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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

[1. Starter Ship
Well, this is one of the worst days Kaveh's ever had. He doesn't really know what happened or how but he got pulled up in a fishing net. He is not sure he'll ever not smell like seaweed and salt ever again. He is deeply concerned about where the hell are his things like his Vision and his suitcase. They are trying to hand him rags instead of proper clothes, which he will end up accepting because he is soaked and miserable.

So in light of this and that no one can tell him how the Typewriter works, he has a very important question:]

...Please tell me there's alcohol.

[2A. Eltrut | The Architect's Woe
Kaveh has some minor criticisms of the architectural styles of Eltrut.

Which is mostly to say he does not like this city layout and these buildings make no sense to him and he is grumbling to himself as he tries to follow the map in his hand. He doesn't want to say it too loud because maybe it's rude to the uh, the giant turtle, but he is paying more attention to the map than anyone he might be walking past. Or into. Oops.]

[2B. Build-A-Boat

At least, after he finds the chest and has a reunion with Mehrak and his vision and his CLOTHES, Kaveh can go properly explore. And the festival caught his attention, particularly the barrel boats. Kaveh has...gone maybe a bit overboard. There's no denying this is a particularly aesthetically pleasing barrel but--all the skeletons and decorations might have made it sit dangerously low in the water before he even gets in it. Do you wish to intervene and remind him how buoyancy works? Or are you just going to watch what's about to happen? Maybe help fish him out of the water?]

[c. custom starter
Don't feel any of these? wing me a dm on this journal and we'll see if we can't come up with something!]

Edited 2023-10-23 06:05 (UTC)

[Alhaitham has not been having a good day.

And really, that's putting it lightly.

At the same time, however, how can one truly encapsulate the full experience of "suddenly finding yourself brought to another world" in a mere sentence or two? And that's not even getting into the complete story of everything that has happened since he'd ended up here. This... world. Whatever its really meant to be.

There's still a part of Alhaitham that still thinks this is nothing more than one giant hallucination. Certainly wouldn't be the first time, anyway.

Regardless, what's done is done. For the most part Alhaitham has allowed himself to play along with the rules of this world, doing whatever is necessary for him to finally claim back his Vision (and actual, proper clothes—whatever he'd woken up in has promptly been tossed away the moment they were of no more use).

The time after that has been spent wandering around, staying away from the crowds while attempting to familiarize himself with the place the ship he'd awoken on had come port to. The infrastructure is certainly unlike anything he knows from Teyvat, and there's a part of him that can't help but wonder what a certain roommate of his might think about all this—if he might take it all with wonder and amazement or tear his hair out from the potential chaos of it all. Part of him thinks it might be more of the latter.

The wandering continues until later in the day, when the sky goes dark and the moon takes on a distinctly worrying shade of red. The locals certainly don't seem to think anything of it though, if the celebrations are of any indication, so once again Alhaitham simply stashes his observations to one said and continues to explore, pondering how he might use the festivities to better understand the locale and culture—and then maybe figure out his actual first steps on what to do beyond tonight.

...or at least, that'd been the plan until he chances upon a very familiar figure doing something that Alhaitham really should not be surprised about, considering everything.]

Ostentatious as always. Did coming to another world already scramble your sense of practicality, senior?

[He remarks in lieu of any kind of proper greeting, glancing at the creation in question with one raised eyebrow before looking back to Kaveh, arms crossed over his chest.

Despite the words, however, there is no small amount of relief in his voice. In this day of constant unknowns that he has been dealing with the familiar (especially this particular brand of familiar) is, no doubt, very much a reprieve.]

[You know, all things considered, he really shouldn't be surprised. Alhaitham has an uncanny knack for finding him at the very worst points of his life. Why should this be any different? Just because he's in another world on the back of a giant turtle? There's still roughly a 86.74% chance they both wake up in the Bimarstan tomorrow to the mother of all lectures from Tighnari, anyway.

Kaveh feels his hands twitch. He hasn't decided if this is to strangle Alhaitham or not. But he is a mature adult and he will not assault his roommate, even if he is the most annoying man alive.

Probably.

Maybe.

He's doing his best.]

I should have guessed even being transported to another reality wouldn't fix your sense of aesthetics. Or that you'd somehow find a way to aggravate me in another world.

[The familiar annoyance, the irritation, the fluster in his words—there is no doubt that this is indeed Kaveh, and Alhaitham feels a little more of the tension in his shoulders going away. At the very least now there is something (someone) that he knows and recognizes, and that alone helps to ease off the worst of his fears.]

You are the one who is currently trying to— [A brief pause as he gives a cursory study at Kaveh's half-done creation] —put two and a half skeletons into a barrel. Had this world run on different laws of physics I would not be able to comment, but I haven't seen any evidence that suggests so.

[...though to Kaveh's credit, the fact that he'd managed to fit all those bones and still have the barrel floating is a testament to the other's ingenuity. Still, it certainly isn't going to save Kaveh from an embarrassing near future of sinking into the water the moment he puts himself in it.

He steps closer to Kaveh now, arms dropping down as he studies his roommate briefly before speaking up again.] I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that this is where I'd find you. [Kaveh has always been the kind of person who'd been drawn to parties and festivals, after all.] Judging by how busy you are with this, it seems like you've already settled yourself in well to this place.

[Which really its just Alhaitham's way of apprising how long Kaveh has been here, since Alhaitham is fairly sure he did just see his roommate back home in Sumeru last night... so unless they've been also temporally displaced then he isn't entirely sure what's going on here.]

So you're an expert shipwright now, Scribe? [Kaveh does pause to look at his creation for a moment. Well...it is a lot of weight....but Mehrak can offset some of the bouyancy issues...and he's not about to let Alhaitham know he might have a point.]

It's been about fourteen hours, assuming the sun moves the same way out here...which there's no guarantee of.

[He is fiddling with how the skeletons are arranged, but Kaveh can pick up on the questions Alhaitham is driving at, and in truth, in a situation like this, he's glad to find someone he knows is trustworthy. Aggravating, but trustworthy all the same. It's also a little bit relieving it's someone he can be openly frustrated with, because archons almighty this is a stressful situation they're in.]

I'm surprised you didn't immediately go hole up somewhere to try and research the leviathans.

Not an expert, just knowledgeable. [Which Kaveh of course should know, but it bears repeating at least once. He'll just take it as his roommate still being scrambled from their abrupt arrival here.

He takes another step closer to Kaveh as the other answers his question and hereby confirming his suspicious. So, Kaveh did arrive here in the same time as he did—which means whatever brought them over here had been localized? For better or worse it just seems to be only the both of them, which is probably for the best. Alhaitham doesn't exactly want to imagine what it'd be like if some other poor sod ended up here instead with no Vision at all.]

The place where I first arrived wasn't exactly what you would call conducive for any sort of research. [He replies somewhat drying as he crouches down now, watching the way Kaveh continues to work and fiddle at his barrel boat.] ...nor have I found any place that would suffice since.

[Because being able to hole up somewhere means finding a place where he feels safe enough to do so, and in this strange land where not much is making sense to him just yet it is more than a little difficult to find a place where he is actually able to feel that way.

Kaveh, for better or worse, is a start.]

Wet, moldy, full of holes, and no books to be had on the subject?

[Kaveh snorts. he has arranged the skeletons to look like lovers who died together. he is contemplating how to make this spookier. Mehrak has been gifted a pumpkin hat by someone...he'll figure that out later.

He taps his fingers along the side of the barrel, thinking.]

It looks like we'll have to earn our keep, if we want anything but the most basic resources. They don't seem to be hiring for architects or scholars, which means...did you find your sword?

[Well, Kaveh certainly isn't wrong on any of those assumptions, and Alhaitham indicates as much with a small hum of acknowledgement as he once again eyes the state of Kaveh's creation.

(He sees the way you're putting those skeletons, senior. So very subtle indeed.)

At his question Alhaitham's only response is to extend out one of his hands in front of him, as if reaching out for something, and in a flash of light a familiar sword appears, firmly held in his grip. Alhaitham gives it a few test swings, just to make sure that everything checks out, and then returns it into the ether with a flick of his wrist.

Alhaitham doesn't say anything, but surely that should be enough to satisify Kaveh.]

Oh, good. That's probably going to be our best bet for resources. And you're definitely better than I am in a fight, Mr. Feeble Scholar.

[He doesn't know what you're talking about, Alhaitham? These aren't even teal and red? You cannot prove shit and he will deny everything.

...He is giving one of them a knife. >:|]

...What this really needs is fake blood but I didn't find any, just exorbitant amounts of glitter. Hmm...

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[There's never a boring day in the traveler's life, as he can't sit still for too long, it seems. He's out and about, as always, yet there's still something he can't quite get used to. There's no Paimon by his side, and he finds himself missing her company and constant chatter. The silence makes him more prone to get lost in his own thoughts... And that's exactly why he ends up bumping into someone.]

Ah, sorry I was--

[He trails off, his eyes widening in surprise. Then a few seconds later his face brightens up, eyes almost sparkling.]

Kaveh! You're here!

[He's definitely happy to see his companion. While he already saw one familiar face around - that being Lyney from Fontaine - it's always good to meet a friend in a faraway land.]

Sorry, I-- [Kaveh had started apologizing at the exact same time Aether had, before his brain registered the voice he was hearing. And--really, should he find this surprising? Aether befriended Alhaitham, he is clearly capable of the most outlandish things, even if Kaveh still has a hard time believing the full story of what happened to the Sages.

(He cannot believe he missed all of it. Celestia must have it out for him.)

So Kaveh blinks and steps back to look Aether up and down and confirm--yes, that's really him. With...no Paimon.

Archons that just looks wrong.]

Aether? Are you--how did you get here? What happened?

[If Paimon was here, she would already say something, but sadly, there's only silence in her stead. Aether tries not to think too much about it, focusing on his friend. He can imagine that Kaveh only got here. He must be confused.]

I got here a month ago or so. I was suddenly pulled onto a ship along with many others. Apparently, people have been brought here from all kinds of different worlds.

[He smiles reassuringly, wondering how strange all of this must sound to the architect. Maybe he'd think that this is one long dream. Aether also was lost at first, but he's used to getting into peculiar situations. He's also had a lot of experience with ending up in different worlds... But he knows the same can't be said for most people.]

I know this is a lot to take... [He puts a hand over his chest.] I'm already settled in here, more or less, so I'll help you out with anything you need.

Different...worlds?

[If he were from any nation other than Sumeru, he might have thought it was a dream, honestly. But Kaveh's still getting used to dreams being a thing again, and so that the human mind could dream up "stuck and waterlogged in a different world" hasn't occurred to him.

He still would put money on mushroom-induced hallucination, though.

That said, Kaveh doesn't think he knows Aether well enough to hallucinate him so crisply. And without Paimon. Which suggests, quite uncomfortably, that Kaveh is in fact in a different world and needs to follow a map to find his Vision. And his clothes. And his...Mehrak.]

I don't even know where to start with that. [Kaveh sighs a little bit. Maybe if he was hallucinating he could hallucinate better city planning?] Apparently this is supposed to be a map to my things?

[Just the kind of reaction he's seen coming.]

If it'll make you feel any better, I encountered many strange things during my travels, so this... isn't that different.

[He can't really be honest and say that he comes from outside of Teyvat. No need to confuse his friend only further anyway.

Aether peers at the map.]

Oh, yeah. Everybody gets one, it seems. I can help you find your things.

[An encouraging smile brightens his face.]

Let me be your guide for today.

I wouldn't want to be too much trouble...

[Kaveh sighs a little. He needs the help but...well, he supposes Aether isn't one of his juniors but he looks pretty young, and from what little Alhaitham's bothered to share, he's going through some difficult things...

...Difficult things Kaveh would be of no use for anyway, says the Alhaitham-in-his-head. Get the fuck out of there, Brain-Haitham, jesus christ.]

...But it'd be a great help. None of these streets make...any sense whatsoever.

[He can see how much Kaveh is struggling.]

Don't worry about anything. I get requests from people all the time, so why helping a friend be any trouble?

[He thinks so more about it.]

Oh, I know. In exchange, you could accompany me for the dinner.

[Kaveh only got here so obviously Aether will be taking care of any costs of the said dinner. Can that really be considered a payment then? Does it matter? The traveler's only goal is really to just reassure the other that all is fine in the world.]

So let's go. I'll show you around.

[It's kind of refreshing that he's the one being a guide for a change.]

Dinner, huh? I'm in no position to refuse good company, certainly.

[There will absolutely be a Battle for that check, Aether, prepare yourself. They gave this man a stipend, however small, and his sense of responsibility shall become everyone's problem.

But for now, Kaveh holds the map out to Aether--he's very anxious to locate his Vision, Mehrak, and his actual clothes, mostly Mehrak, his poor sweet baby who he hopes tolerated the salt water, he'd only waterproofed it with rainforest storms in mind.]

I'm in your hands, then. Lead the way.

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startraveler - 2023-10-31 14:11 (UTC) - Expand

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empyrean_mirror - 2023-10-31 17:46 (UTC) - Expand

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startraveler - 2023-10-31 19:51 (UTC) - Expand

slides in late with starbucks

empyrean_mirror - 2023-11-06 06:41 (UTC) - Expand

welcome back!

startraveler - 2023-11-06 18:26 (UTC) - Expand

shall we just make this into canon?

empyrean_mirror - 2023-11-06 18:42 (UTC) - Expand

if you'd like then sure!

startraveler - 2023-11-06 19:11 (UTC) - Expand

make it so

empyrean_mirror - 2023-11-06 21:20 (UTC) - Expand

[ Kaveh seems like a nice, poor unsuspecting person and the perfect target for mischief.

Out of the shadows and into the light jumps a rather small figure with a blanket thrown over his head with two appropriately placed eye holes. He waves his arms under the blanket and speaks the haunting call: ]

Saaaaaaaaaalllmmooooooonnnn~

[ Ending in a little cough. Okay, he needs to stop playing ghost soon. ]

[Well, he did get Kaveh to stop dead in his tracks. Even the floating suitcase near him seems a little startled. And if Kaveh is stunned quiet for a couple minutes, it's because--]

Salmon?

[It's such a strange thing to say it's...honestly, it really is very cute, but he's not sure this very tiny ghost will appreciate the sentiment.]

Salmon salmon.

[ He sounds cheerful, the ghost seems to be nodding his head. After a moment out from under the blanket comes a small plastic pumpkin pail.

Trick and treat Kaveh! ]

[Kaveh needs a second, because this isn't a tradition in Sumeru, but he recalls he'd seen some other children on Eltrut doing this, and starts patting around at his pockets. He's sure he has some candy here somewhere, give him a minute. Mehrak has come over to Inspect the Sheet Ghost. Literally trying to scan him.]

Salmon...it's an odd cry for a ghost, no? Did you die in a fishing accident, little one?

[After a moment of searching he does manage to produce...well, it's not a lot of candy. But it's still candy.

He may be assuming this tiny spectre is pretty young.]

[ Excellent, he's getting candy! He's not sure what to make of Mehrak, it's not every day he sees an item moving around on its own. A Cursed Object maybe? No...he can't feel any cursed energy. Curious.

He's giggling, but it can only be heard in his voice. He has to keep that muffled lest he affect those around him. ]

Salmon!

[ If he's getting candy, he can assume he's pretty young. Actually, he's barely turned 17, which is still pretty young compared to most people. He's just never gotten to go trick or treating before. That's a pretty good backstory.

The pail retreats and the sound of unwrapping a piece can be heard as Toge pops one into his mouth. ]

I see, I see...so you're aware salmon would be in fresh water, this time of year, and not on a saltwater turtle?

[Kaveh can't help it. He's known Tighnari too long. But he is watching Mehrak circle the wee ghostie and smiles a bit.]

Ah, Mehrak, come here. Leave them be right now.

[The suitcase returns amiably to Kaveh's hand...he would be quite offended at the idea it is cursed. Excuse you, that is his extremely-dubiously-legal semi-sentient suitcase, he made it himself.]

[ Toge is very amused about that criticism, does he actually know that? Probably not. He sucks on the candy, rolling it around in his mouth.

What comes is not another fishy term but instead the AI voice from the text-to-speech setting that's been activated on his phone. ]

I'm not a biologist.

[ Just in case Kaveh thinks so. He clears his throat a few times. Yeah, he's gonna have to stop playing ghost for the night. Awww. ]

[Kaveh...pauses. That's a curious device. Can all of them do that? He kind of wants to see how that's done...if he could make a similar function on Mehrak, that could be so useful for--

Wait, no, focus, Kaveh. His brow furrows at the cleared throat. Is this kid sick? That wouldn't be surprising, in all this...damp. But then running around out here while ill...Is no one looking after him?]

...And neither am I, but one of my best friends is. [He chuckles, then squints.] Are you sick? Your throat sounds a little...

GETTING STARTED

ELTRUT: FESTIVAL

NAUGHTILUST: MASQUERADE

GHOST SHIP

QUESTS

Kaveh | Genshin Impact | Paladins | TDM

2B or not 2B, that is the question...

he will strangle you with his bare hands, alhaitham.

just as keikaku (TL note: keikaku means plan)

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2A

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C. It's okay, he brought his own

oh my god he's adorable

it's a side effect of being under 5'4"

I resemble that remark

haha :D

toge you're too cute i'm gonna die

adorable yes but a total menace

it's what kaveh deserves to happen to him