation for Venom to share something about the culture of where he'd come from. He's bartered an explanation of close quarters combat (complete with demonstration) for a pack of alien cigars (nothing dodgy, he's been promised), and has found it prudent to slink away to a quieter part of the city to smoke in private.

His privacy apparently doesn't last, though. Whether he's been approached by someone who also wants a smoke or some company, he breathes through his nose and makes some space for the other party to settle down. ]

...What's your stance on this place?

[ Good? Bad? Suspiciously idyllic? Too pleasant to ruin by being paranoid? He's here to listen or commiserate. ]


C: WILDCARD.

( hit me up with anything and everything, homies! if you want me to write anything up for you, hit me up over at deuil! )

A

[brokeassgoing]

[this place is kind of paradise...not because its a literal paradise of culture, nature and food, not at all. But because he's probably never gained so much just for stories about bidets or how curry is really supposed to be so spicy your asshole clenches for a week!

He can see real wealth. And he can hear............something surprising. Laughing to himself, Badou saddles over and says, loudly]

Got any ABBA?