fifth bolt ⚡ "cid the menace" bounty open log

[ramuhs]

Who: Cid and and those who are after his bounty
Status: Open
Where: Everywhere
What: A bounty to capture "Cid the Menace" was posted on the MANTA Board, and Cid is highly amused by it. At least they want him alive, so he's decided to try and "cash in" on this because the man is too smart.
Warnings: Some violence, but otherwise nothing too graphic.

a » evading capture

[Early on, Cid is going to be fairly confused until he figures out about this whole bounty business. Which means that at first he will be making a hasty escape when some individuals try to corner him.]

Lads, I'm not sure what's going on, but I'm sure we can come to an amicable resolution?

[Of course, that's a no and there will be the clash of steel and explosion of lightning that strikes through the alleyway before Cid rushes out.]

Bloody hell is going on!?

[Anyway, either get out of the way, help Cid, or help the bounty hunters capture him! Those who actually want to try and capture Cid for the bounty as is will want this prompt!]

b » caught?

[Once Cid has figured out this whole bounty business, he'll make arrangements either ahead of time or with anyone he's encountered willing to take advantage and cash in on the bounty themselves and split the reward. When you're a Dominant and have five others plus a whole crew ready to save their captain, it's a fairly safe bet. It helps that he's wanted alive, too.

1) Make it convincing. While some may just want to go in unhurt and play the "He surrendered peacefully" card, Cid will make proposals or accept the idea that he should be slightly injured or scuffed up to make it a bit more convincing. After all, if his escape is going to happen a lot, it might be more suspicious if he's always coming in unharmed. So if anyone's wanted a spar give Cid a nice, little punch, here's your chance!

2) Grand escape. Once turned in and the reward has been obtained, Cid will be just lounging in the cell or whatever he's being held in. While initially he would be in official bounty jail cells, over time after repeated escapes and break outs, these won't cut it so he may be moved to different locations to be held. Could be on a ship to go to the ones who want him, could be some random building or shack. Could even be out in the middle of the forest as the handlers wait for him to be transferred over again.

Whatever and wherever it is, it's now time to put the plan into action. Or perhaps someone just happened to find him before a plan is hatched. Here are two general ways it can go:

a) Sneaky sneaky. Classic stealth breakout mission. Don't alert the guards somehow! Or knock them out or something. Could also do the ol' classic "dig a tunnel out."
b) Chaos. Loud distractions, engage in fighting, blow the place up. The more dramatic of the options, but no less fun.

And of course always open to other ideas and plans! They can get as creative as they want. (They an also try to take some extra cash or goods if there is anything around—)

Note: We don't necessarily have to thread out both part 1) and 2). It can always be arranged that if we only do part 1) some NPCs or someone else will be involved to break Cid out. Likewise can handwave part 1) happening somehow and focus on the break out.]

c » recovery

[Note: (late april/early may)

Unfortunately, the constant breakouts and loss of money will have made the ones after Cid very frustrated. At some point the bounty changes to "Dead or Alive," something Cid won't realize until too late. After one bad ambush with Benedikta, Cid will have suffered severe injuries to his chest and left arm that will leave him bedridden. And because of the change in the bounty, everyone will force Cid to stay on the crew's island, the Roost where he will be under strict watch because he will rest and recover, dammit!!

Which means, he's going to be...bored. Fiddling on his shellphone, drawing and writing things on a lapdesk he manages to acquire, reading. But he's soooo boooreeeed.

So anyone who wishes to visit him will either be part of the crew or will need to hitch a ride with a Hideaway crew member to visit. Alternatively, communicating via shellphone.]

...I need to come up with some better entertainment.

[A low mutter as he crumples up a piece of paper with a rejected schematic design he tried to make and just throws it to the small wastebasket, frowning when it bounces off the rim and lands among the few others that didn't make it. It's been about 50/50.

Guests will also likely be met with a little baby owl or—]

...Don't look at me like that, was just stretching my legs.

[Cid breaking doctor's orders and trying to escape the bed to walk around a bit. Which is still a very bad idea so get him back in there!]

d » wildcard

[Cid's bounty log!! But I am open to doing other quests that could be set before things go crazy. I have my plotting comment here or you can hit me up on through PM, Discord, or laenavesse.]

Comments

[phoenixdominant]

[Joshua lets out a short laugh and a nod.]

Then I'll leave the rest to you, our fearless captain.

[He's thankful.]

[ramuhs]

Aye, don't worry. We could use a man of his talents on hand. As proven.

[A short, if rueful laugh as he glances down at his wounds.]

But you said he managed something for you?

[phoenixdominant]

[That's exactly what Joshua was thinking as well. It will be nice not to be the only "healer" on their trusty little crew.]

I did, he gave me a medicinal powder of sorts to help with my breathing. I mix a bit of it with my tea every morning. And the taste isn't terrible, either.

[It's a very nice and potent herbal tea that eases his lungs and throat. It's nice.]

[ramuhs]

I'm glad then.

[And then...]

And there's nothing else bothering you?

[Just a pointed look.]

[phoenixdominant]

...?

[Don't look at him like that.]

If you're wondering how I've been fairing with my own little problem, there hasn't been much of anything to say. Therefore, I think you should keep your energy and use it to take care of yourself.

[It is true. Joshua hasn't had another asthma attack since then. little does he know that the next one will come completely at random and without any coughing.]

[ramuhs]

[Still staring at him...

He's feeling that unusual prick, but he only assumes it's Ramuh within him that can sense Ultima's presence more strongly now. The Eikon did have its way sometimes, even if he was otherwise usually silent. But Cid will trust Joshua and just nod with a wry smile.]

All right, fine. I know when to not be a bother.

[Which is true, but it's also true he still becomes a bother when he feels like he should—]

Any progress in the research?

[phoenixdominant]

[Joshua smiles because he absolutely knows Cid will be a bother exactly when he wants to be.]

A few bits on old myths from the old world. Nothing more.

[Which in itself is a bit... frustrating?]

I wonder if we would have more luck searching old ruins on islands that have yet to be charted.

[ramuhs]

[And he is exactly right.]

Our luck may be the same either way, especially since we'd have to find said islands.

[But he leans back, pondering.]

How have you been going about it? Relics, spells, everything?

[phoenixdominant]

[Joshua nods.]

I've been studying what I can on relics. As for spells, I've had some luck like with G'raha Tia's use of his aether. It is unlike ours, his healing magic and protection magic have no detriment on his body.

[Perhaps that could help them somehow... In the long run.]

[ramuhs]

Really?

[Hmmm.]

There must be some kind of...quality or difference to it. If only it were possible to study the aether itself.

[phoenixdominant]

I intend to ask him if I may try to study his. To an extent.

[Joshua has a thought...]

If it takes an exuberant amount of aether to destroy Ultima he may be able to help.

[ramuhs]

Would be better if we could drain his.

[A snort as he looks at Joshua a little warily.]

Remember, he's inside you. You would also be exposed to that aether unless we can get him out first.

[phoenixdominant]

[Joshua ducks his head down guiltily.]

You are correct. But it is still... an option.

[ramuhs]

[Oh he knows what Joshua is prepared to do...and honestly can't blame him. Were he in his position he would consider the very same. Practically did in some respects. It's also why he is looking at him more harshly.]

An option, and hopefully one we can adjust in some way.

[A small sigh and shake of his head.]

Look, I know what you're thinking. I likely know it better than anyone else here. But don't forget your own life is worth saving and protecting, too.

[phoenixdominant]

[It's a little interesting that there have been a few people in his vicinity who have told him something similar. That his life is worth living and worth saving and protecting. The way he sees it, if he has a definite way to protect the ones he loves he will consider it an option.

And yet... When Cid says so it seems to hit him harder than it does coming from someone else. Even Clive or Jill. He's not entirely sure why. Perhaps because of his admiration for the man. Or the fact that he's seen how this man's death has affected everyone else firsthand...]

I admit, that it is difficult to wrap my mind and heart around the idea of being both the cause and the solution to this problem. If it were up to me entirely, I would pick to protect these worlds and the innocent people living on them. And all of you.

[He nods quietly.]

At the same time I do not wish to leave behind that grief.

[ramuhs]

[There's something of a soft, sad smile as yes. He has seen the effect of his own death...one he somewhat expected but still difficult to see. Yet another reason why he reaches out to Joshua and firmly places a hand on his shoulder.]

Your decision is your own, and wanting to protect and care about everyone is admirable. However, there's nothing wrong in thinking of yourself and be selfish, either.

Don't think about it as to how others will feel. Think about your own wants, desires, a reason to live. I have a feeling you haven't really had a chance to have much of that 'til now.

🎀

[phoenixdominant]

[Cid's hand on his shoulder is a steady presence that eases him. For a moment, it reminds him of his late father. It's a warm thought that settles easily in his chest.]

Perhaps I haven't.

[He most certainly hasn't had the chance to live by his own wants and desires. It scares him to think that he should allow himself those things when he's spent his entire life pushing to be what he needs to be for other people. But ... There is a desire inside of Joshua to do that. Just to live. To experience. To be happy.]

Thank you, Cid... I will remember that.

[That thought will carry with Joshua for the following months. And it will influence his thinking later as well.]