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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[A wink. He truly is an outlaw after all.]

Right on it. From the last known sighting should take us a bit to get there, but lets see what this lass can do, eh?

[A tap on the wheel as he studies it.]

As soon as I figure that out.

[Jill.

Jill be afraid.

You got Mr. Inventor Engineer studying a more upgraded water vessel for the first time and his eyes are lighting up.]

The bloke showed me how it worked a little... Was it this switch?

[Now, Escordvian ships are not modern by any stretch, but the available upgrades do allow them to have engines, in usual magitech fashion. Nothing like a motorboat, but it'll kick up some magic and combustion to increase the speed. Not too dissimilar to the mythril engines and he and Mid designed and what Jill might be used to from the Enterprise.

...

Still, when he flips that switch, there will be a crackle before it shoots forward, cutting through the water faster.]

[She is afraid. She trusts him, but that twinkle in his eye reminds her a bit too much of Mid when she gets a wild hair up her ass and with as little as Jill knows anything about machinery, she knows she's at Cid's mercy of controlling this thing.

Which doesn't seem like much control as the engine kickstarts and Jill's feet are suddenly off the bottom and halfway up in the air with her own rear end coming into contact with the wood of the boat. Really? Not even a moment to allow her to grab the gunwale to steady herself?

It's that same gunwale that Jill is holding onto as she slowly rights herself upward, glaring daggers at Cid as the boat speeds off into some unknown destination.]

A little warning would have done well.

[That's going to leave a bruise for sure.]

[He himself had only managed to grab onto the nearby railing to keep himself from crashing into the floor, so he just shoots Jill an apologetic look.]

Sorry! Didn't expect it to do that! Just hang tight for a mo' while I figure this out.

[Honestly she's probably safer lying on the floor—

But okay so that made it go faster, and as he cuts the switch back, it won't automatically stop (thank goodness), but they can hear those engine cutting out and slowing. Good, he can try and look at these other switches, knobs, and buttons.

At least some of them have labels and other things that give a better indicator of what they are, so he'll push up a lever which will make the boat accelerate again, but a lot gentler and smoother.]

Right so that does that...this does that... Turn it like it so...

[Mid really is the spitting image of her father, as Cid will look exactly like her and even mutter the same phrases as he quickly gets it down.]

[She has no other change but to hang tight or else go flying right over the edge of boat, so yes, indeed, Jill will stay on the floor for now, thank you very much. At least she does so in a prone position, only sitting up when things slow down, but she isn't confident in Cids mutterings to stand back up just yet.

Like father, like daughter, except Mid gives a much smoother ride with plenty more creative wording about Greagor's private parts.

Jill, still lying on the floor, raises herself on her elbows to give Cid a withering look he most likely misses in his ruminations.]

Is it safe to get up or should I just make myself comfortable down here for the time being?

[ahahahah—]

Let me test one more thing—

[And he hits a button... That turns on the music system? Well fancy that, it's like the boat has its own built in orchestrion.]

All right, it's safe now.

[Though he can't help but look at Jill amused.]

[Well, at least one of them is amused. Jill doesn't look the least bit entertained by either Cid or the music, so she busies herself with getting to her feet where she takes a moment to rub at her lower back. The spot is tender and with her fair skin, an unseen bruise is definitely forming. Luckily, by the time a certain person gets around to seeing that part of her body unclothed, it'll be gone, no having to explain who and what caused it.

Enough rubbing. It's not doing much good for the injury or her mood. Jill makes her way to the front of the boat, stepping carefully as it hits a bit of a wave. When she reaches Cid, there she is glancing down at all the switches and buttons laid out in front of them with a wary look. There is no trust enough in this world to make her curious enough to push any of them.]

I think I now prefer boats when Mid is at the helm.

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.

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.]

[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?

[If looks could kill, the expression on Jill's face could be wanted in at least two countries for first degree murder for that terrible dad joke. Cid is so lucky she likes him.

She stands dangerously close to the railing of the boat, glancing into the water for a sign of the creature's presence but not really seeing anything. What did she expect anyway?]

The picture. [Once she figures out how to use the camera on her shellphone and quickly, that is.] I see no need to cause it any harm just for a few extra coin.

[Jill glances up at the sky, crystal clear blue and not a hint of natural fog in sight, before turning back to Cid.]

And you?

[YEAH HE CAUGHT AND READ THAT LOOK LOUD AND CLEAR—doesn't stop him from smiling a little to himself. Sorry, Jill.]

Same. As tempting as that bonus for the horn is, if the creature is as peaceful as they say, I see no point in harming it.

Glad to hear you share my sentiments. It brings no harm to the people, thus it should be left alone outside the required proof of its existence.

[Speaking of proof, Jill pulls out her shellphone from the pockets of her skirt and looks at it with knitted brows.]

I was told this could be used for the picture, but I fear I have not even begun to understand how this device works.

[Hoho! There's a brighter smile now as he looks at her phone.]

Not to worry, I've been practicing with mine so I can show you the in's and out's of how it works.

[...]

Or just the basics.

[She would just helplessly shove the phone at him in her desperation to figure out the thing, but Cid is also steering the boat. Not a fan of the idea of landing on her ass again, Jill just nods and keeps it held in her own hand.]

I believe the basics would be the in's and out's for me. There would be no difference in my knowledge.

[Cid, she doesn't even know how to turn the thing on. The screen has been dark since the day she received it.]

Can't blame you, this is a lot different from what we're used to. But quite handy once you get it all down. At the very least, easier and quicker to send a message than waiting for a Stolas.

[Now let's see... Just a slight ease towards the east and it wont be too much longer.]

Not that we've seen a Stolas here to begin with.

[It would be good to have a way to send messages quickly, a fast warning if one will, when people like Benedikta and Barnabas are around. The sooner the better, the safer people like Joshua are.

Jill pulls out the map in her pocket and unfolds it, holding up to the screen of the navigation system for a second attempt at a match-up. On another glance, the dots and circles and even Xs begin to match, so there's much less confusion to mar Jill's features this time. Still, she's no sailing master and thus leaves her trust in Cid as she feels the boat turn gently.]

Do you think the sound of this boat would scare the dolphin away? It is quite loud.

[Cid will take a glance at the map, also noting the similarities. Good, really does mean we're on the right track. ...Though there's something else familiar about the writing on the map, but he'll focus more on her question.]

Hm... Fair point. I'll cut the engine, let it coast a bit. We don't need to be in the exact same spot, anyway.

[And with that, he'll flip the switch and the sound of the engine immediately starts to fade. There's still some power, but it's much quieter.]

[The boat sways with the gentle waves around them and it's almost soothing in a way letting nature guide them towards their goal.

Jill begins to point her finger at her map, showing Cid what her bit of research has found.]

So the creature was supposedly seen here and here by a few people and one other person said they saw it over here.

[She presses her lips together in thought as she studied the map thoroughly.]

If what I was told is true, then I wonder if they have made their home around here. There's not much distance between the sightings.

Edited 2023-10-04 19:32 (UTC)

[Without needing to mind the boat for a bit he looks down at her notes, his brows furrowing as he follows along.

Hm...]

Aye, I'd reckon that's a safe bet with all those sightings. I which case—

[He taps the center of the sightings.]

We should try here.

[Jill nods over the spot Cid indicates, finding no reason to disagree. With that said, she steps back, leaving the map on the console as she makes her way to the edge of the boat where she leans over slightly, hand hovering over the surface of the water that begins to change form as she speaks.]

I'll start the fog now.

[And that she does, bringing up a small about of cool mist that she guides around the boat with a wave of her hand, letting it spread outwards slowly.]

[As he waits for the fog to form, Cid studies the maps again, matching the one from Jill to that of the boat. With this, he'll be able to navigate without much issue, what a true marvel this is...

But as he studies Jill's map further, that odd sense of deja vu returns. What is it? Is it the map? No... His eyes read over her notes again, and as he passes over a few words—]

Shit—

[There's a loud thud of his hand slapping against the map as he suddenly looks up at Jill as if shellshocked, but he'll manage to school his expression to something more of a grimace before she can see him.]

[Jill is concentrating on keeping the fog light at first, just so she can peer out onto the horizon for any splashing or strange movement when Cid's exclamation yanks her right out of it. The fog dissipates as she turns to look at him, eyes wide in concern.]

Is something the matter?

[He looks to be in pain to her, but she can't figure out why.]

[It's a good thing he's used to having pretend— Though boy is there really something the matter all right.

He'll just...hold the hand he smacked against the map, giving her an awkward smile.]

Nothing, sorry. Just almost had your map fly away and banged my hand a little too hard trying to keep it down.

[And there is a wind so...plausible. The map will even rustle a bit under his elbow.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

<< september: maiden voyage >>

ELTRUT: FAREWELL SENDOFF

ELAH: PALADIN BASE

NOGARD: CORSAIR BASE

MANTA BOARD

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