escordvi | « august: diamond dust casino (test sail) »

Entry tags:

« august: diamond dust casino (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 received invitations from the mods can actually reserve on August 25th and apply on September 1st. Our EMP/ATP can be found here.

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 August 16th 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 August 20)

GETTING STARTED

This section can be timed for any time after August 16th 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 serve 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. The crews for both ships will also seem a bit odd to some, as it is a mix of humans and various animal folk, non-humans that look more animal than human. Some just look like large versions of their smaller counterparts. From birds, to seals, to even bears, there is no shortage of interesting faces and people on 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.

ASTARES

Astares is known as the "Jewel of the Ocean," and for good reason. A glittering sea star covered in jewels produced by the leviathan itself, it is home to the rich and luxurious peacockfolk known as the Glitzenwings ("Glitzens" for short) who pride themselves on their diamond studded casino, the Diamond Dust. It is known for its top of the line entertainment, shopping, restaurants, and resort that many who have the coin to spare (or even if they don't have) try to visit whenever it's floating nearby. A beautiful, exclusive, luxury casino…

…That is now overrun by moogles.

Because of the distractions and messes and in some cases destruction they've left, many patrons have left and the Glitzens are molting, their once beautiful plumages wilting and even falling off for some. Not only that, there are some thieves taking advantage of the chaos to try and steal the sea star's jewels. However, the Glitzens refuse to close completely and have sent out requests for help. Those who do will be allowed to play a few rounds of the casino games at a discount.

🦚 Distressed peacocks. The stressed out birdfolk can be found throughout the casino and the leviathan, many with either missing feathers or feathers that are completely blanched white and gray. While most have been taken to the medical facilities, many are still out there and need to be found so they can be treated. To help improve their moods, offering shiny jewels and specially crafted items will go a long way. They do not need to have monetary value, but some kind of significant value, be it personal or not, will do.

🪶 Feather collection. Colorful feathers can be found everywhere, and the Glitzens request any feathers found to be collected. This is because the feathers from their kind are actually quite valuable…and flammable. Although the feathers can be used in garments and accessories they need to be treated first. Should a feather ignite, it will burn for quite a while and could risk a large fire if a bundle of feathers are together.

🎺 Moogle capture. To catch the rogue moogles, making loud noise, playing games, and generally trying to create an "entertaining" atmosphere will catch their interest. They also seem to hate the sound of the flute and some will rush in to try and beat up the flute player… In any case, once distracted, one can either bribe a moogle with food (kupo nuts are their favorite) or use force and throw a sack over them to catch them.

💎 Bejeweled. The Glitzens do allow their guests to take some jewels from Astares, however only designated areas and in limited quantities. With security down, opportunists, thieves, and even moogles are all over Astares plucking and chipping out the jewels that cover the sea star. The moogles will be easier to convince to move away, but the thieves need to be apprehended…or helped if those inclined to also take a share feel to do so.

💣 Sea star defense. In response to the rise in threats, Astares has released its own means of self-defense, diamond golems, sea urchin turrets, and sea star shaped traps that explode when stepped on. They look deceptively like precious jewels, and once triggered they will explode into sticky pink goop to trap the offender. If the caught offender is not found, they will either remain stuck to Astares…or if close to one of Astares's suckers, may be sucked in and turned into a jewel…

While Paladins are the ones the Glitzens will rely on most, they will accept Corsair mercenaries—begrudgingly. Given how there are also corsairs taking advantage of the riches of the leviathan, it's no surprise the Glitzens are more suspicious and hostile towards them. Paladins are also likely to be quick on arrests or confrontations against them, even if it may be unjustified. It doesn't help that a group of Corsairs are planning several small raids to mine and steal the jewels off the more remote areas of the leviathan. Paladins will be on the defense protecting targeted areas, and other Corsairs can either try to stop their members…or join in to get a score of their own.

Anyone wandering over Astares should take care as the leviathan is tense and on alert. Not only are its defenses activated, the sea star's suckers are large, huge pits that are not always noticeable. Should one slip and fall into it, they will be stuck there for quite a while, and as hinted in the mini prompt above, those trapped will slowly find themselves being encased in hard crystal and stone as Astares slowly turns anything stuck to it into a jewel. Should anyone be caught inside such a crystal, they can be rescued via breaking the casing.

Diving underneath the leviathan is not recommended because that is where its giant mouth remains hidden. Although beautiful above the surface, the circular rows of hundreds, large, serrated teeth can be quite terrifying underneath, and Astares may find any who venture too close as a threat. It will constantly create whirlpools at the center and if not careful, one may be sucked into the leviathan, and, well. There's no way out from there.

DIAMOND DUST CASINO

Standing tall and proud at the center of Astares is their biggest attraction: the Diamond Dust Casino, and boy, does it live up to its name. With the outer walls shimmering with jewels that glisten in the sunlight and the pearly cobblestone paths winding up to it, it really does look like a diamond. The inside is just as, if not more, glamorous, boasting high golden walls and tall, bejeweled pillars, velvet curtains in rich shades of green, diamond statues, arches, and fountains, all lit by rows of giant chandeliers suspended from the ceiling. Every corner of the casino is filled with well-dressed people and animal-folk alike, and there may be a pom or two hiding around a corner...

The theme for the month is "Wild West", a concept that the Glitzens have taken a great interest in after hearing about it from other riftfarers. With the staff and the casino decked out to fit the theme, they encourage everyone who steps foot into the casino to put on their best cowboy hats, denim jeans, and boots to fit into the crowd. They have even set up several saloon bars (along with their regular, non-themed bars) where there will be drinks, music, and singing. Don't forget to check out one of the many endless seafood buffets!

The sights and sounds are what one would expect when walking into the world's most famous casino. In the main hall, there are games available to test one's luck. Slot machines, card tables, roulette wheels—any game that exists in a casino will be here. From blackjack to poker to slots to baccarat, people are welcome to try their hand and test their luck.

May Lady Luck be on your side!

Everyone just needs to be sure to check over their shoulders every once in a while to make sure there are no moogles peering over them trying to cheat...

🐂 Buck-le Up. By far the most popular attraction this month are the magitech-powered bull rides in the Event Square. For a fee, people can place their bets and try riding these bucking bulls, either solo or against an opponent. Like every other mechanical bull, they'll spin and rock and pick up speed to knock off the rider, so be sure to hold on tight! The peacocks will even hand out foam and rubber weapons to competitors to make things more interesting: try to knock each other off, and the person who stays on the longest wins bragging rights and the majority of the dubloon pool.

🏇 Off to the Races. Head on over to Seahorse Square to bear witness to the races. Everyone can gamble on their favourites, or if they are feeling especially brave, participate in the races themselves. With the seahorses bred for different traits such as speed or stamina, everyone should pick their mounts carefully. There are tracks for beginners, intermediates, and expert races, so there's something for everyone. Moogles are around trying to lure people to these slug races instead but be careful, those are probably a scam...

👻 Ghost Square. In one section of the casino is the haunted mansion (hotel) where guests are free to stay the night. It does live up to its name, so scaredy-cats beware. It serves as a haunted house and live actors are there to make sure the experience is as immersive as possible, dressed up as ghosts, zombies, and vampires (with cowboy hats) to leap out and jumpscare people when they are least expecting it. Make sure to check for skeletons in the closets and under the beds! There is one not-so-small problem, however: the moogles have somehow gotten hold of the books and have started to mess around with the bookings, so some unfortunate folk may end up forced to spend the night in the same room with a stranger.

🎈 Wonder Square. For those not interested in gambling but still want to have a bit of fun, then Wonder Square is the place to be. Run on mostly some of the most advanced magitech, there are all kinds of games: mini crane games, pachinko, punching games, basket shooting, whack-a-mole. There's also a petting zoo where people can meet and play with exotic animals, and a rattlesnake wrangling ring.

🧸 The Claaaaw. Found in Wonder Square, this is a game that requires two people. One person will have to be the navigator while the other is strapped into some ropes to become the claw. Pairs must work together to move "the claw" through the cage so that they can reach down into the prize pool and fish out the rewards that they want. Most of the prizes are bags of candy, large stuffed leviathans and toys, but if people are lucky or really good at the game, they might find jewelry or even small sacks of money hidden among the many giant teddy bears and turtles.

💃 Step By Step. As people explore the casino, they may be randomly pulled into a line dance and joined up with a partner (or they are free to jump in of their own free will!). The catch is that they must follow the glowing arrows that light up on the floor that will guide them through the steps, and some are more elaborate and quicker than others. But try not to mess up, there are moogles ready with buckets of water or glitter to dump on those who miss even one step.

🔫 Shoot 'Em Up. Behind the casino, several shooting ranges have been set up to keep with the western theme. Activities here include target practice, shooting games, and duels (no real guns allowed, people will be provided with toy guns). There is also a hay bale maze where people can play paintball matches with their friends. Or foes.

🎡 Gondola Ride. Those looking to relax can hop aboard the gondola ride, either alone, with friends, or that special someone. The gondola takes riders high above the ground around the top of the casino on a leisurely journey around the outside, so sit back and take in the sights and revel in the spectacular magical light shows beneath the stars and fireworks.

As visitors may have noticed, the casino is filled with moogles who seem to have overrun the place, much to the frustration of the Glitzens. They do nothing but create havoc, cause trouble for the workers and patrons, setting up different kinds of booths just to scam people of their money, cheating on the games, and participating in all manner of terrorizing, especially in the Haunted Mansion. When asked, they say it is because they need money to find a place to live, but everyone knows that they are also doing it for a bit of fun. Catching one and giving their pom a good tug or two should set them straight for a while, but they are quick little things, and will lead people on a merry chase through the slot machines or throw glitter in faces if they feel threatened.

For adults who may want some more mature themed games, the Naughtilust has swum in to help ease some of the ruffled customers and guests. They are providing their own special brand of entertainment, and it is what one might expect from them, like drinking games, blindfold tag, and strip poker. They are also offering discounted rates for any couples who wish to stay in their hotels.

MOOGLE ISLAND

All prompts and threads in this section are worth 4pts each, and name suggestions for Moogle Island will be asked during AC!

A suitable island has been found for the moogles to live in, however it does require some "fixing." A decent sized island, it is filled with thick forests and cliffs with caves, all filled with abundant resources to let them be self-sufficient ~~without needing to invade other people's properties~~ create their own businesses and live well enough on their own. While it doesn't have extremely dangerous monsters, it does have a few creatures that could pose a threat for the little moogles including little mushroom fairies that may question their new neighbors…

The moogles also need to be convinced that the island is the perfect place for them, so the Glitzens will grant additional rewards for successfully transforming the island into the perfect moogle den. To encourage faster development, a competition between the Armadas is in place. Whichever side is able to curry the most favor from the moogles will have exclusive affiliation benefits. Of course, the loser will also be compensated, but it's certainly no jackpot.

🍄 Mushroom neighbors. There is a group of mushroom fairies called "Shroomies" that already inhabit the island. They're mostly friendly but understandably wary of the sudden activity. Make sure to not disturb their large mushroom habitats, or else toxic spores will be released to cause nausea and mild poison, even paralytic if not careful.

🍮 Flan-be. On cliffs, strange monsters called flans can be found sliding around. If left alone they aren't too much trouble, but the area needs to be cleared for moogles who wish to use the caves. Freezing them is effective, as well as melting them, and if one is careful enough, their remaining…goop…is said to make for a rare ingredient for pudding. Just beware as they can group up and converge to create a stronger, larger flan monster.

🪲 Bug begone. There is an area deep within the forest that the moogles have taken a liking to, however there is a problem—there are large insects that are currently there. Giant beetles, predatory dragonflies, spiders. The beetles are relatively friendly and can be relocated to other areas, but the rest are too hostile to "negotiate." Clear them out and their nests to the moogles can start building their homes.

🐞 Lucky ladybugs. Not all insects are bad on this island! There are ladybugs as large as sunflowers that will reward a special ladybug ruby if they are given sparkly flowers located on the top of the cliffs. These rubies are said to give good luck to the owner and can be kept, sold, or used however they wish. The peacocks may also find value in them… Just don't ask how the ladybugs produce them. They will only say they are…naturally processed.

The following prompts will increase favor from the moogles specifically.

🏡 Home building. The moogles prefer to live near and in the trees, but they will need larger buildings for workshops and social gatherings. Fortunately, the moogles aren't too particular, quite content with natural furnishings and wooden structures. However, when it comes to the interior decorating, well. Listen to the moogle's preferences, no matter how outlandish it may sound, and even if goods from other Elah or Nogard are needed.

🌰 Kupo for kupo nuts. One of the most favorite snacks for the moogle is the kupo nut. Although not native to this world, several bags have been procured from the rifts and can be planted so they can start creating their own grove. Help the moogles secure proper land, plant the nuts, and protect them pesky critters like squirrels that try to steal them.

📦 Supply drop. Collect various supplies and whatever items they ask for—and they will ask strangely random items, a lot of which may only be obtained from other islands and cities; help create boats so they can use them to travel via river to the small island pier; and help bring in the other moogles still hanging around the casino.

📋 Miscellaneous tasks. People may be asked to assist the moogles in other mundane tasks. Playing hide and seek, delivering packages and having to backtrack because they forgot the letter to go with it, babysitting the young moogles, repairs that seem to be never ending (fix one thing, and another breaks!?), and fetching weaved baskets from around the forest. Why? Who the hell even knows with these guys anymore, but it's best not to ask...

👤 Gentlemoogles. The gentlemoogles from the bounty are making an appearance here. They appear with a mysterious fog and seem to be targeting the moogles, whispering, "Faaake….fake…consume…take…" Needless to say the moogles are terrified and any taken must be rescued before the gentlemoogle consumes them. (This prompt is worth 6pts and counts for the bounty.)

As for the competition between the two Armadas, most members will play "fair"...however, it's only natural that the two opposing forces will clash, with both sides cheating or undercutting the other one way or another. Paladins will be quick to claim certain areas as "theirs" to focus on while Corsairs will make it difficult for the Paladins to complete whatever they're set off to. They also hold their own competitions such as who can kill the most monsters or who can build the house the fastest among other things.

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.

Crab Life by the Horns

Everywhere

There have been numerous sightings of crabs swarming various beaches and docks on all leviathans and islands. At first glance, these crabs are seemingly harmless, but if anyone gets close to them, they tend to pinch and headbutt any threats nearby. If they get a hold of anyone, they seem to open up their tiny little mouths and chomp down on any soft flesh they can get their beady little faces on. What’s worse, is that some of them seem to have gotten a hold of little knives, too! These aggressive man-eating crabs are extremely dangerous! Be sure to clear them out and fry them up before they stab and eat people first. And don’t get into a knife fight with one!

Carpe Diem

Eltrut

A school of giant golden carp have been spotted near Eltrut. Fishermen boats are swarming for these schools of golden fish to try and fish up as many as possible. It’s become a little game to see which ship or solo pirate can scoop up as many glittering carp as possible. The only twist is that these golden carp seem to be magical, and traditional nets and fishing rods don’t seem to work on them. The only way they can be fished up is with special giant paper scoops. So, grab some paper scoops and try and catch gold! But a bigger question is… How exactly do golden carps taste?

Floundering Flames

Eltrut

One mid-summer tradition around Eltrut is to create giant bonfires at nighttime. It symbolizes a special light in the darkness and brings good luck to the ships travelling in the dark on the horizon and out at sea. Various bonfires have been lit all around Eltrut. And the tradition calls for travellers to take up giant wooden paddles and fans and use them to fan the flames to extraordinary heights. It takes a lot of muscle and a lot of fanning power but try and make the flames as big and as bright as possible. Without burning anything down…! And show the ships in the distance just how bright this world can be even in the dark.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

A) great googly moogly it's all gone to... crap

[It goes without saying that when Kaveh was first nabbed by the moogles, Alhaitham had of course gone right after his husband, ready to retrieve him from whatever manner of creature had taken him this time round.

...the fact that these moogles turned out to be small flying cat-like creatures do not do much to endear him at all, and the only reason why a moogle massacre hadn't happened is because Kaveh had been quick enough to diffuse the situation before Alhaitham truly lost his patience and temper.

The result: Kaveh agreeing to help the moogles, and Alhaitham, being his husband, is of course roped into this whole enterprise. Thus he can be found around the for now unnamed Moogle Island just about as frequently as Kaveh is, helping with the more laborious tasks of clearing out the flans and bugs, carrying materials and requested packages/supplies, helping with house construction or tilling the fields for all the kupo nuts that these moogles are absolutely crazy over for some reason or another.

The last two of those tasks are much more laborious than the rest so don't be too surprised to find Alhaitham having stripped down to just his black undershirt and pants, which means there will be a generous amount of rippling muscles now on display.]

B) the unintentional card shark...?

[Alhaitham has no personal opinion about casinos other than the fact that he thinks there are far better avenues and ways for people to get their adrenaline and thrills if that's what they are truly seeking. Whoever says that losing in here is just a form of investment is absolutely wrong and frankly needs a reality check.

Unfortunately for him, the story of his unintentional poker skills has started to become something people are hearing about, so like it or not Alhaitham finds himself dragged into one too many games of poker for his liking, where it never takes long for him to start making a killing at the table... as well as draw in a crowd.

Regardless if you are another player on the table or a passerby who happens to be witnessing this spectacle, feel free to either somehow help him get out of this... or stay and watch him suffer. Or maybe even make it worse, who knows.]

C) his little butterfly

[While busy getting supplies on the varying leviathans for the moogles (or potentially doing just about anything else) one may be quick to realize that Alhaitham isn't alone, but his companion isn't exactly of the usual Kaveh-shaped variety. No, what it actually is is one of the butterflies that Kaveh has made, which has for some reason decided to follow Alhaitham around instead of doing what its meant to do. Whether its intended or some kind of malfunction is as good as anyone's guess.

Still, it isn't really doing anything more besides following him around, so Alhaitham just kind of deals with it for now as he goes about his work. The only real annoyance is when he's in one spot for too long (such as when he's sitting somewhere to rest, or reading a book, or talking to a vendor) the butterfly will inevitably come to rest on the top of his head for some reason or other. Chasing it away has no effect at all, so just like with everything else all Alhaitham can do is to deal with it until Kaveh has enough time to get it looked at.]

D) wildcard

[For anything specific or not covered by these prompts, feel free to hit me up in the discord server or PM this journal! Comments to the sail with me are also good. o/]

(Alhaitham might be sensibly stripped down while tilling fields, but Sidestep remains as thoroughly covered as ever, a choice that results in them having to take frequent breaks lest they overheat.

Not that they seem at all willing to reconsider their choices.)

Oh hey, you're the guy from the network post. (Yes, the who's hotter post. Thought you might live that down? Not while Sidestep is around. They recognize those muscles.)

Edited 2024-08-18 21:01 (UTC)

[Alhaitham glances over to see who's talking, not at all recognizing who they are, and while his mind does go through the list of what posts it could be he ultimately disregards it. It's not like any of those are of any relevance at the moment.

So all he does is to simply grunt and then turn back to his work, continuing to till the fields as the moogles demand. Turns out they're all picky bastards and have differing opinions on how much tilling needs to happen, so he unfortunately can't work with set standards here. Which is more than a little annoying, but whatever.]

(...Really?

They really shouldn't blame him: they're also an unsocial asshole who will straight up ignore people just like he's doing to them right now.)

Yeah whatever, fuck you too.

(But Sidestep is nothing if not a massive fucking hypocrite.

They'll go back to working on tilling, angrily moving and breaking up dirt for the Moogle's fields.

...And then, about 10 minutes later, their extremely poor decision to do this activity while wearing all their layers catches up to them and they abruptly collapse, unconscious.)

[Given the fact that Alhaitham is more than used to having insults hurled his way for even the most petty reasons, he doesn't even bother to react to that at all. Unlike Kaveh he has no desire to please anyone, and that goes doubly so for ones who are willing to turn to petty insults at the drop of a hat. He's just here to do the stuff Kaveh needs him for and nothing else.

Which is also why, when the other suddenly collapses, Alhaitham doesn't really quite bother to attend to them at first—not that he wants to leave them out there, but they were kind of asking for it with all those clothes. The moogles unfortunately do not see it that way and promptly start bugging him to handle this. The kupo nuts won't come out right if they have to grow over a dead body, kupo!

...besides that it is also a fact that they're just in the way at this point, so Alhaitham lets of a heavy sigh before going over to the collapsed pile of annoyance and unceremoniously picks them up by the back of their top, making their way right over to the edge of the field right after with the intention of plopping them down there.]

(How cold! And entirely fair, considering. The real problem is that even in situations like this fainting episodes tend to be fleeting, and with Alhaitham waiting to grab them, they're gonna start waking up relatively quickly and start flailing in panicked confusion. The movements are, fortunately, weak and awkward... but they throw the entire weight of their terrified mind at him, a flashbang of sensory confusion and panic--someone grabbing them, stop touching them, don't take them away, don't take them back there--that, if it's able to hit him at all ought to hit pretty hard.)

[Alhaitham very much did not expect that to happen, to say the least—the mental whammy, that is, not the struggling. It's more than enough to make him stumble and let go, though evidently that does nothing to stop this sudden onslaught of... emotions? memories? something in between?

Whatever it is, its very much not something he'd been prepared for, despite the fact that back in Sumeru he worked under the sole person in all of Teyvat (as far as he knows, anyway) who can read minds. As it turns out direct mental communication with your boss/god is very different from all of this.

Still, as uncomfortable as that experience is, it takes a lot more than that to drive him away, especially when the other is still kind of sprawled uselessly on the ground. Once the worst of those feelings/memories pass he's back to picking them up again, looking none too pleased.]

I'm just bringing you to the shade so that you don't get in the way. [He makes an effort to inform them, at the very least.] You're free to do whatever you want after that.

(The world tilts and spins as they hit the ground, and it takes everything they have not to throw up on themself and... network post guy?)

Fuck.

(They stiffen in panic again as he picks them up, but they're too weak to fight back and it's starting to dawn on them what happened. They fainted, didn't they? Fuck.)

Shade's good. (Chris, you don't have a choice. Stop acting like you're in control here.) Water? (Might as well ask.)

[Alhaitham glances over to the group of moogles flying about when asked about water, giving them a pointed look. As far as he's concerned they should also do their part to make sure that they won't have their beloved kupo nut plants grow from a corpse.

The moogles, for better or worse, seem to get the idea, and they fly off in a chorus of kupo! that has Alhaitham letting out a sigh. Truly, they're much more trouble than they're worth.]

It'll come over in a second. [He informs them as he now walks over to the edge of the field where there's a nice, big tree with plenty of shade. Alhaitham unceremoniously drops them down there once they've arrived, and in a coincidental display of good timing, the moogles return with a pitcher of water acquired from somewhere which they proceed to enthusiastically shove at the other's face with varying cries of kupo!

If one expects help from Alhaitham, then they have another thing coming because he's already going back to where he left off on the field to resume his work.]

(More like dreads help, honestly. He drops them and at least they're prepared for it now, bracing against the wave of nausea that the sudden movement causes

The pitcher being insistently shoved in their face is taken and Chris has no qualms about chugging straight from it. It's almost like they forget Alhaitham is there entirely, to the point that when he turns to go back it actually startles them and they look up, fearful, before they realize holy shit, he's actually leaving and not trying to press them on taking off clothes or getting medical help or any other things that would end really badly for them.

He's not even asking about the telepathy. They're pretty sure they attacked him? Weird.)

...Thanks.

(They call after him. Hilariously, it's probably the most genuine and least grudging thanks they've given anyone in a long time.)

[It's hard to say if Alhaitham actually heard it or not, given the fact that he doesn't even bother to stop midway. And in the end, in doesn't really matter, for Alhaitham has never really been the kind of person to take note of favors in any fashion. Anything he does, he does so because it is his choice.

So rather than giving any kind of response he simply goes to where he left his plough, then picks it back up and resumes his work of tilling the field like nothing has happened.]

[Listen Kaveh was here to come fetch the errant butterfly once he noticed.

Now he is here to just. Watch what's happening here. Maybe plop himself down on a stump nearby and pull out a sketchbook. Yeah this is apparently happening---he will pull out his shellphone when the butterfly lands on Alhaitham's head again, though.]

[It never takes too long for Alhaitham to feel his husband's presence close by, and the staring and watching that happens is also nothing especially new either. As such Alhaitham barely even pauses once he knows that its Kaveh from the corner of his eye—he simply continues going about his task of tilling the fields, all too aware of what it is that the other is actually watching out for.

Given the fact that tilling involves a fair amount of moving the butterfly just lingers around most of the time, but when Alhaitham eventually comes to a pause to look at what he's done so far it doesn't take long at all for it to land on its head as if it'd always been there.]

[Click! ...Click click. Look, this is ridiculously cute, Kaveh's making it his phone background and no one can stop him.]

[Its hard to say if Alhaitham actually heard the sound of Kaveh's shellphone camera going off or if he's just basing it off previous experiences and intuition, but he glances back after a while, more or less catching his senior in the act.]

Are you done, or do I have to keep standing here? [Comes the dry and probably inevitable question.]

Oh, please, don't let me stop you.

[Kaveh might have been embarrassed if anyone else caught him but with Alhaitham he is Unrepentant. Just expectantly staring, bright-eyed, at his husband.

Please continue getting all sweaty and flexing.]

[He stares back for a moment, expression easily somewhere between fond exasperation and familiar bemusement, and then he shakes his head ever so slightly before he turns back and resumes his work as oh so politely requested. The butterfly on his head naturally departs from where it'd landed on his head as soon as he does that, fluttering around him just like before as he continues to till the fields and thus goes on to be even more sweaty while he flexes more for his husband's pleasure.]

Feel free to join me when you're done. [He calls out after a while. He's fine being out here working for Kaveh's benefit, but surely he also deserves a little treat later on, no?]

Join you in what, the planting? Or the showers?

[Because yeah, Kaveh isn't tilling soil, thank you, but........well if we're talking about treats...]

Do you see a shower anywhere in our current vicinity?

[Asks this so, so dryly. What do you think, senior.]

And how effective do you think I'll be at what you're doing right now, Alhaitham?

[Now, normally Kaveh gets very offended at the idea he can't do any manual labor.

But this is his husband and he can have fun a bit.]

[He's not even surprised by this development.]

These tilled fields aren't going to do anything if they have nothing to grow, senior.

[And they can't leave until this field is done anyway so chop chop, dearest husband.]

Alright, alright, don't pout. Where'd they leave the nuts?

[Because they need to HAVE those to plant them.]

[Wow senior how dare you try to insinuate something without even knowing if its true or not, rude. ~~The fact that it is doesn't change things!!~~]

Over there. [He gestures with a jerk of his head towards a large tree at the edge of the fields, where a gaggle of moogles are currently entertaining themselves with something or other.] Let's hope they haven't eaten them all before you get to planting them.

If they've eaten them already then they're not getting their trees.

[Kaveh has deliberately pitched his voice louder for the moogles to hear, which inspires a panic as they all flurry about to bring Kaveh the nuts to insist they get planted.

...there are noticeably fewer in the bag than this morning but it's still enough to get started.]

[It's hard to not snort at the way the moogles react to Kaveh, the amusement evident in his eyes as he watches them bring the slightly emptier bag of nuts over.]

Nice to see that you're forcing them to take some level of responsibility for their actions.

[...yeah Kaveh can probably tell he's still not over the whole getting moogle nabbed thing.]

GETTING STARTED

ASTARES

DIAMOND DUST CASINO

MOOGLE ISLAND

QUESTS

Alhaitham | Genshin Impact | Paladin

A

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

A + D

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