escordvi | « june 2025: sticky situation »

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Welcome to the Test Drive Meme for

escordvi! Anyone can participate in the test drive, regardless of invite eligibility. Just keep in mind that only those who have had their invitations approved by the mods can actually reserve on June 24 and apply on July 1st. Our EMP/ATP can be found here.

For your toplevel, please include the following: Character Name | Canon | Armada Choice | TDM (IF TDMING). Current players can use the same header, just without the "TDM" label. We do require those who are TDMin'g to include the label so other players can distinguish between others.

For everyone's convenience, TDM threads can be carried over in game if you wish! If you are still unsure which armada to place your character, you can play it a bit loose and vague in the TDM and make retroactive changes if you carry over the threads. The log itself is set to cover starting from June 14 until the end of the month. Characters will appear at random intervals during this time rather than all at once, so players have some more flexibility on how much more adjusted they are for someone else.

If you have any question about the TDM, comment here. If you have questions about the game in general, please comment to the Game Info.

TOPLEVEL DIRECTORY (Updated June 20th)

GETTING STARTED

This section can be timed for any time after June 14 until the end of the month, which includes during the current event. These prompts are to benefit those TDMing, but this portion can be handwaved instead and serve as a reference for players to know what their character will have experienced and learned on arrival. As an important note, Elah's situation is unusual in that the leviathan has disappeared, leaving behind a floating island remnant behind. Everything is mostly the same, there just isn't a whale carrying the land. Travel to the island is possible.

STARTER SHIPS

There are two ships that serve as starting ships for each armada: Stormbringer for the Corsairs, and Royal Fortune for the Paladins. There are various ways new arrivals—or riftfarers as they will be called, among other creative names—will appear on or by these ships. The crews for both ships will also seem a bit odd to some, as it is a mix of humans and various animal folk, non-humans that look more animal than human. Some just look like large versions of their smaller counterparts. From birds, to seals, to even bears, there is no shortage of interesting faces and people on these ships.

🚪 Random room. It could be empty, filled with crates or supplies; down in the hull where the livestock are kept; have the luck to awaken in a bed...or the misfortune of that bed already occupied; somewhere in the kitchens; in the bathroom—any room! Now let's hope the doors can open or someone may have to try and ask for help. Or jump through the porthole if there is one and it's above water.
⛵ On deck. If not in the ship itself, another possible spot to wake up to is somewhere on the maindeck. If they're lucky, they're on the deck itself. More unfortunate souls may find themselves caught in the sails or netting, the crow's nest, or on the top of the masts. Someone should be able to help, right? Or catch.
🌊 In the water. The most unlucky sods will find themselves appearing in mid-air just past the ship and plummeting straight into the water. Good news, there's always someone on the lookout for such a thing and calls for help to "throw a lifesaver, get the rowboat!" will be made. Are there sharks? Well... ...Are there?

However the new riftfarers arrive, they will be poorly clothed, practically rags or loose uniforms depending on the ship. Fortunately, veteran crewmates will guide them, escorting them to a room with a strange typewriter in it. After typing their name, the typewriter will magically continue and type by itself at a fast pace until it dings and rolls out the paper. This paper will have the following information:

• Name and Shellphone ID (journalname)
• Armada (Corsair or Paladin, will match the starter ship)
• Cabin Number for their personal cabin on the starter ship
• Apartment Address for their personal address at their base armada location
• A basic map of the starting locations in Eltrut, including written directions (continued in the Eltrut section)
• A basic map of where they can find a chest with their original clothes and belongings (this will be different for every person and will be anywhere either on the starter ship or on Eltrut—players can be creative here).

After that, the crewmate will do their best to explain the basics of how they got here, what's going on, and what they'll need to do to live in Escordvi while they are here, giving them a small leather pouch with money. They will be reaching Eltrut soon, so the crewmate will suggest they look around, meet the others who have arrived. Even from their distance, they will be able to see the giant sea turtle that serves as Eltrut's leviathan.

ON ELTRUT

Once in Eltrut, the new riftfarers will be greeted by several birdfolk who will be happy to give tours to those who may need them. Otherwise, anyone is free to roam as they please and will have a map for the following main places they should visit.

🐚 Microshell. The first stop that is encouraged will be Microshell, the main store to acquire their own personal Shellphone. The paper they received on their starter ship will have their ID and the staff at the store will set them up, explaining how the device and the network works.
✒️ Inkwave, Tattoo Parlor. The next stop is Inkwave, a tattoo parlor run by a very burly but friendly octopus, Knistej. Here everyone receives their own unique magic tattoo, allowing anyone to cast specific single element spells and other magic. Note: tattoos are required before anyone will be able to use their original magical abilities.
📜 MANTA office. The final stop is the MANTA office, where all the request, mission, and task notices are posted. Each armada has their own branch office for armada specific notices as well. A great place to find jobs to earn some cash so they don't stay a hobo forever.

ELAH'S ISLAND

It's later in the month that the people on the remnants of Elah's floating island notice that parts of the land have been slowly breaking off. It had started with the outer pieces, which is why it had remained largely unknown, but when some fisherman witnessed part of the land cracking and falling into the ocean, they raised the alarms. Although the progress seems to be slow, tremors could now be more visibly felt and are conclusively linked when pieces fall off. Before panic could completely seize the remaining populace, efforts to keep the land together are mobilized.

Once alerted, the Corsairs will also offer aid. Not wanting to risk damaging the floating island further, several groups will stay on Elah while Nogard will travel separately with the rest of its population to an island half a day's out known for a strong "adhesive" that should help keep Elah's remnant in one (questionable) piece until Elah is found. However, these remedies are all temporary band-aid fixes, and the state of the "island" has acting officials and leaders beginning discussions on what to do next if Elah cannot be found soon…

🫨 Troubling tremors. As the days progress, the frequency of the tremors increase—from once every other day, to two to eventually a handful. In the main city of Baleen, the tremors are slight, with just notable rumblings that feel no different than when Elah gave an occasional grumble. However, some are strong enough to knock a few loose things over and cracks are starting to show on the buildings and streets. Farther out from the main city, where the farms and smaller towns and villages are situated, however, the movement is felt more strongly and the damage more severe. Here is where aid will be needed most, from repairing damages to evacuating and moving people and animals further inland.

🩹 Patch it up. There are various methods being deployed to try and "patch up" and tether the loose pieces. Those who excel in earth magic are quick to try and strengthen the ground while both magitech and mechanical engineers are hard at work to create devices and structures to try and keep the land together.

🪣 Super Snail Glue. Once the slime from the island arrives, it is quickly processed to be poured into the cracks like cement. However, care must be taken because if not careful, one could get caught in it, especially as it is slow to harden. While one won't sink in it, they will be stuck in there for a while. If the glue does happen to harden around the individual, they will need to be broken free similar to being in cement.

🍲 Potluck. As smaller communities and farms are evacuated closer to Baleen, aid is provided to help try and keep everyone calm. One of the main ways is hosting several potlucks throughout the oncoming days. Farmers who brought their crops in so they would not be lost willingly offer the surplus and Corsairs from Nogard will also bring in plenty of ale and supplies. It's also a perfect opportunity for those who have been working hard to take a break and try to keep spirits up.

As time goes on, plans for future evacuations are made to prepare for the worst case scenario. However, the main issue is where people should settle. There are a few populated islands that people may travel to on their own, but acting officials would prefer to try to keep everyone together—especially if they need to resettle somewhere completely. Requests to set sail and scout for suitable islands are sent out for any who are willing to risk the dangers that may come with it. Given the situation, while they have some natural preferences they won't be too particular for now. It just needs to be large enough to house a sizable population and have ample resources that they can live off of.

ADOPORTSAG

Meanwhile, Nogard will settle onto the island of Adoportsag. It is a rich and fertile place, with thick tropical forests filled with luscious fruit trees and waters so clean and clear it's almost hard to believe. It's no wonder the local snailfolk population is very relaxed and chill, who welcome travelers gladly into their homes. They will be friendly, mellow hosts who offer all manner of delicious foods and drinks, from local fruit and root vegetables, cooked meats with fragrant spices, and sweet-scented juice and cocktails. However, everything on the island has a light inebriating quality to them; most foods will make one feel slightly tipsy, while stronger foods can even cause faint hallucinogenic effects. The effects can be slept off, but will probably cause a mild hangover the next morning.

While the snailfolk are fairly large, the giant snails and slugs that also inhabit the island are even larger—large enough to be ridden! If one would want to try to ride one, anyway. They are very peaceful and approachable creatures so there will be no difficulty in gathering the slime from them. However, take care—if they are harmed or feel threatened, they will turn hostile quickly and turn red. Their slime will become toxic and acidic, powerful enough to burn and even melt skin and bone. Some will even use their slime to smother and suffocate attackers. Perhaps that's why there are very few predatory animals and those that do exist stay far away from them…

🌻 Embarrassing flowers. Scattered throughout the island are trees that bear a multi-coloured, sweet-smelling flowers that are said to hold magical properties. According to the locals, whoever picks the fruit that grows from these flowers and shares it with another will undergo a sacred trust-bonding ritual with the one they share it with. However, what the locals fail to mention is that the flowers will begin to shout out the eater’s most embarrassing moment for all nearby to hear. The local snailfolk see this as a chance to laugh at past troubles and grow trust between friends, but others might not appreciate this ‘sacred’ custom.

💦 Stuck together. Creating the glue needed to repair the island of Elah is sticky work, and while the snailfolk do offer warnings it’s very possible that people can get stuck together thanks to all the slime. The snailfolk do have solvents to remove the slime, but it may take them a while to make it. Those who get stuck together will have to get used to each other’s company while they wait.

🧴 Slime products. The slime isn't just a great adhesive—it's actually quite versatile and can be used to make different products. From lotions to lubricants, it can even be used in cooking. Somehow rumor that the slime could be a "cure for wrinkles" and the next big trend for beautification has spread. There are even attempts to create some kind of alcoholic drink from them. The snailfolk aren't as proactive in producing many products, but other merchants and craftsmen are interested. New products are already out for testing for people to try. Just be warned, that there could be side effects, such as making the skin feel extra sensitive…

🐌 Snail feeding. In order to create the glue needed to reconnect the islands, slime needs to be harvested from local snails. Feeding the snails is the best way to get them to produce the slime, so help feed them leafy greens and large fruits to get that slime running!

🌦️ Rainy weather. The weather can be quite fickle on the island. One minute it's sunny and the next rain suddenly pours down. Usually the rain will pass through quickly, leaving behind a cool mist that unfortunately later becomes sticky with humidity. Should anyone get caught in the rain, take shelter under the trees or even under the large leaves that can cover a few adults. Just be careful—sometimes after the rain, the flowers and fruits will emit a stronger scent than usual, making the inebriating effects more potent.

On the southern side of the island is an active volcano, but there are currently no threats of a full eruption, just occasional lava flows that travelers should be careful of. Near the base of the volcano in one of the few safe areas is a grand, magnificent temple made of black obsidian dedicated to the worship of a long-departed entity that can be described as a "goddess" snail. The temple is beautifully decorated with art and effigies, including a very large statue of a very large snail draped in dress-like robes that looks very elegant and…goddess-y by snail standards. All the snailfolk respect and revere the goddess depicted within the temple, though most view the temple itself as more of a cultural landmark these days. However, there is a cult of dedicated snailfolk followers that are desperate to see their goddess again. This is the only time the local snailfolk seem to be wary and warn travelers to be careful as these followers can be…odd.

🌋 Sacrifices. After overhearing an ill-timed joke about "making sacrifices," the cult takes the suggestion seriously. Normal snailfolk will catch wind of this and warn everyone, but members of the cult actually start kidnapping people to drop into the volcano as a sacrificial offering to revive their departed goddess. Fortunately for those wanting to plan rescue efforts or those who find themselves kidnapped, the cultists are very slow and the volcano is very high. It's quite easy to make an escape. Just be careful of the lava flows and pools and steam vents along the volcano's slopes.

🍎 Lava Pomegranates. A special fruit that is grown not by trees, but a product of the volcano and cultivated by the temple followers. Although dangerous and can explode if handled from the lava fields they sprout from, after they cool they make for a spicy, delicious treat. However, there is a side effect where one will go into a daze and easily susceptible to suggestions. They will also start yearning for the volcano and the goddess… Quickly snap out anyone who has fallen under the effects before the affected join in the kidnapping for sacrifices or worse—try to sacrifice themselves!

💎 Hidden treasures. Potential sacrifices notwithstanding, the volcano is a veritable treasure trove of natural resources. Adventurers are encouraged to explore the volcano to see what sorts of items they can find, whether it be to barter with the local snailfolk or to take it for themselves. Take heed when exploring, however; the volcano is home to fire golems and fire sprites, as well as elemental beings born from the lava of the volcano.

👁️ Fire Cyclops Among all the creatures that dwell on the volcano, none are as feared as the fire cyclops, a monstrous elemental being that is said to live in the heart of the volcano. Few have seen the monster in person, and fewer have lived to tell the tale. Anyone brave or foolish enough to challenge this fiery monster will be greatly rewarded by the snailfolk.

INVASION

Later in the month, while treatment for the remaining island of Elah is still in the works, alarms sound when a ship arrives badly damaged and half of its crew dead. They recount being attacked by the shark leviathan Krahs and had lost three other ships to the sharkfolk. Worst of all, it's heading right towards them—as can be seen by the gray clouds rushing in from the distance and the large waves that herald the large leviathan's approach.

Corsairs stationed on the island will send word to Nogard still on Adoportsag, and the leviathan will bring in those who wish to join to rush in to try and intercept the Krahs. However, due to the distance and the suddenness of the attack, they won't arrive until after Krahs's sharkfolk warriors have made landfall. Not only are the sharkfolk warriors vicious and ruthless, the shark ships return with adjustments, their ability to cut through the water both above and under allowing them to destroy ships with their powerful jaws at a speed that can go undetected before it's too late. The invaders seem particularly enthused, as if they are taking advantage of Elah's disappearance to try and take over or even destroy the island.

⚔️ Defend! While Nogard engages with Krahs, waves of sharkfolk marauders have begun to storm the shores of Elah. Help defend the island by fighting off as many as you can and drive those shark invaders back into the sea! The people who had recently been evacuated from the outer areas of the island will be particularly vulnerable and Corsairs will set up barricades and defenses as best they can.

🎣 Live bait. While the sharkfolk are strong and fearsome warriors, Corsair aligned sharkfolk allies will reveal their kind can be easily distracted. One strategy to distract the sharkfolk is to get into special cages to act as live bait to draw the sharkfolk in while being protected from their sharp teeth and crushing jaws. If you’re brave enough, dive into one of these cages and help draw away some of the attackers! Offer support for those who risk their lives by protecting them and attack with the opportunity they provide!

🧜‍♀️ Mermaid dancing. Another method of distraction is less violent, but more unusual; the sharkfolk seem to be attracted to beautiful faces, sultry dances, and suggestive songs. Make use of the merfolk magic to transform into a beautiful merfolk or siren, and use your best talents to distract the sharkfolk away from attacking the island. As the old saying goes, make love not war, right?

🦈 Shark infiltration. Some merfolk that were around Elah have decided to offer their magic and strategies to help those willing to fight the sharkfolk. Their plan involves transforming willing defenders into sharks in order to infiltrate the ranks of the attacking sharkfolk and sabotage things from behind enemy lines. Embrace your inner saboteur and cause some havoc – so long as you don’t mind biting.

🪝Hooked. All the action from Krahs’s attack is causing the island to further fragment into pieces. What’s worse, some sharkfolk are using giant shark-teeth grappling hooks to try and physically drag parts of the island away into smaller pieces. Stop these grapplers before they pull away whole chunks of the island!

Although they will be later to come, eventually whale- and dolphinfolk will arrive as reinforcements. Initially they were traveling just to offer support to the island in general, so they are surprised to find it under attack. Quick to enter the fray, they should be able to help turn the tide, especially as the dolphins and orcas are particularly vicious against the sharks. They do love shark livers, so it will be quite a gruesome sight as the already bloodied waters will turn into more of a bloodbath. The dolphins will allow others to ride them to help fight in the water.

But will they be successful in fending off Krahs's attack? And if they do, how much of the island will be saved? Everyone's participation will help decide the island's fate!

QUESTS

The current MANTA Board is available, but we have a couple of additional quests that are specific for the event! Teaming up is of course encouraged, no matter what the affiliation. You can assume they acquired some kind of ship for the quests out at sea, either the starter ship or some other ship heading out there. All quests will be worth 4 points.

Dead Men Tell No Tales

Elsewhere

A small archipelago of tiny islets has been discovered in a foggy section of ocean, and amidst the rocky islets lies a small ship graveyard. Explore this collection of broken ships and see what can be recovered, but take heed; the area is also known to be populated by dreaded sea serpents looking for their next meal. And maybe they’re the ones who are sinking the ships, too.

Without A Paddle

Eltrut

Some of the locals on Eltrut are a bit bored this month. They’re challenging anyone and everyone to try and race from one of Eltrut’s many sandy beaches to a small island off in the distance. There’s just one catch. Racers have to use two animals and some rope to do it. If that means strapping two turtles together and riding them like a raft or using your own animal companions or the local wild sea life to strap together to drag you over the waves… Who can make the distance?

Another Crab’s Treasure

Atnam

Those travelling to Atnam for work on the Manta Board might find their pockets just a little bit lighter… It seems there’s a thief in the midst. Without realizing it, you might find yourself without your purse or whatever gold coins you had in your pocket. Anything precious and shiny on your person is in danger of being stolen! Find the culprit and get back your precious shiny items. And find out that it might be a tiny, pesky crab with a rusty spoon doing it…

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Rain doesn't usually bother Davrin. Not even a little. But when you're exploring Snail Island with a ball of fur and feathers, rain is a Problem. If only because you're then traveling with a wet ball of fur and feathers. Who hates being wet. So under a tree it is.]

[Under a tree with someone already there.]

Sorry - didn't see you from the outside.

[Assan comes barrelling into shelter, and nearly starts to shake himself off before Davrin almost frantically throws his cloak over the griffon to keep him from showering the dwarf.] Not here!

[Now, Davrin didn't outright meet Varric. He doesn't know the man's face. As it is, he's just kind of relieved to see a dwarf - for Harding's sake if nothing else.]

No worries, there's plenty of room here. I don't take up much of it, personally.

[ Instead of being offended at the impromptu shower, Varric lets out a laugh, even as he lifts his arm to shield his face from... Well, he hadn't actually seen what the creature was when it had bounded in the shelter of the tree he was now sharing, but as he lowers his arm he gets a better look at it.

And stops short, his mouth dropping open in an expression of surprise he's usually much better at hiding. ]

Andraste's ass! Is that a griffin?

[ He even rubs at his eyes, certain he's not seeing this right. ]

Thanks. Don't mind the rain myself, but ...

[A gesture to the covered critter behind him. Who has started to shake himself off under the cloak. It dislodges from Assan's head, and he peers around Davrin.]

He is. [A hand comes to rest on Assan's head, between his ears. At once protective and reassuring.] Name's Assan. [A beat.] So I'm guessing that means... you're from Thedas too?

Wet feathers are the worst, no matter what creature they’re on, I’m assuming.

[ He’s still staring at Assan with wide eyes although he does crouch down, hands resting on his knees as he takes him in, the inquisitive tip of his head, the intelligence clear in his eyes. The way the man positions himself in front of him, too. Varric understands that. If this is a real griffin… Shit, he’s just about more precious than any treasure Varric can think of.

Still, his eyes fly back up to the man’s face when he mentions Thedas because… huh. That’s even more interesting. Standing again, he offers the man his hand with a friendly smile. ]

I am indeed. Varric Tethras, at your service.

Got that right. Add wet fur to it? Wouldn't wish that on anyone.

[When Varric crouches, Assan takes the initiative, stepping forward around his guardian to sniff at the new friend(?). His head lolls to one side, his eternally floppy ear pitching over.]

[Davrin's own expression brightens. And...]

[Varric]

[... and abruptly goes pale. There's no way. He'd heard. He'd heard about what happened with Solas. At the ritual site. Neve and Harding filled them in. And it... it can't be.]

Varric? Rook's Varric...?

[ That’s… not a reaction he’s used to getting. And he’s seen some pretty varied ones in his time. He blinks a moment before giving a slight nod of his head. ]

I suppose you could say that. You’re a friend of Rook’s?

Yeah. Rook, Neve Gallus, Lace Harding...

[And more. But those two are the ones here now. They seem to be the most important to mention.]

[How do you tell someone they're no longer alive. When you're talking to them face to face.]

We're all working together.

Harding, too? Here, you mean?

[ That’s the easiest assumption for him to make. They’d all been working together back home in their hunt for Solas - or would be, as soon as they actually tracked down Neve. It wasn’t hard to believe that would carry over to somewhere else, if they found themselves so far away from home but still together. ]

They’re a good team to have on your side.

Yeah. Harding's here. Neve too. But... we met back in Thedas.

[Maybe that's the best way to gently break it. Just mention they'd met before. Davrin has no idea how he's supposed to handle this. Should he say something? Should he leave it to the other two? They actually know Varric. He just knows the books.]

[And, well. The Incident.]

Definitely are. Happy to be working with them. [Okay, let's move past the shock. Let's refocus and - offer a hand.] Davrin. With the Wardens.

[ Interest lights in Varric’s eyes at that introduction as he reaches out to firmly take the Warden’s hand. ]

Well met, Davrin. Any friend of Rook and Harding is a friend of mine. Especially a Warden. I take it you’re here on this collection mission, too? They said there’s an island falling apart or something?

[ Although snail slime is certainly… unconventional. It’s definitely sticky, though, he’ll give them that. But to hold together an entire island…? ]

Nice to put a face to the name, yourself.

[Boy, he's going to have to tell Neve and Harding eventually... not a conversation he's looking forward to.]

We are. Who better to explore a new wilderness than a Warden monster hunter? [And his griffon, but that goes without saying.] You heard right. One of the leviathans ran off, leaving the city on its back just... floating there.

Monster hunter, huh? That’s not a branch of Warden-ing I’ve heard of before. Although technically, don’t you all hunt monsters?

[ That’s as good a term for Darkspawn as he’s ever heard. Creepy bastards. ]

Huh. After the turtle, that’s hard to imagine. That one didn’t look like it came off.

Technically - but any Warden can hunt Darkspawn. I'm the one they call when things get really out of hand. Really monstrous.

[Like that possessed hill thing. But Varric isn't wrong, either. Darkspawn and blighted creatures are monsters, no question.]

I don't think they're supposed to. This one got chased off. Its team captured and killed a bunch of other whales... so it up and dumped the city.

So what I'm hearing is they give you all the wild jobs that none of the sane ones wanted, hmm? [ There's a chuckle behind his words as he tips his flask up for another drink before offering it out to Davin. ] Good. Those were usually the ones I liked best, too.

[ As for the information about Elah, he'd gathered some of the gossip here and there, but this is the first time he'd heard this. Then again, there was so much information flying around his head since he'd arrived even he was more than a little overwhelmed. ]

I can see why. I'd be pretty mad about it, too.

Edited 2025-06-17 23:37 (UTC)

Hah. More like I volunteer. [But there's a grin in his answer, anyway. He knows what he does, he likes it. He'll accept the offered flask though, for a quick drink, before handing it back.] Probably make for better stories, yeah?

[Since they're waiting out the rain, he crouches, using the slightly more dry portion of his cloak to try and get some of the wet out of Assan's feathers. At least the ones on his head.]

Can't blame it either. But there's a lot of other people living there than just the Paladins.

[And the Warden in him hates people being left vulnerable.]

It's the perfect recipe for a great story, in fact.

[ His return grin is easy and bemused as he watches the little griffon get dried off. He still finds himself shaking his head in disbelief. ]

I gotta ask... Is the little fella from this place? Because I'm pretty sure they went extinct a long time ago, back home. At least everything I've ever heard about them, anyway.

And you'd know a great story best, right?

[All in good humor. At least until the conversation shifts to Assan's origin. Then his expression turns much more serious.]

He's one of the last. Him and his siblings. [Davrin pauses for an ear scratch.] Some of our mages found their eggs - sealed up behind wards, in some kind of sleep? Stasis? Soon as they took the wards down, these guys hatched.

I'd like to think I have some experience on the topic by now.

[ He gives the Warden a cheeky sort of grin as he watches, but his expression falls a little as he listens to the story. Amazing that any had survived at all - especially with how long ago it had been when they'd perished in... shit, which Blight was it again?

He scrounges in his jacket a moment before coming up with a round, bright purple fruit. It was roughly the size of a nectarine, even if it was colored more like a grape. It was one of the natives fruits to this place and it had been handed to him by one of the snails on his way out to gather the slime, along with several others. ]

Can he have fruit?

[ he was part bird, but Varric has no idea what griffons were supposed to eat. ]

Maybe a bit.

[That cheeky grin gets returned. No wonder Harding and Neve liked this guy. Not to mention Rook. He's just met Varric and already Davrin's opinion is positive. Little more than positive.]

[Which only gets better when Varric offers out a snack for Assan. The way to the man's heart is through his son. Davrin actually has to put a hand on the griffon's head to keep him from going for the snack.]

Oh yeah. He definitely can. Fruit, sweet potato... truffles... [Then, to Assan:] Gentle. Be polite.

[With a huff that sounds suspiciously like "fine", Assan reaches out to carefully grab the fruit in his beak. Like a horse would. Except, you know, with a beak.]

Bottomless pit, huh?

[ Varric watches with quiet amazement as the griffon carefully snags the treat from his outstretched palm and quickly devours it. Chuckling, he fishes out a second of the fruit, but this one he gives a quick toss in the air for the creature, his aim carefully calculated to fall where the griffon could easily nab it. ]

Makes sense, I guess. He's probably a growing boy.

[ Still, he can't help but shake his head, resisting the urge to pinch himself. ] I bet the Wardens were beside themselves when those eggs hatched.

Yeah - he's still just a kid.

[He can't help it, there's a lot of fondness in his voice. He's totally not incredibly fond of that featherball. Not at all.]

[Said featherball is watching the treat like - well. Like a hawk. His head tracking every little motion of Varric's hand. And then leaps! More than he probably needed to, but that's childish enthusiasm for you. He does manage to catch it, looking exceptionally pleased with himself.]

I don't think anyone could believe their eyes. I wasn't there for it, got signed up for griffon guard detail after they were older. I still can't believe he's real, sometimes.

I think that's understandable, when they're a legend all on their own.

[ Varric can only grin at the satisfied look that crosses the little griffon's face - weird, that they're so expressive, but there's an undeniable intelligence in the little guy's eyes. He has a feeling that this one is going to keep Davrin on his toes for a good long time. ]

You two adapting to life here, then? I imagine it's quite a bit different from the terrain you're both probably used to.

A legend that has some growing up to do.

[Finishing that fruit, Assan promptly looks back up at Varric from where he's crouched. There's that weird griffon-y grin on his face again. And... of course, the ear that always flops over.]

We're all right. Not the Anderfells, sure, but - I've been a lot weirder places lately.

Even legends gotta start somewhere.

[ Varric just grins back at him, charmed by the little guy already. Which is totally the reason he plucks out his last piece of fruit and gives it another toss for the little griffon to catch. It's fine, he can find more after the rain stops. Look at that face, who could resist that? ]

I suppose this place makes even the Anderfells look pretty tame. Can't say I ever imagined myself having conversations with snail people before this. Or fighting off sharks - people or otherwise. I'm not exactly a fan of water in general so this will be... an interesting adventure.

Got that right. Should've seen them when they hatched. I hear they made baby birds look cute.

[Honestly, he probably would have thought Assan was cute then too. If he'd seen him then. He'd come in a little too late.]

[As soon as he sees the fruit, Assan's whole body wiggles. It's gone just about as fast as the others. Followed by Assan butting his head against Varric's now empty hand.]

Yeah, the snails are a new one. Sharks - they've gotten a lot worse with the whole vanished leviathan problem. [That's a beast even Davrin can't track.] Not a swimmer? Never would have guessed.

GETTING STARTED

ELAH'S ISLAND

ADOPORTSAG

INVASION

QUESTS

C. Adoportsag (also probably spoilers)

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