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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

[He has no sense of what is appropriate or inappropriate for social situations. That would require the emotional capacity of a gnat. Something he doesn't quite have.

The answer neither surprises him nor horrifies him. He does, however, finally sound something other than bored. There is displeasure and condemnation in his voice as he responds.]

Your enemy is indeed needlessly cruel. This venerable one would destroy anyone who attempted to inflict such wicked slavery upon his people.

[A pause, and then, because he is a just and understanding tyrant:]

A mortal such as yourself could not be expected to do the same.

[ Oh, they'll get along so well! Xenk continues to lead them through the movements of their dance, listening intently to the man's words and unique perspective. ]

I am flattered and touched by your sympathy.

[ He means it. Hearing this man speak is not unlike speaking to the gods in his realm. An outside perspective, if one not particularly connected with those of mortal men. But hey, it's always good to meet a god(?) who is against slavery. ]

But rest assured, I am aware of my own limits. The lich in question, Szass Tam, wields an army the likes of which I would be fool to engage. I have sought purpose in my life through aiding those around me in other ways, that this vile curse might bring goodness into the world.

Be assured, this venerable one did not express sympathy. Such actions as you describe serve no purpose except power for power's sake and evil for evil's sake. Neither are sensible reasons for anything.

[The condemnation of Szass Tam's action was about as far as their personal philosophies aligned, as Daqiang wouldn't have cared about using such power to help random bystanders. But he could appreciate finding a purpose in one's life, even if it wasn't a purpose he, himself, would choose.]

That you know your limits is good. Many mortals don't. Are you the last of your people, then?

Forgive me my presumptions.

[ Xenk smiles, even in the dark. He's not remotely surprised to have read intent where there was none. What's more human than instilling into the words of a god? ]

I am indeed the last living Thayan. Or perhaps the Thayan who bears the most life, if one is to speak in technicalities. Szass Tam and his ilk exist in a mockery of life as unkillable, unliving creatures, and there are those who swear allegiance to him who are alive, but are not of Thay.

It is doubtful that they are unkillable. True Immortals are rare, even among gods.

[Though he supposes in another world, that might not be as true as it was in the Three Realms.]

If you are the last of your people who have not fallen under his sway, or been enticed to his service, or been cursed to the torture of being trapped between life and death as a mindless slave... then you are are the last. The only memory of a people that have been erased from the world.

[He gives his opinion as though it is fact and, as the music changes tempo, shifts his hold on Xenk to take the lead. Though he had refused Xenk permission to touch him intimately, he did not hesitate to slip his own hand to Xenk's waist and begin directing him through the steps he had learned earlier that evening.]

This venerable one would know your name, Last of the Thay.

Edited (teh) 2023-10-17 03:26 (UTC)

Indeed. The matter of his death is locate his philactery, where he has sequestered what remains of his soul. This is the nature of any lich, though they often keep them hidden and well-guarded. I imagine only his most trusted advisors would know the secrets of its location.

[ Xenk is going to give him the full story, of course. It seems fitting. Even as the other man takes the lead, and Xenk very easily falls into step. While his words are harsh, Xenk chooses to believe them to be a kindness. He is the last Thayan, that much is true. What Szass Tam and his ilk are is not Thay. It is a mockery of what was once his home. ]

My name is Xenk Yendar. Is there some manner of title which I may use to address you?

This venerable one is Dongfang Qingcang, Moon Supreme Lord of the Moon Tribe, and ruler of the Cangyan Sea. It is proper to address this venerable one as Moon Supreme.

[He answered and then went right back to the topic at hand now that he knew what to call his dance partner. The false immortal was proving to be interesting enough that Daqiang wasn't entirely dissatisfied with his choice to join the dance. The blindness still sucked.]

If your enemy keeps the last of his primordial spirit separate from himself, however guarded, then you have a possibility of finding it and destroying it. You could still repay the shame and injustice of his actions, Xenk Yendar.

[As Daqiang grew bolder in his lead, Xenk may be able to feel a bit of power from the Moon Supreme, who was using his mystical senses to ensure they didn't bump into anyone around them. The power in Daqiang was dark and oppressive, even held back as it was, and laced with an unnatural heat that wasn't physical, but seemed to pulse just below the surface of his skin.]

Edited 2023-10-17 04:16 (UTC)

Then I shall address you thus, Moon Supreme.

[ A strange thing to feel, when dancing with a partner. Though one who is a god, perhaps not. Xenk would normally have a much stronger, holy presence, were it not for the blood moon bringing out his more undead traits in favor of it. But while he is troubled, he cannot simply pass judgment now. It isn't quite his place.

He remains firm even with the darkness pressing over him. Xenk's willing is unwavering and unbreakable, he keeps in step, following the dance even without sight. ]

Indeed, in my travels I have sought to confirm its location. The lich holds many temples and tombs throughout the land, but thus far none have contained that which I have sought. It is a manner of some large-scale concern, as his reign threatens the balance of Faerun as a whole, not simply the lands that were once called Thay.

Temples are for gods and spirits. That he seeks to ascend is unsurprising.

[That the gods have not struck him down for his hubris, even less. Mortal affairs were of little concern to immortals, with the most common exception being whether or not a particular immortal had managed to pass a tribulation taken in the mortal realm.]

Faerun is what your mortal realm is called?

Indeed. He seeks absolute reverence and absolute obedience from all of his followers, for not all who follow him are thralls.

[ Like, some people actually choose to follow a creature like that? But man will do anything to find power, Xenk knows this too, from his many years alive. ]

Our planet is called Toril, and the continent from which I hale is called Faerun. We refer to our mortal realm as the Material Plane, as it is one of many planes of existence known to us.

[ Oh boy, he does love exposition. But unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately?) for Xenk and the rest of Faerunians, gods are forbidden from directly interceding with material affairs. Unless they go through their followers... it's a rule with a lot of fine print, it seems like. ]

It seems your world is similar to this venerable one's. There are also many smaller realms and dimensions within the Three Realms, but it is the Three Realms on which the universe depends to keep from returning to the primordial chaos from which all creation was birthed. So long as at least one stands the world will continue.

[Which is to say, his world.]

Who is the most powerful being in your world?

How very interesting. I am not a scholar of interplanar studies by any means, but I believe the creation of our world may be somewhat similar. Though we have far more than three realms, it is uncommon to encounter those that travel between them.

[ Not exactly rare, but not exactly uncommon. The walls between realms are thinner than some would admit... but Xenk is able to keep all this up while still following, so he has a bit more time to think on it. ]

The overgod Ao, if I am not mistaken. It is he who decreed that the gods should not directly intercede in human affairs, and could only do so via their clerics and followers.

[He considered the implication of such a decree on a world with more than the Three Realms. Such bureaucracy and infighting must be even more complicated to follow than in his own world.]

This Ao keeps the the lesser gods from gaining power from acts of miracles and spreading words about themselves. His decree also prevents them from gaining power by raising mortals from to godhood in support of them. It provides little incentive to travel between realms, as well, which makes the potential benefits of doing as such not worth the effort of attempting to circumvent the rule for most lesser gods.

[He released Xenk's waist and lifted their joined hands overhead to spin the man once before pulling him back and tucking him against his side. His hand returned to Xenk's waist and he finished his thought:]

This Ao is a tyrant, which is to be respected, but his methods are far too underhanded.

Indeed, the overgod's laws are absolute, in a fashion.

[ Xenk nearly quirks a smile. What a peculiar way to look at it. Not that he's necessarily wrong; the ways of the gods are beyond mortals, but they are so often petty and trying to skirt those very same laws. Xenk goes with the spin easily, having no issue with the man's touch. ]

Though as ever, man has sought to circumvent the ways of these laws. In the last hundred years, our surveyor of death decided it was his time. And in his place, three humans rose to godhood, each overseeing a fraction of his work: that of bones, of murder, and terror. Thus Ao's methods are not truly so ironclad.

Mortals create much suffering for each other. It is unsurprising new gods would be needed to address such tasks.

This venerable one is surprised that your Ao extends his power to try and control the realms of death and reincarnation. Those realms are left alone in the Three Realms. They are not outside the Three Realms, but sit at the bottom of the Memory Loss River, which divides and joins the Three Realms. Any who enter will be unable remember what occurred within, if they are able to return at all.

[Though he was an unfilial child, he had no reason to seek out and disturb the dead.]

There is no benefit to disturbing that realm.

In our world, death in its many forms. It is Kelemvor who bears judgement over the souls of the departed, and weighs their lives' work to decide which of the realms holds claim to their soul.

[ The Hells for the unjust, the Celestial Plane for the truly virtuous. And the many realms in between for... well, everyone else. ]

Of course, I have not died personally, so I cannot claim to speak from experience. Resurrection is also available, through magical means, though such spells are powerful indeed.

Resurrection is a difficult process. If a soul has already been reincarnated, it might not be possible at all until they have served out their karma. And if their primordial spirit has been destroyed, it is not possible at all.

[Judgement and a what place the soul would be sent to serve out it's karma until it was ready to reincarnate were familiar concepts to Daqiang. The potential implication that souls stayed in those realms and did not necessarily reincarnate flew right over his head.]

Tell this venerable one more about the realms and their purposes. This venerable one is... interested... in learning this. It may prove useful knowledge to have.

[Yes, that was probably the right word for what he was feeling. He certainly couldn't be enjoying the conversation. The only reason to continue was because it could potentially be of use later.]

Edited (he needed to be more stuffy sounding) 2023-10-18 06:22 (UTC)

I can imagine it would be a difficult process. This aligns with what I know of in our world as well, as the spell becomes more difficult the more time has passed since the death.

[ I mean, surely reincarnation is a thing in Faerun, somewhere. The realms are so big and so varied, that Xenk doesn't think it strange at all. And there's always a Wish spell, which can unmake the laws of reality, so you know! ]

As you say. [ Xenk smirks. Something tells him this god isn't so used to learning new things. Well, he is happy to teach him! ] Keep in mind that I am no cosmologist, so I speak only of what I know. Those that are most noteworthy are of course the Celestial Plane, where good and just souls pass on after their lives' end in the Material. Opposite to this, there exists the Nine Hells, with each layer find a different devil and torturer in charge of it. Though they are ever at war with the Demons from the Abyssal.

[ Let's not get started on the war between devils and demons, we'll be here forever. ]

There is also the Astral Plane, which exists outside of the main realms -- it one where time passes simultaneously, and not at all. Where mind flayers and githyanki travel in great ships across the astral seas. The Feywilds, where the fair folk live, are a magical realm from which much magic draws its source from. One might say the Shadowfell is its opposite, as it exists as a realm void of light and hope, though there are said to be smaller realms within it... And there are many more planes than I am aware of, I am certain. But these come to mind most of all.

[Daqiang isn't used to having an interest in learning new things that weren't relevant. Though he'd gotten into the habit of reading in the quiet hours that Orchid was asleep or away from Arbiter Hall.

As Xenk mentioned the Celestial Plane and it's role as a place where the 'good and just' souls go, he couldn't help the scoff that tore out of his throat. He did, however, manage to get control of himself just before Xenk hit him with the Nine Hells and 'a different devil and torturer in charge'.

He continued to lead, but as Xenk continued on, his pace slowed. Unable to pay attention to the dancing when he was processing how absurdly twisted a reflection of his own world the cosmology of Xenk's was.]

The... the Nine Hells... [He spoke his words very carefully as Xenk was not to blame for the way his world was formed or that it seemed a mockery of his own.] The Nine hells are where... Devils... live. And the... Devils... are the opposite of the good and just?

[ Xenk notices their pace slowing, but considers nothing strange about this. Devils are fairly common in his world, unfortunately! ]

Indeed, the devils rule the Nine Hells, with cruel laws and excessive punishments. It is where souls who have been judged and deemed evil are sent to suffer for all of eternity. It is said that those whose wills are strong, and who suffer long enough to lose their humanity, become devils in kind. And thus it is said that the devils are ever at war with one another, fighting amongst themselves for rule and reign over each of the Hells.

Though the current rule of the first Hell, Avernus, is said to be a fallen Celestial. Even they are not immune from the corrupting might of the Hells, it seems.

[ Xenk says all this like it's normal? It's normal to him. ]

Below the hells lies the Abyss, where primordial chaos and evil is born. This is the source of Demons, what exist only for destruction and slaughter. But they are often at war with the Devils as well, so we see far less of them in the Material Plane.

But you have not been to these places, yourself. How do you know what you say of them is true?

[So many similarities. And yet it was the differences that were important. For Xenk Yendar, both the Heavens and the Hells were places souls went to face judgement 'for all eternity'. The nine counties - layers - were not united under a single lord. And the most powerful being was the one named Ao.]

How do you know the Hells are evil and the Celestial Plane is good?

I have met devils. They are not so uncommon in our world. Cambions -- creatures born from humans and devils; are able to easily exist in both worlds, yet they wield much of the powers that full-devils do. And Avernus, being the first of the hells, often sends its fiends into our world. Though I believe perhaps Zariel holds grudges against humans for a past betrayal... the specific accounts conflict much in these details.

[ Now there's a curious question. ]

Why, that is simple. Those who enter the Celestial plane are those whose lives were judged as just. The god I sword my Oath to, Tyr, believes in justice, honesty, and mercy. Those who are aligned with the good are honorable. And those who are aligned with evil, believe in retribution, self-preservation, and dishonor. An unlawful life sees one banished to the Hells, though if one is lucky, one may slip in between perhaps, and end in one of the other realms. It is largely dependent on which god, if any, speaks for one's soul upon one's death.

But how do you know it isn't some grand lie to steal the souls of the good and torture them for eternity in the so-called Heavens while the souls of evil terrorize their new victims in the Hells?

[He pulled Xenk in close, the hand on his waist slipping behind to hold him firmly against Daqiang as he pulled them into a spin that would start to move them off the dance floor.]

Has your god told this, themself?

[ Well now, this guy is getting handsy. Not that Xenk is particularly opposed, but he's surprised, given the subject of their conversation. ]

You speak as though hold a personal stake in the matter. Rest assured, the status of my won world should not affect your own. If things are different, then I apologize if I have offended.

[ But that being said... ]

However, I have indeed heard this from my god. To hold Tyr's favor is a rare thing indeed, but I have been granted it on one or two occasions. He is a strict god, but a fair one. I trust his judgment in this.

It is not personal.

[It felt personal, though.

He forced himself to examine that thought and came to the conclusion the magics of the place must be effecting him. He did not care about personal insults, only that they weren't couched in lies.

Daqiang continued to move them through the tangle of other couples. Another spin or two and they would reach the pillars marking the edge of the dance floor.]

This venerable one is simply aware of how easy it is for those who claim to be good and just to paint their enemies as evil and deserving of destruction for the mere 'crime' of existing.

« october: ghoul's moon (test sail) »

GETTING STARTED

ELTRUT: FESTIVAL

NAUGHTILUST: MASQUERADE

GHOST SHIP

QUESTS

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