escordvi | « february: dragon's gale (test sail) »

Entry tags:

« february: dragon's gale (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 invitations from the mods can only reserve on February 23rd and apply on March 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 October 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 2/16)

GETTING STARTED

This section can be timed for any time after February 10th 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. The crews for both ships will also seem a bit odd to some, as it is a mix of humans and various animalfolk, non-humans that look more animal than human. Some just look like large versions of their smaller counterparts. From birds, to seals, to even bears, there is no shortage of interesting faces and people on 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.

OCARD: ISLAND OF DRAGONS

Early in the month, Nogard will travel to the island of Ocard where dragons of all types can already be seen migrating to it. A large island filled with clear blue lakes, dense forests, high mountainous cliffs, and even large, rocky platforms that somehow float in the air, it is the perfect place for such mythical creatures to gather, mingle, and hopefully find their mate and brood. While some dragons do remain on the island as permanent residents, the real "keepers" of Ocard are the dragonfolk. Living deep within the forests, they are a race of dragons that come in different sizes and forms, but have less magic and power compared to the larger ones. They help protect the land and ensure it continues to thrive so that the dragons can come and go without issue.

Those from Eltrut and Elah will have access to a special dragon-run ship that will cut through the waters and get them there within two days.

While it is impossible to cover all the types of dragons that are coming into Ocard, and there are many hybrids and mixes, they are generally grouped into the following types:

💨 Air.

Air dragons look like they’re made of diamonds with transparent bodies and fluffy feathered wings. They are gentle and peaceful and like to play. They will toss people in the air or give them the temporary ability to fly with their dragon’s breath. They like to play harmless pranks on others like stealing items, kidnapping people for rides in the clouds or impersonating the voices of loved ones.

🔥 Fire.

These are quadrupedal, lizard-like and have thick leathery wings. They are playfully aggressive and like to fight and show off their strength. They’ll do anything to show off their might which means they will challenge anyone and everything to a fight. But it is important to note that they’re not bloodthirsty. They just love competition and will back down if they rightfully lose. They have the ability to heal anyone after a duel and like to give winners shiny gold coins.

💧 Water.

These ones are fish and snake-like, with long bodies and fins and shiny lustrous scales. They spend most of their time in the water and like to jump out and make a show of dancing on top of the water and over the waves. They are performing creatures and love music and dance and will coax others to either swim with them or dance with them on the water’s surface. They enjoy lifting spirits and will give others bits of wisdom and life advice. For anyone who shows an appreciation for music, they will gift them pretty gemstones.

⛰️ Earth.

They are heavy, thick and dinosaur-like and look like they are made of stone and metal. They like to breathe on plant life to make it grow faster and love to munch on trees and bushes. They can make flowers grow in people’s hair and will give them sweet fruits to eat. They also enjoy talking and sharing stories and will often offer words of affirmation to those who need a boost of self-esteem.

⚡ Lightning.

These dragons look like they’re made of a thundercloud, with puffy bodies and electrical currents running through them. They are dreamers and like to nap or put people to sleep. They will give dreamers good dreams and curl up with them to sleep as well. They are experts in dreaming so if asked politely about the sleeping curse they will give others a black round amulet to cure one person each of the sleeping curse. It coughs up the amulet, so the requester will need to wipe off the sticky saliva.

🕶️ Darkness.

These dark dragons have huge thick leathery wings and dark metal-like scales and nails. They often breathe out black smoke and have dark-coloured eyes or piercing bright yellow ones. Despite their dark look, these dragons are not hostile in any way. They dislike fighting and would rather lounge around and listen to the world passing by them. Despite that, they like to inflict nightmares on sleeping creatures just to see them squirm or to make their dreams just a little more interesting. They might also know about the sleeping curse and can extract sleeping demons… If they care enough to help. They might need convincing in the form of many delicious snacks.

While the festivities of Dragon's Gale are the predominant attraction of Ocard, the island itself holds ample opportunities of resources and locations that visitors can explore… But the dragons will not promise any protection for those who venture further than the designated zones. Although dragons reign supreme, there are other monsters and hazards that can threaten not only non-dragons, but young hatchlings as well. Threats that the dragons will gladly reward those who help deal with them.

🌳 Poisoned Trees. Giant, poisonous spiders managed to infest and poison part of the forest and the earth dragons are trying to clear them out. Climb high to burn the webs using special crystals granted by the dragons that won't harm the trees, and beware the thorny vines that try to trap and attack. If poisoned by the spiders or trees, a cure made by crystal honey must be eaten before nightfall.
🐊 Swamp. Large snakes and basilisks have increased in number and threaten to hunt and eat young dragon hatchlings and dragon eggs laid by the earth and water dragons within the territory. Cull the numbers and save any caught.
🌊 Toxic Lake. One of the usually pristine lakes had a dangerous algae bloom and has become toxic. The water dragons have cleansed their own areas but the wildlife is at risk of becoming decimated. The lake must be purified either through magic or some kind of filtration system while also restoring the devastated wildlife.
🦴 Graveyard. Permission has been granted for visitors to harvest a few dragon bones, which can be potent for many spells and potions of all kinds. While there, they may see shadows and ghosts of dragons past, and if they listen carefully they may even hear of their stories. Just beware of some of the skeletal remains suddenly rising up to attack. Whether they are cursed remains or a dragon playing a prank, better to fend them off and let them rest in peace once and for all rather than joining them.
🌻 Floating Gardens. Maintained by the air and earth dragons, one of the large, floating land masses within the island houses a vast array of gardens filled with various flowers, plants, and trees that are both native to the island and imported from others. One could argue this is their great treasure, especially with various "snapping" creatures roaming through to guard any who try to destroy or take the flowers without permission. Wind and earth crystals can also be found and are free to harvest.

There is one particular type of place that visitors may want to stay away from—or perhaps may want to find one of their own. For dragons who have found their mate, they will seek an empty grotto and pledge their vows. While some dragons will only stay together for the brooding season, others will remain as lifelong partners. It's a beautiful thing…that most will not want to bear witness so shoo. Even dragons need privacy.

DRAGON'S GALE

With the assistance of the Corsairs who share a natural affinity towards the dragons due to Nogard's own draconic form, large feasts and challenges are held often as entertainment for visitors. The dragons also participate in these activities, as they also use them as an opportunity to show off and meet other potential mates. Or perhaps it's not a dragon that catches their eye…!?

There is a plethora of activities as one might expect for a time of celebration and matchmaking. Although the focus is on the dragons, the spirit and mood makes them playful enough to try and push their non-dragon guests to find their own "special partner." And for those who are not so romantically inclined, forging friendships and strong bonds are also heavily encouraged.

🐲 Dragon Riding. If anyone is brave enough to climb up on an unsuspecting dragon or jump on the back of one without notice they may be able to take that dragon for a joy ride. If the dragon possesses wings, prepare for a breathtaking journey soaring high above the clouds, gripping tightly as it gracefully glides through the sky. Should it be a sea-dwelling dragon, be prepared for an underwater adventure, diving into dark caverns or plunging beneath the waves—requiring you to master the art of holding your breath. And for those riding land dragons, brace yourself for a wild and bumpy journey as they thunder or race each other across the terrain. Locals say that if riders can hold and stay on the dragon for the entire duration of the ride, they will have good fortunes for the year. Don’t fall off!
🐉 Dancing Dragons. As the sun begins its descent toward the horizon, closer to sunset, the dragons will start their elaborate courtship dances. It's a mesmerizing spectacle—a graceful dance between two dragons, their movements perfectly synchronized as they weave and twirl around each other in pretty and rhythmic patterns. The sight is captivating, maybe even drawing others into the enchanting display. Some may feel compelled to join in the festivities, inviting someone to dance with them amidst the swirling dragons. It’s the perfect backdrop to an intimate dance.
🤺 Dragon Duels. Fighting for one's potential love or friend is a common way to exhibit one's strength, and the dragons are no different. There are numerous arenas and stages set up around the main area and anyone is encouraged to step up and fight, even if it's just for fun. The dragons are particularly interested in watching any Corsair vs. Paladin matches and may even just shove them in there. Real weapons and magic are allowed, and only intervention from the dragons is a "no death" spell where all fatal hits turn into an explosion of tomato sauce.
📿 Dragon Charms. Many people have made it a tradition to make little dragon-shaped charms for good luck. Use special silk strings to make colourful charms that can be attached to clothing or bags as a cute little fashion statement. They make nice gifts as well!
🥚 Dragon Eggs. Using fake bejeweled, faberge eggs, Corsairs must try to "steal" the eggs and hide them while the Paladins must try and retrieve them. It's supposed to be a fun, competitive game between the two Armadas as well as a chance for either to win the egg at the end. However, there is a smuggling group that is using the game as a guise to try and steal real dragon eggs, which look quite different. Stop and catch these thieves for the dragons turn the entire island into a wasteland in trying to retrieve the eggs themselves.

Unlike other festival type feasts, the kind hosted by the dragons are huge with more of an all-you-can-eat buffet style. Held during the evenings and always accompanied with giant casks of ale, there are large portions of meat, all hunted by the dragons and dragonfolk, though they will welcome any who may try their luck and offer something to the many tables as well. Just beware taking on a drinking challenge from a dragon—they have greater tolerance than most and will be quick to goad anyone to try and drink them under the table (though they usually end up on top instead). But for those who may want a lighter snack, there are many stalls selling special delicacies—that have a little extra something to them.

🥐 Dragon Croissant. Adorable pastries shaped like tiny dragons. Anyone who's eaten a croissant will be granted a partial or full dragon transformation for the day. Unfortunately, those wings can't fly.
🎱 Dragon Balls. They say that eating the Dragon Balls will grant you one wish, but no one has confirmed or denied whether they come true. The truth is... whatever is wished for will end up with some kind of twist. For example, wishing for riches will grant a nice pile of chocolate coins.
🧔 Dragon Beard Candy. These sweet little candies will grant people the gift of flight for one hour.
🍍 Dragonfruit Bowls. Served in pitaya shells, these colorful and refreshing mixed fruit salads will relieve the eaters' stress and make them feel more confident.
🌶️ Rainbow Dragon Peppers. Depending on the colour of pepper, those who are brave enough to eat the peppers will be given a special type of breath: fire, lightning, or ice.
🧋 Boba Tea. Makes every emotion someone is feeling intensified (level of intensity differs person to person.)

While Nogard is readily available for those willing to stay within Corsair territory (for a very high fee), there are plenty of inns and campsites that visitors can use for their stay. Just be prepared to share rooms and tents if there aren't enough vacant spots.

CASTLE RAIDS

Scattered throughout the island are numerous castles and ancient temples and buildings that many dragons have called their own. From high up in the mountains and floating land masses, to deep within the lakes and caves, there is question of whether these structures are leftovers from the "old world" or if they were built especially for the dragons. Perhaps a mix of both. Regardless, all of them house untold treasures and relics that the dragon resident has collected over time.

And Dragon's Gale is the perfect time for their "spring cleaning" of sorts.

While a dragon would rather kill anyone who tries to take their hoard, it has become tradition to allow non-dragon visitors to test their might and wit to actually do so. They have to begrudgingly admit they have way too much and some can be hazard for young dragons, so they set aside what they are (un)willing to part with and those who are able to pass through their challenges and traps, or perhaps even face the dragon itself, can keep their rewards.

To make things more interesting and in the spirit of their own endeavors in finding a mate, there is a known "challenge" where dragons will dragonnap unsuspecting individuals, usually those who are seen either with a significant other or close friends, and bring them to their castle. Now their "hostage" must be saved. While some may disagree, the dragons find this "game" a surefire way to help unwilling couples or friends to show their bonds. No harm will come to the hostage, unless something should happen to incite the dragon's ire…

🕸️ Maze. The castle itself is a labyrinth of corridors that twist and turn among themselves. Not only that, but there are illusory walls and floors that are designed to disorient people, so everyone should keep their wits about them! Large, feral spiders creep among the dusty cobwebs, and down the other corridor is a toy spider that, if broken, has candy inside. Try not to trip the giant rolling boulders, or else be ready to run and duck into other corridors to escape!
💨 Traps. The castle is armed with all sorts of dangerous traps, so watch your step! Flamethrowers, hidden trap doors that drop into dangerous spike pits, tripwires that will trigger spiked walls to close in. There are even some rooms fortified with smoke traps that will shroud anyone in darkness. Should anyone choose to take the less adventurous route, instead of steel, everything will be made of foam, the pits will be filled with all manner of nasty things (pudding, whipped cream, jello, balls!), and the darkness gas will be replaced with laughing gas. Opening a random chest may also send people to another random room in the castle, so be warned!
🪄 Magic Hexes. Randomly, magical hexes will be cast in an attempt to disorient the raiders. They can range from paralysis to confusion, even sometimes hallucinations. Other times, they can be physical effects—oops, did their legs just turn into fins? Why does it feel like someone is tickling them for ten minutes non-stop?
🗝️ Guardians. A fortress of treasures always has to have guards, so there will be encounters with stone gargoyles, trolls, wyvern, and the like. Fend them off!

For those who do make it past the many obstacles and out of the traps, they will be faced with one final challenge: battle the one of the many dragons! Whether caught attempting to steal treasure that they will guard or trying to save a hostage, they are on full alert, and boy, do the dragons love a good fight. While these battles will not be too challenging, they are still looking for raiders and rescuers to put on a good fight and show with them. Weapons and magic are fair game, and they will do the same, but remember: this is just that, a game.

In the end, they are simply trying to strengthen the bonds of others, and maybe even play a little bit of matchmaker. Just remember that this is all for fun, so show off a little to impress that hostage, add a bit of dramatic flair, and have a good time!

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.

Bite-Sized Blessings

Nogard and Ocard

It’s been a few months since the little pink dragon that was loose around the leviathans was caught and safely returned to Nogard where she can live a peaceful life. But now that the dragons have started to migrate she’s become restless, and while she is too young to find a mate, she also wants to play and know what it's like to be in love. The task is simple: take this little pink dragon, as big as a house cat now, on a nice little “date.” Take her walking, take her to see some music, treat her to a nice meal (raw and alive food!) and hold her little clawed paws. Treat her like she’s special and she might kiss your cheek for a lovely day. And that kiss will be a good luck blessing for your own love life.

A Shroom with a View

Everywhere

Strangely coloured mushrooms have been appearing all over the leviathans. These pesky mushrooms have a stinky acrid smell and have been irritating the leviathans in a bad way. They need these mushrooms picked and disposed of as soon as possible or the smell is only going to get worse and worse. Beware, when picking these mushrooms they give off a terrible dust that when inhaled will plague the picker with strange dreamy hallucinations. Strangely enough… These mushrooms might have the ability to force sleeping demons to try and escape their current victim because they can’t stand the smell.

Walking On Sunshine

Everywhere

Have you ever wondered how to walk on water? Sunfish have started to overpopulate the waters which have left many shallows stoked to the brim with them. Sunfish are regrettably untasty fish so the children in the area have made a game out of them rather than trying to fish them for food. Try your best to hop from sunfish to sunfish and make your way as far as you can go before the fish can’t hold your weight any longer.

Fuss in Boots

Eltrut

An old haggard cat has been roaming around Eltrut adorning a very fancy feather pirate’s hat and a black eyepatch. This refined cat has lost its previous captain and is looking for the dead man’s lost peg leg. He needs help finding the peg leg because the cat claims that there is a special treasure hidden inside the wooden leg. Help him find the peg leg and if found he’ll crack it open only to reveal a hidden stash of catnip. He’ll laugh at you for being so gullible but at least you helped little ol’ him. And no, he does not want you to adopt him. If you suggest it he’ll call you a “Lily-livered Bootlick” and say he would survive better on his own. Wow, he’s kind of mean…

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

i. Eltrut: New Beginnings
Someone is holding up the line. They held up the line at the typewriter, even after they'd been offered their paper. They had stared with beneficent blankness at the hapless crewmate being asked to explain their state of affairs, and the poor shop clerk who had been obliged to take nearly an entire hour to teach the function of the shellphone— and was seeming more than a little desperate, by the end.

Still, Oogway is undeterred; he has not allowed himself to be hurried along in many years, now, and is uninterested in beginning to do so now. He simply parks his massive shell in the middle of wherever's most convenient, poking away at the touchscreen with blithe interest.

"Oooh, I see," He mutters, and then blinks and looks a little closer at the device. Was this broadcasting? Maybe. Can he tell? Not very well, no. Does he know what's happening right now? "Hmm... Maybe not. Ah."

Oh no, he's seen you. There is no escape.

"Excuse me, young one! Can you tell me how this thing works, please?"

ii. Ocard: The Isle of Dragons
As poorly as he adapted to the influx of technology, there's at least one member of the riftfarers group who's taken to both the ocean and the dragons as if he had expected nothing else of his time here. Indeed, almost before anyone else has had a chance to find their feet, Oogway had simply walked away from the pier, as calmly as if he were strolling down a broad thoroughfare in the Valley of Peace.

It's often been said that the Gods bless fools and doddering old men in equal measure, but... Does he know how dangerous this place can be? M...maybe someone should stop him?

iii. Dragons Gale: Tell Tale Tail
If one were to, eventually, catch up with Oogway, they'd find him wandering from place to place, watching the festivities, competitions, and celebrations with avid interest, but participating in nothing. He doesn't even seem to be going for the food! Is he lost? Does he know where he is? Old man— er, old tortoise, is anyone watching you?

"And then Shifu said, Master, it was only an accident!" But he does settle, and that's where most will find him, sitting amongst a coil of dragons, laughing along and gesturing broadly, much to the hilarity of his draconic audience, "Yes, I laughed too. But you won't guess what happened next..."

There's a bowl of fruit by his seat, and someone has given him a walking stick, but he seems wholly engrossed in conversation with his new friends. Won't you come and hear the story too?

iv. Wildcard
Go ahead and give me a starter of your own, or put your own twist on what I've got here! I'm excited to see what you come up with for me.

The stop on Eltrut had meant to be quick. Just some supplies for the Phantom Moon that had run out unexpectedly early. A check in with a couple merchants for future orders. What was becoming a 'usual' round activities before he teleported back to ship.

Only his current stop was being delayed by the appearance of a dottering old turtle who was just large enough to prevent the now growing line from moving forward as he did whatever it was he was doing. Attempting to move around the old man ~~and cut in line~~ had Daqiang being addressed directly by him. A slow blink and a sigh, followed by an eyeroll, made it more than clear that 1) Daqiang was frustrated by the request and 2) he was immediately resigned to the role of helping if it meant that he could get on with his day once that was done.

So he approached and knelt down to reach out and put a hand on the turtle's elbow, "Old man, let us move to somewhere more comfortable and this venerable one will show you."

He chuckles a little at that; venerable one. A fine thing to call oneself, regardless of context, but here in this bureaucratic little corner of the cosmos, it's quite ostentatious, and carries clear meaning; I am important, and I will tell you what to do. Old man, indeed! Most amusing.

But he won't be moving, thank you, he's quite comfortable right here; Oogway pats Daqiang's hand where it rests on his elbow, long claws folding over soft human fingers with a grandfatherly kindness. Pat, pat-pat. Pat. He weighs more than five-hundred pounds and he isn't getting up.

"Thank you, young man," Two can play at this game, "Now, can you explain, what this charming character means?"

The old man had been the one to call him 'young one' in the first place. If Daqiang was 'young', the turtle was ancient.

...the turtle was ancient. And skilled. Enough that when Daqiang tried to lift him, that little pat-pat-pat on his hand and the light grip that followed kept them from moving. As if he was being lifted at the same rate and strength that Daqiang was attempting to use to pull the old man up. When the turtle had made his point and released Daqiang's hand, Daqiang also released his elbow.

He had sensed power in the old man's spiritual presence, but had not realized it ran so deep.

"Old man," he addressed the turtle with a sigh, "This venerable one promises that he will stay and explain what it all means if you will simply let this venerable one move you somewhere more comfortable."

Daqiang was not one to go back on his word. He had meant it the first time he said it, but sometimes people only believed another if they directly stated it was a promise. Perhaps this turtle was one of them.

"Ah, but you have not even introduced yourself," Oogway observes, with gentle humor. You will have to get up pretty early in the morning to get ahead of this one, Daqiang; indeed, you might need to stay up all night, "Young man, I will offer you some advice."

He leans in close, as if to impart a secret, though his head trembles slightly at the end of his long, scaly snake-neck.

"No matter how old you get, manners are never a waste of time. I am Master Oogway," This pronounced with great care, quite as if his name was not just as ridiculous as the rest of him, "Will you tell me your name, so that we may be friends, hmm?"

Through his experience in this world, he knew that there would be little point in refuting the assertion that they would be friends by introducing themselves. Some people would simply insist on using the word friend when there was no reason to.

"This venerable one is Dongfang Qingcang," he responded, as if it was not ridiculous to be named in the same manner as the Azure Dragon. "Now that we have introduced ourselves, Master Oogway" - no difficulty in the pronunciation or even a hesitancy to accept that this was as much a name as any other - "let us move to a more comfortable place."

That was the third time he had... well, not asked. But came as close to asking as he ever did anything.

Ranma had caught wind of the old man (tortoise?) wandering off into a rumored cesspool of danger. Human, walking talking animal, didn't matter to him. Judging by the wrinkles, he was either really dried up or ancient. As a martial artist, he couldn't let him just wander off and get himself killed. Besides, he's also a little curious to see where he ends up going.

... Which admittedly, after finally catching up to him (it shouldn't have been hard to chase after a tortoise!), proved to be a good decision. Because Ranma just caught the tail end of the tall tale he was recounting amongst a group of dragons. And...

... Well, that's why he's here. Sitting right between two dragons, sitting criss-cross like a little kid being read a story. "What? What happened next?" And what did he miss?

"I told him," Oogway replies, the only surprise in his expression a brief widening of his eyes and smile, "I said, there are no accidents. The look on his face! He looked like a pickled plum with ears."

This comparison is met with considerable hilarity by the dragons, chortling and snuffling fit to blow back the foliage and rumble through the earth, vibrations felt as much as heard.

"I have never seen anyone so frustrated. He started to shout, waving his hands, declaring that he controls when the peach-trees drop their fruit, he controls when the seeds are planted, and where. He even planted one!" Oogway raised a single claw n illustration, chuckling still at the memory, "Most amusing. But that was when my old friend, my student, learned my last lesson; no matter where you plant it, a peach-seed will always grow to become a peach tree. You may wish for an apple, or a plum, but it will be a peach. The choice is not whether it will, but whether and how you can accept it."

The dragons sobered through this little speech, and Oogway offered a fruit to Ranma, with a little toss, expertly aimed.

"Inner peace. To achieve it, you must truly accept, in all ways, that the world is as it is, and you are as you are. That was the last time I saw my student, before arriving in this world. Pretty good, right?"

[Pickled plum with ears. Ranma's gonna have to remember that one... Nonetheless, he's listening in to the story while jotting down that insult to use later. The enunciation, the sagely wise words, and the age of the tortoise reminded the martial artist of some of the senseis and monks he's met during his training that he actually liked. In a way, that made him feel nostalgic.

Not keeping his eyes off Oogway, Ranma caught the fruit and began munching in it.]

Sounds like something my old man would whine about. He was thinking in the literal sense, while you meant it spiritually, right? [Ranma thinks he's got what Oogway was trying to convey, but cryptic philosophical lessons weren't always something he was good with understanding.]

No... The peaches are still peaches. But also yes. It can be two things.

[See that's the trick to real wisdom, Ranma. It's not just about high-minded philosophy, it's also about the humble nature of everyday life. Deep thoughts don't just happen in the minds of sacred monks in mountaintop temples, they also occur to ordinary people who are on the toilet.]

Take this world, for example. We are here, and yet, we did not ask to be. What is better, to rail against the injustice? Or to go out and see what is to be made of it? [One of the dragons looms over Ranma, stretching out their long neck to rumble a question through meter-long jaws.] No, there are no wrong answers. What is better for on old master may be a torment to a young, ah... a young...

[He gestures at Ranma with gentle curiosity]

...Excuse me, young man. What are you?

[Or thoughts in the shower.

Either way, he sounds wiser than a lot of his regular masters. His old man and the old pervert, that's for certain. He was almost invested in the wistful words of the tortoise, up until he's asked suddenly. Guess wherever he came from, no humans exist. Though he also didn't know, with the master addition earlier, if he meant what he does. So just to be safe...]

If you're asking what species I am, I'm a human. If you're asking what I do, I'm a martial artist. [He answered simply and honestly.]

(no subject)

wiserthanusall - 2024-02-15 05:35 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

catsgothistongue - 2024-02-19 03:13 (UTC) - Expand

This fish will be stopping nothing today, she will be blithely enabling.

Grace saw many wonders and horrors at the Manor; she has seen many more strange things since arriving here, and the sheer normalcy with which the locals treat most of them has been of great assistance in, say, her stress levels not building up into violent outbursts. Commonly practiced magic! Wondrous devices of communication! All manner of non-human beings treating each other as peers! A sailor flipped a bottle and it landed with the neck down without falling over! Truly this has been a place of strange joy.

But a walking turtle is still a new one on her.

A girl who is not dead 'swims' through the air around the aged master, looking for all the world like she's in water that no one else can see or hear. Her ill-fitting uniform is torn through by the plants that grow from her chest and her leg, hard and twisting things that belong in dark depths, and through the holes one can see scars cut so deep that anything alive would still be bleeding. There is a rusty harpoon 'cross her shoulders, held there casually with her wrists, but in sharp contrast to the ominous weapon is an expression of childlike wonder.

She keeps flitting in and out of Oogway's personal space, sometimes swimming ahead of him only to look back and return.

Oogway is not used to such creatures, but he has seen a great many strange things in his life. There is always a polite way to behave, if only one can find out how. Tn this case, she seems merely curious, in the brief and wordless nature of a butterfly; he senses no malice, no danger here.

So Oogway simply smiles and keeps walking. It is, after all, a beautiful and peaceful day. So far.

There are social scripts running in this fish's mind that she's never had to execute before. On the one hand is a voice of experience: she's dealt with three and a half people in her entire life that use walking sticks (radiant Helena being the half, as hers is for her blindness rather than support), and three are among the deadliest beings Grace has ever met. On the other hand, the elderly often use walking sticks, and the gentleman Jack was quite clear that even amongst the barest dregs of society, disrespect for one's elders is a high crime worthy of scorn and punishment - and yet to guess at someone's age is also extremely rude.

More than forty minutes into this dilemma, Grace concludes that failure to offer aid would be the least acceptable action. If it goes badly she shall do as gentlemen do and make her apologies.

Her voice is not a thing of sound; it bubbles up in the mind as if from a great depth. ~Elder~ she greets, hesitantly, even as she pulls up alongside this wondrous turtle. ~Can I offer assistance on your errands in this place?~

"Oh, no errands," Oogway replies, swaying gently side-to-side as he dodders along. The land is dappled with sun, the wind lively among the branches. They briefly fall into shadow as a Dragon passes-bey overhead, pursued by another in a playful flight. Some small thing or another darts away through the bushes; Oogway pays it no mind.

"This island reminds me of where I was born. I thought a walk might be pleasant."

Grace responds to this revelation by looking all around; her 'swimming', still fast (faster than the average human runs, in fact) has a more...sedate quality, and she makes up for her relative haste by circling Oogway in lazy spirals that keep her on pace with him. She has had a lot of practice doing that.

~Your home must be very beautiful, elder,~ she concludes at last, pulling up in front of the great turtle to float backwards while facing him, the better to not impede his pleasant walk. ~The sailors said this island was a place of great dangers.~

It's not a question, but it's also not not a question. Grace knows the ways of the turtle and the heron.

Orchid had noticed the old turtle who has walked straight into the dragon's territory. Truthfully, she's quite scared of them, but there's so much plant-life to explore. So she summoned her courage to come here, that doesn't mean she has to do it alone.

With quick steps, she caught up to the turtle and bowed to him respectfully. "Great Turtle, please allow me to accompany you. There may be danger here, and I'm afraid that I am no match for what may find me here. We will be stronger together."

"Oh yes, how kind of you to accompany me," Oogway, says, returning the bow with a polite inclination of his own, if a bit stiffer for the sake of his shell. What nice manners you have!

Not that they'll be of much use, here in this place.

Oogway walks slowly, with all the weight and care one might expect from an old man, observing the world around him with placid serenity. Ah, how lovely, the sun through the trees, the stones rising up along the side of the path, and the passage from light into the shadow of the floating islands, with the flicker of dragon-wing along its edge. Yes, it is a beautiful day. So far.

"Perhaps you could do me the favor of finding me a nice walking stick, hm?"

There is a feeling of familiarity with the turtle, not that they once knew each other, but that he reminds her a little of her home and the people that live there. Someone older and kind, who knows far more than Orchid does. Perhaps he is a shifu in his own world.

It is a beautiful day for a stroll, and Orchid is trying to look at everything all at once as she keeps pace with the slower creature. All of the plants and flowers growing here, it's breathtaking.

"Of course, Great Turtle. If I can't find one, then I'll grow one."

She steps away from him to peer through the underbrush near a large tree, searching for the perfect sized walking stick for her new companion. It doesn't take her long to successfully find one, and she returns to present it to him.

"I hope you'll find this suitable."

Oogway continues walking as she moves away. Grow one? That seemed a bit more than he had bargained for, particularly in such a lush place, but if she were capable of such a feat that would be impressive. Fortunately, or otherwise, the girl returns with a walking stick in hand— the turtle hasn't gotten very far.

"Hmmm..." He stretches out his neck to inspect her selection. Twisted, a big lumpy on the end, but stout and straight, and long enough to be of use. It would bear his weight, and the terrain, easily, "Let's give it a try."

He takes the stick from her hand and gives it an experimental tap on the ground; that's good. Then he twirls it once, thrice, and again, the motion as smooth and easy as his ancient gait had not been. The wind seems to gather around the knobbed end, the trees to lean in, all the world breathing a sigh at that small motion... and then he taps it on the ground again.

"I thank you for your service, young lady. Will you tell me your name?"

Perhaps he'll get to witness what she meant by that soon, if their journey takes them deeper into the forest where the dragons have gathered. Orchid would be the last person who was surprised to see this turtle moving fast. The one she does know comes and goes in the blink of an eye.

As he tests the branch, Orchid watches with bated breathe, perhaps leaning in as the trees do as if waiting in anticipation. It's clear that he is no ordinary turtle, more an extraordinary one with hidden power.

"You're welcome, Great Turtle. I am but a little nameless flower called Orchid." If turtles could walk and talk like a human, then why not flowers?

[Sure, sure, just have a giant turtle tell you how to use a phone, no big deal. This is really the only reason why Zhao is stopping.]

You wanna know how your phone works? Have you ever had a phone before?

Hmmm....

[He spends rather a lot longer than you might have considered in thinking about it]

...No.

Well, I can show you if you've got some time.

Gotta admit, we don't have people like you where I'm from, so this is a treat for me.

[As soon as Zhao realizes this is a Master he's talking to, he's going to flip his shit and be excited.]

It took a lot to make Faris do a double-take, but one of those things? A turtle walking about on his hind legs, looking about the place with all the air of a human being walking down the street.

"Ghi--!"

The name was halfway out of Faris' mouth before he realized that this turtle was not the master sage that had helped the Light Warriors defeat Exdeath. Faris was left standing in the path, staring and feeling like a fool.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

« february: dragon's gale (test sail) »

GETTING STARTED

OCARD: ISLAND OF DRAGONS

DRAGON'S GALE

CASTLE RAIDS

QUESTS

Master Oogway | Kung Fu Panda | Armada Undecided | TDM

Eltrut

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

Tell Tale Tail (also mun you are incredible this made me laugh lmao)

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

(no subject)

(no subject)

ii. Ocard: The Isle of Dragons

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

Isle of Dragons

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

New beginnings

no subject

no subject

ii. Ocard