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

[She can feel that touch against the back of her head... that tenderness that, a long time ago, she had grown so used to. A tenderness that she searched for, wanted, coveted... And one that she would never find again after he left.

So, when she feels it, it comes as a surprise—so much so that she still continues to stare up at him even as his voice comes, not missing the way that his gaze changes... how she can see and feel the warmth in those forest greens...

And surely if he looks deep, deeper than he has been, he'll see it too. Those very same feelings reflecting at him in her own. That frustration in their dance, the hurt that comes with it, but even further beneath that, that same want. How, even in the worst of times, her heartbeat is like a set of claws, hot and sharp, raking across the insides of her chest, trying to find a way out to go to him... just like it is now, drawing out all the air from her lungs and throwing her logic to the wind...

It's as if everything stills then. The boat still rocks gently, the fog still looms over them, the waves still beat against the boat, but all she sees is the way that his eyes linger on her lips...

...

As he starts to push himself up, there's a sudden impulse that overcomes her. One that has her reaching for the collar of his shirt, grabbing it and giving it a tug—it isn't an aggressive one, all of it so automatic that Benedikta hardly realizes what she is doing before their lips are so close that she can feel his breath again...

....

So close that if she moves in...

Beneath them, there's another nudge against the bottom of the boat, tipping it sideways now, threatening to send them rolling to the other side as a wave of water comes splashing over the edge to soak them both—]

[Eustace waits a little nervously, but when Valo finally sniffs and licks his hand... Although the dog makes a bit of a face, he still bumps the hand for pets.

Immediately Eustace's ears perk up and if he had a tail it would be wagging a mile a minute.]

Sorry, Valo... I made you worry, huh?

[He won't hug the dog like he wants, not wanting to overwhelm him with the lingering alcohol. But Valo wags his tail, anyway, happy to be with them both.]

[The sudden tension at his collar makes his eyes widen as he's pulled back down to her. Pulled back to where her breath kisses his lips, close enough that if he so much as moved that barely there gap would be completely closed.

And as he stares back down in her eyes, again sees that hint of something... That something that he's not sure is real or his own vain, foolish reflection... There's that damn twist, that heat that grates the inside of his chest. It scratches at his insides, makes his mind race in a direction he's been trying to keep his back to.

And again he can only think that she's the one who started this. This time, she's the one who pulled him. Stopped him. If she hadn't looked so genuinely surprised before, if she didn't seem so innocent right now, he would have wondered if this was another ploy, a trick—a test. A trap.

Yet even so, his face is tipping, their breaths mingling to the point where they can't tell where one begins and one ends, and just when she feels the lightest brush—

The jerk of his head as they're soaked by the water makes him crash his nose against her mouth instead, a swear escaping him as he now pushes himself up.]

Fucking hell—!

[He's not sure if he's more pissed at being soaked (and being the one to take the brunt of it), being interrupted, or that he allowed a situation to be interrupted. Allowed himself to fall for her closeness again.

Maybe he should be grateful it happened.

But for now he's mad and reaching up to grab the side of the boat so he can pull himself up—]

Edited 2023-09-25 16:05 (UTC)

[It's only when she instinctively closes her eyes and tips her chin, only when she feels his breath with her own, when she can almost taste it that Benedikta comes to her senses, and even then, as he brings his lips close that they brush over hers, so soft and so warm, feather-light as it is over hers, she doesn't push him away.

Call it foolishness on her part—hell, on both their parts, call it curiosity, call it whatever. It is an impulse, an urge with a pull so strong that she is too weak to fight it, her body wanting one thing while her heart screams at her for another, and then her mind something else. That is how it always is when he is near—pitting Benedikta against herself, goading a war amongst the different facets of her that no side can ever win because if they did, then all of this would be over.

Every part fights with the other not to fall into this pit, not to drown in his eyes or breathe the air he breathes. This could only ever end one way, in the same way that it always has—with both of them angry, hurt, and five steps back from where they started.

But the part that almost always wins out is the one that would only push her deeper, and he'll feel her exhale as her lips part, a helpless sigh that almost sounds like his name leave her...

Only to have his nose shoved into her mouth instead when the boat suddenly tips and there's a splash that soaks through her immediately.]

What the fuck—!?

[Now she is showing him off at the same time he pushes himself up (for a perfectly legitimate reason), and Benedikta whirls around, eyes wide with rage. A wind immediately cuts through the air, cold and unrelenting and dispelling some of the fog as she rushes to the edge of the boat, holding on when it crashes down over the waves again.

Beneath the surface, there is not one, but two shadows—one large and smaller one, both with pointed horns at one end of their bodies, and tails on the other.]

Fucking dolphins!

[And as she sees one shadow growing larger and closer, Benedikta draws her sword.]

Aggressive today, are we!?

[YEAH, WELL. SO IS SHE.]

[Yeah, probably best that he doesn't throw himself at the poor dog. It's probably already a bit, what with them surrounded by all of this ale.

Tifa breaks into another chain of giggles at the sight, reaching out to give Valo a scratch behind his ears.]

He was cheering us on the whole way, though. We couldn't have done it without... you...

[Her words slow when she feels a long, drawn-out yawn coming, and she gives her eyes a hard blink.]

[The dolphins!? Really?

Normally he would have tried to defend them since they're peaceful creatures. But right now? Right now he honestly is half of mind to not stop her.]

It's going under!

Mm...

[While not sleepy yet, he looks over at Tifa and snorts.]

About to pass out already? Weak.

[LIKE HE'S ONE TO TALK MR. CRIED OVER HIS DOG.]

[At that Ashi reaches out to gently pat the younger woman's shoulder.]

Try to take it slow.

[Not that she probably needs the advice but Ashi as a whole is pretty terrible at being comforting.]

No, it's not!

[And now it's her turn to be pissed as fuck about this.

Always fucking something...

Cid will get no warning as the boat is dashed forward by a violent torrent of wind and ocean water, and while it rocks, it is nothing compared to what it would have been had the dolphin managed to bump it with its tail... so, a small mercy, but a mercy, nonetheless.

The smaller one lifts its head out of the water, its large horn swinging this way and that, and it claps its fins with a happy chirp, and it forces one of Benedikta's brows into an arch.]

What are you chirping at!?

[No matter. The sound of steel being drawn is loud as Benedikta unsheathes her sword and lifts it, as if it will do anything to the dolphin as they are right now.

Little does she know, this mother and her baby are simply trying to play, and don't realize that their strength is far greater than their little sailboat can handle.

Unfortunate for them (or her?) because she lunges forward at the larger one that leaps out of the water on the other side, but she only manages to nick its horn before it dives back below.]

[Oh, she is absolutely going to call him out, time to take the opportunity of her being drunk to do so because she would never dare to do it otherwise—]

You were the one who cried over his dog...!

[Said with all the mirth that she can muster, of course. She isn't judging in the least, but wow, she is not weak for being sleepy!? Especially after what they just went through!!]

[He's about ready to assist—that horn did give extra, didn't it?—when he notices something about these dolphins. For one, they're clearly playful, which isn't much of a surprise as he remembers his last encounter. For two...well there are two of them, and one of them looks a might smaller than the other...

....

.......Shit!]

Benedikta, wait!

But I'm not...sleepy.

[Just a frown as he sways a bit.]

You'd cry, too, if he was your dog...!

For what!?

[When she looks back over her shoulder at him, she looks like a soaked through feral cat.]

For them to capsize this boat!?

[She can certainly fly away in the event that happens, but she'd rather not have it come to that when she'd likely have to spend any dubloons that they earn replacing this fucking sailboat for the man waiting for them at shore!?]

Edited 2023-09-26 01:33 (UTC)

Uh huh...

[Whichever part that's a response to, she doesn't know... or maybe it's both... but she's feeling too drowsy now for it to really matter.]

You were the one who looked like he was falling asleep earlier, with the towels.

It's a mother and child!

[He gets it, he really does. Just a second ago he was ready to lop off that horn in the very least. But his common sense has once more prevailed, and as annoyed as he is by them, he can't let unruly emotions cloud his judgment.]

That's different... It felt nice.

[And to that, Cid just gives a laugh as he once more bounds up the stairs, knowing Dion will do his usual dragoon leap. But it's fine, at this point he's about given up trying to get a flag and is satisfied keeping him preoccupied.

Not to mention he has no more water balloons...wonder if he can snag some from somewhere. Well he's sure he can improvise if needed.]

Just all part of the game!

Aw come now. You do realize she would have tried flipping them all at once, right?

[A smirk. Granted, he mostly remembers her younger self. Perhaps she might be more mature about it as she got older...

...

But he can still see her doing it.]

Look, now that I've got it all figured out, it'll be smooth sailing. Even has a built in map, see?

[He taps the screen, showing something of a navigation system. More importantly, it's giving them coordinates and what direction they're heading.]

Won't be too long before reach the first spot to try. So just sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

[ Xenk smiles. Well, he made her laugh, and she seems happy! And he even got the relic. That's a good outcome in his book. ]

I imagine I could become well acquainted with such a person.

[ He's all about Hero Shit, but of course it helps that he's immortal, so... ]

Which reminds me -- we have not been acquainted yet. My name is Xenk Yendar. I am grateful for your assistance. May I have your name?

[She did he'll give her credit for that.

...

And he'll lower his hand to try and help her up.]

[Oh good, he made it! in that case, Eustace will just be on standby, watching the fish as Toge retreats, until at least he's in the clear. With that settled, Eustace also removes himself before going over to join him, all the tension now released.]

Good work. Looks like you got a good harvest, too.

[ The blade makes contact with his armor, though the multitude of kicks manages to land in between some of the plates, drawing blood. Xenk hisses at the pain, but still barely flinches from the damage. It's an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object.

It seems she's not holding back. Neither is he, to be fair. When attacked, Xenk answers in kind. Xenk may be immortal, but he'd rather not to take this to an avoidable conclusion. Whether he wins by attrition or she cuts off his head, no one would benefit from such a sight. Pulling back, Xenk raises his sword in a defensive stance and attempts to disengage. ]

Would you fight to the death over this?

She probably would have warned me in her own way first.

[Or most likely not. The most Jill probably would have gotten was an excited shriek, only to end up sore in the same places she is now.

The weird map on the boat helps, even if Jill has no idea what she's really looking at. She hasn't figured out how to use the shellphone and this technology is even farther beyond her grasp that she'll just take Cid's word for it.

Trying to match the map she has on the paper in her hand to the screen just leaves her confused and a little queasy. A decision is made to fold up the handwritten one, sliding it into her pocket.]

Forgive me for preferring to stand and watch.

[Because sitting is painful right now, Cid. Seriously.]

[Well, she can, and she is letting her unruly emotions cloud whatever judgement she might have had... the only being that she has had quite enough of their games, and she is willing to do what he might not be.

Which is to get that horn.

She has little sympathy for them after what they had just done... after what they interrupted.]

And?

[Yeah, she doesn't care.

She makes a point to drive her sword into the wood of the boat so that she has something sturdy to hold onto so that she can blast the larger one—supposedly the mother—with her wind. It's clear that she doesn't appreciate it, because rather than bump the boat, she's much more aggressive in her approach, swinging her horn around at Benedikta instead, that she gladly meets with her blade.]

Very good.

[And now it will be a matter of getting just the right angle for her to cut it clean off...

Of course, this means that she doesn't notice the much larger shadow looming below the boat.]

Don't just stand there!

Edited 2023-09-26 02:37 (UTC)

[Ah—]

Whatever floats your boat.

[Get it.

Floats your boat———

Right, he'll be serious ahem ahem.]

But on these dolphin—are you interested in the horn or just want to take the picture?

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