escordvi | « june: latrommi (test sail) »

Entry tags:

« june: latrommi (test sail) »

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

[ Zelda doesn't think much of it as Darin stares up at her. He seems to be coming down from the high; he's probably just staring off into space while that happens. She's perfectly content to wait and keep recording while he collects himself.

Ah! Zelda's eyebrows go up at the same time that Darin starts to turn red, both of them realizing at the same time what just came out of his mouth.

"Someone you trust," huh? She smiles behind the screen, just a hint of smugness tugging at one corner of her mouth. ]

That is sound advice.

[ If her tone sounds a little cheeky, it's because it is. She's not going to forget this anytime soon-- especially since those words have now been immortalized on the Purah Pad. ]

Well, I thank you for your assistance. You have provided me with ample data.

[ With that little outro, Zelda ends the recording and lowers the Purah Pad from her face. ]

[Darin's face is still flushed. He knows that damn tone when he hears it! It's smug. She's got him right where she wants him and it's because of his own stupid, honest self. He can't even walk it back because Zelda is far too smart to fall for something so paper-thin! She'd likely nod along and smile, blatantly patronizing his excuses in that "I know how you really feel" tone of voice!]

[No, he's gotta mitigate this somehow.]

[Without another word, he sits up and stands, moving over to retrieve her bucket of toads. He returns and sets it down, then sits so the bucket is positioned between them. With a grin, he leans in with a clear, mischievous intent.]

You're right. I did give you a lot to work with, didn't I?

Now, it's your turn. Unless, of course, you're content to just let me experiment all by lonesome~

[That last sentence a clear challenge, said in the tone of "Unless you're chicken~"]

[ There's a question in her eyes when he abruptly stands up without a word, but it's answered as soon as he picks up the bucket of toads. Her self-satisfied smile comes right back as he sits down again. Ah, so that's his angle.

As Darin issues his challenge, Zelda simply smiles back at him in a manner that invokes the image of a cat with cream. If he is trying to guilt trip her, he is going to have to try a lot harder. Yes, she would be content to simply let him sample frogs all by himself while she records the results. That was her whole reason for coming to Naughtilust in the first place! And trying to provoke her into a challenge won't serve him any better. The princess is very simply not the competitive sort.

But she is curious, adventurous, and reckless, and even though she knows what Darin is trying to do, she is quite inclined to play along. ]

Well, I could hardly be so callous as that.

Besides, I agreed to try one as well, and I am a woman of my word.

[ Zelda lifts the Purah Pad and extends it towards Darin. ]

And you agreed to record my reactions.

[Yes! All according to plan. Darin has a very self-satisfied smirk on his face, believing wholeheartedly that Zelda fell for his little gambit hook, line, and sinker.]

I did indeed~ and I'll be more than happy to do so~

[He holds a hand out to take the pad, that smug grin shifting slightly to one of eagerness. Perfect. If these toads are as effective as they were on me, she'll do something completely mortifying, I'll get it recorded, and then she'll obviously leave me alone! He practically laughs in his own head about how easy this all seems. It's not like something this ill-conceived could ever backfire on him, right?]

[The smile fades a bit as he takes the Purah Pad in hand and examines the interface. This was an amazing bit of technology...one that's leagues ahead of anything Darin's world has. He looks back up at Zelda sheepishly.]

Um...How...do I...?

['How do I work this thing?']

[ Well if he thinks he's pulled a fast one on her, then who is Zelda to burst his bubble?

She gets up on her knees so she can lean in towards him. ]

Forgive me. [ She laughs a little. It might feel like she handed him the Purah Pad without explanation to make him feel foolish, but it's nothing of the sort. Zelda is so at home with this technology that she doesn't even think about its novelty anymore. ]

Think of it a bit like a large shellphone, but the functions are laid out differently. [ And they're written in Hylian. ]

This is the Camera rune over here. It controls the photographic and moving image recordings. Kind of like the [ what's the word for it? ] video feature on the shellphone.

[ Despite looking at it upside down, Zelda easily navigates through the interface and points out everything Darin needs to know about how to start and stop a recording. ]

Simple enough, isn't it?

Huh...! Yeah, this is pretty intuitive!

[He has a lot of questions. Namely, can this take pictures as well as recordings? And what do all of the other runes do? He'll have to try and pick her brain about it later (as he conveniently forgets he's trying to avoid her). He looks excited to tinker with it but he stops himself as he preps the recording.]

Alright, here we go! This is...uh. Darin Altway. Recording...subject...Zelda.

[He does his best to sound professional as he holds the pad up puts Zelda in frame. He doesn't remember exactly what she said at the beginning of his test but...that should be fine, right?]

Alright, Zelda. Select your toad! And could you tell the uh...recording...which toad you're picking and why?

[ His introduction gets a little laugh out of her, but it's a pretty good one all the same.

Zelda looks into the bucket and considers the remaining frogs for a moment before selecting a small olive green one. She holds it carefully in her hands and extends it towards the camera. ]

Since there is currently no clear pattern between the species of amphibian and the effects its mucus gives, I made my selection solely on the basis of appearance. This fellow is actually kind of cute. [ Yes, Zelda might be a little weird. ] I also feel like licking a warty one would feel unpleasant.

[ It feels weird being on the other side of the camera. Uncomfortable, being stared at by the Purah Pad's big unblinking eye. Maybe it wasn't just the effects of the toads that was making some of her volunteers nervous while she recorded them.

Okay, moment of truth. Zelda holds up the frog to her mouth, sticks out her tongue..........

... Okay no, she can't watch. She squeezes her eyes closed, takes a steadying breath, and quickly drags the flat of her tongue up the frog's back. Immediately, her face contorts like she's just tasted something disgusting, because that is so slimy!

...Well actually, now that she thinks about it, it wasn't gross at all. It's actually... sweet? Zelda opens her eyes. Really sweet, like hard candy! Maybe this isn't so bad.

Then the surface of her tongue begins popping, like grease crackling in a pan. ]

Aaahh! [ She opens her mouth in alarm and starts fanning her tongue with her hand. ] It hurths! Why doeth it hurth?!

[ There is no equivalent of pop rock candy in Hyrule. ]

[Darin does his absolute best to not fiddle with any of the other buttons or runes despite the temptation being incredibly hard to resist. He does his best to keep a neutral expression as Zelda explains her reasoning and goes in for that lick. He actively had to shoo away thoughts of her being cute when she clamps her eyes shut to finish the job.]

[With her first exclamation, he wonders if maybe the world suddenly becoming so vibrant was alarming to her. Were his effects muted because of his powers? But when she starts panicking about it hurting Darin similarly starts to panic. He doesn’t want her to get hurt!]

It…it hurts? Like it’s spicy?? Do you want water?!

[ She shakes her head as she continues fanning her tongue, frantically searching for the right word to describe this feeling. It's not spicy or hot... ]

No, it-- it feelth like-- [ It feels like her tongue is dissolving in her mouth!

But before she can figure out how to say all that, the feeling swiftly fades away, leaving behind just a tingle.

She sits frozen for a moment, hand stilled and tongue still out, poised and ready in case that strange pain tries to come back for a second round.

Nothing happens.

Nothing except the princess realizing how foolish she probably looks right now. She quickly closes her mouth and sets her hand back in her lap, trying vainly to invoke a single shred of her dignity.

Ahem. ] Well. Apparently, that one burns.

[~~Oh no cute~~]

[Darin stares, halfway standing up and prepared to rush and get her some water or ice when she just...freezes. And stops. He's still recording, naturally, but the look on his face is one of alarm.]

A...Are you...

...Are you alright? Did the effects end already?

[It occurs to him that maybe he should ask more questions.]

Do you feel any other effects? Or was it just...your tongue burning?

[ Zelda opens her mouth again, this time with the intent to answer his questions--

But once again, she just... stops. It seems like the effects of the drug are just starting to kick in.

She turns her head slowly to the left, and then slowly to the right, eyes drifting over her surroundings as though she's seeing them for the first time. Things don't really look that much different (this room was always kind of sparkly, right?), but for some reason, her mind can't quite make sense of them. ]

I think it's working.

[ She feels herself start spacing out again. No, stop that. Focus. Zelda lifts one hand and lightly smacks her cheek, trying to pull herself back. ]

It isn't burning anymore. Now everything feels... fuzzy, sort of. Like... like being wrapped up in furs.

[ And just like being bundled in furs, the room is starting to feel hot and stuffy. She pulls at her collar, face growing flushed. ]

And it's hot. Why is it so hot? [ She looks genuinely distressed about this sudden temperature increase. ]

[Aha! There it is! Now the fun's gonna start!]

[Darin nods in agreement behind the Purah Pad. Not only does he recognize that look, but the sudden spike in temperature was exactly how he experienced it. It felt like the room was a sauna. Hell, he's still sweating from the feeling!]

[He drops to a knee to steady himself and the Pad on Zelda.]

Subject appears to be experiencing a spike in body temperature. Now, Zelda, what else can you tell me? Do you feel anything else?

[He's having a little too much fun here. But it's all harmless, right?]

[ Zelda's brows furrow and she looks down at her hands in her lap, as though they might somehow hold all the answers. What does she feel? It should be an easy question to answer, but for some reason, she's completely drawing a blank.

Come on, hands-- what does she feel??

Her left index finger twitches in response.

And somehow... that is the most hilarious thing Zelda has ever seen in her entire one hundred and twenty one years, because she bursts into laughter. ]

I-- hahaha, I feel-- hehe... [ Haha, talking feels funny. Everything feels funny.

She looks up again, this time staring directly into the Purah Pad's single-eyed camera. ]

Your depth perception must be terrible! [ And the princess snorts with amusement at her own (terrible) joke. ]

[Aaaand she's gone. Darin can't help but laugh a bit, even if he doesn't understand the joke. He can still remember the euphoric feeling from the hallucinogenic mucus. Everything just felt good. He felt good. But Darin also recognizes that in this state, presenting Zelda with questions wouldn't yield a lot of data.]

[Yes, he's still trying to be a good helper even if he's deluding himself into thinking he can capture an embarrassing moment to chase her off.]

[So, in lieu of asking questions, he takes a different approach.]

[He gets closer to reach behind her to the comforter of the bed and tugs it loose towards her a bit, holding the end out to her.]

Here, take this for a minute. How does it feel right now?

[ Zelda's mind still feels incredibly muddled, but it's not bothering her as much as it did a minute ago. Eh, thinking is too hard, she's just going to stop doing that. Why think when she can just feel? Everything feels so much right now! And it all feels really good for some reason.

Her eyes follow Darin's movements, curious as to what he's up to. He pulls the end of the comforter and holds it out to Zelda, whose eyes suddenly grow to the size of dinner plates, as if she just watched him pull a rabbit out of a hat. Where did that come from??

She grabs it with both hands and lets out a gasp of pure amazement. ]

It feels like a cloud!! [ A squeal of glee slips from her mouth as she clutches the fluffy comforter. Her hands alternate between gripping and releasing it in a motion not dissimilar to a cat's kneading. ] This is the softest thing I have ever touched!

[ Zelda looks back at Darin with the intent of insisting that he feel the comforter too, but that thought swiftly evaporates from her mind at the sight of him. ]

Darin, can I touch your hair? I have always wanted to know what blue feels like.

[ Now, that might sound like a question, but Zelda has already decided that the answer is 'yes.' She gets up onto her knees and awkwardly shuffles over until she's kneeling right beside him. (Good luck getting her back in frame.)

It really doesn't matter how he answers, because she has already lifted one hand and is reaching over to pat him on the head.

Goodbye, self restraint. We hardly knew ye. ]

[Fortunately for Zelda, Darin was going to say 'yes.' He even lowers his head and tilts it more towards her so that she can use both hands if she so wishes.]

[He does his best to turn the Purah Pad towards them so it looks like he's taking a selfie. He honestly has no idea if he's got them in frame so he's going to do his best to narrate for her records. With a slight laugh:]

Subject Zelda is interested in the color 'blue.' It's this researcher's opinion that blue is a wonderful color. So, tell me Zelda, what does 'Blue' feel like?

[His hair, despite its general spikiness, is incredibly fluffy. One would think he uses some kind of product but he simply doesn't need to, though that's not to say his hair is greasy by any metric. He does have good hygiene, after all.]

[Though, he does have dozens of split ends. He might benefit from a more rigorous regimen with conditioner, and he could certainly do with a trim. Regardless, his hair is feathery and has some considerable strength and volume to it.]

[ Zelda was all sorts of giggly a moment ago, but as soon as she hears the word 'research,' she goes dead serious. That's right, she's not here for fun; she's here to do research! Super serious research!

Once again, her brows furrow in concentration as she very seriously examines Darin's hair. Yes, it is... blue. And hair. Yes, good observation. Time for the tactile examination.

She lowers her hand carefully... and presses her palm flat against the top of Darin's head. Hmm. ]

Not very cloud-like. Or very water-like. [ Pat, pat, pat. She raises her hand up and down, flattening his hair under her palm and then watching as it stands back up again. Fascinating. ] Or sky-like.

[ She's thinking so hard at the moment, running her hand back and forth through Darin's hair in a manner that could only be described as incredibly annoying.

Then clarity strikes her like a bolt of lightning. ] Revali! Blue feels like Revali's feathers!

[ Zelda sits back on her heels triumphantly, grin returning to her face. ] Of course, it was so obvious! I can't believe I didn't think of it sooner. I'm so foolish.

[It's...actually not annoying at all. Honestly, it feels kinda nice. Affectionate but not overly familiar? Darin's never been pet before. Sure, Acteon ruffled his hair and patted his head but this felt strangely calming. Honestly, if Darin were more comfortable around her, he could probably fall asleep to this.]

[Once Zelda makes her declaration, he turns back to her, a bemused smile adorning his face. One that he's doing a poor job hiding with the Purah Pad so she'll be able to see it plainly. He's suddenly very happy he was more distracted with the room and didn't try and feel Zelda's ears (he vaguely remembers being charmed by them).]

I have no idea what a Revali is but...I'll take your word for it. How do you feel now? Are you still experiencing all of the...feelings? Still feeling happy?

[ Zelda sees Darin smiling at her and she just smiles back in turn. This is nice. It's so nice to just be able to sit here with him and not get stuck wondering every other second if she's said or done something to upset him. ]

Very! [ She nods emphatically. ] I haven't felt happy like this in such a long time! Not until I came here, that is. Everything is so difficult in Hyrule. Everyone in the palace is always on edge nowadays, whether Ganondorf and his people are around or not.

[ Zelda exhales a dramatic sigh. ] But I don't want to think about him. I'm having fun. I never get to have fun anymore!

[ Except for the part where she's still really hot. Zelda reaches up and undoes the button on her collar. Her brow is glistening with sweat and her hair is starting to stick to the back of her neck. ]

[Darin can feel a pang in his heart when Zelda says she hasn't been this happy in a long time. She seemed so pleasant and cordial...could she really be silently suffering? He wasn't exactly one to judge in that regard. If anything...he understood. He briefly considers stopping the recording like she did with him...but this was her device, wasn't it? She wouldn't need to hide anything from herself. At least this way she can see for herself that Darin's not intentionally prying into her affairs.]

[Speaking of which...what was that about a palace? Wasn't she a researcher? Maybe she was some sort of royal engineer or scientist.]

[He mentally logs the name 'Ganondorf' away. Whoever it was, the name sounded intimidating. But considering Zelda's dour expression, he wasn't about to press the issue.]

Then, I think the next question is obvious! What does Subject Zelda like to do for fun? What would you want to do for fun?

Me? What do I like to do?

[ Her brows briefly go up with surprise, as though she's never been asked this question before, then go back down and knit tightly together as she tries to think of the answer. "What do you like to do for fun" isn't the kind of question that would normally trip someone up, but the expression on Zelda's face is like he just asked her to solve for pi. ]

Well, I... I study, usually. [ Wait, she's supposed to be a researcher; she can't expect him to believe that she studies both for work and for leisure (even though that's kind of what the princess already does). ] Sometimes I get to read new technical reports.

[ The grooves in her forehead get deeper. Does she not have any hobbies?? Does the Princess of Hyrule do nothing but work, eat, and sleep?

Normally, that knowledge wouldn't bother Zelda. Her life is a busy one, lived in service of her kingdom, and she enjoys that. Yes it's hard and sometimes stressful and petty political conflicts drive her up the wall. But she loves the life she lives. She loves Hyrule.

But right now, she's feeling all of her emotions very strongly, and the idea that she doesn't actually have any hobbies is suddenly becoming very upsetting for the princess. Something which starts to show in her face as she grapples for any leisure activity she's ever engaged in. ]

[Darin watches the way Zelda's face seems to fall at his question and he silently kicks himself for pursuing the topic. The answer she gives him doesn't really satisfy...]

[Does Zelda not know how to have fun?]

[The feeling sat in the pit of his stomach. Darin's seen that look before. Hell, Darin's probably worn that selfsame expression more times than he cared to admit.]

[The realization that maybe you're not as happy with the way things are as you pretend to be.]

[Darin pushes himself to his feet and takes a step her way, holding out his hand.]

...You trust me, right?

[ Her expression shifts back to confusion as Darin abruptly stands up without a word, eyes full of questions as she watches him. Is something wrong? Is he leaving? Is it because she didn't really answer his question??

He extends his hand to her and her gaze drops to it briefly, then returns to his. Her head tilts to the side as she scrutinizes his expression, looking for an explanation.

Even in the drug-addled haze of her mind, the princess is aware that she probably ought to be a bit more discerning with where she places her trust. She's all alone in this world; there's no Rauru or Sonia here to take her in, no Link to stand tirelessly by her side to protect her. And for as much as she likes Darin, as much as she thinks she has correctly judged him as a good person, she hasn't known him that long and she doesn't know him that well either. Just because he doesn't know she's a princess doesn't mean she's automatically safe with him.

But, well, the Princess of Hyrule has always been rather reckless, hasn't she?

While there's a brief hesitation on Zelda's end, she ultimately puts her hand in Darin's. ] I do, yes.

[Darin's serious facade gives way to an almost mischievous grin as he pulls her easily to her feet.]

Good.

[He hands her the Purah Pad for safekeeping for the moment then, with one fluid motion, swings her around onto his back.]

Hang on for a minute. We're taking a trip.

[He heads for the window and slides it open, swinging a leg out over the sill. They're on the second story which isn't a far drop for Darin but it's not his intended destination. He cranes his head to see if anyone's paying attention but people are far too busy with their own business on the Naughtilust to bother looking skyward which suits Darin just fine.]

[Before Zelda can protest or sober up, he swings out of the window and proceeds to scale the building quickly, using his heightened strength to grip ledges and haul themselves up, careful to avoid any windows.]

[Once they're at the roof, Darin glances over his shoulder.]

You ready for something that no one else will ever see?

Edited 2024-06-30 02:13 (UTC)

[ Zelda has just enough time to look deeply confused when he hands her the Purah Pad before she suddenly feels herself effortlessly lifted off the floor and slung across his back like a knapsack.

She yelps in surprise, barely managing to keep ahold of the Purah Pad. Frantic questions manage to puncture the fog in her mind. What?? All he asked is if she trusted him! Why is she on his back??

"Hang on for a minute."

Oh Hylia...

Zelda throws both of her arms around Darin's neck as he heads for the window, gripping him and the Purah Pad (which she has forgotten is still recording) like her life depends on it.

Now, the Princess of Hyrule is not afraid of heights. She's not afraid of flying or traveling at really high speeds. She's not afraid of the dark, or bugs, or small spaces, or most anything at all-- frequently to her detriment, because she also lacks a healthy fear of danger.

But the Princess of Hyrule is also not normally high as a kite from licking hallucinogenic frog mucus. So with all of her senses dialed up to an 11, the realization that Darin is about to jump out a window fills her with a perfectly reasonable amount of panic. ]

Wait, wait wait-- Darin, wait!

[ He does not wait.

Out they go-- but instead of falling to the ground, he just scrambles up the side of the hotel like it's nothing. Zelda has watched Link free-hand his way up a sheer cliffside like this, but she's never been clinging to his back while he did! (Not that she wouldn't have wanted to.)

In no time at all, they're up on the roof. Zelda loosens her hold on Darin's neck enough that she's finally not nearly strangling him and glances around. The hotel isn't all that tall, but it still affords an incredible view of the leviathan that is Naughtilust and the town that has grown up on its shell. It's breathtaking.

Her attention returns to Darin as he glances towards her. "Something no one else will ever see??" What in the world could he mean by that? Her expression is still all questions and confusion, but she nods anyways. ] Yes...

GETTING STARTED

LATROMMI

FYRE FESTIVAL

WEDDING WRECKERS

QUESTS

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject