« 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

Son Gohan | Dragon Ball Z | Paladin | TDM

[latentpower]

[A: (Above) The Water/On Deck]

[The way in which people were brought into this world was truly mystifying, a mysterious bottle appearing at one's feet and suddenly drawing them in. And for Gohan, those circumstances were no different. One moment, he was at home, helping to take care of and playing with his newly born baby brother, when the bottle had appeared between them. Gohan had intercepted the bottle that appeared between them before his brother could grab it.

...And the next moment, he found himself suddenly popping into the air above the ocean, mid-sentence.]

--oten! [A pause.] ...Huh?

[He had the good fortune of appearing next to the ship, at least. So rather than plummeting to his watery misfortune, he just... floats over to the deck of the Royal Fortune, landing starboard-side.

Um... H-hello? Is there anybody here?

[B: Turtle Push]

[Gohan didn't have much love for fighting, but friendly competition and sparring? That was okay in Gohan's book, it was all fine as long as there was no conflict, right? That was the mindset he approached the turtle push game with, as he watched two turtles compete against one another. He was cheering on a smaller but surprisingly strong turtle, one he couldn't but see a little of himself in. Things were going well for the turtle, until it started going on a losing streak. The frustration the turtle was facing was clear. So Gohan had to do something. But how do you train a turtle?

Well, he had an idea. He sits down across from the turtle, legs crossed underneath him.]

Y-you're already pretty strong, you just need to focus your mind. Umm... Here, Mister Piccolo taught me this technique. it's called image training, it's a type of meditation.

[Can a turtle even meditate? Where's Master Roshi when you need him?]

Focus your mind, and imagine you're up against another turtle, and play the battle out in your head...

[C: Turtle Whisperer/Fishing Nets]

[Gohan had a genuine, gentle nature, one that truly shined its way through when it came to his demeanor in how he handled animals. The bracelet helped him communicate with the sea creatures and understand them, but he would have done fine even without it. Actions speak much louder than words, after all. Beneath the waves, a large turtle found itself suddenly freed from the fishing net that had ensnared it by Gohan. It expressed its profound gratitude to him, but he waved it off.]

Y-you don't have to thank me... I'm just glad you're okay. You should swim along now, before you get caught again.

[The turtle expressed its thanks again despite Gohan's objections and then swam off, leaving him behind in the water. He waited, long enough for the turtle to be clear of the area, and then...

...There was an eruption of water, almost like a geyser spewing forth from the sea, as Gohan launched himself onto the deck of the nearby fishing vessel that had been the culprit here.]

You! [He stood there, fuming, the air crackling around him. He had no intention of transforming against a couple of normies like these fishermen, but to say he was angry about what transpired just now was the understatement of the century. He dropped the net onto the deck, or at least what remained of it, as he'd all but destroyed it freeing the turtle.]

You need to be more careful with where you're casting your nets! You're trapping poor turtles in them!

[There was only one problem with this conflict: he may be an incredibly angry overpowered ten year old, but he is still a ten year old. Are they even going to heed his warnings...?]

[D: Save the Turtles/Snapped]

[Few could hope to befriend the alligator snapping turtles. They were angry and vengeful and will attack just about anyone in their fight against the sharks.

...And yet somehow, Gohan managed to achieve just that, riding atop one such turtle as it charged into battle. Perhaps he found common ground with their shared anger towards the sharks and earned its trust.

Lending some of his energy to his new friend, the snapping turtle charging through the waves like a freight train. He let the turtle do the majority of the work, this was its fight after all. But whatever it couldn't finish off in its mad spree, Gohan was there to back it up. A well aimed punch here, a ki blast there... It was an efficient combination.]

...! Over there, Ardylehc! I see more fighting over that way!

[Gohan detested fighting, but... he detested standing idly by while others got hurt because of fighting even more. In this instance, he couldn't just sit here and do nothing.]

[E: Wildcard]
[I'm open to other ideas or plotting something if you have a specific idea on how you'd like our characters to meet, feel free to contact me via PM or on mamoritai if so!]

A

[scooba]

[Somehow, Freminet wasn't surprised to see someone whom he hadn't seen here before. This place had a habit of having people mysteriously come in and out. However, what surprised him even more was how young this person was.]

Um...yes? I'm here?

[All the while waving his hand to get Gohan's attention because he can't have a kid younger than him walking around without help!]

[latentpower]

Ah...!

[Oh, thank goodness there was someone here. Gohan wasn't sure what was going on, but he wasn't too keen on being on an empty abandoned ship.]

H-hello! My name's Gohan... [Gohan ducks his head a little, sheepishness taking over. His thoughts are racing, and he needs to get ahold of himself here.] Could you tell me where I am?

[scooba]

It's nice to meet you, Mr. Gohan. My name is Freminet.

[Because regardless of his age, he will still address him as such. Giving his hand out, he figured that this was a good way to introduce myself right.]

As for where we are? We're in Escordvi, a place with magical beings and where pirates are involved.

C!

[treebornekettlegirl]

[Ranma had been minding her own business walking along the beach until she saw a geyser form into a mushroom cloud off in the distance. Such a blast couldn't have been from a whale shooting from a blowhole, too large and massive. She just had to check it out, diving into the water to swim wherever the source was.

The careless fishermen might've been frightened when the water close to their vessel suddenly erupted into a massive stream. Some were possibly even excited when the geyser shot up to the sky, under the assumption they found a good catch. All intimidation factor went out the window when they see it's... just some kid. Acting all too big for his britches, telling them what they can and can't do with their equipment, completely ignoring how the air around the tot was shifting in unnatural manners.

Some began to laugh directly in Gohan's face at his order. One salt/pepper bearded fisherman adjusted from his seat, smirking ear to ear. "Is that right? You hear that boys? We're trapping the poor turtles." They immaturely continued to laugh and mock, before the same bearded fisherman stood up to approach. "Why don't you run on home, squirt? And be more concerned 'bout yourself than those-"

THUNK!

The metal cap of one of the men's beer bottles suddenly shot out like a bullet and hit him in the temple. It didn't piece through the man's forehead, more like a pellet bouncing off a hard surface. Still hurt like the dickens and even left a bruise square-center of the man's forehead. He hissed and cursed, both drowned out by a new voice.]

Better listen to the 'squirt'. Then again, being careful doesn't seem to be your guys' motto.

[The voice belonging to a teen girl, just sitting on the railing of the deck. Clearly not apart of the crew given her differing outfit and age.]

[latentpower]

[The fishermen's cruel words sting deep to Gohan, but they only serve to anger him more. He didn't cower as the fisherman approached him, feeling no fear towards a guy like him. He was just a bully... His fist clenches tightly, the muscles of his forearm tensing. He didn't want to hurt them, but boy were they ticking him off...!

Thankfully, Ranma's appearance couldn't have come along at a better time, her arrival on the scene helping to diffuse Gohan's anger. She seemed to have a better handle on things than he did, and that helped him to calm down, to stop himself from doing something he'd definitely regret afterwards... If he wasn't feeling so angry just a moment, he probably would have chuckled at what happened with the man's beer bottle.]

Y-yeah... What she said! Do what you want with the fish, but the turtles have nothing to do with your trade!

[treebornekettlegirl]

[The kid could do better with being assertive and not stammer as much, but she was impressed with his moxie. That burst of power she saw too that caused the geyser, it had to have been him too. Interesting to say the least, but she'll focus on that later. Right now, these jerks come first.

Rubbing his bruising temple, the bearded fisherman shot the two interlopers a very nettled look. "Maybe not. Then again, turtle shells go for a high price. We're not going after them, but happy coincidences happen all the time. If a few just happen to get caught in our nets, c'est la vie." That smug smile was just inviting a fist to knock out a few teeth. Ranma needed to hold herself back. Whether the kid can is to be determined. She hoped not for his sake... but she wouldn't lie it'd be pretty amusing seeing the guy getting clobbered by a kid.

"So how about you kids go take a swim and leave us back with our work?" The second he said that, some of the other fisher man began approaching the two. Ranma wasn't concerned about herself or anything these guys might try to do to her. Matter of fact, if Gohan were to take a glance over at this girl, he'd see a grin on her face. One of excitement, of thrill.

A tall roughly 6 foot fisherman was right in front of her, reaching out an arm to grab her. In a second, that same fisherman would find his arm's wrist grabbed in a vice grip by the tiny redhead. Who slipped under and between the man's legs to end up behind him, following it up by kicking both feet out like a piston into the man's back. Sending the fisherman flying and scream as he goes over the railing and into the waters below.]

bbbbb

[fullgauntlet]

[Meanwhile, Izuku is trying to go about his own little turtle push game with little to no avail. He's also looking at his little guy and thinking that if he works hard enough he can do it. He can be strong despite being smaller and weaker...

He's whispering...]

You have to go... plus ultra.

[He overhears the other boy also pep-talking his turtle and it makes Izuku perk up a bit. What he says is actually very good advice and something he would tell himself?]

Ahh, are you thinking that battle analysis before a battle would help? It helps put things into perspective, doesn't it...

[He might have also done that before.]

Re: bbbbb

[latentpower]

[Gohan was so focused on talking with the turtle and trying to help it meditate, he wasn't even aware of anyone else being around. So when Izuku speaks him, it causes him to jump a little. So much for serenity, huh...]

Huh? Oh... Y-Yeah! If you analyze your opponent's moves, you can look back at what you did wrong, plan a different move, and let the new outcome play out in your head. Then you're prepared for the next time you encounter that!

[fullgauntlet]

[Izuku perks up slightly. The turtle in his hands seems to wiggle with delight almost like its happy to have heard Izuku's cool school motto.]

I thought I might be the only person who does that sort of thing. I didn't know anyone else did that on the spot.

[Izuku's also really good at analyzing battle information in his head and reorganizing himself accordingly. But he doesn't meditate...!]

D

[forgeabettertomorrow]

[As a corsair, Darin wasn't necessarily bound by duty to help any of the turtlefolk defend their kin or their territory. But he sure as hell couldn't just stand by when these sharkfolk were laying siege to these poor turtles. Even if these folks were particularly snappy.]

[He's found himself caught in a bit of a crossfire; defending alligator snapping turtles with practiced movements while simultaneously dodging friendly fire from their enraged attacks. He's no martial artist, but his movements are clearly that of a fighter. And despite the dao strapped across the small of his back, he's using his fists to strike at sharks and parry oncoming turtle blows.]

Alright, look! I get this is a tense situation but maybe check your—WHOA— [He ducks, narrowly avoiding a powerful swipe.]

Maybe check your strikes?! I'm tryin' to help here!

[latentpower]

[Gohan guides his turtle ride over to where he can hear the sounds of someone caught up in a tense battle, so it's not long until he comes across Darin caught in the crossfire between the sharks and the turtles. The guy's clearly trying to help, but neither the turtles nor the sharks seem to be having it. He looks down at his alligator snapping turtle friend.]

Can't you ask your friends to lay off of him...?

[Ardylehc just grumbles at the request. What the hell do you expect him to do about it?! He kinda wants to get in on the scrap himself just watching it! He's only restraining himself out of respect for Gohan.

But okay... Can't get the turtles to back down, so he's just gonna have to get the sharks off his back instead.]

Okay... Here goes...!

[Gohan leaps into the air and dives at one of the sharks attacking Darin, delivering a powerful kick to its head and sending it flying away.]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

[Darin spins around, ready to push back the shark that was coming in to attack when Gohan sends him rocketing away.]

[He blinks owlishly and then whistles.]

Damn! I sure hope you're on my side because it's getting kinda rough fighting like five different battles...!

[Okay, what is with all of the incredibly strong teens?? Darin's spent his entire lifetime hiding his powers and these kids are running around kicking people into low orbit!]

[Wait, does he sound old? Oh gods he sounds old doesn't he—]

[His internal monologue/crisis is cut short when he's slammed in the back of the head with a particularly brutal attack from a shark, causing him to hit the ground face first.]

[So, this is happening.]

C

[freethefuture]

[Trunks has been flying low over the sea, looking for signs of turtles in distress. He's sure that there's more out there after finding not one, not two, but three nets that had been causing turtles to struggle. Fortunately, having a sword makes dealing with those nets nice and quick, even for someone with his level of strength and skill.

It isn't long until he spots a ship, and he comes to a stop in midair to figure out how to go about this. It's probably safe to assume that it belongs to the careless fishermen, but he's not sure, so he approaches slowly.

At least, he does until he feels a familiar energy signature.]

That energy...is that Gohan? He's here!?

[Deciding to act, he flies upward and toward the ship, only to let gravity take over once close enough to its deck. He ends up falling about fifteen feet and landing on the deck about six or seven feet away from the boy.]

He's right. I had to cut through three nets to get turtles out. Either learn how to set nets responsibly, or don't use them at all.

[latentpower]

[Whatever anger and frustration Gohan was feeling washes itself away rather quickly when a familiar face suddenly comes to his rescue. A face he was certain he'd never see again, but one he is all too glad to be seeing here nonetheless.]

Trunks!

[Gohan had enough awareness of this world by now to know that seeing Trunks here isn't the strangest thing that could happen. So he's more pleased than shocked. The backup is definitely appreciated here, and Gohan's content to let Trunks try and handle things here. He knows he's a kid, they won't listen to him. But Trunks? He's a grown adult.

One of the fishermen scowls at Trunks, feeling insulted and lashing out as a result. "Bah, how about you riftfarers worry about your own damned business and we'll worry about ours!"]

[freethefuture]

[Trunks flashes a quick smile toward Gohan, but it quickly returns to a scowl when he redirects his attention toward the fishermen. He's not impressed by their argument.]

I don't know if you've noticed, but we're in Eltrut right now. Do you really think you can get away with saying that the welfare of turtles is none of your business here?

If so, I'm sure the authorities would be very interested in such an opinion.

D

[cursedwords]

[ The snapping turtles are pretty angry and fighting and when Gohan comes into the fray, it's about the time one of the turtles goes down, injured.

He has two choices, he can go for the fight or he can go for the injured turtle, and Toge chooses the latter. Although, he's not expecting to jump backwards just out of range when the turtle tries to snap at him. ]

Fish flakes!

[latentpower]

[Gohan was on his way over to help, but quickly, he becomes distracted by what Toge is saying.]

...Huh? Fish flakes? This doesn't seem like a good time to start talking about food!

[cursedwords]

[ Toge has jumped back to avoid being snapped but he looks a little bit surprised over his shoulder. ]

Salmon. [ Toge agrees, it’s a bad time. He gestures as well to the injured turtle. ]

Mentaiko? [ Give him a hand? ]

B

[seasaltkeys]

Do you think that's going to work?

[Roxas asks, honestly. And more out of curiosity than anything. He's never really been trained after all, so those methods are something of a mystery to him.]

I guess cheering hasn't done much.

[latentpower]

I'm not sure...

[He really wasn't. This was new territory for him. He knew some of the Turtle School style of martial arts, but that did not make him qualified to school a turtle...]

But I'm not sure what else to try. It's not like he can just start training and get much stronger, after all...

[seasaltkeys]

Well, maybe he can, but...also there might not be enough time before this fight. That sounds like something that might take a while.

[Roxas thinks for a little bit.]

If it's all you can do, then I guess we'll have to try it.

D!

[stickbow]

[ Unfortunately, Rakan and a couple of turtles were surrounded by a group of shark-folk. Fortunately, Rakan was nimble enough to keep them on their toes.

He was a battle-dancer. A bard. A distraction. He was good at movement and chaos, and keeping all eyes on him. He was good at being the mouse, and wearing the cats out while leading them into danger. One shiny, golden bird-person was literally dancing circles around them, using momentum and magic to toss them into the air, to throw them at eachother, crowing and shouting insults like it was a game.

And while this was something Rakan was good at and enjoyed, he wasn't efficient at combat. His girlfriend was the murder-bird.

Luckily, while Rakan was standing on one of the shark-folk's shoulders, his ears perked to the sound of something crashing through the murk and swamp, and looked up to see a wild snapping turtle come charging in. ]

What'd the five fingers say to the face!?

[ He swung his feathered cloak and slapped the shark across its face. ]

Slap! You're in for it now!

[ The shark grabbed for him, but he was already gone. He'd shot off of the shark's shoulders like a rocket, darting for Gohan and his loyal mount. He reached the human-looking thing riding atop the snapping turtle, and whirled around him without ever needing to grab onto anything, as if he'd magnetically anchored himself.

When he landed on the back of the shell next to him, a bright shell of golden light shielded them and the snapping turtle for a moment. ]

Hey kid! 'You that weird human I felt around here using all that magic?

[latentpower]

[....Okay, that was really cool. But Gohan's feeling a little bewildered right now over what just happened, a weird bird person flew it out of nowhere and put up a big shiny forcefield around them? Neat. Weird, but neat.]

Magic? What magic? I-I don't know anything about magic!

[He's being genuine about that, he's got no talent for magic.]

[stickbow]

Come on kiddo, don't lie to me.~

[ He smiled as he teased with his coo, though he felt quite good and well that this kid was being honest, gentle soul that he felt coming from him. ]

All those big explosions, and I wasn't even invited!?

Rude!

[ He threw a forearm over his head and dipped himself deeply backwards, just for the dramatic effect of it. But! These sharks were getting annoying. They were being all loud and grumpy about being outsmarted by a bird, a turtle, and a kid. ]

I'll line 'em up. Let's see if you know how to party!

[ No time to explain! Bird was already gone. He'd leapt off the back of the turtle and thrown himself into the middle of the fray, lingering a moment. Letting them try to pile on him. But not to worry, with a sweep of his feathered cape and another swelling of warmth and light, the sharks, and Rakan were all a meter or two off of the ground. ]