Chapter 1: A Light in the Dark, TDM

[cyndanemods]

Chapter 1: A Light in the Dark, TDM

A spark in the night

All awaken in their own time as if from a perfectly innocuous sleep, well-rested and refreshed in a way that is perhaps less innocuous, but what is perhaps most striking in these first moments is that no one is in their own bed. All now on this plane awaken in simple bunks within simple cabins...not that this fact is very easily observable.

Undoubtedly rivaling the strangeness of awaking in a new bed is the fact that this place is nearly devoid of natural light. One might at first assume it's nighttime, but no moonlight streams through the windows. The only light is from a lit lantern, allowing the barest observations: each cabin houses up to six people in six bunks, each has a small table with two chairs, the walls are worn wooden plank and the roof tin, the construction very simple. As everyone rouses, there are certainly reactions to be had and decisions to be made. Should anyone wander outside, they will find that there are at least stars shining in the sky, though their positions are unfamiliar. Despite the darkness, it is cool but not cold. The land in the immediate area seems mostly even, the environment akin to scrubland. They will also find that there are more cabins, all set along a single well-worn pathway and all filled with more people in the same predicament. Nobody knows this place. Nobody knows what is happening or why they are here."

So... What's one to do?

Who was here?

Exploration of the camp itself reveals a few things that may be helpful. There are several established campfire areas, some with makeshift seating or simple cooking tools. At the end of the row of cabins, there is a small storage building containing various tinned foods (quality unknown), tools, simple animal traps and fishing equipment, candles and matches, a small supply of assorted spare clothes, and a fairly generous quantity of firewood. All of this, but no signs of the people who put it here. If they left, it was recent and unhurried; no gathered dusk, nothing ransacked or overturned... Still, is anyone in a position to look a gift horse in the mouth? With the right amount of cooperation and lack of panic, perhaps this new little populous might simply wait the situation out.

When and if people grow restless, it is also observable that the main path of the camp, once itself the bed of a creek, continues onward in either direction.

Seek & Find

Taking the path North—though how can one truly tell?—leads wanderers to an incline, which becomes the steep and rocky base of a mountain. While the mountain itself is not very steep or perilous, the conditions are hard to measure in the darkness. Still, any adventurer or group intrepid enough may pick their way to the top over the course of two to three "days", however they're measuring. They'll find the landscape rocky and, like the campsite, mostly patches of scrub grass populated by small animals such as mice, rabbits, and birds.

Should anyone reach the top... Congratulations! While there's no picturesque view to be had, there is a large cairn. Examining the exterior of it carefully, one might find a message etched into one of the larger stones near the base:

You will cross my path again. This is inevitable.
Taking the path South brings one to a stream. Providence! Upon examination or experimentation, the water is found to be clean and drinkable, and one might even be able to figure out how to start snagging up some fish or washing or doing laundry. It's a perfectly fine little resource for the camp.

Walking upstream for any length of time will yield no promising results. One cannot see the landscape stretching out before them and there is only the rustle of the wind through the grass or the occasional fleeing of a small animal. Is it becoming darker, even? Perhaps it is. Perhaps it's best to turn back before the lamp oil or candles are gone.

Walking downstream, on the other hand, leads to a decline that slopes steadily, the trail a little more precarious until it widens out. This seems...almost road-like, even? Does that instill confidence? If yes, keep pushing forward! In about 25 miles, one can see lights in the distance. Drawing nearer, the shape of a town's front gate strung with decorative lanterns appears. This is the town of Stonesthrow.

The townspeople are in a bit of a tizzy, rushing here and there, setting up lanterns and booths, prepping in their various kitchens. It seems some celebration is meant to kick off soon, and while the townspeople are friendly, they don't have much time to spare the newcomers. They don't seem surprised by their presence, and relaying waking up at the camp prompts fairly nonchalant reactions. 'Up at the old mines?' they might ask. 'Oh, I'd stay away from there.' They also aren't fussed if questioned about the state of the world and its lack of light. They get by.

There are beds available at a couple inns, and one only has to make the request. Locals also won't bat an eye at out-of-towners hunkering down to camp or have a snooze outdoors in public spaces.

Starfall

For those who elected to stay behind at the camp or journey to the mountain, Stonesthrow makes itself known bombastically. A squeal and explosion sound in the distance, and anyone outside will see a burst of crackling light in the distance. It's a fireworks display, its purples, oranges and yellows stark against the utter darkness of this place, perhaps the first sign of outside life since finding themselves here. Every six hours for 72 hours, another display is launched. Those remaining at the mining camp can find their way easily, then, to the town.

When they arrive, a festival is in full swing. A banner over the town's main road reads "ENJOY THE STARFALL SKIES".

Along the main street, several carts and booths serve a variety of food. No one asks for any money and, if questioned about this, the people of the town seem to have no idea what payment even is. One of the carts offers fresh fruits that may look familiar to some, resembling dragon fruit and lychees. When peeled open, however, the flesh carries a faint glow. The vender calls them starfruit and moonfruit, which is perhaps unusual given that there's no sign of the moon in the sky. Ever. Starfruit are said to increase one's charm and stamina, while moonfruit are said to increase perception and cunning. No matter how implausible this seems, consuming them does seem to replenish the mind and body, increase gregariousness, or make one a suspicious little plotter. Respectively.

Also available are different games of chance and skill, taking place within the town's open square. Included are classics such as arm wrestling, bottle toss, and wheel-spinning, each awarding varying small trinkets, all decorated with star motifs. Craft displays and items are also available, all themed around the stars. While peddlers are unfamiliar with money, they will accept item trades or other barters. All offer well-wishes such as "may the stars fall in your favor" or "have a glowing Starfall". If anyone asks what Starfall's about, they are instructed to watch the next fireworks display and stay for the production afterwards.

The final fireworks show is grand and magnificent. Many aren't just pops of light and color, but take the form of moving spectacles. A dragon soars across the sky, a snake lunges at a rabbit who manages to get away, flowers bloom and petals fall... Each scene is one pulled from the natural world. Afterwards, a stage performance is put on in the main courtyard. A man with a guitar accompanies a woman who sings the story of Starfall.

The tale is simple enough. Two lovers meet against the will of their worlds and gods. One cunning and observant but far too afraid to take action, the other daring enough to cross worlds to join her, bearing gifts of fire and warm, glowing light, previously unknown. To commemorate this meeting and the divine gifts, Starfall is still celebrated today, marked by a certain positioning of the stars and greeted with joyful fireworks displays.

The celebration winds down slowly after that, with the townspeople settling in for warmed wine, quieter card games, and gossip as their children wander off to bed. Once again, nobody will begrudge the newcomers hanging about, particularly if they offer to help in the cleanup. Of course, there’s also the possibility of returning to the camp.

Mod Notes!

Welcome to the first ever Test Drive meme for Cyndane! We're happy to have you! A few things to keep in mind:

• The world you arrived in is dark (no sun, no moon), and there's no harnessed electricity. Oddly, while the nights are cool, it's uncomfortable at worst as opposed to deadly.
• Any questions about the prompts or setting can be asked here.
• For general game questions, please refer to the FAQ.
• Applications will open on May 1 and will close on May 5.
• Accepted characters who participated on the TDM will have an additional Bond Slot available to them in the month of May to use upon arrival.

♡

Comments

[markingnight]

Who was here?

[ There was a man in light armor sifting systematically through the storage building, candlelight glinting against the scaled surface of his cloak. Did he own the place? No. Did he know where he was? Also no. But let none of those details get in the way of a good looting.

He was being very specific about what he was actually taking, at least -- a curved knife, an empty flask, some spare cloth and a length of wood to fashion into an improvised torch. Of the food and traps and clothing, he took nothing at all. In fact, he seemed downright dismissive of anything too airy or of softer weave.

But perhaps he had little need of such things. There was a sword sheathed at his side and a bow strapped to his back, after all. ]

Looking for something? Maybe I've seen it already.

Starfall

[ And now he was offering to trade with the merchants, though having little luck. Perhaps for a lantern, or a whetstone -- something practical, something lightweight. He seemed to have little interest in souvenirs. ]

I don't understand. You don't want any payment?

[ And then, a slight pause as he glanced back at the fish on the counter. Its tail flopped once, not a sign of life, but as some quirk of a nervous system just recently decomissioned. ]

...Then what am I to do with this trout?

Wildcard

[ Feel free to contact me for other ideas and whatnot! Tetradecimal ]

Who was here?

[gogozeppeli]

[ It appears Gyro wasn't the only one who headed straight for the storage facility. He stands by the door, idly watching the armored-clad fella like a hawk. Based on the light, leather-like armor and bow and arrows, this guy specializes in long-range combat, similar to a traditional archer. That's good to know, especially since Gyro was assessing this guy. However, he does not miss when the archer reaches for the knife.

Either this guy is designed for both long-range and close-quarters combat, or he is simply being cautious. Whatever the reason, Gyro's thoughts take a backseat when the archer speaks. ]

Not really. [ He states with a little shrug. ] I guess I was just curious to see what kind of wares this place has.

[ So far, he doesn't see much in the means of firearms. That's a good thing, right? ]

[markingnight]

Traps, food. Little in the way of weapons. Not so much as a guard dog. This doesn't look like a military barracks at all.

[ So perhaps they were thinking along similar lines. He held the knife up in the lanternlight, clearly examining the blade. The quality of the steel? The angle of the curve? Whatever the case, he seemed satisfied, and secreted the thing away somewhere in his armor. ]

By the way, I'm missing a few things. Is it the same for you?

[gogozeppeli]

Only traps and food, huh?

[ Well, at least they won't go hungry. But what are they supposed to do when things go south? Gyro can't help but feel like this is a setup. Thankfully, he still has his Steel Balls with him. He would probably be less calm than he is right now if he didn't have those, pun intended. ]

Yeah, I'm missin' my fucking horse!

[ Scratch that. He's not calm at all. Gyro is a little upset about Valkyrie going missing. Not only that, but he's missing the entire damn race! ]

I was in the lead, you know. [ He grumbles while trying his best not to start ranting and raving like a lunatic. ]

Just seconds away from winning the first leg of the race, too.

[markingnight]

Sorry, haven't spotted any of those. But what's this about a race? Were you in some sort of tournament?

[ The Ironeye's feelings about horses aside, this prospect somewhat intrigued him. He knew not what to say about Gyro's balls, really, other than that they seemed substantial and holstered(?) like something that ought to be kept always at hand. ]

Don't suppose there's any chance of you catching up.

[gogozeppeli]

Not just any race, but the most anticipated horse race in the country.

[ Unless this guy is from some backwater town, he would’ve heard about the infamous Steel Ball Run by now. The entire nation is watching, including the President of the United States himself.

It's an important event, but all Gyro cares about is winning the race to save another. ]

I'm talking about thousands of contestants racing from San Diego to New York for a $50 million grand prize.

[ Mentioning money, he gives the armor-clad archer another glance. ]

With that kind of money, you could definitely get yourself some better looking gear. You look ridiculous in that.

[ So says the man with the gold-plated teeth. ]

[markingnight]

'New York'...?

[ Hmm.... and then, decisively: ]

Never heard of it. What was wrong with the old one?

[ Ironeye's delivery was so dry that one might not even recognize it for a joke. Rather than clarify, he tossed Gyro a small sachet without warning that on further inspection would reveal itself to contain slices of dried apple-like fruit. ]

Here. Maybe you can find yourself another ride.

[gogozeppeli]

[ Wait, what? Gyro blinks rapidly as the gears in his head begin to turn slowly. He stares at the iron-clad archer for a while, then chuckles, breaking the awkward silence with his little laugh. ]

Nyo-ho-ho! [ It takes this Italian cowboy a moment to regain his composure but once he does, he's all smiles. ] You're a regular old comedian, huh?

I didn't think somebody like you got a funny bone.

[ However, this person could improve their delivery. Regarding delivery, what the hell did he just throw at him--oh! They are apples, and dried apples at that or something akin to apples. He takes a piece and bites into it, letting out an delighted hum once he tastes the sweetness. ]

Oh, Valkyrie would like these.

[markingnight]

[ Something about that laugh rang oddly familiar... but no. Probably just his imagination. ]

Well, now that you have a snack -- what do you plan to do?

[ When last Ironeye had found himself in mysterious surroundings, there had been guidance. Others who knew what was happening, and why they had been called. Yet here: ]

No one seems to know why we're here, or where we are. If they do, they're not volunteering.

[gogozeppeli]

If no one wants to start talkin', then make 'em talk.

[ Gyro gives a thoughtful hum as he stashes the dried apples. While he doubts he'll be able to find a horse in this inky darkness, he intends to explore. That explains why the first thing he grabs from the shed is a lantern and some matches. If he's going to be bumbling around in the dark, he should bring some light. ]

But first things first, I need to know the lay of the land.

[ He states before giving the archer one of his trademark smiles. Yes, those are gold teeth. ]

Wanna come with? Dusty armor aside, you look like you can carry your own.

[markingnight]

[ What sort of appalling series of events, Ironeye wondered, would lead a man to have his entire smile comprised of gold so early? Or perhaps it was the result of some perverse personal interest. Plenty of weirdos around. Thank god he was the only normal person here. ]

All right. As long as our interests align.

[ This was only responsible to mention, of course. Gyro had his race to get back to; Ironeye, too, had a purpose in mind. ]

But tell me your manner of fighting before we depart. I don't want to be tripping over each other in the dark.

[catsgothistongue]

[Civilization can be a mixed bag. Either it's a welcoming sight or it can spell as much trouble. That's a lesson Ranma's travels growing up imparted on him. In this case, it's yet to be determined.

He wades through the streets in between the stands. None of the goods particularly piqued his fancy. Where's a guy supposed to find some sweets to snack on? Those dragonfruits were a tad appetizing, but the merchants' pococurante attitudes to being paid and their overly magnanimous deals has Ranma feeling skeptical. Sounds too good to be true. There's no such thing as 100% free stuff without some catch.

The other's musing pulls him away from his own perusing to look at... the knight. Seeing a dude in a full set of armor standing over a fish vendor didn't strike him as unusual. Hope Ironeye doesn't mind the teenager leaning up on an arm like he's a lamppost.]

Eat it? What else are ya' supposed to do with fish.

[Besides keep them as a pet... though. Those usually come in baggies. And this one's deader than a doorknob.]

[markingnight]

Here, then. You'll make better use of it than me.

[ He handed the fish to this new stranger, and it was a large one. A lunker. Easily filling a container about the size of a medium attaché case, were one to be found in such a place. ]

And if you will, I'd like to know more about the mines.

[ At the mention of the mines, the merchant seemed visibly more on edge. Almost suspiciously nonchalant. 'Oh, you wouldn't be interested', 'not really a place for good sightseeing', 'actually rather dull, never produced much' -- all these things and more.

It really only seemed to make the archer more interested, really. ]