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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…

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

While Nimona is usually a little gremlin about things, she supposes it's the Paladin thing to help someone in need. There will be other opportunities to be her troublesome self.

"Yeah, it's apparently this whole thing that's been happening for a while. A lot of us ended up here about two months ago and have been put to work pretty instantly. There's some training on how to sail for the Paladins, and stealing lessons for Corsairs."

Luckily for him, Nimona likes to talk and offers up the information freely. It's not as if he couldn't find it from someone else.

"Only one person went home from our group, as far as I know. Not sure how. They were apparently here and then they just weren't."

"They simply disappeared?" he asked, more interested in that than the lessons that were apparently given. He'd landed with the Corsairs, but didn't feel any allegiance just because they were the first he met when he arrived. "What occurred when they did? Has there been much investigation into how it happened?"

She shrugged her shoulders at the question. "Someone who knew them talked about it, but they did it anonymously. That's what it sounded like, though."

Nimona shifts to walk sideways in order to face him a little better. "Since we don't really know who posted that information, we haven't really had an opportunity to look into it. No one I knew was missing, so I wouldn't know where to start."

There's a wave of her hand. "It just shows that we don't need some lost artifact to go home, only that it will be more random that way."

He was about to ask if she meant a public announcement was left for others to read when he remembered that the information about the 'shellphone' had included something about being 'anonymous'. He hadn't explored it much, but the communication matrix the shellphones provided access to seemed very complex. Investigating who spoke about it initially, if they did not want to share their identity, would not be a simple matter.

"As you have not been able to investigate the matter, how can you know their disappearance wasn't caused by an unknown artifact?" he asked. "Perhaps it caused them to 'disappear' but the one who talked about it could not tell what the cause was or that there was a connection."

Nimona is pretty tech-savy when compared to many of the others around here, she's taught others how to use the shellphones. Not even she could figure out how to track down whoever posted that anonymous post. It's probably whatever magic allows these devices to not even need electricity.

"Ah, but see! That person said the missing person didn't leave anything behind. All of their belongings were gone, too. So even if it was an artifact, it was either a one-time use or he took it with him." But now she tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Unless it somehow magically disappeared... or someone took it, and didn't say."

Yet she shrugged it off and beamed widely. "Whatever happened, we'll just either have to wait our turn or find this other artifact that supposedly sends people home."

It's clear that Nimona isn't all that worried or interested in getting home, with how casual she sounded about it all.

Without anything to provide a lead, or a familiarity with the world and its ways himself, there was not enough in the potential promise of a quick return for him to consider it an option. Thus it was not worth putting any time or effort into.

"This venerable one expects there have already been too many assumptions and not enough truths spread for it to be investigated properly," he replied in agreement. "The other other artifact you speak of is the better option for now. After we regain this venerable one's belongings."

He looked at the map he'd been given, trying to orientate where they might be on it so he would no lose his way later.

"This venerable one was also informed of a tattoo parlor."

Tattoos were generally seen as a mark of a criminal, but if it removed the seal on his power, he would put up with obtaining one.

Nimona doesn't really think that the people are keeping a lot from them, but more that they also just don't know much. The locals seem to not mind having Riftfarers around, and anyone that has gotten pulled in long before them that's still here appear to be settled.

Unlike others, Nimona is in no rush to get home. In fact, she prefers this place over her own world so far. So she hasn't had much reason for looking into how to go home and the whys. "Maybe not. Personally, I'd be more interested in finding a way to stay here over leaving." Nimona twists to walk backwards in front of him, holding out a finger as if about to scold a child. "If you want to find a way out of here, you're doing that on your own, buddy."

Then like a switch, she's back to a lighter demeanor. "Yep, I got myself a sweet tattoo there and got all of my abilities back. I can't tell you how horrible those three hours were of my life without them."

Since she knows not everyone is fond of the things. "You could probably get a tiny one, hidden away from sight. If tattoos aren't your thing."

Had he his own powers he would have flared his qi in warning for daring to act like she could tell him what to do. As it stood, however, she apparently had hers and he (big, internal sigh) did not.

And, apparently, she'd only been forgone them a few hours. Meanwhile he had to wait a full day for the damn ship to dock before he could even attempt to look for his clothes. And he wasn't going to get a tattoo until he had confirmed if Oracle Type-Writer was telling the truth about the location of his belongings. Which meant an even longer wait.

As tattoos were usually the mark of lowlife criminals and degenerates he would never normally associate with, getting one was not something he would choose if there was a choice in how he regained his power. But as it was the only one readily available and knwn....

"What power does a child such as you have?" He asked, keeping an eye on her while he checked the map again.

Edited 2023-11-03 02:00 (UTC)

Truthfully, he would be the first person in her entire life that would be older than her. Everyone else has short, mortal lives. Even here, Nimona isn't sure who else is older than her... supposedly thousand years.

As for being without her powers, she had to jump on getting them back, no matter the cost. They are who she is, not just something she can do. There isn't much life to be had for her, if she can't be all of herself.

Unlike other people's worlds, there is no real stigma against having a tattoo. Maybe there were back in the day when they couldn't communicate fast enough, but now they have handy phones to get information out there in no time at all.

She makes a sound, then in a flash of pink, gone is the little girl and in her place is... him. Nimona could have made it an exact copy, but there is a streak of pink in the hair now. "I'll have you know, I'm older than most of the people here. I just don't have to look it."

Even the voice is entirely his, just spoken in her own manner of speech. Probably handy to know, since he's looking down at the map.

His head snaps up and his eyes widen in shock and then pure outrage, "You dare?"

The map was shoved inside his shirt sleeve and he stepped into her space. He reached over and grabbed her by the neck, intending to choke her and push her back into the nearest building at the same time. The calm and bored air he'd had was gone and though his voice didn't rise, it was definitely on the 'if I could kill you right now I would' side of things.

"Return to your true form and do not take this venerable one's as your own again!"

Nimona does not, in fact, turn back into her "true form". Instead, she's going to ham up his choking attempt for a few moments - really, his puny mortal strength isn't anything Nimona is terribly worried about. And it sure doesn't look pretty on his face.

Then gone is anything even resembling a neck, a pink bird flits from the same spot and up to the nearest house, watching the man from the safe distance.

"You have no sense of humor! I wasn't even doing anything terrible with your face." Yet, being the unspoken word here. The bird puffs up angrily. "You wanted to know what 'this child' could do, and I showed you."

He continued to glare even as she retreated from his reach. He wasn't particularly bothered by the faces she was making other than the fact that after the first couple of them, they were clearly done in mockery and not as a result of actual danger. He'd choked his own neck at least four times when the little flower demon was inside his body.

But in this case, the child hadn't traded bodies with him.

Most who were not accomplished immortals could not do so that easily. He wondered if the bird was her true form. But no... she said that she was showing him what she could do. And both times she shapeshifted. So the bird was likely not her true form.

He rolled his shoulders and straightened his back, tucking one arm behind him as he stared up at her. His tone returned to the calm and bored one, but his ire had clearly not passed, "So you have. This venerable one will return the favor when his powers are restored."

It was definitely a threat.

Nimona wasn't born yesterday, she might act like an energetic, naive child - but she's far from it. So his tone does not do anything to settle her feathers, both literally and figuratively. As for what her true form actually was... is anyone but Nimona's guess.

This is a man with a lot of anger lurking under his cool and composed faces, he'd burn things down if it helped him accomplish his goals. She's sure of it. And maybe he'd be different if there was someone he cared about here, and she's sure he has his own story that shaped him this way.

Maybe it wouldn't be safe for others to try to peel away the layers, but Nimona is different. So far, in her long life, she hasn't found much that could permanently kill her. And that might be different here, but she's lived a long life compared to most others.

"You're the stiffest person I've ever met in my life, you really should loosen up. Smile a little." Nimona's just going to play with fire, it's fine. In fact, here she comes as a bird to settle on his shoulder.

"Keep going straight, I'll tell you when to turn."

"This venerable one does not smile," he told her, deadpan as he turned his head to look at her when she came down to sit on his shoulder. He was tempted to reach up and grab her... throw her to the ground or against a wall. But between the speed of her shapeshifting and his own mortal weakness, he doubted it would do anything to deter her.

He continued walking as she'd instructed. The faster he got his belongings, the faster he could potentially get his powers back.

"How varied is your ability?" he asked after a moment. "Is shapeshifting all you can do?"

Might as well learn as much as he can about her. It would make choosing a fitting punishment easier.

"That's funny, because you have all the muscles to smile. So you can smile," Nimona says, clearly not worried about what he might do now. Especially since she's in reach and poking a figurative bear here.

The bird tilts its head as it considers his question.

"I think I'll leave that a mystery. It keeps people coming back, you know."

Nope, not happening. She doesn't want to put her immortality to the test if she can help it, truthfully. Nimona knows what she can survive back home, here might be a different story.

"This venerable one is willing to inform you what he can do if it will prevent people from coming back unnecessarily," he replied, clearly indicating that she was one such person. Perhaps an agreement could be made. He tells her what he intends to do with her once his powers are returned and she stays far away in fear for her life. Or, if not in fear, then just away and never putting his face on her body again.

"Hmmmmm, no thanks. It's a lot more fun to uncover it as we go!" He isn't getting out of it that easily. Nimona is going to be like a little barnacle that keeps coming back.

"Turn left here."

Disappointing.

"This venerable one is not interested in fun," he muttered, sighing in obvious frustration.

He turned left.

"Then you must live a quiet, and sort of boring life. I love to shake things up. Explosions, fighting the heroic goodie two-shoes. That sort of thing!"

Yes, causing chaos is her idea of fun.

"This venerable one became the ruler of Cangyanhai as a child and spent the eight thousand years that followed burning, looting, destroying, and conquering the world," he replied, tone unchanging. "If you would find that a 'quiet, boring sort of life', you would be among a very select few."

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

« october: ghoul's moon (test sail) »

GETTING STARTED

ELTRUT: FESTIVAL

NAUGHTILUST: MASQUERADE

GHOST SHIP

QUESTS

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