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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

i. ARRIVAL-unglamoured

[The Royal Fortune was many things. A really nice boat. Very good for average human sized things and average human sized humans. Made of wood.

It was not, however, sized for abnormally large fairies, which to be frank was the biggest flaw Oengus could find with it currently. He's not a ship-maker, as evidenced by the fact that he couldn't quite bring to mind what the official term for a ship-maker was, but he's going to have to dock it points for being user unfriendly to people seven feet and up. Really unfortunate when you were nine feet tall and sporting a massive set of leafy, flowering antlers and a wingspan twice your size. ~~And yes he does think he's funny for making the dock pun thanks.~~

He is trying so hard to get out of the cabins. He really is. He's doing his utmost best not to knock everything over around him, this is not elegant he does not look good doing this, everything is an actual mess and he has no idea why the glamour and shapeshifting trick isn't working today so he might be panicking just a little ~~a lot~~. There's an ungodly CRACK as an antler strikes another door frame followed by an unfortunate sounding crash and clatter as what sounds like glass is immediately batted over by a wing. The litany of curses and oaths in Irish that follow the noise sounds as wrathful as it does pathetic.]

That's fine, that's fine, everything broken can be fixed it's fine it's fine.

[It does not sound fine.]

ii. EXPLORATION-unglamoured

[Sure, he got the map. Yeah, he wants his things back. Really, his weapon more than anything else, he liked those clothes but cloth was cloth. Regardless, he's not exactly on a treasure hunt at the moment. There's simply no hiding like this, but considering the fantastical nature of the place that he's since deduced after escaping the dreaded BOAT, he's willing to bet the denizens of Eltrut have seen weirder than him. Funny saytr-like deer legs and all.

No, actually, he's exploring. He's got a destination in mind at least, but it's really hard to keep to a plan when everything else around him is so intensely interesting, so sue him, he's going full tourist. There's a bundle of assorted clothing tucked in one arm, and he is looking for the tattoo parlor, honest. Or was. Not presently, but it's definitely on the itinerary! Actually he's really busy aggressively looking at everyone and everything, and maybe even following someone without a single lick of subtlety about it. Woe be upon you if he decides he's interested enough to ask some questions too, because he's got a lot of them and he's not so easily shaken off.]

Hello! Excuse me! Excuse me! Please? A moment!

[Don't do it don't give him a moment, a moment is a subjective and nebulous term don't do it.]

iii. BLIND DANCING-glamoured

[He'd snagged a mask that suited him best, in his opinion. At least at last, the tattoo had been applied, and the man at the masquerade was no longer a towering, otherworldly entity bearing wings and claws and fangs. Just a human man with outlandishly long hair and pale skin, dressed for a fun time at a party! Didn't expect to suddenly not be able to see anymore oh no.

While this did technically add a bit of unwarranted complication to the night's plans, he doesn't seem too bummed out about it. Quite the opposite in fact, he's definitely on the verge of laughing as he holds fast to his poor, equally blinded partner.]

That's one way to peel a few wallflowers off, I suppose. Oh, my apologies if I tread on your feet, feel free to kick me if I do.

iv. CORPSE-A-CORPS-glamoured

What, just piece them together, like a ragdoll?

[He's trying to grasp why, sorry, new buddy who made the mistake of having him come along for this ride.]

What's wrong with a full unaltered corpse? Not that I'm condoning necromancy, I just don't understand why you would need more than one corpse, it seems needlessly complicated. It smacks of gore for gore's sake. … It's so gauche.

[No please explain, he's been in this nightmare of a mad scientist's morgue for several minutes now trying to ponder it and he still doesn't get it. He's just going to fail to take this seriously until he does.]

v. GHOST SHIP-glamoured

[He's waffling. He's been waffling. There's a mass of skeletons and zombies and ghosts and ghouls of all kinds and here he is, well outside the disaster zone (for the moment) and waffling. It definitely doesn't look like he's armed anyway, and, presently at least, he certainly just looks like any other human. Hell, an exceptionally foppish human at that with naught but a big ol' gnarly stick to defend himself with. But he's pacing about right here in the town, gnawing on a nail and staring at the huge fucking mess that's this unhinged undead all out assault on what was just a moment ago just another fun little vacation spot for him.]

They're fine down there, I'd imagine. There's plenty of people about who're seasoned warriors... There's nothing I need do...

[Sure sounds like he's more trying to convince himself that than anything else.]

v. Part 2-unglamoured

[Sword in hand, wings flared and claws and fangs bared, look who finally decided to give up being neutral and join the fray. Anyone in need of a helping hand is going to be getting one, regardless of whether or not they think they need it, the nine foot tall incensed and armed fairy bearing down upon all manner of undead creature be it made of rotting flesh or nothing but bone. With creaks and snaps from wood both living and cut, the fairy's blade against wooden planks would see twisting branches sprouting upwards from them to entrap and entangle undead aggressors, thorny briars shredding moldering skin to ribbons.

Just watch your step, because while Oengus isn't trying to hurt anyone alive, branches and thorns don't care who they snag.]

[ Astarion meanwhile is just watching him pondering without seeming distressed in the slightest at their current surroundings. Really, the greater pity was that all the corpses were so long dead (and therefore both disgusting and lacking any kind of blood). ]

Perhaps the necromancy is merely an excuse and his hobby is actually collecting dead bodies.

... I mean people do collect dead bugs and dead animals, dead humans isn't terribly different if you approach it from that direction.

[Yeah. He's taking the suggestion seriously. He's actually thinking about it.]

Oh surely though there's a more diplomatic approach to it though. In both directions, does it really have to be arson that fixes everything? Can't we send him a strongly worded letter?

Well of course we could but that wouldn't be nearly so fun.

[ arson, arson, arson to the tone of mcdonalds, mcdonalds, mcdonalds ]

Besides, arson makes an example. We can't let just anyone go around thinking they can reanimate the dead, now, can we? That's quite forbidden.

[ Undead are bad?? All of them. Vampires especially but at least they're pretty. ]

I feel as fun may be a highly subjective term in this circumstance.

[NO, ARSON BAD.]

Well yes of course it is, you can't just wrest the dead from their eternal slumber and make them do your bidding for you, that's very rude, we're in agreement there. But plenty of things are quite forbidden that are nevertheless not best solved by setting people and things on fire.

Tax evasion, for example. Extremely illegal! But you don't set someone's barn on fire for it!

[ this conversation is great! Such an easy one he set up and walked right into!

But ultimately Astarion is a party member, not a part leader so while he disapproves of this course of action he won't push it. ]

Fine, we won't burn it down. Write your letter. What do you want to do about the body parts?

[If he knew he'd be very apologetic right now!!! But he doesn't have built in undead-dar and surely, surely, a member of the undead wouldn't go around saying bad things about the undead right? Right? Safe and fine!]

We still have to get them back to where they belong, preferably inanimate... We don't receive a reward unless they're returned to their graves-

.... Burning the place down wasn't listed on the requirements for a reward was it.

[It's no right. It's definitely no.]

If I said it was, would you even believe me at this point?

[ Since Astarion clearly wanted the arson route and this guy doesn't. But, again, he's made his peace with Óengus's decision. He's gonna let him have it. In fact, he's grabbing a bag to start tossing those body parts in. He doesn't want to say here forever. ]

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victorioso - 2023-10-20 05:28 (UTC) - Expand

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subigito - 2023-10-21 05:38 (UTC) - Expand

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victorioso - 2023-10-22 01:43 (UTC) - Expand

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victorioso - 2023-10-25 17:21 (UTC) - Expand

[ Kimmuriel is still newly sore from his tattoo and is in no mood to entertain a stranger's requests, especially a stranger whose thoughts whirl about so much more intensely and loudly than anyone else in the vicinity, but unfortunately he happened to look Oengus in the eye, and much like a Pokemon battle he is now Within Eyesight and is a Target. ]

What is it. [ He's trying to be as rude as possible to ward him off. This may not help. ]

[Oh lookithimthough. There's no drow where he's from. Elves sure, fae and the like that almost look like drow, SURE. But Kimmuriel is clearly not the latter and more the former while still not fully approaching anything Oengus is familiar with, so the the whirlwind of thoughts has suddenly, and unfortunately, become a laserpointed and cohesive singular thought: INSPECT.

Which sadly for Kimmuriel, is a compulsion that Oengus isn't even going to try and fight. All nine feet of the fairy is now looming overhead, dark eyes like saucers.]

Where are you from?

[That seemed like the best question to ask all things considered. Maybe he'd heard of it and just... never went there before! Plus it sounded nicer than what are you, right? Diplomacy!]

[ Oh, he hates this. He hates this so much. Well, he hates everything, but this especially right now. ]

Toril. [ His voice is terse and irritable. ] I am a drow, [ he adds, to try and stave off the inevitable next question he can almost see forming in this ridiculously tall creature's mind. ]

[Oops, oops, he knows that tone, alright reel it back. He straightens suddenly and takes a quick step back, the grin turning more sheepish and apologetic.]

Toril. Well, then that would explain it! ... I've never heard of a drow before.

[Yeah his mind is coming up blank as far as that went, no matter how hard he tried to find an exact comparison. All manner of elf was brought to mind and then banished, the man before him far too pretty to be even vaguely related a bodach, the only other thing that possibly came to mind considering the coloration...]

So, then you too are a visitor as well?

[Visitor that's right. Not prisoner or kidnapee, someone here is having a great time in spite of the surprise displacement and depowerment.]

A dark elf, [ he says, as he tries to follow Oengus' own thoughts, ] if that is more familiar to you. It is one of the names we are known by.

[ More incurable optimists. He's still not sure this isn't a particularly oceanic part of the Abyss, to be honest, since this seems to be a torment made specifically to grate on his nerves. ]

That is one way to put it, but I would not use that descriptor. I would say a victim of strange magic, myself.

Dark elf, I see! Yes that does strike me as being a bit more familiar. We really have no one quite the same at home, but you are an elf. And you are quite somberly colored. It makes perfect sense.

[He waves his hand a bit, dismissive of the very notion of anyone being a victim here. He's having fun! He's having a great time! More or less, actually now that he thinks about it, he could be having a much better time if he got that tattoo oh that's right that's where he was going before this-]

You make it sound so dire. Just because no one asked to be here doesn't mean it's terrible that we've arrived. It could be far, far worse.

... Everything could be on fire!

[Yeah that's what he's got.]

Or deep amidst a war, or enslaved, or terribly injured, or all of the above all at once. If you look at it that way, washing up on a pirate island is practically a vacation!

[ Not her immediately bringing a hand to her mouth the moment she sees the evidence of... the corpse workshop? She may be no stranger to corpses, but that doesn't mean she enjoys the smell of them, especially when they've been long past the point of decay. ]

Perhaps he knew... the one that had the head. But everything else was broken, so he had to take better pieces from other bodies? [ Even simply speculating the reasons of behind a madman's leaves an ugly taste in her mouth. Swallowing, she continues, approaching the workbench. ]

I've heard grief and loss does terrible things to people. [ Reaching out a hand, she closes the eyes of the half-completed corpse. The sooner they burn this place, the better. ]

Edited 2023-10-19 19:16 (UTC)

But it never would have worked properly, even should he manage to animate them. The soul is gone, surely, what good would it do to bring back a husk?

[He was engrossed with a severed limb as he spoke, momentarily unaware of just what kind of effect this charnel house was having on her, until he actually lifted his head to look. Oh... Oh. Oh that's right, this was a serious matter, wasn't it?

He bit his tongue, and then gently picked up the limb, looking for where its owner might have been placed.]

It's... difficult to make sound choices, when you can't think through the fog of it all. That much I know. If he thought perhaps it was the only way... Well, nothing would be a step too far.

[Ah, here. The arm was set down with a likely subject.]

More a mercy for all then, even for him, that it be put to an end.

[ Her brows knit together, troubled. ] Never would have... [ Slowly she repeats his words, raising then turning her head slowly to regard him. ] ..."worked properly"?

[ Uncertainty causes her tone to become more careful as she asks, ] Have you seen something like this before?

[ As for the rest of what he says, she cannot comment on it. In her world, the crystals' blessing is to forget the dead. That someone may do terrible things out of grief for the dead is just another example of why that blessing is just and good, surely. ]

[She looks... anxious? It was anxiety, wasn't it? Concern? Discomforted at the very least, and he hesitated to answer, humming thoughtfully as he gestured a bit helplessly.]

... To an extent, yes. Not on a scale as large as this, but... It was the same general idea.

[She'd not asked more however, and he took the opening to try and change the subject before she could. It seemed like an upsetting topic, better to just not speak of it at all, right?]

As I said, it would be better for all that the matter ends here and now. Preferably in a manner where it can't be so easily restarted again, is there anything about that looks exceptionally blasphemous? Evil? Saturated with negative energy?

Even if it just looks vaguely related to this entire business it's better off tossed on the burn pile.

[ Her gaze lingers on him for a few beats more before she turns her attention back to the corpse.

As for his question, Rem gestures to the entire room around them. ] How about... everything here?

[ She extends her hand outward, palm hovering just above the corpse, and there's a moment where she appears to concentrate, the joints of her fingers straining as if attempting to pull something from the body. Nothing happens, however, and she lowers her hand to the side. The body is too old, and no doubt it's been dead for a long while, and as he mentioned, which means the misshapen once-person's soul is long gone. ]

...Maybe he left a journal of some kind behind. [ She mumbles, moving past the worktable and to a desk near the wall. She begins to rummage through the papers. ] I don't have the ability to sense, um, 'negative energy', but... experiments of this kind are definitely evil.

[He watches with a measure of obvious interest as she reaches towards the body, his head cocking like a perplexed animal as she remains there for a moment. Nothing happens, and it does look like he's concentrating quite hard on what she's doing just moments prior to her lowering her hand again.]

I'd suggest destroying all of it, without a trace to be found preferably. Even if all that was written contains no dark energy itself, the knowledge it has upon it is better off lost.

Without notes nor record, it should prove difficult to ever attempt this ever again.

[And for a moment, he seemed content to just start pulling things into a pile, not much more to be said! ... But the curiosity got the better of him in almost no time at all, tapping his fingers on a table before finally giving up,]

What were you doing, before? With your hand over the body?

(no subject)

vermilloci - 2023-10-26 01:53 (UTC) - Expand

[ While not over 7 feet tall, Halsin knows a little bit about being cramped in your surroundings. That and the fact that this being is clearly some fae or spirit of nature has the druid's attention immediately. Or at least it would if not also for all the noise and bumping around and cursing and so on.

Already he's forgotten his own concerns over waking up on a strange ship far away (as far as he knows) from any of his friends and companions. ]

Ho there, friend. Let me see if I can help you. I know all too well that not every doorway is made with certain statures in mind.

[ He is in awe, and maybe extremely excited. but business first. ]

[This wasn't really how he'd have liked to have met someone but gosh he's glad to see you regardless, Halsin. He's a mess, the room's a mess, there's apple blossoms and leaves everywhere, not to mention at least a feather or three. Inelegant, cramped, a disaster, he still manages to flash a fanged, sheepish grin the druid's way.]

I'd appreciate it so much, you have no idea... I can't really see them, [he gestures at the antlers in particular] that well I'm afraid, if you could just direct me a little? I'm snagged, on what I can't quite see...

[A solid THUMP as he moves his head, shaking another few petals from their branches as another solid wooden tine gets caught somewhere on the door frame.]

I will repay you for the effort! You have my word.

[Please he's so desperate, he's making promises, help.]

[ Halsin, at least, has a knack for showing up when someone is in need. Of course this creature before him is clearly part of Nature, and he's not only willing to help him but pretty much obliged.

He smiles, gently stepping closer so he can peer at what the problem is. My what large and beautiful antlers, sir!! ]

There is no need to repay me, I assure you. I'm going to put my hand here ... [ He lifts said hand toward where the poor caught antler is but doesn't actually touch until he has the okay. ] Is that alright? I will be most gentle.

[ You know he will :) ]

Edited 2023-10-23 21:54 (UTC)

I'm afraid I must insist.

[Rules and all! There's both a light air of urgency and apology in the tone, but he doesn't explain much further than that, trying not to move his head as Halsin reaches for the caught antler. It's not terribly complicated, a quick look back there would see that a small but sturdy tine had gotten itself hooked on the door frame. A good wiggle ought to dislodge it.]

Oh that should be quite fine, they're very sturdy you'll find! Don't be worried about breaking them, I doubt you could. They're made for quite a bit of punishment.

[With a bit of effort, he manages to fold his gigantic wings behind him, with only a light tinkle and rattle of shattered glass... Sounds like he might have knocked over a bottle in there oopsie.]

If you must insist, then I will not attempt to dissuade you.

[ He knows Fae have their Rules, for sure. But he hopes the thanks is not too extravagant. He is doing this because he wants to and it's right, not because he needs a reward or recognition.

But with his hand against the antler now, he attempts to guide his new friend out of the doorframe. ]

I merely asked because you have experienced enough discomfort already. More than I can see here, from the sounds of it. I am honored you trust me with them nonetheless.

[ He keeps an eye on those wings too. Hopefully they don't get the insuppressible urge to unfurl before they're in the clear. ] Easy, now.

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