TEST DRIVE MEME

[morrowmods]

test drive meme

Welcome to the opening test drive of goodmorrow! If you're just getting here, you can find our game premise here and our full navigation here.

It's a new game, but you don't have to play a newbie! This game has a mechanic that allows people to app characters who aren't new to the setting. Please check over on our application guidelines for more information about how it works. We've also got a summary of World Events that occurred prior to this TDM, so your oldbie can have some things to reference.

Thank you for playing! We're excited to have you.

arrivals | forbidden knowledge | ooc notes

the summoning

Arrivals There is always a buzz around the time of a summoning ritual. Will there be dozens? Or will this time only yield a handful? Will the stakes become dramatic enough for there to be a glimpse of one of the Old Ones, and the chance to partake in their incomprehensible greatness? The ones who believe consider it a day of hope and new beginnings. However, there are much more mundane concerns for the skeptics. Summoning means that there will be a whole new group of displaced folks who'll need to be oriented. They'll come hurting and confused, squirming with the bone-deep pain of travel and weary after hours of hearing about how they've been Chosen to herald the approach of the Old Ones. People will be here seeking help, and most of the native townsfolk only understand how to preach at newcomers. The new arrivals will likely need help from more experienced expats who better understand where they're coming from.

dessicated and unremarkable

Forbidden Knowledge Even after the end of the summoning ritual, many kept their eyes watching the sky. There is always the risk of summoning more than just a new batch of novitiates. When pulling things from other worlds, chances are high that something else might tag along.

A few hours after the end of the introductory sermon, scraps of paper start to blow down from the sky. They travel on the breeze and seem to get into everything. They land on roofs and float through open windows. They get tangled in tree branches and end up underfoot on walking paths. Page after page delicately makes its way to the earth.

It must be wisdom from the cosmos! The rumor sweeps its way across town in hushed whispers. The gossips are saying that the elders want the pages collected, so that they can properly archive and study them. They promise a handsome reward to those who can gather enough to fill a tome, but that seems somehow less attractive, even as something to wish about. Whether deliberately hunting out the pages or accidentally encountering them in everyday life, it will soon be obvious that these are pages full of something best left unseen.

Some of the manuscript pages seem mundane enough. The words seem strangely familiar, as if they might be legible if one focuses on them hard enough. It's just a matter of figuring out handwriting or deciphering a dialect. It must be. A page might prove so engrossing that it leaves a person in an enthralled state, silently locked in a quest to understand something that looks so comprehensible only for it to veer off into the uncanny. This lock might leave them tremendously suggestible to any words spoken around them, their minds struggling and desperate enough to latch on to anything comprehensible at all.

Other pages seem less similar to human writing and will likely create less of a hold on those with the misfortune to view them. The pages covered in glyphs and arcane symbols feel almost empowering their foreignness, almost as if one might simply let the experience wash over them and let it run through them. Those unlucky enough to state too long at one of those pages might find themselves overwhelmed by instances of magical outbursts. It feels like a strange sort of sneeze as the arcane energy suddenly sparks a small thunderbolt into existence, or turns a bushel of hay into a solid block of iron. The effects are seemingly random, but wear off on their own in a few minutes. It's probably fine. What kind of damage could be done in such a short time?

This might be a relief to the illiterate members of the community, if it wasn't for the leathery pages. More parchment than paper in texture, these pages seem to carry something ominous in the rough fibers of their material. When touched without protective gloves, these pages force their handler to feel a glimpse of unspeakable suffering. It comes from a place beyond pain, lighting parts of the mind that were never intended for use. Screaming might be a way to express it, but more often it manifests in an expression of extreme emotion. Hysterical mania seems nice until it doesn't end and keeps a person up at night unable to stop laughing. Murderous rage might be inconvenient for the other members of the village. Whatever the emotion is, it's gone far beyond any normal limitation and will stay that way for the next several hours.

Enjoy the hunt, Revelbrooke. Try not to end up with too many papercuts.

ooc notes

Thanks for checking out this setting! If you have questions, feel free to direct them to the first thread below.

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Caleb Widowgast | Critical Role |

[born_in_flame]

Arrival

The man who stands on the arrival platform is not much to look at. A dirty, ragged looking soul in a tattered coat, dirty shirt, pants and worn scarf. Hie face is marked with filth and his hair is just hanging loose. But his bright blue eyes are taking everything in and marking the people around him as if assessing potential threats.

This is a clever man willing to adapt to any situation, he manages a small smile as he starts to climb down and look for a friendly face. "Hullo," he calls trying to sound friendly even though his body language is screaming "please don't hurt me."

"Can anyone help me?"

Forbidden Knowledge aka Wizards doing dumb Wizard Stuff

The pages instantly catch Caleb's attention and he reaches up without thinking to capture one. Studying the page he begins to recognize symbols he may have seen before in his own spell-book. He begins to mutter them to see if he can unlock the page's secrets. However, he hasn't yet realized that this might not be the same type of magic he is used to wielding and that that could be dangerous.

As he reads he begins to realize the familiar feeling of magical build up beginning to overwhelm him. When he looks at his coat sleeves he can see fire starting to climb up his arms. He begins to tremble and tries to drop the page...but it is too late the fire is starting to consume him and all he can do is pray and hope no one around him gets hurt.

Dumb Wizard Stuff

[nethereseorb]

He was not precisely gatekeeping knowledge, but likewise he knew that whatever individual spells were placed on the pages was a big deal, and dangerous when they were scattered around. They were like scrolls that had the tendancy to self-destruct, so there was a brief exclamation and then out game Gale, like a burst of wizardly wind.

He would attempt to put out the fire as best as he was able, his already calloused hand starting to pat down in a manner most firm, against arms, quick movements with palms as he spoke quickly and hurridly.

"It appears as if you've gotten the sheet that contains 'burning hands'-- except it appears that these pages are but cursed versions of themselves, like tarot cards in the upside down position" Infinitely unreliable and chaotic-- like wild magic inserted into parchment.

Re: Dumb Wizard Stuff

[born_in_flame]

Caleb takes a few deep breaths as he attempts to call the fire back before he lets the spell loose and hurts one of the villagers. He can feel his mind starting to drift as he focuses on the flames and his memories start to overwhelm him. "I...know the spell," he manages, "I have cast it many times in battle....but this feels...wrong...not sure what I can do to stop it...I do...not wish to harm anyone...I cannot do that again."

His accent is strange to the ear...to anyone from another place that might have a comparable country it sounds German but with a strange stress to certain words and syllables. What is clear is the young man sounds terrified and unsure of himself.

[nethereseorb]

Thankfully, Gale understands how strange it feels-- likewise it is exactly the same for the Evocations Wizard and thus he shifts so that he can assist better in putting it out, until the flames are but embers and then he takes a deep breath. "I think that what I am worried about is that this seems to be like spreading chaos far and wide, as if a spellbook has been seperated into a thousand parts, and each part falls into a single person's hand."

Which, to Gale's calculation, feels like far more trouble than it is worth. Too many instances for something to go wrong-- for people to die.

"I do not know what side of the magic spectrum you fall upon, but i personally do not want anyone to hurt themselves. I am almost inclined to see if we can gather them up safely and without detonating them, most importantly-- keeping non-magically inclined people from causing unforseen trouble."

[born_in_flame]

Caleb takes a few deep breaths as his heart rate calms down and his ability to think strategically returns. "I am of the school of Transmutation," he replies, sensing this man will understand if he knows what the spell Burning Hands does. He looks around at the paper raining down and mourns the loss of all the knowledge just flying around and being used to cause pain and suffering to people.

"I wonder if it is the touch of the paper or the reading of it that causes the effects," he muses, "in either case we need to be careful when disposing of them."

[nethereseorb]

"The one paper that I touched, well it happened to open up a black hole nearby.. nearly took out a cow, however myself and my associate," Hah, he just called Astarion an associate, that was fairly hilarious all things considered, he was sure that the vampire would have a rather good laugh out of it as well. ".. We managed to push it out of the way; I am not sure of how we did it but it happened."

Gale's voice turned solemn as he glanced at the other man, that is once the effects of the spell had been halted. "I made a decision to veer off to see if I could provide as much assistance as possible. Being stewards of magic, it is our responsibility to do so."

[born_in_flame]

Caleb manages a nod. "I agree with you...but with the amount of pages is overwhelming....any large spell like Thunderwave could hurt either people or buildings....we must be clever about it." He smiles a little. "But between the two of us I think we have enough cleverness to help the village."

He turns and offers his hand out. "I am Caleb Widowgast...thank you very much for your help."

[reflectionless]

Twice in one day Astarion had found himself playing fire brigade. This was really not his idea of a fun time -- far too much effort really -- but not a bad way, he expected, to quickly get on someone's good side than stopping them from self-immolating. Hopefully anyway.

"Incoming!"

The wizard currently on fire will find himself caught full on by a splash of questionably clean water from the bucket that Astarion had scrounged up earlier, enough to quite soak him, and likely take down the flames.

"There we are. Isn't that better?"

[born_in_flame]

The young wizard is startled out of his increasingly dark thoughts by the water getting dumped on him. He sputters and coughs and the arcane fire goes out. He takes a few moments to collect himself and then he gives a little bow. "Thank you for the assistance...that could have become a problem had you not arrived when you did," he says quietly.

His tone is polite but it carries a note of worry in it. His accent sounds vaguely German but there is a musical quality to it that marks it more other than pure German. "I was a fool to pluck that page out the air as I did, but we wizards are drawn to the new and it is hard to resist it's call."

[reflectionless]

"Of course you're a wizard. That explains it completely." Wizards and their long, storied history of questionable judgment when magical treats are dangled in front of them. Astarion is clearly thinking of Gale at the moment.

He waves a hand at the thanks. "You're quite welcome. We recently abducted probably ought to stick together, or at least not let each other burn alive. And, no offense intended of course, but even without the flames, I think the impromptu rinsing may have done you some good."

Stepping forward he shifts his now empty bucket to his left hand, setting his right against his chest and dropping a little bow of his head in turn. "My name is Astarion. And you are?"

[born_in_flame]

"Caleb...Caleb Widowgast," the young man replies in that same quiet tone. He doesn't move but the tension in his body speaks of an urge to bolt as soon as any movement is seen. Unlike any wizard Astarion might know, Caleb is dressed in clothing that is near to being rags. then actual clothing. This is a man used to living rough and not really caring about his needs more than he has to to keep himself on his feet.

The water has mudded the dirt on his face and in his hair turning his auburn hair a mudded brown and then mention of the water helping clean him a little bit makes him blush. "I have not had much time to....clean up while on the road," he stammers, "it has been a rough few days for my friends and I."

[reflectionless]

"It's a pleasure, Caleb." Astarion notices the nervousness, that tension, like a prey animal ready to flee at the first sign of fang or claw. The vampire half considers finding out just how little it might take to send this wizard running, but he pockets that idea for the time being.

Instead he summons up his most charming smile. "Of course, of course. I do understand. I've found myself unexpectedly on the road and slogging through the wilderness as well. It's not at all what I'm used to, and it does take its toll, doesn't it?"

[born_in_flame]

Caleb watches the stranger, his body still carrying that tension. There is a keenness to his gaze as well. He may look shy and unsure, but he is taking in the information handed to him and processing it quickly. "It is," he says carefully, "but I am used to traveling and never really staying in one place for too long. Safer that way."

"Where did you come from friend...I know an elf when I see one and yet you are different from the elves that I know."

Wizards

[ofdeliciousness]

Jester's arrival wasn't exactly quiet, nor was the little blue Teifling. She'd been here for a while but had yet to find a sweets shop. She was looking for some sweets shop when she noticed Caleb about 10 feet from her, and he was on fire.

"Caleb!," Jester exclaimed. "Create water," She shouted. Jester knew she could do more, but things were rather fuzzy. She held her hands out, and suddenly, there was a downpour within a 10-foot radius of Caleb's standing.

"Sorry!"

Re: Wizards

[born_in_flame]

Caleb had been about to sink into the darkness of his own mind when he suddenly found himself soaking wet and sputtering. He is staring at Jester in complete shock because from his perspective she had just been taken by the Iron Shepherds and he'd been terrified about not being able to get her back. He drops the now ruined page he was holding and yells out. "JESTER DO NOT TOUCH THE PAPER."

Caleb is not a loud man so the fact he is yelling means it is important. Then he is running his only thought to get to her and keep her safe.

Re: Wizards

[ofdeliciousness]

Jester's hand reaches for the paper when Caleb's voice reaches her ears. She pauses, looking over at the Wizard with wide eyes.

"What is wrong with the paper, Caleb?" She asked, the paper forgotten in favor of hugging Caleb. Her arms extended, but Caleb's choice of receiving the hug is Caleb's choice.

Re: Wizards

[born_in_flame]

Caleb steps in to give Jester a brief hug. Less a quick pressure of arms then a fast wrap of arms then he is stepping back. "I have not been able to cast magic since arriving here Jester, but the second I read the page I picked up, my Burning Hands spell....overwhelmed me without my casting it...if you had not come I could have hurt someone."

He looks at her worried. "I do not wish your magic to do the same."

[ofdeliciousness]

Jester hugs Caleb back, tightly. Hugs are her favorite thing in the world, next to cupcakes. "Oh, that won't happen, Caleb," She said, confidently, smiling at him brightly.

"I'll just do the same thing to myself," She assured the taller wizard. She lifted a hand over her own head and said "Create water!" This time, however, nothing happens.

"Huh, that's weird. Maybe the Traveller is mad at me, again," She pouted, her head bowing slightly.

[born_in_flame]

Caleb frowns and snaps his fingers trying to summon Frumpkin. "Sadly I do not think that is the case Jester...I cannot call Frumpkin.....for some reason whatever was done to bring us here also blocks our magic. The question is why would they do that to strangers?"

Arrival

[starcane]

Summoned back-to-back with the wizard is another wizard, softly floating off the ground and looking very alert at being surrounded by many, MANY people he doesn't know. And with magic being the crux of it, makes things even more alarming.

"...what is going on?" Mostly asking himself, unaware of Caleb's presence for a moment, until he hears his voice. "Caleb? What has happened?" He doesn't recall any spell that can summon him involuntarily, like some minion.

Re: Arrival

[born_in_flame]

Caleb feels calm when he hears a familiar voice. There is something about Essek that just....puts the human at ease. "I do not know where we are Essek," he replies, "I do not think we did whatever brought us here.....I do not even remember what I was doing before coming here."

Caleb turns around. "Are you alright my friend?"

[starcane]

It is good to have someone familiar backing you up, this time quite literally.

Glancing at his hands and down his long robe, moving his feet a bit, "I am in one piece, so I consider that a success in whatever this magical attempt was." He still raises his hand in a defensive, but threatening manner against people that are staring at them.

[born_in_flame]

Caleb's keen gaze takes in the group watching them. "I don't think they mean us harm my friend....I would put your hands down."

[starcane]

"How can you be certain? They summoned us without our consent." It doesn't hurt to be cautious. He's not casting any spell, his hand lowers a little at Caleb's prompting, but he is still on guard, both for him and Caleb.

[born_in_flame]

"They seem to be waiting for something," Caleb replies, still keeping an eye on the crowd, "it's almost like the need us for something...perhaps we should...ask what they want?"

The shy wizard sounds terrified at the very idea, but he's willing to step up and do what needs to be done to figure out what is going on.