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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 secured invites from players or mods can actually reserve on October 25th and apply on November 1st. Our EMP/ATP can be found here. We do require TDM threads for samples for our application, but toplevels are not required. Tagging out is fine!

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 October 13th 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 October 31)

GETTING STARTED

This section can be timed for any time after October 13 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 be served 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.

🚪 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.

ELTRUT: FESTIVAL

The Ghoul's Moon Festival is founded on an ancient tradition where in late October when the moon turns red, so red that it makes the ocean waters look as if it is filled with blood, undead and ghostly creatures go on a rampage and attack the living. Festivals were found to appease the angered spirits, and while such attacks haven't been seen in centuries, the festival remains. Thus throughout the month, Eltrut has been hard at work in getting the main port town, Shellton, and leviathan ready. On October 25th, when the sun sets, and the full blood red moon rises in the night sky, the giant leviathan will shake a little before revealing its festive form. Eltrut's entire shell will be a pumpkin which can later be "harvested" to help return it to normal, but that's for later. For now, the leviathan is in happy spirits and will crane its neck on occasion to watch everyone.

Although not required, costumes are available for anyone who may want to join in on the fun, along with silly prank weapons. Most of the festivities will be found starting from the docks up to the main plaza and down some side streets where various booths and stalls have been set up. From traditional booth games like candy ring toss, darts, water gun targets to more unique games such as bobbing for apple skulls, mask decoration, and catching the anglerfish.

👻 Ghost Piñatas. In a designated square, there is a game where cardboard ghosts are filled with candy and small toys, and with blindfolds and plastic mallets, the "ghost hunters" must run around and try to hit the ghost with the aid of people directing. Someone else is controlling the ghost with magic, moving it around to up the difficulty. It's meant for fun, but some people are messing around. Those not helping out or participating should stop them!
🛢️ Build-A-Barrel Boat. Out by the docks, a special "boat" competition is being held. Decorate a special barrel tubs large enough to fit two people into the spookiest "boat" possible. Afterwards, they must put it in the water and try to "race" against others to the finish line with oars. Don't worry, there are people waiting to help fish them out should their boat sink.
😜 Pranked. It's up to the Corsairs to try and throw their best pranks on unsuspecting festival goers. But there are of course those who are trying to prank them, so it's a bit chaotic out there, with unwitting victims getting caught in the crossfire.

Along with the usual street foods like paella, taiyaki, or khachapuri, there are plenty of special offerings for the holiday:

🥮 Moon Cakes. With a shiny red crust, these special cakes will make one's skin shine red like the Ghoul's Moon itself.
🍡 Fruit and Pumpkin Skewers. Skewers of fresh fruit and pumpkin glazed in hard red candy or dusted with chili powder will have that bit of spice that will give one a more energetic temper than usual.
🥐 Skull Buns. Sweet bread buns topped with skulls and crossbones that will sometimes make someone break into dance.
🦑 Hornswaggle's Vengeance. Hornswaggle has returned, upgrading their ghost pepper squid stir-fry with ghoul peppers, guaranteed to make you breathe actual flames!
🍬 Sour Candy. There are reports of candy making people sick and the Paladins are in charge of the investigation. Unfortunately, descriptions of the suspects are completely random with many innocent people becoming accused. In the meantime, replacing the candy is a high priority, and anyone can assist the Paladins trying to find and replace the ruined candy.

After the harrowing events with the Ghost Ship, on the night of October 31st, everyone will gather to witness the special fireworks display. The original crew even managed to adjust the performance to include a brief rendition of the battle against the undead, as well as something to honor Eltrut and Naughtilust for their brave efforts to help defend.

NAUGHTILUST: MASQUERADE

On the evening of the 30th, the Naughtilust will steadily make its way over towards Eltrut and stop within ferryboat distance of Shellton. The two leviathans will greet each other with friendly accord, the Naughtilust presenting its friend with a large floating shell filled with delicious treats for it to enjoy. All the shops, taverns, inns, brothels, and all entertainment services will be open all night long, and while the main target audience are adults, they do provide some "safe," family friendly entertainment for the younger crowd. Special dancers, musicians, and other entertainers line the streets on the Naughtilust to provide all kinds of delight.

However, the main highlight is the grand masquerade which is held at the Helice Palace, one of the largest and grandest buildings on the leviathan. As its name suggests, it is designed to fit the image of royalty, with large gardens, multiple ballrooms, grand halls, private and public terraces, and enough rooms to house any guest who may wish to spend the night (with a partner). Normally one would have to pay a hefty fee, but for the Ghoul's Moon, the sirens are opening it up for one grand fee of attending the masquerade and dressing one's best. They will even provide gowns, suits, and masks for those who need them. The masquerade itself is open to all, young and old, however what happens beyond the ballroom may require some adult supervision.

It's still the Naughtilust, after all.

Set in one of the largest ballrooms, guests are ushered in with the sound of a orchestra playing classical music, though some may notice more "modern" songs adapted to the classic style. For those who may want a little more privacy, there are several small terraces and balconies that can be used. Just be sure to lower the curtains and lock the doors if they want true privacy.

🕶 Blind Dancing. The sirens will randomly cast an enchantment on various people's masks to make them unable to see. They will then be forcibly paired with another "blinded" partner and only after the dance will the enchantment wear off. During this time, the pair will feel very friendly towards each other. Perhaps even attracted…?
💎 Gems. The sirens will also randomly stick special gems that will increase that particular personality trait of the wearer: white = coy; blue = wistful; green = jealousy; pink = flirty; red = lustful; purple = friendly; yellow = bold; orange = mischievous. The strength of the effect varies and multiple can be applied at once.
🥂 Refreshments. For those feeling peckish, long cream-filled doughnuts and oysters in the half shell line the buffet tables, along with indulgent foods like chocolate-covered bacon and deep-fried duck eggs drizzled with tamarind sauce—all of which will cause anyone who eats them to feel a bit more flirtatious. There is a variety of cocktails, but the champagne may also make one feel a bit more "bubbly."

Outside in the gardens, many can take a romantic stroll under the blood red moon. The gardens boast a number of different flora, small hedge mazes, gazebos, and fine statues for those to enjoy. There are also many shaded corners and little hideaways that couples can hide in should they wish to enjoy something else.

💐 Flower Arrangements. Out in one of the courtyards, there are several tables set up for anyone to make their own special bouquet of flowers. Unfortunately, some of the flowers have been changed to have special pollen that upon inhaling will induce unintended effects: sleepiness, amorous, giggly, boisterous, etc. The strength of the effect can vary and fortunately will only last for up to ten minutes. Multiple effects can take place at once and will "refresh" with every sniff.
🏮 Firefly Lanterns. The gardens are filled with special fireflies whose light can ward off malicious spirits and ghouls. Guests are welcome to try and catch a few to create their own paper lanterns and decorate them for the holiday. The fireflies are quick and hard to catch, but a little song (even humming) may lull them to be still.
🍷 Fountain Bump. Further out in the gardens at the Fontana Del Vino, red wine is pouring out and a few…bold guests have started a game where one must stand at the top of the statue and try to "bump" each other off using vigorous hip checks. Fortunately the height isn't too far and the fountain deep enough for those who fall through…just hope someone is sober enough to pull them out.

Even after the events of the Ghost Ship, the Naughtilust will remain so that the masquerade can be held again on the following night. The terraces will provide a great view of the fireworks.

GHOST SHIP

Late night on the 30th, when the clock strikes midnight to turn to October 31st, the blood red moon will seem to glow and a thick fog will suddenly roll in, a large, ghastly looking ship appearing in the distance. By this time, many may have started to turn if they are not still up partying. Regardless, everyone will get a rude awakening when screams fill the docks as all manner of undead climb up onto the piers and shores of Eltrut—ghosts, ghouls, zombies, skeletons. Realizing that these are the real thing and not drunk sailors in costumes, the call to arms is made, bells ringing and sirens blaring as those who are able rush in to defend.

Eltrut and Naughtilust won't remain still, the two leviathans using their abilities to fend off the undead. Eltrut causes the water to boil around it, temporarily halting further invasion. Naughtilust, meanwhile, will reach out with one of its tentacles and grab the ship, lifting it into the air before slamming it into the ocean. At first it looks as if the two leviathans could handle this on their own, but there's a bright flash of red light from the ship and the two groan in distress, flinching back and both retreating to their shells. Whatever it was, it was enough to inflict enough pain to force them to momentarily retreat.

With the leviathans out, cannons and trebuchets armed with large holy pumpkins are quickly maneuvered to launch long range attacks from both Eltrut and Naughtilust and everyone must fight the undead from the initial wave. Those who have divinity magic will bless everyone and their weapons to deal with the undead. Silver will also be effective, and that includes silverware. Finally, shoving candy in their mouths and playing music will be highly effective in at least stunning the undead, and may even placate the attacker. Perhaps there really is something to the old tales.

Ships with able bodied crew are sent out to approach the ship and find the source that is powering it to destroy it.

The large galleon was damaged and lodged in a reef from Naughtilust's attack, but despite the notable damage their ghostly cannons still fire and the ship shows no signs of sinking. There are several levels below deck, and undead sailors and monsters fill the ship. The strange red light will pulse periodically from the bottom, indicating they need to fight through to get to it.

🪓 Axing Skeletons. On the main deck, giant skeletons wielding large axes will be stationed to defend against those boarding the ship. With a wide sweep of their ax, they can cut through anything in their way—including their own. But their large size does hinder their movements, and a well aimed attack to their shins can knock them down.
🎃 Pumpkin Bombs. Watch out for these monsters! Appearing like large pumpkins, these monsters will grow in size the longer they are agitated until their eyes burst into flames, the only warning before they explode in hot pumpkin chunks to cause significant damage. Destroy them before they burst.
🎯 Traps. Besides the questionable integrity of the ship itself, there are many traps that can be triggered by one wrong step or misplaced hand. Trap doors, revolving walls, giant cobwebs with ghoulish spiders, living chains attempting to bind victims, locked rooms with shrinking walls.

Hidden deep within the hull of the ship is the relic that unleashed the devastating attack and empowered the undead. It's a very large black tombstone with unreadable script and symbols carved into it and what looks like fresh blood poured into each groove. So large it reaches the ceiling. Perhaps the more academic inclined will want to take some pictures before smashing it, and it will take a number of people to physically destroy it. But it won't be easy as undead sailors will rush in to defend it.

When dawn breaks, the ghost ship will have been destroyed and fade away into the sun. Any remaining undead will also burn away and disappear. Although things are a bit of a mess and many injuries sustained, with the victory bolstering spirits, most things are repaired and salvaged for the final night of the Ghoul's Moon festival. The festival will go on, as will the fireworks.

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.

Corpse-a-Corps

Eltrut Island

A man is trying to create a walking living man out of dead body parts. He is convinced that he can bring the creature to life using a powerful lightning bolt of some kind. Because of this he has been stealing body parts from local graves.

Find this man and stop him before he can create his abomination. And burn down his controversial laboratory before anyone else can get a hold of these wild ideas. Help put the families and loved ones at ease by returning their lost ones and their parts to their graves, proper.

Hungry-la Island

???

A very curious type of tree has recently been discovered on a small walkable island. It seems to be trees that have the ability to magically grow fried chicken legs that hang like pears or apples. And some look like they’re decorated with fully cooked honey-glazed hams. The bark looks curiously like crispy bacon and the leaves like perfectly tenderized pork tenderloins. That’s right, it’s growing meat. Somehow. And boy, does it look delicious.

Since this is a new discovery no one knows if any of these trees are actually delicious or not. Care to try a bite or two? After a long voyage at sea with only lemons and oranges it might be a treat to have some savory things to eat instead.

Guileful Grimalkin

All Islands

Strange black creatures have appeared and are sneaking around various ports to steal people’s wallets and valuables. When they’re confronted or caught they seem to emit high pitched screeches and will scratch and bite and do whatever they can to escape!

Keep your wallet and shiny things secure and catch any of these little demons before they cause too much ruckus!

Conch Shells Stories

All Islands

Pretty conch shells have been washing up on various shores all over the islands. When they are held up to your ear they seem to whisper stories from someone far, far away.

These stories can be from people from your own home worlds, or they can be stories from long-lost friends, loved ones or even the deceased. These magical conch shells will repeat the same story if listened to again. Sometimes it's nice to carry old memories…

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

[It seems the half shoulder cape thing is very popular with the sirens. Maria adjusts her own half subconsciously upon seeing the man, taking him in with only a vaguely surprised expression. She's been here a few days now and so not constantly on the outlook for vampires and the like. That pale face of his and differently colored eyes do make her pause a moment. Her mind drifts briefly to the pale man bathed in the light of the eclipse, a brief vision she had before passing out once more.

His tone is heavily bored and she wonders if he isn't speaking dispassionately from true boredom or force of habit.]

A creature put to the service of man and thereby oppressed just as man seeks to cage his brethren and equally oppress them perhaps?

[Sorry Holland, this girl has revolution on her mind.]

[It's interesting to be around people her own age. Some of the other revolutionaries were of course but they had never been together half as casually as she and Kotori are now.

She gives the other woman a small smile as her eyes drift to that snack of hers.]

Taking a break?

[Oh, well, she hadn't expected anyone to call her out. Or rather just take note of her seeming ill at ease. She flusters just a hint at Dion's question but then as she casts her eyes out on the crowd she thinks better of turning him down outright. She's never one to follow social convention but the dancing does look fun. It's like fighting with less swords and bloodshed!

She looks back to him with a faint smile on her lips, taking his hand.]

I suppose I might as well give it a try. I won't apologize for your feet though if I do tread on them however.

[He knew she wouldn't make it easy, but it's as if she vanished into thin air. Something not so impossible with her talents. She did still earn her place as the Commander of Waleod's Intelligencers, and knowing her she may have fled the ballroom completely. As he glances out a window towards the expansive gardens, he can only release a small huff of resigned laughter before stepping back.

Yet, as frustrating as it is, he doesn't stress about it. No, he shouldn't. He knew from the start it would be like this, with her running when they got too deep into it. And he knew that he had to let her run for now. Even if he tried to keep her, it would only lead to more resentment with her still confused as she is. It's truly a maddening situation, but what can he do?

Just wait.

Lay his baits, set his traps, and bide his time.

He knows she'll come back, so he'll move around the ballroom, have another glass of wine. Or two. Except for maybe one or two exceptions for anyone he recognizes, he won't venture onto the floor again. Granted, he never had much interest to begin with. While they were not all bad, it reminded him too much of those old days of social aristocratic gatherings, and he had never been fan of them. At least this one offers more entertainment with it being more casual and festive. And to keep an eye out on a few certain individuals, including his own daughter.

Yet still, his eyes and thoughts drift elsewhere instead. Back to where they were, back to where he held her. Almost had her.

At some point he leaves out to the terrace so he can smoke and idly gaze out to the gardens. To search for her, perhaps? A little, maybe, but he does not have high expectations. Should she still be out there, she would have hidden herself well, away from any possible eyes.

Away from his.

Staring at the smoke that leaves his mouth to the red full moon above, he again wonders what he's doing and what he hopes to achieve. And he again stops wondering because this is a decision he had long since made and one he refuses to back down from, foolish or not. Not when she keeps leaving those signs.

As for tonight....

...

Should he just leave it at that?

He saw how much he's shaken her, and this on top of the other night... Perhaps he should consider withdrawing for tonight. Again he has to tread that fine line between giving her space and keeping at it. Or is this the time to push further, let this haunted night be another chance?

Don't follow me.

It's only by chance that he catches that familiar wind and sees her flit through the reflection of the glass doors leading back to the ballroom.

Just as he expected.

After a little while more he extinguishes his cigar and steps back inside, grabbing one last glass of wine on his way out to mostly sip as he watches.

Despite his own intentions, who is he to stop her? Not that he was ever able to stop her in the past...but circumstances were different. Both caught in a trap they couldn't escape—or so he thought at the time, but hindsight is 20/20 and what's done is done. In any case, she can still do whatever she wants and he has no right to intervene. Regardless of the heat that stirs at his fingertips or the odd ripple of displeasure that passes through him as he watches her once before he turns away.

And at first it works.

Until he happens to notice her back out on the floor.

And again... And again...

And each time he can't help but notice the types of men she's choosing. Before it hadn't mattered, but at some point the pattern became much too clear to him.

Is she doing this deliberately? A statement of some kind? In some ways it was amusing.

But it also wasn't.

Her intentions unclear, he's left watching longer than he intended and at some point he's made his way closer. Realizing this, he stops himself. Yes, he will still chase her, but if he catches her now, then what? Enough time has passed for that initial heat to cool and reason to return, and he is once again in that place of trying to judge what would be better. To wait and give her space, or strike while the iron is hot—or, well, smoldering at this rate.

Don't follow me.

The words are like a leash that make him hesitate where he normally wouldn't. Words that signal to him that he had pushed as far as he should have, regardless of the other words passed before. The words that he knows were not just all fun and games.

Yet he isn't given much more time to debate when he sees her starting to leave the ballroom...]

...You crazy—

[...with a man that looked similar to him. Not exact, but it followed the pattern he had noticed, and maybe it's the wine. Maybe it's the moon. Maybe it's because of the heat that yet to disappear. Maybe it's because of the feelings he keeps repressed.

Maybe it's all of it.

Is this a test? A deliberate choice to goad him? Or is this her just seeking someone not him? Whatever the reason, it didn't matter.

No, fuck reason right now.

He has no plan, no real thought of what he hopes to do. The only thought he does have and what fuels his legs to march after them down the hall like a storm—]

Sorry.

[—and roughly grab Benedikta's wrist to pull her away—]

She's taken.

[—before pulling her down another hall, ignoring the surprised shouts.

And, at least for the moment, ignoring whatever protest Benedikta makes.]

The little- [He gave an annoyed huff as he realized this guy was going to be useless. How could he have missed it?] The little black creature... kinda like a three eyed cat, thing. It wasn't very big, but it's a damn thief!

Getting Started
Starter Ship - Royal Fortune
[It’s a beautiful day aboard the Royal Fortune. The sun is shining, the gulls are calling, the ocean is calm... truly it’s the makings of a fine day of sailing. Or it would be, if it wasn’t for the sudden pop! above decks, or the frantic yelp of panic.]

[Now, on the plus side, Rody doesn’t fall into the ocean itself. But he does get caught in the netting above, and he sputters and yells as he falls through the ropes and nets. He cries out as he nearly collides face-first with the deck, but then… he stops mid-fall. It takes him a minute to realize he’s caught up in the netting, which has helped save him from faceplanting directly into the wooden boards. Rody sighs, and for a moment just allows himself to hang there as he recollects himself.]

[That’s how he’ll be found; dangling upside down, arms limp and his lower body hopelessly tangled. But if someone comes by, Rody looks up before pulling himself together, offering a friendly grin.]

Hey there. Uh, you mind helping a little? I’m a bit tied up at the moment…

Eltrut - MANTA Office
[Once he’s settled (and has his own clothes back, thank you very much), one of Rody’s first tasks after getting to dry land is to arrive at the MANTA office. So he heads for the Paladins’s MANTA office, ready to get some money. However, there’s just one small problem: one of the office workers took one look at him and is in the process of trying to bar Rody from the request postings. They keep telling him to go to the Corsairs’s office, but Rody isn’t budging.]

I told ya, I was told I’m supposed to come here for work from the captain of that fancy ship! You think I’d wanna swindle you just to work some job? C’mon, get serious. Now would ya please move aside so I can get some work done?

[He tries to move past the office worker, and really is trying to prove he’s one of the Paladins, but the office worker seems pretty insistent. On his shoulder, Pino trills unhappily, making a show of crossing her wings like arms and stomping her little feet. Either way, their argument is holding up the line for others to accept missions…]

Quests
Hungry-La Island
[No matter how much Rody looks at his surroundings, or rubs his eyes, the sight before him doesn’t change. Those sure are meat trees, growing meat on their branches. Even if it does look delicious, he can’t help but look at the trees in utter shock and bewilderment.]

So, uh… I’m not seeing things, right? [Nope, those are indeed meat trees. He shakes his head.] Is anyone else as weirded out by this as I am?

[Beside him, there’s a little trill as Pino flutters over to one of the trees. She looks at it curiously… before moving to peck one of the bacon branches.]

Hey, Pino! Get away from that, who knows what’s been on those things!

[Just… ignore the way Rody’s stomach growls right after he speaks.]

Guileful Grimalkins
[Oh, Rody’s noticed those little strange cat creatures skulking around, and given his own past dealing with less-than-savoury people, he’s able to spot a pickpocket when he notices it. He even notices when one is lingering around him. So, he pretends not to notice the little cat, instead making a show of putting his shell phone into his pockets and milling around. When he senses it’s close, he remains still… only for Pino to pop out of his pocket and trill loudly at the cat. Rody turns to the creature, grinning..]

What, you think you’re the only one who knows how to pick a pocket? If you think you’re gonna steal from me, you’re a million years too early on that!

[He grins at the little cat, who doesn’t seem very pleased. Rather than running off, it lets out one of its shrill, high-pitched yowls, causing both Rody and Pino to desperately cover their ears.]

Agh!! H-Hey, what the heck?! [Okay, maybe he’s bad at this whole hero thing. He might need some help dealing with these cats.]

Ghoul’s Moon
Food - Skewers
[Festivals are always a blast, no matter where they come from. While Rody might not be wearing a costume, he is going around enjoying himself with some of the games and snacks. He pauses at one of the food stalls offering free fruit skewers, and decides to indulge; free’s the best price, after all. But after taking one bite, his eyes go wide and a smile forms on his face.]

Woah! This’s pretty good!

[He goes back to happily eating his fruit skewer, and other than having extra gusto as he eats, on the outside he seems relatively normal. But above his head, Pino is flying in small circles, trilling excitably. Being a reflection of his inner emotions, it’s clear these skewers are doing something for him. If someone approaches him, he’ll boldly shove the skewer in front of him to show it off with a wide grin.]

Oi! You gotta try this! It’s awesome!!

Attack the Undead
[It was just his luck, that all the undead attack just as he was enjoying himself. Not exactly possessing a combat-ready Quirk, Rody’s been taking to ducking and weaving to get around the carnage. However, when he sees a group of skeletons targeting some small kids, images of his own kid siblings flash into his mind, and it makes him jump out and call out to them.]

Hey, boneheads! Why don’t you pick on someone your own size??

[That does get their attention… but now they shift their attacks from the kids to him. Rody lets out a yelp before turning tail and fleeing, the skeletons hot on his tail.]

Wait, wait, wait! Damn it, me and my big mouth..!

[Geez, how did those heroes do it?? He’s definitely going to need some help!]

Wildcard
[Got something you’d like to try out? Feel free to write up a starter, or PM me to plot something!]

[Ow? That spoon that goes flying to smack him in the back of the head is rather rude. He quickly winces and protects his head with an open hand as he turns to find whoever threw it. He had been busy fighting off a collection of skeletons of his own in the meantime. A pair of them clattering towards him like broken puppets that need to be snapped in half and thrown away. The longsword in his other hand is firmly gripped and his hand swirls with protective wisps of fire magic.]

Garuda.

[But just as he's about to make a comment there's another skeleton that appears just near her and without thinking Joshua's hand snaps up to blast an incredibly accurate missle of fire right at it. The fire happens to whizz right past her head just barely missing the tips of her hair and then cracks into the skeleton's skull. It gets instantly blown back into pieces.]

I'm afraid that if I step aside there would be one too many backs exposed.

[You're welcome. But it's not ending there... More skeletons are coming. A lot of them. He takes a step backwards.]

[They'd been about to turn off to the terrace, Benedikta rolling her eyes beneath her mask as he is just like all the others that she's met tonight—well, most anyway. Where he only talks about himself. Not that she has any interest in talking about herself, quite the opposite, actually, but she would honestly just prefer to not talk at all. None of them had anything noteworthy to say, and a man that thinks the most interesting person in the room is himself is far from attractive.

Quite frankly, she disagrees, but she doesn't plan on letting him talk much anyway once they get out to the terrace. Nor do much. He was an easy target, clearly someone who could follow rather than lead... but that's neither here nor there. It would be brief, and then she would never see him again.

They are about to walk out to one empty terrace down the hall, Benedikta "chuckling" at another one of his "jokes" when she first feels a familiar twinge, like a shock, on the back of her neck. It makes her snap her gaze around, but before she can see him, he's grabbing her wrist—]

What!?

[—and pulling her away, leaving the other man both confused and a little outraged that he's just had his "date" stolen from him.]

Cidolfus...!

[She already knows who it is before she finally does lay her eyes on him, and it all but shatters that earlier illusion that they had painted for themselves, leaving naught but the two of them in the reality that is him pulling on her wrist with the force of a storm!?]

Cidolfus, what are you doing?

[Benedikta will try to yank her arm free from his hand, a fury and a panic growing that he will continue to break through the mask that she wears to protect herself from him tonight.]

[He heard her the first time, but it's not until she tries to pull herself free does he counters by tightening his hold and dragging them around to roughly pin her against the wall, their bodies hidden by the large pillar that casts a dark shadow over in the dimly lit hall. It's clear everything is structured for "hidden trysts," though whether or not that's what this will amount remains to be seen.

At the very least, it affords them privacy.

And right now Cid is practically glaring at her, eyes lit with a rare, incensed flame.]

Me?

[The word comes with a bark of laughter.]

Should be asking you that.

[Ashe looks at where he's looking and nods with a grim smile. Yes, that sounds good. Quite good.]

A good plan. I can perhaps intimidate them into going that direction with water magicks.

[They're on fire, so that seems to make sense to her.]

Unless you have another proposal?

You know your way around a fight, yes? I can support you if you cannot.

[Ashe knows a number of bolstering spells and other magicks, and while she's not overly concerned...she doesn't want to leave a team-mate out to dry.]

[And he will catch that same fire reflecting at him even in the shadows as soon as he spins her around, her back crashing against the wall, and traps her there. She can only stare up at him in open defiance that she means to cloak the shock of being handled so roughly by him, of being dragged along and then caught like this.

Her chest hitches, however, when she meets his hardened gaze, and somehow, she's already feeling a little out of breath... though whether that is from her growing fury or something else she hasn't quite figured out yet.]

As if what I am doing is any of your concern.

[ If Holland knew what vampires were, he would likely think it a compliment to be compared to one. He does give off very off-putting vibes.

It is, rather unfortunately, just how he talks. Holding as much emotion in as possible, and seeming disinterested. Even if he does find her own take on it refreshing. ]

I quite agree.

[ He may look bored, but a slight smirk does make its way to his lips. Hell yeah, girl, revolution is great, and the kings are all tyrants. ]

So often those in power find great joy in caging those who serve them. It's not enough that these creatures produce light, they need to be encased in little lanterns. Only then will they be useful. Or so they might say.

[ He extends a hand. He's played the role of the firefly in this scenario, but he finds he's actually enjoying this conversation. ]

I'm Holland.

Before it wasn't.

[And the words of what he said while possessed by that ghost echo through his mind.

It's none of your—business.
If I want to make it my business?]

But d'you really think I'm blind not to notice what you were doing?

[Water magic, eh?]

Keeping our distance to avoid the damage seems the best way to do it, so I have no complaints. You draw them over, I'll make them explode, and hopefully we can enjoy the fireworks with no harm to ourselves.

I can also keep our new friends cornered, at least for a short time.

[ Oooh, she's getting really mad! Her hair deflates comically under all that rain, and her head swings this way and that as she looks for a spellcaster. ]

Ooh, when I catch you...you ever heard of karma? What goes around comes around?

[ She's bouncing up on her toes to try to find a target. Not exactly stealth worthy of a thief, but she's unnerved by that rumbling. She needs a weapon. Not a serious one, maybe...

Oh! Right, she's carrying a slightly soggy pumpkin skewer. She pops a piece off and flicks a warning shot of sugar-and-chili-crusted pumpkin into the darkness. ]

Look at this perfectly good food you ruined!

Edited 2023-10-18 02:26 (UTC)

Looks like you don't, unless you want to drop through the top and hide in there.

[ Rikku wrinkles her nose. ]

I thought this stuff was for like...weddings. Not where you're actually supposed to move around a lot!

There's gotta be something better, right?

[She wriggles under him, testing the strength with which he keeps her pinned there, though by the heat of his body alone, she can already tell that she won't be going anywhere anytime soon... and she is so caught up in this whirlwind that it doesn't even occur to her to fight back. She could use her winds to shove him away and free herself, but...

As she finally sees him for who he really is beneath the mask, sees his eyes and not the mystery man that she had danced with earlier, she can't figure out why she doesn't want to.]

And what is it that you think I'm doing?

[In some ways, Benedikta may not even realize it.]

[....

Wait.

...

Cid wonders about the change in voice, but not for long.]

All right, so a treat but not fish.

[...Then why the fish words?? Maybe it's just an odd quirk for a—well that's not a little kid, but whatever.]

But how can I be sure that this isn't another trick and you'll just haunt me anyway?

I mean...I guess? You probably know more about cooking than me so...

[He's trusting her.]

I don't know if I should just grab some or...

This is so weird.

[Whoa!

Cid actually has to actually duck his head away because Rikku's aim, while wild, actually came quite close!! It means he should probably lay off it...

...

But she's going to get a light buzz on her back instead.

Not a sting of lightning, just a harmless buzz of electricity, similar to one of those prank hand buzzers (if Cid ever knew what they were).]

It is no trouble, I would never call out a lady for such a thing regardless.

[ Because it would be rude and needlessly embarrassing for her and he is a proud son of Sanbreque, where they have certain societal standards. Exhausting though they may be.

He would then lead her out onto the dance floor. ]

The basics are fairly easy to pick up, I believe. There are eventually some dances that are far more complex, but this is hardly the time or place for those.

[ He stands before Holland and gestures. ]

Please place your hands where you find them comfortable.

[ He could not recognize the other man, no, not with the mask but yet his voice was familiar. ]

The pleasure is all mine. [ Dion sounds like he's smiling and he will continue to do so as he leads the way towards the dance floor. ]

Do you prefer to lead, or shall I?

[Roxas just frowns.]

Maybe not, but either way I don't want anything exploding in my face!

[Just let him have treats.]

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GHOST SHIP

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