( TDM #7 )

[spellbindmods]

TDMs can be used for anyone interested in the game and/or testing out a new muse.

Test Drive samples are encouraged to be used for your application sample, though they are NOT a requirement.

Feel free to use one prompt, multiple prompts or make up your own!

These threads can be considered game canon upon game opening if you so choose.

Telepathy and magic can be used at any point in time on the TDM, from Prompt A to your wildcard prompt. A specific prompt exists, however, that makes sure all characters have an equal chance to use this mechanic within the TDM. You're encouraged to have characters use telepathy and their magic accidentally or even purposefully on any TDM prompt.

If you aren't set on your character's power yet or want to try out a few, you're still able to use the test drive. Maybe your character is a late bloomer and hasn't fully unlocked their intuitive drive yet. In the case of multiple powers, only prompts that contain the power you choose for your application will count as potential game canon threads.

While only one character can be apped or reserved during a cycle, feel free to post with more than one character if you like! This is for those who are uncertain of their first choice or who would like to try out different characters within the setting.

IMPORTANT: This world is low-frequency. No canon powers or abilities are allowed! Also check out the setting information for more info about Shehui.

You blink and that's all it takes. At first, the picture doesn't come in clear, like you're waiting for a screen to fully load -- more aptly, it's like you're waiting for a camera to focus so you can find image clarity. Before you happened to rapidly close your eyes and open them, your life was normal...well, normal for you, anyway. Fighting an alien, making a quesadilla, dying. And then that blurry picture suddenly takes over. There's a lot to take in here -- you feel weird, your surroundings are weird. Everything is just weird. For starters, there's that new piece of jewelry inserted in the space above your chest. That certainly wasn't there before you opened your eyes. A ▢ Perhaps the signet in your chest isn't the most pressing matter right now. You notice that the building you're in (Chips!) is pretty large -- but even that isn't the most demanding thing capturing your interest right now. It's the video game you're in front of. Maybe it's Duck Hunt, or a zombie killing game that involves those huge red and blue guns. There are a variety of arcade games in Chips!, after all -- but are you Player 1 or Player 2? B ▢ After a strange incident a couple of days ago, the area around Anmung tower has been essentially dead. This may or may not be lucky for you -- since you're on the top of the observation deck, and all. If you're afraid of heights...oops. It's not that people aren't allowed to be up there, it's just that there aren't too many people. The view is still pretty good, though! C ▢ Let's say that you just want some answers and information about the strange signet you now have. You may find some success in asking around, but be warned: not everyone in Shehui will know what the fuck you're talking about. If you're lucky enough, you may eventually run into a coven member that will be able to explain. D ▢ Since your character didn't show up via any special means, they may not know that magic is a bit taboo in Shehui. If their new magic manifests, it might be a bit of an issue. Locals certainly won't like it, and they'll definitely attract the attention of more than a few monitors. The good news? This is also a pretty good way to snag the attention of a coven member who is here to help! E ▢ Let's get back to some fun stuff. Your character is enveloped in darkness for a brief moment, something clasped in their hand. Lights, camera, action -- the glowing screen that suddenly flashes on turns out to belong to a karaoke booth TV! You and and someone else have been locked in this booth for an hour -- at least there's a mini bar and some snacks! F ▢ For something not so fun, the snowfall has stopped in Shehui, except for those residences and businesses who want to keep paying for it. A lot aren't willing to cough up the credits, so it's safe to say the streets aren't. Everything is frosty and slippery, from melted snow to frozen water littering the sidewalks. Watch your step or you could hurt yourself...or bump into an unexceptional stranger! G ▢ Finally, you may have had the fortunate luck of ending up in the coven's apartment complex. There are names on the door to all apartments, if you want to go exploring. Whether you find the name of someone you recognize, or maybe you just want some shelter from the cold weather, knock knock...is anyone home? H ▢ Wildcard! How will your character react to this strange world?

GAME NAVIGATION

Comments

Celica | Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia

[testified]

H.
[ Finding yourself in a new world can be quite disorienting, but coming from a medieval fantasy world into a modern setting is an entirely different thing altogether. Everywhere she looks, she can see tall towers, and the streets themselves are bustling with strange electronic noises and... some kind of steel carriages that move without the aid of a horse? Cars, to be precise. She's staring in awe at cars.

More importantly, she wants to cross the road but has no idea when these cars will stop. Someone help this girl find a pedestrian crossing, please?

Eventually, she stands in one spot long enough that the bell of a passing cyclist startles her. She may have even let out an embarrassing yelp.

This is going to be a weird day. ]


B.
[ Towers usually hold all the answers, or... something! Even if her journey to the top of a building proves to be fruitless, Celica will at least get a better view of her new surroundings. It's also quieter and gives her the space she needs to think, or even pray. Surely the Earth Mother Mila can hear her prayers even from here.

It doesn't matter in the end, because Celica finds a lone cat on the observation deck and starts a conversation with it. She's likely not alone, though, so feel free to misinterpret who she's exactly talking to here! ]

Aww, aren't you cute? Would you like to go home with me? Not that I know a way back, I'm afraid...

[ Seriously, she's speaking to a cat. ]


F.
[ Celica has made the mistake of thinking she can help the residents by melting the ice with her fire magic. Unfortunately, her magic powers don't seem to be working in this world, and she has yet to discover her gift bestowed upon by Qri.

By the time she realizes this, she's already wobbling on the slippery sidewalk. :( Next thing she knows, she's either slipping on her back or sliding into somebody. Help a princess out? ]


WILDCARD
( Up for anything! )

b

[soulcomet]

[Celica is a girl after her own heart — extremely high up is an elevation that Madoka has always preferred (easier to get full scope of the city and any dangers that may be lurking that way), and she is completely won over by any and all cats.]

[she'll wait until this important conversation Celica is having draws to a close before chiming in.]

Ah, it's so cute! Do you think it's hungry? I could probably find food for it...

[testified]

[ Celica is mildly startled when another voice joins this conversation, but upon turning around to face the mystery person, she quickly drops her guard when she realizes it's a child. A gentle and caring one at that, what a blessed soul. Celica smiles in response to her question. ]

Can you truly? Oh, that would be wonderful! I am certain Mr. Kitty here would appreciate it, too, isn't that right?

[ Celica's stomach growls, too.

...She draws no attention to it whatsoever. ]

[soulcomet]

[ah. she noticed, but she won't mention it outright - rather, she'll verbally dance around it.]

You know, I was thinking of going and grabbing something to eat - and I don't think our friend is going anywhere all the way up here! I don't mind sharing my leftovers with him if you don't.

[she'll just order fish; that's usually a safe bet for cats.]

[testified]

Yes, that sounds like a good plan.

[ Celica clasps her hands and nods. ]

I'm afraid I don't know where to obtain any rations in this land, however. I must have searched every nook and cranny of this tower, and yet...

[ She sighs. ... She also doesn't know about refrigerators. ]

Are you from around here, perhaps?

[soulcomet]

I'm not from around here, not exactly! But, I do know my way around.

[Madoka isn't exactly a tech wizard, but a large city like Shehui is way more her element than any of the previous worlds they've visited, after all. and she can explain how vending machines and the like work — she is always, always eager to help out, especially when she has a vague suspicion that she's speaking to a new coven member.]

I could show you around, if you'd like? We can grab lunch and then come right back here.

[testified]

You're a kind child. Not many in your position would be so eager to help stranger like me, or even choose to do the right thing.

[ Celica says it with zero bitterness in her voice. She believes in others and sees the good in everyone, but she's not blind to reality either. Many others go astray, but it's up to folks like Celica or Madoka to lead them back to the light. ]

Some food to replenish our strength would be wise. All I have with me is a moldy orange and garlic.

[ She picked it up from her world! ... Last resort food, as it were. ]

I'd be happy to follow your lead!

[soulcomet]

... I can definitely think of something better to have than a moldy orange and garlic.

[Madoka says, her face maybe a teeny bit pink, much like her hair — and the rest of her — at the compliment. she's going to offer a little wave to their cat friend, before turning slightly, ready to head back down the stairs — wait, hang on a second.]

Oh! My name is Madoka Kaname, by the way. Um ... it's nice to meet you.

f

[bladelike]

[ Congratulations, Celica has the great fortune of sliding into this unexceptional stranger! The stranger being Kanda, who anticipates the headlong crash quickly enough to graciously intercept her... by roughly grabbing her shoulders and pulling her to a stop. Gracious. ]

Watch it.

[ Then he rather abruptly lets her go without checking to make sure she's got her footing, nice. ]

[testified]

[ So gracious, so kind! The abruptness causes Celica to look at Kanda like a deer caught in headlights. Is this man a knight, or some kind of sell-sword? Either way, she must thank him properly once she finds her footing again. ]

O-Oh, thank you, good sir.

[ Whew, that was close! She places a hand over her chest as she recollects herself. ]

I apologize for inconveniencing you. I must admit I'm a little over my head here... may I ask for your name?

[bladelike]

[ Kanda doesn't deserve to be in Celica's presence tbh. The sword strapped to his back means Celica's not far off the mark about him possibly being a sell-sword. The expression on his face is probably too truculent to qualify being knightly though.

His gaze flicks over her. The old Kanda would have brushed on by (and fallen down on the ice), but canon events have happened to stoke the somewhat more human parts of his heart....... Something like that? Not enough to offer his name just like that though. He thinks she's just a Shehui civilian; someone he'll never bump into again, so names aren't useful here, are they? ]

If you know that much, then stay inside. You'll be less of a nuisance that way.

[ points for being self-aware about your confusion, Celica, since Kanda actually has no idea what's going on either but is stubbornly not admitting it. ]

[testified]

Wh...

[ Oh, wow, this man is definitely not a knight! Not that Celica is particularly bothered. His attitude leaves much to be desired, but she can handle herself quite fine. ... Sort of. She doesn't have her magic or army here, haha... ]

But I wish to help! I can't just sit by and allow others to work by themselves. Surely you're in no position to turn down any personnel!

h

[fastpaced]

[ now there's someone who looks confused. Normally, he'd probably have run right by someone with such a minor problem - but, bereft of his speed, he's left mostly walking around everywhere, which means he's noticing all these people in need and can't possibly bear to just walk by. Sonic freezes halfway past her, blinking, then walks over. ]

Lookin' a little lost there. Need a hand?

[ poor celica's day is only going to get weirder ]

[testified]

[ Wow. Okay. This day definitely got weirder, because an odd creature is addressing Celica, and so far it has been kinder than most humans who walked past her. ]

You're most kind.

[ Hey, she remembers her manners! She's still a bit freaked out, though... but it helps that the creature kind of looks like a cat. It's a hedgehog, Celica!!! ]

I would appreciate any form of assistance, if it's not too much trouble for you. I'm embarrassed to admit; I'm not quite sure where I am.

[ Yeah, she's lost, so she'll tag along with the talking blue cat. :( ]

[fastpaced]

[ i mean he doesn't look like a hedgehog either so it's fine ]

No prob. I'm not from around here, either, but I think I've got a pretty good handle on this place.

[ he can't stand sitting around inside, so even though he both shirks school and hardly works, he's outside a lot, wandering around and exploring. Which comes in handy at times like these, even if it wasn't his intention. ]

Where are you headed?

[testified]

[ "To the temple" is what she almost says, but that place is out of her reach for now. It's not as if some cute blue cat will know the way there, despite having the ability to talk.

Which is still so insane, by the way. Celica sighs after rethinking her answer. ]

I know I'm no longer home, but I'm afraid I have no answer for you. What is my purpose here? Surely there's a reason for all of this. I've been wandering aimlessly as I try to figure it out...

[ tldr; she's headed to nowhere particular ]

[fastpaced]

Huh? They didn't tell you when you got here? Sheesh. What are those ladies thinking?

[ for his part, Sonic looks very offended on Celica's behalf, crossing his arms and frowning. They're pretty fishy in his book, anyway. Now they're just straight up not explaining what happened to the people who show up? They're not even pretending this isn't kidnapping anymore. ]

Well, I can help you with that, too. I'm not sure hearing the story's gonna explain much, though... To make a long story short, a witch summoned you here to help get her powers back. [ a beat. ] Or so they say. We're all here to pitch in and harvest some magical energy for her.

[testified]

Did you say a witch did this?

[ Being a witch on its own is a bad thing where Celica comes from, but being a witch with no powers is just bizarre. Or some powers, anyway, seeing as she's able to summon people here? Celica decides that this might be a sign; this is the reason she's here. SHE WILL RESOLVE THIS PEACEFULLY. ]

Please, I must speak with her at once! Can you take me to her?

[ She's in for so much disappointment today, isn't she? ]

f

[allbroea]

[ It's about half chivalry and half self-preservation when he stops Celica from her backwards tumble onto the sidewalk, seeing as he had the misfortune of being behind her, and if she actually fell into him they would probably both end up tumbling down. He goes for steadying her with a hand on the shoulder first, but he ends up holding her waist as a failsafe anyway. The tabloids at home would love it. ]

You're going to cause trouble if you don't start watching your step. [ And probably get hurt besides, but. ]

[testified]

[ How scandalous! A devout priestess no less! But she understands the logistics of where his hands ended up, so there is no reason to be upset. If anything, she's grateful, if not a little lost for words. ]

O-Oh! Please forgive me, I merely wished to help. [ It's a little embarrassing actually, since she usually handles herself with more grace than this. ]

Are you a local here?

[allbroea]

[ As soon as he thinks she has her footing and balance back, he will be more than eager to unhand her and focus on keeping his own footing steady on the slippery ground.

He, uh, doesn't quite get how she's helping here, but he'll give her a pass on rude comments since she already seems a bit flustered. ]

No. I take it that means you're not, either.

[testified]

I'm afraid not. I had hoped to use a spell to make the ice melt, but in the end, my recklessness lead me to my own danger.

[ She offers him a smile, having not much else to reward him with. ]

I'm just grateful you were there in that moment. Perhaps we were fated to meet.

[ Yup... let's just put a positive spin on that embarrassing slip-up! ]

[allbroea]

[ She's really laying on the gratitude, isn't she ... He rubs the back of his neck in a moment of on-the-spot awkwardness; didn't quite expect the "maybe it was fate" response from stopping someone from crashing into him. ]

Please. I would hardly call it a fateful encounter. [ ... Not that he can really discredit it, especially given the strange circumstances. But, wait— ]

You said you were trying to cast a spell?

[testified]

That's correct.

[ She doesn't see it as a big deal, though! It's normal where she comes from. If anything, it's weird that she failed to cast it... ]

A simple fire spell has many uses outside of combat! I use it to cast light when I traverse dark caverns and dungeons. I figured I could also use it on the ice and create a safer passage, but... I cannot seem to cast any magic.

[ It worries her, to be honest, even if she tries to smile through the whole thing. No friends, no magic, no goddess to guide her... she's truly on her own here. ]

[allbroea]

[ Magic is ... kind of normal, where he comes from, but it requires a lot more than just willing a spell to work unless someone has special circumstances, so he wants to get some clarification real quick.

How does he word this without being as confusing as possible, though. He's already coming to terms with the fact orbal technology isn't particularly common here ... ]

If I'm understanding you correctly, you can cast magic without an orbment—or, you could under normal circumstances. [ This is a weird question to ask, but someone who was trying to hide it probably wouldn't be so forthright about it anyway. ] I don't suppose you're a witch?