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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

Yeah, I know that's the point.

[But Zack can't help but crave a little action every now and then. Since he's been here he's been able to stretch his wings a lot without certain issues weighing him down so consider him a little... eager.

But not only that- Zack gives Cloud a glance. It would probably give Zack an idea of where Cloud is...]

What about you, though? If some guys tried to break in here it looks like you could handle yourself without me around.

[ Yet Cloud himself comes from a time where the focus should be on rebuilding, not battles. Somehow, though, he still has the strength to fight the ones that are needed. If needed. So it makes sense, he supposes, that Zack is itching for something to do. And chances are it won't really be a quiet night anyway.

He looks back over to Zack with eyes a little wide. A brow raising. ]

I wonder...

[ Since there's a part of him that really does think that he couldn't have done anything without Zack. Even after the other man's passing, it's not like Cloud had been without him in a sense. ]

Not that I want to. It's better to have someone around.

[Zack raises an eyebrow at that response. It's not really one he expects. He expects Cloud to maybe say he would do better with Zack around but ... those days are long lost. Cloud really can hold his own now. Without Zack. He thinks.]

What's there to wonder?

[He grins a bit more then steps closer to Cloud so he can put his hand on Cloud's chest and give it just a slight playful push. A step closer to the conservatory doors.]

Look at you, you've really put on some muscle since I saw you last. I bet if a gang of corsairs came through here it'd be a breeze for you.

[Mako-blue eyes flicker with an unread emotion.]

There's a lot about you that seems stronger, Cloud. Am I wrong about that?

[ Cloud isn't really going to answer the question. Not the first one. Zack walks forward and gives Cloud a little shove. Only Cloud doesn't. Really budge. Not like he would have in the past.

There's a look of concern that crosses his features. His gaze - with eyes that are not so different from Zack's now - glances off to the side. Clearly not comfortable with this or at least uncertain. How much does he say? What shouldn't he say? ]

No... But I guess we partially have Hojo to thank for that.

[ Meaning he knows about all those experiments. To a degree, anyway. Cloud doesn't know about all of the information about the various projects like Zack does. But he knows enough about the fact that he has been tampered with. ]

You too, though. Mostly you, really.

[If Cloud doesn't budge from his little shove he'll close his fist into a fistbump and rest his knuckles there against Cloud's chest.]

Yeah...

[The experiments they went through are fresher in Zack's mind than they are for Cloud. Zack had been mostly conscious through all of them. He had watched Cloud fade in and out of consciousness for months. He had to endure so much. And he remembers that one of the only things that kept him going was the sliver of hope that he could get Cloud out.]

I don't know what you've been through since then. Hell, everything is kind of a blur now. But you seem like you've done pretty okay for yourself.

[He just ... wants to know if Cloud really is doing okay. Or not. Or what happened.]

[ Zack can rest them there for as long as he wants. Because that slightly expressionless demeanor Cloud has adopted the last couple of years cracks under it. There's something akin to pain in his eyes. Regret and an apology. Words on the tip of his tongue that he can't quite get to completely form.

Zack's an emotional guy... Unless it's emotions like these. Cloud doesn't know why Zack's so careful around more vulnerable emotions when usually he'd just. Break down every other wall there is to be had. So Cloud finds himself dropping a forehead onto one of Zack's shoulders. Probably the only way he'll be able to talk without his voice cracking a little. ]

For a long time I thought it would've been better if you'd left me behind. Because... I wasn't you. Felt like I couldn't save anyone. That you'd wasted it all on me. And I didn't...

[ Because Zack could have done better than him. Zack wouldn't have handed over the materia. Wouldn't have let Tifa die. Wouldn't have let his own feelings of guilt and remorse over take him and make him useless and isolated for a time. Cloud is convinced of these things. ]

Still don't understand why you did all that for some kid with impossible dreams. You've never looked out for yourself.

Edited 2023-09-15 00:59 (UTC)

[ When he pulls himself back, what pain had been there before - the expression he had been trying to duck and hide from - is gone. Instead there is something softer there. Some small bit of resolve, determination. Not the steely gaze Cloud gets when he's focused on a fight.

Something else. ]

Since you never will...

[ And now it's Cloud's fist resting against the opposite side of Zack's chest. ]

Guess I'll just have to. For the both of us.

[ Just a silent, unspoken "I'm okay now." ]

Edited 2023-09-15 01:00 (UTC)

... You always had it in you, Cloud.

[He was never just some kid to Zack. Zack could see it in Cloud's eyes the first day he ever met Cloud. The genuine spark of a hero. Someone who could make it. Who deserved to be everything that he wanted to prove to the world that he was.]

But that's the point, isn't it? You carried on. For the both of us.

[Zack made a ton of mistakes. He has a ton of regrets. Things he did wrong, things he couldn't see through to the end. And for all his mistakes and half-finished things...]

I'm glad you found your way. And. I'm sorry if it was rough getting there.

[It settles something in Zack's chest, though. That Zack really didn't mess one thing up. And that was keeping Cloud alive.]

I guess I'll let you watch out for me a bit more. We'll see.

I think you're the only one that ever saw it. So I'm not wrong when I say you had a lot to do with who I am today.

[ As for carrying on for the both of them, he had. Now Cloud hadn't really known it for part of the time. And then for a period, it felt like he had lost his way. But then Zack, Aerith, and Tifa had pulled him out of that pit of despair.

Now he can actually start to smile again. Faint, but at least it is present. ]

Who said that you even get a say? Didn't think that my carrying on for the both of us had stopped.

[His lips quirk into a grin and he finally finishes by ruffling Cloud's hair up with his hand. Shortie.]

You've grown a lot but I don't know about this sass mouth you've got now.

[He's just kidding.]

H-hey!

[ NO ONE RUFFLES HIS HAIR NOW ZACK! Cloud doesn't expect it. Naturally he's trying to bat Zack's hands away before fussing with his own hair. Now that familiar pout is starting to resurface. ]

I've always had a smart mouth. You just never noticed.

[ And in the distance, there's a sound of something hitting the floor~ ]

Maybe I was immune to it before, who knows-

[He's laughing again and about to smack Cloud's hands away so he can give the blond a terrible noogie-

But that noise has him stopping.]

What the hell was that?

[Time for guard duty...]

[ They can get back to the issue of ruffling Cloud later. Right now his main concern... Is the fact that there are noises. Noises coming from the conservatory. ]

Only one way to find out.

[ Cloud is starting to pull his Fusion Sword from its holster. ]

Might end up getting what you want.

[By now, Zack has gotten himself a great sword from the local blacksmith. With the buster sword gone (where is that thing by the way...) Zack had to get something in the meantime.

And he eyes that sword Cloud has too. Looks like a swish army pocket knife. But huge.]

Here's hoping. [He grins.] And when were you gonna tell me about that thing? [The sword.]

Tell you about this?

[ He nods to the sword. Then has the faintest of grins. A sharpness to it that is a liiiitttle competitive. ]

And pass up the chance to show off?

[ They are both treating this so casually. There could be someone breaking in and here they are, the both of them acting like kids. In a sense.

At least Cloud is going to step into the conservatory. Do the job the came here to do. ]

Edited 2023-09-22 02:13 (UTC)

[Zack grins wolfishly. Alright, if Cloud wants to play and show off he'll be more than happy to enjoy a show.

Speaking of which, it seems like the show is about to start. There's a rustling just up ahead where some bushes and exotic-looking plants are growing. Like someone might be trying to find cover in the big tropical leaves.]

Okay, let's see what you got.

[Time to bust some corsair skulls.]

[ Cloud gives a little scoff, hand tight on the hilt of his sword. Now he might have just used magic to blast whomever it is hiding. But he doesn't want to damage any of the plants. So instead he approaches with caution, a spring in his step and ready to move. ]

Got five second to come out or you'll come out anyway.

You heard the guy, come out before we kick your asses out.

[And the magic will make the bushes loudly rustle. Some corsair bastards are definitely hiding in there and are trying to make themselves inconspicuous.

Zack will unlatch his greatsword. Just in case.]

[ Not that this tactic is going to work. Not with both Zack and Cloud there. The Corsairs are in hiding, sure, but also evaluating on whether or not they think that they can take the two men with swords.

Then there's a rustling before one single person comes out. Hands up.

"Sure sure. We'll be coming out..."

Cloud squints, hand tightening even more on his weapon. Because in the next instant? Four more appear around the room. Looks like it had been something of a set up after all.

"Five on two? I like these odds."

Oh they don't even know. ]

[Five of them. Zack's shoulders tense and he looks at each one of the men with shifting eyes.

... Yeah. He does like these odds. He gives a rather wolfish grin to Cloud.]

What do you think, Cloud? Think we can handle it?

[Of course they can. This is cake.]

I don't know. Not sure it will be exciting enough for you.

[ Apparently that dismissive way that Cloud talks about them is enough for the Corsairs to open fire.

Cloud twirls the sword in his hands. Blocking the rain of bullets. Then in a mere matter of seconds he is undoing the mechanisms in the sword. And where there had been one? There's two.

And he takes of in a sprint. ]

[Zack uses his own weapon to block the onslaught of bullets as well. He ducks down and catches sight of Cloud pulling off some serious switch-blade vibes with that giant swiss army sword he has.]

Alright, I get it!

[The corsairs are keeping at a distance so Zack blasts a thundaga spell at one. Then he sprints forward to come up Cloud's flank.]

Yeah. Maybe if they had one more guy it would be a bit more exciting.

[And he back slashes into another!]

If that happens, then you can take that one on top of any others that would appear.

[ Probably insulting to these Corsairs, talking to each other like they don't exist. Not that it matters to Cloud because pfft. They don't really matter, do they?

Because he swings the first sword around. Knocks a gun out of one of the thieves' hands. Then ducks low, swinging around with the other blade to knock them off of their feet. ]

[Yeah, these guys are easy pickings. It's hardly a challenge and they're getting knocked out faster than Cloud and Zack can even swap quips.

He takes watch over Cloud's back and outright punches a guy out who tries to pull a dagger into Cloud's ribs. He doesn't even need the greatsword for this. They're going down like flies.]

And here I thought it was your showcase, not mine.

[He grins.]

[ They really are going down way too easily. Pretty disappointing, really. Even Cloud had wanted to do more than that. Not that he needs or wants to show off ~~not entirely anyway~~ but if he's going to get some exercise? Make it actual exercise and not whatever this is.

Cloud even has time to put his swords back together before grabbing onto one of the Corsairs. Again, he doesn't want to damage the plants, so he casts a Thundara just like that - effectively causing the Corsair to drop to the ground. ]

If it's about showcasing abilities, we're going to need tougher opponents.

ELTRUT: FAREWELL SENDOFF

ELAH: PALADIN BASE

NOGARD: CORSAIR BASE

MANTA BOARD

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