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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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

The Corsair's halls

[Getting around Nogard is an interesting experience already. As a hideout goes, Faris can't fault it--it'll certainly scare off anyone too soft to be tangling with pirates.

At the Maw, he's checking out the magical items... there's plenty to choose from, although right now he's suspecting that the ones on offer are 'free and worth every gil.' Still, this Ring of Returning, if it works, could be handy.

Or you can find Faris generally exploring, sampling the ale at a pub, climbing around the bony hills, and even checking out one of the ziplines.]

Legends of the Hidden Pirates

[Oh, now this looks like it could be fun. Faris has his hands planted on his hips as he surveys the obstacle course. He's never seen a zipline before, but he'd sure as hell love to try it. As for steering a ship's wheel and putting artifacts back together, and then climbing a craggy peak to no apparent purpose? Hell yes.

Might be interesting to meet some of these goody-two-shoes Paladin types, too. Maybe they're stuffy, but Faris doubts they were chosen for being delicate lilies, either. He shoots a knife-edge grin at his new partner.]

Think you can keep up with me?

It belongs in ~~a musuem!~~ this big bag marked 'SWAG'

[The tasks for hunting and bounties, particularly on creatures, do not appeal to Faris. Too much memory, borrowed from Lenna. If she ever were to arrive here, Faris wants to be sure they can look each other in the eye.

Treasure, however, is an entirely different matter. He's exchanged his long black coat for a short green jacket that leaves his arms free to sweat with all the clambering around and pawing through things on land. The ruins remind him a little of Gohn... hopefully this place won't lift off from the ground while he's in it.]

Right. Let's see what shiny little secrets you hold....

[So saying, Faris sets off into the castle. Intent as he is, his head is on a swivel, looking out for any potential monsters, Corsair partners, or interfering Paladins.]

Seahorses

[So... seahorses.

Faris stands in the shallows, watching the animals buck and frolick in the waves. She's not from a world that has land horses... these creatures are novel in their entirety. There's a grace to them, and spirit aplenty.

It isn't force that will tame them, that's for certain. That isn't the bond worth forging. Faris looks from one to the next, and he can tell that a few of them are intrigued by her, too. It isn't so different from Syldra.

She wades out further, causing a stir in their swimming about, but one or two more curious about this new visitor begin to draw closer.]

Easy, mateys. Just trying to get to know you.

Wildcard!

[None of these suit? HMU at my plotting post here or just start something!]

[ Astarion is also eyeing the ring of returning, so he comment: ]

The others rather seem to pale in comparison, don't they?

[ and not just because he already has magical items that accomplish the same things! He picks it up and slides it onto his left index finger -- both ring fingers already taken up by perfectly serviceable magical items. ]

What thief doesn't want a instant escape?

[A year ago Faris might have protested the idea of being a commonplace thief, but he did bond closely enough with the ancient Thief's spirit to learn all the things they had to teach--and if that thief stood toe-to-toe against a being of such power and malice as Enuo, then there's nothing shameful about it.]

Aye, it comes in handy more often than not. Saves you a climb down a tower or a trek out of a nasty cave, too.

[He watches the older fellow slipping the ring on.]

You sound as though you've a practiced eye in such matters.

I'm no stranger to theft or magical items.

[ Which is why he's not going to just immediately try this item out--it could have limited uses per day and he's not going just use one up now! ]

Do they have these sorts of things, where you're from?

I've not seen a teleport spell placed in something as small as this, but aye--enchanted rings and pendants a-plenty.

[He didn't learn to cast the spell himself, but he's familiar enough with it not to be put off. He's certainly stepped on enough teleport pads--not to mention the energy resonance of a meteorite that shot him to another planet.]

But I can tell you've got plenty of experience adventurin' under your belt.

[you know. with the white hair and all.]

Because I look like I'm handy with a blade?

[ The question is a touch accusatory. Like that better be the reason. Since he has the lurking suspicion that it is, perhaps, not the actual reason. His hair might be white but he's still very young, thank you very much! Eternally young, even!

And vain. He's very vain. ]

[Maybe if the question hadn't been asked with that whiff of defensiveness, Faris' answer would be different. But it probably wouldn't be. His sister got all the manners in the family.]

Aye, that... and you look like you've been around the block a fair few times.

[He crosses his arms and leans against a post, waiting for the reaction.]

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subigito - 2023-09-20 14:39 (UTC) - Expand

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moremystyle - 2023-09-22 14:09 (UTC) - Expand

cw:torture

subigito - 2023-09-22 15:07 (UTC) - Expand

I'm sorry Faris is terrible

moremystyle - 2023-09-23 02:12 (UTC) - Expand

its ok astarion is terrible in his own way too

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[Meanwhile, Benedikta has wound up with a seahorse that would knock her down a peg or two and put her in her place if it weren't for her equal amounts of stubbornness to match it, and it comes bounding through the water to the pair that Faris is trying to wrangle, causing quite the stir and inciting some chaos as it pushes past them, making them buck and thrash in return.

And after a moment of staring in utter disbelief because how dare, she wades up a little closer.]

After you took all the food, too—!

[She calls out after it before it comes rearing back in her direction, but Benedikta turns her attention to Faris, a flicker of familiarity there when she sees him.]

Ah, it's you.

[From the tavern.]

[Faris has to exert all his self-control to stay still when the wild seahorse crashes through, upsetting the two that he's been so patiently trying to attract. But that's just bad luck. What isn't is the angry, uncontrolled woman sloshing over to keep making it worse.

He rounds on her, fists clenched, and has to make a visible effort to unclench them--lest his tension and outrage be conveyed to the animals.]

Aye, that it is. [Even with his efforts, the words come through tightly gritted teeth, and a tone of voice that is straining not to shout.] What in Neptune's name do you think you're doing, running them off like this?

[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.]

Of course not. 'Tis a creature of the sea. If it doesn't talk, it'll use some other way to communicate with you.

[His eyes go from Benedikta and her intense glare to the recalcitrant horse. No wonder he's not being pliable.]

Not looking at him like you're trying to kill him with your steely gaze might help.

And so what do you suggest!?

[Benedikta has only ever worked with chocobos before, and she wasn't even fond of them. While they did a fine job getting her from point A to point B on land, they could be troublesome in their own bird-like ways. One would think, being the Dominant of the fucking winged harpy, she would find some kinship in the birds, but no...

Apparently it doesn't work on sea creatures, either.]

I have exhausted all of my options, and my apples.

[Faris shakes her head. This isn't going to work if Benedikta keeps steaming and railing.]

If you're going to keep shouting at them like disobedient dogs? Go ashore and find another bounty to fill.

[That's not what Benedikta wants to hear, Faris is sure. She might lose her temper again. God knows that Faris can feel her own wanting to snap, but she stands calmly in the water, her body only moving in time with the motion of the waves. Not an invader, not a captor--just another creature in their midst, not being a threat.

That's why the horses pause to inspect her--some darting forward and swimming away shyly, others more venturesome in examining this two-legged thing standing in their sandy field. Faris doesn't take her eyes from Benedikta's face. She's had her down as a smart woman so far. The question is if she prefers to keep being angry instead of pulling it back to see.]

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[Did somebody say interfering paladins? Zack is one that's also inside these rocky castle ruins looking for anything useful for the paladin researchers and watching out for them as they work. And that means dealing with any grubby paws that might be against that sort of thing. Like corsairs.]

What kind of shiny things are you looking for, exactly?

[Zack will say as he approaches the other. He looks a little curious and a lot serious.]

[Oh, a little curious and a lot serious. Faris straightens up, giving the man a rakish grin.]

Oh, you know. Anything that catches my eye. [Boy, this fellow has a straight back. Definitely not another Corsair.

Doesn't mean Faris won't tweak him.] Want to help?

[That's exactly what a corsair would say!!]

I dunno, depends what you wanna do if you find anything important.

[He grins back easily and then hikes down a small part of rock and rubble towards the other.]

[Faris watches as the man gets closer. He doesn't make an outwardly aggressive move, but he shifts his position slightly, getting himself ready to draw his weapons if he needs to. The guy's obviously been doing his push-ups.]

Oh, the only sensible thing to do with it: take it back home, and sell it off to the highest bidder.

Good plan, eh?

[He grins, having a pretty good idea of what the answer will be.]

[Zack places both hands on his hips. Yep, that won't do.]

Or, I take it back home and donate it to the conservatory for research.

[And the very real and classic tale of Corsair versus Paladin begins.]

I think I like my plan better.

[Mmm yup. Faris was hoping to provoke him into getting angry--angry people are easier to fight--but the guy is too calm for now. That's fine. He'll get 'round him one way or another.]

It's a dull plan. Besides which, who's this conservatory and what are they researching? I wouldn't trust them so easy, not when we both just got here.

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[ The lure of treasure is too tempting for a guy like him, after all that's the whole pirate thing in a nutshell right? And he wants the freedom to do what he wants, even to grab treasure.

He's got his own sack and when Faris catches sight of him, he'll wave at the other guy and hold up his bag.

See? Just another Corsair. ]

[Sure looks like another Corsair to Faris! Still, there's enough of these goody-two-shoes about that he's going to make sure. It's just possibly that this is a Paladin trying to go incognito.]

Anything interesting so far?

Fish flakes. [ Toge answers, shaking his bag. He also shakes his head to give Faris context to what he's conveying. His bag is empty though, so he hasn't really found anything exciting yet. ]

[Fish flakes...? Ah. With the gesture, Faris sees what he means.]

Same here... so far. [Faris looks up and down an ancient, dusty bookcase, one inhabited far more by spiders than books.] But give me a hand shifting this and we'll see if we can change that.

Salmon. [ No problem, he means, even if that's not what he says, and despite his odd language quirks, he understands the instructions just fine.

Toge takes his end of the bookcase so he can help move it. ]

[Okay... Faris had thought that this was just this kid's word for 'nothing' but. Does he just talk in fish?

He's doing what Faris wants, at least--once they've both got hold of the bookcase, they can move it aside to reveal a little door, about half the height of a man, not totally attached to its hinges.]

Well, well, what have we here. [He shoots the kid a glance.] 'Cod,' maybe. Or 'sahagin?'

ELTRUT: FAREWELL SENDOFF

ELAH: PALADIN BASE

NOGARD: CORSAIR BASE

MANTA BOARD

Faris Scherwiz | Final Fantasy V | Corsair

Corsair halls!

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WITH THE RIGHT JOURNAL NOW

seahorses!

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swaaag

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Swag!

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