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allthisshitisweird2023-05-02 05:40 pm
faderifting) wrote in allthisshitisweird2023-05-02 05:40 pm
Entry tags:
Test Drive!
TEST DRIVE MEME
While in some alternate, tidier timeline, the War against the Elder One ended years ago, you're not in that timeline. It's 9:49, and the war continues. An enemy force partially occupies Orlais and has decimated several Marcher Cities, while the Chantry, aided by the Inquisition, has marshaled Orlais and the faithful of Southern Thedas into a new Exalted March against the army of demon-bound Wardens, Red Templars, Venatori loyalists, and darkspawn Corypheus has amassed. Rifts are still scattered across the continent, periodically spitting out strangers from strange worlds with green-glowing anchors embedded in their hands. There's no Herald of Andraste to save Thedas. Someone else is going to have to do it.
You're part of (or allied with, recently hired by, imprisoned by, etc.) an organization, dubbed Riftwatch, that split off from the Inquisition several years ago. Riftwatch consists of these otherworldly new arrivals, rebels and Wardens, and other people who want to prevent the apocalypse without necessarily marching under the Chantry's banner to do it. Their headquarters is an island fortress called the Gallows—formerly a Circle of Magi, more formerly a prison for slaves, but its new occupants have done a good job removing the more grotesque reminders of that past and making the place livable. Their goal is to do what the Chantry can't or won't do, to go more directly after Corypheus and the dark magic he employs, and to keep the Veil from coming apart entirely.
Maybe you're here because you want to help. Maybe you need the money (though there isn't much of it). Maybe you acquired an anchor and sticking around is the only way to prevent your hand from killing you. Maybe you've been sent by the Chantry or some other entity to keep an eye on everyone—they're rumored to be a lot of weirdos and troublemakers. Or maybe you're a new rifter and just going where the nice people with swords tell you that you need to go.
NOTE: This is a static test drive! We post them once per year or so and continue to use them for a long time, so you're never late. Current players are encouraged to track new top-level comments.
I. THE FREE MARCHES: Hasmal, Tantervale, and most recently Starkhaven have all fallen to the Tevinter incursion, leaving Kirkwall the largest city-state in the Free Marches to remain unoccupied. For Riftwatch, that means the war is closer to home than ever, and traveling anywhere north of the mountains runs the risk of running into enemy scouting parties. Perhaps you've been sent out to find these scouts before they find the unwary, or perhaps you're just trying to pass through unnoticed to Antiva or Rivain when you run into trouble. Or maybe you're more in the thick of it: joining the Free Marches armies in harassing the occupying army as best they can from outside the city, or slipping your way into one of them to gather intelligence or meet with an ally.
II. THE WAKING SEA: When Riftwatch isn't traveling by griffon or magic mirror, it frequently travels by sea, courtesy of a small assortment of allied pirate ships. So welcome aboard. The sea is choppy and frequently violent—violent storms, violent enemy ships, or both at once—and the crew may not have much patience for incompetence, so either make yourself useful above or try not to get sick below.
III. KIRKWALL: Even when enormous evil darkspawn are trying to take over the known world and you and your colleagues might be the only ones who can truly stop him, you can't work all the time. And when you aren't working, Kirkwall is there for you with its dingy Lowtown taverns, its flashy Hightown establishments, its market stalls and street musicians and cellars hosting gamblers. (Or maybe you can work all the time, and you're in the city to do some official shopping, try to spy on a suspicious character, or show a potential financial backer a good time.)
IV. SEND A MESSAGE: Each member of Riftwatch is assigned a blue crystal, small enough to wear around the neck, that can transmit voice messages, as well as an enchanted book tied to that crystal that can be used to exchange written messages. They're secure enough to discuss the war, if you'd like to get down to business, but loosely controlled enough to ask a question or play a game with only a few rolled eyes from people who hate fun.
V. WILDCARD: From the Gallows' library to the pirate islands off the coast, from Hightown's high-priced market stalls to the bloody frontlines of the war, Thedas is yours to explore.
While in some alternate, tidier timeline, the War against the Elder One ended years ago, you're not in that timeline. It's 9:49, and the war continues. An enemy force partially occupies Orlais and has decimated several Marcher Cities, while the Chantry, aided by the Inquisition, has marshaled Orlais and the faithful of Southern Thedas into a new Exalted March against the army of demon-bound Wardens, Red Templars, Venatori loyalists, and darkspawn Corypheus has amassed. Rifts are still scattered across the continent, periodically spitting out strangers from strange worlds with green-glowing anchors embedded in their hands. There's no Herald of Andraste to save Thedas. Someone else is going to have to do it.
You're part of (or allied with, recently hired by, imprisoned by, etc.) an organization, dubbed Riftwatch, that split off from the Inquisition several years ago. Riftwatch consists of these otherworldly new arrivals, rebels and Wardens, and other people who want to prevent the apocalypse without necessarily marching under the Chantry's banner to do it. Their headquarters is an island fortress called the Gallows—formerly a Circle of Magi, more formerly a prison for slaves, but its new occupants have done a good job removing the more grotesque reminders of that past and making the place livable. Their goal is to do what the Chantry can't or won't do, to go more directly after Corypheus and the dark magic he employs, and to keep the Veil from coming apart entirely.
Maybe you're here because you want to help. Maybe you need the money (though there isn't much of it). Maybe you acquired an anchor and sticking around is the only way to prevent your hand from killing you. Maybe you've been sent by the Chantry or some other entity to keep an eye on everyone—they're rumored to be a lot of weirdos and troublemakers. Or maybe you're a new rifter and just going where the nice people with swords tell you that you need to go.
NOTE: This is a static test drive! We post them once per year or so and continue to use them for a long time, so you're never late. Current players are encouraged to track new top-level comments.
I. THE FREE MARCHES: Hasmal, Tantervale, and most recently Starkhaven have all fallen to the Tevinter incursion, leaving Kirkwall the largest city-state in the Free Marches to remain unoccupied. For Riftwatch, that means the war is closer to home than ever, and traveling anywhere north of the mountains runs the risk of running into enemy scouting parties. Perhaps you've been sent out to find these scouts before they find the unwary, or perhaps you're just trying to pass through unnoticed to Antiva or Rivain when you run into trouble. Or maybe you're more in the thick of it: joining the Free Marches armies in harassing the occupying army as best they can from outside the city, or slipping your way into one of them to gather intelligence or meet with an ally.
II. THE WAKING SEA: When Riftwatch isn't traveling by griffon or magic mirror, it frequently travels by sea, courtesy of a small assortment of allied pirate ships. So welcome aboard. The sea is choppy and frequently violent—violent storms, violent enemy ships, or both at once—and the crew may not have much patience for incompetence, so either make yourself useful above or try not to get sick below.
III. KIRKWALL: Even when enormous evil darkspawn are trying to take over the known world and you and your colleagues might be the only ones who can truly stop him, you can't work all the time. And when you aren't working, Kirkwall is there for you with its dingy Lowtown taverns, its flashy Hightown establishments, its market stalls and street musicians and cellars hosting gamblers. (Or maybe you can work all the time, and you're in the city to do some official shopping, try to spy on a suspicious character, or show a potential financial backer a good time.)
IV. SEND A MESSAGE: Each member of Riftwatch is assigned a blue crystal, small enough to wear around the neck, that can transmit voice messages, as well as an enchanted book tied to that crystal that can be used to exchange written messages. They're secure enough to discuss the war, if you'd like to get down to business, but loosely controlled enough to ask a question or play a game with only a few rolled eyes from people who hate fun.
V. WILDCARD: From the Gallows' library to the pirate islands off the coast, from Hightown's high-priced market stalls to the bloody frontlines of the war, Thedas is yours to explore.
River Cartwright | Slow Horses/Slough House Books | Native AU
[What a nightmare, River thought as he regarded the movements of the Vint army gathered in the valley below him. Finally a chance to map out their movements from the past few days. What was it about the Venatori and company that gave them seemingly endless energy. River had been exhausted by the end of the second day, but he’d been given explicit instructions to track the approaching army and send a signal, if possible, before they reached the river.
He ducks back into the minimal cover, behind some bushes and began his task proper. His graphite stick traced out the each step on map given to him. A three-day march had taken them nearly to Kirkwall and River estimated that they were only a two or three more days away from the sturdy walls surrounding the city.
As soon as he finishes his work, he turns back to his scouting partner.]
Got it. Have the raven?
II. OBSERVING (in Orlais)
[Learning of the Game, hearing of its unforgiving stresses had always intrigued River, especially when his grandfather embellished upon his tales of working among what he claimed were royalty. River doubted there was ever a Comte de Arbes, but as he watched two diplomats curtsey and bow, complete with the flourishes of buckled shoes and jeweled masks. Lucky for him, River had also learned the tongue and that ‘saying nothing can mean more than you think, my boy.’
What, then, did that make of his father, who River had only recently met? Frank Harkness knew the game and yet continued to subvert its expectations. Rather than leave River with the existential knowledge of the existence of his father, he’d dumped River into a literal river.
Not very demure.
And definitely something River could tuck away until he would be forced to think about.
Like now, as he wrote down the flowing Orlesian script, translating during conversation breaks. To anyone watching, it would look as if he were balancing his ledger for the produce stand he’d been set up in. So, River works largely unbothered until someone approaches the stand. His blue eyes flick up and he slides his writing board under a gourd.]
What can I get for you this day? [River asks in ever so slightly accented Orlesian.]
III. KICKING IT (in Kirkwall)
[To say it’s been a long week is an understatement. River has been trudging through mud and streams to gather information that may possibly prevent another attack on Riftwatch. With the details safely in Yseult’s hands, River decides to take up residence in one of the taverns in Lowtown, two beers already down and muddying his senses.
He needs a break, that much is for certain.
Constantly living on alert while worrying about his grandfather has him strung out, ready to march off into the Waking Sea. He knows he should be resting in his place in Lowtown, or visiting his grandfather, but he needs something more than a good night’ s rest. What he needs is a night of lonely drinking, a night to indulge in relaxing the mind and body the old fashioned way.
River's finished his third mug when he realizes someone has sat down next to him. River frowns but turns back to the barkeep, tapping his mug.] One more?
Wildcard!
[Do what you like with an average spy doing average spy shit!]
III. (and also a native AU)
she wishes Josh were here. he was better at the whole double life thing, but then his father passed and he had responsibilities to his mom and sister and couldn't adventure with her anymore. she wore his ring on a chain under her shirt.
but finished with her act and having collected her coin, she figured she had enough for a drink or two and still be able to afford food and lodging. she plopped down next to the stranger and gave him a charming, cheeky smile to counter his frown] One for me, too, I'm dying of thirst. Literally dying, can't you see me start to crumble away?
o7 (thank you for tagging me!)
River shakes his head. He's not on a mission; there's no need to think about anyone as a target.
Still, he watches her without overtly eyeing her as she makes her way over to his side of the tavern and sets herself down next to him. He raises an eyebrow at her but can't help but smile at her.]
I could tell. Pieces of you look ready to fall apart.
[He sets down another few coins for the singer.]
River. [He offers a hand.]
No need to thank me! ❤️
and hey, if all else failed, there were always the daggers hidden in sheathes behind her back, under her blouse.
as she walked, she had an easy stride which spoke to more confidence than she felt. she was new to Kirkwall and still getting her bearings. at least taverns were easy enough to figure out and people stayed longer, drank and ate more if there was an entertainer. she'd proved that to Josh enough times when it was the two of them]
Oh no, it's gotten as bad as all that? But not my bosom or my arse, I'll be heartbroken if something happened to them. [she joked lightly]
Ari. [she had a surprisingly firm handshake and met his eyes easily] Here for business or just to try your luck at poking the red lyrium Meredith?
no subject
[He's impressed by her handshake and returns it just as firmly.]
Here to drink, if you can imagine.
no subject
after all, no one had figured out that she worked for the 'good guys.' or as close to good as what existed in this particular Age.
she's impressed with his as well and grins at him because of it]
I can! They say the mushrooms used for the ale here are extra fresh.
[she left it to him to decide if she was being truthful or pulling his leg. easier to blend in that way]
whoops html messup on my part
I specifically requested mushroom-less ale. Perhaps I should switch to whiskey.
[To which he signals the bartender for two whiskeys.]
Are you new to Kirkwall? Or have I been out of the city for too long?
no worries!
Absolutely. In theory, you know what you're getting with whiskey, even the bad stuff. And even the bad stuff is still kinda good.
[she accepts hers with a gracious smile, holding it up so if he wants, they can toast]
No, I'm new. I travel wherever the coin is good and someone's in need for a little entertainment. My ex-wife gave me enough material for years. [and if she ran a few errands for the Riftwatch while she traveled, well, no harm in that] How about you? A newcomer or a veteran?
no subject
[River also raises his glass when Ari does. He clinks his glass against hers before taking a sip.]
And sometimes you can’t tell the bad stuff from the good stuff. So you might as well get the cheap stuff every time.
[He thinks they have the good stuff though, and he smiles over at his companion.]
Sounds like you will be able to tell stories for quite some time. Ex-wife and a fiancé. New to the Riftwatch. Got poisoned so I’m supposed to keep close to the healer involved with my recovery. I’m usually out in Orlais or the Free Marches.
no subject
[Ari drinks about half of hers in one long pull. no wilting flowers here]
Exactly! Unless you're in a situation where people would judge you for it, but why would anyone wanna be around people like that anyway?
[she grins back happily]
That's putting it mildly. My ex was Orlesian, she found me on a tour of Orlesian pubs and fell hard. Then she fell hard for a big busted blonde at the University she taught at and that was that. Josh is a lot more stable. And has a stable! We're both Fereldans from Denerim.
no subject
[River winces. Ari's ex sounds like a heap of trouble. He perks up at the mention of Ferelden as well.]
I'm also Ferelden. Seems hard to find more of us this far North. And Denerim as well? How is the city doing?
no subject
[and at that, she smiles though it's a little pained]
Well, you heard about the mess at the Alienage, right? Other than that, it's doing. Blight recovery isn't fun and Josh's dad died, so he's had to retire from going with me to taking over the kitchen at the family Inn. It's a really fancy Inn now.
no subject
[River takes a long swig of his whiskey, running his finger along the rim when he sets the glass back on the table.
I did, yeah. Makes me sick to think of what happened there. And sorry to hear about the death in the family. Nothing seems to stop the slow march of death, these days. Hopefully, you'll get back to Josh soon as you can and want.
no subject
[she sips at hers, wanting to make it last. there's no guarantee that more will be forthcoming]
Uh-huh. Makes me wonder how the other guy would've handled things. But oh well, no use in fussing over that again. And, it was rough. Josh and his dad hadn't talked for years, there was a lot of regret on both sides. And, hopefully! There's a lot to do, a wedding to plan and all that stuff.
no subject
If you're planning a wedding, what are you doing here?
[He gestures with his head toward the rest of the tavern, but means Darktown and the Riftwatch in general.</small.]
(no subject)
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free falling; also native au
[ Beside River, his Scouting colleague is having a time of it, struggling to wrangle a large raven perched on his gloved wrist. Cassian Andor has a Tevene accent himself, although he’s been cagey about precisely where in the empire he might be from originally. He’s not fond of the Venatori or even the ruling powers before the Venatori; that much is clear. And what’s become readily apparent over their assignment together is that Cassian is fully a city spy, comfortable working in seedy Minrathous bars and criminal underbellies and cobblestoned streets. Less so this bleak perpetual Marcher rain, the muddy ground, setting up tents, drawing maps, hacking through the underbush.
And this damned raven likes to peck. Some of the fingertips of his cheap gloves have worn through after years of use, and he lets loose a small yelp of pain as it nips at him, having to smother the noise, hoping no Tevene scouts heard it. He talks to it in a low voice, pleading, ] I don’t have any food for you, sorry, it’s a message—
[ He hadn’t ever expected needing bird handling on his resumé. Other people had always handled the messenger ravens, in his past life. He’s starting to realise his misstep. ]
Cartwright. Do you have any snacks? For the bird.
no subject
Right. Bird snacks.
[He continues to shuffle through his things before tugging out a small bag of druffalo jerky. He holds a small piece of it out to the raven, hoping this will satiate the bird.]
no subject
While it’s distracted, Cassian carefully plucks the hollow tube from its ankle, and takes the map from River with its encoded annotations; while the raven clacks at the jerky with a disconsolate caw, the spy attaches the message. Closes the small tube, seals it against the weather, and the rolled-up parchment disappears into the camouflaged sheath on the bird’s leg. ]
Home, [ he tells the bird sternly. They’re all trained to return to the Gallows regardless, but he says it anyway to be on the safe side. ] Take this home.
[ And it beats its wings and takes off with another caw, and they stand there, watching its silhouette vanish into the sky with their small piece of intel. Drops of water in the ocean. There’s a beat before Cassian says, non-sequitur: ]
Small pieces.
no subject
He can only hope that this map can help even just one person.
As River rests back on his haunches, Cassian speaks and River assumes he's referring to the druffalo jerky pack still held in his hand. River scoops out a few bites worth and hands them over.]
I know it's not a birthday cake, but it's what we have.
no subject
You’re never finding out my nameday, [ said easily. In truth, Cassian doesn’t even know his exact date of birth either. ]
But I meant our work here. Each message is another brick in the wall of the rebellion. Small pieces in the whole. Hopefully it makes a difference.
[ Some days he was certain of it, with the fervid fire of almost fanaticism, his devotion to the cause. Other days, he woke up and wasn’t so sure. The years went on and on and nothing changed. ]
II. OBSERVING (in Orlais) (Rifter)
Maybe the Free Marches would be a better match for her accent?
But there was time enough to consider that later. She needed to remain in the here and now, no else would allow her to be alert to all of her circumstances, filing them away for later. There was a reason why she was her siblings' weapon of last resort and it wasn't a pleasant one.
In British accented Orlesian, she replied "What would you recommend as far as red wines and charcuterie boards? I'm in the mood for both and," she said slightly archly, "for company."
no subject
"Wine can be bought by the merchant on the other side of the square," River explains. "Materials for a charcuterie board by the merchant just inside the door right over there. However, company is something I can certainly provide."
He's never seen her before, so he assumes she's a rifter.
"New here?" he asks.
no subject
She would have to fight to reestablish herself here, but Susan wasn't afraid of that. She was determined, she was practical, surely the two would combine into something worthwhile here.
"Thank you kindly," Susan said with a warm smile. "I'll have to procure both, though would you mind accompanying me? I'm...uncertain what the fair rates would be."
And her smile took a relieved turn. "I am. Tumbled out as sure as anything, though my brothers and sister are missing. I would like to think they won't be far behind." And she curtseyed. "I'm Susan of Narnia. It's a pleasure to meet you."
no subject
Surveillance usually meant a slow day and the day had been slow as any could be. He tucks his fake wares out of the way and moves around to the front to pull down the curtain over the facade. He sees her curtsey and he would normally dismiss the need, but they are in Orlais and watchful eyes are ever present. River bows to ninety degrees in return.
"River Cartwright," He doesn't state that he's from Ferelden. The Great Game is always being played. "Please follow me, then."
no subject
Susan's manners had been drilled into her a long time ago. She honed them to a fine science as a queen and the most eligible woman in any kingdom. She knew, however, that any suitors back home expecting her to settle would be in for a disappointment.
Here, however? Here, it was entirely possible if not likely that she'd have to play by completely different rules. It was important to learn as much as she could quickly in order to be of use. She'd always hated being idle.
A potential misstep, mentioning Narnia. Especially given that she was shaky on geography at the moment, but she was hoping that could soon be rectified. "Now, how do you like your cured meats? In wine or in spices? Or both?"