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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

[Aaah.]

Looked like calamari—squid cut into rings and fried. Want to try one?

[Ballister is not at all sure where his own trusts sits. Truthfully, this entire trip has been startling. After all, they are floating on giant creatures in the sea? H0ow is that not a bit odd?]

[But he's at least trying to blend in and learn a bit of the people here? Or else he'd just stay locked away in his place, or on a ship, and try to hermit again.]

[When someone in a very lovely outfit spoke, he blinked large eyes behind his mask, staring at them a long moment, before giving a glance down.]

Oh. Yes, well, they tried to put me in White and Gold, but I stood firm that it's black or nothing. [There are small pink accents here and there on his outfit, but mostly black. Except for... oh, right. His hand reached to press the mask firmly in place again.] I ...suppose this was a compromise.

"It may be part of their fun, and the price, for attending the party they're hosting."

At least that was all that Turo could come up with, given that the Sirens had only priced opening this all up to them attending the Masquerade- more so if they ended up getting a costume provided by them. Still questioning their choices for him, but used to the dress and heels by now at least.

Perhaps still a little hesitant in some of his movements, but nothing that would interfere or cause the other man to trip up- "More so when unwillingly put there, so I imagine.

"This magic will wear off once the dance is over, at the very least." Reassuring?

[ So predictable, Kell. At least here, there's no Red London to steal all the magic. No White London to possibly save. Holland hasn't yet decided what to do about the future, honestly. He tries not to think about it. Whether he's going to die in Black London, or go back to Makt, it's all dependent on leaving here.

Right now, he's trying to enjoy his freedom. And sometimes that means making the mistake of asking Kell to dance. But it also means he gets to toy with him a little, and watch him dance to the tune that Holland so easily sets for him. ]

I know. You simply use your magic differently. I'm sure in Red London, everyone keeps their magic to themselves.

[ He says that in a tone that very clearly means he doesn't believe that. But he also keeps in step and even makes a move to try and take the lead, to see if he can get Kell distracted enough that he'll relinquish his precious control. ]

[ Someone is always watching, especially back in the Kingdom. Especially especially when someone set a person up to murder the queen and turned the whole population on them, then that someone gets exposed, and then that person is maybe actually a hero?

Or something like that. Anyway, Nimona has been aware of Ballister from the start, how could she not be with their history. She makes certain that he doesn't see her, not on the ship or on the streets. Really, that time is needed to pull herself together. It helps that everyone here is so accepting of her, of all that she is and can do.

Nimona waits for it, counting down as he talks and looks at his map, not realizing who he's talking to - yet familiar with it all at the same time. ]

There it is. Yes, me. Nimona.

[ She stands and walks the length of the roof like a cat, jumping down at the corner on to the street with a grace that is just her. ]

This brand-new world is pretty metal. Even if I have to explain so many things to people like how to use a phone or what metal means, or what metal music is.

[And there it is. If it weren't for how honest her body is, he would have felt differently. If he hadn't already heard her words from before, already used to her constant "rejections" and "denials" that contrast to what she's really thinking and feeling, he would have felt more frustrated.

Instead.]

Benedikta.

[His face lifts as he grips her chin and forces her to meets her gaze, dark greens piercing into her brighter ones.]

Shut up.

[The irony that he's the one who is saying this to her. But his lips will follow through, immediately sealing hers as he roughly kisses her as he pushes her further against the wall. It's a fierce kiss, one he's been wanting to give ever since that time on the beach. One that's been simmering and waiting since their dance.

And just like she's asked many a time now—he won't let her go.]

[ Rather than being insulted, Astarion merely laughs. As if a child has tried to make fun of him and come up rather short. ]

We can't all be asked to handle sophistication, can we? Although it isn't surprising to hear that your grace is as finite as your manners.

[ This poor man, because just as Benedikta quiets him, so too does Astarion, ]

Hush now, darling, you're very beautiful, but surely you can see this isn't that sort of affair.

[His own smile is soft, and partly hidden as the young man took another whack at the cardboard ghost holding toys hostage. The fact that so many people seemed to be enjoying the little game was nice? It had him in a fair mood.]

[Also, no one was trying to arrest him, so that helped too!]

Yes, I suppose it does look fun. [He said almost absently at first, only to blink, and look over to the person who spoke, a nod in greeting given.] For the kids, of course.

Ah. Maybe later.

[Though, she is extremely curious. She's never had "squid" before, but it's a pretty common delicacy around here, isn't it? Fresh fish was never really common in Midgar, which makes sense. No place to fish nearby, and even if there were, they'd no doubt seek to make their homes elsewhere, away from the mako-drained earth.]

Think I'll stick with my cake. I'll let you try it first and tell me how it is.

[ unfortunately, hard won lessons are hard won because of stubbornness— she'll still be handing out food after this, and playing stupid games."i breathe fire on the regular" gets aerith to raise her brows, curiosity painting her expression. ]

You "felt what was going on in there"...?

[ she opens her mouth to continue speaking, but there's a cry over to the north, where a booth selling candied apples is looking particularly red at the moment. flames are dancing up the side, catching quickly as a gaggle of people flee the area, cries echoing through the night. she looks back to the pink-haired girl for a moment before shutting her mouth closed, and whipping her head back, braid bouncing as she breaks into a sprint. ]

Guess it wasn't me who had to be worried about getting fried! [ ugh. and just when the night was going so well, too. ] Can you just make fire...?

[ please say you can freeze it or something too, nimona. ]

Well, yes. Because we value each other's autonomy.

[ So much of what is forbidden in Red London is precisely because of that. From the spoken to the unspoken rules, the sorts of magic that are used to control another are rarely used. Even bone magic, which Kell did sometimes employ, sat on the precipice of acceptability.

Of course, he isn't thinking about Holland's soul seal. He doesn't know the horrors Holland went through. All he is thinking about is the way that Holland is trying to insult him, and how it's not fair, and how Red London is good about things like that, and, more importantly, far better than White London in that regard.

But he's not that concerned with control. He feels the shift, the way Holland wants to lead, and he relinquishes. He's used to leading because he normally dances with women (and women usually follow, except for Lila, who couldn't be asked to follow anyone), but he's danced with men before. He and Rhy had taken lessons together, and needless to say the crown prince of Arnes does not follow. ]

He almost said he would have been fine paying the actual price, but seeing as he's new still and not exactly rich, he just nodded silently in agreement. Only to realize there was no way the other would have heard him nod.

"I suppose a price should be paid, but I'd at least like to see where I am going, forced to dance or not."

Honestly, he didn't mind dancing. He would rather do it with someone he knew, but at the moment he felt fine with this stranger? He wasn't sure why. But at least the reassurance helped, somewhat. "So long as I can see when we're done, I suppose? That is at least helpful to know. It sounds as if you've done this... well, dance, a few times now."

[A small, silent shrug before he picks one up.

Well. Might as well start with it, right? And he'll bite into one...

...Hm.]

Think they added some spice to it...

[And slowly chewing before having another bite.]

[ It's really too bad that Kell gives Holland the lead the moment he says that. Because the moment he does, Holland simply stops.

He stops dancing. Stops moving. Stops breathing, for just a moment. The darkness in his left eye manages to show more emotion than the ice in his green one, and for a split second, Holland nearly snarls.

But instead, Holland closes his eyes, and takes a breath. Not a deep one. He was not afforded the opportunity to have any kind of reaction, when he was insulted time and again by the Danes. When they paraded the bodies of the men who'd fought alongside him, or when they'd forced him to slaughter each one while he so dearly wished to scream. Autonomy was so foreign a word for Holland that even when he'd had it, he wasn't sure he knew what to do with it. Was it free will, when he'd killed the people closest to him? Was it free will, when he'd almost been happy with Vor, but their world just kept dying?

Kell is right. Autonomy isn't worth a thing in White London. Only power. A lesson Holland learned the hard way. And a lesson Kell, in his tall tower and red world, could not possibly understand.

Holland releases Kell and turns to leave. He spares him not a word or a glance. Simply walks away as if he's bored of this, as if he's spotted something far more interesting on the balconies that he'd rather look at, than spend another moment here. ]

Edited 2023-10-19 04:34 (UTC)

Yep, and it'll be metal!

[ Nimona is clearly the right person to prank, because she isn't annoyed or irritated - though maybe that takes away from it a little.

Still, before Cid's very eyes, she goes from a young girl to... a wolf! A pink one, but that's definitely a wolf. ]

Now go!

A hefty fee for one of the grandest and largest buildings would likely be close to some king's ransom- or so that saying possibly went. The Sirens were also curious beings and- at least it was a sort of harmless playful, rather than the other sorts of tricks he had heard about.

"That is the part I do not understand, honestly. Is sight not important for dancing?"

He thought it probably was, but he didn't really have much personal experience, and what he could remember seemed fragmented to a point they didn't really give him much. So, Turo was guessing at best.

"This is not the first time I have found myself blinded and led to dance with someone I have not met," that same somewhat apologetic tone. Not his fault, but all the same.

[Something, something, stalking, something, something, always watching. Yes. Yes. It's true, but excuse him. He is just right to the point staring. His brain is fried for the moment, so as she moved and walks gracefully, jumping down with no issues, he just followed her with his eyes, staring.]

[Yes, he took far too many hits to the head, but that wasn't exactly the worst he had ever had. However, HAD his hit his head too hard, or was she really here too!?]

It's... it's you. [he said in a delayed tone as she spoke about phones and metal. Only to sound suddenly excited? Surprised? Almost... happy?] It's you!

[He darted forward, as if to close the gap between them, only to jerk his hand back, coming to a halt, watchful.] Are you ...alright? Have you been here long?

[Why yes, that is concern]

[The irony indeed, considering the hundreds of times she has said those two words to him. More times than she would ever care to count... and yet here he is, saying it right back and following through with it. Following through on his words, on his promises, old and new, for the first time in six fucking years.

She expected this. She could see it simmering in his eyes, she could feel it in his lips and his teeth. She had tried to forget a lot of things about him, but as he razed her neck, she realized that she remembers it all. Every quirk, every tell of his that would signal his intentions.

They learned to read each other. He learned to open her up and memorize every part of her, and then allowed her to do the same.

Which is why it's so easy for Benedikta to meet him.

Her lips match the growing fierceness in his when everything that she had held onto for all these years comes crashing out all at once. Even on the ship and the beach, those tides of feelings are nothing compared to the one that overcomes her as soon as their lips crash together.

And she dares to pull back just far enough that there is space, using a need for air as an excuse, for her to murmur softly under her breath,]

Make me, Cidolfus.

[A challenge. No, a command.

Because some things never change.

Though, compared to the times that she has demanded from him before, this is uncharacteristically soft. Tentative. Even a little afraid.]

[ Xenk chuckles. Yes, they really do have a lot of these left... ]

Perhaps? Perhaps his attempts were so poor that he needed various alternatives... his foundations must have been flawed indeed. Even from what I recall of Thay, there was no need for such waste.

[ Xenk may not know much about necromancy, but even he has to admit this guy was bad. Good thing they've almost hit the next coffin, because they have a long way to go. ]

Edited 2023-10-19 04:40 (UTC)

Holland, I --

[ Fuck.

He knows he's said something wrong the second that look passes over Holland's face, subtle and yet entirely obvious when Kell is watching him so closely for any tell. He's left standing alone (and therefore in the way) on the dance floor, so what else is he going to do but follow after him?

As he does, his misstep becomes obvious to him. His dig at White London of course also included Holland, and of course also remarked on his circumstance, and he shouldn't have said anything, although some part of him also thinks it is rather unfair that Holland can just endlessly insult him and he can't say anything back but that ---

It doesn't matter. ]

Wait.

[ the fire sails past her, but not before singeing a few tufts of deep brown strands away. the scent of burning hair quickly feels the room, but it is nowhere near the oppressive and all-consuming presence of the monsters. despite this, a grin and twinkle lights up aerith's face.

once, tifa had held her hand out while pulling aerith out of her own fear-sickened panic. it was the first time someone ever came back for her, and though aerith cannot offer her the same thing, she can take her friend's hand into her own, pull her to her feet, and do her best to make her feel like this is just one bump in the road to getting this all figure out. ]

We will. [ where tifa seems terrified and ready to just get out of here, aerith keeps her head firmly on her shoulders. she takes short stock of the other woman, checking her for injuries, before nodding with understanding. ] How many are there? Let's see...

[ dusting off a few pumpkin seeds and strand strands of gourd guts from her pink dress, she looks around the small, enclosed room. it has the perfect configuration for giving cover, but just enough room to make this all the more difficult. the ghouls on the other side of the wall are sure to figure out how to get to the other side (pun possibly intended?) which means they've got moments to figure this out. ]

Three between us two. [ not the best odds, dealing with the undead. she hums, and pulls closer to tifa, as a duo of monsters gets ready to join them again— which means... ] Say, Tifa, I've never been bowling before. What about you?

[ at her feet, she'll feel it: a pumpkin bomb, ready to get used for battle. ]

It didn't seem like he had much in the way of magic. This is far too inelegant for true necromancy.

[ Look there are necromancers in Baldur's Gate. Undead are around. ]

[ the chest is lifted much more easily than before. she nearly loses her balance, foot shuffling to find purchase again after expecting a heavier load than the one she holds. she offers him a thankful smile, teeth and all, before she answers and leads the way. ]

My stuff's in here. [ not the most interesting answer, is it? ] I couldn't find the key. But there's always a way in, isn't there?

[ like dropping it until it bursts open. ]

[ The problem with people showing up is, he's usually down here for a reason, like trying to eat. One moment he's about to catch a rat, the next moment the rift opens up and deposits some guy and the rat scurries away. Really, it's all a bother.

Also, Astarion isn't exactly welcoming party material and yet here he is. ]

You're on a ship. Yes it's real, you're not dreaming, and whatever powers you think you'll have you'll have to get them back by talking to an over-sized octopus after we hit land.

[ That's the basics, right? Astarion had tried to kill the man who'd told him the basics on day one so....he's trying to give back to the community, I guess. ]

[ law poses an interesting question. the mallet, paused mid-air, is shoved away. the kid pulls their blindfold up to peer at law with a scrutinizing gaze, as if to ask why he's gone and stopped the game, but aerith huffs and sighs, answering for them. ]

It's a game. They're hunting ghosts. See?

[ she points in a direction where, in the distance, another blindfolded person is beating the tar out of a cardboard ghost, who spews their candy-soaked guts, decorating the sidewalk with all manner of treats for the taking. a crowd of trick of treaters is cheering and laughing at the spectacle, chanting for harder hits. ]

Don't know why they want to get me. Do I look dead?

[ don't answer that. ]

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