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mundane_realms2020-10-11 08:37 am
dm_screen) wrote in mundane_realms2020-10-11 08:37 am
Entry tags:
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...?
no subject
She idly runs through an early practice stance, one of the first Xander ever taught her; best to start with the fundamentals to get her back to 100%; she's a little amazed how dull and heavy a regular sword feels after only just a few months of wielding Yato. She'd grown too dependent on it, and that's something she'll have to watch when she goes home.
Because she will go home. There's still so much left to do, and a war for her to stop. Even if...even if that means...
She shakes her head quickly. "Yeah, I think you're right." She agrees, a bit quickly perhaps. "People don't just...get sucked into other Deeprealms for no reason, right? We've just gotta find out what it is." She doesn't exactly like being gone from the Hoshidan front (advancing ever further towards Shirasagi Castle Town these days...) but at the same time, the knowledge of what she'll have to do and who she'll have to face to unmask the False King is weighing heavily on her. Normally she'd turn to Azura for support, her one confidant with whom she could freely share her cares with, but Azura's not here. It's just her, so Corrin will just have to make do.
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Knoll bows his head for a moment, and then goes quiet for a time- as Corrin's thoughts turn to home and she runs through her sword practice, his own thoughts are turning to similar topics. The great evil plaguing their land may have been defeated, but there was so much work to be done to rebuild Grado, so much that must be done before...
"Mm. Yes, we must hope that we are not here by random happenstance. If we are here for a purpose, perhaps we will be returned home once we have fulfilled it."
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Corrin turns back and tries to refocus on her practice. "I just hope I get the chance to do some actual good for a change." She mutters. Corrin's not being entirely fair to herself, and she knows that but it's hard to let herself off the hook. Her cause is just and that there's only one way to unmask the False King available to her...but so many people are going to die for that, have already died, that the opportunity to do actual, unambiguous good for a change is appealing.
At least before she goes back home and finishes what she started.
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"Curious. We seem to know of similar magics, but I have never heard of Nohr. I am... I was, a researcher in the kingdom of Grado. If you have ever heard of it."
As Corrin refocuses on her practice, Knoll looks ahead into the darkness. It's difficult to see in night, especially with his hood up, but her words have drawn a hollow, very faint smile from the man. More an expression of pain than any kind of joy.
Yes. Maybe he can do some good, too. Perhaps he ought to focus on that. Natasha... Duessel... It's sooner than he intended, but he can entrust the future of Grado to them for now.
no subject
Her swings are coming faster to her, now that she's starting to remember how to wield a non-magic sword. If nothing else, this shift is affording her excellent time to practice. "You said you were a researcher?" She asks off-handedly. "What kind of research did you do, if you don't mind me asking? Before you left, I mean."
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There's a hollow, melancholy note to Knoll's voice as he speaks. Sadness, regret.
"Some knowledge is better left buried. So forgive me if I do not share the specifics of my research."
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"...I know what it's like to be let down by your home." She offers after a few moments, leaning her back against the wall, and staring upwards into the night sky. "When you know they can be better." Nohr has done some truly terrible things in the war; the images of the Chevois rebellion being brutally put down by Hans' soldiers, and the aftermath of the Hoshidan attack on the Cyrkensia Opera House leap to her mind. She wonders if perhaps Grado might be in a similar situation. "It's difficult to keep going sometimes, isn't it?" She turns her head against the stone wall to look back at Knoll.
no subject
"It is no trouble. Curiosity is natural. Perhaps it would be more accurate to say that in the end, we- that is to say, Grado's researchers, let our empire, and the rest of the world down."
The mage closes his eyes again for a few moments. Difficult to keep going... Yes, weighed down by the memories of the past, and the horrors the research he participated in wrought. Perhaps it would be better if... Ah. Corrin is likely expecting a response.
"It is. We all must find our own reasons to push on. And then, it is all you can do to hope that they will be enough to see you through..."
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"I'm sorry. That is a hard weight to have to bear." And she means it, and knows it. She knows how well atrocities can spring from even the noblest of good intentions.
All the Hoshidans and more who have died from her belief that Nohr could be reformed from within, a naive ideal quickly crushed under her father's iron heel, are the proof of that. If it weren't for Azura, Corrin—
Knoll is speaking again, bringing her back, out of her mind. "...Yeah, you're right." She agrees. "I think that's all anyone can do, really."
no subject
Knoll shakes his head a bit, and sighs.
"Let us think of brighter things. Dwelling upon our pasts will only serve to bring us unnecessary pain. Here, we have a fresh start, for as long as we remain. If you desire an ally in your efforts to, as you say, do some actual good, here... You may call upon me."
no subject
Well, that's more heartening. She grins, more genuinely now. "You're right, enough doom and gloom. We can't change our pasts, but we can work for a better future, here and at home. I'll keep that offer in mind Knoll, and extend to you the same in return. My sword is yours if you need it."
Corrin looks back out towards the night. Maybe the ghouls have better things to be doing tonight. But it's still a long way to sun-up and rest. She hums a familiar, comforting tune. "...destined to seek life beyond the shore, la-la la-la, la..." She turns back to look at Knoll, as an idea forming to pass the time more pleasantly. "Sing much, Knoll?"
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Perhaps she reminds him a bit of the Renais royalty... Or perhaps it's just the apparent similarity of their homes.
"I cannot say that it has ever been a hobby of mine."
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She doesn't truly know him yet, or the extent of Grado's misdeeds, but he is familiar to her all the same.
"Really? You should try it sometime." She smiles. "I find it relaxing. There's one song in particular I'm fond of...would you like to try giving it a shot? I may not be a professional songstress, but I can carry a tune at least."
no subject
Knoll bows his head for a moment to Corrin, "Share it with me, if you wish. Perhaps my attempts to sing will be entertaining."