escordvi | « december: winterstide (test sail) »

Entry tags:

« december: winterstide (test sail) »

Welcome to the Test Drive Meme for

escordvi! Anyone can participate in the test drive, regardless of invite eligibility. Just keep in mind that only those who have received approved invitations from the mods and players can actually reserve on December 25th and apply on January 1st. Our EMP/ATP can be found here.

For your toplevel, please include the following: Character Name | Canon | Armada Choice | TDM (IF TDMING). Current players can use the same header, just without the "TDM" label. We do require those who are TDMin'g to include the label so other players can distinguish between others.

For everyone's convenience, TDM threads can be carried over in game if you wish! If you are still unsure which armada to place your character, you can play it a bit loose and vague in the TDM and make retroactive changes if you carry over the threads. The log itself is set to cover starting from December 13th until the end of the month. Characters will appear at random intervals during this time rather than all at once, so players have some more flexibility on how much more adjusted they are for someone else.

If you have any question about the TDM, comment here. If you have questions about the game in general, please comment to the Game Info.

TOPLEVEL DIRECTORY (Updated December 23)

GETTING STARTED

This section can be timed for any time after December 13 until the end of the month, which includes during the current event. These prompts are to benefit those TDMing, but this portion can be handwaved instead and be served as a reference for players to know what their character will have experienced and learned on arrival.

STARTER SHIPS

There are two ships that serve as starting ships for each armada: Stormbringer for the Corsairs, and Royal Fortune for the Paladins. There are various ways new arrivals—or riftfarers as they will be called, among other creative names—will appear on or by these ships.

🚪 Random room. It could be empty, filled with crates or supplies; down in the hull where the livestock are kept; have the luck to awaken in a bed...or the misfortune of that bed already occupied; somewhere in the kitchens; in the bathroom—any room! Now let's hope the doors can open or someone may have to try and ask for help. Or jump through the porthole if there is one and it's above water.
⛵ On deck. If not in the ship itself, another possible spot to wake up to is somewhere on the maindeck. If they're lucky, they're on the deck itself. More unfortunate souls may find themselves caught in the sails or netting, the crow's nest, or on the top of the masts. Someone should be able to help, right? Or catch.
🌊 In the water. The most unlucky sods will find themselves appearing in mid-air just past the ship and plummeting straight into the water. Good news, there's always someone on the look out for such a thing and calls for help to throw a lifesaver get the rowboat will be made. Are there sharks? Well... ...Are there?

However the new riftfarers arrive, they will be poorly clothed, practically rags or loose uniforms depending on the ship. Fortunately, veteran crewmates will guide them, escorting them to a room with a strange typewriter in it. After typing their name, the typewriter will magically continue and type by itself at a fast pace until it dings and rolls out the paper. This paper will have the following information:

• Name and Shellphone ID (journalname)
• Armada (Corsair or Paladin, will match the starter ship)
• Cabin Number for their personal cabin on the starter ship
• Apartment Address for their personal address at their base armada location
• A basic map of the starting locations in Eltrut, including written directions (continued in the Eltrut section)
• A basic map of where they can find a chest with their original clothes and belongings (this will be different for every person and will be anywhere either on the starter ship or on Eltrut—players can be creative here).

After that, the crewmate will do their best to explain the basics of how they got here, what's going on, and what they'll need to do to live in Escordvi while they are here, giving them a small leather pouch with money. They will be reaching Eltrut soon, so the crewmate will suggest they look around, meet the others who have arrived. Even from their distance, they will be able to see the giant sea turtle that serves as Eltrut's leviathan.

ON ELTRUT

Once in Eltrut, the new riftfarers will be greeted by several birdfolk who will be happy to give tours to those who may need them. Otherwise, anyone is free to roam as they please and will have a map for the following main places they should visit.

🐚 Microshell. The first stop that is encouraged will be Microshell, the main store to acquire their own personal Shellphone. The paper they received on their starter ship will have their ID and the staff at the store will set them up, explaining how the device and the network works.
✒️ Inkwave, Tattoo Parlor. The next stop is Inkwave, a tattoo parlor run by a very burly but friendly octopus, Knistej. Here everyone receives their own unique magic tattoo, allowing anyone to cast specific single element spells and other magic. Note: tattoos are required before anyone will be able to use their original magical abilities.
📜 MANTA office. The final stop is the MANTA office, where all the request, mission, and task notices are posted. Each armada has their own branch office for armada specific notices as well. A great place to find jobs to earn some cash so they don't stay a hobo forever.

WINTERSTIDE

As December continues on and, in some places, the cool air of winter starts to blow through, many are preparing for Winterstide, a time where the islands practice an array of tradition depending on where they live. And to help herald its coming, The Frostsinger soars through the skies on her sleighship pulled by jackalope and singing a song. Wherever she passes, even the grumpiest of grumps will feel a bit more cheerful—if for just a few minutes.

As part of her gift, since the leviathans are situated in warmer waters, all leviathans will have large sections of snow deposited in a designated area, along with special winter clouds to keep it falling throughout the month. It's enough to create small ice rinks, build snowmen, and just enjoy the experience of having snow in an otherwise relatively warm location. Some innovators have also tried to create snow machines to spread the snow around town…but there are a number that will malfunction and either produce wet sludge or dump way too much snow in a small place.

But even so, everyone is enjoying the season, and local traditions are going in full swing. While each leviathan has their own unique traditions, there are a few that are shared between them all.

🦇 Mistletoe Bats. While there may be some sprigs of holly hanging around doorways, there is a special species of bats with wings of mistletoe leaves and cute little red heads. They will fly around and bite people, making the bitten want to either kiss or fight others. How severe the effect is up to the player. Some might want to "kiss" to the cheek (either by mouth or fist) or some might want a full "passionate" session.

🎁 Gift Giving. Although the Frostsinger will deliver gifts herself later in the month, anyone can give a special gift to friends and loved ones at any time. The Corsairs in particular will be on a "mission" to try and regift items from obnoxious nobles to those more fitting or in need of it (or pocket it for themselves—it counts). The Paladins will be on charity work, making and crafting toys and needed goods to hand out to those less fortunate.

🍭 Candy Cane Dare. A special challenge targeted towards couples, but can be played by anyone. Each person takes one side of the candy cane and starts biting off a piece each turn. Will they meet in the middle? Or will someone break away before?

🎀 Ribbon Dance. Little birds will randomly attach a colored ribbon to an individual and should they decide to participate, they must find a partner with the same colored ribbon. Multiple individuals will be in a color "group" so there will be more than one option. Once partnered off, they must bind their wrists with the matching colored ribbon and dance together until the ribbon falls off. For those who may be shy, the magic ribbon may just choose the partners for them.

🏖️ "Sandmen." Although the Frostsinger provided some snow, most will take to the sandy beaches and make their own snowmen and sculptures—with sand. Who can make the biggest one?

🥘 Food Contests. Both Nogard and Elah have their own version of food competitions, and are both vastly different. In Nogard, participants can only use the meat they hunt and gather their own ingredients, and are tasked to create the wildest dish possible. In Elah, ingredients are provided, but their dish must have impeccable and elegant presentation.

🦢 Boat Parade Competitions. There are numerous boat competitions held throughout the month, as well as the opportunity to parade one's boat with all the decorations fitting for Winterstide. Some will go all out, with decorative lights, ornaments, and streamers. Others will try to build a boat themed specifically Winterstide. Whether they are seaworthy or not, eeeh.

In Nogard, one particular fun tradition they like to do is to cover a large number of buildings with snow and race over them, carrying a bag of "gifts" and using their skills to avoid obstacles in the way. Participants can try to intervene and even steal the bag, and those who succeed can keep the goods inside (mostly low quality gems, basic equipment accessories, discount coupons, and doubloons, but hey free stuff is still good stuff). Scrimshaw is another tradition that, while done throughout the year, becomes more popular during Winterstide as there is an abundance of bone and makes for good gifts for anyone. Some even hold contests to show off their skills, and there are several whale bones standing by the ports where anyone is encouraged to carve their own design as part of a larger mural.

As for Elah, they have paragliding kites, where one is challenged to not only craft their own paraglider kite, but then fly it over the air streams produced by Elah. A successful flight will reward them with a nice pocket of doubloons. Another tradition they enjoy is to gather in the center of the Plaza Fontea where the water fountains will be dyed various colors that can be used to paint murals and canvases all over. It's a wonderful way for anyone to express themselves and perhaps even create a special gift.

Finally, all leviathans receive special offerings provided by the locals, usually various foods or random trinkets that can serve as decoration for the temples designated for each one. In Eltrut, one simply has to sail around its shell to a special pier and follow the mossy ridge up to a carved in ridge where the building is to leave the goods. In Elah, a ride on the sky gondolas which will carry visitors directly to the temple where caretakers will collect offerings. In Nogard, a more arduous task of entering through a guarded and sealed door and traversing through the leviathan's cavernous underbelly must be taken, walking all the way to the temple in its gut to deposit the goods.

YOTELSIA: TOY ISLAND

[note: all threads featuring Yotelsia prompts are worth 4pts due its special quest-like nature.]

Midway through the month, reports are coming in of lost contact with various ships that have sailed out to Yotelsia and have yet to return. This is an island known to belong to the Frostsinger, and every year during Winterstide she allows access for those to "harvest" toys and materials for the increased sales. The Frostsinger herself is too busy to investigate, so she makes a formal missive requesting those willing to investigate.

Those who venture out and near the island will notice the changes almost immediately. The once fluid water becomes choppier…and blocky to the point where most ships must either use equipment similar to ice breakers to get through, or stop completely before risking damage from the strange green and blue blocks that now float and fill the waters surrounding the island.

🌉 Building blocks. The blocks are large enough to carefully hop and cross over, even able to connect the blocks to form pathways and bridges to get to the shore. Some might even try to make rafts out of them to float through the gaps.

🚢 Empty ships. Previous ships can be found anchored…and mysteriously empty. Investigating the ships will find no traces of the crew. Only random toys littering the deck. Wait—did one just move?

📦 Toy collection. Those who do not want to venture further can start collecting the toys on the ship or try to figure out what happened to the crew. Later, once the curse is revealed, those unaffected by it may try to gather the curse stricken sailors to put them in a safer place.

As they near the shore, they will see lots of random toys scattered across the beach, as if dropped without a care. However, something seems to be…hopping? A plush rabbit?

"No!!" a squeaky voice tries to shout out, frantically waving its small arms as the words barely carry over the wind and the sound of blocks bumping against each other. "Go back!! The curse—!!"

At that precise moment, the sound of a xylophone rings through the air, and whether people made it to the shore or are still on the blocks, they will find themselves surrounded in a strange mist. And in the next moment…

They have taken the form of a toy.

With some despair, the rabbit plush will reveal himself to be the captain of one of the most recent merchant ships to have arrived. He explains there is a curse on the island, changing everyone into living toys but only for a limited time—two hours. The rest of his crew and some others are scattered across the island trying to find a way to reverse the curse, but the grim consequences of what would happen if they don't can be found by the motionless toys gathered on the beach. Living or dead, they don't know, but everyone has stiffened up to become completely inanimate, colors completely dulled, and with only sometimes a twitch here and there. But even as he feels his own body starting to stiffen, Captain Rabbit (Robert) has been trying to gather those unfortunate enough to be trapped to try and keep them relatively safe.

"There's a rat in there, we've seen him. Used that damn xylophone on us and hid somewhere in that tower. Find him and break this curse before it's too late!"

The island itself is made completely out of "toy materials"—fabrics, felt, wood, metal, cotton. There is nothing "living" here, including the plants. Felt trees, plastic bushes, popsicle stick cliffs, building block hills. It's a mishmash of everything with no rhyme or reason. And usually there is nothing living here, just plain toys. But the curse has "breathed some life" into everything.

🕷️ Hostile island natives. There are "animals" and "monsters" that could harm them (but not kill), so beware. That plastic spider with the silly string webbing will happily wrap anyone caught in their web, even if they won't actually eat anyone. Or that plastic tiger might want to pounce, though lack of actual claws and teeth won't do much more than rip a few seams or leave scratches. Good news is, a nice whack will stun them or even fall apart.

🛹 Getting around. It's going to take a while to trek through the island on foot. Not only that, but all abilities and magic are reduced in effect, even modified to fit whatever toy form they have taken. Perhaps those who are more creative can try and build a vehicle from the materials around. Or tame a toy animal to get around. There are even race tracks that could help speed things up. Assuming one can stay on it.

🐇 Free the Jackalopes. The Frostsinger's trusty jackalopes had tried to investigate the situation but were caught and trapped in various places across the island. Find and rescue them!

🧸 Rescue fallen dolls. Captain Rabbit (Robert) has asked those going through the island to find others who have already succumbed to the curse and bring them to the shore. They can be recognized by being the only toy on this island not moving and will have a grayish tint to their color. Some may twitch a little, but not often.

The tower itself is instantly recognizable, standing tall in the center made of giant wooden blocks and with a giant clock face whose eyes seems to roam around, as if watching everything happening. Once inside, everyone will need to climb up and try to find the one who made this curse—the Pirat King.

The tower is fairly straightforward, with several floors that is only accessible by various flights of spiraling stairs and "magic lifts." Pass through the challenges and mazes—or even face the Pirat King or his minions as they appear at random throughout the tower.

🎹 Musical Ascension. There are various "musical" challenges scattered throughout the tower. From floors and steps made out of piano keys that need to play the correct highlighted pattern tune, to playing with a ~~Bop-It~~ "Dance-It" toy and follow the pattern, to using a karaoke machine, to picking up a toy instrument and free styling—some paths or doors won't appear or open until that correct tune is played.

🃏 Card Games. Some floors will have varying card games that must be played. While some are simple as sitting at a table and playing poker or Old Maid, some are more complicated, such as the memory games where one must step on tile sized cards on the floor to clear them away. There is even a floor where one must ride giant playing cards like carpets to cross a giant chasm.

♟️ Chess Match. One floor is a giant chess board, and those on it are assigned a piece. Rather than playing the game properly, they just have to try and get across the board while limited to their piece's movements (pawns can only move forward one space or diagonal if taking an enemy, knights have the L jumps, bishops diagonal, etc.). Just be careful of the other pieces—they will try to knock them out. The spaces will also flash and will disappear, making those not fast enough to move to fall back to a random lower floor.

Every so often, mechanical toy rats in pirate outfits will appear to try and fight or capture those trying to ascend the tower. Fortunately, they only wield toothpicks and plastic weapons, but they can still hurt! If caught, they will be taken to the lower dungeons where others who tried to get through lay listless, the curse already taken them. Those who try to break out can also try and rescue those caught, or leave them behind. Corsairs may try to negotiate or even work with the Pirats, but results will be a roll of the dice (literally, a small d20 dice will appear and roll how well they do before disappearing).

As for the Pirat King himself, he will try and harass and accelerate the curse on those he encounters in the tower. The key to his powers is the magic xylophone he carries strapped to his chest, which will not only momentarily "freeze" any who hear it, but can also make them dance for a short time. Damaging the xylophone will reduce the curse's effects and will free at least one person who had succumbed to the curse completely. However, that Pirat King is a slippery bastard and will disappear in a puff of smoke after taking a few hits. It'll take a concerted effort and everyone taking shots when they can. At the very least, breaking the xylophone completely will release the curse and fix everything.

QUESTS

The current MANTA Board is available, but we have a couple of additional quests that are specific for the event! Teaming up is of course encouraged, no matter what the affiliation. You can assume they acquired some kind of ship for the quests out at sea, either the starter ship or some other ship heading out there. All quests will be worth 4 points.

Frosty Finesse

Eltrut

A large pad of ice has appeared in the center of Eltrut. No one is sure where this pad of ice came from, but a new challenge has appeared to see who can traverse across it the fastest. Using all manners of skills or magic, whoever can get to the other side without crashing might just get a nice reward. Race your comrades, challenge someone from the opposite armada, or just enjoy a leisurely skate across the pretty glossy ice. If you can make it across the fastest you will be rewarded with a scarf and pair of mittens that always stay toasty warm even in the coldest of nights.

Mischievous Minis

Everywhere

Tiny creatures have appeared and have been annoying the locals, always wisping around their heads while trying to get them to do something. There has been a demand for travelers to get rid of these pesky and nosy things before someone loses their patience. The tiny creatures themselves seem to be trying to whisper something in people’s ears. Maybe if you listen you’ll hear something good. But maybe they’ll tell others your deepest desires. All anyone knows is that they’re known to lie. Get rid of them by capturing them with nets, shooing them away with your hand or … burning them with fire. You do you.

An Order for Jadis

Atnam

A local bakery is requesting help in creating a large batch of turkish delight as fast as possible for a client who claims that she is a witch. So long as you can lift heavy bags of sugar or work with your hands, you’re more than welcome to help. Team up with someone to get as many batches of this sweet delight made as possible and as fast as possible. Just beware that making turkish delight can be a little messy. The sweet dessert is sticky and goopy. It requires boiling, mixing, cooling and shaping. So it won’t be an easy task!

An Eggstraordinary Harvest

Eltrut

A ranch has reported that they have miraculously found a massive batch of golden chicken eggs in their chicken coops. They say this isn’t normal so they are requesting others to come and investigate these special eggs. The eggs themselves do seem to glow a pretty golden colour and are solid and warm to the touch. But are they really gold? Investigate the golden eggs and find out if they are actually made of gold or if they are normal edible eggs. What makes them golden? Why are they glowing? Are they poisonous? Taste pretty good? Can they be sold for crazy amounts of dubloons? The results will be up to you to find out.

(Note: The outcome of the eggs is up to you. Choose what would be best for your scenario.)

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ New arrivals are basically always a pain. They can show up anywhere, they get in the way, they have a million questions. The sound of someone splashing around in the water just means it's that time again and really he'd rather literally anyone else go to investigate, but he finds himself begrudgingly walking up to the edge of the boat and seeing.... ]

Oh gods, no, I'm not fishing you out. Absolutely not.

[As the vessel approached almost instantly when they spotted Ketheric in the nearby distance and dropping anchor he made short order of climbing the ladder thrown off the side. As he glared up towards the first person to greet him a somewhat familiar face came into view followed along by that sarcastic tone of voice. Stepping aboard in his ragged clothing drenching wet the elderly half-elf sized the other up until he finally recollects just exactly who this was. The exasperated look over his features immediately turns to that of his patented scowl, brows furrowed in annoyance as he grits his teeth.]

Your face is not one I would easily forget…A companion of that wretched True Soul who aided the Aasimer and stripped me of my immortality. It was your treacherous doing that I was forsaken by my lord and cast me into oblivion!

[If the former general had some form of weaponry or any of his otherworldly powers he would have instantaneously attacked the pale individual but such as it was he was left defenseless here. Trying to pick a fight when he'd only just arrived would be foolhardy at best especially when this vessel was his only saving grace. Glaring angrily the man merely stood his ground as both his hands curled tightly into fists before bowing his head ushering out the next words under his breath.]

You took everything from me…My purpose…My beloved daughter Isobel. Leaving me to rot as the Lord of Bones stripped the flesh from my body whilst you stood and watched.

Oh, spare me the lecture. I'm the least of a bleeding heart of the whole lot, so you'll earn neither sympathy nor guilt from me.

[ ugh why did someone have to send a ladder down to pick him up ]

And so much for rotting, seeing as you're here, and with all your flesh intact! What a pity, really.

[It would appear this companion of that heathen True Soul was more reasonable than some of the more vindictive souls within their troupe but that did not excuse the atrocities they enacted. They had taken everything he worked so hard to achieve only to be ripped away with the blink of an eye. If things had been differently they certainly would have made for powerful allies, having extended the courtesy at first in fact but he was deceived, blinded by his own desires to see they were nothing but frauds who held the artifact in question he'd been searching for all this time.

Bearing his teeth once more at the lack luster response it takes all of Ketheric's willpower not to surge forward and punch the vampire square in the jaw for his insolent remarks. An aggravated grumble erupting deep from his chest as he calms himself if only just as the eyes of the others crew mates focused on the general. The former chosen of Myrkul knew he was outmatched and it would be foolhardy to attack the man here and now without his otherworldly powers of immortality.]

I am at the mercy of this vessel's patronage...Now swallow your pride lest you try my patience or you shall swiftly find yourself at the wrong end of my blade in due course you infernal whelp.

Edited 2023-12-24 06:44 (UTC)

[ Astarion does not swallow his pride--instead, he laughs, amused by the fact Ketheric thinks he has any power over him here. Sure, it took the four of them and Aylin working together to beat him but, look, if Ketheric is just arrived, he doesn't have any powers at all now. And he certainly doesn't have Myrkul here. That put them on entirely more even ground. ]

I don't think you're really in a place to be making threats. You'll find that your time here will be much easier if you learn to play nice.

[The laughter in response garnered at his warning does little to ease the rage building in the pit of his stomach, anger and frustration evident in his face as he closes the gap between them standing mere inches from Astarion's face. A hand moves to grab the scruff of the others shirt, gripping it tightly in his grasp as he glares down the pale elf ushering forth his next words plainly.]

Listen to me carefully, elf. I will enact my vengeance against you and your ilk who wronged me, taking my precious daughter from me once more before bringing about my untimely demise unless you disclose what I desire next.

[Letting go of the vampire with a shove as the other stumbled back a step or two before finding his footing as Ketheric stood motionlessly in place.]

You would do well not to bare my path and explain the nature of this strange place we find ourselves. Speak quickly for you have already tried my persistence.

[ It takes everything he has not to grab his daggers and gut Ketheric like a fish when Ketheric grabs him. Ketheric is wildly lucky Astarion decided to join the corsairs on the Stormbringer and that they weren't on The Eventide, where Astarion is captain. But he doesn't want to rise to this bait. He balls his hands into fists to keep them from shaking and he stands still, instead imagining how it had felt to shoot Ketheric Thorm full of magicked arrows.

He'd killed the man once already, after all, his imagination hardly had to do any work. ]

You have no power here. Quite literally, as a new arrival.

[ More importantly...Astarion had friends. When they'd fought Ketheric, Astarion had thought of their group as nothing more than a bunch of people who were together out of convenience's sake. Besides, Astarion had been trying to manipulate Tav from the start, so it's not like they had a rock-solid foundation.

But after his time in this place, he'd realized that there are people who care about him. People who would come to his aid, if he needed. There would be time to think about how incredible that felt later. For now, he simply feels powerful. ]

And more than that, this is a world controlled by factions of pirates and paladins and I am the captain of a ship. [ Not this ship, but, like, a really nice ship! he's done well for himself. ] But by all means, continue to threaten me. I'm sure it'll end splendidly for you.

[Although he was loath to admit it, Astarion spoke the truth in this instance, the former general rendered powerless having only just arrived without his otherworldly abilities and immortality in due part to the Aasimar; Dame Aylin who's life force was siphoned from the soul cage deep within the Gauntlet of Shar. Begrudgingly Ketheric sighed solemnly with a bow of his head defeatedly, a slow nod ushered forth in understanding as he agrees to the pale elves terms.]

It would appear good fortune follows you wherever you might go, elf.

[The same certainly could not be said for himself, plagued with misfortune at every turn since the untimely death of his beloved wife leading onwards. Exhaustion was beginning to overtake him as he draws in deep breathes, dropping to his knees with his arms limp at his side as he looks towards the blue skies above. Could this truly be his fate? To live at the mercy of his assailants and never achieve his ideals? No...He refused to believe it but he knew when he was outmatched...For the time being.]

You have beaten me at every turn...I will admit defeat and submit to the will of this vessel and its crew.

[Finally snapping out of his hazy state of mind, Ketheric looked up towards the other with a look of determination, willpower still in tact regardless of his current predicament as his brows furrow intensely.]

But I will not succumb to your submission.

[ Astarion can't help himself--he bursts out laughing at the idea that "good fortune" follows him anywhere. It's a long, likely uncomfortable moment before he settles down. ]

Good fortune? Did you forget the part where I was abducted by a mindflayer and had a damned tadpole shoved into my brain?

[ Good fortune. The mindflayer shit was enough horrid luck for a lifetime, and it was just the tip of the iceberg as far as he was concerned; if anything, the tadpole had done him a favor. That was more true for him than it was for anyone else in their party. ]

I earned my spot and my crew. It had nothing to do with fortune.

[ In fact, he's pretty sure if fortune had any say in it, he'd end up having to hide from the sun again. ]

I don't care what you do, as long as you don't hassle me.

[The sudden burst of laughter followed up in short with Astarion’s proclamation caused an amused smirk to fall over his features as he slowly rose back to his feet. The tadpole was a means to an end which enabled the other with Illithid powers even with the threat of Ceremorphosis ever lurking on his doorstep.]

One must make certain sacrifices in order to achieve your ideals.

[Ketheric knew this far better than most having risked life and limb to restore his cherished daughter to his side.]

We shall have no further quarrel…Lest you or your ilk birth any disputes with me and mine.

[He’d grown tired of these trying squabbles and given they were no longer in Faerun he had no reason to create further rivalries with the man or his accomplices.]

Now tell me, elf…You know me full and well but I know not your name. By what shall I call you?

Yes, but generally you shouldn't go around sacrificing other people.

[ See this is the sticking point. He doesn't care what Ketheric does to himself, it's dragging the whole of Faerun in with him.

There's a long moment where he just considers not giving his name. If he's such a two bit player that he isn't memorable, then, fine!! FINE!!!

But finally: ]

My name is Astarion.

[A sinister burst of amused laughter erupted from the Chosen of Myrkul in turn now followed in short by a sincere smile stained over his lips. A wave of his hand is ushered forward as he turns to look out at the roaring ocean, crashing against the vessel as Ketheric saw what appeared to land on the horizon at long last. Hands folded at the curve of his back in a stoic fashion, looking back over his shoulder towards Astarion.]

Something tells me you are not adverse to sacrificing others to carry out your own motives, Astarion.

[The general of the Absolute prided himself in his intuition and had a sneaking suspicion there was more than meets the eye with the pale elf despite his 'good' intentions being shrouded in mystery to him for the time being. An aura of arrogance mixed with ego suited one who was not afraid of getting their hands dirty if it meant truly fulfilling his desires. Turning fully back towards the other with a tilt of his head ever so slightly with intrigue as he gauges the man's facial reaction.]

I am wrong?

[ Ketheric isn't wrong. Or rather, Astarion hasn't decided if he's going to prove Ketheric wrong yet. He still hasn't confronted Cazador, still hasn't decided what do do about his siblings.

But it doesn't sound great to have Ketheric argue that they're similar. He will definitely remember that later, when he's brooding (again) over what to do about this whole sacrifice business. ]

That leaves no room for nuance at all! I happen to like Baldur's Gate, [ like a weird sibling you make fun of all the time ] I certainly wouldn't throw the whole of it to the wolves. Or the sharks, as the metaphor might be more appropriate.

[Given the others hesitant rebuttal it was a safe assumption that Astarion had less than honorable intentions buried within the catacombs of his mind as well. The amused grin over his features widened somewhat as he looked over the pale elf with intrigue standing his ground, gaze unwavering as the man tries to change the subject but to no avail.]

Be it Baldur's Gate or no it is clear to me now you are haunted by your own indecisions with less than honorable intentions. It matters not what or where the sacrifices occur the outcome is one in the same. Do you not see?

[An open palmed hand extending outwards as he motions to the ocean depths surrounding them before closing it tightly into a fist as they drew ever closer to the leviathan.]

You and I share more in common than you might think, Astarion.

No. I'm not playing this game with you.

[ Oh, he's heard this kind of thing before. Others trying to defined him and tell him who he is and isn't. But he's not going to let Ketheric Thorm of all people decide who he is. ]

I'm not "haunted." I sleep perfectly well at night, knowing we dispatched of you and the shadow curse, in fact.

[Astarion's last sentiment causes the former general to simply scoff with a shake of his head as the other tries to change the subject but would not press the matter further. The pale elf knew deep down that Ketheric's words held some form of truth even if he did not wish to hear it from the likes of him. The seed had been planted and would grow of its own fruition be it from his words or not.]

It matters not. You are the master of your own fate and the day will come when you must make these decisions such as they are. May the repercussions of your actions fill you with either remorse or happiness only time will tell, Astarion.

[Was the former Chosen of Myrkul trying to rub salt in the wounds causing Astarion to toss and turn at night thinking about what truly matters to him in the grand scheme of things? But of course; For he had not forgotten the atrocities he too endured and the consequences of his actions even if he took no issue with them himself whilst others did. Not to mention the reminder of causing his downfall was vexing and deserved some form of retribution himself.]

Edited 2023-12-27 23:00 (UTC)

Great. Good talk. I have other things I need to deal with that don't involve babysitting you, so, if this is all, then can you run along?

[ Yes, he's definitely going to think about Ketheric's words, but there's no need for Ketheric to know that. Instead, he'd rather just act like none of this matters and everything is fine. ]

Our fates will forever be intertwined, pale elf. Do not think you have seen the last of me, Astarion. For we have unfinished matters to attend to despite our momentary respite here in this strange new land.

[The general of the Absolute was not above holding a grudge for the other had taken everything from him; His Lordship's grand design ruined and left to the wayside along with restoring his beloved family to his side. One way or another he would see fit to punish the man for his insolence but here and now was not the time or place. Ketheric had not the means nor power to contest Astarion know and knew if he tried anything foolish would only met with a swift end.]

I will take my leave once we have arrived to the nearby shores on the horizon but do not mistake my leniency for kindness. For you are still my enemy here and now.

[ Astarion places his hands on the hilts of his daggers at his side. Ketheric may not be above holding a grudge, but Astarion was not above threatening him. ]

Then let me be clear: I will not hesitate to cut you down again if you get in my way. I quite enjoy the peace and quiet and lack of people trying to end the world in this place. You ought to learn to do the same.

[A familiar almost sinister smirk grows over his features at Astarion's threat for it seemed his words struck a chord with the vampire after all. It appears all it took was making the other realize his ideologies were not so different from his own in the grand scheme of things. The day will come soon enough when the pale elf has to make the difficult choices set before him in his own quest to slay Cazador and take his place, sacrificing hundreds, no, thousands of innocent souls as well to achieve his own end.

Ketheric moves past the other without so much as flinching to the bow of the grand ship, hands cupped at the small of his back holding his head high as they neared the shoreline of the island in question. Though…A curious look crosses his features as he notes it was no ordinary landscape but…a massive creature? Very curious indeed but the Chosen of Myrkul paid no mind for it was his saving grace and would allow him to depart from this insufferable elves side to start on his own path. His voice booming over the crashing waters against the hull as he turns to look over his shoulder once again amusedly having clearly gotten under the man’s skin.]

Stay your blades, Astarion. For I have no further quarrel with you now. In due time you will come to realize we are not so different you and I…Yet your conviction wanes to achieve your ideals. For my resolve is steadfast and I will see my aspirations brought to fruition in this life or the next.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

« december: winterstide (test sail) »

GETTING STARTED

WINTERSTIDE

YOTELSIA: TOY ISLAND

QUESTS

in the beginning;

OH HERE WE GO!

Hehehe yes

no subject

no subject

Oh Astarion...I am so sorry for this hateful man but I am already loving this. <3

hahah well ketheric has to deal with astarion being himself

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