escordvi | << september: maiden voyage >>

Entry tags:

<< 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

[Yes, she is surprisingly fast for someone who's drunk... she's like a spider, the commentators announce, as she makes her way up the wall.

He should be grateful that her other hand is gripping one of the holes in the wall tight so she isn't left completely dangling from his ankle when he slips, and she looks up at him with the plainest look on her face.]

I'm climbing.

[Duh! What does it look like!]

Why'd you stop?

You grabbed my damn ankle! Are you trying to make me fall!?

[NOPE HE'S ANGRY and he'll be yanking his foot out so he can step on the foothold again.]

Wait—

[But his ankle is being pulled from her grasp, and Tifa's face almost smacks against the frothy rock from not being ready for the force he puts behind wrenching it free.]

Oh god...

[She had grabbed onto his ankle!? Her brain had simply forgotten, or not even realized that it was his until just now, and...]

I'm... I'm sorry... I didn't—

[He'll hear her sniffle from beneath him, tears suddenly erupting from her eyes!? SHE FEELS SO BAD??? (No, this is not a normal reaction.)]

[—Oh for primal's sake.]

Don't cry!

[YEAH THIS IS A GREAT WAY TO COMFORT—

No, even he realizes that came out harsh and while he's expression great agitation, he'll drop down to her level.]

Just—forget it, it's fine. Keep moving.

[He is definitely very drunk from the fumes right now, and unfortunately for Tifa, he's a lot more agitated and impatient right now. But he's trying his best??]

[Well, as long as he's trying his best...

When he lowers himself to meet her, Tifa gives him a great sniff in response, and she swipes a hand across her face without realizing that it's covered in ale, and now she has the froth streaked across her cheeks.]

I'm sorry... [She murmurs again before she's blinking the tears away and looking up.] Is that the top? We don't have much further to go. If I can just—

[Whatever she means to say is rudely interrupted when a massive spout of ale comes pouring down over the two of them, bubbling and fizzing and kind of warm!?]

[FOR FUCK'S SAKE REALLY?!?!

He can only hold on as they're once again soaked through, and when it's all over his ears are completely flat against his head in irritation and he spits out the ale that managed to get into his mouth.]

............I'm finishing this.

[And he's going to just climb to the nearest ledge—which is actually right beneath her.]

Get down here.

[Tifa was not so lucky. She had been in the middle of talking when the ale had poured over them... and right into her mouth. It was either drink it or try to choke it out, and she did the former, so now, as Eustace climbs back down, she's left swaying and red-faced on the rocks above him.

This stuff works fast—]

Where'd you go? Eusta—ahh!?

[Her foot slips and she falls right down, down, down right at him...]

[It's a good thing he was watching or he could have easily missed her. As it his, his eyes just widen before he hastily reaches out with his arms to catch her, staggering a bit. Which is a bit dangerous given the slippy surface and where they are, but he just grabs the wall, body swinging forward to once more press her against the wall while held in his arms.

............

Without another word, he just roughly shifts position. She should be grateful he doesn't sling her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. He considered, but then thinks about the high risk of vomit and decided against. As it is, she's in his arms and without even another word or even a look, he vaults himself up, jumping high from the ledge to the next, then one more before hopping up to the top of the mountain. It's a good thing the buzzer is right there at the top or it would be questionable if he would be able to make it.

As it is, he grabs her hand and slams theirs both down on the damn thing together before unceremoniously dumping her to the ground.]

[Tifa is so stunned when he catches her that she can only openly gawk at him before he springs upwards with her in his arms. Her own wrap around him for support, and she yelps when he lands only to send them soaring again all the way to the top, and the next thing she knows, there's a loud buzz when her hand touches something and she's ungracefully landing on the ground.]

Ow...

[She grimaces and groans, rubbing her back where she'd landed... She's going to feel this one much, much later.

There's some barking from the other side, and Valo comes bounding out to greet them, only to stop with a whine and his ears pinned back at the smell of ale radiating off them both.]

[HE'S SORRY TIFA—or he will be later. Right now he's too peeved to care that he was quite rude and rough to the poor girl. But the moment he hears Valo, his ears perk up and his eyes shine as he turns to him.]

Valo...!

[...And his voice definitely took on a strange lilt and pitch as he crouches down with arms wide open.]

Come here, Valo!

[But.

Valo just whines and steps back instead, shocking Eustace terribly.]

...Valo?

[IS HE, THOUGH...

Through clenched teeth, Tifa looks up just in time to see Valo screeching to a halt before stepping back.]

What's wrong, Valo?

[The dog lifts its feet as he tries to unstick his paws from the ale all over the ground...

...

....

Before he turns around and trots back to wait at the viewing area with his tail between his legs.]

What happened to him?

Va...lo....

[Nope, Eustace is too stricken by his dog not greeting him that his drunk brain can't comprehend and is now broken. So broken he actually drops to his knees in despair.

Slowly proceeding to rare drunk Eustace phase: uncontrollable grief.]

Edited 2023-09-22 21:23 (UTC)

Eustace!?

[Tifa tries to scramble to him when he falls to his knees, hoping to catch him before he does, but she doesn't make it in time when her knee slips out from underneath her as she's crawling, and she faceplants on the ground instead.

And she's just going to lie there for a moment, utterly defeated, before she tries again.

She's going to make it to him one way of another, and she'll appear at his side eventually, froth smeared across her furrowed brow.]

... Are you okay?

Valo... Valo is......

[He just continues to mutter brokenly, hands now on the ground as he slumps over.]

I... Valo....

[WHY IS HIS VISION BECOMING BLURRY—]

[Tifa reaches out to grab Eustace's shoulders, and she gives him a light but dramatic shake.]

Eustace...?

[Is he crying? Oh no, why is he crying!?]

Why don't we get up and get cleaned up, huh?

Valo... Valo...

[...

This is so pathetic and when he looks back on this he's going to want to crawl into a hole and swear off alcohol forever. However, that's future Eustace problem. Current Eustace, while fortunately not a blubbering mess, is shedding a tear or two (or three) at the very idea that his beloved dog doesn't want to be with him!!!!

He worked...so hard...to climb this damn mountain and yet... AND YET!!!!

Yeah, good luck, Tifa, he's going to need to be dragged away.]

[Welp.

With Tifa in her own sorry state, it will be a hell of a lot of work to drag him away, but that doesn't mean that she isn't going to try.

First, she takes him by his wrists and pulls, but with how weakly she attempts that, it's likely nothing will happen.]

Get up...! We have to go see Valo...

[Should she just drag him away while he lays limp on the ground? No, even drunk, she knows that's a terrible idea. So, she's going to sling his arm around her shoulder, buckle her knees, and try to lift him to his feet that way.]

Come ooooooonnnnnn, Eustace...

[SNIFF.

Just a small sniffle.

But it's not until he hears Valo's barks and whines does he finally seem to pick himself up.]

What if...he hates me...

[Just a low, slurred murmur as he leans heavily against Tifa, his steps unsteady.]

[Were this any other time, she might have told him to pull himself together, but right now, it feels like she's absorbing his woes rather than trying to soothe them, and so she laments along with him as they clamber forward off the platform... to the best of their ability.

The floor is still slippery, and they are still drenched in ale, so Tifa feels her feet slip from under her several times before she manages to catch herself and Eustace, by some miracle...]

He doesn't hate you...

[Oh no, why is she also starting to cry now?]

I think it's just... it's just... [She sniffs and brings a hand up to cover her face, mostly out of shame and embarrassment.] We do smell really bad...

Ugh...

[Just a sobbing groan.]

We do... Can't stand it... No wonder...

[UUGHHGHGHHGHGHH]

Damn...challenge...

["Um, excuse me..." One of the attendants on the platform hands them some wet towels, and when Tifa lowers her hand and sobs at him, he starts before shoving them into her arms. "Please use these to clean yourselves off if you'd like." Before he runs away because nope, not dealing with this—]

Ah... Eustace... [SNIFF.] Here...

[She unfolds one of the warm, wet towels and reaches up to dab it lazily against the side of his face, wiping away some of the dried up ale that's mercilessly clinging to him.]

[And he'll just stand there, his ears drooping and really looking like a puppy that was kicked out into the rain.]

[She was expecting that he would take the towel, so when he doesn't and she lets go, it almost falls to the ground before she can catch it.

Ah, he is really sad about this Valo thing, isn't he? And why is it so contagious...?]

Well... If you aren't going to do it...

[Tifa readjusts his arm over her shoulders and stretches up to continue dabbing his face with the towel, and he'll feel its warmth streak across his face, wiping the spots clean where the ale had been. It's a little awkward to reach, but she tries to get his nose and his other cheek as well.]

Does that feel better?

...Mm...

[Just a very low hum before he lowers his head so she can reach him better.]

[...

Tifa feels her cheeks go warm when he lowers his head for her, her eyes going wide as she stares up at him in frozen disbelief...

She does press the towel to his other cheek with a little more force than is probably necessary because she can see that she's squishing it, but she pauses as she discards the dirty towel and starts to unfold another.]

Ah... let's sit down first, shall we?

[If they are going to do this, then at least let her do it properly? But fortunately, there are some chairs set aside for contestants who wish to rest after their long journey to the top.]

ELTRUT: FAREWELL SENDOFF

ELAH: PALADIN BASE

NOGARD: CORSAIR BASE

MANTA BOARD

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject