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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

[ Magic gross indeed. Nothing good ever came of it. Unless Holland himself was wielding it, and unless it was used to help other people. He's picky. But any dreams of grandeur are far from his mind, for now.

He still needs to figure out how to his own person again. And that means engaging people in conversation. ]

Interesting. An important cause? Or a manner of friendship. That's no choice at all.

[ Holland says this like the answer is obvious. But the statement hangs in the air, as if waiting for a response. ]

One would think... yet when you find a friendship worth pause, it gives you just that.

[Astarion was a rare friendship, one that indeed gives him pause and makes him hesitate in his desire to return home.]

There will always be slavers to kill, my task is not one that will vanish in my absence, but.. the companions I have made here may not always be, I could very well blink and they will be gone.

[He's blunt about it, forthright and open. There was no reason to hide such a thing or such sentiment.]

[ Holland's expression doesn't change. It rarely does. So this man hunted slavers -- a just cause indeed. But to have made a friend that could be more important than that? Holland certainly doesn't understand it. Friendships are, in his experience, a matter of convenience. At best. At worst, an inevitable knife in the back.

His one green eye sparkles with a strange kind of curiosity. Was such a friendship truly possible, or was this man a victim to some fool with a big heart and kind words? He finds himself surprisingly interested in finding out. ]

Must be some friend. Ridding the world of slavers is a noble cause.

[ Normally he'd let nothing show, but even he can't hide his distaste in the mention of slavers. No surprise, perhaps, given his... everything. ]

He is. Once he is gone, I will try to get home once more. Until then I shall allow myself to the whims of the rifts.

[If he was still traveling with Hawke, things would be different. He cares about Astarion, but Hawke has his undying loyalty and--...

No, it wasn't a surprise, but it did confirm his suspicions. Those scars aren't unfamiliar to him, he has his own - not just the lyrium markings, but faint ones of a collar once around his neck, ones where he was whip marks against his back under the lyrium, reminders on his wrists where he was held down and struggled until they were raw-- So yes, he knew those scars, but he did not presume them until he hears the disgust for slavers on the man's tongue.]

And when I return, I will cripple and dismantle the slave trade of Tevinter by making it too costly in slaver lives. Or die trying.

[Yes, he was helping others, but mostly he did it for himself. Wanting to gut each and everyone of them, to see them die slowly, hear them beg for their lives and know that this former slave was now in power.]

[ Was such a friendship possible? Well, Holland does know. Sometimes you meet someone with so much heart, with so much warmth, that you put aside everything you are, and everything you knew, to fight alongside them. To be with them. If Holland could spend another moment with Vor, would he?

In a heartbeat. No question.

Holland simply nods, still appearing unaffected. He rubs at his wrist, the scars deep and jagged, but his face and voice remain calm. ]

Your... Tevinter has a slaver problem, hm? It wouldn't be the worst way to die.

[ Fenris is obviously from some different world, looking like that, but Holland can't exactly know where he's from, or if it's connected to one of his world. Who knows, it's not like he's ever left London. ]

Edited 2023-10-26 16:39 (UTC)

Tevinter is a problem in itself, more than just slavery. [His tone is wry, subtle. His expression stays his normal broody self for the most part.]

But yes, it is the last country in Thedas to still have slave trade, elves either born into it or kidnapped and forced. Most of Thedas turns a blind eye to the evils of the Tenvinter.. but I will not.

[No, he will kill every last person with the name Danarius, until the entire bloodline is wiped out. He will slay every slaver he comes across. He has no desire to allow them the freedom they deny others.]

And your London, does it have the same?

[He gives the man a look that speaks of understanding.]

[ Holland listens, understanding bleeding into his otherwise blank expression. ]

I see.

[ It's probably lucky, Holland thinks, that the Danes had only ever wanted power from the other realms. The other London. If they'd turned their power inward, would Makt have become the same? It's impossible to know, what the world thought of them. But with rulers like theirs, it would be no surprise.

He finds himself compelled to answer, if only because he's never met anyone who might have actually suffered as much as he has. And it's clear from his hatred that Fenris speaks from experience. ]

It depends on the ruler, though power has always ruled in my home.

[ Power, by any means necessary. Only Vortalis had any hope of rebuilding, he was the only one who'd ever wanted the throne for anything besides the title and the power it afforded. ]

And what greater show of power is there, than to rule another's body?

[ This Holland says like ice, cold and steeled, though his body language betrays nothing. It's a restraint he was forced to learn. ]

The most recent rulers were a pair of twins; Astrid and Athos Dane, they were called. Athos was a master of runes and spellcraft -- runes he used to bind others to his will, and rob his subjects of control, making them prisoners within their own minds, and toys for the two of them to 'play' with.

[ Here Holland flexes his hand, as if experiencing the ghost of a cramp. How many times had he been made to bleed for them? It had become routine, almost. He still sounds bored when he speaks, but it really does feel colder around him now, as if he's draining the very heat from around himself. ]

If I could kill them both a hundred times over, it would still not be enough.

[ Fenris listens and watches carefully, the same understanding that was once on this man's face now reflected back.

Power is also what rules Tevinter, its why they cling to slavery so adamantly, for the very reason this man says because the power to rule over another, their body and mind, their very freedom and life yours to take, what greater power is there? Blood magic needs blood, why use your own when you can use someone.

His own eyes turn icy with a reflected distaste for these two rulers. Though it feels as if the very air relfects the mood. There are even people taking the long way around these two or choosing another route altogether, as if they sense the danger. Because to hear of more misuse of magic in another world, not just Thedas? For someone to bind another.. it was not unlike traces and other spells of blood magic to wipe the mind and enthrall.

This man has been through hell and back and Fenris understands.]

There will never be a truly satisfying way to kill those who stole our freedom and used us.. Though I do hope they will die at your hands as they deserve.

[The longer he sat on Danarius' death, the less satisfied with it he is. The more he wishes he could have made the man suffer, to kill him slowly, torture him as he did Fenris, but.. he at least has the satisfaction of his death at his hands.]

[ It's not an understanding Holland would expect. Indeed, it feels strange to find familiarity in another's gaze at the mention of it. But perhaps it isn't so strange -- the other Londons had all been better off than his own, but that didn't mean their worlds were all the same.

He can't decide if he feels better or worse knowing with certainty that his world isn't the only one where people are generally awful to one another. Slavers, and people who stole and bled others for profit, are as sure as the sun in the sky.

It's too bad, really, that Fenris' words draw a painful smile from Holland, his green eye pierced with anger, while his face plays off his best indifferent grin. ]

If only I could have killed them. If only.

[ No, the Danes were surely dead, but that was a pleasure that Holland was not afforded. For a variety of reasons, though he does find himself adding more: ]

Had I been conscious, I would have been forced to defend their lives. Perhaps it's better that I was unconscious for whatever fate befell them.

[ He does not, in fact, think it would have been better. But logically, he knows this is true. ]

Ah, my apologies, to not be allowed even a meassure of your revenge is a wound I cannot imagine the festering of.

[He was allowed his revenge, he was able to crush the very heart of the man who stole everything from him - who took the very memories and life he once had and left him an obedient shell of a person. Yet, he can understand some of what this man says, because had he still been under his thrall, then he would have killed Hawke for Danarius... he hates that he can imagine it more clearly than not at all.]

But if it means your life, then I suppose that was the way it had to play out. Still..

[He gives him a solemn nod of understanding. Of course he sees the anger in that eye, sees the painful smile. There are no words he has to grant this man succor.]

It's best not to dwell on it.

[ If he does for too long, he'll go mad. It's just something he has to 'get over' or perhaps bury deep along with the remainder of his regrets. All things considered, not killing the Danes is only a personal regret. In the scheme of things, it's minor. Selfish. He has worse. ]

Yes, well. I did not expect to survive. Yet here I am.

[ Holland's blank expression is stiff as ever, cold in a way that betrays only bitterness. ]

A new world for a life I barely wanted.

[ He brushes a hand through his hair, pushing his dark hair aside and past left eye, the one that's all black. ]

Not that it's any of your problem. I'm not sure why I'm telling you any of this.

Edited 2023-11-01 03:13 (UTC)

[For all the ways that Fenris struggled with his life, his circumstances, the pain and torment, he never really considered killing himself. He remembers Anders asking about it, remembers telling the man the truth of it, that it was a sin and one he wasn't about to commit, one that didn't even cross his mind at the time of his enslavement, yet...

He can see that it is not the same for this man. He's been through hell and doesn't want to keep living it.]

It is not my problem, but... perhaps in some sense we are kindred for all the ways in which we have suffered at the hands of others. No matter how others try to understand, they cannot and will not truly...

[But he can, to some degree because he has suffered and survived the similar.]

I believe you have a freedom now, as much as this place allows.. perhaps it is now that you take the time to learn what that means for you and how to live this life, for better or worse.

[ Sometimes you suffer so much, simply because of where you were born, or who you were born as, or because you're the most powerful magician in a dying world, and nothing you do seems to change anything.

Sometimes being enslaved for seven years is the final straw, except it isn't, because Holland is still here. But he can tell that Fenris is right—that level of suffering isn't something anyone can understand. To find someone whose suffered nearly as much as he has is strange and new. He isn't really sure what to do with it, besides keep himself from immediately pushing away. ]

It's more freedom than I've had in some time.

[ Admitting it around this man doesn't feel so pitiful, at least. It's a simple fact. Fenris is right—this is his chance to find out what he might be like, without Makt, without duty, and without the Danes holding him by a metaphical leash.

Holland brings a hand to his chest, hovering near his heart, where his soul mark had once resided. He asked for his tattoo to be made as if growing out of it, the roots of a silver tree sprouting from the scar where he'd been branded. He'd take that back, along with his freedom. Perhaps he might even find a will to live along the way.

The brand does remind him of something, though. ]

Those aren't tattoos, are they.

I have found it can be... overwhelming when you have your freedom all at once.

[Especially for himself who's never known freedom before he had it. Who had "freedom" for years only to be hunted and still owned during that time, to be stolen or lost property until the day he killed Danarius.. now that he has his freedom truly, he doesn't know what to do with himself except exact his revenge further. Unintentionally help people along the way in a sense.

That's what he learned from Hawke, was how to help people. If he can exact his revenge while also helping people, then he may as well.

The question doesn't surprise him, not really. Astarion saw them for what they really were, it seems then that this man does too. It isn't as if Fenris can hide them,they are on every inch of his skin, and while most think of them as tattoos.. they are not. Cannot be.]

My former master etched Lyrium into my very skin, to make me a weapon, [a slow and grueling process that took days of excruciating pain and agony,] these are the scars of that process.

[ Holland only nods, though his eyes carry a strange emotion to them. Understanding. It's not a sentiment he expects many to understand, but this man seems to. Clearly, a powerful magician had marked them both, degraded them until they were less than human. Until freedom was a goal that seemed more impossible than the Sijlt thawing.

Holland may not know what this "lyrium" is, but it's clearly related to magic, and it had clearly been a painful process. Holland knows well how it feels, to be marked and carved until his entire body became a scar. ]

Bastards.

[ The curse is uttered like ice, like he'd drive a knife into their tormentors if he could. It's a surprising show of empathy for Holland, not that Fenris would know that. He won't exactly show off his own scars, but he looks down at his hands and wrists, and the deep lines that mar his skin.

He's not sure why he does, but he starts talking. ]

When they were done forcing me to kill the people I'd once fought alongside, they made me cut into myself.

[ He chuckles, empty. He's smiling, but it's pained. A false face he's worn for so long that he'd have to tear it off to even think of letting this hurt him. He wouldn't give them the satisfaction, and after seven years, he can't give it to himself, either. ]

I heal faster than most people, you see. So they'd make me do it again and again, day after day, until it stuck. Until I wore the proof that I was theirs.

[The understanding says more than the icy curse does, because it would see they are both left scarred and marred by the people who once owned them, once exercised power over them. Though the curse is felt fully, Fenris' hand tensing like he might very well shove his hand in his captor once more and crush his heart...

The man has so far seemed rather closed off, not someone he expects to share anything with Fenris, but perhaps it's their similar shared trauma that compels the man to speak..Either way, Fenris listens carefully, his eyes traveling for only a second to the scars that can be seen. Putting together the story the man tells with the lines that mar him.

Fenris knows the pain of killing those you thought of kindly once, of killing an ally at the command of another. It brings up bad memories he tries hard to forget, tries not to remember.

He looks at the man's expression, the empty chuckle, the pained smile. Healing faster than others.. was there magic involved with this man to make his body more resilient? Still, the story is horrible, to imagine him having to hurt himself again and again like that..]

Not anymore. [A gentle reminder, though firm and sure, a hard tone that brokes not argument.] Those vile people are dead.. your body and all the scars upon it are yours once more - a sign of what you survived, not of their ownership.

[ It really is a shock, to share this much with someone he's just met. Holland isn't used to it -- feeling sympathy that doesn't feel hollow or pitying. More than that, the certainty in Fenris' expression isn't just hollow either.

How strange, when Holland thought he'd hollowed out on all those feelings, to see them reflected through the eyes of someone else. It's a bit too much for him to accept so easily, but he takes the man's words into account. ]

Perhaps.

[ There's no doubt in Holland's mind that his scars are a sign of how the Danes tried to break him, and how they did indeed succeed. But now he's here. What then? The Danes did not follow him. His magic sings for him still, buzzing in his blood. It's overwhelming. Perhaps this is why he's said so much, to a veritable stranger.

Well, too late to take it back now. He has too many feelings to sort through at the moment, even if his expression remains cool and composed. ]

My name is Holland. I should have opened with that.

[Part of Fenris understand the need to say perhaps, to hold something so new and strange at arms length. He does not blame the man for doing so. They were strangers too afterall, as unfortunately kindred as they were.

But the close of the conversation is obvious to him when the man introduces himself, even as calm and composed as he has seemed for most of this conversation, Fenris gets it. He does, there is a reason he has such a well honed veneer of calm, why he is able to mask his emotions and rage with the ease of years of practice. Probably a lifetime of it that he cannot even remember.

With a nod, he introduces himself in return.]

And I am Fenris. It was I who approached you, so it was my own lacking of manners that caused me to forget.

[ It's safer to let it drop, Holland isn't quite ready for more at the moment, and even this was... more than he was used to. Far more. Even if his expression remains steely, and his words calm, a storm of thoughts rages in him now.

He'll deal with it on his own time, of course. Instead he offers Fenris a nod. He'll remember the name, as well as the conversation. He just isn't quite ready to deal with it at the moment. ]

You were looking for a friend, weren't you? And I've interrupted your search.

[ It's a dismissal...... it's not Fenris' fault by any means, Holland just needs Time Alone now, and he's trying to take it as "gracefully" as he can. By dismissing Fenris, of course. ]

[Fenris had been on the verge of saying just that in a way - that he was on a task and would need to return to it. Being dismissed though prickles him in a bad way, but instead of letting it get his goat he looks at it for what it is: a heavy topic likely needs much thought.

There is much on his own mind now, he can't imagine someone newly free is fairing much better, if not worse.

So, with a nod, he takes a step back.]

Yes, I should head out before his trail grows cold. Thank you for your assistance, good day.

[With that he sets out to look for Astarion once more.]

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« october: ghoul's moon (test sail) »

GETTING STARTED

ELTRUT: FESTIVAL

NAUGHTILUST: MASQUERADE

GHOST SHIP

QUESTS

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cw: slavery mentions and violent murder

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cw; slavery and references to forced self-harm

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cw slight suicidal ideation

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cw references to forced self-harm

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