« 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

Sherlock Holmes | Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened (2023) | Paladin

[astudyinviolet]

Eltrut: Turtle whisperer and hatching:

[ Like on Norhpip, Sherlock ends up on some sort duty related to watching over the hatching turtle eggs. He will come to the aid of anything that comes to attack them. (He does feel a little conflicted about the crabs which come looking for a meal.) However, notably he avoids getting too close to the ocean's edge. Day or night, he seems to be there. Sherlock doesn't only guard the eggs. He tells the nest a story of brave Toby the Dog, having already been told to stop reading scientific articles to them. Even he has to admit that the turtle hatchlings seem to enjoy hearing about Toby over chemistry experiments. ]

Eltrut: Flower leis and seashell necklaces:

[ For someone who claims to be moved only by music, Sherlock helps to make flower leis. He does have an unconscious bias towards the purple flowers even as he adds different ones to the leis for contrast or meaning (provided he can actually identify the flower). As he moves across the beach, he looks for shells far from the water's edge. Sherlock doesn't understand how a washed up shell could protect someone from bad omens. It sounds like a pointless superstition, but then he feels the bangle around his wrist and the charm at his neck. One the items has already protected him. Maybe there is something to this. Still, Sherlock can't add any protective magic to a seashell necklace just by stringing a shell or many together. Is he missing something? ]

Eltrut: but related to Rotagcorc happenings

cw: for Cthulhu related trauma, detachment from reality, panic and fears over madness

[ When the distress call goes out and the chaos starts to happen, Sherlock feels himself start to lose grip on what he perceives, and his mind palace seeps into reality. It's easier to distract himself when he only has to handle a single leviathan, but now there are many leviathans: Elah creating that giant wave, Nogard swimming around, Krahs being spotted.... Sherlock isn't even sure if he catches sight of any of other leviathans out on the horizon or if news of what's happening paints a clear enough picture in his mind. That image warps into a massive winged creature with tentacles and glowing eyes rising from abyssal waters. The Abyss calls out to Sherlock. The landscape loses all color and becomes composed in illogical, impossible ways.

Despite the relative peace on Eltrut, Sherlock trembles. No, not again. He's been doing so well hiding his lapses in sanity. Everyone will know how mad he truly is. No one will want anything to do with him. He'll have no worth at all. Who wants to trust a detective who can't fully tell what's real? He might even be locked up. Sherlock has to find some place out of the way to compose himself. Or maybe Sherlock just thinks he's found a secluded area and is actually hunched over with knees to his chest against a wall in plain sight. He can't tell. His grey eyes are clouded over as if he's been blinded, and he starts mumbling random phrases. ]

Nothing is everything. We are so small... inconsequential. A shadow in the dark... A bubble in the wave. The waters rise, fall, inverted from the sky...

[ Help him. Lend a shoulder to steady him. Call out his name. Tether him back to reality. ]

Wildcard

[ Want to do something else? Write a prompt or drop me a line at Sherry's journal, aviekokyre, or on Discord @ aviekokyre and we can plot something out. ]

Sherry no... :( [Related to Rotagcorc]

[treebornekettlegirl]

[Everything was chaotic. Chaos was something she was used to, but so many large beings all at once, even she can see how that'd be overwhelming to some. It wouldn't surprise her if some people turned tail and ran by now. Or, as she sees with the detective, going into nervous fits and going in the fetal position. Oh geez.

Ranma stepped over to check on the man, see if she can't try to calm him down but... The thousand-yard stare to his eyes, the incoherent non-sequiturs leaving his mouths, this wasn't just mild panic.]

Yo! Sherlock, yoo-hoo! Get up!

[She waved her hand in his face, trying to get him to get up on his own before she did anything rash. She couldn't tell if it was something done to him as a result of the battle or environment (like those accursed shrooms) or if this was something else.]

[astudyinviolet]

[ Sherlock doesn't react to the hand waved in his face. His eyes don't even blink. They just stay as clouded as they were before. ]

The old texts extend, stolen, freed. We warp and multiply. Tendrils run through our bodies. Ink, blood, light upon a mirror...

[ Sherlock doesn't have the words to describe what he sees. They make no sense. They make perfect sense. Everything gnaws at his very core in grotesque beauty, horror. Burns. Pulls. Submerge. Too much. Too much. Too much. ]

[treebornekettlegirl]

[... Okay, the detective's gone shell-shocked. This is fine. She knows how to handle this. She doesn't. Can't leave him here like a sitting duck when there's an active threat going on.]

Alright ace detective, alley-oop!

[Ranma attempted to heft Sherlock over her shoulder. He wasn't all that heavy to her, but she can't be sure if he isn't going to start going crazy and kick her from being picked up like this. Either way, she's holding onto him and running off to find somewhere less hectic.]

Battle of getting picked up - Shounen Heroes: 2, Sherlock Holmes: 0

[astudyinviolet]

[ The world seems to lurch Sherlock to the side causing him to fall, fall, fall... but the movement in concert with speaking also jostles something in Sherlock. He reaches for whatever thread of lucidity he can, no matter how thin.

(Thankfully, none of this results in him thrashing or actually grasping for something. He's eerily limp instead.) ]

John?!

[ Most times when Sherlock lost himself this deeply, John had been his tether back to reality. Or the sound of his typewriter. No, no. John's not here. ]

... I-Is someone there?

rip in pepperoni sherry

[treebornekettlegirl]

[Were it not for the fact he was still talking, Ranma would've thought he'd up and died by the way he went limp. The things he's saying though are... better? They weren't complete stuff and nonsense she couldn't make heads or tails of. That's progress!

If Sherlock regained some lucidity, he'll find the ground under him trailing faster and faster by the second.]

It's just me. No Johns here. Tryin' to find a good spot away from that mess back there.

[astudyinviolet]

[ A young woman's voice, somewhat familiar but not so much that he can place it to a name. Concentrate, Sherlock. On something. It ends up being the rhythmic footfall that Sherlock focuses on. A logical pattern, something he can name, hear, even feel as he's bounced along in Ranma's over-the-shoulder hold.

Without much warning, Sherlock's body tenses as he snaps out of his detachment with a startled gasp. He tries to steady himself, but he finds himself in an orientation he didn't expect. ]

What--Put me down!

[ Again?! How does this happen twice? If Ranma should look at Sherlock's eyes, they are clear grey once more, no longer clouded as if blinded. ]

[treebornekettlegirl]

[She wouldn't be able to considering she's carrying him over her shoulder like a sack of potatoes. The moment he gave the demand though, she put him down... And by that, I mean dropping him on his back. Thankfully not so roughly, but it probably didn't feel too pleasant after being trapped in his own delusions.]

I was trying to get you to somewhere calmer to snap you outta your funk. You wouldn't get up, so I had to do the next best thing.

[That glossy look to his eyes had disappeared. Ranma must've done something right here! Score one for her, zero for whatever the hell happened to Sherlock!]

[astudyinviolet]

[ Ranma has no idea that Sherlock saw and experienced worse in his delusions than falling a short distance to the ground. In fact, his fall is even cushioned by the Trustfaller bangle on his wrist. He sits up but doesn't force himself to stand quite yet. Sherlock is still very disoriented and trying to piece together what he actually sees. ]

You have my thanks for putting me down upon the first request.

[ He can at the very least say that. That much is certain. ]

[treebornekettlegirl]

[That's a relief. She wasn't really in any mood to hear him mouth off about the big deal of dropping him like a bag of hammers. Most people tend to do that when she drops them. Though Sherlock didn't appear to be in the best state to say anything, much less complain.

Ranma decided to take out a water bottle she had stored away with her key, handing it off to the disheveled detective. Something to wet his whistle might help him recover, right?]

Think nothing of it. If ya' don't mind me asking, what happened back there? Nerves got the better of you?

i'm sorry for kimmuriel being like this (eltrut/rotagcorc)

[psionicmolotov]

[ This man is radiating Intensely Terrible Brain Vibes and it's giving him a headache just sensing him, which he finds deeply irritating so he is going to Fix The Problem (which means making him stop doing that). ]

Yes, that is what happens when you exist in anything bigger than a room. I do not see why this is such a difficult topic, unless you are deeply egotistical. [ He reaches out to touch Sherlock's forehead with a frown when he sees that the man's eyes are clouded and unseeing. ]

[ ooc: if you don't wanna fuck around with kimmuriel's psychic mindreading + mind-touch powers etc, please let me know! i'm totally fine with taking the thread in another direction o7 ]

I'm sorry for Sherlock being like this

[astudyinviolet]

[[ ooc: I've responded to Kimmuriel's permission post, but it's more like does Kimmuriel want to be blasted by Cthulhu and cultist horrors along with seeing a touch of what a mortal shouldn't perceive? Normally, it wouldn't be as strong, but like this, I imagine it's like being punched in the face by Cthulhu. ]]

[ Sherlock does not see the man approaching him. He doesn't hear him either. He is lost in a bleak world filled with jagged rocks which jut up from the ground and float in the sky. The sky itself is filled with stars, planets, galaxies all impossibly close. The air reeks of blood and ocean and rot. A lighthouse in the distance shines an eerie light upon shipwrecks. Chants and whispers in another language echo from places unseen. The land he stands on is floating above dark waters where something, someone sleeps in the Abyss. The Abyss calls for him. Fall into those dark waters. ]

Woe betide those who glimpse it. Walk away. Let the unknown be.

[psionicmolotov]

[[ooc: he's actually super cosy with a mindflayer colony/hivemind in his own canon and has some fucked up trauma surrounding forcible connections to a hivemind at a young age! so while Cthulhu Bullshit would still be like weird for him and I don't want to no-sell the effects (he's still gonna have a bad time) I think he'd at least have an easier time navigating it/it would feel more dangerous/really painful than totally mind-breaking horror. Does that sound ok? ]]

[ This is an unusual mental landscape, that much is certain. They're not usually so vivid, nor does he see them as this vivid, but this...vision? Memory? seems to override all attempts at order.

It's an unsettling feeling. The world swirls around him, whispering, beckoning him deeper into the...whatever this is. It reminds him of the sickness and madness that comes onto others with faezress poisoning, that shattering of reality, and that alone puts him on edge. It may get worse - it may not - but he wants to make this quick.

It's far too chaotic. He ought to find the source - at least the mind, to himn, pulls towards its anchor even in this case.

Once he finds the man, he has no qualms in just...pinching him?? ]

You should take your own advice.

[astudyinviolet]

[[ ooc: If you think he'd be able to handle it for the most part, then that's fine by me! ]]

[ This mental landscape may not be all his own. These were things Sherlock had never seen before embarking on his last case back home. His nightmares were once normal by human standards. And despite everything, Sherlock is a regular human. (Just one with a mental defense blown wide open.)

Sherlock doesn't wake from the pinch inside his mind. He's faced greater pain and deaths at the hands of this world. What it does do is alert Sherlock to the intrusion. ]

Wh-Who are you?!

[ He stops mumbling nonsense and jumps back, away from this stranger. Only once before did he meet another in this space, and that was the Light of the Abyss. It was not a pleasant experience to learn more about the Great Lord. ]

[psionicmolotov]

A stranger. [ Like that's not obvious. He still retains his old appearance, so he doesn't look human at all. ] You were catatonic and unresponsive, so I decided to see what was afflicting your mind.

You have some strange dreams. [ He takes in the strange landscape. ] I assume this is not your normal state?

[astudyinviolet]

[ What is normal for Sherlock anymore? His nightmares weren't always so strong, his hallucinations so horrific. They are now with no end on the horizon. The past few years have been anything but what he would once call normal. For better and worse.

He remains wary and tries to keep a distance between him and this stranger. He already doesn't like that he hasn't been given a name. ]

Get out of my head! I won't have my mind torn asunder even further!

[ Although, Sherlock doesn't what he can to make someone leave his head. His mental prowess does not extend into this realm. ]

Flower leis and seashell necklaces

[dragoonoflight]

[ Dion happens to be walking along the beach nearby. He finds a broken shell, which obviously doesn’t suit the purpose but- ]

I’m not entirely sure this has any magical properties.

[ Or does it...? ]

[astudyinviolet]

[ Sherlock finds a shell which might have worked had someone not already stepped on it. He still collects the pieces. Perhaps the shell could be pasted back together. Parts of shells are used for necklace embellishments. ]

The requirements for this task are vague. Shiny could be accomplished with polishing, and pretty is subjective.

[dragoonoflight]

[ The man definitely has a point. ]

Alas, I have no real experience in polishing shells or determining which are good or not.

[astudyinviolet]

The only thing we can do for it is to find some shells which could fit the broadest requirements along with something specific.

[ Which means they need to find completely intact shells. Sherlock looks around the beach area. If he refuses to venture into the water, then where could whole shells be located? ]

Have you tried looking in the beach vegetation? Some shells may have washed up that far and gotten caught.

[dragoonoflight]

[ Dion agrees with a bit of a nod. ] It’s a bit difficult without direction on shape or colour when there are so many options. The instructions were not terribly clear to me.

[ He can’t say he hasn’t been at sea now, he has, but he hasn’t spent time on the beach much. ]

I have not looked, allow me to focus my attention in that direction.

[astudyinviolet]

[ Sherlock follows and kneels down in the sand. He uses his hand like a shovel to brush away the sand near the stems. The sand feels coarser here, so perhaps.... He begins to make a pile of larger debris. Some of the shell fragments appear to be larger than what he has found previously. ]

This is promising. What of your area?

[dragoonoflight]

I may be onto one. [ Dion can see something strange poking out of the sand and using his hand he brushes it aside.

He’s lucky that he was still wearing his gauntlets because this shell happened to be occupied by a small creature with pincers that decided to give his armor a run for its money. Fortunately, Dion is the victor, but he lets out a surprised yelp. ]

....Nevermind.

[astudyinviolet]

[ Abandoning his search for now, he straightens up and looks toward Dion. ]

Are you all right? What happened?

[ To be honest, Sherlock is less thinking injury (as the man is wearing gauntlets) and more that he found something alarming. ]

[dragoonoflight]

Ah, nothing, I was surprised. [ Dion chuckles a little bit. ]

I wasn't expecting the shell to contain a creature. [ He's correct, there's no injury. ]