escordvi | « october: ghoul's moon (test sail) »

Entry tags:

« october: ghoul's moon (test sail) »

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

Totally free. Free makes it better.

[Still…it was a lot to take in and consider, she had to really take this information seriously. Again. She had to make sure she pulled herself from her own confusion. Even if it took the help of others. It meant she had that slight push into something more positive.]

That’s the good thing about experience, you can tell people what to do and what not to do. I’ve had experience with this world jumping crap, but sea fare is new. But not impossible to learn. I’ve seen more grueling, and soulless.

[Don’t work for corporate mouse, Xenk.]

I’m Daria, by the way. Daria Morgendorffer.

[ Xenk nods. Free does tend to make things better, he agrees. But it's his first time hearing of someone having experience with traveling worlds -- outside of Wildspace or people who visit the Hells and all that. ]

Then I am glad that your travels have led you to a world with kinder folk.

[ He extends a hand, perfectly poised as always! Oh, is he still a ghost? Whoops, one sec while he does a very dramatic cape-swish that reveals his extremely handsome face and physique from under the bedsheet. Now he extends a hand. ]

Well met, Daria Morgendorffer. I am Xenk Yendar, and it is an honor to make your acquaintance.

[Whoa what.]

[Did she expect an actual knight under there? Not at all. Daria isn’t swayed by looks, really. More of demeanor. There was an image she had in her mind though and this wasn’t it. Not nearly as dramatic.

She looked back in the past to being small and reading books about handsome knights of virtue. It didn’t take much for even a six year old version of her to realize people like that hardly exist. If they do at all. But maybe it was nice to read about from the safety of the cardboard box she made for herself. That one place she made to shield herself from the rest of the world. Her own space tucked away where only she was allowed in.

No, people like that still only existed in those books. But maybe Xenk was close. He at least looked the part and acted like that on a surface level.

She calmly, though noticeably slowly, took that hand to shake with hers.]

Uh, yeah. An honor.

[ He really is That Guy, though her reaction doesn't seem to faze him. He's accustomed to drawing eyes and attention, a long, long lifetime of being a noble warrior and fighting for Goodness and Justice.

He nods at her awe, plowing forward in the conversation like it's nothing at all. ]

Indeed. Did you say you had experience traveling to other worlds? What manner of worlds have you seen?

[She gulped her soul back to reality. Oh right, she had to be level headed and calm about all matter of things.]

...Nothing like this, I assure you.

They were a bit more, uh, "confined" I guess. The nonsense was in one concentrated place. We didn't really go and travel anywhere.

Well, we were discouraged from doing it.

[Long story. Long awful story.]

[ It's ok Daria, take your time.

Xenk frowns as she describes her experience. ]

That sounds rather dismal, if I am being quite honest.

[ Would he have to kill anyone if he heard this story? ]

[That depended how he felt about yokai, witches, the ever looming fear of turning into a pig to be eaten, evil spirits that wander the dark woods should you ever stray, or wendigo, or CUSTOMER SERVICE.]

It wasn't all bad. Maybe it was seventy-five percent bad. The other twenty-five percent was me actually making pretty good friends. Very funny how that makes things suck just a bit less.

[Again, she wondered if anyone was here. So far, no good.]

Starting all over again, looking at all the things I don't know about this place still, not thrilled about it.

[She mused this out loud in her thoughts, thinking she possibly had no familiar faces around...Well.]

[ Xenk would certainly not survive CUSTOMER SERVICE. ]

One's comrades can make all the difference, indeed.

[ He smiles at this, his intent crystal clear. He has friends! They're so great. But it's pretty clear that Daria is maybe not to lucky, and hasn't met anyone from her former home, or wherever she came from... ]

I understand your trepidation. But you need not worry -- there are many kind people among the Corsairs and Paladins both. And at the very least, should you wish to, you may count me as a friend in your time here.

[ He pulls out his shellphone, like he's really proud of it. ]

With these devices, we are able to remain in contact regardless of time or location. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Oh, thanks?

[She wasn't...used to people offering genuine friendship so quickly without coming on too strong. Like as if socializing wasn't an obligation for renown. Or being popular. It was just being nice to everybody? She assumed he was this nice to everybody. He'd already done her enough favors.

Truly a knight.]

Cellphone. Shellphone. Hilarious.

[Daria shown hers.]

It's cool, I'm aware. Funny enough, I've seen devices like this. Kind of know how they work. So...friends?

[Still so weird, making friends on DAY ONE.]

[ He really is this nice to everybody, it's his whole Prince Charming deal.

He's definitely never heard the word 'cellphone' before though, so that's intriguing! ]

Is that so? These devices are somewhat similar to the sending stones of my own world, though they far surpass their limits in terms of being able to send and receive images instantaneously.

[ He's gonna be blown away when he hears about some of the future's modern marvels. ]

Indeed! Let us be friends, Daria Morgendorffer. Should you need any assistance, you need only write to me and I shall assist you to the best of my ability.

[There’s something endearing about someone who explained with such enthusiasm to something mundane to her. Under no fault of their own with not a shred of ignorance, but simply they discovered new territory.

Still yet.]

Honestly this is more advanced than I expected for this kind of place. Probably no TV or video games here though.

[Shrug. She thought hard about his next comment. Something about it felt impersonal which made her hesitant. Weird how at this point in her life, she wanted to have connection with others outside of her immediate circle. Yet now there was an air of uncertainty whenever she decided to give even the slightest wiggle room for others. She tried not to let such insecurities get to her too much.]

Alright then, I’ll make sure to note that.

Something tells me you’re on the Paladin ship though, am I wrong?

I do not know what manner of games those are, so I assume not.

[ He's so excited about this fun magic technology, but yeah he's never heard of television. But while Xenk may extend this invitation to whoever he meets, he means it every time. All the same, he doesn't expect others to agree to his own ways so simply, so he takes no offense to her lack of agreement. ]

You are correct in your assumption. I am Paladin. And you are a Corsair, I imagine?

[ This bothers him not one bit. ]

[…Okay. It kept hitting her over and over that this man was for real, but why did she still have such inner turmoil over it? It was like she still was incredulous to believe people were that genuine. Or at least, just willing to see her at surface level and not care about what kind of person she was giving off.

Even her truest friends in the world had to see a bit more under the skin before they considered herself as a friend.

It might have been second gesture to Xenk but to Daria…it meant a bit more.

Finally after all this hesitation, she offered him a small smile.

There was a real attempt to try now.]

And…That doesn’t seem to bother you.

It wouldn’t have mattered to me either. Glad to see you care just as much.

Edited 2023-10-28 22:04 (UTC)

[ Xenk smiles, happy to see her defenses come down after all. Well, he would have been fine offering his aid regardless. He knows not everyone is so open as him. ]

Of course not. I have many friends among the Corsairs.

[ He chuckles at the idea of even minding it, really. ]

The distinction between Paladin and Corsairs is a simple matter of preference, in my experience. One can see it as a propensity of chaos versus order, or laws versus lawlessness, but as we do not choose in either case, our assignments are moot. And in either case, the Armadas themselves hold more of a rivalry against one another than clear antagonism. We have collaborated on several occasions, and it is ever in the benefit of the greater good.

Edited (icon) 2023-10-29 01:01 (UTC)

I kinda like the sound of that. You make it sound so poetic.

[She actually laughed a little under her breath. Finally feeling comfortable enough for a friendly sarcastic jab.]

Good, because I don’t think I’d want to have anyone on your end to walk the plank.

I thank you. Poetry has never been my strong suit.

[ Xenk smiles. He recognizes the sarcasm, but still calls it out because he's just like that. ]

Indeed! And likewise, I would find it most disagreeable if I ever had to arrest one of my dear friends. Such missions are rare.

[ But they do happen? Do they? Uh ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

« october: ghoul's moon (test sail) »

GETTING STARTED

ELTRUT: FESTIVAL

NAUGHTILUST: MASQUERADE

GHOST SHIP

QUESTS

no subject

no subject

1/2

2/2

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject