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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 received invitations from the mods can actually reserve on June 24th and apply on July 1st. Our EMP/ATP can be found here.

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, 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 June 16th 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 question about the TDM, comment here. If you have questions about the game in general, please comment to the Game Info.

TOPLEVEL DIRECTORY (Updated Month 06/19)

GETTING STARTED

This section can be timed for any time after June 16th 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 maindeck. 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 get the rowboat 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.

LATROMMI

Latrommi, a beautiful, lush heart-shaped island renowned for its beautiful beaches and perfect weather, making it the perfect paradise for romantic getaways. When docking on Latrommi travelers are greeted with a small beachside town that has been built into the side of the beach and tropical mountainscape. Boardwalks, wooden bridges and ladders connect the shops and buildings for a nice walking experience. There are shops, taverns, rooms for rent, bard performances and more. The town also boasts of their special coffee or wine bath spa that is said to put some pep back into your step too. Although there is a discount promotion currently in place, those who wish to stay at the beachfront resort can also opt to help locals as a way to "pay" for their stay.

Exploring any of the beaches on the island is encouraged! But there are some warnings to be wary about while exploring the sandy beaches. Some of the beaches are rumored to make people feel like they are ten years younger while some of the beaches make them feel as if they are ten years older. No one knows how these time lapses affect the body and mind. But other than that, enjoy some of the simpler beaches that are just fun in the sun and seashell collecting all day long, no strings attached. Don’t forget the swimsuit!

🐤 Bird watching. Like many tropical islands, Latrommi is home to hundreds of exotic bird species. They are colorful as they are magnificent and range from common sights to rarer species like the Golden Seagull. Anyone savvy to bird watching can pick up a sticker book and try to mark off and collect each one. Some say if one is able to spot the Rainbow Huma Bird, one of the legendary guardians of the island, they will be granted a month’s worth of luck and love.
🐗 Some beasties. The island is home to several land and water creatures that aren’t found on other islands or leviathans as well. People are welcome to try their hand at capturing a cute blanket octopus that will snuggly wrap around their body, fish up a blood-sucking vampire squid that is apparently a tasty delicacy, or fight off some aggressive goblin sharks. Or take a crack at hunting down one of the many wild boars in the area that have massive tusks as sharp as swords.
⛲ Beauty pools. Various pools of water are scattered all over the island that seem to have a healing property to them. Many of them will rejuvenate skin or energize the body after a nice long soak. Anyone who takes a dip will feel smooth and hydrated after a swim in one of the many mineral pools or exfoliated and fresh after a soak in one of the mud baths too. Soak it up!
🐚 Hidden cove. Scattered around the island are small, hidden coves just waiting to be uncovered. They haven’t been explored in years so they could be rich in old treasures to find. Go digging and find ancient coins, rare shiny seashells or a hidden cache of special pirate’s rum. Some might even have buried gemstones that can be found. Or maybe a fancy relic or two?
🐴 Male seahorses. In this world, seahorses are horses that can be ridden like mounts in the sea. Around this time of the year, the male seahorses that have given birth to their babies have now migrated to Latrommi to grow and thrive. The waters are littered with hundreds of baby seahorses that can be played with in the ocean water. Play with them or teach them to become rideable mounts themselves. Or just give them snacks of shrimp and fish.

For those who wish to have a bit more privacy, be it for a romantic tryst or just somewhere peaceful to relax, there are a number of places one can find. Beaches, coves, grottos, groves, even caves in the mountain side. While there are wild animals, there are not too many aggressive beasts, so just take the usual care when venturing through. There are also a number of private cabins and cabanas that one can find. Some are for rent, some free to use, and some already occupied so be sure to knock!

Strangely enough, small and rare flower patches of Ethereal Emberblooms also appear on the island. Odd because the flowers themselves should only be able to survive on Elah. So, how did they get here? Sadly, they will wither and die by the end of the month.

FYRE FESTIVAL

Ever since the first sighting, Latrommi hosts the Fyre Festival every June, an event in tribute to their patron and mythical bird, the quetzal, Eternia. It is said that he will bless any marriage on this island, and anyone who sees the end of the Festival with a feather in their hand will be gifted by Eternia with eternal love and a happy family. That is what makes June the most popular month for weddings, and couples—both human and even inter-species!— from far and wide visit Latrommi not only to celebrate, but to wed with the hopes that Eternia will smile down upon their union.

The festival boasts all kinds of activities to try out with a friend or even a loved one, with different food stalls available to try out the local delicacies. Be careful, the Latrommians love their food spicy! There is also beer and grog available along the beaches and in many of the seaside taverns.

To kick off the festivities this year, the people of Latrommi are putting on a stage play about a recent tale of love and betrayal that has been going around, based on the newest hit that all the bards are singing across the land: Tempest Hearts. It is a story of two lovers, Karura, the Queen of Harpies and Indra, the Lord of Lightning who have recently had a bit of a spat, and their fight has taken them out to sea where they create violent storms.

Tempest Hearts, a Tale of Two Gods:

In the world where the sky meets the sea,
A love once prospered, fiery and free.
Karura, Queen of Wind and Flight,
And Indra, Lord of Lightning's might.

So in love, she would grow wings,
With every kiss, the winds would sing.
But whispers of betrayal spread,
Karura’s heart was filled with dread.

Indra, with a heart so true,
His love like thunder, a spark that grew.
He sought to shield her from the fray,
But fate’s cruel hand pushed her away.

Over the ocean, a fight so fierce,
The skies do roar, the seas do pierce.
Karura’s tears in stormy squalls,
Indra’s fury, thunder calls.

Misunderstood, his noble quest,
To guard his love, his very best.
But wounds of doubt and sorrow deep,
Turned love to storms that do not sleep.

Yet truth was found within the stars,
Their hearts began to heal the scars,
Karura saw his love so pure,
And Indra’s heart, she did secure.

Oh, tempest hearts, once torn apart,
Now healed by love, a brand new start.
Across the ocean’s endless blue,
Their journey ends in love renewed.

Their hands entwined, the storm did cease,
A love reborn, their souls at peace.
Begone the wind and lightning's feud,
Their love now calm, forever true.

So sail the seas, oh mariners brave,
For now the winds and waves behave.
In skies once stormy, clear and bright,
Rest Karura and Indra, in love's flight.

Throughout the festival, those with acting chops may be asked to take to the stage and act out their rendition of this story, and improvisation is more than encouraged! Take on the role of Karura or Indra and help spin this tale of betrayal and love renewed with a partner.

🦚 Feather exchange. When the festival begins, all festival goers are given a single blue feather. This feather is meant to signify a bond between two people when given to someone else. By the end of the festival, give this feather to another person to express that they mean something special, either platonically or romantically. Just remember, each participant is only given one blue feather to give to someone else.
💍 Wedding/Couples rings. Whether looking for something nice or needing them for a wedding, there is a current special on matching rings for couples! However, little do people know, they have been enchanted to fuse together, forcing people to hold hands. The only way to get them off? Exchange heartfelt vows to one another.
💥 Coal walking. One of the many challenges during the festival is barefooted coal walking! Resist the heat and walk across a bed of hot coals, and even try partnering up with someone to see how fast the challenge can be completed together. Alternatively, races are encouraged! No cheating with special abilities allowed!
👗 Corset competition. Any pirate worth their salt knows how to fashion and wear a corset. This year, there is a little competition to see who can tie a corset the tightest and wear it the longest without passing out. They can be tied solo or around a partner. Get those strings pulled and cinch in those ribs. Just don’t forget to breathe. Alternatively, those who have survived the corset tying competition could try the corset untying competition too. People are now challenged to get them off as fast as possible. No tools or tricks are allowed to be used. Only hands, toes and mouth. Animal folk are more than welcome to use their claws too.
🍰 Cake eating. There is a cake-eating contest to see who can eat the most cake, but with a twist! Partners must feed each other cake at the same time, so pair up and see who can eat more to win! Or just enjoy eating the free cake with someone.
🐦Hot ones. Sit down with a partner for this test on the stomach. The challenge is to eat a massive plate of spicy hot wings! The catch is that each time their partner is to eat an increasingly spicier hot wing, they must answer a question about themselves first. Ask a question, eat more spicy hot wings, and see who can last the longest without crying or dying for a mug of milk.

Like many festivals, there is a plethora of music and dance to participate in. Grab a partner and dance the night away, or participate in a dance partner swap where everyone is swapped with a random dance partner they might have never met before. There is also ribbon dancing where partners are tied together using a long red ribbon. Once they are all tangled up the ribbon will only completely loosen and untie once the pair manages to share a kiss on the mouth or the cheek, or if they confess a special thought to one another. Finally, for those who want something a little more exciting, fire dancing is a traditional dance where dancers take up long staves that are lit on both ends with torch-fire. Use these staves to dance and move to the music, creating an intricate glow of firelight in the night.

WEDDING WRECKERS

ALL PROMPTS IN THIS SECTION ARE WORTH 4 PTS.

While Latrommi wishes everyone their beautiful "happily ever after," there are those who wish the opposite, either jealous of those who manage to find their happiness or just revel in the chaos and thrill of ruining the lives of others. Thus wedding crashers have always been a problem, leading to increased security over the years.

However, this year there is a group called Captain Salt's Lonely Hearts Crew that has gone beyond simple disruption to outright bride and groom kidnapping. Some are done for ransom, others have a personal vendetta towards the couples. So far all victims have been rescued unharmed, but there is a fear that things could turn for the worst. Already there have been reported murders and attacks on those suspected of having affairs or adultery on their loved ones, and Captain Salt's crew is high on the list of suspects.

Various operations are underway to try and undermine the group as well as find the ringleaders and put a stop to it once and for all. This will require as much help from both Paladins and Corsairs as possible. However, there is tension between the two groups as Paladins suspect the Corsairs for the more heinous crimes while Corsairs counter this smells like something an overzealous justice loving Paladin would do.

IMPORTANT NOTE: while the prompts are written in the perspective of people helping save the victims, it is possible for characters to deliberately cause chaos. Whether they are for the Lonely Hearts Crew's cause or just want to mess with people, they can serve as antagonists for the prompts instead instead.

OPERATION: FAKE WEDDING. To try and capture those involved, volunteers are asked to either switch with real, targeted couples or host elaborate fake weddings. Some may have both individuals or only have one replaced with a fake. All replacements will try to look as close to the original as possible, but to help with the brides, they will have long, thick veils to help obscure their faces. For fake grooms, they will have hats or temporary magical glamor. Those who wish to act as security will also be disguised as attending guests or staff.

👗 Dress your best. Of course, no one will be getting through this without dressing their absolute best. While the tailors would prefer if the outfits are not destroyed, they see this as an advertisement opportunity and will dress volunteers into their dream dress or suit. No one will leave until they say "yes" to that dress!
🍰 Surprise cake. One "hiding" spot a guard may try to use is a fake wedding cake. Hidden in a large box disguised as an elaborate six-tiered wedding cake, it's the perfect place to spring out the moment trouble arrives. Just be careful because some may be fooled and try to take a stab for a slice.
💐 Flower toss. The flowers are enchanted to burst into different colored paint to help mark disruptors should they be jostled or knocked over. …And anyone else for that matter. No one said this was the best idea.
⚔️ Vicious engagements. Once the would-be wedding crashers and kidnappers appear, the silk gloves are off and weapons are out! Try and capture as many as possible to be taken in for interrogation.

OPERATION: RESCUE. While it's ideal to stop anyone from getting kidnapped at all, there are some who are assigned to be deliberately taken. In this situation, the kidnapped will have a small, special feather attached to their outfit in some way that can be released to discreetly fly off and release an "SOS" flare of sorts. Just be careful as they will be taken deep into the surrounding forest, sometimes even as far as the mountains or out to sea…

🔍 Follow the signal. Upon seeing the flare, volunteers of the rescue group must now venture through the island and find the target location. Upon reaching the location, it's time to clear out the villains and capture them to return for proper punishments. However…
⁉️ Rescued affair!? Some of these acts of bride- or groomnapping is actually a twisted gesture of "romance" from the kidnapper, wishing to steal them away either to save them from an undesired marriage or a one last desperate attempt to win them over. Some are genuine with pure feelings and revelations of marriage, the victim wishing to flee with their secret lover. Others are clearly mad and the victim wants nothing to do with them. Perhaps there's an even bigger story. Will the rescuers help? Or stick with the job?
🏃 Escape. Forget waiting to be rescued, if it's possible to break out and deal with the kidnappers and escape, there's no one to stop them. Maybe there are other victims from previous kidnappings there that need help or could assist.

OPERATION: INFILTRATION. For those who want to try their hand and infiltrate Captain Salt's Lonely Crew, then they must somehow convince the members they want in. Or just volunteer like a mercenary and be paid for it. All they have to do is express disgust or anger towards weddings and they're pretty much in. A sob story filled with heartbreak will do, too. Note: these prompts can tie in to the other sections.

🗡️ Affair most foul. Rather than crash weddings, some are assigned to attack, even kill certain individuals who are said to be committing affairs or adultery. The problem is there is little evidence to prove it and the descriptions of the targets are vague at best. This results in mistaken identities. (Player options are 1) commit to the assignment and attack the target; 2) try and save the target; 3) be mistaken as the target.)
🎻 Bad Boy/Girl Band. One group uses enchanted instruments to either freeze or put everyone to sleep. Destroy the instruments without giving away their true identity.
🥷 "Kidnapping." Knowing the intended target, those who have infiltrated the group can try and reach the target first and prevent them from being taken.
🛑 Words of persuasion. Perhaps the salty crew members can be persuaded away from crashing a wedding. Is the one leading the crash someone whose heart was broken by one of the couples? Do they have a personal vendetta? Or is there another story here?

Those looking into the murders will also be tasked in finding and recovering missing bodies, though this will not be for the faint of heart. Some clearly were personal and quite gruesome. As for any bases or hideouts used for the kidnappings, once found permission is granted to destroy whatever is there and bring in all members. There are many of them, with clues to where Captain Salt's location is… However, Captain Salt will remain elusive for a time. For now, any clues to who and where Captain Salt could possibly go will be collected (player submission).

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.

The Shiny Exchange

Eltrut

The Crow's Nest, a group of local corsairs working out of Eltrut, is planning a unique get-together where everyone dresses up as crows by wearing all black and bringing their best shiny trinkets to the mini event. Inspired by a local folklore hero—a crow version of Robin Hood—the event will honor the person with the best shiny trinket with the title of Crow Hero. Gather together with other crows and trade shiny trinkets to your heart's desire. While there can be multiple winners of who has the best shiny trinkets, only the person with the shiniest items of all can be the Crow Hero. Feel free to play puzzle games and card games with other local crows as well, it's all about meeting with the locals.

Sacabuffbaspis

Everywhere

The sacabambaspis fish is very popular in and around all the islands and leviathans. Lately, it appears someone has been making a mass amount of sacabambaspis merchandise including mugs, keychains, stuffed plush toys and painted posters of the strange-looking fish. But someone has also put up several paper posters of a very muscular and beefy looking sacabambaspis man all over the place which has deterred the fish's popularity (or in some cases made it more "popular" with certain groups of people with certain tastes...). Help the shopkeepers by taking down the buff-looking posters of the sacabambaspis man so that the sacabambaspis fish can retain its wholesome image. Unfortunately, the more posters you take down, the more get put up but... Do your best anyway.

That Much Hoppier

Naughtilust

Hasn't anyone ever told you not to lick toads and frogs? There's a strange trend going around Naughtilust where brothel goers have started to lick special frogs for the delightful little buzz it gives the licker. Licking these special frogs tastes like candy but the happy and hallucinogenic effects that come from licking the frogs is what everyone is after. If you lick a frog you might feel like rocks are popping in your mouth or you'll be able to see colors start to change or swap. Most importantly, it makes the licker feel so, so happy. So happy that you could kiss anyone! Dance with anyone! Strip off your clothes and jump in the ocean! Anyone on Naughtilust is more than welcome to try licking frogs to see what will happen to them. It'll only cost you a small amount of coins to do it.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Latrommi

Bird Watching

[ Reno isn't out here trying to watch the birds. He was, actually, on duty, providing a helping hand to investigate the ongoing issues with the weddings. He was just out on the beach getting a lay of the land while eating a breakfast sandwich.

Trotting, hopping, and fluttering along behind Reno was a small flock of seagulls, all watching the redhead like sharks in the water.

Reno seemed to be aware of all the seagulls following him, as well, since he was walking rather briskly, looking something between annoyed and slightly unnerved to have a bunch of birds ready to mob him.

Once or twice he turned to kick sand at them with a shout, which did have them scattering! But they came right back after five minutes or so, cackling at him with their haunting squawks.

Not long after that, an actual golden seagull would swoop in close, flapping and screeching in Reno's face. Said redhead took a few swings at the bird, swiping at the wings and trying to toss it aside with a string of curses. ]

Ah--hey! Son of a bitch--Get off of me!

HEY!

[ The seagull had snatched the breakfast sandwich from his hand and spluttered off in a flurry of golden feathers, only to land--mockingly--a few meters away from Reno while it choked down the stolen goods. After finishing off the sandwich, it smoothed its feathers and looked back at Reno, cocking its head at the redhead with a few golden feathers sticking from his hair and sleeve. ]

You piece of shit!

[ He had already reached into his coat and snapped his magrod open.

Fuck that bird. ]

Beauty Pools

[ The sun had long since gone down, and it only being the first night on the island with its festivities, the patrons were still caught in the supposed lull before the storm--including Reno.

Reno was no stranger to long weeks of travel for assignments and less-than-stellar conditions. He knew what being in the thick of it meant, and his time here could hardly compare to the situations he'd survived back home. But even so, he wouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth, and could thus be found first in one of the mud baths, relaxing against the lip of the pool with his arms stretched out to either side of him along the edge. His head likewise was tilted back and resting on a rolled up towel, and there was, of course, cucumbers over his eyes. Because of course there was.

With some mud also on his cheeks, forehead, and nose, the only real give-away of who it was being the puff of red hair and long ponytail.

There was, also, a nice cocktail(with a little umbrella!) loosely in one of his hands, and a tray of snacks he had been picking at.

Feel free to join--or bully--him! ]

Hidden Cove

Woah woah, hold on, yo--

[ They had been following the remains of a scuffle that had gone cold--likely a result of the waves washing over the sand and erasing where the trail and dipped closer to the ocean's edge. While sniffing around for clues that might put them back on the trail, Reno had spotted a jagged opening in a cliffside, a little further up the beach. ]

If that doesn't scream 'hideout' fuck if I know what does. What d'you say?

Cabana

[ Reno wasn't much of a fan of sitting for hours in the sun given his pale complexion, but he was still determined to enjoy being at a resort, even if he was working. He'd agreed to assist a few individuals in particular, as well as run general security for a short list of events at the venue--just so he didn't have to spend a pretty penny for his stay here.

He was straddling a cushioned lounge chair. In front of him, on the foot of the long chair, was a notebook with notes and layouts scribbled in. A few pages of dates and venues, a few pages of names that seemed divided into separate lists.

It was just simple homework, really. He was researching nothing particularly special in a very plain cabana, but anyone that had decided to work alongside him was welcome to relax in the shade with him.

Reno even had a club sandwich in one hand hand, with another still resting on a platter off to the side for whomever he was assigned with. And, after swallowing down his bite, he licked across his lips and went back to jotting down notes. ]

Shit, about time. 'You wanna hand me that notebook over there? I got this place to give me all the approved catering companies for the weddings.

Fyre Festival

Couples Rings

[ Sales people were insidious and inscrutable. Absolutely tenacious tacticians that he never particularly cared for, and for good reason, since one of them was pulling Reno to the side, nearer the stalls, by the crook of his arm, making him let out an awkward squawk.

The man selling his wares slid a ring on Reno's finger unbidden while talking over top of the Turk's complaints. He held tight onto Reno's hand afterwards, thwarting his efforts to slide the ring back off and throw it into the crowd in retaliation to the salesman's rude tactics.

The salesman worked quickly, finishing his spiel and moving along to the person Reno was with, leaving the redhead to finally try and pull the ring off. Just as he was about to work it off of his finger, the salesman had slid a second ring onto the hand of whomever he was with, and had clasped their hands together in his.

For a brief moment, the rings were warm on their fingers, then after that, the rings were fused together with Reno's hand laced whomever he was with at the moment. ]

Hey, what the--!?

Yo, what the fuck is-- ????

[ And just like that, the salesman and his whole stall was gone. Not even a puff of smoke where the stall and salesman once stood, plain as day. ]

Cool. Great. Love it. Thanks. Guess we're stuck together now.

[ A sigh as he rolled his eyes, then rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand, inspecting the rings that held them bonded together. ]

Cake Eating

[ There was a sign for an upcoming competition with seats still available, taped to a light pole. Reno plucked it from the pole to take a closer look at it, reading over the fine print. ]

Oh--heey, now this sounds fun. How about a little free cake? What d'ya say, huh? No entry fee!

[ He waggled his eyebrows with a vulpine grin, already turning to slowly walk towards where it was going to be held in an hour. ]

Hot Ones A1.

[ Reno had coaxed whomever he was with to join him in a competition of eating hotwings.

He'd coaxed and chided and teased them right up to the fancy cluster of little tables, all covered in petite table cloths with a few plates and glasses neatly set, with cutely folded napkins shaped like roses. No one would've guessed the participants would be dining on hot wings based on the set-up. ]

C'moooon, it'll be fun. Besides, no way you can pack away more of these bad boys than I can.

[ However, what he didn't know was that there was a caveat. A requisite of sharing a game of twenty questions between the two sitting at the table. When the host and announcer of the event said as such to the waiting crowd of participants, he cocked his head and raised a brow, but didn't seem to sweat it otherwise. ]

Alright, guess they wanna spice it up their own way. I'm still game if you are.

Hot Ones A2.

[ Or, alternatively, either Reno or your character was already sitting at a table, awaiting a partner. Feel free to have one slide into the empty seat across the table from the other, or have them assigned to a table together! ]

Ribbon Dancing + Fire Dancing

[ Reno wasn't one to partake in dancing on his own, at least not sober, but that didn't mean he didn't enjoy it. He just preferred to watch and enjoy the atmosphere was all.

In the center of the floor--which really wasn't a dance floor at all so much as a pit of well-lit sand--professionals setting the tone for the guests: lively and loud and full of smiles and laughter. Ribbons and flames mesmerized. They painted beautiful, fleeting tapestries in the balmy night air. Onlookers were pulled into the sand to dance with them, though some couples pulled eachother into the dancefloor to participate together, warmly lit by torches and hanging, twinkling little lights.

Completely sober, Reno would've only enjoyed this as it was already, and he would've stayed seated by the sidelines, doing his homework, just soaking in the atmosphere. And even while he had the pleasure of having a delightful buzz going, he still wasn't inclined to participate. In fact, he was settled comfortably in his chair, leaning back into it with one arm thrown over the back of the chair, sipping a yellow-red cocktail of some sort while humming and bouncing a knee along with the rhythm of the drums' booming.

Feel free to pull him out of his chair and into a ribbons' grip, or have one of the professional dancers pull him up to dance along with your character, and set them to spinning together in a ribbons' hold. ]

Wedding Wreckers

Dress Your Best

[ Reno was helping with security detail for the weddings--those both real and serving as decoys--because of course he would.

It was a whole affair that had him rolling his eyes at the pointless pettiness of targeting weddings of all things--but he was getting a fresh, tailored suit out of it, so he wasn't complaining. ]

C'mon, it's pointless.

[ He was holding an arm out for the tailor to get his measurement. ]

I mean crashing a wedding? Just admit you got a problem with the bride and groom.

If it's really some kind'a bigger problem with weddings, at least try to hit the whole fuckin' venue and not just ceremonies like some half-assed fuck-wit.

[ He rolled his eyes about it, sitting still with practiced ease in whatever position the tailor put him in. ]

Anyway..'you helpin' anyone out here?

Flower Toss

[ This bride had noticed a few odd faces loitering around, and as such, reported the activity to the venue, who then added this onto the list to patrol.

The plan presented to the happy couple had been simple! Just smack anyone with the bouquet if they got too close. If the bride saw anyone that matched the suspicious faces she'd reported, she was to throw the bouquet at them if they got close.

The ceremony had gone without a hitch, and it wasn't until the crowd started mingling for dances that he heard the small pop of the bouquet, saw the puff of yellow, chalky ink, and looked up from where he had been leaning against the table all the catering had been displayed on. He glanced over to his partner, then nodded his head towards the crowd, where a figure was already darting out in a splutter of coughs. ]

Time to clock in. Let's see where these shitters run off to.

Vicious Engagements

[ His weight shifted, and he reached to nudge his partner with the back of his hand against their upper arm. ]

Yo, look sharp. Someone's lookin' a little froggy.

[ He bobbed his head, lower eye lids pulling tight as his focus sharpened on the black-haired nobody that was moving through the crowd, trying to mingle and act natural, but they kept casting antsy glances to the happy couple. ]

Let's go ahead and get the trash out.

[ Reno pushed off of the table, setting his glass aside to accost the interloper, again tossing his head to signal his partner to come along with him. Hopefully showing that they were outnumbered would be enough to handle this as quietly and efficiently as possible, with as little interruption to the couple's day as possible.

Unfortunately, it didn't seem like such would be the case, as they quickly picked up on the approaching duo, and dove for the bride.

They snatched her up, trying to drag her away by the throat and waist. The groom had jumped up to try and snatch her from their grip, and a couple of other guests did the same, but other 'patrons' quickly jumped into the fray to cover the assailant, prying the groom and others off.

Reno sucked his teeth and pulled his magrod from his coat, snapping it to its full length with a crack of electricity. ]

Grab 'em!

[ Someone had grabbed him by the hair from behind and yanked his head back as he said such, and despite the irritable grunt, he seemed alright after quickly jabbing his magrod into the gut of the person behind him, then a quick, shocking swing of the magrod into the face of someone oncoming to provide his assailant backup. ]

Just don't let them get her!

Rescued Affair!?

[ A groom had been smuggled away from his own wedding. A brawl had ensued--a veritable two-on-twelve, at least. He's had far worse odds, but maneuvering a crowd and making sure he didn't knock out a proper wedding guest in the panic wasn't exactly ideal.

Reno was shrugging the weight of a now unconscious assailant off of him, after which he hunched over a bit with his hands on his knees to catch his breath. ]

Fuck--.

[ Even panting for air, he raised his head to quickly look around. ]

He had one of those feather flares--what the fuck is that guy waiting for?

There's no goddamn reason. To make this any fuckin' harder.

[ He gritted his teeth in annoyance, and pushed himself back to stand upright, looking over at his partner again. ]

Fuck it--c'mon. We gotta go after him.

Missing Bodies

[ Reno's schedule for security had been light--despite his own extensive homework--for the fact that he'd signed up to look into the season's first few disappearances that had turned into homicides.

Going around the island had been a chore, but going around to a bay further along the island's coast proved to be a fruitful idea. The vegetation made it less than ideal for common vacation-goers to bother braving. That same vegetation made it easy to cover trails these assailants may take.

It was only by the grace of two very keen pairs of eyes that they had managed to maneuver through wilder underbrush to a very old natural port(of sorts). Here, the smell of something putrid floated over the salt of the waves. ]

Think they got sloppy after all this trouble?

[ He didn't want to break cover, yet. There weren't any voices he could hear, but an ounce of caution held more value here. ]

Edited (oh fuck you font-size html >:/) 2024-06-17 09:40 (UTC)

Hm. At last.

[A deep voice intones from the shadows beneath a small grove of palm trees mere feet away from where the seagull has chosen to land and hastily enjoy its captured prize!]

Golden... Seagull...

[There's a figure there, in those shadows, and honestly it's a wonder anyone could miss him at all, what with that vivid red cape - but somehow, Vincent just has a knack for being weirdly unobtrusive when he chooses. And evidently he has recently been so choosing for... bird watching??? -- at least, if the sticker book in his hand is anything to go by. If Reno looks over, he'll see one Vincent fuckin' Valentine gingerly peeling the sticker of a Golden Seagull off of one page with one of his golden claws and then carefully lining it up just so on another page.

Vincent seems satisfied, at least to the extent that he ever seems much of anything. He also seems utterly indifferent to Reno's plight or the hypothetical threat he may pose to the rare bird in question.

(If anyone asks, though, his gil is on the bird. It's already up 1-0, after all.)]

[ If the bird hadn't been hopping towards Vincent, he might've gone unnoticed by Reno. But as it were, it was minding to stay just out of pouncing range from Reno, and happened to be hopping towards the ex-Turk.

It was the miasma of red and glitter of gold that initially caught his attention but it only took a moment for him to get a good look, after which he straightened up and cocked his head back, raising one brow in surprise at first. But then he seemed to relax his posture, resting his magrod over his shoulder.

The gull just stood there, ambivalent. Taunting. ]

Stick around long enough and one of us is bound to lure in that really rare one.

And just where the hell have you been hiding this whole time? Don't tell me that armor of yours is the whole reason that asshole even came over here.

Seagulls are known to have voracious appetites and no fear. The Rainbow Huma is likely to be far more discerning.

[Idly, Vincent runs his gloved finger down the list on whatever page he's been filling out then turns to the next page, skimming it for a moment before his eyes flick up to Reno. He taps the paper, ignoring the gull and the way it eyes his shiny bits of armor - honestly, if it manages to actually do any meaningful damage, he'll be truly impressed.]

... have you seen any roseate spoonbills?

[Addressing this is clearly more important than explaining his presence on the beach.]

[Oh this.

This is just golden. Badum tish.

Ranma doesn't engage in a lot of bird watching, only doing so for hunting purposes when he needed to catch them. It's similar to cloud watching, only more colorful, faster, and noisier. Plus, recently, birds and him haven't gotten along well.

The scene before him, watching Goggles being the victim of these birdbrains? It makes it oh-so worth it. If you're expecting him to chime in and help, you'll be wrong. Matter of fact, he's setting up a lawn chair and have gotten himself a bag of popcorn.]

We're certainly in fine feather today, aren't we?

[He is, and that's all that matters.]

[It didn't take too much goading in actuality to convince Denji into the competition when he found out free food was involved, nodding eagerly in agreement as he waltzed up to the fancy table with Reno in tow. A devious grin forms over the feral teenager's face followed in short by a burst of chaotic laughter when the other provokes him, for did this guy know who he was talking to!? He quickly gained a reputation around here for having a pit less stomach and was constantly hungry so the hybrid was certainly going to make the other put their money where their mouth is.]

I'll take that bet dude!! You ain't gonna win that easily against the likes of me!!

[When the announcer explains the rules of the contest he cannot help but tilt his head curiously at the mention of the questions they would have to ask each other whilst they gorged themselves. Shrugging his shoulders immediately in response Denji couldn't care less so long as they got to indulge themselves in the free meal.]

Sounds good to me man I'm not afraid to answer any questions you got for me. Fire away!

[ Of course he didn't know who he was talking to, but what's a competition if there's no trash-talk beforehand?

Reno dropped into his own seat, kicking a leg out to stretch out while he relaxed against the back of the chair. ]

Yeah? I dunno, you're what, twelve?

[ A smirk as he cocked a brow, and a goading vulpine grin spread on his lips. ]

You probably ain't had anything hotter than medium salsa from the grocery store.

[ There were plates set down in front of them. ]

Alright, softball: why're your teeth sharp like that?

[ As he asked, he was plucking a wing from the plate to hold up and inspect before ripping the meat off to chew over while Denji answered. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

« june: latrommi (test sail) »

GETTING STARTED

LATROMMI

FYRE FESTIVAL

WEDDING WRECKERS

QUESTS

Reno | FF VII | Paladin

Bird Watching :3

good, reno deserves to be bullied

he reacts so well to it, too

GET HIS ASS BEAUTIFUL GOLDEN BIRBS!

HOT ONES A1

FUCK YEA