DECEMBER TEST DRIVE

[rubycitymods]

Thinking of apping a character but not sure they'll fit in the city walls?

Have no fear, a meme for you is here.

Directions:

• Use an RNG to choose a location and prompt, or wait for someone else to tag.


• Post with your character with their name and canon on top!


• If you'd like, leave contact info for people to get in contact for plotting and other such shenans.


• Tag around! Make friends. Don't be afraid to chat OOC while tagging.

Locations

1.TRAIN STATION - The place where everyone gets dumped off at. Your first view of Ruby City, complete with informational posters telling you all about where you've ended up.
2. THE BEACH - Lovely year-round, though in the winter months, you're probably not likely to dip your toes in.
3. THE BLACK STALLION - A rather quaint bar. Supposedly, the burgers are great, but you don't see anyone immediately who's willing to serve you. Maybe you're meant to get it yourself.
4. THE OBELISK - The tall monolith in the center of the city marks the gathering place of many events, though right now it seems to be cold and dark.
5. THE CLOCKTOWER - Offering an impressive view of the city, several residents come here to clear their heads, if they don't mind braving the narrow staircase.
6. THE COFFEE JOINT - the front windows are warm and welcoming, and it seems there's always someone friendly enough to fix you a cup when you wander through.
7. THE CATACOMBS - Intrepid, aren't you? Those weird holes may beg exploring, but go too deep and you're going to be in a lot of trouble, considering the viciousness of the creatures held within.
8. THE CITY STREETS - All told, Ruby City is a lovely place, once you get past the fact that several of the buildings look derelict and on the verge of falling down. There's no harm in doing a little sightseeing.
9. THE PARK - You thought it'd be a lovely stroll, but the park is anything but friendly, if those approaching wolf-like creatures are any indication.
10. CHOOSE YOUR OWN - Don't like what we've come up with? Feel like picking your own place? There's a whole host of lovely locations to choose from in the City.


Scenarios


1. NEW ARRIVAL - Step off that train, walk down the street. People usually latch on to newcomers to try and help them out. Even if you look shy, the other residents probably won't be!
2. WATCH TALK - Feeling lost? Disoriented? Don't worry, everyone feels that way on their first day. Fortunately - if the signs at the station are to believed - the watch in your pocket can be used to talk to whoever else might be here.
3. BAD WEATHER - Aw, man. Whether it's snow, or rain, or just plain cold, today was definitely the wrong day to get dumped off in a City in the middle of nowhere.
4. A RUN-IN - Maybe you weren't watching. Maybe they weren't. Either way, you just bumped into someone. Perhaps apologies are in order?
5. HELP, IT HURTS - Clumsy, aren't you? Perhaps wherever the train brought you from wasn't so friendly, or you just tripped and twisted your ankle. Either way, you're in a bit of pain. Hopefully someone will notice your booboos and help patch you up.
6. HUNGRY - It isn't very obvious sometimes that restaurants are what they are, especially in a place like Ruby City. Where can a person go to get a bite to eat around here?
7. MISTAKEN IDENTITY - Hey, there's someone you know! --Or maybe not.
8. BEING FOLLOWED - Maybe you're just being paranoid, or maybe you've got a reason to be afraid. Whatever it is, it feels like there's eyes on you...
9. EVENTS - Feel free to look through our event tag!
10. CHOOSE YOUR OWN - Don't like any of these ideas? Feel free to come up with your own!

Comments

Haldir | Tolkien Legendarium

[marchwarden]

7. 10 A Voice in the Dark.

[How much of an oddity it must be to see something as gentle and pure as the light wander into the welcoming abyss of the dark. Haldir dared to venture where many wouldn't go. The reason for this is unknown but the march warden cannot deny his curiosity for what lies under this city. Being trapped here in this city against his own volition was enough to earn Haldir's scorn but his sense for adventure had not dulled. Therefore, with his bow upon his back and a suitable set of daggers, off he goes into darkness unknown in search of what lured him from Mandos' halls.

Despite his keen sight, Haldir carries with him a lantern. The flickering flame within the glass jostles ever so slightly thanks to the wind. There's a chill in the air, an unfavorable one that causes the march warden to flinch ever so slightly. It's uncommon for Ilúvatar's Firstborns to feel cold but Haldir feels something down here within these catacombs. Something that honestly causes him to regret the journey below to places dark and cold.

Quiet upon every step, Haldir pauses once the stench of something foul catches his nose. It's said that the dead of this city were once buried here but the filith he smells is not decay but rather blood. The march warden tenses. It seems that beasts do lurk beneath the city as the stories claim. He's none too surprised since every tall tale has a sliver of truth.

Contemplating briefly to turn back, Haldir pauses once he hears a voice sobbing within the dark. A child? Here? The sobs grow louder as the Elf wanders deeper into the nightmarish labyrinth below.]

3.1 The Black Stallion.

[In lieu of any reason why an Elf would linger in this pub of all places isn't for anyone to question. Haldir taken up a table in the far corners of this establishment away from the rowdier folks by the bar. Barely anyone notices the march warden since his gray cloak obscures his face from view. With only a single half-filled cup of some concoction before him, Haldir seems more intent in reading than he is in drinking. Alcohol has little effect upon someone as anicent as him. While he's hardly as old as some of his brethren, Haldir is old enough to be viewed as timeless by the eyes of less privledged souls.

Men don't linger long in the world unlike the Elves.]

Hm? [A lyrical him escapes him briefly as he stares down at the book before him. Reading and speaking the common tongue are two very different things. He's having trouble getting through this book he so happened to snatch from the library. It didn't seem to be a book pertaining to this realm but rather a book that spoke of another. It contained a plethora of lofty ideas about theology and some arrogant notes about the subconsciousness, but it gives away nothing about the oddity of a city he finds himself within.

How...frustrating. It's only a moment later that Haldir closes the book gently and focuses on the beer.

It seems another venture to the local library is necessary.]

7.10

[castintofire]

{Maedhros often took to walking around the city when he wasn't in the midst of a project at the forge or around his forest home. And so he saw the shadow of someone step into the catacombs. The sense of things tell him it's just one person. Alone.

He frowns and draws his sword, following nearly at the fool's heels but not quite in sight. He follows by sense, ignoring the chill of the catacombs to focus on staying close enough he can help if one of the many foul beasts which lurk decide to attack.

He too hears the sob of a child, perhaps, and knows which way the other light-footed traveler must go. It doesn't matter if he's seen now, he has to catch up and stop the fool!}

Only a fool would seek the sound of a child in such a place as this. {He hisses as loud as he dares.} It is no child!

/sorry for the delay

[marchwarden]

[Haldir comes to a quick halt once he hears the shout. He turns around hastily and sees a tall siholuette stalking him. The shadows obscure their face and cloak their identity well enough to cause Haldir alarm. However, he hesitates to unsheathe his daggers as the man draws nearer. His gaze narrows as he peers through the darkness in hopes of catching a glimpse of the wanderer's face.

He did not expect to come across another here of all places. The catacombs are known for their danger and most sane people wouldn't dare wander here but wanderlust is an insanity of its own. The march warden is known to be quite bold by some. Even his brothers admit to such whenever someone questions about their elder sibling. 'It's simply how he is,' they would say as if he was as unchangeable as the tides.

Though, Haldir's boldness is both a blessing and a curse at times.]

According to whom? How are you so certain?

[He questions with something akin to a scowl written across his pale features. The warm orange glow of his lantern at least provides enough light for his face to be seen. It's dark in here, too dark.

The light of day cannot pierce this inky blackness.]

Not a problem. :3

[castintofire]

{Relief flits through the tall Elf and he halts, letting the tip of his sword point to the ground.}

I have lived in this City for over a turn of the Sun, and have spent my fair share roaming these catacombs with eyes open. I know the nature of the beasts which live here. No babe comes here, and few able-bodied enter by choice.

{An Elf with pale hair, he sees by that light. Kin of Thranduil, perhaps? Or Thingol? Suddenly he's even more grateful to have his right hand back, to make his identity a little less obvious by silhouette.}

Will you follow me out now? Or must you see for yourself what lies beyond?

[marchwarden]

[The sword wins an unsavory glance from Haldir but he remains silent. There's no need for him to brandish steel, is there? Despite how threatening the other seems, Haldir can tell that this wanderer means him no harm. That's why he listens to intently despite the wailing overhead.]

Do the beasts here mean to lure me here as prey with such a cry? [The Silvan asks as he glances over his shoulder briefly towards the tunnel behind him.] Is it wise to leave such a beast untested?

[Danger lingers within the air, an excitable kind of danger that makes Haldir's heart thump loudly in anticipation. However, is he truly really ready to risk life and limb on the sake of adventure? Perhaps not.]

I will not risk the life of another so recklessly. [The march warden replies as he turns back towards the other.] Especially not of my own kin.

3.1

[laicalasse]

[Legolas was not inebriated. Not in the least. The alcohol had settled pleasantly into his bones, warming his soul from the bitter memory of the sea. He’d spent quite a lot of time at the beach lately in hopes that he would once again hear that sweet song, but encountered only silence. The smell of the ocean follows him around, salt and clean air. His hair is impossibly tangled from the wind, something he attempted to tame with his fingers, but ended up tying into a ridiculous bun at the back of his head. How humans could go around with stringy hair was beyond him.

Haldir, it seemed, was attempting to blend into the landscape. It was odd seeing him in such a place, it was odd seeing Legolas in such a place. His father would’ve yanked him out by the point of his ear. Inns were no place for a Prince, but he’d been traveling with Gimli before arriving here.

That, and Legolas had developed a taste for ale. Something else to add to the list of un-elf things. He’s been around dwarves and humans entirely too long.]

Is something troubling you, friend? [His voice is low, speaking in their tongue. It's simpler this way. He starts to pull the chair opposite of the marchwarden, pausing to question if it was okay. Perhaps Haldir did not want the company, as he had a book in front of him.]

[marchwarden]

Nothing in particular. [So Haldir claims as he flips through the book almost boredly with such a frown upon his lips. He's not displeased with the company as he is with this tome. It seems this book isn't worth the ink upon its pages.] Nothing that can be easily remedied.

[It's then that Haldir closes the book and peers over at Legolas once the prince secured a chair. His lips quirk upward in quiet humor once he sees the prince's hair. Stringy and messy. It seems that Legolas lost his match against the ocean breeze once more.

This humors the warden to no end.]

Are you truly so entranced with the ocean? [He questions as he reaches for his mug of ale.] Or is it the solace it offers that you seek?

[laicalasse]

[Once settled, Legolas quietly reads over the title on the spine. He didn't ask whether it was the common tongue or the unsatisfying answers the tome held. Trade speak had too many rules, it didn't flow as their own words. It often left him bored to tears during lessons when he was but an elfling.]

Have you something in mind?

[The prince, once a sight to behold sat there with the worst beach hair one could imagine. Not even his genes could save him from the terrible frizz the salt left behind. Still, if it put a smile on Haldir's face, Legolas was glad he could be of service.]

I continue to hold out for its song. I fear it is in vain.

[He lifts his mug to his lips, downing the last of its contents. This, thank the Valar, tasted nothing like the swill they served in Edoras.]

[marchwarden]

[His smile widens ever so slowly before fading eventually. Haldir is sometimes a difficult one to read but he's less difficult than this useless book. He slides the book gently over to Legolas so he could get a better glimpse. He doesn't mind catering to Legolas' curiosity.]

Only a passing thought I hoped to comprehend---[Haldir says once he had enough of ale. Unlike Legolas, he doesn't have much of a taste for it.] One that revolves around the very oddities of this realm.

[He means to unearth the secrets of this city.]

The ocean here may not hold a song at all. This is a queer place, one forged by unskilled hands. We are far from what we know.

Aoi Nanamori/Nue | Demon Prince of Momochi House

[losingmyhumanity]

[Train station | arrival | rain]

[Aoi hasn't been outside, properly outside, in years. There were gardens, technically, in the house but those were in another world. A place for ayakashi.

So the teenager just stands in the middle of the station for a little while, watching the rain fall and listening to the sound of it beating against the station roof. It's not too different from the sound on the roof of Momochi House but it's different enough in the fact that it's outside of the house.

It keeps him in a state of awe for a bit before he realizes he can't feel the presence of his shikigami. He's on his own.

Aoi hasn't been on his own... well, technically ever. He'd once thought he was, trapped in Momochi House as a child but then he'd spotted the ayakashi leaving him food and clothes.]

[wildcard]

[anything goes]

Re: Aoi Nanamori/Nue | Demon Prince of Momochi House

[nadenagi]

Nagihiko had been out taking a walk, trying to get his head together, and trying to be spotted leaving the train station when he saw someone was already there. So he headed on over. "Wet day," he commented softly, still a little hesitant and shy around new people. This was why he generally left things to Nadeshiko. She shone under the spotlight of attention, and loved it. Nagihiko... was more unsure, until he knew a person.

If Aoi could see magical/soul creatures, he might just notice Rhythm peeking out from under the fall of wet purple hair.

[losingmyhumanity]

[Even if he hadn't become the Nue, Aoi was unique in that he could sense creatures that didn't quite belong in the human realm so he can't help but notice Rhythm and smile faintly.]

Very wet. I like the rain though, it's peaceful.

[nadenagi]

He gave a small nod, looking out at the rain. It was easier. "I can see that," he agreed softly. He liked rainy days back home, but not because they were peaceful. Because it was amusing to watch Amu not freak out when he knew she was freaking out inside, to watch Rima try not to freak out that her hair was soaked, and to watch Yaya not even bother to try hiding that she was soaked and freaked.... until the moment Yaya found a puddle, and began splashing happily. And of course, Tadase looking a bit like a drowned rat rather than a king was kind of the icing on the cake.

Rhythm floated free of Nagihiko's hair and shook himself off, before plopping himself down in the air above Nagihiko's head.

[losingmyhumanity]

Aoi couldn't help but laugh softly as Rhythm moves to the top of Nagihiko's head. Seemed the rain didn't agree with him too much. And, unfortunately, Aoi had nothing to offer to cover up, mostly wearing the robes his shikigami had given him when he'd changed back from being Nue.

"Don't care much for the rain, do you little one?"

willlllllllllldcard

[bythewaves]

[ Maglor doesn't sleep much - terrible nightmares, for starters, mean that even should he want to that sleep is seldom restful.

But this time he woke from deep sleep, with no memory of nightmares, warm and....

........................

why is there a warm body in his arms who is not Maedhros?

He blinks at the young man in his arms and tries to remember if there was anyone else here when he went to sleep last night. ]

Excuse me? [ He moves to sit up, carefully reaching across to shake his shoulder ]

[losingmyhumanity]

[There's a little mumble and a groan, Aoi staying cuddled up and asleep. Or trying to. The shake to his shoulder makes Aoi wake up and rub at his eyes, still sleepy.]

Hn?

[bythewaves]

[ Young is only reinforced as Aoi wakes, and Maglor sighs, automatically bringing his hand to card soothingly through dark hair. ]

I think, youngling, you have wandered into the wrong bed last night.

[losingmyhumanity]

[He blinks sleepily at Maglor at first. No one has done that in a long time and he silently objects at being called youngling.]

Was warmer here.

train station

[demonslandlady]

Aaaah! It's raining! Come on Aoi, we'd better get you out of the rain. Is this an ayakashi trick?

[losingmyhumanity]

[Himari!

Aoi's face lights up a but and he turns, smiling, and then pouts just a bit. Let him enjoy the rain, Himari, gosh.]

It's not a trick. I like rain.

[demonslandlady]

[ She puts her hands on her hips and scowls at him ]

You will get soaked, and then you will get sick. [ She says severely ]

You can enjoy the rain from under cover. And if this isn't a trick, then what is it?

[losingmyhumanity]

I won't get sick. You worry too much.

[But fiiiiine. If she's going to make a fuss.]

I don't know. I can't sense Ise or Yukari. And you know I can't leave Momochi House.

Aoi Nanamori / Nue

[arken7]

Enjoy the rain?

[He hadn't come to the train station in quite a while, but seeing someone new there already was a bit surprising. To look at him, one would wonder why he even bothered to bring his coat if he didn't wear it; really, he didn't think much of the weather, so he simply took it off while he had walked over.]

[Of course, one might notice the fact that he wore a wakizashi at his hip and had a bionic left arm – one that used to be immaculately hidden, but now presented itself plainly.]

[Julian paused, looking at the other teen in his naturally analytical manner.]

You look a bit… more surprised than most.

[losingmyhumanity]

I am.

[He glanced to Julian and smiled.

The sword at his hip, the arm, both are noticed by Aoi but not remarked on. He's seen some very strange things in Momochi House, not a lot was truly strange for him at this point. Except for being outside of Momochi House.]

I haven't been in the material world in years. It's a big change.

[arken7]

['I am' sounded like an answer to his question as much as a response to his statement, which brought a smile in return. But the elaboration brought some surprise of his own into the mix.]

Sounds almost like you know you're from a virtual reality, or something similar. [Close, actually. Not that he knew.]

But, I should say, this isn't exactly the regular material world as you know it. This town and the island around it are isolated from everything else, from every other universe. The soul, for want of a better word, of this city itself takes people from all over the multiverse and brings us here, without a pattern to the process: some stay for years, others leave after a month – if that – and still others leave after a time and come back much older than you'd expect. I've been here without leaving for almost a year.

[Julian had no idea what situation the other guy came from, so he wasn't sure how he'd react. Given what little the island's resident 'man from the future' knew, there were quite a few possible reactions.]

By the way, my name's Julian. Yours is?