« 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

[misstellaron]

[ Sorry Alhaitham, Stelle is just Weird™. It's just what happens when you shove a space nuke into a (potential) newborn and throw her onboard a Space Station that happens to have picking through trash as an application process for one of their departments. (Also, achievements! Those are important too. Gotta hoard the stellar jades ok)

Anyway, whatever Stelle is looking for, she doesn't seem to find it because she finishes rummaging through the trash without pulling anything out (though she looks mighty satisfied). She then takes out the full trash bag and places an empty one into the trash can, and spends a little time ensuring the trash can is clean and free of grime. Then she vanishes the full trash bags to... somewhere. Subspace storage? Who knows.

Anyway, that's her good deed of the day. 1x Praise of High Morals obtained!!!

She then turns her head and spots Alhaitham staring at her. And far from being embarrassed, she just waves at him like she hadn't just gone full raccoon on the garbage. ]

[indispensable]

[Kaveh, I just saw a young lady who might actually be a trash animal in disguise.

Even as he composes that sentence in his head Alhaitham can already imagine the looks that Kaveh would give him from hearing something like that, but there really is no other way for him to put into words that he'd just witnessed. The fact that this is quickly ranking up to be even more fantastical than some of the other things he's experienced here is very much saying something.

But of course, he isn't going say any of that. Instead what he will do is to blink once as the young lady makes her trash bags disappear (why is she storing trash away like this), a second time when she spots him, then a third when all she does is to wave at him.]

... [A pause comes here now as Alhaitham thinks on how to respond. He has zero qualms about just walking off and putting this strange young lady out of his mind, but the mystery nags at him. He just needs to know what she's doing here or else its gonna bug him for the rest of the day.

So here is Alhaitham now, walking over towards her while carrying a whole bag of shells in his arms.]

oh my god I lost your tag somehow I'M SO SORRY

[misstellaron]

[ Oh! He's approaching! She blinks curiously, eying the shells in his arms as he gets closer, and waves again once he's close enough. Then she tilts her head. Is there something he wants? ]

LMAO its fine... alhaitham wanted to be unnoticed just as he wished...

[indispensable]

[Well at least she doesn't seem to be bothered with his approach, which is... maybe a good sign? Heck if Alhaitham knows; frankly, he's still kind of bewildered by the trash rummaging that she did earlier.

But staying by the sidelines certainly isn't going to get him any answers, so Alhaitham is here now, having made all the way over to where the strange young lady is, staring at her for another second before he opens his mouth to ask.]

What are you doing?

[Look, there's no reason to beat around the bush here. Beat to just get straight to the point.]

yes he should be afraid of stelle

[misstellaron]

[ He looks so bewildered. Well, his face is generally impassive but she can tell. He's absolutely bewildered. That's the response she normally gets from people who see her wandering on her lonesome, doing as she does. ]

Paying my respects.

[ Stelle.... that doesn't explain anything. ]

he is more confused than afraid at this point tbh

[indispensable]

[...yeah, that doesn't tell him anything at all.

Alhaitham looks at her, then over to the trash can, then to the trash bag in her hands, then back at her again. This cycle repeats maybe one or two more times and pretty much anyone can see the gears trying to turn in his mind.]

...why?

[He's so confused. Please help him understand. Show him the way.]

Sorry Alhaitham... You will never figure her out...

[misstellaron]

Because someone has to.

[ Because trashcans are an indispensable part of every world, but their work goes unnoticed day in and out. Someone has to salute them.

This still doesn't really explain anything, like why she's storing the trash bags instead of getting rid of them.

Don't worry about it. ]

strange gremlin of chaos... show him your ways...

[indispensable]

And that involves emptying the entire bin?

[Which, let's talk about that too. Sure he also sends his weapons away into the ether, which is fine and dandy, but trash?? Is that even allowed? Why has he not tried this...?]

Are you intending to bring them somewhere?

[Its really not everyday where Alhaitham goes up to ask people things like this... but he is very curious. The idea of not knowing is going to eat at him if he doesn't, at least for a good bit. Everything is just so inexplicable that he needs to make sense of it all.]

she cannot illuminate the way... you must become as one with the chaos....

[misstellaron]

[ He only gets a shrug in return for his questions. She does what she wants to sometimes, okay? And sometimes, what she wants to do is spend time and effort on something trash can related. Because sometimes trash cans have treasure in them! She should know, she's the protagonist of a JRPG-like game, which is a genre that loves shoving goodies into trash cans. She's just doing her due diligence as a protagonist okay?? And so what if she's also developed a fondness for them? They can be sentient beings that sometimes ask her questions! And give her stellar jades!! That's the most important part, the stellar jades, you got it? She has to roll on the gacha. She has to!!! Robin please come home sobs she already failed the 50/50 on 78 pity why do you hate her so ]

It's just nice to have them.

[ Yeah that's just going to make Alhaitham's confusion worse. ]

time to fulfill his destiny and become a follower of Aha

[indispensable]

[That answer does, indeed, make Alhaitham's confustion even worse. He's all but squinting at the young lady before him now, part of him wondering if she's another part of this festival or maybe some trickery come to life. Those would make far more sense than taking everything she's said thus far at face value.]

...and how many of them do you have so far?

[How many is 'nice' here, young lady. Why is a number more than one even nice in any regard?? He just needs to know.]

[misstellaron]

[ Give her a moment to count Alhaitham. One, two, ten, fifty, a hundred... two hundred... three hundred...........

.................

...............................

..................................

She shrugs. ]

A lot.

[indispensable]

[...somehow he finds himself both surprised and also very much not at the same time.]

Surely you don't intend to hold onto them forever.

[There's no reason to, right...? Even trash has a lifespan, so its not like she can even if she wanted to. Which she shouldn't.]

[misstellaron]

[ The look she gives him clearly says, 'why not?' Why can't she keep them forever? Do things even rot in subspace storage? Like, is it a Bag of Holding where the inside a vacuum orrrrrrr.......?? (Stelle how do you even know what a Bag of Holding is)

ANYWAY. Point is, she has no intention of disposing her hundreds of trash bags. ]

[indispensable]

[As a master of communicating through facial expressions himself Alhaitham more or less picks up on the other's answer—or perhaps a non answer would be more accurate in this instance—and the expression on his face becomes even more perplexed (or as much as one can be perplexed from the frown on his brow). Why are you just hoarding trash and not... using it... surely there are better things to hoard here. Like books.]

It's unhygienic.

[...yeah that's the best reason he got off the top of his head.]

[misstellaron]

[ At this she tilts her head. How is it unhygienic when it's being stored in a subspace and can't leak out or spoil other things??? ]

It'll be fine.

[ That is a decisive protagonist tone she's using there. Don't worry about it Alhaitham, she's got it under control. ]

[indispensable]

[Subspace doesn't exist in a vacuum! ...probably! So germs can still exist in that scenario! Bu even if that isn't true the whole point is that its best to be safe than sorry—

—which is why he is not wholly convinced by that platitude there, even if he's curiously reminded of the Traveler for just a moment there.]

And how are you certain that it will be fine?

[Please explain to him. He wants to understand.]

[misstellaron]

[ Because she's the protagonist, that's why. Things always turn out well for the protagonist. Don't worry about it Alhaitham. ]

It's been fine so far?

[ What does she mean so far. Has she been storing trash even before this? For how long???? ]

[indispensable]

[Yeah those answers are continuing to not inspire any confidence in him whatsoever. Just what does she mean by 'so far'? How long has she even been doing this if it has already become second nature??]

'So far' does not mean 'always'. [He'd cross his arms or something but they're currently occupied by shells, so. Shells that should have been given to Kaveh by this time if it wasn't for this distraction.] Maybe you should check the ones that you have already been holding for a while.

[He... kind of wants to see exactly what this strange young lady has been holding onto. Inquiring minds must know.]

[misstellaron]

[ He's right. She should check to make sure they're okay. What if they aren't?

Except the only problem is... ]

...I don't think there's enough space.

[ Even though they're outside, sort of in the open? Just what is she carrying??? ]

[indispensable]

[There is a blink at those words.]

You don't have... enough space?

[He more or less echoes the question in a mild state of incredulousness. Just what kind of extensive hammer space do you have there to have this kind of problem??]

[misstellaron]

[ What, you don't have space to carry 9,999 copies of one item, soon to become 99,999 copies thank you hoyo but I've never reached those quantities, people be insane sometimes--

She shakes her head, going through her inventory again. No, she's pretty sure she could fill this entire island with trash bags... ]

I think I'd need an entire space station.

[ And then some. Maybe the Luofu? It's huge. ]

[indispensable]

[Well first of all what the fuck is a 'space station'.

If he wants to take it literally its a station... in space... which is—what? Something like Celestia?]

And how... big is this space station that you're talking about?

[Please give him a sample size to work with here.]

[misstellaron]

[ The only space station she knows is Herta Space Station so... ]

Big. Big enough to fit... two or three of this island? I think.

[ Don't trust her guessing, she has absolutely no idea what she's talking about. ]

[indispensable]

[Well that is. Certainly quite big. Also more than a little concerning that she's apparently holding onto enough trash to fill up such an area?? Just what is she even planning with that much trash... surely there must be a reason...]

...you really don't mind it at all?

[Like plans and everything aside. Alhaitham just genuinely cannot imagine himself being so willing to hold onto that much trash in the first place. Like what even compels her to do this at all?? He truly wants to understand.]

wow i just realized i accidentally couriered the last tag sfdjkghfjkdng

[misstellaron]

Nope. Should it?

[ There is literally no reason. Don't think too hard about it Alhaitham, you might break your lazy little brain. Stelle is a creature devoid of understanding. You will not understand her. She is a black hole. Don't do it Alhaitham. ]