The Bardsong DMs (
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mundane_realms2020-10-11 08:37 am
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Bardsong's First Test-Drive Meme!

How to Use:
It all began when you fell from the skies above, wreathed in flame. When you landed, you learned that you weren't alone: So many others, each from worlds entirely different from yours, have found themselves in his predicament, and know about as much as you do! The locals greet you with a cautious friendliness, welcoming you to the town of Concord. They tell you that the world was broken apart mysteriously not long ago, and are trying to devise ways to step far beyond the town borders to find where the rest of the globe went, get to the bottom of things.
But your arrival is nothing short of a blessing. Perhaps you, the Starfallen, are the answer to their prayers. They explain how live presently works in Concord, they give you that tour of their guilds, and even give you a place to stay at Concord Crossing, where you're randomly assigned roommates. You hope your roommates are amicable...
In the days following, after shaking off the shock of your current situation, you find yourself beginning to integrate into Concord life. But while you await word from the local researchers among the many guilds dotted through town, each looking for new members to bestow their teachings, you need to fill your pockets with precious, precious sol. You'd also heard that there was to be a celebration very soon, and everyone is invited. A little partying never hurt anyone, right? Besides, free food!
Now, where to begin...?

I. More Than This Provincial Life
Concord, the large city that it is, hosts many opportunities for work. Between the multiple quarters and their specialties, just about anyone can find a job. With the isolation from the rest of the world, employers eagerly welcome the Starfallen with part time or temporary work (Apparently, all full time positions are taken and employers conspicuously nudge people out the door if they spend too much time on the clock) to coincide with the life of an adventurer. For those who wish for something to do and a source of income outside of quests, there's always an honest day's wage to be made! With the exception of a few tasks the South Quarter may have to offer, but those aren't the kind of jobs spoken of too loudly.
I-A. Magicka Cleanup Detail
The Concord Magic Academy, between bright-eyed students trying their best and young nobles whose admission was paid in cash, sees quite a few accidents in its halls. Alchemy experiments, wayward fireballs, testing theories given by their Occultist friends, anything can come up and make a mess of a lab or a classroom. As such, the academy welcomes the brave and the patient to the field of custodial engineering, especially those with strong stomachs and combat experience. It wouldn't be the first time stains fight back or gravity ceased to be, so on top of keeping to their own personal hygiene standards, employees are expected to be thorough in their cleaning and expect the unexpected.
I-B. Amazing Paperboy Deliveries
The Concord Truthogram is dedicated to bringing the truth right to the doors of paying customers as soon as the next issue is ready. They're looking for delivery workers and runners equally dedicated to I bringing the truth to subscribers! Runners will need to deliver newspapers all across Concord before dawn breaks. Subscribers are all throughout the city, so runners are encouraged to find an optimal route and coordinate with their co-workers to bring the truth the world in a timely and orderly manner! This job favors the agile, as early Concord mornings are filled with people bustling through the streets and occasional hazards to trip up the distracted runner. Try not to make too many mistakes, as unsatisfied customers will unsubscribe and deny themselves the gift of the Concord Truthogram. Watch out for stray dogs and the occasional grim reaper.

II. O Valley Of Plenty, Whoa-oh-oh!
Working at a coffee shop or helping to organize a wizard's dusty study isn't for everyone, and the people of Concord understand. Every world runs on some currency, and here, it's known as the 'sol'. For those looking to do a 'dirtier' work, the citizenry helpfully direct the Starfallen to the Men-At-Arms Guild, your source of monster-busting work!
Lit by the glow of lanterns, the following work is looking for takers, posted on a large board outside the guild:
II-A. Rabites!
"We need someone to handle the Rabite problem! A couple that chooses not to be named found a pair and decided to raise them as pets, but they have since bred out of control into feral, very bitey colonies. They may look cute and cuddly, but you may need to bring a friend to be on the safe side."
Reward: 50 sol per pelt
II-B. Bumps in the Night!
"We need graveyard shift relief for the town guard posted along the outskirts of Concord. Lately, the guards have been reporting strange noises through the night, and have seen an influx of ghoul sightings coming down from the nearby hills. Take care care not to get bitten; it won't make you like them, but it will make you sluggish and leave you as easy prey."
Reward: 800 sol a night + 100 sol per head

III. Like One of Those Music Videos
While typically only those following the paths of their departed founders and enduring Masters of the Manor are granted entry to the Glistering Estate, the Guild of Steel and Lace nonetheless occasionally open the gates to outsiders. Oftentimes, this is simply to showcase a performance at the theatre, or to offer a chance for newcomers to join their ranks; today, however, is a special occasion: the anniversary of the Estate's groundbreaking. For the evening, the entire Estate grounds have been made available to the residents of Concord, and an exquisite buffet has been prepared for all who would raise a glass to their Founders. Many who come may be tempted by the lavish wealth on display, but aspiring thieves and troublemakers must be warned: Behind the gold and silk lies a house packed to the brim with the likes of veteran Paladins and entrapping illusionists.
III-A. Black Tie...?
Before one is permitted entry to the Estate proper, they must be willing to show a modicum of due deference and wear the proper attire. For an open-door event such as this, simple and tasteful formalwear will suffice; a collared dress shirt or modest blouse, at the very least. Fortunately for those who cannot afford- or, as is sometimes the case, simply forgot- such fineries, the Guild of Steel and Lace happily provides attire of the sort worn by their own members on the estate grounds, and their stocks accommodates all shapes and sizes. Unfortunately, their standard attire inevitably takes the form of service attire such as maid outfits and butler uniforms. They have even provided booths to change in private, so please, don't make a scene.
III-B. Upper, Upper Class High Society!
Once inside, the guests have freedom to enjoy the manor's full facilities; the Guild of Steel and Lace have spared no expense in setting up food options from their in-house chefs ranging from terrestrial crab legs and tropical fruits to... erm... unfamiliar flora or fauna that are unidentifiable, but thoroughly delicious. At least, to the locals who have already acquired the taste. Additionally, The theatre is hosting an ongoing series of performances from the Guild's bards, though they're not above letting the Starfallen have their turns at the microphone. Nonetheless, from ballroom to gardens to bathhouse, the entire estate is open to visitors, so why not have a look around...?
Papyrus | Undertale (Inverted Fate AU) | Scholar
This is... a lot to take in. One moment, Papyrus was Underground, and now he's. Not. And so passersby may find this tall, goofy skeleton staring googly-eyed at the sky. Yes, googly-eyed.
"I'VE PINCHED MYSELF AT LEAST TEN TIMES. BUT THIS CAN'T BE REAL, RIGHT?! I MUST BE DREAMING. SOMEHOW. EVEN THOUGH I DON'T HAVE TIME FOR RANDOM BOUTS OF NAPPING!!!" He's... airing his thoughts to no one in particular. But his voice is loud and carries pretty far despite his lack of vocal chords.
And yes, he's gotten the overview! And yes, it's all a lot to take in, but... another world? This fast and this easily? Naturally, millions of questions flood his skull, and the second a stranger passes by.
Well. Enjoy this goofy skeleton nerd scrambling your way.
"TELL ME! IS THE SKY NORMALLY THIS COLOR? I'VE ONLY SEEN HOLOGRAM PROJECTIONS. AND FOOTAGE FROM HUMAN MOVIES AND VIDEO GAMES AND... OCCASIONALLY THE ANIMES. BUT ONLY OCCASIONALLY! I'M A SKELETON WITH STANDARDS." If this is real, which it might be. And probably is. Well. Others might be like him! From other worlds. And the sky could be so many things!
And besides, it's a good distraction from his worries about Frisk and Undyne's inevitable clash.
B. Down and Dirty;
Naturally, robbed of his magic, Papyrus was quick to look into the magic academy. Well, that, and the 'scholar' class does suit his more scientific pursuits. Nyeh heh... And it's a good thing, too! Because as he takes on his first real task, with a trusty mop and bucket in hand, one thing becomes crystal clear.
"THIS PLACE IS FILTHY!!!"
So yes. That is indeed a skeleton rushing through the halls, wielding cleaning supplies like a sword and... well, perhaps not a shield. But an ever convenient and portable cauldron?
You might find him waving a soapy mop at wayward, living stains and politely urging them to leave.
Or you might find him... Flailing through the air in a room with zero gravity. Mind the potential soap and water downpour. Papyrus may be experienced with floating, but only on his own terms... or someone else's.
That might explain his next outburst:
"SAAAAANS! YOU CAN'T HIDE FROM ME. YOUR TIME-SPACE PRANKING SHENANIGANS HAVE GONE TOO FAR THIS TIME!" But no response. This 'Sans' person obviously isn't here. "GAH! COME ON. THERE MUST BE SOME WAY DOWN FROM HERE. WHY MUST GRAVITY BETRAY ME NOW?!"
C. Monsters are People Too! Right...?
Papyrus crosses his arms, frowning at the board. "THIS CAN'T BE RIGHT! WHY WOULD ANYONE WANT TO KILL MONSTERS? ...BESIDES THE HUMANS WHO DECLARED WAR ON US." And the heroes in the human video games and movies. And...
Papyrus sighs, turning to the nearest person. "I BET IF THESE PEOPLE GOT TO KNOW THE MONSTERS, THEY'D SEE THERE ARE PERFECTLY NON-LETHAL SOLUTIONS! PERHAPS THEY JUST HAVEN'T ACTED IN THE RIGHT WAY. OR WOWED THE MONSTERS WITH THEIR IMPRESSIVE COMBAT SKILLS!!!"
There's a hint of uncertainty in his voice. This is all a tad... uncomfortable, to say the least.
D. Wildcard
[Papyrus will be all over, wanting to see and learn as much as possible, so I'm down for other prompts, too!]
[ooc: Got the okay to post this loser here. Some info about him on his profile. Also, font is optional and I can do brackets, too. Very flexible!]
c
"I think there might be better solutions as well. Perhaps their food supplies have been tampered with in some way, or their homes uprooted..." it seemed she was giving these requests more thought than their face-value offered.
That "us" does have her a bit curious— his appearance was different to be sure but did he consider himself a 'monster?'
no subject
Not that the bulletin board is run by bad people. They are probably very great! But misguided. Yes.
"I KNOW THIS IS A DIFFERENT WORLD, BUT EVERY MONSTER I'VE EVER MET... FOR THE MOST PART WILL BACK OFF ONCE YOU EITHER APPEAL TO THEIR PERSONALITY OR FIGHT THEM JUST ENOUGH THAT THEY LOSE THE WILL TO KEEP FIGHTING."
no subject
"I haven't been very successful in negotiating with them, myself..." apparently she'd at least made an attempt since arriving.
no subject
...Unfortunately, given the present circumstances, that's obviously on hold. Being stuck outside of the CORE while Frisk faces certain peril doesn't help. And now he's here. A frown briefly crosses his face as a result.
"BUT! I DIGRESS. I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS, AM HAPPY TO IMPART MY MONSTERLY WISDOM SO THAT YOU, TOO, CAN REACH TRUE SUCCESS!"
no subject
"Oh. Yes!" she perked up again, "Please Great Papyrus, I would be grateful to hear any suggestions you may have." She, too, wanted to reach true success!
no subject
Perfect!
...Right. He should. Say something.
So he clears his nonexistent throat and raises an index finger. "WELL! THE FIRST THING TO CONSIDER IS THE TYPE OF MONSTER. EVERY MONSTER HAS ITS OWN UNIQUE QUIRKS! FOR INSTANCE, DOGS... LIKE PETS. AND STICKS. THEY'RE PROBABLY SOME OF THE EASIEST MONSTERS TO APPEASE BECAUSE THEIR CANINE INSTINCTS ARE FRONT AND CENTER!!!" He pauses. "...UNLESS THEY'RE DOHJ. SHE LIKES TO PRETEND SHE'S TOO GOOD TO GO ON WALKS! IMAGINE. BEING BASHFUL ABOUT ONE'S PHYSICAL FITNESS!!!"
Among other things. So strict. So stiff! Not his favorite monster, nope. "BUT THEN YOU HAVE LOOXES. BULLIES WHO JUST NEED SOMEONE TO SHOW THEM COMPASSION INSTEAD OF CRUELTY! OR ICE CAPS, WHO... ARE VERY EGOTISTICAL ABOUT THEIR HATS, SO YOU NEED TO TEMPER THAT EGO BY IGNORING THEIR SPIKY HEADWARE. THE REAL TRICK IS TO JUST GET TO KNOW YOUR MONSTERS! FIND OUT WHAT MAKES THEM TICK AND ACT ACCORDINGLY!!!"
no subject
What might the correct spelling of Dohj be? She'll have to circle back to that later, scribbling down everything she can as he goes on. "Of course, dogs like sticks..." it was so simple when you thought about it— and weren't staring down a muzzle of jagged teeth, probably.
"Looxes... Ice caps..." Even as Schala wrote, her brow seemed to furrow, either from concentration or trying to work out the details of his advice logically. "I see, so further study would be recommended before attempting any of these maneuvers, that makes sense."
no subject
...Only for the lack of gravity to have his top hat to start drifting off. The scramble to get it back has the little reptile holding onto the doorknob with one hand and his hat in the other. "My word! Is this lab always like this? This feels a touch too literal in observing constell--"
Right, right. There's a skeleton stuck floating about. Poor guy seems pretty stressed out...and who wouldn't be? "Are...are you alright? You haven't been stuck like this for long, have you?"
no subject
Do pardon the volume. And the big, alarmed google eyes that burst from his eye sockets as he rants. He... tries to paddle his way through the air to get closer to that door, but his attempts end up looking like stupid flailing. "THE WORST PART IS, IT JUST HAPPENED! ONE MINUTE I'M TRYING TO LOOK AT COOL TELESCOPES, AND THE NEXT-"
Bonk. That sure is a star chart book that just bounced off his noggin.
no subject
"Yes, I'm afraid magical mishaps can go any which way without rhyme or reason. I imagine a friend from home would make use of a lack of gravity, but that is a story for another time. One moment; I may be able to reach you."
This does involve getting himself even more caught into it, but better that than leaving and doing nothing. The kobold leaps outward and lets the lack of gravity direct him to a wall, slowly bouncing about to better redirect himself towards Papyrus. He is small and can only manage so much momentum as a result, but even a nudge guides the scientist towards a wall or the floor to push himself off of.
no subject
Down he goes. In a very floaty, feathery kinda way. He flails his arms a bit once the reality sets in and then... bump. That sure is a wall. But! Closer to the ground. He can work with that.
...by grabbing onto a shelf and clinging for dear life. It's a start!
"THAT WAS GENIUS, MY SCALY FRIEND! I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS, AM IN YOUR DEBT!!!" But he looks up, trying to figure out if that little reptile got stuck in floatyville like he did. If so... well, that's not good! He doesn't want to sacrifice a stranger-slash-potential friend for his own sake!
no subject
"It was no trouble, I assure you." He offers a calm nod, then has to snatch his monocle back as it tries to float away. The lack of gravity is troubling and very much not something the kobold is used to. Fortunately, there's a light fixture for him to wrap his tail around, so it's something to hold him steady.
"This is a sensation you're used to? I have no familiarity, I'm afraid, and it leaves me feeling...unbalanced."