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acatalepsy_ooc2019-01-19 05:03 pm
acatamods) wrote in acatalepsy_ooc2019-01-19 05:03 pm
Entry tags:
TEST DRIVE MEME #5.
 test drive meme #5 It happens in the blink of an eye. One moment, you are home. Perhaps you are with your family, perhaps you are at work. It's a completely normal day . . . and then, suddenly, your stomach drops. You are overcome with a sudden sense of vertigo. You cannot see up, or down, or where you are. You fall flat on your face. It's bright, warm, and humid . . . for now. Weirdly, the weather seems to be entirely in flux. One moment, it is warm and humid, and within the next handful of hours, it is starting to snow. Whatever is going on with Astoria seems to be messing with the atmosphere of the Temple, and as a result, you are having something of a wild entrance to Acatalepsy. It takes a few seconds for you to gain composure and catch your breath. You are surrounded by ancient stone buildings, with carvings you do not recognize etched into the stone. There's a sense of nausea, overwhelming and sudden, when you realize you aren't in Kansas anymore. Indeed, it seems as if you have fallen down the rabbit hole. A weird, mysterious, snowing-yet-humid rabbit hole.  THE TEMPLE OF BEGINNINGS. Welcome to the "Home Base" of Astoria's Circle. What the actual name of the base is called is lost to the ages, and there's no sense of where you could find it, unless you started asking around. At any rate, this is a central hub of the Circle, a place of powerful magic and mysterious energy. It is a scattering of ancient stone buildings and for the most part, it looks abandoned . . . except for what seems to be a few items, some rooms taken, items moved or organized, even a small garden planted. These are just the smallest hints that there are people here that have been here before you arrived. Overall, it's fairly beautiful. However, it is definitely not modern. Upon exploration, you find that the buildings are kept up by some kind of magic. Some of the rooms have items, things from other Circle members already settled, and others appear to be unclaimed. Pick your rooms, explore the grounds, see the beauty and wonder all around you in such a magical place. However, be careful -- there is some additional movement around the Temple that seems specific to the time of year. HAPPY UN-BIRTHDAY.  The kitchen has become overtaken with a flurry of activity. Vines have woven their way into the area of the Temple typically reserved for food, and there is a massive tea party! What a splendiferous thing -- surely this can't be all that bad. There is such a massive array of food here that it almost seems impossible to know where to start . . . tea and cookies set out with messages that read “EAT/DRINK ME." Well, if you insist. However . . . certain foods and drinks have certain effects upon your person that are wholly unexpected. Well, drat. If you taste the rosehip tea, you are suddenly infatuated with the first individual you lay eyes on. They are everything to you. You think you may even want to propose, immediately, right now. Weddings, I love weddings! Tasting the ladyfingers will cause you to spill your deepest secrets to whoever is nearby. Have a secret crush? Not anymore! The entire room has to know about it, and you somehow can't seem to shut up about whatever you've been trying to keep quiet. A sip of the chamomile tea will cause you to become ridiculously sleepy. That corner looks like a particularly delightful place to take a nap, doesn't it? Maybe someone else wants to nap too. The Madeline cakes cause a ridiculously high spike in happiness. Nothing can get you down, not even the grumpiest of people. Smile, smile, smile! You need to spread this joy to everyone in your reach. A nibble of the scones will prevent you from lying. . . and, in addition, you will be brutally honest on whatever question you're asked. Maybe now is a bad time to give an opinion on your friend's outfit or new haircut, hm? And, finally, the Earl Grey tea will cause an enhancement of your Astoria given powers. Make sure you have that under control, or you may accidentally blow out a window, depending on what it is. YOU'RE LATE, YOU'RE LATE.  The Unseen Servants will be a little, well, mad. Not that anyone will be able to see them, but there will seem to be things moving around the Temple at random, whether they be sheets, clothing, food, furniture, etc. with very little if any logical reason to it. It almost appears like the sheets and the like are moving throughout the air without any rhyme or reason to it . . . someone certainly isn't happy that the Temple is all astray.In addition, the Unseen Servants may also be attempting to steal things off of you. After all, you are also new to their world, and they want to make sure everything is put into their proper place, so beware any silent mischievous Unseen Servants dipping hands into pockets. Also . . . some of the rooms in the Temple are shifting around. Certain entryways could lead you to a select location at random. You may have thought you were entering your room, but it appears you’ve wound up in someone else’s. Or the bathhouse. Or the forest. Either way, you may find yourself lost for a bit...until the Temple decides to stop playing tricks on you. Keep track of your location, or you may wind up in the Forest of the Fey by mistake. OFF WITH YOUR HEAD.  Should you approach the fighting ring, you’ll find that isn’t quite what you’d expect — there are no training dummies to be found, the rusted gates are colored a lavish gold, and the dirt ground has been replaced with a red and black checkered flooring. More notably, the ring itself seems to have expanded to make way for seating so that it’s become more of an arena than anything. There is an audience of spectators: many of them are typically known as the bestiary of this Temple. They are a bit more, er, refined and chatty today.When you enter, the gates will shut behind you. They will not budge. You have now entered a makeshift Royal Court. Suddenly, a playing card manifests in your hand. It might be… A Heart: A princess-like figure is displayed on this card. She appears to be singing.On the back reads a message that states “This card withholds your role. You’ll be permitted to leave once we are thoroughly entertained. Best of luck!” No further instruction is given. Those who have entered with you are in the same predicament. How will you interpret your card? Who are you stuck with and how will you satisfy the audience? Or are you a member of the audience instead? Either way, good luck getting out — it’s up to you! COMMUNICATIONS.  Upon arriving, you will notice on whichever is your non-dominant hand, you will have a fairly simply screen. A smart watch, if you will. Upon exploration, you will find that it has a directory of all those here with you at the Temple of Beginnings- names, and access to a direct message to them. The watch also has video, audio, and text capabilities, as well as what looks like a collection of messages sent to everyone who wishes to open them. This is your 'network', and also how Astoria can reach out and communicate with you. There is nothing keeping you from removing and/or losing your watch! But remember that you will not have access to this network without it. OOC: Also feel free to join us and other possible players on our discord server! enjoy! ♥ |
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[Maes looks down at his own card again, frowning thoughtfully. This will teach him not to come wandering into a fighting ring he has no place being in. He'd rather just play a game of poker or something with the cards, but that doesn't seem to be an option.
He looks up when he hears the rattle of a gate being kicked, which also gives him an opportunity to see him bang his head against it as well. He shakes his head, mildly amused.]
Unless your head is as hard as a rock, I'm not sure that's going to do any good.
[Maes pockets the card as Quentin approaches him again. Well that was quite a turn around. His queen? Really? Good lord.]
Sorry, I'm already married. Besides, we do have one other trick I could try.
[Though he has a strong suspicion it won't work, there's a saying about not knowing until you try. So Maes decides to go ahead and accept the offered arm. However, instead of going forward as a Queen, he concentrates on his Astoria-granted powers of teleportation.
It goes rather spectacularly wrong. For starters, he vanishes but is unable to take Quentin with him in the teleport. It feels like he hits a wall and then a second later Maes reappears a few feet away flat on his back, the card rather pointedly on his face now as if to remind him rather firmly of the rules.]
Yeah...that seems about right.
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[Though he's curious what this trick is, and he looks at Maes with a newfound curiosity.
And the the dude just leaves in a poof. And okay. So he's actually used to people doing that. April does that. But she's a cyber dryad and plays by her own rules. Sir Etienne and Chelsea and Queen Arden Windermere in the Mists can all teleport, though usually there's a portal. Did he miss the portal?
But then Maes is back and Quentin is blinking. He slips his own card into his pocket and makes his way over.]
Are you okay? What just happened? Did you teleport? Are you Tuatha de Dannan?
[Sorry he's full of questions. But he also reaches a hand down towards him to offer him help up.]
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[That sounded like a mouthful of a name for sure. Maes accepts the hand, pulling himself back to his feet. The card had fallen back to the ground and he frowns at it accusingly.]
As for your other questions...I'm fine and I just tried to teleport us out of here. [He pauses, this guy is new so maybe he hasn't had that talk yet. He picks up his card, tucking it back into his shirt pocket.] When we're brought to the Temple we're also given a magical ability. That was mine...except whatever magic is at work here apparently overrides that one.
[He rubs at his neck, he'd hit the ground a little hard though he should be able to shake it off soon.] I figured it was worth a shot...though I had a feeling even before trying that it wasn't going to be that easy.
[He sighs and extends his arm again, trying to go back to the position they'd been in prior to his escape attempt.]
So...where were we?
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[But if Maes doesn't know, Quentin won't elaborate.
He will, however, make a face at that information.] So she gives people powers? Isn't that dangerous? Humans aren't exactly made for using magic. Usually getting involved with it at all ends pretty badly for them.
[His voice is solemn at that, considering that his thoughts go to his former girlfriend. Katie had been human. Her experience with Faerie had nearly broken her, and she'd only been saved by having it stripped from her memories. He does is best to shake off those thoughts and focus.
Right okay. Back to play acting.]
We were about to assume the throne I guess. Until my queen decided to try to make a run for it.
[It's light teasing. He doesn't know this guy, but all of this is awkward so he's trying. He'll settle his arm in Maes' again.]
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Probably. I can attest that getting used to it has taken some time, but I'm not sure if things can get much worse than already being stuck here.
[He's never had an issue...aside from when he got sick a few months back. Mostly it's other people who are bothered by his ability and mostly that is from Roy. He smirks.]
What can I say...cold feet I guess.
[The real question in his mind right now is how they're supposed to act like king and queen. Is there a court? His card showed a woman pointing...what does even mean.]
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[A pause and he flinches before adding, sheepish,] Actually, I think I'd get in trouble if Her Highness ever heard I'd said that.
[Technically he outranks said queen, and she's one of the very few who knows that, but since it's a secret. Trouble.]
I just wish I knew what it wanted us to do. Are we supposed to hold court? There aren't exactly any courtiers or petitioners. [He will actually drag his card out and turn it over a few times.] Should I find something to stand on?
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[He gestures vaguely with his hand. He can't deny that he is curious about these little tidbits the other man seems to be dropping. But now doesn't really seem like the time to be nosy. Like most things he files it away for later.]
Well, your card did have an illustration like that. So it couldn't hurt.
[Maes looks around and notices a raised platform along with crate-like objects that someone could use to, potentially, set up a podium. He considers going to get them but then recalls his own card. Right, a queen wouldn't fetch something. He clears his throat and gestures sternly at one of the spectators in the stands. Not exactly courtiers, but they had to be there for a reason right? He needs to sell this.]
You there! Fetch thi---my king the materials for a podium. He wishes to address you.
[He casts a glance at Quentin, the silent question being: How was that?]
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[New world. New people. No chance of Arden hearing and getting cranky at him. Technically he outranks her, but that's a gigantic secret, so it won't do much to save him from trouble.
But being in a weird other world might. Great he's found a bright side.]
Not bad. Not bad at all. [Good job, Maes. Very queenlike.]
And my lady [Sorry.] Will need a throne. Court can't be held without the proper formalities and ceremony. It wouldn't do.
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Ah, yes. Quite right.
[Maes looks around, pointing at a different figure now.]
And you where are the thrones? What sort of court do you think this is?
[Two servant bow and scurry off to supposedly find suitable chairs, meanwhile another begins setting up the podium.]
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This is somehow the weirdest thing I've had to do in a while, which is kind of impressive, considering.
[He spends most of his time pretending he's definitely not royalty. And now he's pretending to be royalty while still keeping up that pretense. To get out of some weird trap by putting on a pretty odd play?
But hey. Podium. Why not.
He hops up onto it well, makes a decree.] Once we have our thrones, this game ends. We have other matters to attend to. The weight of a crown must be carried no matter the burden or boon that it is. And we will be carrying it... out of here. Yeah.
[Well. He started strong there.]
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[There's a dry sarcasm in that voice that speaks volumes. Granted, Maes's levels of weirdness were probably much lower than Quentin's, but the way he spoke implied that Quentin was in for some shit.
When Quentin finishes his speech, if that's what he wants to call it, Maes polite claps. Gently, as a Queen would. He's hooping that all the bossing around he did worked earlier, but just in case he tosses in one final.]
Applaud for your king.
[There is indeed polite applause. What else is Maes supposed to do when all his card shows is some woman pointing her finger at people?]
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[Quentin deadpans, but he manages a smile anyway. Fine. Even more weirdness ahead. He'll brace himself for it.
And oh hey. Applause. Great.]
Now. Open the doors!
[...maybe? Yes?
Quentin just plain lights up when a couple of the servants move to do just that. He looks to Maes with a triumphant look. Hey! Hey look they did it.
He hops off his platform and walks over to Maes and for good measure drops a perfectly executed little bow, holding it a moment.]
It's been a pleasure. Buuuut, since this was a political union, probably best we call it off. [A little grin and he adds,] Maybe we can be friends?
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When Quentin bows, he glances at the servants. He decides to be on the safe side and to ensure they don't change their mind, he gives a quick courtesy. It feels weird, but at least no one had forced him into the dress and tiara for the moment.]
Considering we both have significant others back home, I'd say the feeling is mutual and we can part on amicable terms.
[He holds out a hand.]
Maes Hughes. We didn't get a chance to really exchange pleasantries earlier...guess that happens when your forced into ruling a courtyard for all of half an hour.
[He leans in when Quentin accepts it and adds. in a lowered voice.]
And maybe let's get out of here before they change their mind and we get reinstated.
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Quentin. I guess I was too confused for manners to start with.
[He offers with another smile as he shakes the offered hand.]
Out sounds great. That was still weird, and I'm just glad it's over.
[He's honestly way too uncomfortable with the whole thing, for what it was.]
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[Maes remembers feeling pretty overwhelmed himself, granted there had been other things on his mind at the time aside from just winding up in a strange new world.
He starts walking towards the open gate, figuring he'd take the initiative to get the heck out of dodge. He's good at escaping after all.]
Yeah, even for this place, this is a new one. Usually we get a bit of calm after we're back from another world.
[Astoria had been acting strange as well, perhaps this was related.]
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[But it's still oddly familiar feeling, the odd shifting forest and the Temple that feels weirdly alive.]
It's kind of unsettling.
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[Maes had thought it was a version of the afterlife, so he can understand someone trying to place it within their own knowledge of the world.]
As far as I know not everyone here is human...but you're right there's probably a majority of us.
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[He's only a little cranky about the whole thing.
But now he's curious too.]
Not everyone is human, and that's cool, right? No one's trying to burn anyone at a stake?
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[Sorry, he doesn't mean to be so blase. He was in Quentin's shoes once and he understands the need to be a little cranky about things.]
Not that I've heard of and it seems like that would be a pretty apparent thing to be occurring.
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[No burning. No one freaking out about magic. No human brains breaking at the very thought. All told?
He's seen worse.]
Definitely good. So... if someone weren't human, it'd be fine for them not to worry about a disguise?
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And I mean, off the top of my head I know we have a centaur and a guy with purple skin in the group.
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Okay. Quentin nods and reaches up to run a hand through his hair, in the process shaking off his human disguise and dispelling the illusion. He's recognizably himself, but his features are finer, ears sharply pointed, hair a metallic shade of bronze with the beginning of patina at the very ends, eyes too blue to be a naturally occurring color.]
Cool. That makes things a little easier at least.