« 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

Legion||Mass Effect||Paladin||TDM

[forwearemany]

Arrival

(They arrive to find themselves at the top of a mast. For others, this might be a problem.

For Legion, they simply drop, landing in a crouch on the deck. It's a loud, distracting entrance made even more distracting by the figure that unfolds as they stand up: a mechanical being of armored plates and exposed muscle, its face a single glowing eye.

They look around and tilt their head, a set of plastic flaps ringing their eye lifting in a way that might be confusion.)

...Error.


Turtle Push

(Legion is not participating in the turtle push fights, merely observing.

It is a strange ritual: similar in some ways to the Varren fighting on Tuchanka, if considerably less bloody, but Varren are widely regarded as either vermin or tools of war. Local views of turtles appear to be entirely different.

Why do this to creatures viewed as important to the creation of this world?

Observation is proving insufficient for understanding.

They do not wish to participate at this time.

Consensus: they will seek out individuals to question.

...This is almost certainly why the very tall, beat up looking robot is now approaching you.)

Query.

Arrival (!!!!)

[thearchangel]

[You know, if he has to be on a boat, he'd prefer it be a very big one. Less chance of sinking - well, of him sinking. Right? Right. Regardless, it turns out to be a good thing, this time, because who the hell else on this planet is going to know what just fell off the mast?]

[Not many, if any.]

[Kneejerk reaction is to almost reach for a weapon, before Garrus' brain replays certain events. Rannoch - the removal of the Reaper code. Okay. Hopefully, okay.]

[It's not until the familiar N7 registers that he fully, completely drops his guard. Out of shock, if nothing else.]

- Legion?

Hello there

[forwearemany]

Vakarian Garrus. Query: Location?

(They have ...a lot of queries, but given that there's no obvious threat, finding out where they are seems most pertinent. How they are and why they are will likely have more involved answers and will thus come after. It is an efficient line of questioning.)

[thearchangel]

Worst planet in the galaxy...

[He knows that's not going to be a satisfactory answer. But his own questions are burning. How - how is he looking at Legion? He was alive, last he'd checked, and the geth in front of him ... well.]

How are you here? Shepard told me what happened to you.

[forwearemany]

Uncertain. This unit sacrificed itself on the Planet Rannoch. Our programming was necessary to complete transferal of the Old Machine code to the Geth.

(Yeah, they know they died Garrus. They take a moment to survey their surroundings )

Query: reason for this judgement.

(This planet does not seem particularly worse than any other. It is, by some metrics, considerably better than many: temperature, atmosphere, and gravity are all within the tolerances of most organic life.)

[thearchangel]

All right... so we're on the same page.

[So to speak. That's one less thing to try and explain. How would he have even tried to explain all that, anyway?]

[Right - the actual question Legion asked.] It's some remote planet they call Escordvi. And it's all ocean, pretty much. [He jerks his head toward the side of the boat.] My people don't swim, at all. Not sure if that's something in any databanks...

[The last part is genuine uncertainty. Do the geth know turians sink like rocks? Is that something that came up?]

[forwearemany]

(Their headflaps ripple.)

Acknowledged. Geth are also poorly designed for this environ. (They look down at their platform and the huge gaping hole in it. They are more poorly suited to it than many Geth.) Additionally, though we are mostly composed of polymer, saltwater is corrosive to many metals.

(That Turians are poor swimmers is not a surprise to them: the Geth study organics, even if the Turians are not their primary interest. However, they can think of many less habitable worlds.

Actually, speaking of habitability...)

Population of this boat is typical for this planet's biosphere?

(It might seem like an odd question, but the people on this boat seem to be Human or other beings of Earth origin, and Earth biochemistry is based primarily on levo isomers... is Vakarian Garrus able to acquire sufficient sustenance?)

[thearchangel]

None of your platforms can swim? [That's interesting, actually. There was water on Rannoch. Maybe they never needed to be mobile in the water.] Great, though. We're in a hostile environment for both of us.

[It doesn't bode well. Like this is some kind of weird punishment somehow.]

[He needs a minute to process the question. Shepard tended to be better at understanding the synthetic's speech patterns. But after a moment, he nods.]

Yeah. Humans and human-like species. Not another turian, or even a varren anywhere. [Legion is the first familiar face he's seen since he fell out of the sky.] Supposedly, their... "magic"... [Yes, he makes the air quotes.] ... made it so I'm not about to die of malnutrition.

So far so good.

[forwearemany]

Though platforms with this capability exist they are rarely utilized. Geth do not breathe. (Swimming isn't necessary for their survival, it's not really important to them unless a platform needs to have active control of its positioning in water to perform designated tasks.)

...Acknowledged. (If this claim is true this so called "magic" is more advanced than anything in Citadel space. It is at odds with the primitive construction of this ship.)

Current length of Vakarian Garrus' stay on this planet?

[thearchangel]

Or use windows. [That's supposed to be funny, but, Garrus come on, it's Legion.] The whole crew remembered that one.

[And loved to remind Joker when he inevitably forgot.]

I know, it sounds crazy. But I haven't died yet. Or had so much as an allergic reaction. [It's not biotics, it's not tech. Someone with more science sense than he has would probably figure it out.] Months. Coming up on four, now.

[forwearemany]

(They chatter a bit, though it's probably more an "oh he remembered that" sort of reaction and not an indication of amusement.)

Then this "magic" has capabilities not possessed by any technology known to Citadel space... or the Geth.

(Perhaps the name is appropriate, even if it is not truly the magic described in organic fantasies.)

[thearchangel]

Yeah, I know. It's not biotics, either, even if you've got people around who can do similar things.

[It's disconcerting. He's still not used to it yet.]

[Or the water.]

Remind me. How do you stay powered...? Because, if it's anything tech-related, we'll need to figure something alternative out.

[forwearemany]

This unit is capable of acquiring power from multiple sources, including environmental.

(The Geth absolutely built in redundancies for that, and one of those redundancies was the ability to utilize solar power.

Also their internal batteries are really efficient.)

Error: All of our capabilities are "tech related". We are tech.

[thearchangel]

That's good news. Finally. We won't need to hook you up to a solar powered generator.

[Good news in a literal sea of mediocre news. The last bit is probably meant to be slightly funny. Because it sounds like a funny mental image to him, at least.]

[Then he grimaces. And scrubs his talons over his face.]

Right. You are tech. Ask a stupid question...

[forwearemany]

Affirmative. (Having to spend sizeable amounts of time charging at a generator would be inefficient. Provided such a generator could even be located.)

Our answer was logical.

(And as usual, it's impossible to determine whether the smartassery is accidental or intentional.)

[thearchangel]

Yeah. Yeah, it was.

[Yet again, he wishes Shepard were here. Shepard could understand the nuances of Legion... well. Maybe not perfectly, but better.]

Welcome aboard this crazy world, Legion. It's good to see you.

Turtle Push

[trustfallen]

[Therion is not really here to watch the turtles; he's here to case the crowd and lighten their pockets. Buuuut, he's not immune to spectacle, so he's just standing there for a moment at the back of the crowd, on his tip toes to see over the shoulder of someone in front of him to just watch this weird nonsense, as someone has just fed their chosen turtle a spicy pepper, and now the turtle is making weird noises and outright charging at its slower opponent! Wild!

Then the person in front of him takes a step back, so Therion rocks back onto his heels and also moves back lest he get knocked over, and that's when he sees the tall metal thing???? coming towards him. The thief freezes, wide-eyed for a moment as he stares, giving Legion a once over. That is some weird looking armor (he assumes), but he's seen some weird looking people around, so honestly at this point, who is he to judge?

Then it speaks, and it's a word Therion has only ever heard Cyrus use, so he immediately assumes that whoever's in this armor is some sort of bookworm or scholar or something like that. Great. Craning his neck to look up at what he can only presume is where this guy's head is, Therion braces himself for something long-winded or esoteric.]

... yeah?

[forwearemany]

(You sure that's armor, Therion? Look more closely, see the digitigrade structure of the legs, the partially patched hole going straight through their chest to reveal mostly hollow insides. The little dangling tubes deep within that sparkle with tiny lights along them like hundreds of miniature stars.

Listen to the way their voice buzzes and clicks, more machine than Human.

They turn their head towards the ongoing turtle battle.)

What is the purpose of this ritual?

[trustfallen]

[The more he looks, and the more words he hears, the less sure he is about the armor thing, and -- especially as something glittering catches his eye and he gives that hole a closer look. What the hell...?]

Uh...

[There is a full second before Therion properly replies, as his brain has to catch up to what was just asked, because he's staring at that opening now, mesmerized but also absolutely baffled. He's seen automatons made of magic-infused rock and empty suits of armor brought to life with enchantments before, but absolutely nothing like this.

But wait right words. Ritual. Purpose. He blinks and forces himself to glance sideways at the crowd, though he can't keep his eyes away for long, and even as he speaks, he's looking right back at Legion and ... whatever's going on there.]

Just for fun, I think. [Watch him be wrong and there be some deep cultural significance to turtle wrestling.] Maybe profit, if anyone's betting on the side.

[He knows he should probably stop staring. Act normal. He hates it when people notice and stare at his own scar - it's why he keeps his hair over half his face, after all. But his bad eye doesn't have little lights in it.]

[forwearemany]

(If he leans in close or tries to touch they'll take a step back, but otherwise Legion will just politely ignore the staring. It's far from the rudest thing an organic has said or done.

They look down at themself to make sure there isn't anything actually wrong that's catching his attention, then turn their head back to the turtle fight. Their headflaps give a little ripple.)

Analysis of local legends suggest turtles are revered, seen as taking part in the creation of the world. Using them for sport is not demeaning?

[trustfallen]

[Ok yeah, this .... whatever this is is definitely getting pegged as a scholar in Therion's mental catalogue, knowing things about local legends and pondering the implications like this.]

Hmm. [He makes a noncommittal noise as the pepper-raging turtle gives its opponent a hard shove closer to the edge. Do turtles have a sense of honor or pride such that they'd feel demeaned by this? This is something he has absolutely never given any thought before.] Dunno. Guess it depends on if the turtles actually care about being revered.

[forwearemany]

(Error. That's not quite what they meant. Consensus: clarification is necessary.)

It is not considered demeaning by those who hold these beliefs?

(Clearly not by all of them but you'd surely expect some to be offended by the practice.

Though perhaps, if the turtles do not mind, neither do those who revere them.

They turn back to watch the fight. That pepper-raging turtle really seems to be into this. Perhaps the turtles... enjoy it?)

[trustfallen]

[Oh. In retrospect, maybe it should've been obvious that the fella was talking about the locals, but then again, the focus of everything in this festival seems to be on the turtles themselves. In any case, this still isn't a question Therion has given any thought to.]

Uh... if it is, they're keeping it to themselves. [A pause as the unpeppered turtle manages to rally a little, though it may be too little too late, as close to the edge of the arena as it is! It's still enough to prompt a new ripple of cheering through the crowd.] I'd bet you five leaves no one who put together these matches gave it that much thought, though. Someone probably saw two turtles pushing each other around, thought it looked fun, and then made it a bit more organized.

[Like any other weird small-town festival tradition, he imagines.]

[forwearemany]

(They lift a headflap, letting out an awkward burst of chatter. Leaves?

That is an unfamiliar currency.

Still, the rest of the explanation checks out given what they know of organics.)

Acknowledged.

(They turn back to watch the fight, though they do not join in the cheering.)

[trustfallen]

[Therion waits for a beat or two, half-expecting another question. But... nope. That's it. It's kinda nice, actually. For his part, the thief is content to go back to watching the match in silence, balancing on his toes and craning his neck to see around and over other people as best he can.

The two turtles are locked together, now, neither giving way. The pepper-rager slips back an inch or two, and the cheers rise in volume -- but then it rallies and with a loud bellow, it surges forward and all but flips its opponent out of the ring, at last claiming victory as the crowd goes wild!

For his part, Therion merely reacts with a muted:] Huh.

[That's that, then. Will the knowledge of what peppers do to turtles here ever come in handy? Who knows.

Glancing up at Legion, he lifts a hand in something resembling a wave.]

Well, see you around, I guess.

[Tempting as it remains to ask about that hole or even what, exactly, this being is, he's not sure how they'd react. Best to just avoid the risk of causing a scene or at least making someone angry when he still has "work" to do. Not that Legion had given the impression of someone quick to offense, but well... you never know.

So unless Legion has any parting words, Therion will turn and vanish off into the crowd.]