seaboards: (Default)
seaboards ([personal profile] seaboards) wrote in [community profile] escordvi2023-10-13 10:43 am

« october: ghoul's moon (test sail) »



Welcome to the Test Drive Meme for [community profile] 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)
Test Sailors:
Attack on Titan - Reiner Braun | Paladin
Azur Lane - Enterprise | Paladin
Baldur's Gate 3 - Gale Dekarios | Paladin
Baldur's Gate 3 - Karlach Cliffgate | Corsair
Baldur's Gate 3 - Raphael | Corsair
Bloodborne - Eileen the Crow | Paladin
Captain Laserhawk - Dolph Laserhawk | Corsair
Castlevania: Nocturne - Maria Renard | Paladin
Daria - Daria Morgendorffer | Corsair
Deadpool - Wade Wilson | Corsair
Dragon Age - Fenris | Corsair
Dragon Ball Z - Nappa | Corsair
The Elder Scrolls Online - The Vestige | Paladin
Final Fantasy VII R - Aerith Gainsborough | Paladin
Final Fantasy VII R - Yuffie Kisaragi | Paladin
Final Fantasy XII - Basch fon Ronsenburg | Corsair
Final Fantasy XIV - Emet-Selch | Undecided
Final Fantasy XVI - Midadol Telamon | Corsair
Final Fantasy Type-0 - Rem Tokimiya | Corsair
Forgotten Realms - Kimmuriel Oblodra | Corsair
Genshin Impact - Kaveh | Paladin
Granblue Fantasy - Sandalphon | Corsair
Gundam Wing - Zechs Merquise | Paladin
Hades - Theseus | Paladin
Kingdom Hearts - Lea/Axel | Corsair
Kingdom Hearts - Demyx | Corsair
Lies of P - Pinnochio | Corsair
Love Between Fairy and Devil - Dongfang Qingcang | Corsair
My Hero Academia - Izuku Midoriya | Paladin
My Hero Academia - Katsuki Bakugou | Paladin
My Hero Academia - Rody Soul | Paladin
Nimona - Ballister Boldheart | Paladin
Original Character - Darin Altway | Corsair
Original Character - Oengus | Paladin
Original Character - Rin Nesidri | Corsair
Overwatch - Sombra | Corsair
Persona 4 Golden - Ryotaro Dojima | Paladin
Persona 5 - Ren Amamiya | Corsair
Shades of Magic - Holland Vosijk | Corsair
Shades of Magic - Kell Maresh | Paladin
Tales of Arise - Alphen | Corsair
To the Moon - Dr. Eva Rosalene | Paladin
Yakuza: Like a Dragon - Tianyou Zhao | Corsair

Current Characters:
Baldur's Gate 3 - Astarion | Corsair
Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves - Xenk Yendar | Paladin
Final Fantasy V - Faris Scherwiz | Corsair
Final Fantasy VII - Cloud Strife | Paladin
Final Fantasy VII - Nanaki/Red XIII | Paladin
Final Fantasy VII - Reno | Paladin
Final Fantasy VII - Tifa Lockhart | Paladin
Final Fantasy XIV - G'raha Tia | Corsair
Final Fantasy XVI - Cidolfus Telamon | Corsair
Final Fantasy XVI - Dion Lesage | Paladin
Genshin Impact - Lyney | Corsair
Jujutsu Kaisen - Toge Inumaki | Corsair
Kingdom Hearts - Roxas | Paladin
Pokemon Violet - Professor Turo | Paladin
The Stormlight Archive - Shallan Davar | Corsair
Sweetness & Lightning - Kotori Iida | Paladin
Tales of Zestiria - Sorey | Paladin



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…




subigito: (51)

[personal profile] subigito 2023-10-22 04:30 am (UTC)(link)
Then perhaps you should dance with me.

[ The perfect potential partner, you see. He knows he's good at it, so he sees absolutely no reason not to share that knowledge. ]
subigito: (58)

[personal profile] subigito 2023-10-22 04:44 am (UTC)(link)
[ Astarion quirks an eyebrow at being handed an arm ]

Put that back in. We're trying to put parts in the graves, not rob them.

[ Although it does help him colormatch....it goes with a leg, which he also grabs and tosses into the coffin. But not nicely....if Toge wants them arranged he's going to have to do it himself. ]
partybabysitter: (21)

[personal profile] partybabysitter 2023-10-22 04:45 am (UTC)(link)
It is a curse that can grow weary, rest assured. I would not wish it on my dearest friend, or greatest enemy.

[ He's just being honest, you know. Not so bad in the short-term, but over time... yeah. ]
subigito: (07)

[personal profile] subigito 2023-10-22 04:49 am (UTC)(link)
[ Astarion doesn't have the kind of arcane detection of a wizard, or the innate understanding good and evil of a cleric or paladin. Instead, at best, he feels like something is a bit off. It reminds him, vaguely, of Cazador's presence, but maybe only because he's thinking about the undead.

He is, after all, only a vampire spawn. ]


Not really. My position is a little unique.

[ All of the downsides of vampirism and none of the power. ]
starshower: (temp 031)

[personal profile] starshower 2023-10-22 04:54 am (UTC)(link)
I... was...

[The smile also catches her off guard that it gives Tifa pause before she decides to try something absolutely crazy—]

Hey, Eustace...?
yuezun: (neutral: convo: attention 3)

[personal profile] yuezun 2023-10-22 05:08 am (UTC)(link)
[How strange. But many things were strange here.

Daqiang relaxed his grip, but continued to lead. The intense interest he had displayed, and his posturing, reigned back in to something closer to socially acceptable.]


This venerable one is not an authority with the... 'undead' as you named it. This venerable one is familiar with the spiritual presence of the living and the spiritual presence of dead. Your presence is that of the dead, but your body is intact and thriving in a way that is... not living... but not dead in the manner that this venerable one has encountered.

[Finally an answer. He couldn't begin to describe what form of dead Astarion was without a great deal of research. But the man's spiritual presence felt 'dead' to his senses and there was no 'living' presence to explain his body being as intact as it was.]
subigito: (07)

[personal profile] subigito 2023-10-22 05:20 am (UTC)(link)
[ Astarion moves with him, tilting his head the other way so Xenk can have room to explore. He swallows thickly, still unsure of what he should do or even what he wants to do. The attention is so sweet, but he feels so useless. Even if some part of him knows Xenk wouldn't say that he was. ]

You feel good.

[ On some level, he realizes he's only talking because he's nervous, and oh, that's a new feeling. ]
subigito: (28)

[personal profile] subigito 2023-10-22 05:24 am (UTC)(link)
[ Astarion takes this in stride, as with the rest. He'd be willing to believe that maybe the whole spiritual presence thing is like how clerics are sensitive to the presence of others, but it does seem like there's more it it than that. Daqiang's answer really just gave more questions.

Still, it's enough that Astarion is willing to give an answer of his own: ]


You're not wrong--I've been dead for 200 years.
priste: (01)

[personal profile] priste 2023-10-22 05:28 am (UTC)(link)
I think that's only fair after everything I asked. What do you want to know?

[ Kell was used to question. In Grey London, collectors and enthusiasts were always drawn to him and the idea of the unknown. But even in Red London, he was the only Antari. ]
priste: (10)

[personal profile] priste 2023-10-22 05:30 am (UTC)(link)
It's supposed to be some kind of an artefact, but I'm not sure that really makes it nay better.

[ Magical items were, after all, not always good. Sometimes they were pieces of another world's magic, like vitari had been. ]

I guess there's no real way to find out except to help look for the pieces of the map.

[ he sounds decidedly excited about the prospect, but also like he's trying really hard not to be. ]
yuezun: (neutral: convo: attention 3)

[personal profile] yuezun 2023-10-22 05:40 am (UTC)(link)
That is a long time for mortals.

[Daqiang said thoughfully, recalling an earlier conversation he'd had that night with a young girl who had told him that older than 20 years was 'old' by mortal standards.]

Were you not dead, you would be considered an immortal in the Three Realms.
makoglow: (126)

[personal profile] makoglow 2023-10-22 05:44 am (UTC)(link)
[ It's not really meant to deter Tifa. Cloud is already aware that nothing really will. So his complaining and huffing is more for show than anything. ]

Well I guess if we're going to embarrass ourselves, it'll be together.

[ Let him squeeze Tifa's hand and pull her out towards the dance floor. She doesn't want it to get too full and he doesn't want it to either. The fewer the eyes on them? The better. ]

You know where to you put your hands?
partybabysitter: (16)

[personal profile] partybabysitter 2023-10-22 05:47 am (UTC)(link)
[ Xenk smiles against Astarion's skin, kissing his way up behind his ears and to the points. He trails them slow, lips soft and nearly chaste despite everything. He does intend to shower Astarion with kisses, and only kisses. As Astarion has already made clear -- he wishes to give himself time to enjoy himself. For himself.

Yet even in his words, Astarion attempts to compliment Xenk. That's all well and good, but Xenk wants to hear it from Astarion himself.
]

Does it feel good to you?

[ Xenk knows the answer, but he wants to hear Astarion say it. More than anything, Xenk intends to continue treating him with care, and asking for nothing in return. He squeezes the arm around Astarion's waist, leaning into something that's nearly a hug. Simply holding him is a privilege, and one Xenk enjoys for the safety he can provide. ]
subigito: (10)

[personal profile] subigito 2023-10-22 05:47 am (UTC)(link)
[ Astarion laughs ]

I am immortal. But elves on Faerun are long lived anyway. So even if I hadn't died, I would still be young.
subigito: (110)

[personal profile] subigito 2023-10-22 05:50 am (UTC)(link)
[ It's clear to Astarion why he asks. A simple difference to some, perhaps, but the intent behind it makes him practically melt in Xenk's arms, even more so than the kind treatment and the press of his lips. Xenk takes all of this so seriously. And for all that it is hard, Xenk treats him with so much respect. He doesn't think these kinds of conversations are ones he could have with anyone else. ]

Yes. It feels very good to me.
yuezun: (neutral: convo: attention 1)

[personal profile] yuezun 2023-10-22 05:53 am (UTC)(link)
[Astarion was an elf. Daqiang had met an elf earlier. Asterion did not feel like the other, but perhaps that was because he was dead.]

Oh? How long do elves live?

[The intense interest was back in his eyes.]
subigito: (28)

[personal profile] subigito 2023-10-22 05:55 am (UTC)(link)
Between 700 and 1000 years, usually.

[ At least he didn't have to explain what an elf is this time, although the ears are a bit of a give away. ]

I've answered several questions. Your turn again. Why are you so sensitive to the presence of the living and the dead?
voxt: (05)

[personal profile] voxt 2023-10-22 05:56 am (UTC)(link)
[ Holland gives something close to a derisive laugh. It's an exhale through his nose and a slight quirk to his lips that says he finds the irony of that 'artefact' amusing. In a very morbid way.

They both know how dangerous artefacts can be.
]

It's better than nothing.

[ Wow, look at Holland being optimistic! That's... his version of optimism, anyway. But he does turn to look Kell in the eye, as opposed to simply staring up into the night sky. ]

With each of us on a different side, we'll at know if one side knows more about that map than the other.

[ Pinch yourself, Kell. Holland is saying he'll work together with you. It's the only route that makes sense, and Holland is pragmatic if nothing else. ]
yuezun: (neutral: convo: attention 1)

[personal profile] yuezun 2023-10-22 06:06 am (UTC)(link)
[Normally he wasn't one to care about what questions others had, but he supposed it would only be fair to answer a couple directed his way.]

This venerable one is immortal. It is natural to those born into immortality. If the spiritual presence isn't hidden, any immortal born can sense it to some extent. This venerable one is more sensitive than other immortals because this venerable one is more powerful than they are.
headhunt: (x ↪)

[personal profile] headhunt 2023-10-22 06:11 am (UTC)(link)
( the relief that strikes karlach upon seeing astarion is intense and immediate. she almost doesn't know what to say, throat feeling a little tight. she's so grateful not to have been separated from everyone. so grateful to not be thrown into another new place, completely awash and adrift.

he almost feels like a beacon of light, sun shining behind him as he laughs and greets her warmly.

something heavy in her chest relaxes, nerves settling at the knowledge that she isn't alone. )


It's not dire to ask a friend.

( karlach chirps as she springs to her feet, bouncing up from where she'd been sitting. )

You really think you'd have something that could fit me?

( she pauses to take the moment to flex, almost as if to illustrate the problem. )
subigito: (03)

[personal profile] subigito 2023-10-22 06:21 am (UTC)(link)
[ Wow!! He has muscles, too, probably?? He only has a -1 to strength checks! ]

I would think just about anything would be a trade up from your current ensemble. Or was that meant to be a fashion statement of some kind?

[ He's probably got at least one jacket he wouldn't mind if it caught on fire. Since coming here, he's managed to buy all kinds of nice clothes. It's much better than owning one thing that you have to constantly repair by hand, as it turns out! The wonders of freedom. You give an elf a sock and suddenly he thinks he deserves an entire wardrobe. ]

Come on, we can at least get you that drink. We have a lot to catch up on.

[ Two whole months! He's a pirate, now! So he turns to head towards his cabin, expecting she'll follow ]

Have you gotten the whole speech already about where you are?
netherese: (19)

[personal profile] netherese 2023-10-22 06:23 am (UTC)(link)
[Well, isn't this interesting!]

It is said to soothe even the most savage of beasts, or so I've heard. I'm not certain these little fellows qualify as savage, but it seems to be doing the trick regardless. They've taken quite a shine to you!

[He offers her an easy smile, along with a bow.]

Quite a collection you have there.
partybabysitter: (115)

[personal profile] partybabysitter 2023-10-22 06:24 am (UTC)(link)
[ It's his greatest strength and his greatest flaw. He puts everything he has into everything he does. Whether that is caring for a friend, taking care of a lover, or holding close to someone in between; Xenk Yendar commits to all things with his entire heart. Especially the things that matter, like the people he loves and cares about.

Like Astarion, who has shared so much of himself, who has suffered so much, and who Xenk cares so deeply for.
]

Then I am glad.

[ Xenk's squeezes Astarion's hand in response. He's proud of him for saying it. And he's proud of him for allowing it. At some point they really will need to wash up, but even covered in sweat and muck, Xenk finds he does not mind taking his time. They both have all the time in the world, after all. ]
headhunt: (iv ↪)

[personal profile] headhunt 2023-10-22 06:25 am (UTC)(link)
( this gigantic madwoman would, yes.

while she hears the voice of concern coming from the pretty young man, karlach finds it to be unnecessary. cute and rather sweet in a way she isn't used to, but definitely unnecessary. she is here for a good time and that good time was largely dependent on shattering some skeleton bones.

karlach is about to attempt to rally him, stoke his fighting spirit, but something comes swinging at him instead. with a quick, fluid movement she flings her great-axe forward with a single hand and crushes the advancing skeleton. bones and bits fly everywhere and karlach wastes no time in throwing herself towards where she flung her weapon. )


Keep up! You'll get overwhelmed!

( it's a warning, but it barely sounds like one when there is so much joy in her voice. )
netherese: (22)

!!

[personal profile] netherese 2023-10-22 06:29 am (UTC)(link)
[There's a familiar voice— one that Gale feels even more relieved to hear than he might have guessed, and not only because Halsin is disinclined to take much pleasure in the fumbles or misfortunes of others. That does, of course, help.

Gale offers the druid a smile as he smooths out the front of his robes, letting out a self-deprecating little laugh as he holds his own shellphone up, as well.]


I suppose this means we'll have the opportunity to sort them out together— and everything else, as well. I can't say I'm not glad to be in good company.

[Far better than going it alone!]

Good to see we both made it in one piece. Are you well, then?