« april: first tides (test sail) »

[seaboards]

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 approved invitations can actually reserve on April 24 and apply on May 1st. Our EMP/ATP can be found here. ALL PLAYERS MUST HAVE THEIR INVITATION APPROVED HERE. If any player wishes to invite someone to the game, please be sure to comment! We're tight on space and we still need to approve all invitations!

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 in, 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 April 15th 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 questions about the TDM, comment here. If you have questions about the game in general, please comment to the Game Info.

TOPLEVEL DIRECTORY (Updated April 17)

TEST SAILORS:
Dragon Ball Z - Son Gohan | Paladin
Ensemble Stars!! - Tatsumi Kazehaya | Corsair
Fate/Grand Order - Sakata Kintoki | Paladin
Final Fantasy VII - Reno | Paladin
Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis - Sephiroth | Paladin
Granblue Fantasy - Vane | Paladin
Heaven's Official Blessing - Xie Lian | Paladin
Honkai: Star Rail - Dan Heng | Paladin
Honkai: Star Rail - Jing Yuan | Corsair
Honkai: Star Rail - Stelle | Undecided
Mass Effect - Legion | Paladin
Original Character - Amelia Steinbeck | Undecided
Persona 5 - Ann Takamaki | Corsair
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Ganondorf | Corsair
Octopath Traveler - Therion | Corsair


CURRENT MEMBERS:
Final Fantasy VII - Aerith Gainsborough | Paladin
Kingdom Hearts - Roxas | Paladin
My Hero Academia - Rody Soul | Paladin
Pokemon Violet - Professor Turo | Paladin
Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened - Sherlock Holmes | Paladin
Ranma 1/2 - Ranma Saotome | Corsair

STARTER

ELTRUT

ROTAGCORC

BOARD

COMMENTS

GETTING STARTED

This section can be timed for any time after April 10 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 serve 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 animal folk, 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 main deck. 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 or to get a rowboat out 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.

STARTER

ELTRUT

ROTAGCORC

BOARD

COMMENTS

ELTRUT: FIRST TIDES

As spring makes its way across Escordvi, the season is a special time for Eltrut. Not only is the giant turtle leviathan coming out of its hibernation, but the many turtle eggs that have been left on its back as well along many nearby islands are starting to hatch. This is a significant time for all of Escordvi, as according to a popular legend, turtles are seen as important creatures, even tying back to the world's very creation, from even before the Flood when land continents used to exist.

A Legendary Turtle Tale

Gather 'round, dear sailors, and heed this tale spun from the ancient whispers of yore, when the world danced to a different rhythm, and wonders beyond imagining roamed the vast expanse. In the age when only the winds shaped realms with a breath, it was said that mighty turtles emerged, with shells vast as mountains and eyes that held the wisdom of epochs, who roamed the barren lands. With a stride that shook the very earth, they journeyed to the heart of the infant world, bearing the weight of creation upon their ancient backs. With each monumental step, they carved deep valleys and soaring peaks, until at last, weary but resolute, they plunged into the depths of the darkness, their colossal forms creating a tsunami of waters in a final act of divine benevolence and wonder. Thus, from the steadfast embrace of these celestial leviathans, the first oceans were born, teeming with life and mystery to find, covering the land from the beginning to the end, a testament to the marvels wrought by leviathans and titans alike.

Thus, we honour these leviathans of old, for they granted us the gift of exploration and the rhythm of tides that ebb and flow, echoing the heartbeat of creation itself. And in reverence, we carry forth their legacy, guiding hatchlings to the embrace of the life-giving waters, nurturing the cycle that sustains our beautiful world.

While there is a festival of sorts, it's a bit different as instead of just celebratory feasts and games like most festivals, there's a lot more work involved to try and help the many turtle nests to ensure the turtles are hatched safely and set out to the open ocean. And of course, it's never a simple task.

The turtlefolk—large turtles of various types from land tortoises and sea turtles who are capable of walking upright and speaking— are front and center in organizing many of the groups and efforts to help the hatchlings. Should anyone have any questions, find them for assistance. Just don't cross them… They know how to wield spears, magic, and body slamming with their shells.

The turtles will be hatching over the span of several days, so it's an ongoing mission to make sure they all get to the ocean safely! Most turtles will actually hatch at night and will be attracted to light, instincts going towards the moon. But some nests will also hatch during the day. Regardless, there will be poachers and natural predators such as birds, crabs, and large fish that will take the opportunity for an easy meal, and while sometimes nature must take its course, no one will object or stop anyone from trying to protect the turtles from them.

💭 Turtle whisperer. To help things along, the turtlekin will offer a special bracelet that will allow the wearer to speak with the turtles, even when still in the egg. Some may be afraid of hatching and need to be coaxed or told an interesting story first.
🐢 Turtle hatching. Most nests can be found along the beaches formed around the edges of Eltrut's shell, and many have already been marked by conservationists and other enthusiasts. Help guard and ensure nothing gets in the way of the turtle hatchlings as they pop out of the sand and make their way to the water, and steer them to the water if they get off track.
🐇 Turtle egg hunt. Some mischievous rabbit kids thought it would be "cute" to take the eggs and hide them in various places. They even painted them! At least thanks to these paints, the eggs will be easier to find, but they need to be found before they hatch. If not, then the little turtle must be caught and brought back to the ocean. Finding the kids and giving them appropriate punishment is a bonus.
🙌 Turtle push. A game where two participants choose turtles of varying sizes and pit them against each other in a small, circular arena. The first turtle to push its opponent out of the ring wins! Spectators can cheer on their chosen turtles to encourage them to perform even better! Or better yet, feed them something spicy to give them a fiery boost.
🐟 Fishing nets. Some of the larger turtles around are getting caught in local fishing nets. Since they are so big they need help in getting themselves detangled from the mess and back to the ocean. And maybe give those fishermen a piece of your mind?
🌊 Wave surfing. In a classic and traditional challenge, strap two sea tortoises together with some rope and ride them out over the waves. If riders can make it swiftly from one small island cluster to another without falling into the water, there will be a prize of one bottle of pirate’s rum.

When not taking care of the turtles, there are a few different special activities that anyone can participate in. Perhaps they can even bring a little turtle along to let them have an experience before sending them off to the big ocean. Another notable "attraction" is the sunset, as the skies will explode with a range of beautiful painted colors even more vibrant and beautiful than at other times during the year. Everyone is encouraged to grab a drink and a good seat and watch the sunsetting show together. The best vantage points are always the highest.

🍲 The Captain's Boil. In the center of town, Eltrut's finest chefs have set up a massive tortoiseshell cauldron over a roaring fire to create a massive pot of gumbo! While they've set up the initial broth- thickened with a dark brown roux and heavily spiced- everyone is asked to contribute at least one ingredient to make the stew as rich and complex as possible! Dried ingredients symbolize clearing away the old of winter, but fresh ingredients are especially lucky!
🌺 Flower Leis. As part of the celebration, flowers have been gathered and everyone is encouraged to make special flower leis, either to wear on their own, give to another person, or make small, tiny ones for the little turtle hatchlings to send them off their way. The ones for the turtles will be made of special lotus flowers they can eat as a little snack for their long journey ahead.
💃 Dance of the Tides. During the evening, as the evening tide rolls in, people are invited towards a special cove where the water rushes over large shells that make it sound as if they are beating drums. With fireflies helping to light up the area, people can dance along the rocks and shallow pools, for legend says doing so will appease the water spirits and encourage a bountiful spring.
🌟 Sandcastles. Children eagerly build sandcastles during the festivities, inviting passersby to join them in creating as many as possible along the shore. However, sticky starfish clusters on the shores have a habit of sticking to both the castles and the builders themselves. It might be a sticky challenge!
🐚 Seashell necklaces. A simple tradition for this time of the year is collecting shiny seashells from various beaches to create handmade necklaces. Pick the prettiest and shiniest ones you can find and make one for yourself or a friend. It is said that seashell necklaces will protect you from bad omens in the future.
🧹 Beach Cleanup. While everyone is trying to help, a lot of people are also coming in just to watch the turtles. This means various trash is being left behind, which can be dangerous for not only the turtles but other wildlife. Time to clean it up and perhaps teach those deliberately littering a lesson.

STARTER

ELTRUT

RAIDERS

BOARD

COMMENTS

ROTAGCORC: RAIDERS

Note: threads for section are worth 4 points.

A few days later as turtle hatchlings are still being found and many nests have still yet to hatch, a distress signal is received from a not too distant island that causes great alarm for Eltrut's main caretakers. On the island of Rotagcorc, a young turtle leviathan, Esiotrot, is under the threat of a vicious group made of ice giants and sharkfolk. They are on the hunt for turtles, and upon learning of the young leviathan, they've decided to set after it while everyone's defenses are down for the celebrations.

Now, using their specialized shark ships, ships merged with giant sharks capable of sailing above and below water, they are not only hunting the turtles that gather around the island, but are trying to get through the native croc and gatorfolk that inhabit the island alongside the tortfolk exclusive to the young leviathan. Heavy fighting is already underway and they need assistance, but there is the fear that the shark leviathan, Krahs, is not too far behind or worse—may target Eltrut next as a diversion.

Thus Elah will remain by Eltrut while Nogard will join the fray, many of the corsairs affiliated with the island, and those who have ships are encouraged to sail out to provide whatever assistance they can offer. Many ships will allow any who are willing to join them. With Elah's help (and a hefty slap of its tail), the fleet will be able to ride a large tidal wave that will cover what is usually a several-day journey to a little under an hour. Already the waters churn from the bloodbath, but upon seeing their arrival, the Rotagcorc natives will cheer.

💥 Save the turtles. There are many sea turtles and tortoises that live around Rotagcorc and several have already been caught or killed. Fight off the hunters, rescue the turtles, and heal any that are injured.
⛵ Ships vs. Sharks. Those on ships will have a tough fight as the shark ships are vicious, careening headfirst into other ships to try and take a giant bite out of them. Grab a cannon, fire harpoons, use whatever magic available, board the shark ships, and take out as many as possible.
🐊 Death rolls. One of the more deadly techniques of the crocodilians, the warriors take it to the extreme by grouping up to try and grab the shark ships to twist and turn them over. Assist in this maneuver by using grappling hooks to keep shark ships in place and help pull them over.
🐢 Snapped. Giant alligator snapping turtles will swim out from the island to join the fray, taking huge bites out of the shark ships and hunters as they can. However, they are also at risk of being targeted, so they need protection. Just be careful–they are very pissed and will snap at anyone, even those who are trying to help them. For any that are injured and need to be taken back, feeding them a special turtle pepper will pacify them. Briefly.

Those who make it through to the island will find that at least most of the fighting has been kept to the water and to the shore. It's a large, mostly swamp-filled island and Esiotrot has already moved deep underground. But heavy defenses have been made around its entrance, the tortfolk using their robust, hard shells as a giant, living barricade wall. While there are other villages, this particular area serves as a rallying point for all the injured and smaller turtles to take refuge.

The crocodilian leader, Evets Niwri will quickly greet those who arrive and guide them to where others will lead them through the swamps and explain more of how to help. Just beware the alligator snapping turtles along with other crocodilians, both animalian and warriors, that lurk within the waters. They remain behind to help deal with any raiders that manage to get through and it's easy to mistake someone for an enemy. Bone spears and poison darts will suddenly fly out of the water at the first sign of a threat.

🚣 Crocodilian cruises. Due to large swathes of swamp and the defenses currently active, it can be difficult getting through it safely. Fortunately, once they are recognized as allies, the local crocodilians will use themselves to create living rafts for anyone to ride. They will also be vital to carrying the injured and tortoises unable to cross the swamp to safety.
🚧 Shell-Slingers. Special catapults that utilize old hardened scales and shells, these are packed with explosives and can be flung far from land to the water. Help load them up and fire them while careful to not detonate them too early.
🥔 Potato bombs. There are some unique potatoes that have been grown to explode on impact and create eldritch horror-esque roots that will wrap around the target and render them immobile. The potatoes may or may not also start dragging them to the ground so save anyone who wasn't meant to be hit and, well, could leave the others to their fate.
🌶️ Picking Peppers. The locals here love their peppers, and not just to add that delicious kick to their food. These particular peppers are used for the explosives and the ghoul peppers are also harvested here, allowing those who eat them to breathe fire—perfect against the ice giants. The turtle peppers are also necessary to help calm the alligator snapping turtles that remain lurking within the swamps on defense, as well as lure any reluctant turtles to safety.
🧚 Healing fairies. There are healing fairies scattered throughout the forests on the island and are understandably hiding from the chaos. Convince them to use their powerful healing magic to help the injured by bribing them with a song.

Beyond the island, Nogard swims out on the hunt for the shark leviathan, Krahs. It is eventually spotted, and as some feared, it is swimming towards Eltrut. While Nogard could engage in direct combat, orders are issued to deter the leviathan and drive it off. Those who remained with Nogard are tasked to help release Nogard's scales, which have a toxic poison that will deter Krahs from. However, to do so they must pry them off from outside while Nogard is in its full fleshed "body" form.

With everyone inside Nogard's body, the only way out is traveling up its gullet through a special lift system (don't ask) to its mouth, where it will open its giant maw with teeth as large as mountains, lift them all on its miles-long serpentine tongue, and place them on top of its massive head where they can start prying off some loose scales to have them fall into the ocean water. Bear in mind, these scales are the size of a small house, but fortunately, a group working together with sharp blades, powerful magic, and explosives against certain weak points around the edges will be plenty to loosen them enough to either fall or to allow Nogard to shake them off.

Nogard will also ensure the scales won't detonate until after they are in the water, so there is no risk of any unfortunate toxic mishaps as they work to shed these scales. However, some may still feel a bit woozy and a foul stench will start to permeate through the air as some of the chemicals are released. They must also be careful because the act of removing these scales may make Nogard feel a bit itchy, so it may shake its head prematurely. Those on the head better hang on tight or fish people out of the water should they happen to fall.

Help from those with ships are also appreciated for this endeavor, as they can use the harpoons and cannon fire to help loosen scales and fish out anyone who slips into the water.

STARTER

ELTRUT

ROTAGCORC

BOARD

COMMENTS

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.

Getting Over It

Eltrut

A local man named Benny Foddy has issued an intriguing challenge to anyone brave enough to attempt it. If they can overcome his challenge, he promises to reward them with a prize of a bag of magical beans. These beans have dual uses—they can be cultivated for their magical properties or be used as explosives. The challenge is simple! Climb into a man-sized clay pot and use a pickaxe and your own upper body strength to climb up the side of a jagged mountain on Eltrut. It’s harder than it looks! If you fall you’ll have to start over from the very bottom! It might be smart to have someone spotting you while you climb just in case you need help or just need verbal encouragement.

Quake Me Up Before You Go Go

Atnam

Strange pits of quicksand have been appearing all over Atnam lately. It’s not often that strange occurrences such as these happen on this leviathan so they are caught off guard by the phenomena. They’re asking riftfarers to find a way to help neutralize the quicksand pits before the pits get deeper or more of them appear. Just don’t get stuck in the quicksand yourself, you might need a hand or a long rope to get pulled out!

Feeling the Dragon Heat

Naughtilust

One of the local brothels on Naughtilust is looking for pairs who would like to do a dramatic book reading performance of the infamous steamy romance novel, DRAGONHEAT. A sexy novel about erotic dragon love. The readers should be able to read the book out loud on stage, including spirited voices for the two title characters as they search for the legendary Sexcalibur! And including a spirited reading of the sexy steamy stuff too. It will make for a great book-reading night at the brothel! Free drinks and meals will be provided.

STARTER

ELTRUT

ROTAGCORC

BOARD

COMMENTS

Comments

Stelle | Honkai: Star Rail | Undecided | TDM

[misstellaron]

I. Arrival at the Stormbringer

—It's a kidnapping!

[ This isn't the first time she's woken up in an unknown location without a single clue as to where she is and what happened. Perhaps that ought to be a concerning fact, that she has woken up in an unfamiliar location more than once. But this definitely doesn't look like Penacony, or any of its dreams. Not that she's even had a chance to visit any other dreamscape except the Golden Hour. Sheesh, couldn't people have waited until she was done visiting them all?

Anyway, she's woken up in rags, and is missing everything she normally carries on herself. Now that is a first. And she's surrounded by crates in a small, poorly lit wood planked room that is slightly swaying.

Wait, she thinks, is this a kidnapping? She's been kidnapped, hasn't she? Like some kind of damsel-in-distress? But that kind of feels more like March's role, while she'd be the cool heroine coming to save her and sweep her off her feet—well, in reality, both of them are capable of fighting, so neither of them are truly suited to be a damsel-in-distress. Which can only mean one thing. This is the start of her protagonist journey in some seafaring story! At least, she thinks she's on a ship. This looks like a supply room for a ship, though it's fairly... ancient, by Astral Express standards.

As she stands up, she notes that her hands and feet haven't been bound. Fools, now she can raid their supplies without difficulty. And that's exactly what she does. She pokes through the crates and barrels that are open, looking for a makeshift weapon, which she eventually finds in the form of a crowbar that was left aside to open crates (and there's some food too! Don't mind if she does!)

She ends up opening every single crate and barrel in the room, rummaging through every single one like they're trash cans with potential hidden within (potential for what? Potential for treasure, of course. She's a good protagonist, she checks every nook and cranny) and causing a complete mess once she's done. It looks like a tornado has gone through the room, if the tornado's name was Stelle. But satisfied that she's raided the room for all its useful items, she boldly steps through the door, crowbar settled on her shoulder like she's some kind of gangster looking for trouble.

And she kind of is looking for trouble? At least, if she was kidnapped, then everyone on the ship was a potential enemy, no? She needed to find her clothes and items so she could contact the other Astral Express members, figure out what happened, and find a way back to them.

Anyone who encounters Stelle might find her doing one of two things:

A. Noisily breaking open every crate, barrel, or other such storage container she comes upon with her crowbar. You never know what useful item might lie within!!

B. If she spots you first, she'll make a beeline for you and attempt to ambush you from behind with a well-aimed swing of her crowbar. Don't worry, she won't kill you... probably. ]

II. Turtles

—Protect the babies!!!

[ Turtles. Turtles everywhere. Baby turtles, walking bipedal turtles, tortoises, everything. Stelle's eyes are sparkling. There are so many little bitty turtles... She crouches down beside one of the hatchlings, watching it inch across the sand as it braves the first trial of its long life.

You've got to prove yourself, little one, she thinks, and once you do, the Equilibrium will bless you with better boons and harder trials both. But such was the journey one must take to ascend to greater heights...

Ahem. Turtles probably don't have to do trials of equilibrium, but that's besides the point. She's been tasked with the little babies' safety and by the Aeons, she's going to do her best. They're too precious to have their life ended cruelly right after hatching.

As a part of assisting the turtlekin, Stelle can be found doing one of the following:

A. With one of the special bracelets, she'll be cheering on any hatchlings making their way across the sand, although... she's mostly non-verbal, using only excited gestures to encourage them (why bother with the bracelet then??)

B. Finding things is one of her specialties. Even the great Genius Herta relies on her to find things (she's just using you as an errand girl Stelle...)! So brightly coloured turtle eggs would be no match for her finely honed senses (read: game mechanic objective pointers). However, despite her somewhat careless approach to most things in life, she's very gentle with the eggs as she carries the few she has back to where they belong. Feel free to assist her or question her!

C. Who wouldn't want to go wave surfing on turtles! Not that Stelle has any experience with wave surfing, but she's nothing if not a quick study, and soon, she's out there breezing along the waves, full of joy and delight. Join her! ]

III. Captain's Boil

—Trash is food, right?

[ Oh, wow. The turtleshell cauldron is so cool. She's never seen anything like it before. Pretty much like everything else on this planet, actually. It's a refreshing change of scenery from the cold, barren plains of Jarilo-VI, or the eclectic energy of Penacony. The sea breeze is warm and gentle, filled with the scent of salt, and the delicious aroma coming from the cauldron.

She has to contribute something to get a bowl of the good stuff, hm? Well...

Stelle can be found next to a table with a myriad of items strewn on top. Crab, fish, seaweed, dried jerky, various spices.. (actually, a lot of it is stuff she raided from the Stormbringer... she never did give it back. Oops.) There are stranger options too. Among her goodies are various remedies and medicines (that she also stole from the Stormbringer), turtle eggshells, a trash bag, and uh... judging by the way she's eying the cauldron and then looking back at the trash bag, she might have a strange idea in her mind. Someone stop her from trying to add weird things into the food! ]

IV. Ships vs Sharks

—You need a signature move!

[ The one true talent she has to her name is Destruction. When the going's gotten tough, most things could be solved with a little... violent coercion. (And Dr. Ratio agrees with her, so that's that! She will not be accepting criticism at this time.)

Anyway, fighting bipedal sharks is not the strangest thing she's done, so she's completely unbothered as she boards one of the shark ships and begins smacking away with her crowbar. It's at this point that she starts to sorely miss her baseball bat. Heck, she'd even take the Lance of Preservation at this point. But she doesn't have that either, so she's just stuck with this plain, boring crowbar. She can't even strike a cool pose and actually pull it off!

Or... can she?

One she clears out enough space, she focuses energy into the crowbar, causing it to crackle slightly, and whirls it with her right hand. ]

Rules... are made to be broken.

[ After a pause, she jumps forward and swipes at a cluster of sharkfolk, sending them all flying off the boat. She then looks at the closest observer (that's you) expectantly. Well? Was it cool?? ]

V. Wildcard
[ Any other ideas are welcome! Feel free to contact me at tenkomi if you want to plot something out! ]

I absolutely posted this the correct place the first try | turtles

[empyrean_mirror]

Oh, here, let me help you with those.

[Hello, stelle, there's a stunningly pretty blonde twink approaching. No, not the tiny one, this one's pretty dang tall. He also has an armful of eggs.

And a floating robot suitcase carrying more.]

Mehrak can carry them, if you offer them to her.

<3

[misstellaron]

[ Oh, hi there absolutely stunningly pretty blonde twink, you aren't a totally suspicious high-ranking member of a heartless capitalist corporation, are you?

Well, at least he's not going on about becoming friends and how his newfound friends could benefit him. And he's got a cool floating robot suitcase! Wow. That's sick. Packing her luggage for Penacony would have been so much easier with a suitcase like that. Does Screwllum have a cool floating robot suitcase? Maybe she should ask the next time she sees him.

She holds out the eggs wordlessly towards... who's Mehrak? The suitcase? It's probably the suitcase. She holds them out to the suitcase and nods gratefully to Kaveh. She was just a little worried that she'd break them. ]

[empyrean_mirror]

[No why would you even think that??? Capitalism is antithetical to the soul of art, Stelle!!

Mehrak beeps cheerfully and gently levitates the new eggs into her growing...horde.]

There we go...they're so soft, it's probably best not to handle them on our own too much.

[Kaveh has handed off his own set of eggs and then Mehrak floats off towards the nests to gently deposit them.]

Did you see more out there? She'll be back in just a moment.

arrival

[riskpremium]

[...You see a lot of strange things, living the life Aventurine has, but he has to admit, this one's novel. No, not the waking up in rags or being kidnapped (though, he's not at all bound, is this really a kidnapping?) or being on a ship--seafaring worlds do exist, after all.

No, it's watching his dear friend the Trailblazer just casually destroy everything that isn't nailed down and then stroll out onto deck with naught but rags and a crowbar like it's a normal weekday. That's delightfully odd. Not even the dreamscape can come up with such banal lunacy.

Which, that kind of asks a lot of pressing questions! Like why he isn't currently walking to the other side to awaken from the dream. This...cannot be it. He's pretty sure the Emanator would have said something. Maybe this is just a lingering Harmony-induced hallucination somehow?

Oh, he should probably stop her from being keelhauled. A familiar face is the only card in his hand until he knows what the fuck is going on here.

So, hi, Stelle, here's this fuck, cheerfully waving at you from the crate he's been sitting on to watch all...this.]

Now, I wish I could say you're a sight for sore eyes, friend, but...ahaha. Why don't we put that crowbar down?

[Like, surely she's not holding a grudge about the whole...performance, right?]

Patch 2.1 Spoilers

[misstellaron]

[ Oh. It's you. Her eyes narrow in suspicion as she stops her crusade against the poor crates and barrels of the ship and turns towards Aventurine. What was he doing here? Shouldn't he be in Penacony—or, actually, kind of dead? You know, the whole... everything that happened after their fight.

She doesn't lower her crowbar just yet, but she tilts her head in askance. ]

Shouldn't you be dead?

oh oops yes good call

[riskpremium]

[Stelle you can't just ask people why they're not dead! Especially not when he doesn't know.

So he just shrugs.]

Wouldn't you know that better than I would, at this point? Perhaps the afterlife is charmingly nautical-themed.

[Oh, Gaiathra Triclops, if you ever truly loved him, please no.]

IV

[afflatusexarch]

[ Well while she is going to stand there and stare, wishing someone to tell her how cool she looks, G'raha is a bit preoccupied.

That's to say he's holding out his staff and smacking one of those sharks with a well placed Fire spell. ]

Mayhap we bear in mind where we are first?

[ This just seems a touch more important. ]

[misstellaron]

[ Oh... that was really cool. A fire attack. She can't use her fire abilities without the Lance of Preservation, so she pouts. She's also pouting because she's being scolded by this stranger.

He's not wrong though, and spying a sharkfolk creeping up on the (wait, he's not a Foxian, right? He doesn't quite look like one. Missing that characteristic bushy tail too.) man, she dashes forward to nail the would-be assailant in the temple. Nice hit!

There are still a lot of foes left though. How many waves left??? This feels way longer than her regular farm training sessions. ]

[afflatusexarch]

[ Someone who is more... Physical. Or perhaps reckless? At least that is how G'raha is taking it at the current moment. This young lady truly is rushing right in.

If that's the case?

Allow him to cast a simple little barrier upon her to absorb some damage? ]

Surfing on Turtles!!!

[treebornekettlegirl]

[Join her, a tiny redheaded girl does! First it seems like there's nothing but clear blue waters with nary a soul in close proximity. Stelle was free to surf the waves without any other soul bothering her... at first.

On both sides, one to the left and the other the right, swam around her and the turtles she was on. The two new turtles joined back at the hip like someone was about to ride them. But who--]

Ya-hoo!

[The shadow casting over Stelle for a second, that's who. Said shadow was caused by the redheaded martial artist, from a distance away, deciding that her fellow protagonist ahead made a good obstacle to stunt over. Ranma had leapt off her turtles to soar through the air while they swam around and in front of the girl. With grace, Ranma landed right back onto her turtles in a handstand, able to see the face of the girl she jumped over, all with a smirk on her face.

Show off.]

[misstellaron]

[ Whoa. Now that is seriously cool. And Stelle knows she's nowhere near acrobatic enough to pull off that kind of stunt, even if she wanted to style on the new girl.

She decides urge her turtles to move faster. Charge!!! If she can't beat the red-haired girl in style, then she'll beat her in speed! Stelle's turtles speed up and quickly bypass Ranma's turtles, accidentally sending a wave of water over her. Oopsie. But it's a race now, and she's in it to win!! ]

[treebornekettlegirl]

[Ranma wasn't planning on challenging this girl in particular. She did try to get folks earlier to race her and her turtles, but they blew her off. So when the gray-haired girl sped up fast enough to splash her, almost knocking her off her handstand and into the water had she not caught herself, she knew what this meant. This meant war!

Now with a fiery, competitive smile, she commanded her turtles to speed up after her and get past her! To her pleasant surprise, turtles can go really fast in water when they need or want to. As they got near Stelle, Ranma bent her knees and stuck her hand in the water so it'd splash Stelle as they cut her off!]

Whoops!~

iii 🗑️

[activatingcombatmode]

[Now this is the kind of festive thing Zack can get used to. And he's starting to really love seafood thanks to this world. He loves these kinds of big hot pot deals where everyone throws in tasty ingredients to make it even better.

Key word being... tasty.]

... Heyyy. Whatcha got there?

[What do you got there, buddy? Is that a whole ass trash bag? ... Hold up??]

[misstellaron]

[ Stelle looks up from her musings to the stranger and shifts, a subtle invitation for him to join her. It's an eclectic assortment of goods, but any pleasantry brought by the more delicious looking ingredients is overpowered by the... unique aroma wafting from the trash bag. Was she keeping it with the rest of the goods? Were they... safe from cross contamination?????

She tilts her head at the man. What should she add to the soup? ]

[activatingcombatmode]

[He's not too sure he should even sit with her. As hungry as he is for the hot seafood soup he's not exactly hungry for whatever it is she has in that trash bag...

But okay, he braves it and sits down. Maybe only to protect the soup from whatever is in that bag.]

I don't know what you've all got here but... I'm kind of voting for the stuff that looks and smells edible to go in first.

[Please??]

wildcards in here

[indispensable]

[Despite everything Alhaitham still is and perhaps will never be one for events and festivities. The same however cannot be said for Kaveh, who continues to take to each and everyone of them like a duck to water. And as much as he will never admit it outloud, Alhaitham's desire to stay indoors with his books is always all too easily triumphed by the desire to have Kaveh close by at any given moment.

So he is here, in spite of his own preferences, and is in fact in the middle of returning from an errand Kaveh had chased him off to do (he wants so many shells. all of the shells, even) when he spots the... strange girl... looking at a trash can with a very contemplative expression. And while its far from the first time where Alhaitham has encountered the strange and inexplicable in his time here thus far, somebody looking at what is frankly an overflowing trash can is certainly something.

He doesn't say anything, but he does slow down his steps a little to see if anything is going to happen. It'll be a story to tell Kaveh when he gets back, at the very least.]

[misstellaron]

[ And here stands the regal trash can, admirably attempting to perform its duty as a receptacle for unwanted garbage. Just like how she's a receptacle for a Stellaron, the cancer of the world. She and the trash can... they are similar.

But today this receptacle is feeling like a trash can't, because a few pieces of trash drop out of the gaping maw of the trash can, joining the slowly growing pile of trash in front, unwanted by even the trash can. These poor pieces of trash, wherefore art thou home?

The answer lies in the garbage bags Stelle whips out from nowhere. Was she carrying them this entire time? She begins to pick up the overflowing refuse, examines each item curiously and deposits them into her empty trash bag. Once that's done, she turns to the trash can, no longer overflowing, and... starts digging through the trash, like some common rodent.

????

Does Alhaitham keep watching this inexplicable trash panda behaviour? ]

[indispensable]

[...there were a fair amount of things that Alhaitham had braced himself for, but even he is forced to admit that this... is nowhere even remotely close to any of his envisioned possibilities. Which is frankly kind of saying something.

And its definitely inexplicable enough that he can't help but continue to watch despite the fact that he does have several Opinions about going through trash like this. Why are you going through the trash, strange young lady?? Are you this desperate for items? But that shouldn't be the case, since you should have had a roof and basic necessities covered by whatever faction that has taken you in!! Just what is going on?!?! Not even the Traveler was this weird??]

III

[legendofthelion]

[Dehya isn't so sure this stew isn't a "too many cooks" situation. Especially given the unrestrained contributions from anyone and everyone.

Like Stelle.] Let's keep it edible.

[Maybe not good. But edible.]

[misstellaron]

[ What do you mean, cool lady? Trash is edible. At least once. Although this isn't the pleasant trash variety (there are varieties??) and she can't use the omni-synthesizer to create something more palatable out of the trash she does have...

Okay. Fine, she'll save this trash bag for another day. It's hidden potential will be discovered yet!

Stelle vanishes the trash bag with a touch, and then, with another long thought, she puts away the medicines and remedies as well. Not food items, these ones. Better to save them for real emergencies.

Which leaves actual food ingredients! Whew. Crisis averted. But the question now is what to contribute? Was she allowed to put it all in???? Please help cool lady. ]

[legendofthelion]

[Yeah, Dehya thinks they don't want the medicine going in there either. She stares at what remains.]

Well, all the seafood doesn't look bad. Don't know what everyone else is putting in it.

III

[passimclamoribus]

Do not.

[ He sees this young lady looking at the trash and then the pot. Alastor is not going to have that sort of nonsense transpiring here. NOPE.

So he's going to just. Conjure a green flame and BURNS it. ]

[misstellaron]

[ She watches in horror as the trash bag burns up in flames in front of her. That was hers! It had value!!! How dare you destroy her possessions!!!!!

She pulls out her crowbar to wave it menacingly at Alastor, clearly unhappy. What was that for, bud? Huh?? Huh?????????? ]

That was mine.

[ How are you gonna compensate her for her lost trash???? Do you know how much effort she put into collecting that!? ]

[passimclamoribus]

[ Go ahead. Shake it at him. Alastor only smiles widely. Most people learn the hard way not to threaten the Radio Demon. But alas... ]

I had heard one man's trash is another's treasure, but this is taking it a bit far, my dear.

[ Nope. No compensation. Just Alastor twirling his staff and attempting to move on. ]