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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

[She holds her ground against him when their eyes meet—she has no choice. It's either that or lose this battle of wits and perseverance that they seem to be having.

Or maybe it's just her, as her breath catches slightly in her lungs when he licks his lips, no doubt having caught the taste of her lip gloss on the straw when he'd taken that sip... and there's a moment where Benedikta forgets herself, his words finding their way through the cracks where they can dig their claws into her as they tend to do when they are his.

But that moment comes and goes, and as soon as Benedikta catches herself—]

We'll see. You've yet to impress me.

[—she bites down on her straw and saunters past him to resume their journey to the northernmost parts of the carnival, where game booths blink and ding incessantly and all too loud.]

[Just a low chuckle at that.]

There's still the rest of the night.

[Oh he could say something else, but he'll leave it for another time.]

[Uh huh... Is there another time when a comment like that would be appropriate—

She tosses her head back to glance at him.]

Not much left of it. The sun has already set.

[But now that they've come up to a whole lane of different games, Benedikta does find herself feeling a touch curious only because she's never seen anything like this before. The fairs that she did see had different sorts of games—battles, theatrics, lots of singing and dancing.

These are... what is that? Darts? Shooting gallery? Ring or ball toss? Break the bottle? There is even one that supposedly tests one's strength ... As she reads over the signs. All such foreign concepts to her, but she laughs.]

So many options for you to consider.

Wouldn't say that—night's still young, yet.

[Continues his usual carefree air as he steps up alongside her as she starts to slow and look at all the game booths. It's already obvious he's been through the festival before a few times, so he's at least seen them all before. However, they are still rather novel to him, and he hasn't tried all of them himself either.

After taking another sip—]

Well not my opinion that matters. Any that catch your fancy?

[Benedikta stops and sips her wine loudly through her straw as she glances around.

Eyes pause on the strength test, watching as there's a cat-shaped man lifting his hammer over his head and then swinging it downwards, his cat-shaped girlfriend clapping excitedly when the bell gives a mighty ding. She could convince him to try that, and she has no doubt that he would manage—even for an old man—but it seems too easy.

So, she keeps looking. Ring toss, too easy. Smash the bottles? Too easy.

When her gaze finally does land on something—]

That one.

[It's a pop the moving balloons with darts, where people look to be having a much harder time.]

How is your aim?

[His eyes follow hers, wondering what she could be thinking or considering... And suspecting she would try to pick the worst out of here for him. A challenge in hopes of tripping him up, perhaps. But at the suggestion of the dart game—]

Darts, eh?

[He chews on the inside of his cheek for a moment.]

Been a bit, but reckon I can handle 'em decent.

[What with him flinging his levinbolts and all. Course his suspicion is less on his aim and more on the darts... Or balloons. Moving targets to boot.]

Then darts it is. I remember you being fairly good at them, so let us hope you're not rusty.

[There is so, so much riding on this game after all, isn't there?

Of course, his suspicion is on all the wrong things as a little breeze swoops in from nowhere to brush against his cheek before Benedikta leads the way over, and she'll do that same thing she did at the food booth and push her way right to the front. Of course, most people are just there to watch, but too late. She's already handing over a coin.]

It will pay for two rounds.

[Doesn't even give him room to protest her actions as she holds the set of five darts in her palm.]

[This woman...

There's just a helpless sigh, but unlike the food, the people here don't seem to care as much since they are mostly onlookers and not as keen on trying their luck. Helps there are more than one going at the same time.]

Feeling generous are we?

[Just an arched brow as he steps up to her, setting his drink down so he can take the darts.]

It was one silver. I'd hardly call that generous.

[Don't think too hard on it, Cid.]

Besides... [She slips the darts into his hand, her fingers lingering on his palm for just a moment before she pulls back.] I plan to take the second round.

[It wasn't just him who had been decent at darts back in their more carefree days.]

Coming from you? [A small laugh as he eyes her a moment.] I'd still say so.

[However he doesn't miss the way her fingers lingered over his palm, and he just smirks a little before taking one of the darts and feeling the weight in his hand.]

And what if I win you a prize?

[And now he's twirling the dart between his fingertips as he eyes the balloons. There are different tiers, with the harder to reach balloons worth more points. Some are slowly spinning around, some side to side...

And he has five darts... HMMM.]

[Benedikta pauses to accept the set of five more darts from the man behind the booth, and at his question, she taps the sharp end against her lip in thought.]

If you win me a prize...?

[She isn't exactly looking for anything, nor has she taken a look at what the selection is. It isn't much—just a bunch of knick knacks and gadgets and a few different stuffed toys that might look cute shredded next to the little narwhals on her bed.]

Then I suppose you could name your terms. Only one, though.

[A favour, so to speak.]

My terms, eh?

[Oh there is a glint in his eyes now.]

I'm holding you to that.

[And with that, he'll throw his first dart. He aimed at a mid-tier balloon, one relatively easy to get for a skilled player, and it pops cleanly.]

[Honestly, she doesn't even think he'll manage to win her the top prize. A small one, maybe? But that wouldn't be good enough—not for her "standards".

Still, she sees that glint in his eyes when that bit of mischief comes forth, and when the first dart lands flawlessly on that first balloon and it makes a small pop, she's already beginning to regret her decision. Really, she should have more faith in him, but the balloons are all moving so fast that she thought it would at least prove a challenge.

Especially when she considers how long it's been since she's watched him play.]

You got lucky with that one.

Might be right.

[A flick of a wrist as if flexing it as he eyes his next target.]

Feel like I'm just warming up.

[And then another fast throw, this time aiming at a smaller balloon in the corner, the pop loud as he gets more points.]

[She nearly chokes on her drink mid-sip when she hears that second, sharper pop, and there are people behind her that have started watching him, and they all clap with a couple ooh's and ahh's at his skill. Wow, two in a row, someone comments, and Benedikta clicks her tongue.

How is this not even a challenge for him!?]

Or you'll lose your touch.

[Maybe if she's fast enough, she can give his next dart a little... nudge... ~~but because you rolled another stupid nat 20, she's going to be just a second too late.~~]

[No response, just a smirk as he throws his third at another high scoring balloon, though that wind didn't go by unnoticed.]

Seems to be a breeze for me, right now.

[She'd have been surprised if it had gone undetected, because it has enough force that it rustles the balloons, but she still chews hard on the straw in her mouth at that stupid comment he makes, knowing full well what it means.

Even more bothersome when there is clapping again from behind her.

"Why can't you be as good as him, honey?"

"Aw, come on! This guy's gotta be a pro or something."]

I wouldn't get too cocky if I were you.

[Just pretending like she doesn't notice a thing.

That's fine. He still has two more to go, and this time, she'll be ready..... (no she won't)]

Hmm...

[Low hum as he leans a little closer to her and says in a low voice only she can her:]

Thought you liked me cocky.

[And another fast throw to hit another balloon.]

[There must be something in the wine because it's clearly gone to her head. When he whispers into her ear, it sparks a violent shiver to shoot from the bottom of her spine all the way up to the top, sending out goosebumps to rise over the back of her neck. Her teeth clench around the straw, biting down hard, when he lands another throw.

And she missed, the wind blowing astray and rustling his hair instead.

Fucking hell.]

Depends on the circumstances.

[Her eyes flit to the dart in his fingers before she closes them briefly to recenter herself.]

Last one, Cidolfus. You'd better make this one count.

Edited 2023-10-30 03:07 (UTC)

[Another small laugh as he fully noticed her reaction before he looks back forward.]

In that case...

[He glances at her briefly, his hand idly moving this way and that as if trying to choose where to aim...

And then after a quick feint he hurls it to a cluster of three, popping all of them. Immediately cheers and applause erupt around them.

"Wowza, he got top prize! Congrats, mate!"]

[That isn't fair—he threw her focus and she didn't even get a chance to try and throw off his aim in retaliation! The cheers erupting behind Benedikta make her ears turn red and her features tighten as she takes an even bigger sip of her drink. Honestly, she could down the whole thing right now if she didn't know any better...

Not to mention top prize...?

With a roll of her eyes and the slightest quirk of her lip that only he'll see if he looks hard enough, she shifts her weight between her feet.]

Show-off.

[Those within earshot all groan and boo at her, and if they are not careful, they may just end up with an accidental dart to the eye.

But it isn't them she is bitter towards. Not that she is bitter, per se, only mildly regretting the challenge in the first place.]

Maybe you do still have that knack of yours after all.

[Just going to keep pretending that she's not at all ruffled by the fact that she basically just lost a bet with him.]

[When the owner waves him to choose the prize Cid considers before waving him off to wait until later. It will make Cid just miss that little smirk of hers, but his own remains smug as always.]

And perhaps a touch of "Lady Luck's" blessings.

[Is he referring to her, perchance? Specifically when her finger lingered over his palm, earlier? Maybe.]

But now I believe it's your turn.

[With all the pride swelling in her chest, Benedikta strolls forward with nothing more for him than another roll of her eyes. At least "Lady Luck" is kind to one of them.]

Stand back.

[Because she is about to show everyone how it is done. She is the Warden of the Wind, so attuned to it that her aim always strikes true. And even when it doesn't, she can always make it. A dart's course is easy enough to set on a light, hardly noticeable breeze if she needs it. Cid might pick it up, but the rest are none the wiser to her prowess.

At first, she doesn't use her winds. She's thrown plenty of darts in taverns all across The Twins to know how to aim one. Number one lands without issue, popping one of the balloons on the spinning center of the board. When the people clap behind her, she ignores them, and proceeds onto the second without preamble.

It hits a higher-ranked balloon along the edges where it spins and moves back and forth, but—]

What?

[Rather than popping the balloon it lands on, it bounces right off and the dart falls to the ground.]

I hit that one!

Edited 2023-10-30 15:14 (UTC)

[There's that amused smile when she strides forward, knowing he's pricked that competitive side in her. And even without her attempts to thwart his own attempts, he knows she would try to use her winds.

Truthfully there might have been a little more knack of his own employed on his final throw that he has yet to reveal, so he wouldn't judge her for it. These games are usually rigged after all, why not use their advantage?

Case in point, her second throw.

Her first throw earned her a proud look and a cheer of his own, but on the second he just gives her a wry grin.]

Have to hit hard and fast. The darts have a bit of a duller tip, and the balloons might be made of sterner stuff.

They would dull the darts on purpose?

[Benedikta's eyes shoot to the man tending to the booth, and she has half a mind to pop one of his eyes instead... if her pride wasn't already on the line, or if Cid hadn't stirred her more competitive side. She has three darts left—]

Hard and fast? Is that not what I did? I'm not sure what you mean.

[—and she intends to make them count.]

GETTING STARTED

ELTRUT: FESTIVAL

NAUGHTILUST: MASQUERADE

GHOST SHIP

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