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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

[A charming fungus!

Gale lets out a brief snort of a laugh at Astarion's description of the place, giving a brief bow of his head in thanks as he crosses the threshold.]

Well, I can't say that's a glowing review, but so long as they have a half-decent vintage on offer, I'll gladly give my patronage. We're hardly in any position to be particular, hm?

[It's been an exhausting day. He's not about to be picky.]

[ Astarion follows him in and then picks out a quiet booth in the corner for them, which he leads them to. ]

Naturally I haven't actually tried anything here, but none of my guests [ it's full sexual he means people he fucked ] have complained. Pick something and then let's start on with these questions, shall we?

Sounds splendid.

[Oh, Gale doesn't miss that implication for a moment.

As they settle in, a server stops by the table and Gale takes a brief moment to make his request before making himself comfortable opposite Astarion, folding his hands together atop the table and leaning forward so that they can discuss their current situation with as much privacy as a public place will allow them.]

Now— truly, two months you've been here? I met a man who claims to be quite friendly with you earlier, which was surprising all on its own, and he said something similar regarding the timeline. That's—

[He huffs softly.]

Even longer than we've known one another, isn't it? By my count, it's only been hours, though fluctuations in the passage of time between planes is hardly unheard of. Fascinating, though a touch challenging to wrap one's head around in practice.

"Surprising"? [ There's a dramatic mock-offense to his tone. How dare you! He's hurt! ] I'm perfectly friendly. At least in all the ways that count.

[ Astarion winks at Gale IN THAT WAY.

But it is strange, even for him, to think on how he's known the people here longer than Gale. He's told himself it doesn't matter. That he'll just get put back at camp as if nothing happened at the end of this all, and they'll go back to how things were. He also tells himself that it doesn't matter because none of them ever intended to stay together once they dealt with the Elder Brain, and why would they? It wasn't like they were friends. Well. Everyone was probably friends with Tav. But that was no reason for a group their large to stick together forever.

Especially since everyone else would be going back to a normal life and he....would probably just be forgotten, left to whatever fate he decides for himself after they confront Cazador.

A sobering thought. ]

I'm not too concerned with the timing. Shadowheart experienced something similar with Shar--moments for us, and hours for her. Or when Tav got sucked into that dinosaur dimension by the Djinn...

[ they've had some wild adventures. Don't try and cheat a Djinn, folks. ]

We get a break from our problems for a little while and then go back and save the world when the rifts are done with us.

Edited 2023-10-17 04:37 (UTC)

[He raises a brow at that wink, largely letting it roll off of him as so much of Astarion's flirting does, though where he once would have simply dismissed it, it's now met with plain amusement.]

Now, now, I hardly meant to imply otherwise— well. I suppose I did. Your definition of 'friendly' encompasses a great number of things, but I hadn't thought to include paladins of Tyr among them.

[The server returns with his glass, and he gives a nod of thanks before taking it up and helping himself to a generous sip, not even bothering to go about proper wine-tasting procedure— the situation is a bit too urgent for that.]

The time may not matter in the greater scheme of things, but I can't help being curious. [It is, after all, his way— and an unfamiliar world means he has all sorts of investigating to do.] All that said... I won't pretend it isn't a welcome reprieve. Time in general does not feel to be on our side, otherwise.

[ Astarion laughs--giggles, really, let's be honest--when Gale mentions that the person they're discussing is Xenk. And maybe that says something too, that it could've been multiple strangers that Gale had met, that Astarion has friends in the plural.

But oh, Xenk. Sweet beautiful dumb Xenk. ]

He's fun, isn't he?

[ he says this like he means to imply that he and Xenk are fucking, which is not true in most ways but is also a little bit true in others. What he and Xenk have is certainly special, and at times wildly intimate. But he wants it to sound superficial at best. Like he is simply looking to corrupt his holiness, a pleasant and daring conquest.

At the mention of their circumstance, though, his good cheer falls away and sobers. After all, he and Gale had many more problems beyond the elder brain and the tadpoles. Gale with his orb, and Astarion with Cazador. If Astarion doesn't solve his problems before they deal with the tadpoles it'll all be for nothing. His window of freedom is thus fleeting at best, save for his circumstance here. ]

No, it does not. [ a seriousness he rarely displays to anyone but Tav but Tav isn't here right now, Gale is, so Gale gets to be on the receiving end. ] I'd rather not look a gift horse in the mouth. There are those intent on finding a way back home via this artifact, or wherever it is that's allegedly controlling the rifts, but I...

[ he trails off here. It was easier to claim he wanted to stay here when he wasn't staring one of his companions in the face. But he finds himself at a bit of a loss and it strikes him that he does miss Tav, and that he does miss his other companions. What a strange concept. For a long moment he simply says nothing. He had thought his only desire to return was to kill Cazador, especially given that he knows their friendship is finite.

And yet.

And yet.

When he speaks again the seriousness is replaced by his light, complaining tone as if none of it matter. ]

Ugh, I don't know. I like my freedom here. But it's hardly earned, is it? It could be taken at a moments notice by the rifts.

Edited 2023-10-19 17:08 (UTC)

He's—

[Gale catches himself before he weighs in with his own assessment, because that laugh of Astarion's tells him exactly what he means, and the wizard's face colors ever-so-slightly before he lets out a brief cough to clear his throat and compose himself.]

Well, I really wouldn't know.

[Astarion, that man is a famed paladin, not even a sloppy one who's broken an oath. He's famous for righteousness.

Collected, he takes another draw from his glass, closing his eyes for a brief moment to appreciated the slight burn of its contents.]

I can't say I care much for being at the whims of others, but I hardly need to tell you that.

[In that regard, they're very much alike.]

Regardless of whether or not it's earned, it may be an opportunity. However brief it may end up being, we have, essentially, been granted time we would not have had otherwise. Perhaps we should consider this a boon of sorts.

[ Well, good! It seems to have worked!

There's a momentary shift, a discomfort that Gale might notice, if he's perceptive. Astarion doesn't appreciate the comparison. He doesn't think Gale understands, at all, what it's like to be held at the whim of another. Sure, Gale had the orb, but ultimately that was Gale and his hubris to blame. Astarion hadn't asked to be killed by Gur Hunters, and he certainly hadn't asked to be made into Cazador's slave for 200 years.

But only momentary. With an 18 on persuasion, Astarion plasters his normal expression back on easily. ]

If nothing else, we're at least free of our problems with the elder brain for the time being. I can't say I'm complaining about not having to fight avatars of the Dead Three and whatever the hells else they plan to throw at us.

[Gale doesn't quite catch that shift in full (Perception 16), but he does consider his choice of words in the moments after speaking them. He had mostly been speaking of their most recent dealings with being the pawns in someone else's game, their unwelcome adventures with tadpoles, but had he stopped to consider his audience, he might have opted otherwise. Astarion is far too well-practiced for him to perceive any discomfort, but it does occur to him that he may have been thoughtless.

He exhales steadily, leaning against the table and steepling his fingers in front of himself.]

I can't say I miss that lot one bit, though I'm concerned about our companions in our absence.

[Leave it to Gale to not be able to simply enjoy a break when it's given to them.]

Nevertheless, piracy does seem to suit you nicely. You appear to be doing quite well for yourself.

Will they even note our absence? I've been here for two months, and it sounds like no time has passed at all. At least, you didn't seem like you were terribly worried for my well being, as if I had gone missing.

[ Whether he is worried or not for their companions anyway, he doesn't say. After all, he's just been avoiding thinking about it altogether. That's much easier than having feelings! ]

Still, I appreciate your assessment! It does keep it interesting, although the food situation out at sea is rather dire.

[We're going to talk about your feelings someday Astarion, even if today might not be that day.]

True. It had been but moments for me since we last saw one another.

[Is that enough to say with certainty it would be the same for the others, should they find their way here? If the two of them found their way back, would any time have passed at all?]

I don't know enough about this place yet to say anything for certain, but I do intend to find out. As for your at-sea diet, perhaps something can be done about that.

Then there's no real use in worrying about it until we have proof otherwise.

[ This is a matter of survival, as far as he's concerned. And in a way, it's sort of the same as being okay with the tadpoles. The less he thinks about how it is eating its way through his brain, the better. It gives him freedom he didn't have before, same as this place. You just have to...ignore the downsides. ]

Oh? Are you offering me your neck? I won't say no to that.

Ah—

[Hmm. That is what it sounded like, isn't it. He clears his throat again.]

Not quite. I had something else in mind that might suit you better than having to dine on rats, though— if that would be amenable to you.

[Biting is... hm. He's still not certain how he feels about that.]

[ Hm, yes, Astarion will remember that throat clearing and that momentary hesitation. Something to make good on later maybe. ]

I'm all pointy ears.

[That does earn a small snort of laughter in response.]

Well, there's no need for me to cook for a camp full of people any longer, but I do still rather enjoy the activity. Naturally, with meat comes blood.

[Do you see where he's going with this?]

I could speak to one of the local butchers about collecting some for me to, ah— prepare for you to tide you over on those long trips?

That's not a terrible idea. If you could find a way to keep it fresh, then it might work.

[ Honestly it's sweet Gale is even considering it. It's not exactly pleasant work having to deal with all that blood. ]

Given the level of advancement in this place, it's entirely possible a device that can do so on its own already exists, but even if not, I should be able to devise something on my own— once I have my magic back.

[He hasn't quite gotten around to that yet; he'd been postponing going into the tattoo parlor when Astarion had found him, and simply getting his powers back isn't as simple as he'd like it to be. He'd been stripped of them once before, and had regained a fair amount since then— but there's more brewing inside of him than just his usual suite of spells.]

Regardless, it should be manageable. Taste-wise, I'm not certain how it would hold up compared to what you may have become accustomed to in recent months, but... it would at least offer some variety.

You don't have your magic back?

[ Astarion actually looks surprised to hear this. Magic seems like breathing to Gale of Waterdeep. ]

I would have thought that would be your first stop. Not standing around playing with the shellphones.

[Indeed it does— magic is his entire life, his very heart, and his expression grows somber in response to Astarion's questioning.]

Well... that was my first impulse, naturally, but there are other factors to consider. If we've been stripped of our abilities, I have to wonder just how far that extends. Clearly, certain aspects of the tadpoles are still in play, or else you'd have burned up long before you reached me.

[He gestures towards Astarion himself, pausing to raise his glass for another drink.]

I have to consider how regaining my power, or what I had managed to rebuild these past weeks, would not only impact the tadpole, but the orb.

[That's still a thing.]

[ At the mention of burning up, he quips: ]

Yes, well, there's no need to describe it in such delightful terms.

[ But it's a short complaint, especially since the bulk of what Gale has to say is far more important. Astarion doesn't really enjoy sympathizing with others, but even he has to admit it's a hard decision to have to make, whether to keep his powers or stay safe. Perhaps he's willing to consider it because, in a way, it wasn't too different from having to decide whether to sacrifice his siblings or just stay a spawn forever. ]

You're stuck choosing between power and safety. [ Astarion is taking this seriously. His tone has dipped lower, his words slow as he considers the choice laid out before Gale. ] Could you do it? Forego magic entirely, to know you won't explode?

Edited 2023-10-25 04:47 (UTC)

That is the question, isn't it?

[He presses his lips together for a moment, then drinks deeply, draining the contents of his glass instead of savoring it the way he'd normally prefer. This hasn't been a savoring sort of day. He exhales as he sets his glass down, eyes briefly closed before he gives a shake of his head.]

If it were only myself I had to worry about, I don't believe that I would hesitate. I would take my powers back without a second thought, certain that I could weather whatever might come— but it's not, is it? I'm a danger to far more than myself, and it's my own doing. If the tadpole is still active in this place, then who's to say the orb won't be, as well? Elminster's efforts may not count for much here, either, meaning that a piece of the Karsite weave would be left to rage unchecked.

Maybe not Elmister's efforts, but if Mystra had any part in it...

[ He seems to recall the wizard mentioning her but he also seems to recall a lot of discussion of cheese. ]

Xenk's magic still works, here. He has to have a connection to Tyr to do anything. Perhaps you should speak to him about it. I can't pretend to be a subject matter expert in either gods or magic.

She did, as I understand it, though with a very specific caveat.

[That request of hers. Her having a hand in it is a complication all its own. He grimaces slightly, leaning back in his seat.]

I did ask him a bit— he seemed confident that all would be well, but I confess that I didn't go into depth about the orb itself. He seemed to know everything else about me, however.

[He gives Astarion a very pointed Look.]

He commented on my 'skills in fornicating with the goddess Mystra.'

A caveat you can't very well fulfill if she lets you die here, can you?

[ Gale it's about malicious compliance.

But oh they're talking about Xenk again! That's a much lighter topic. ]

That's because he wants to fuck Tyr so bad it makes him look stupid. Honestly, paladins.

[ there's a pause while Gale continues to look at him pointedly and then: ]

What? Do you want me to apologize? I was praising your magical prowess, if you must know. It's not a topic you're exactly shy about.

And yet that was the part he chose to focus on.

[Look, he doesn't doubt that Astarion might have offered some praise; they're friendly enough now that they clearly respect one another for what they do, but having famed Thayan paladin Xenk Yendar speak those words to him with his own mouth...

He hadn't been prepared, to say the least.

He lets out a brief snort of laughter.]

Do you think he might be looking for advice, then? It's hardly the sort of thing one goes about casually.

GETTING STARTED

ELTRUT: FESTIVAL

NAUGHTILUST: MASQUERADE

GHOST SHIP

QUESTS

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