escordvi | << september: maiden voyage >>

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<< september: maiden voyage >>

Welcome to our Maiden Voyage log for the game! Because the grand opening is a bit different from how things will normally flow, the log is more like an event log with the MANTA Board included at the bottom. The focus of the log will be everyone getting a first taste of the home base for each armada, but not before having a farewell celebration in Eltrut to the new initiates! Since it is a little beefy, we've included navigation links to help jump between sections.

Players are welcome to use the MANTA Board as additional prompts in the log, or create your own open logs for them. There is no wrong or right way, whatever is most convenient for you.

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

TOPLEVEL DIRECTORY (Updated September 13)

ELTRUT: FAREWELL SENDOFF

It's been about a week or so since the newest batch of riftfarers arrived, and now the ships are ready to take them to their native armada base. But before everyone goes their separate ways, a special "sendoff" is held for the new initiates. Hosted by older, veteran riftfarers and their respective armada affiliation, two major competitions are held. One is to promote partnership between the armadas, the other is for their competitiveness.

A fan favorite for a number of years now, Legends of the Gutsy Ultimate Sailor Warrior Competition is a massive two-person obstacle course that has a whole suite of challenges to test sailor's physical and mental resolve…and teamwork. The only real rule is each pair needs one Corsair and one Paladin, which can be made voluntarily or randomly. Along with crossing a pool via spinning logs, swinging and climbing ropes, and plummeting down ziplines, there are a few notable obstacles teams will need to get through.

🚪 Steering a giant ship's wheel in order to lift the door to the next obstacle. Both partners need to take turns, one spinning it upwards and the other continuing down.
🦑 They must piece together the three parts of the Silver Squid Statue, fitting each piece properly and vertically together (have to hear the snap to ensure the pieces connected!) and then placed it into a hole in a door to move on.
⛰️ The final obstacle is called Mount Grog, where the team must climb to the peak of this hill of craggy stone. While there are footholes aplenty, there are also steam vents, "landslides" of small boulder-shaped pillows, and warm "lava" of red-dyed ale, making the terrain slippery and sticky! Mind the steam and ale, they are made of strong liquor and may make those with low tolerance a bit…intoxicated.
🐱‍👤 While some are free to spectate and cheer in the audience, others may volunteer to try and sabotage the rest of the competition by chucking wilted produce, or if you're really lucky, the showrunners will pull you from the audience to hit switches to change up the layout of the map mid-race!

The second event is Capture the Flag and takes place along a long stretch of beach using the remains of two retired ships on either end: one with each of the three masts flying a red flag, the other with three blue flags. Each player will have a small flag of their armada colors attached to a belt on their waist, along with a few very full colored water balloons. The goal is to steal as many of the other team's flags as possible and bring them back to their ship before the hourglass runs out. The only rule is no magic allowed! Have to use good ol' wit and grit. All magic will be suppressed and all weapons taken/forced to be left behind.

💧 Everyone is armed with water balloons of their respective team color. Use them to pelt your opponents and get that flag!
🚩 Some may want to try and score big by capturing one of the ship's flags. But it won't be easy. There will be a "crew" defending their ships and will have cannons filled with giant water balloons, sticky nets, and life preserver rings to deploy against attackers. They can also use the rings to quickly grab their own teammates and pull them to safety.
⛓ There is a jail that caught opponents can be taken to right next to the ship. Either escape, help a caught teammate, or defend it!

After another night of reveling in various taverns (and likely getting into more bar fights), everyone will set sail the following morning, with or without the hangovers. Everyone should be prepared to pitch in their weight, as during the trip, they will learn how to be a deckhand, learning the literal ropes of pitching sails, swabbing decks, and working the galley. There could be other areas they might have access to if they have the skill for it. They will also have a chance to practice their magic. Don't worry, the ships are fitted with special protection that even a stray spell won't cause too much damage (though if it does, they better be prepared to repair and clean it up). And since it will take a few days to get to their respective leviathans, everyone should remember their temporary cabin number. Some may even have roommates.

But the number one rule for both ships is no fighting between members. Save it for when they're back on shore!

ELAH: PALADIN BASE

Compared to the bright colors and bustle of Eltrut, Elah is much more refined and orderly, especially the capital city of Baleen. Tall, sturdy buildings of polished marble and white coral with accents of gold and mother-of-pearl, set in tiered, orderly rings of sandstone-cobbled streets organized by purpose and class. The higher it is, the more affluent, with the Chambers of Council seated at its highest point. Yet there is very little to no poverty, as the citizens are diligent in keeping everything clean and everyone taken care of. That isn't to say there aren't "dirty" parts of the city…but for the most part it's a prosperous, bustling city that takes pride not only in its Paladin force, but in the arts and pursuit of higher education and research. High above one may see gondolas seemingly sailing in the air, but they are just riding the "breath streams'' of Elah that connect to the three blowholes spiracles lining the leviathan's back. In the distant north, one may even catch a glimpse of the main blowhole spiracle releasing a huge stream of water. Access is currently under construction, but new riftfarers will be able to access it soon.

At the center is the city's pride and joy: the Plaza Fontea. Around the outer rim are daily markets and performers to help cultivate the arts and casual business, and there are a number of gardens and ponds for visitors to relax and enjoy. And at its center is a grand mosaic in the great whale's image with a series of "water spouts" that shoot water up through the ground, sometimes to music. However, something is amiss. Without warning, the water is turning different colors and making fart noises. While anyone who might know some engineering is free to help those beneath the fountain to try and figure out what happened and repair it, others can try and catch the culprits who pulled this deplorable prank (hint, bunch of Corsairs, of course).

At the Nodding Kettle, there are some special items that new Paladins can receive. These items are also available on the Rewards Shop, but new members can choose one for free. These items are also special in that they will start at a basic level, but can be upgraded and refined for better effects (for a fee).

🔪 Dowsing Blade: Lvl 1. A short sword that once fully upgraded can find special treasures and precious metals. At level 1, it will only find junk, but who knows? One man's trash is another man's treasure. And rusted metal can still hurt in a fight—
🫧 Bubble Shield: Lvl 1. A shield that will grow in size and strength once fully upgraded and provide protection in the form of a dome. At level 1, it creates a small bubble that covers a small area next to the user and can only take a few hits before it pops.
🔦 Wayfinder Torch: Lvl 1. A torch that burns brighter and can illuminate and find any path to a designated location or exit once fully upgraded. At level 1, it can only illuminate up to a few feet and must be charged with magic to continue.

The educational district is one of the many prides and joys of Elah, and especially the block containing the sprawling, U-shaped Archives framing the massive, gold-framed glass dome of the Conservatory. The core of the Archives is a blocky building of very weathered marble, with two longer and more slender wings; nearly every room inside is dedicated to some sort of specialized library, lecture hall, laboratory, or archaeological restoration room. The Conservatory, meanwhile, is teeming with the rarest of plants, flocks of birds, skittering reptiles, and even small artificial tide pools hosting reef-dwelling fauna and small schools of fish. As new members explore the complex, they may find the new items will come in handy for their tasks.

📖 There's been intel of Corsairs targeting the Archives for their next heist, especially the special collection in the library. Newer Paladins will be asked to guard the library in shifts and keep an eye out for anyone suspicious.
🦤 Oh no, Angus the Dodo has escaped the conservatory again! Capture him and bring him back unharmed. Thankfully he's peaceful and not very smart, but he is easily startled and surprisingly fast. He's a glutton for fruit, nuts, and seeds, and he's infamous for stealing fancy hats, especially if they have feathers on them.
🏰 Reports have come in of a nearby island with ruins of an ancient castle standing on them. Venture out, document the site, and retrieve any artifacts for proper cataloging at the Archives before the Corsairs break or steal anything important.

NOGARD: CORSAIR BASE

While Eltrut and Elah both have relatively smooth surfaces to build on, Nogard's back is covered in jutting ridges and spines. Between the uneven terrain, the transformation between Nogard's living sea form and skeletal land form, and the demon-ridden forest, structures here focus much more on defense and ease of repair or relocation as needed than on matching a set theme. Buildings in Fang are made from a mishmash of old metal, driftwood, and bone, but are often decorated with bright murals and graffiti, drapes of colorful fabrics, and intricate sea glass creations. Taverns and pubs can be found on nearly every corner, loud music and cheers and more than occasionally the sounds of a brawl pouring out from about noon to the wee hours of the morning.

Currently Nogard has settled on a remote island, its skeletal structure nestled deep within the island's cove, creating a natural barrier that will only allow Corsair ships in and out. They will be there for a while, taking advantage of the beasts that inhabit the island and provide valuable materials to be sold. But of course it can get boring, so it's not surprising to see the more "reckless" ziplining from one curved rib to another high above the city. There are also some makeshift fighting arenas for members to test their strength. Those who prefer to actually learn about Nogard's current settlement set out to canvas and explore the island, hoping to find some other ruins or resources that could be useful.

At the Leviathan's Maw, there are some special items that new Corsairs can receive. These items are also available on the Rewards Shop, but new members can choose one for free. These items are also special in that they will start at a basic level, but can be upgraded and refined for better effects (for a fee).

🧥 Camouflage Cloak: Lvl 1. A cloak that once upgraded will allow the wearer to shift and blend into their surroundings. At level 1, it's a bit ratty looking and only useful if hiding in shadows. Even then it's only for a few seconds, but better than none.
🔁 Ring of Returning: Lvl 1. A ring that once upgraded will allow the wearer to return to a specific location upon activation. At level 1, it can only be used once per day and returns you to a public space.
🔀 Ring of Evasion: Lvl 1. A ring that once upgraded will allow the wearer to have increased movement speed and dodging ability. At level 1, it is only effective in avoiding small objects and getting through crowds easier. Not useful for combat until upgraded.

While there are some "respectable" stores and merchants around Nogard, the Black Market is what the city of Fang is best known for. And as part of their initiation, new members are sent to the literal underbelly of the leviathan's skeletal remains where the Black Market exists. Those new free items offered by the Leviathan's Maw may be useful…

💍 Several sellers have put up requests for certain "special rare items" to help restock their wares, but these items are "special" and "rare" for a reason. From needing to kill monsters on the island Nogard has settled on and harvesting for certain materials, to stealing from certain ships and rich houses in Elah (oops).
🏰 On a certain island, there are some castle ruins that has been recently discovered and there are some artifacts and relics that could catch a hefty price if brought back. Just ignore the Paladins who may be excavating…and perhaps take their finds.
📦 Some merchants have special wares that need to be delivered to their clients all over Nogard and on some neighboring islands. Of course, there are many others who might try to steal it…whatever is inside it. Wait—did the box just shake? What, protect the package and deliver it safely!

MANTA BOARD

As mentioned above, usually the Quest Board will be posted separately as we won't normally have logs like these. But for everyone's convenience, we've included it here for additional prompts. Players can either use the quest board here in their toplevels, or create their own open log for them if they prefer to keep it separate and spread things out more.

GENERAL

PALADINS

CORSAIRS

BOUNTIES

𝕊ℙ𝔼ℂ𝕀𝔸𝕃𝕊

» GENERAL (4pts)

Dockside Repairs

Reward: 100 dubloons and a serving of cinnamon sugar grog for each day of hard work.

A recent tempestuous storm wreaked havoc upon Eltrut’s main port, leaving many of its docks in dire need of repair.

We are seeking dedicated workers to lend a helping hand in restoring the damaged docks. We encourage those with specialized abilities in carpentry, construction, or any related field (magic, physical or otherwise) to join in the collective effort to repair the docks as soon as possible.

As we are not sure how many newcomers we will have in the future we must restore the port to its former glory, ensuring it serves as a steadfast foundation for our maritime activities! Please help out!

Seahorse Whisperers

Reward: 100 dubloons and a seahorse charm that allows you to bond with gentle sea creatures easily. Doesn’t appear to work well on the angry ones.

Atnam Island has been graced with the arrival of a spirited new batch of young seahorses.

These magnificent creatures are wild and energetic and difficult to tame. We are seeking daring individuals who are up to the challenge of calming and training these giant temperamental seahorses to become reliable and majestic mounts in the water.

Those who dare to embark on this training journey will be rewarded for their efforts. Alongside the profound satisfaction of witnessing the growth and development of these magnificent creatures, you will receive a special token of appreciation for your successful training.

Caviar Conundrum

Reward: 100 dubloons and one tin of orange lanternfish caviar. The caviar itself is said to induce vivid lucid dreams.

A fresh shipment of rare live orange lanternfish has arrived.

There are barrels of them ready to be harvested for their delicious caviar. We are looking for able hands to help collect the fish eggs from this rare fish. You’ll be equipped with the buckets and scoops needed.

However, be forewarned, for these fish are highly territorial and possess a potent electrical bite. Slowly navigating their space and avoiding their electrifying defences will require careful strategy and patience. The tales caution that even a single bite from these remarkable creatures can induce paralysis lasting an hour.

Woody Rarities

Reward: 100 dubloons and a piece of crystal wood that faintly glows when it is about to rain.

A cluster of ancient trees has piqued curiosity, as they appear to defy nature's laws by remaining dry during rainfall.

This phenomenon has caught the attention of keen observers, and we now seek crafty individuals to investigate further.

Venture to the tops of hills or mountains on Eltrut Island and examine these remarkable trees, and gather samples of their purportedly waterproof bark and wood for thorough testing. If proven true, this extraordinary property could revolutionize shipbuilding techniques and open new horizons for maritime exploration.

Bottle Voyage!

Reward: Probably some bad advice. Or a love letter. Or maybe a new friend?

Have you heard of messages in a bottle?

Embrace the sea's powerful enchantment! Pen a heartfelt letter, place it in a glass bottle and release it into the ocean's waves to see what happens.

Rumour has it that within three days, the bottle will return to you with a reply. Discover personal advice, fortunes, or messages from far away. Perhaps even find a lifelong pen pal through this method! Unleash your heartfelt words into the water and let the sea work its wonders!

Results may vary. (Optional: For added flavour attempt posting your bottle message to a random character's inbox.)

» PALADINS (4pts)

Paws of Valor

Reward: A voucher for a free dagger at The Nodding Kettle: Blacksmith and Wares.

Hello, aspiring recruits! We are in need of your assistance to gather iron ore at the local mines, a vital resource for crafting cannonballs to fortify the armada. Although the task at hand may be arduous, it is of utmost importance!

However, we must provide one gentle warning. One of our captains recently lost his pet wildcat, Whiskerbeard, and she has been left to roam freely. Whiskerbeard has a mischievous streak and enjoys playing pranks on new recruits. While she may pose a playful challenge during your ore collection, we trust that you young and agile newcomers will find ways to work around her more violent antics. Please do not harm her or your coin will be cut in half for an entire month!

Five Finger Discount-inued

Reward: The sheer satisfaction of doing the right thing.

Reports have emerged of pickpockets and thieves falling victim to a frustrated shop owner–turned–vigilante, resulting in severed fingers and a growing stain on the Paladin’s reputation for maintaining order among the various port marketplaces.

In order to address this issue and uphold the principles of justice, we need your expertise to delve into the local shops and uncover the truth behind these vigilante actions. It is crucial to identify the shop owner responsible as well as apprehend any theives and restore a sense of balance and fairness to the markets.

However, it is essential to approach this investigation with a focus on fairness and adherence to the law. Our aim is to ensure a just and lawful resolution, and a few fewer fingers being cut off, including yours.

Chasing Tuna Titans

Reward: A casket of fine wine. The bigger the fish, the bigger the casket.

The recent influx of newcomers has led to an increased demand for foodstuffs, placing a strain on our hardworking fishermen. To aid them in meeting these demands, the fishermen have requested assistance from the Paladin's vessels to catch a fresh supply of large tuna fish until new fishermen can be trained.

Join the fishing ships in procuring a bountiful supply of giant tuna fish. Be prepared for the challenge, for these magnificent creatures can grow to sizes ranging from sixty pounds to a staggering four hundred pounds. Good luck reeling them in!

» CORSAIRS (4pts)

Traded Secrets

Reward: A recipe for a dubious-looking soup made to be highly addictive and whatever else you steal from the ship.

There is a popular merchant ship that sells soup out of its main deck that is travelling the seas lately. Its tantalising flavours have ignited such fervent desire that people are willing to engage in battles and even sink ships to secure a coveted bowl. And you’ll be damned if you don’t get a bowl of it before it’s all gone! Find the secrets behind the renowned travelling ship's irresistibly delectable soup!

Surely, there has to be a trick to it. Begin by infiltrating the merchant’s ship, whether by legitimate means or through becoming a discreet passenger and find out what that secret ingredient is. What makes this soup so tantalising that people are willing to give someone a black eye to get it. Is it a frog's legs? Eye of newt? Some kind of illegal drug? Paprika?

Unconventional Couture

Reward: A silk dress of your choice and a pocket gun that can be concealed in a boot.

A renowned mistress from the lantern light district in Naughtilust seeks diverse bodies to showcase her exquisite collection of rare silks and gowns. Don’t worry, she disregards conventional standards and welcomes individuals of any body type or gender, recognizing the beauty in diversity. The more types the better, actually!

However, it is imperative to maintain utmost discretion, as these precious garments were acquired through unconventional means (they were stolen). This gathering is intended for a select group of haughty guests who will appreciate the opulence and allure of these clandestine treasures. So keep it hush-hush! There are dubloons to be squeezed!

Pickpocketing Practice

Reward: A lesson learned for every pocket picked.

With the influx of new scallywags on our shores, the Corsair ships have taken it upon themselves to impart their expertise in the art of pickpocketing. If you're ready to master the craft and enhance your acting, lying, and sleight-of-hand skills, then step forward and join their pickpocketing seminars!

Under the guidance of experienced Corsairs, you'll learn the tricks of the trade, honing your abilities to make a quick dubloon when navigating crowded streets or lively gatherings.

Remember, with great power comes great responsibility. As you venture out to test your newfound skills, exercise caution and subtlety. A successful pickpocket knows the importance of being undetected. The Corsairs will not come to your aid should you find yourself hanging around in the gallows. Or losing a few fingers.

» BOUNTIES (6pts)

Giga Mantis Shrimp

Reward: 500 dubloons.

Said to be as large as a horse with a sting as powerful as a hundred stinging jellyfish. This creature has somehow grown larger than most other mantis shrimp and it has been hunting down and eating the heads of male prey. Find this creature in the ocean and kill it before it hunts and eats more innocent sailors.

Read More.

✦ Size: Medium
✦ Type: Sea creature
✦ Strengths: Powerful pincers, Swift swimmer, Carnivorous, Stinging spines
✦ Weaknesses: Lightning, Sharp weapons, Piercing weapons

Horned Dolphin

Reward: 1000 dubloons. An extra 500 dubloons for the horn.

A rare dolphin with a strange magical glowing horn has been sighted in the ocean. Although some of the rumours are saying that the dolphin is merely a lost narwhal. It seems to only appear when the weather is foggy which makes it particularly difficult to find. Find it and record proof of its existence or kill it and farm the horn for an extra bounty.

Read More.

✦ Size: Large
✦ Type: Sea creature
✦ Strengths: Light magic, Swift swimmer, Omnivourous, Peaceful
✦ Weaknesses: Wind magic, Darkness magic, Blunt weapons

» SPECIALS (12pts)

None

Reward: None

No special quests at this time.

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Funny. Cloud had actually been thinking something similar. He has Blizzara after all. There aren't any rules regarding magic so it's not like he couldn't just freeze the water either.

But he's also.. Competitive? ]

I'll go first.

[ So he'll take his first steps on the log to test it out. Seems like it's going to be pretty easy for it to roll. hmmm! ]

[ Yes, please don't remind him that they are going to be ship bound. A lot. So many waves... Kicking and rocking the boat around.

Augh. ]

Regular maintenance immediately once you're out of the water and it should be fine.

[ Because they are going to be around the sea and salt regardless. There's going to be moisture in the air all the time. Yet most of the blades are fine. So it will all work out. ]

[Roxas totally isn't slouching against the wall or anything. He's absolutely trying to look alert and like a good guard. It's just, easy to get distracted.

But when Sorey speaks up he snaps to attention.]

Y-yeah! I'm fine.

[Probably said a little too quickly.]

Kinda glad to be here instead of the boat.

I am!

[Roxas is trying. Really he is. But one look at him would suggest that he doesn't have much in the way of upper body strength. He's got that attack modifier, but it doesn't seem to kick in while he's trying to turn a wheel.]

I think it's stuck!

[He wouldn't call himself an expert sailor by any means but he does have some idea of how long a ship travelling will take within mild weather conditions.]

From what I understand my own journey is to take about three days, give or take.

[Which isn't entirely long but it can feel that way.]

And from there, I assume I'll be staying there for a while to acclimate. As far as being prepared... well. I'm embarrassed to admit that I've only purchased a few interesting local books so far.

[Don't worry, he still has some time to get a few needed things.]

[Encouraged, Roxas nods. Okay, he can manage that.]

Do we need to go at the same time?

[That is the trick isn't it...]

I can get there in one step...

[After adjusting himself to get ready for the crossover, he places his hand on the topmost rung he can reach on the wheel where he takes a firm grip to keep it from moving.]

I'll pull down as hard as I can. You grab from the very bottom of the wheel and push it up with all your strength. That should give us enough time for me to get over there first to stop it from falling back, and you can cross over to my side.

At worst, if we miss we'll just be set back by a notch or two.

[.........Hm.]

Becoming a dolphin may be easier. But I'll handle the boat.

[Let's not get her carried away here—]

I should be able to take it down with my own attacks... But you'd be at risk if you're in the water unless you can transform into a creature that is resistant to electricity, like an eel. If so, you could keep it occupied in the water so I can strike it from above.

[~~bad news for ky—~~

Eustace will watch for a moment, analyzing the skill that Ky displays. It's clear he's a well seasoned fighter, on par with those he's fought alongside with and seen on the Grandcypher. Well that makes this easier, then—he won't have to worry so much and can focus on his own targets.

Which he'll take with skill precision. Starting with the one that is farthest, Eustace fires one shot of lightning after the other, the bolt cracking through the air faster than a normal bullet and hitting with the force stronger than one. Of course—this isn't lethal. Rather, the impact will cause some injury, but more importantly it will temporarily stun, even paralyze them depending how weak they are. He'll then fire a few shots to keep a few of them off Ky, making them stumble if not fall completely, and giving Ky more opportunities to finish them off if needed.]

[Being able to work in the silence allows Eustace to focus well, keeping the fish at bay. He even grows a bit curious, as do at least one of the fish. As if testing him, it'll release some electricity towards his hand, but seeing it have no effect, it actually bumps it as if trying to provoke this strange entity. Eustace actually resists the urge to try and pet it... Really what is he thinking—]

—!?

[At the sound, Eustace quickly looks up and looks over at Cloud.]

You all right? What happened?

[It was a good shot, but Eustace expected it and is able to move out of the way. Now he'll throw another from a different direction.]

[Valo is very gentle! And polite. He'll be careful in taking the jerky strip, tail wagging. And as he's chewing—]

Thanks.

[She'll hear a voice behind her...

...

And that will be Eustace with her flag in his hand.]

[...

....

Eustace will continue to stare at him in some confusion, but since he's still scooping the eggs... Well, that's all that matters, right??]

...Guess it doesn't matter...

[So long as he understands...

So there will just be another contemplative look before Eustace turns back, quickly reaching out to stop a fish that almost escaped him due to the momentary confusion.]

[An escape will not present itself so easily, what with them wandering right into the gala (no?) thanks to her guiding hand, and several people come up to the pair of them to admire their dresses, one a disgustingly gaudy woman dressed in all reds and wearing jewels that must surely weigh her down, and a man who decided that gold trim was the new trend... Very few can pull that look off and he is not among those few.

"Oh, what a lovely red this is!"
"Why yes, absolutely stunning, my love. You would look fabulous in it."

No she wouldn't, and Benedikta even snorts out loud, and she prods Jill just a little, leaning forward and putting on her most friendly smile as she tries to catch the Dominant's gaze.]

Yes, wouldn't she just? [Now be nice and answer the lady, would you? ... Is what her tone suggests. Spread lies all around the gala about how every woman would look as good in these dresses as they do.] What sort of dress is this again?

[Absolutely the worst!!!

But the wind would never betray her—not like this child would! So she reaches out for the bag and gives it as hard a pull as she can muster, intending to drag it down.]

And neither was it yours!

[Technically true.]

It does not belong to the paladins or the corsairs!

[Another hard pull before she's clambering to reach for Nimona's arms now to bring her back down to the ground.

And to an onlooker, this will most definitely look like a child and another much taller child getting into a petty fight—]

[She pays absolutely no mind to the way his teeth or fists are clenched, and instead stares down the defiant sea horse that stomps and splashes around with just as much indignation as she carries in her squared shoulders.]

I am doing no such thing. [She is.] This one... [She points to the sea horse that she has been working with, or trying to.] Will not stop splashing me.

[And, as if to make a point, it splashes her again with a loud grunt and a huff.]

[To say that it is impressive to see someone ride the winds as easily as she could is an understatement, and she watches with a light huff of amusement as Velvet comes piling down over the shrimp, first with the claw and then the blade.

But as impressive as that was—]

Do not be so quick to judge.

[Because there's a rumble in the water, and not only does that shrimp twitch, but several more shadows appear below the surface, and Benedikta is forced to grab hold of the edge for balance.]

Fuck...

I suppose it must be about that, but hopefully my constitution will keep up. [ Dion feels like he will lose all manner of dignity if he happens to get seasick. No thank you. He has to hold onto something! ]

Far be it for me to tell you what to bring, but I've packed some additional food, just in case.

[ He doesn't really know what he's walking into. ]

Indeed. [Schedules were something he could keep up with far easier than most—

Turo's head tipped, and the bird tilted with that, its own head bobbing up and down as it made clicking noises and beak started to preen a little at the man's hair. He didn't really seem to acknowledge that much.]

I do, yes. It is understandable they can be tricky to get used to, along with memorizing whose ID is who once you know who someone is may be the trickiest to remember.

[He had gone through it to learn the functions and get used to it himself.]

I have little to no experience myself, other than some memories of travel- passengers do not work while on trips by boat.

[So he had nothing to pull from, but at least very willing to learn- some of it was close to certain tasks he had performed for upkeep of the lab, just with something a bit more involved in cleaning and the like.]

This is, of course, different circumstances compared to that.

[It's certainly not what he expected, and there is a brief moment of panic that settles into relief. This brat—]

Won't be the only thing creaking if you keep that up.

[Well, since she seems agile enough—have another water balloon flung up towards her.]

Edited 2023-09-14 04:31 (UTC)

[Alright, well... at least it sounds like a logical plan. And the fact that they are working so well together is... a bit of a surprise to her. Not that she doubted they would, but... one of them has yet to roll their eyes at the other so it's a start, right?

Things are going pretty smoothly, all things considered.

So, she'll trust him with his plan—because that is what a team does—and she shifts to get herself ready as well.]

Ready.

[And when he gives the signal, Tifa will buckle her knees and push up with all of the strength in her legs, and she can feel the resistance increasing with each notch that she gives a shaky laugh.]

... Quite the workout already, huh?

[There is a little bead of sweat along her brow, but nothing she can't handle.]

Ready to switch, captain...!

[Ah, wait... well now that she's said it, she wishes she could take it back—]

[...Hah. She really is carefree about this, eh? He'll just eye the egg for a moment before a shrug.]

Well if there's one thing I know about this business, it's you don't ask questions you don't want answers to.

If you think you have a handle on it, might could get it back on the wagon and make a run for it.

Beats me, yo.

[Reno drawled as he stepped a little further inside and took a slow glance around the open space. The open ceiling was a blessing in disguise as the sunlight made it easier to peer into all the corners. Good thing it was a sunny day and not raining though.

Exploring ancient ruins wasn't exactly new to the Turk but it didn't make him like it anymore on this planet than it did back home. There was always some creepy sensation when it came to ancient grounds, like he was trespassing. Which, honestly, he trespassed all the time, anywhere he wanted. But there was a different feeling between trespassing on purpose for a job and trespassing on ancient ruins to search for forgotten artifacts. Somehow. He couldn't put his finger on it, but it was definitely a thing.

He looked back over his shoulder at the girl.]

You wanna take notes, be my guest. I'm the escort here. Yell if you find anything unfriendly. [a beat and then he adds:] Or valuable. We'll take whatever we find worth its weight.

I should feel offended you'd think I'd threaten someone to "borrow" their fine boat.

[Well he haggled. Whether a deal was actually struck remains to be seen— But they'll bring it back, that's the important right?

Yes?

Anyway, once Jill is on, Cid will toss the rest of the ropes and start up the engine this little beauty runs on. And just in time, for there's going to be some running and angry shouting—to which Cid just merrily waves.]

Not sure why he's in such a fuss, I did leave my offer.

[Hint: not an offer the owner accepted—]

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ELTRUT: FAREWELL SENDOFF

ELAH: PALADIN BASE

NOGARD: CORSAIR BASE

MANTA BOARD

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