calderamemes | TDM #5

Entry tags:

!mod post,
!tdm

TDM #5

ARRIVAL

It happens in an instant. A heavy weight in your gut, a trembling of your limbs, the world spins and you barely have time to register that you're falling before you lose consciousness. And when you awaken, it's not where you were last. Dark, unadorned oak walls surround you in a tiny room, the only furniture the bed you are currently resting upon, and the bedside table with a folded piece of parchment resting atop it that simply reads:

“The Tavernkeeper is awaiting your arrival downstairs.”

As you exit you find others like yourself emerging from the surrounding rooms. You are indeed in a tavern, but there is no hustle and bustle one might think to hear in such a place. The only person down on the main floor is a humanoid figure wiping down the bar, who smiles when they see you. They're familiar, but not, and you can't quite place their face. For some reason, however, their presence is comforting and warm.

“Welcome, Visitor. I'm sure you have a lot of questions.”

And you most certainly do.

Due to popular demand, the starter tavern and the drinks provided are available to in game characters via a portal accessible only to those with a faction gem.

DRINK MENU

FLAMEFRUIT SANGRIA a deep red wine based punch with chunks of softly glowing fruit floating in it. A single serving makes you feel relaxed, social, and maybe even a little flirty.

MOLTEN MEAD Though the thick drink itself is room temperature, it bubbles sluggishly, and feels very warm going down. The bold flavor affects your mood. You feel very bold! Like you could do anything!

BESALT BRANDY a hopefully staple drink for the brewery, this liquor is smooth and rich with a peppery bite. Ironically after consuming it, you kinda want to bite someone! Not hard! Just a little nip and nibble!

THAT ASHY ESPRESSO a single potent shot of dark espresso swirled with a gold-tinged cream. Intense and bitter with a hint of caramelized sugar. You are now very awake, hyper, and excited.

PYROCLAST'S WHISKEYa glossy black whiskey that turns a vibrant glowing orange when swirled. You now breathe fire.

EMBERMARK WINE a rich, velvety, spiced wine that immediately makes one feel mellow and calm.

CHOOSE YOUR DESTINY

As the effects of your drink wear off, the Tavernkeeper speaks once more:

”It is time, my friends, for you to find your new homes.”

You are compelled to walk through the only door leading out of the tavern, finding yourself not outside, but in a deep black, seemingly endless room with five portals arranged in a circle. As the last of you leave and the door closes behind you, gone when you look back again and replaced with nothing but that black void, three of the portals illuminate:

The first portal is surrounded by an almost blinding light, prismatic rainbows shining brightly in the dewy air outside of the tavern. A soft breeze may gently caress you, pulling you toward it. The portal seems to lead to a city in the clouds, airships and winged beings of all sorts soaring through the skies. Of the little bits of visible land, much of it boasts giant waterfalls that look like clouds melting into the land below. The portal calls to those who crave independence and freedom; and especially to anyone that wishes to find the strong bond of a family not forged in blood.

The second portal is encircled by a fairy ring of spotted white capped mushrooms, the faint scent of damp stone and rich earth wafting from within the faint green glow. Peering inside, one can see a sprawling harbor city of gray hewn stone, a melting pot of humanoid beings going about their day, and beyond, rolling green farmland and cottages clustered in small villages. This portal is destined for those who crave stability and solid ground beneath their feet. A simple life, an adventurous one, and everything in between can be found within.

The last portal is adorned with shells and seaweed, the glow of blue around it catching on droplets cascading down the circular opening. Beyond it you see a city housed inside a massive bubble deep under the ocean, spiraling towers encrusted with coral, and a variety of different creatures mingling about the streets. Outside of that bubble, merfolk swim, a massive squid engulfs the view from the portal as it smoothly glides through the water, and schools of fish disperse as it passes. A sanctuary in the sea that calls to those with a hunger for knowledge and a desire to aid those in need. Or perhaps it is the mystery that beckons you - the lure of the unknown in the depths that bids you explore it.

Upon following the pull of the breeze through the first portal, you are thrust into the beauty of a lively city that goes by the name of Heaven's Bow. Much of this main city feels exactly as you would expect on a city below, but there are clouds surrounding every direction you look. The walls of buildings are made with light-colored limestone, and buildings are generally built up to heights made even more grandiose by their position in the sky.

The Skyfall Docks are the first thing you notice, boasting hundreds of airships sailing in and out across the clouds with shouts that accompany a typical port city. Just outside is a fantastic market with goods not only from the other regions of Caldera, but from what some shopkeepers claim are other worlds--items sold or left behind by Visitors. Almost anything can be found in the markets if one is willing to look hard enough. Transport to other locations throughout the sky and even to the land or sea can be found here.

If the docks are too lively for you, you may instead find yourself roaming the underbelly of Heaven's Bow and finding brothels and gambling parlors filled with the promise of pleasure and fortune. The guild house for the Sylphs can be found here as well, giving out quests and training to prospective adventurers and guards alike--though none of them seem concerned with the illicit activities that surround them. Perhaps the freedom the Sylphs boast of extends to what others may deem an undesirable activity.

But most curious of all, you find a shimmering opal gemstone in your hand. When placed anywhere on the body, it will transform into a piece of jewelry with the gemstone set in the center.

If it was the second portal that called to you, you will find yourself in the busy city of Grey Ward, with its cobblestone streets and sturdy grey stone buildings. You are in the heart of the city, the Glass Market, so named for the colorful stained glass windows of the surrounding buildings. The scent of cooking food and the sound of barkers fills the air; watchful guards keep an eye out for pickpockets and thieves, and citizens go about their day. From here, one can investigate the rest of the city: the Sundown Docks, where both sea and sky faring skips transport people and goods. The Soot Spire, home of inventors and engineers. The Hearthstill, the main residential area. The Downs, a smaller residential area for those with less means.

Outside the city walls, one can explore acres of farmlands to the east and west, or follow Terra’s Pass to the less settled areas, but take care. Past the Skyward Range, out in the smaller burrows and villages, the influence of the city guard diminishes quickly, and you’ll have to keep your wits about you. Bandits along the road are always a risk, and the wildlife are less controlled by regimented hunting.

In your hand is a gemstone, a brilliantly green emerald that, when placed anywhere on the body, will transform into a piece of jewelry with the gemstone set in the center.

If the last portal beckoned you through it, you find yourself within that bubble covered city beneath the sea, the city of Salt Spire. Your ears pop with the change in pressure, and the smell of the salty sea fills your nostrils. All around you buildings made of dark stone encrusted with coral and seagrass tower high above your head, the backdrop outside the dome a deep blue, seemingly endless sea filled with fish and merfolk and all other manner of creature swimming through the water. You stand in the heart of it all, surrounded by people with gils on their necks and scales upon their vibrantly colored skin, all of whom seem intrigued by your arrival. You have many options of where to visit in the city under the sea, but where oh where will you go first?

The Salt Spire Library is right before you, an impossibly large building housing thousands upon thousands of books of all genres. Fiction, non-fiction, romance and mystery and all between. You may even find books from your world and others! Oddly enough though, no Calderan history books are to be found, and if you ask for them, the librarians and locals all choose to ignore your questions.

If scholarly pursuits aren't to your interest currently, perhaps a trip to Bluetide Market would be more your style? The marketplace is host to every manner of shop one might ever need: artisans of all varieties, apothecaries and healers in the Shimmer Quarter, the most in fashion undersea clothing shops, food stalls, and all between can be found in Bluetide. There are also the Tideshore and Fogbottom docks on either end of the city. The former allows transport to the surface via large, magical bubbles for those that cannot hold their breath or make the swim themselves yet. The latter allows people to venture further into the sea. Those without their underwater abilities are offered rebreathers for travel that last for four hours before needing to be replaced.

In your hand is a gemstone, a shining sapphire that, when placed anywhere on the body, will transform into a piece of jewelry with the gemstone set in the center.

IGNACIA'S CRADLE/EMBER VEIL

Months ago, a piece of land from Heaven’s Bow fell from the sky and scarred the land below, damaging a part of the city. From that chaos and ruin rose new life, a new ruler, and a new city: Ignacia’s Cradle. Just a short walk from the edge of Grey Ward, the gates of the city are guarded by two massive obsidian golems, and any who did not rise from the lava itself are warned at the entrance that to travel about the city will be most difficult, unless they have obtained a way to mitigate the extreme heat: be that with a charm, an ability, or a potion. The very streets themselves are paved in slabs of volcanic rock, tall spires of buildings constructed and shaped by rapidly cooled lava. The main method of travel are the mine carts, with tracks that wind through the spires ready to take one to almost any location.

Currently, the main feature of Ignacia’s Cradle is the Lava Flats, home of skilled smiths that use the extreme heat of the lava to melt the strongest metals and create unbreakable weapons, glassmakers and jewelers who fashion elaborate headpieces, rings, and amulets. These items are sold at the Ember Market on the outskirts of the Flats.

At the edge of the city lies the Ashfall Terrace, where a small farm using the rich volcanic ash and soil is in its infancy, as well as the Basalt Brewery where clever alchemists are researching ways to use the extreme heat to craft new and unique beverages that they are eager to find folk to test them out on.

The hot spring of Ignacia’s Cradle is a breathtaking anomaly located just beyond the Ashfall Terrace, tucked into a secluded crater formed by the celestial impact that gave rise to the city. Here, molten veins from the Lava Flats weave beneath the earth, heating a natural reservoir that bubbled to life amidst the chaos. The spring’s waters shimmer with an ethereal brilliance, hues of deep turquoise blending with molten gold and fiery orange, as though Heaven’s Bow itself left behind a fragment of its essence. Steam rises in curling wisps, carrying the tang of minerals and faint traces of sulfur.

The spring, known to locals as The Ember Veil, is both a sanctuary and a marvel of natural wonder. Its soothing waters are reputed to heal wounds and fortify the spirit, with the temperature kept in perfect balance by an intricate system of naturally formed vents and channels. The edges are lined with intricately carved obsidian benches, where patrons can soak their feet or meditate in the rising steam. Plants resistant to the intense conditions—vivid fire lilies and ash ferns—dot the perimeter, their resilience a symbol of life’s ability to flourish even in the harshest environments.

Sometimes, when two or more individuals share the waters, the spring creates a subtle connection between their minds, allowing memories to surface like ripples on its surface. These shared memories appear as glowing, translucent scenes that hover above the water, visible to all within the spring. Participants can relive moments from their lives, experiencing them through each other’s eyes, fostering profound empathy and understanding.

Another of the spring’s mystical properties occurs when bathers who enter the waters feeling drained, injured, or burdened by grief often find their vitality restored. The waters seem to draw out negative energies and emotions, replacing them with a warm, invigorating sensation that spreads through the body. In rare instances, the spring has been known to accelerate physical healing, mending minor injuries and soothing chronic aches, as though the magic itself is stitching the body back together.

A lesser-known but equally fascinating effect happens on particularly clear nights, when the moonlight reflects on the spring’s surface, some bathers report fleeting glimpses of potential futures. These visions are often cryptic, appearing as brief, dream-like flashes, but they have guided many to life-changing decisions. The alchemists of the Basalt Brewery believe this effect stems from residual cosmic energy, and they have begun experimenting with enhancing it through the addition of rare minerals and lunar elixirs.

RADIANT SUN

The day begins like no other, with the skies painted in hues of golden-pink as the Radiant Sun ascends. Its light spills over the world, warm and soft, caressing the land and filling every heart with a sense of peace. Beneath its glow, emotions of love and connection bloom like never before. Strangers exchange heartfelt smiles, old friends embrace as though no time has passed, and lovers find their feelings deepened, their bonds strengthened.

Even the air feels different—lighter, sweeter, as though the universe itself is celebrating. The songs of birds harmonize with the melodies of impromptu musicians who feel inspired by the sun’s radiance. Those with magical abilities sense their powers of healing and creation magnified, as if the sun itself lends its strength to their intentions. Long-held grudges seem to melt away under the sun’s tender gaze, replaced by tears of reconciliation and words of forgiveness.

The Radiant Sun touches every heart differently:

◾A widow finds peace as memories of her late spouse no longer bring sorrow but gratitude for the love they shared.
◾A timid youth finds the courage to confess their feelings to the person they’ve admired for so long.
◾A gruff warrior lets down their guard, laughing freely with their companions for the first time in years.

For a fleeting moment, the world feels as it should be—unified, harmonious, and drenched in love.

But as the day wanes and the Radiant Sun dips below the horizon, an unease begins to settle...

JEALOUS MOON

The golden light gives way to deep purples and silvers as the Jealous Moon rises, its glow pale and cold. Its light pierces the heart, not to warm it, but to expose the insecurities that lie buried within. Where love had flourished during the day, doubt begins to creep in.

Under the Jealous Moon’s influence, emotions twist and darken:

◾A once-reconciled pair of siblings argue over old grievances, as jealousy over perceived favoritism resurfaces.
◾A couple, who had spent the day lost in each other’s arms, now question each other’s loyalty and intentions.
◾A nobleman, inspired to be generous during the day, grows suspicious of those who received his gifts, fearing they may exploit his kindness.

The air grows heavy with tension, and the magic of the Radiant Sun fades, replaced by the sharp sting of distrust. The moon’s pale light seems to follow people like a judgmental gaze, amplifying every fear, insecurity, and lingering resentment.

Worse still, the night seems endless, as though time itself has bent beneath the weight of the Jealous Moon’s envious glow. For three long days and nights, the moon lingers high in the sky, its pale, piercing light casting a shadow over hearts and minds, amplifying discord and despair. Its power sows strife among even the closest bonds, driving some to dangerous extremes. Yet, when all seems lost, the scholars of the three factions unite their wisdom and uncover a glimmer of hope—a means to dispel the moon’s cruel influence. For those who have not yet succumbed to jealousy’s grip, there remains a chance to reclaim harmony, a chance for redemption before the damage becomes irreversible.

The solution lies not in complex rituals or rare relics but in the simplest and most instinctive actions: physical connection. To weaken the moon’s hold, people must embrace one another—offering a hug, a handshake, or even resting a hand on someone’s shoulder. These gestures of closeness disrupt the isolation and mistrust that the moon thrives upon. Sitting side by side or holding hands creates a barrier against its oppressive light, reminding the afflicted that they are not alone. Even small acts, like sharing warmth through proximity or clasping arms in solidarity, build a shield of connection that the moon cannot penetrate.

As these actions ripple through the night, the Jealous Moon’s light begins to dim, its sharp, cold glow softening until it fades from the sky entirely. The tension in the air lifts, replaced by a quiet calm that feels almost foreign after the chaos of the past three days. Slowly, the world seems to exhale, and the darkness that clung so tightly to the hearts of many begins to loosen its grip. People step back from the brink of despair, their minds clearing as if waking from a long, disorienting dream. Relationships strained by the moon’s influence begin to mend as apologies are exchanged, tears are shed, and bonds are reaffirmed.

ALL IS WELL(?)

With the Radiant Sun rising again, its golden-pink hues spilling across the horizon, life begins to return to normal. The birds resume their morning songs, markets reopen, and the hum of daily activity fills the air once more. Though traces of the moon’s influence linger in whispered memories, there is a collective sense of relief and gratitude among the people—gratitude for the light, for connection, and for a second chance to heal.

In the outskirts of Ignacia's Cradle, Aella and Terra, two of the three leaders of the factions, come together to address the gathered crowds. Together they assure the people that this celestial event was a rare anomaly, something never before recorded in the annals of history. They explain that while the Jealous Moon’s influence was unprecedented and deeply unsettling, it was a unique alignment of cosmic forces that is unlikely to occur again in their lifetimes—or ever.

The leaders thank the people for their resilience and compassion, emphasizing how their acts of unity—simple gestures of closeness and connection—proved stronger than the moon’s envy. They commend the scholars for their quick thinking and the Visitors for their role in guiding others through the chaos. Finally, they urge everyone to move forward, not in fear of what has passed, but with the knowledge that even in the darkest moments, their strength lies in the bonds they share.

QUESTBOARD

Settled in? Good. It's time to make your way to the Questboard located in every city in numerous, easy to access locations. That is, if you want to make any kind of impact on the world or just get some Bones for anything you might wish to purchase. Visitors are given a very small stipend in which to survive every month, but all it does is keep you fed and housed. These quests will assure you greater wealth, and they're the main reason you're here: each finished quest helps the Calderans fix their shattering world.

Quests can be accepted at the questboard via magically signed parchment upon the board. Just sign your name to accept and the paper will be whisked away... somewhere. You're not actually sure. Probably nothing to concern yourself with.

Once quests are completed, earned Bones will be dropped off at the character's residence by Bonita, the mysterious artisan who has supposedly handcrafted every Bone circulating in Caldera. Please do not speak to her, she startles easily.

*February will be the last month to complete quests for this rotation. New ones will go up on March 1st.

OOC NOTES

Welcome to Caldera's fifth TDM! All characters awaken in a strange tavern with nothing save the clothes on their backs, all of their powers stripped, and a piece of parchment directing them downstairs to the Tavernkeeper. There is a thread of all questions answered by the Tavernkeeper here, and if you have more, feel free to ask there for what would be offered ICly.

For OOC questions, please direct themhere.

All locations are available to be explored! Ignacia's Cradle and Ember Veil have been added, along with details about the Violet Drop regarding the Cult of Triton.

The TDM is game canon and all completed quests can be carried over once accepted into the game.

Participation in the Radiant Sun/Jealous Moon effects is not mandatory.

main navigation

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

For his part, Adrian is trying to find himself a nice new pair of gloves, which is going about as well as this sword haggling he can overhear. He's definitely not eavesdropping on purpose, but when called out to he does look over a little too quickly. Sorry, was listening, now what's this—

He looks at the sword, hums, and says, "Yes, I'd say so. It is a bit stingy to peddle shoddy wares, isn't it? What if you paid full price and it shattered on first contact?"

Now he puts down the gloves he was looking at and comes over, eyeing the sword from up close and clicking his tongue. He points to, hm, a part of the blade, for sure. "See? It would snap right here."

Heh. This guy gets it. Felix smirks.

Unfortunately, the merchant doesn't appreciate their commentary.

I'll have you know my wares are of finest quality, sir!

"I've held a sword since I was old enough to hold anything. I know lackluster quality when I see it. But if I can't have my own masterfully crafted weapon, I can settle for this one, for... Twenty gold. Er- Bones." Still not used to the currency here.

Twenty-five, not a Bone less.

Boneless. Ha ha.

"Fine. Deal." Felix slaps the Bones down on the table and turns away, immediately putting the weapon on his hip. He nods to the stranger.

"You know your stuff," he says, not sure if the stranger actually does or was just putting on a show, but either way, he appreciates it.

Adrian doesn't say anything else, but he's got a critically raised eyebrow that could fell a lesser man that he employs liberally here, simply staring judgmentally at the merchant during the rest of the exchange. He adds a gesture towards the stranger as if to say, You see? He knows quality!

With the sword purchased, he turns away himself, shrugging. "I'm really dedicated to discounts," he says, which is true; he can't afford too many luxury items and he does tend to prioritize his swords. He's pulled this exact haggle before. "And an expert smith would have taken a second look at the sword, besides." A vendor more interested in the price obviously doesn't actually know that much about real quality, so it's obvious they're going to upcharge just because they can.

"Not that I'm a smith," Adrian adds, with a little wave of his hand, not at all, "I'm an instructor. I know my blades."

Felix scoffs a small laugh. He actually kind of likes this stranger, so willing to back him up.

"An instructor, hm? Who do you teach?"

Felix could definitely teach if he wanted to, but he doesn't. And even if he did, he hardly has the people skills for it.

"Noble heirs, mostly. I taught at the university back home for a time, but..." He shrugs; but then it sucked, so he left for the private sector. The one-on-one style with the rich kids is different, but it's not all bad.

Don't mind him idly moseying back over to those gloves he was looking at, before the sword episode. He does still need some new gear, himself.

"Well, it's the young nobles, these days. Some of them are more enthusiastic than others."

Felix exhales a small huff of laughter, following him over to the gloves.

"That's funny. You could have been my instructor, about... Six years ago."

"Oh?" Good, the pair he was looking at is still here, he picks it up to turn one of the gloves over and squint at the inner lining. "I wouldn't have guessed, after the way you had that merchant quaking in his pointy shoes."

Hah. His kids- his students, he can't be sentimental so far from home- aren't exactly all snobs, but none of them want for anything or care about spending money, really. He's used to a very specific kind of noble.

"Hah."

Felix is what many would probably call a brat due to his temper, but he's far from a snob.

"I guess I'm not your typical spoiled noble. I'm not refined or well-mannered and I don't expect things handed to me. I prefer to work for what I want."

"I daresay a typical noble is only one of those things," he says, half-muttered like some poncy rich person is going to appear and gasp in offense at him over it. Spoiled is the thing, of course, but then he's an outlier: he meets a lot of ill-mannered people, noble or otherwise.

And also these gloves, take a look, "What do you think?" Should he blow, like, all his money on these? They're nice.

"Mm," Felix hums with a small smile. "Good point. The ones who consider themselves well-mannered are the ones I find most insufferable."

Felix takes the glove, then removes his own glove so he can properly feel the material. Leather, with a nice lining, well-made. He nods approvingly.

"Not bad. Be sure to try them on and test the fit and grip. You can borrow this sword if you don't have one yet."

That makes him scoff, amused; this guy isn't wrong, the ones who think they're on their best behavior are usually the worst.

"I appreciate that," he says, terribly sword-free. He moves to tug the gloves on, both of them, giving the fingers a few flexes before holding out his hand to borrow the sword. A bit sheepishly, "My old sword was enchanted."

Said like this is the reason he hasn't replaced it yet, silly as that seems. It was his favorite, see...

Felix unsheathes the sword and hands it over. The gloves do look sort of dashing on him, not that Felix would ever let such a thought come out of his mouth.

"Enchanted? How so?"

The sword has a good heft to it, he thinks as he takes it and adjusts his grip, holding it up at the ready. He does use a blade like this most often, but even in this small amount of gesturing with a sword, his instinct to arrange his stance like a fencer bleeds through a little. He is more dashing like this than he is making faces at merchant vendors though, true.

"It caught fire." He misses that sword more and more with every hour. A beat, then, "Enchanted it myself."

Well, wielding a sword skilfully, fencing or not, is definitely the #1 way to impress Felix Fraldarius. He stands with a hand on his hip, watching Adrian with a light expression and a brightness in his eyes, which is pretty rare to see on him- he's usually scowling.

"On purpose?" Felix asks before he can catch himself. By the fond tone Adrian uses, it's clear that he means it was on purpose. Felix's world has fire magic and swords, but the two don't mix in that way.

"Impressive. I'd like to see it. I had a few good swords, including one that could heal me while I was holding it, but none were enchanted."

With a sword in his hand Adrian feels like nearly a different person, all crisp precision and proper form. It's obvious that he's a good instructor, even as he tries to scoff smugly and winds up making himself cough for a few seconds, oof--

"Of course it was on purpose," he manages, after it passes. He was doing a whole thing, showing off about the sword, only to fumble at the finish. He gives Felix's sword one last test swing before he flips his grip to hand it back, apparently satisfied. A healing sword makes his eyebrows raise, hm, but first, "If they'll deign to give it back to me, I'll owe you a free try."

You know, in exchange for letting him do this. He's going to get the gloves, so while he fiddles in his pockets for Bones, "Though that sounds enchanted to me. How did it do that?"

That confidence is clear, and it's the same way Felix feels wielding a blade. Like he's truly himself.

His brow furrows in slight concern as Adrian coughs, but smooths as he recovers, and he makes no comment. He's still impressed, don't worry.

"That's... Generous of you." There's a warmth in his voice that is scarcely ever there, but being offered to try a rare flaming sword is a true treat. "Guess we're supposed to do their bidding and beg, first, though. Tch." He scoffs in disdain.

"Well... Actually, now that I think of it, it might be enchanted. We just don't use words like that. It's called a sacred weapon. It was made by a Saint and wielded by my ancestor Fraldarius, who was one of the Ten Elites. The sword heals anyone who holds it, but especially those who bear my crest, the Crest of Fraldarius. A crest is an innate power passed down through bloodlines."

"I have a shield that's similarly passed down through my family, but it's a hero's relic, which means if you wield it without having the Crest of Fraldarius, it can hurt you, or even corrupt you and turn you into a demonic beast."

He's just awkward, nothing to worry about here. But now he's awkward with very nice gloves to give him a charisma buff, so he's got that going for him. He tugs at them a bit then flexes his fingers again, now that they're his; he's got to break them in a bit.

"I didn't hear about the begging." The rewards for good behavior, sure, but not begging.

As for the rest of this, he's listening, but it's well outside of his wheelhouse-- sacred weapons and crests and elites (ten of them). Forgive the way he honestly boggles, mouth slightly open and brow furrowed. Well, let him unpack all that, and also shuffle away from this vendor stall with him...

"That does sound enchanted. Both of those. My family runs an inn, so if we've got anything like that, my parents never told me. It'd be a big cooking pot, I bet." A beat. How does one act a near stranger about his bloodline magic in a casual way? "Hereditary magic? I've never heard of it beyond picking up talents from your relatives."

The gloves definitely are at least +1 charisma, worth the Bones. Once Adrian has his flaming sword, it won't matter a lick how awkward he is.

"Well, not really. That's just how pathetic it feels going to some Leader person to ask for my stuff back." Pretty please, can I have my sword? Felix's pride hates that.

Yes, tremendously sorry for the lore dump, Adrian. Weapons are pretty much the only thing Felix will yap about at length.

Felix snorts a laugh at that. Actually quite funny. It sounds like something Ashe would say, he thinks with a small pang of regret.

"Supposedly the power comes from the Goddess originally, gifted to humans or whatever. Just like anything inherited, eye colour or hair colour, you're not guaranteed to be born with one just because your parent has it. My best friend has a crest, but his brother doesn't, which caused a lot of jealousy. My crest makes me stronger when I'm using a weapon. Some other crests boost magic or healing abilities."

"Fair," he concedes, with a grimace. He needs his sword back, but having to go ask for it definitely chafes. Honestly, having to interact with these strange Leaders at all sounds like the last thing he ever wants to do.

Not being guaranteed one of these crest things sounds like it must cause a problem to him even before Felix mentions his friend— he's not even from the same place, these crests don't exist to him, but he's suddenly glad to be an only child. The idea of a crest, at least in its function, sounds almost like... well, he knows magical enhancements, just none that are in the bloodline.

"It sounds like a hassle," he says, without really thinking about it. Then he holds up a hand, like, oops, "No offense."

"None taken. They cause way more political and family drama than they're worth. I never liked the focus on them. Anyone can be strong, crest or not, if they work hard."

Felix is strong now without his. It just gives him a boost in strength- the skill is all his tireless work.

Anyway, he's tired of talking so much. It feels weird.

"Other than the bratty nobles, what's it like where you're from?"

Adrian gives him a brief appraising look, eyebrow quirked just a little; really not like the other nobles, is he? That's different-- pleasantly so, if a bit surprising.

"There are a lot of them." Bratty nobles. He isn't sure where to start talking about home, when so many things about home are steeped in disappointment and shame. "It's like anywhere else, I suppose. An Emperor, the nobles, the rules. Neighbors with an axe to grind... but enchanted swords, too."

He's not like other nobles, he's a COOL noble, he can hang with the commoners!

Their worlds sound as similar as they are.

"So you're a mage as well as a swordsman, then. I've dabbled in magic, but it sounds like it might work differently there."

No crests, for one, and enchantment really isn't that common in Fodlan. He wonders if there are other differences.

A cool noble, of course-- well, he has good taste in swords, so he has that going for him.

Adrian goes on a sort of face journey at "mage," opening his mouth, closing it again, grimacing, considering it, grimacing a little less hard than the first one-- all within the span of a couple seconds. So many ways to answer that assumption, but eventually he settles on, "Yes."

So the rest of that reaction was probably nothing. "I went to school for sorcery." Then, pivoting and lifting a finger to indicate, uh, the sky with a loopy gesture, this means the leaders somehow, "Shame about, you know, having to beg for magic, too."

Felix has no idea why he's making weird faces. There's nothing wrong with being a mage. He nods- some of his friends went to the school of sorceryin Fodlan.

"Yes, irritating. But there seem to be other kinds of magic here than what exists at home, so maybe there's more you can do with it here." Showing someone else's memories in a hot spring pool definitely isn't something that could happen in Fodlan.

There's nothing wrong with being a mage, in fact he's wanted to be a powerful sorcerer since was about eight, but there are so many things wrong with being the wrong kind of mage. At least back home. Adrian has figured out that this place probably won't arrest him for so much as thinking about magic, but still, old habits.

Old habits and making faces. He wonders if the magic of this place would act like the magic at home. It's been a while since he learned magic.

"I imagine I'll find out no matter what. Someone told me sometimes magical skills are... impressed on people? Even if they don't ask?" Wild!

grey ward

sword guyyyysssss

sword guys!!!!

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject