acatamods: (Default)
acatamods. ([personal profile] acatamods) wrote in [community profile] acatalepsy_ooc2018-06-19 11:13 pm
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test drive # 2







test drive meme #2
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.

All you hear is a voice -- light, bubbly, warm, soothing, in your ear:

Don't worry, darling. This won't hurt a bit~ ♥

For those who recognize the voice, it will sound a bit strained. Possibly tired. But the moment happens so quickly it's hard to pin down, and once that moment is over, you fall flat on your face. It's dim, damp, with the trickling of what feels like rain. It takes a few moments for you to gain composure, to catch your breath. You think, for half a moment, that a hand is on your back, rubbing between your shoulder blades in comfort, but when you open your eyes, no one is there. 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.

And, of course, because this is just your luck.

It's raining.



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.

For some, this place is home. For others, this strange land is new and dark, like a haze has settled in the air. The creatures in the forest seem to be stirring, and every now and then the sky will open up, and a storm will pass through, in varying degrees of intensity. Some will be easy spring showers, others will be angry, thunderous storms.

Not exactly the most welcoming place, but it's a start.

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. The rain makes everything feel a bit softer, but also eerie, like there is a secret being kept just on the outside of your vision.

Of course, this means you have free reign. This place seems easy enough to figure out on your own, with enough time to take a walk around! However- members who recognize this place may notice the lack of a certain figure, the grounds feeling a bit more empty, more abandoned, than they did before.



IT'S A FIELD OF . . . POPPIES?
The buildings of the Temple of Beginnings span out across a fair-sized field, intermixed with trees, open grassy planes, outside sitting areas, fire rings, and other oddly ancient but somehow structures. With the mist and the rain, everything feels a bit more ethereal, like there is life to every inch of what you see before you. Or like you've stumbled into some kind of alternate world. Around the temple is a ring of stones that do not seem to move no matter what characters may attempt, and beyond that is the forest.

The forest itself is more than just impressive - it is near-overwhelming. An impossibly ancient stretch of woods that crackle with magical energy. Within, there is all matter of fauna and flora, darting from tree trunk to tree trunk. The canopy is thick enough to shield from the worst of the rain, but still the water gets through, dripping down through the leaves and dampening the ground under your feet. While there is always a sense of wonder - and possible danger - in every stretch of this forest, nothing will come any closer than a brief glimpse out of the corner of your eyes.

No matter how you try, you can't quite seem to catch a full glimpse of what is moving about. Some of the creatures seem small, flittering through the air, while others dart through the trees, larger, more imposing. Everything here seems to be looking for some kind of shelter, so be wary of stumbling across something already taken.

There is a particular clearing not too far into the woods that opens up, a field encircled by trees. In the middle of the field there is an odd glow - luminescent even in the darkened sky. Upon investigation, you will find a bush - about the size of a small car - filled with glowing flowers, white, blue, gold, and purple. They all smell faintly sweet, but it's hard to tell with the scent of earth and rain all around you.

if you decide to pick one of these flowers, there will be no immediate recourse. However, the longer you decide to keep the flower on your person - or if, for whatever reason, you decide to eat said flower - the following will start to set in.
White: For whatever reason, you will have more energy than you know what to do with, and will be filled with the urge to shine. Ever needed a confidence booster? To a point that you need to get up on buildings and belt your favorite song at the top of your lungs? Well, now you do.
Blue: After some time of carrying around this flower, you will start to feel at peace. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing, is it? Until that feeling of peace continues to grow, and continues, and continues. Soon you will feel so peaceful, it's almost as if nothing matters at all. I mean...it'll work out in the end, won't it? You're no longer missing home, missing people, worried about what happened and what you might fine. Everything is chill. Beyond chill. The most chill. But maybe out in the middle of the forest isn't the best place for a nap?
Gold: Congrats, you've officially become a hoarder! No, seriously, you will have this uncontrollable urge to grab things and collect them. It doesn't matter what they are, or where they are. You need to have them and you will find a way to make it happen. Hats? Rings? People with green hair? The world is your oyster, and that's the key word here - yours.
Purple: Suddenly, and without warning, you find yourself unable to...well. Go on alone, really. The first person you see, or that you come in contact with, will feel much like the savior of your world, and for the next five hours or so, you will be unable to be far from them. Even if you know the fear is irrational, you can't really help it, following friend or stranger alike, always needing to be just in arms reach.
Regarding further exploration of the wood, it will seem to go on forever. Getting lost seems almost imperative to existence within this forest, going on forever in all directions with no edge in sight. You could walk for days, weeks, possibly even more. However, the second that you find yourself thinking about wanting to return to the buildings from before, you find yourself cresting through the edge of the trees, back to your home.



RUN BY THE RIVER
While inside the buildings and in the main open spaces, the water doesn't seem to be building up all too terribly, un an unfortunate turn of events, it all seems to be rolling down a very slight hill, pulling just on the outside of the ring of stones.

The ground here is unstable, wet and muddy from the amount of moisture falling from the skies. So much that in some areas (the fighting area being one), it will start to collect into a dangerous combination of mud and moving water. It's possible to get stuck in it, possible to get lost in the flooding, but it's also possible to...you know. Have some fun?

Mud slides, mud wrestling, mud...castles? Whatever you want it to be, it's at your disposal! While the arena was originally a place to practice your powers, or any of the various weapons that are usually kept here, now you can do the same with a little added obstacle in your path. That, or it's possible you simply got stuck trying to make it back to your room. Hopefully someone will be by to help you!


CONNECTIONS AND COMMENTARY
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! ♥
seventhdawn: (happy ending)

[personal profile] seventhdawn 2018-07-18 01:41 pm (UTC)(link)
[All the years of practice with not letting confusion out to mar her neutral expression come in handy here, with Thancred mentioning "seeing her off". Is that what he considers...?

No. No, something else must happen.

She allows a gentle, genuine smile to bury that confusion, for his next words are so heartfelt as to catch in his throat. Covered in mud and leaves and bits of grass, Minfilia finds she must search for her own voice again in order to answer.]


Likewise am I proud, and honored, to count you among those dearest to my heart. I haven't the words for how relieved I am to see you here.
imsorey: (Don't stop me now)

[personal profile] imsorey 2018-07-18 05:58 pm (UTC)(link)
I got filled in a little bit already, but I'd appreciate it if you could tell me what else I missed! All I really know is that the last place was pretty similar to this one and I'm friends with a dragon.

[it's still kind of amusing if he thinks about it too much, ok]

We just got back from another world, so there isn't much to say about this place just yet.
southernphoenix: (pic#12392136)

[personal profile] southernphoenix 2018-07-19 12:49 am (UTC)(link)
You're right. It's only that... [how to explain this.] I'm having such a good time.

I understand more why some young gentlemen wander the wilderness as they do under assumed names, seeking adventure and finding trouble. I have always had my duty; this is a rare opportunity since being in this place is not something that can be helped.
southernphoenix: (pic#12386535)

[personal profile] southernphoenix 2018-07-19 12:50 am (UTC)(link)
[Nihuang listens to the sound of Aunt Jing moving through this small space without really hearing it, grateful for the space to collect her thoughts. He succeeded. In every step of the future he sought to lay for them. Jingyan would make a good Emperor. And his father...

She surreptitiously glances at Aunt Jing as she rises to her feet. Consort Jing? Empress Dowager Lin? But her little aunt is ageless.]


Congratulations. [There's a breath of hesitation when she exchanges her soaking outer clothes for Aunt Jing's dry bundle, but then she turns around and continues to change.] Have you been alone this whole while?
oneandmikleonly: (Default)

[personal profile] oneandmikleonly 2018-07-19 01:42 am (UTC)(link)
[... ... ... sighs]

Qri, the last witch who took us, wasn't very informative about how things were back home, and she needed us to replenish her energy by finding and taking magic sources from the worlds we went to. We went to two before coming here: a desert planet, where we helped the natives of a city get through a war, and a more technological city, which...they didn't like magic much. As far as I know we hadn't found it yet.

[hesitates; this is already a large infodump. but plunges on]

We talked about the things you saw when fighting the Lord of Calamity's malevolence, a bit, in all of that. And...you had the power to walk into people's hearts; that's what Qri gave you. You'll have to let me know if that changed.
foundafamily: (Default)

Thanks for the link--that was a neat read!

[personal profile] foundafamily 2018-07-19 02:22 am (UTC)(link)
Sounds like a lot more trouble than we're getting up to.

[But he's intrigued by the idea; with his Family, he's more of a homebody himself, if you count the neighborhood as home. And just as much, he's curious about her relationship to the idea, how this place can be an opportunity as much as a prison.]

Duty?

[A job or something? Or maybe family duties?]
cakebuffet: (069)

[personal profile] cakebuffet 2018-07-19 02:51 am (UTC)(link)
I wish I could say that I was. For a little while, I kept hoping I'd wake up and everything would be the way it was supposed to be again, but no luck there so far.

[And it's not worth the time or energy it takes to wish she was somewhere else. Wishing doesn't do a whole lot of good— she much prefers action.]

If there's anything I can do to help you find your way around here, I'd be happy to— I remember exactly how overwhelming it was on my first day. I'm still feeling it, in some ways, but the temple itself is kind of nice.
paladorable: (038)

[personal profile] paladorable 2018-07-19 08:53 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Is there a single thing in that entire explanation that isn’t worrying? Apparently not, because Arenvald is Very Concerned indeed, brow knit together and a frown stark on his face. That seems more like a curse than a gift to him. What sort of healing magic hurts someone? ]

Gods, Alphinaud. Are you… are you all right?

[ Looking at those bandages, probably not, but he has to ask. ]
paladorable: (042)

[personal profile] paladorable 2018-07-19 08:55 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Arenvald nearly goes through the canopy, Prompto startles him so badly. He did say he had super speed, but Arenvald had gravely underestimated what that meant, apparently. ]

By the Twelve! You scared me half to death!

You moved that fast just by running?
tranquilforest: (pic#12238897)

[personal profile] tranquilforest 2018-07-19 10:55 pm (UTC)(link)
[She doesn't quite sigh, but averts her gaze slightly.] I haven't seen anyone from home until you arrived, but most of the other people here are quite friendly.

[The corners of her mouth tilt up very slightly, a brief moment of happiness.] And it's been... a nice change, being able to explore a little bit, and meet new people.
spellweave: (» aw shucks)

[personal profile] spellweave 2018-07-20 03:56 pm (UTC)(link)
[There sure isn't and that's why he's kept it mostly a secret from others. Mostly just Alisaie because she has been worried enough as it is... and now more than ever. But he has certainly not advertised it either and those who ask are usually given a lie about how he doesn't know what his power is.

But Arenvald is different. He trusts him and... he is his friend. He certainly owes him the truth.

He pulls his sleeve back down and offers him an easy smile.]
I am fine. You needn't worry, my friend. 'Twas thankfully not a serious burn and there are worse ways I could have uncovered it. [Okay it had been a fairly serious a burn, hence why he had attempted to help the child in the first place, but nothing that would leave scarring. Hopefully. He had been taking pretty good care of it so as to prevent that, he thinks.]

But... it is certainly a frustrating power to have been given. And I am sure you now understand why I hesitate to tell others.
paladorable: (050)

[personal profile] paladorable 2018-07-20 05:58 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He nods, expression sympathetic. Of course, Alphinaud will have to make his own choices regarding his powers, and he knows his friend well enough to realize that if the situation is dire enough, he may well put himself at risk. He makes a mental note to keep an eye on him, and to be as prepared as he can for the moment when Alphinaud does something foolish and noble. ]

Aye, I’d say you got the short end of the stick when Astoria was dolling out powers. What did Alisaie get?
punshots: (✘ slumber.)

[personal profile] punshots 2018-07-21 03:34 am (UTC)(link)
[ Prompto nods quickly - not as quickly as he'd been running, mind you - but he's evidently pretty thrilled about his ability. He'd been able to borrow Noctis' power from the Armiger, but he's never really had one of his own before. ]

Sure did! I dunno how it works, exactly—I just start running and it's like...everything slows down around me!
thancredible: (HW why is it always night in eorzea)

[personal profile] thancredible 2018-07-21 12:31 pm (UTC)(link)
[He cannot bring himself to say anything further just now, so Thancred just smiles at her and does his best to swallow back aught but quiet pride and fondness. But they cannot stand here forever, and really 'tis rather rude of him to keep her from her bath! So, he collects himself and offers his arm once more.]

Then let us not dally, trying to find the words, when there is a warm bath to be had!

[And adventures to talk about!

And a nutkin to, perhaps, explain when it notices it has been left behind in one of the trees and chases after to scold him about this.]
thancredible: (HW did you hear about the sun minion)

i need to not forget to actually post tags I handwrite first. /o\

[personal profile] thancredible 2018-07-21 12:38 pm (UTC)(link)
[Alphinaud's feelings about ghosts have, for the moment, quite slipped Thancred's mind, it seems. He tilts his head, the picture of wholly innocent curiosity.]

I see... and the spirits?

[He shall indeed consider reaching out to their strange keeper in time, after some careful consideration about what to say.

But first he really does want to talk about the ghosts.]
thancredible: (HW did you hear about the sun minion)

[personal profile] thancredible 2018-07-21 12:40 pm (UTC)(link)
[At least one more, as he continues to tango with this one.]

A few moons?

[Gracious.]

What a - ng - strange place this is, for back home I - hah - last saw you but a scant few bells ago.
hackedhistory: (Default)

[personal profile] hackedhistory 2018-07-21 11:29 pm (UTC)(link)
Yep, but there doesn't seem to be a guarantee that they'll respond.
seventhdawn: (amused)

[personal profile] seventhdawn 2018-07-23 02:14 am (UTC)(link)
Unless you're in possession of a map...?

[Ann doesn't need to say anything in answer to that, though.]

It seems a peaceful place, all told. I thank you for the generous offering of your guidance.
winn: (41)

[personal profile] winn 2018-07-24 05:01 pm (UTC)(link)
[ THAT'S NOT REASSURING no offence but considering the tech level she seems to have he's not exactly thrilled to give himself up to her care. come to think of it this is an alternate dimension where people from multiple alternate dimensions end up in? what about vaccines? one world's common cold could be another world's plague oh god he is not cut out for this!!! ]

Did she also bestow some medical facilities?

[ because he may need one very soon for the panic attack he's about to give himself. he nods. ]

I'll be - here - unless I'm kidnapped again.
spellweave: (» oh noooo)

[personal profile] spellweave 2018-07-25 02:40 pm (UTC)(link)
[Thancred why........

He shifts a little on his feet and tries not to look uncomfortable about this topic. He doesn't really succeed.]


I, ah... am told they do not communicate so it is pointless to try. Best to not even bother with them, in fact. So I don't.

[He never would have tried either way though.......]
juniberries: (HM. hm hm hm.)

[personal profile] juniberries 2018-07-25 05:22 pm (UTC)(link)
[Her expression softens once more, but her gaze wanders a bit, looking aside and hunching her shoulders up at the mention of being dropped into another world.]

I...would appreciate a tour of the Temple, but I am going to in fact be meeting with Shiro in a tick. [Because let's just say her conversation with him happened in the interim between Keith coming to her in the kitchens or something. Time is nebulous here.] But...how exactly does she drop us into other worlds?

Is it like how it was to come here? A sudden occurrence?
juniberries: (i was wrong.)

[personal profile] juniberries 2018-07-25 05:29 pm (UTC)(link)
[If there's one thing that can be said about Lotor, is that he has a way with words now that Allura believes to truly understand him. At one point, she could have taken his gentle reminder as a reproach, as a mockery of her more idealistic tendencies. But here...it feels supportive. A guiding hand.

Even still.
]

I have come to learn that not everything is entirely black and white. [She goes back to staring at her hand, unfurling her hand. Her unease hasn't diminished the flowers effects, and in doing so she brings herself to hold Lotor's hand, twining her fingers between his as though to ground herself.] At least I can trust you here. If Astoria's intentions are truly diabolical, or if there is another force here influencing our weakened abilities, then I trust we can make it through this together.

[She frowns, once again bringing herself close to him of her own accord.]

I truly hope we are not dealing with another force similar to Zarkon.
juniberries: (armour; i don't know stick shift.)

[personal profile] juniberries 2018-07-25 05:35 pm (UTC)(link)
In detail? There...is quite a lot of information surrounding the Coalition. [She remains leaning close to Shiro's chassis, at ease with the smooth way his mechanical form shifts and makes its turns. It does very much remind her of flying the Blue Lion, even if it is Shiro's voice in her head and not the voicelessness of Blue swimming through her.] But in short, the Coalition has been formed as a more official resistance force, so that our battle against the Galra Empire would not be accomplished without a collective of allies.

[She quiet for a tick, chin resting against Shiro.]

Has...Keith told you about Matt? Or of-- [there's a pause. he's from before...] Of a man named Lotor?
tranquilforest: (pic#12238903)

[personal profile] tranquilforest 2018-07-28 05:51 am (UTC)(link)
[Hahah rude, Winn!!

Mindful of how high-strung her current guest seemed to be, she returns quite quickly with some nondescript clothing - just the basics, that had been provided by the invisible attendants that wandered the Temple.]


I'm afraid it isn't much, but it's better than what you have now. [She says it apologetically.] In the meantime, you can pick any of the rooms that are still open and settle in there, if you like. There are a few down the next hallway.
insubordination: (097.)

[personal profile] insubordination 2018-08-02 01:36 am (UTC)(link)
[ there's a silence, at the question, before he pours himself another drink. but even then, roy doesn't continue. he's thinking, his brow furrowing, contemplating his words carefully before he speaks. ]

How much do you want to know, Maes?

[ finally, and his fingers curl around his cup. ]

Because I can tell you, and I will tell you. But a lot of it isn't . . .

[ and he trails off, for half a moment, before roy lifts his cup, only a few centimeters off the surface of the table. and, seemingly answering the question himself, roy keeps speaking. the alcohol seems to loosen his tongue, distracts him, a little, and talking with maes about this is familiar. comforting, almost. ]

King Bradley found out. That I was working against him, that I wanted to change Amestris. I think he always knew. [ he takes a slight sip of the alcohol, letting it burn on this tongue for a minute before swallowing it down. ] But he knew that I wanted to burn it to the ground, after what happened to you. He's had his eye on me, since Ishval, and he put me into a corner. He told me everything. He told me that the entire military was corrupt. He told me that all of the higher ups were underneath his thumb. And then, after he told me everything, and threatened the Elrics, he took away my team. Gave them all transfer orders, and left me by myself, to corner me.

[ he pauses, before his tone shifts, just slightly -- something darker, a bit more angry, underneath the surface: ]

He made Riza his personal assistant.

[ bastard. ]

But he underestimated me. And the Elrics. He's no longer in charge. He's dead. Not by my hand. I was chasing other monstrosities.