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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 received invitations from the mods can actually reserve on October 25th and apply on November 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 the IC dates of October 11 for new arrivals to appear, and October 25th until the end of the month for the event itself. 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 29)

GETTING STARTED

This section can be timed for any time after October 11th 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 lookout 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

Each year, during the month when the Ghoul's Moon rises, its reddish glow illuminating the waves like blood on water, the spirits of the dead gather at the edge of the tide and their spiritual energy reaches its peak. During this monthly period, spirits and ghosts seem to be most active, dancing and playing in the dark and searching for the last ship they will ride in their journey over the ocean to reach their final resting place. Spirits are powerful and energetic enough that are able to appear in their living corporeal forms and appear as living, breathing people. Or they are able to walk the earth as they once saw themselves. Even if some of their memories of those lost years might be hazy.

The Leviathans and surrounding islands are bright with festive colours and lights so that these spirits may find their way in the dark and shadows. Even Eltrut gets into the festive spirit, "shaking off" its shell to reveal a pumpkin form with a natural glow like a lantern. Celebrations are ripe with music, dancing and good old merriment to see them through.

This year’s Ghoul’s Moon celebrations includes a Farmer’s Market that is situated at the main pier. Locals, farmers, and merchants from near and far away have gathered to the market to sell their handmade goods for autumn, selling anything from fresh grown fruits and vegetables, to pickled jars of eggs, beans and beets. To dried moose jerky and cuts of fresh steaks and cured sausages and tasty cheeses. Don’t forget the homemade soaps, knitted hats and mittens, ribbons, jewels, weapons, fashion accessories and more! Riftfarers are also encouraged to take up their own booths and to sell their own goods and services to the festival goers as well!

🥤 Spooky boba challenge. One of the many market booths is holding a challenge to go along with their seasonal boba drinks (like pumpkin spice!). Several boba drinks are sold with floating pumpkin jellies, candy worms, bat-shaped tapioca pearls and ghost-shaped candies. The add-ons themselves are various random unknown flavours that might take the drinker by surprise. Some might taste like sour lemons, while another might taste like spicy chili peppers. If anyone can drink the entire boba without making a face, they’ll be rewarded with a coupon for a free boba with a very normal flavour.

🎃 Pumpkin collecting. One of the local pumpkin farmers has brought a boatload of pumpkins to the market for the season. But instead of just picking out what pumpkin to buy, the pumpkins have been scattered in a random pattern across a dark grassy patch. With only a few dim lanterns to help, try and collect as many pumpkins in the dark as needed. Just be careful not to trip on the various magical pumpkin vines in the patch that might try to trip others on purpose.

🍬 Candy treat exchange. There are various vendors selling all sorts of seasonal homemade candies and sweets. A little game has appeared between the vendors that if a candy or sweet is bought from one vendor that it should be traded with another person who bought from a different vendor. Buy some candy corns, milk chocolates or fruit lollipops and exchange them with friends to collect the whole set of candies available. And eat them all, too!

🐈‍ Black kitten spirits. The market is a bustling little zone that isn’t free from pesky Ghoul’s Moon spirits. A gaggle of mischievous black kitten spirits are haunting various booths and vendors, stealing items and scratching at things that aren’t theirs. They seem to be so small they fit in one hand, so they are hard to spot! The market vendors are asking others to keep a look-out for them. And to catch them with little wicker baskets, if possible!

🍏 Bunnyfish bobbing. One of the booths selling fresh apples is offering a little “apple" bobbing challenge with a twist! While blindfolded and handcuffed (it was a corsair’s idea), use only your mouth to catch a Bunnyfish bobbing in a bucket of freezing ice water. If a flopping Bunnyfish can be picked up, the vendor will offer an apple smothered in candy caramel and peanuts as a reward! Sweet-sour apples can be purchased by the basket as well.

🧴 Potions & lotions. A beauty guru has a special market booth where she is offering various potions and lotions for a price. These products are boasted to be mood enhancers. Including potions or topical lotions that will increase happiness, confidence or love. While other offer to enhance moods such as anger, sadness or hate. Because there might be someone out there who needs a potion like that. The effects of these products last for about twelve hours. For a little extra excitement, she can give you a potion or lotion at random. They’re also very hydrating!

While there are traditional festival game booths and food stalls scattered all through the main roads of Eltrut, there are special activities set up just outside of town available. A haunted corn maze out in the fields where the volunteers try to scare participants and the corn seems to shift and move to change the layout, but those who make it through will enjoy some corn ribs. Bubble races where participants go on a wild, tumbling ride down a giant hill while inside a giant bubble shaped either as pumpkins or skulls and referred to as "pubble" and "skubble" respectively. Try not to get popped early! Haunted hayrides for a thrilling adventure through the woods that end at an old haunted manor that will leave everyone screaming. And for a bit of a thirst quencher, try some Pumpkin Nog, which comes either with or without spiced rum, this alcoholic treat will warm up anyone with just a few sips.

On the night of the 31st, fireworks will go off to signal the end of the festival. Until then, it's an almost week-long festival for everyone to have fun and celebrate those who have passed.

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 pumpkin 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.

This year, the theme of the masquerade is Haunted Funeral Wedding. A strange theme that mixes the formality and dress of weddings, but with a side of macabre as it is implied it is a wedding after death. Those who participate will be required to wear formal wear that can be from modern to regency ballroom, but one' s entire appearance must have an "undead" look: ghostly, ghastly, bloody, zombie, mummy, etc. It can be as tasteful or as gruesome and hideous as they want. Wedding styled gowns are also allowed. Many boutiques will offer costumes either to rent or buy 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.

🎭 Masked dance partners. While some may already have a dedicated partner, there is a special enchantment that will be cast on all masks that will mask one's identity. There will even be a portion where everyone will be matched up at random with a dance partner. With only dance skills and voice alone, dance the night away or enjoy a song or two with a stranger. Perhaps it will be a chance to find a new friend or a new romantic interest.

🍹 Drunk pirate. There is a truth and lies drinking game offered to drinking adults. For everyone participating, they must share one random unique fact about themselves and the others must decide if the fact is the truth or a lie. If the guesser is wrong, they have to take a shot of straight coconut vodka. Start getting to know each other and start getting drunk like good pirates do!

🥇 Costume contest. Whether they volunteer or not, couples will find themselves suddenly tagged for the costume contest and shuffled into a special staging area where they will need to act out their costume and perform a themed dance. All participants will also receive a temporary enchantment to make their costumes more "realistic" to improve their performance.

🪶 Dancing in the air. Dancers will be "blessed"—or perhaps cursed?—to experience the ghostly wonder of flying while dancing, either within the main ballroom or even just outside on the terraces and gardens. While those in the ballroom can go as high as the ceiling, those outside will only venture up a few feet, so no one will find themselves flying off to sea. Some may find themselves a little transparent at times, but the warmth shared with their partners is still very real.

💐 Boo-quets. Create hauntingly beautiful bouquets that can be used either for the weddings or funerals that are taking place around the masquerade. Or perhaps make one as a gift for a loved one. Just make sure the flowers picked are the less "screeching" kind…or won't whisper dark, embarrassing secrets.

Outside the Helice Palace are special gardens that one can take a romantic stroll around and host hauntingly beautiful weddings under the blood moon. They 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. This year, the flowers in particular fit the theme, with bloody red and black roses and some should be wary as the flowers may be even scream out or whisper eerie tidings. A number of tombstones also fill the area. Perfect for creating a haunting ambience to cling onto each other.

👰 Wedding jitters. While some may have fun with the "undead wedding" concept and pretend to get hitched, there are some spirits who are taking this opportunity to make the vows they were unable to while living. However, even ghosts can feel nervous and some are having cold feet, hiding in dark corners while their awaiting partners are left searching for them. Help the couple before their negative feelings turn them into more hateful spirits throwing ghost hands.

😍 Possessed lovers. Some ghosts desperate to find their "eternal love" will latch onto living "grooms" or "brides," regardless if they are already spoken for not. While some will retreat if confronted, others may prove more stubborn, perhaps even try to force their "betrothed" to the altar. Then there are the rare few that must be dealt with—ghosts that will take to possessing the lover or who they think is the lover of someone. In this scenario, their acting may be good or bad, and some may just want to help spur on relations while others have more nefarious plans to steal the other's soul. One big tell for who is possessed is the eyes of the victim will have red hearts in their eyes. To save the victim, try one of the following methods: 1) throw "purified wine" at the victim; 2) throw "purified rice" at the victim; 3) ring the special bells found on tables right in their ear three times; 4) try and help fulfill their desire (suitable for non-dangerous spirits); 5) kiss them; 6) punch them.

🕯️ Weeping candles. As part of the theme, special candles can be lit either in the halls outside the ballroom or out in the gardens in remembrance of those who passed. When lit, the melting wax looks like tears, and the crackling flame sounds like quiet sobs—and the fumes may make those nearby cry as well. These candles are especially useful in helping lingering ghosts pass on.

⚰️ Floating coffins. There are special coffins set outside in various locations outside the palace. Large enough for two to ~~sleep~~ fit in comfortably, they are "open casket" though a lid can be pulled over for those who want some extra privacy. These coffins can also float through the gardens, allowing for a special private view while being closer to the red moon.

Whether one is deciding to pledge their eternal vows or not, some party crashers in the name of Captain Salt's Lonely Hearts Crew will appear, and they are different from the same crew that appeared in Latrommi— all of the ghoulish, ghastly kind. Only those of the undead will rush in, but because of the setting, not many will actually believe they will do harm and in fact some of the lonelier guests and ghosts may take them as a partner. But for the more determined, there will once again be some bride and/or groom abductions, be they dead or alive. Best to thwart their efforts or some weddings will turn into funerals.

GHOST PROBLEMS

All threads for these prompts are worth 4pts.

On the edge of the watery world of Escordvi, where the horizon blurs between sea and sky, tales of the Farplane echo through the salty winds. This underworld, a shadowy mirror of the living seas, is where the souls of the departed find their final resting place, guided by the spectral hand of Envoy Jades and his ship, The Asmodeous. The Farplane, this is where the spirits and ghosts can spend the rest of their eternity in the bliss they choose.

Envoy Jades, with his tattered coat and a gaze that pierces through the veil of life and death, has sailed the seas for as long as anyone can remember. He sings old sea shanties and sleeping lullabies as he makes his rounds collecting souls. And while his appearance is ghoulish and grave, it is said that his presence is kind and encouraging, often coaxing ghosts to enjoy their last days in celebration in the realm of the living before taking his ship to embark on their final journey. The ship, said to be forged from the remnants of sunken galleons and woven with the souls of the lost and found, sails the seas like a looming ghostly shadow all month long. It is said that those who witness the ship's passage may catch a glimpse of their own fate, as their reflections ripple through the water.

However there is a bit of a problem. Those out and about need to be careful as there are many restless and vengeful spirits about. Many are harmless and are out to play pranks, however there are some who may have grudges and can be dangerous, even possessing people. The following methods are known to work to help those who are possessed: 1) help fulfill their desire; 2) beat them down; 3) find some "blessed" water or relic to expel the ghost (many will be sold around the festival but whether they are real or fake is a hit or miss); 4) dunk the person in the ocean. Once released, help capture the ghost and bring it to the shore where Envoy Jades can collect the wayward soul.

👻💀 Ghostly possessions. Be careful not to be possessed by ghosts that are obsessed with love who will make the person possessed do anything and everything to find love, even if it means hurting someone. Or ghosts with a very opposite personality compared to the possessed, which will make them act how they normally wouldn’t act. Or even ghosts that used to be dangerous or murderous that will possess others and make them want to murder someone too. Ghost possession can be any and all sorts, from dangerous to playful.

🧜 Mermaid ghosts. Ghosts of mermaids that perished in a terribly violent way are around and swimming about various docks and boats looking for unsuspecting victims to attack. These mermaids look half-eaten and angry and will attack anyone on sight and try and take a bite out of them in return. Be careful when docking and escape while you still have all your limbs. Trying to fight a ghost-mermaid-zombie off could be tricky.

👻 A dead man. A familiar looking ghost of a man once alive is wandering about demanding that his seamstress be returned to him. He keeps blathering on and on about how he owns his woman and that no one can take her away from him and that she is his to control. With a closer look, this ghost’s neck is ripped open so he has a hard time speaking clearly and his angry ugly shouts come out as wheezes and growls. Most believe this delusional ghost doesn’t deserve to be around, so find a way to destroy or send it away.

🌹 Emberbloom victims. Many of the lost ghosts wandering about are ghosts that carry beautiful red and orange flowers that look like the bright sunset. These ghosts are the departed spirits of murdered people that were buried on the Leviathan, Elah. These ghosts seem happy enough to be wandering about once again but they also seem sad that they never found their true love to give their flower to. Help these ghosts find their true love (Maybe it’s you? Maybe it’s someone else?) and help them give their ghostly sunset flower to another.

🐄 Bull ghost. A massive skeletal bull ghost is also out and about wandering the lands. It doesn’t seem particularly aggressive or violent, even if it looks like it could stomp on someone and kill them instantly. Actually, it seems quite nice and likes to listen to love songs. Try avoiding a fight and sing him something pretty instead.

🎃 Pumpkaboos. Little pumpkin-like ghost spirits are dancing and playing all over the Leviathans and the surrounding islands. These little spooks are playful and sweet and enjoy lighting the way for people walking around in the dark and are said to be spirit guides that lead ghosts to Envoy Jades’s ship. But while sweet, be careful, as these little spirits are able to hypnotize others and can control them to do their little pranks and harmless bidding. But they mostly want to play.

Every now and then, The Asmodeus will appear on the shores of Eltrut and other places that are having issues with ghosts. Although the ship may appear dark and dangerous, it will only appear to only collect the roaming spirits nearby before departing. It will remain active until dawn, and once the ship has been loaded with the spirits ready to depart, it fades away on the ocean’s horizon.

However, The Asmodeus should be mistaken for the ghostly ship that attacked Eltrut’s shores last year. In fact, while also collecting the wayward spirits, when it's off in distant waters, its speed picks up and seems to be searching…perhaps for this very ship that has not been seen since last Ghoul's Moon.

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.

Killer Sharkgulls

Eltrut port and ships

Seagulls can be a pain to most ships. Yet, seagulls that have evolved to be violently carnivorous can be even worse. These birds, effectively named sharkgulls, have been seen attacking ships and ports alike. They are big enough to eat small children in one gulp, or will do their best to eat full-grown humans after they've ripped them to bite-sized shreds! Beware and kill them before they can kill you!

Message in a Bottle

Everywhere

It’s a popular tradition to write a handwritten message and put it in a bottle and to send it out to sea. Sometimes messages come back with written responses. Sometimes they don’t! But writing a message can be a very therapeutic or fun thing to do. It might net the writer a few new pen pals or some well needed anonymous advice. Pen a letter, place it in a glass bottle and release it into the ocean's waves to see what happens. And be sure to respond to any bottles you find, too!

Plundering Pumpkins

Everywhere

There’s been a rumour going around that wearing a mask crafted from a carved pumpkin is an effective countermeasure to scare away ghosts. Demand for pumpkins has thus spiked all month, and farmers are struggling to keep up with demand. Some people are willing to pay a very high price for people to, ahem, acquire pumpkins from the local farms for them, while farmers will pay with coin and free produce to any who will help guard their crops for harvest.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Drunk Pirate

So, he's back here again. Felt kinda weird to be here, go back home, and come back only to find months had passed here while only minutes had passed for him on Earth. Still, Nappa's glad to be back. He's his own man again! Free to do as he pleases with no Vegeta or Frieza to boss him around.

A party means booze, and some of the stuff here ain't bad, even if it doesn't match up to the kind of booze you used to be able to get back on Planet Vegeta, but Nappa had to dress up for this one. He was able to procure a suit to fit his massive frame, but then he had to "dead it up a bit" which meant tearing it to shreds and a very liberal application of red paint. Looks like any number of people Nappa's kicked the tar out of. Plus it gets his pecs out a bit. ~~A lot.~~

"So, I gotta tell you something about myself, eh?" Nappa asks, downing some vodka (it's his turn, he'll drink if he wants). "All right, squirts. Buckle up! So here's Fact #1 about The Mighty Nappa...of all the Saiyans, I'm the strongest of them all!" And since there ain't nobody here who can say otherwise (there wasn't last time!), if Nappa says it's true, it's true. Ha! This game is great!

Ghostly Possession

Oops, turns out Nappa is rather easy for a ghost to possess. And worse, the ghost that wormed its way inside is that of a convicted murderer in life, exactly the wrong sort of person to hand a Saiyan's body to. Finding a body with such overwhelming power is intoxicating, and the murderous spirit is eager to make the most of it.

"Never tore someone limb from limb before..." The ghost in Nappa's body muses as he advances on his next victim. "But this guy feels strong enough that I could rip you apart like paper! Let's find out!"

Killer Sharkgulls

Beasts need killing that can fly? Easy enough! Saiyans learn to fly when they're babies, it's one of the easiest tricks in the book. He manages to drop down from above on a flock of sharkgulls, and with a flurry of energy blasts, begins driving them towards the ground.

"Come on, I thought you critters were supposed to be vicious! Show me some REAL action why don'tcha!" Nappa may get more than he bargained for...only half the flock was in the air. The others, roosting nearby, have been roused from their idleness by the Saiyan attack, and are taking wing towards him, with Nappa none the wiser. Unless someone opts to warn him, first.

Message in a Bottle
Sure, why not. Nappa's writing isn't exactly the most legible, but he can push a pencil around if he has to. He did used to work for the King, after all! So, he'll write a message and toss it into the sea.

If you find it, the writing on the note, if you can decipher it (calling it "chicken scratch" would be generous), reads:

ar yu stRong????!!!! Com fiTe ME
The ~~Mitty~~ ~~Meyetee~~ ~~My Tee~~ StronkG NaPppa! Ill show U wat for,
choMP!!!!

Alternatively, it's your bottle Nappa finds washed up. Is he supposed to write a reply? How is it gonna reach anyone? Well, at the very least it might be good for a laugh.

[Feel free to leave a message for Nappa to read, and get a reply.]

Edited 2024-10-19 03:37 (UTC)

[Oh hey! It's this guy again! Darin remembered bumping into him months ago when he'd washed up in this world! He'd wondered where this massive goofball got off to!]

[Darin's dressed to the nines in some formal knight attire that's shredded and torn to fit the undead theme. A theme that he's been using alcohol to help ease him into the mindset of. He hates ghosts after all. And this challenge was exactly what he needed.]

[Regardless, Darin laughs off Nappa's boasts.]

So, I need to guess if this is true or false? Honestly? I'm gonna say it's false! The bigger and louder someone is, the more they trying to compensate!

"Oh is that right?" Nappa asks with a sneer. "Well, you'd be wrong, so take a drink! Of course I'm big and loud! I'm a Saiyan!"

Being bigger and tougher than (almost) everybody else was the best part of being a Saiyan, and what was the point of being the biggest and the toughest if you couldn't lord that over weaker shrimp like this blue shrimp?

"Your turn now. Try and think of something impressive...and I'll still think you made it up!"

[Darin takes his drink lazily. The alcohol is affecting him when it normally shouldn't...but it's distracting him from all of the haunted, supernatural nonsense.]

[It's also making him incredibly bold and stupid. Moreso than usual.]

I could throw you out into the courtyard of this place with a single arm without breaking a sweat.

Nappa needs no drink to be incredibly bold and stupid. But it's definitely not helping, especially because Darin's challenge is so over the top, it's begging to be put to the test. The Saiyan reaches for the bottle and chugs the whole thing down, before slamming it back on the table, and wiping his mouth with a grin.

"Then go for it, twerp. Impress me."

You sure you want that? I mean, I'm not saying 'no' but we'd be ruining everyone else's good time.

[Darin casually downs the rest of his drink and walks over. Nappa's easily a head or so taller than Darin and twice as broad. But Darin's dealt with his fair share of people like him before.]

[But he's also aware that people tend to have pretty impressive powers here. Ranma springs to mind as being so much stronger than he would have pegged him to be. Not to mention Ganondorf.]

[But still, it'd be interesting to put himself to the test against some new people. So, he stands, hands on his hips. He's dressed in tattered, formal knight attire for the ball and probably just looks overconfident.]

So, what do I get if I manage to impress you, huh?

"Who cares about 'em? Where I come from, it ain't a real party until someone throws the first punch." All this faffing about with dancing and costumes and music...urgh, times like this make him nostalgic for a good old fashioned Planet Vegeta rave. Or raid. Which were often more similar than you might think.

Nappa also rises, in his tattered, red-splattered suit matching Darin's knight attire and cracks his knuckles. "Not that that's gonna happen squirt, but sure, I'll play along...if you manage to impress me, I'll, eh...act as your bodyguard. For a whole week. How about that? Pretty good deal, getting the services of Nappa, for free!" Which is even better, considering there's no way this guy is gonna make good on his promise.

"Mouthy little twerp like you could probably use the extra muscle around. If you can pull it off. Which you won't, be hell! I'm in a good mood."

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minorinpain - 2024-11-10 04:33 (UTC) - Expand

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forgeabettertomorrow - 2024-11-10 18:32 (UTC) - Expand

[It's certainly something to sense Nappa nearby. He doesn't know the man at all but that spike in energy is something else and not something he's use to feeling as much from people in this world. Its even more of a sight to see when Goten flies to the source out of curiosity and....well its a bit of a blood bath.

He almost feels bad for the shark...bird...things with the way Nappa is just destroying them. Still he's gaping at the sight. He's only seen his brother and himself move like that--the energy blasts too!!

Goten was fine floating there and just watching but seeing more Sharkgulls come dive bomb the saiyan, he's quick to act and hold out his hand, firing off a handfull of small blasts to knock away the ones closest to Nappa]

Look out mister! There's more coming!

[He calls out to him, waving his arms and pointing to the new flock!]

Nappa turns suddenly when he hears the ki blasts go off, first to Goten, then to where he's pointing. Tossing aside the sharkgull in his hand (what's left of it), he summons a few energy balls of his own and lobs them at the oncoming horde to thin their numbers a bit.

"Good eye, shrimp! Nothing The Mighty Nappa couldn't have handled on his own, though!" But something about the kid makes him turn back and eye Goten suspiciously.

Somethin' about him looks almost...weirdly familiar in a strange ~~Raditz~~ sort of way...

"I ain't no nanny though, so you're on your own if you stick around!" At least not since Vegeta grew up. And even then he still called the shots.

Edited 2024-10-19 21:23 (UTC)

Ah, it's okay! I can fight and stuff too! Don't worry.

[Though he's really not into just slaughtering a bunch of animals, even these weird bitey things, so he's just going to let Nappa do what he has too. Goten does try to be helpful though! A blast here, a ki blast there to any that seem to get a little too close to either of them.

Poor things really don't stand a chance at all. The sharkgulls should really notice their dead kin and just leave. It ain't worth it.

Still its something to watch Nappa.]

It doesn't take long for the sharkgulls, at least the ones left to realize they should seek easier prey. Before long, they're taking wing away from the Saiyan warrior, who lobs a few energy blasts after them for good measure.

"That's what ya get, for trying to pull a fast on The Mighty Nappa!" He lets out a victorious, boisterous laugh, before turning to look towards where Goten is still watching, and his eyes narrow in suspicion.

He floats over to the kid. "Hey. You seem kinda familiar. Tryin' to figure out why." He glances down. No tail...so the kid's not Saiyan. 'Course not. That'd be stupid. There's only a couple of them left.

"I didn't take over your planet or somethin', did I?"

Uhhh nope! I don't think so.

[His world was fine last he remembers and there's no way his dad or vegeta would let something like that happen. Still Goten looks at him curiously too. Nappa doesn't look familiar at all to him. He has no idea about him at all. Really only his armor sorta makes Goten curious---and the flying and ki blasts of course.

And the fact Nappa is giant compared to him. This guy is huge!]

You didn't need any help with the bird-shark things at all, huh mister? Did ya just get here?

[Its a guess. Goten is sure he would have sensed his energy...the guy doesnt really seem to hide it at all]

Nappa grunts. He doesn't seem convinced. Something about this kid is annoyingly familiar.

"Yeah, but I been here before." He replies. "Guess I got sent back, though." The universe hates winners, but you can't keep a Saiyan down for long. "Place don't seem much different, though. Come on, you ain't never heard of me? The Corsairs gotta remember the time I ran with 'em!" He immediately makes a flexing pose that would put Ginyu and his cronies to shame, and shows off his impressive muscles.

"The Mighty Nappa, Saiyan Super-Elite! One of the greatest fighters in the entire universe!" He holds the pose for a second, then relaxes it, crossing his arms over his chest.

"That two-bit pirate outfit was lucky to a powerhouse like me on their side!"

(( ooc: gonna start this by saying if ur not familiar with League of Legends(good, don't be it's an awful game), here's a demo video of his abilities(I'm sorry about the puns), but he's otherwise a wrestling/grappling juggernaut/bruiser. If you are familiar(i'm sorry for ur loss), then nevermind that link. I'm going into this under with the idea that Sett wouldn't be able to beat a trained Saiyan. BUT he IS capable of withstanding long enough to maybe knock the ghost out of him before it gets to the point of being lethal. I'm here for a good time and down for however you wanna play it. Let Nappa live out his best bad-ass dreams and have fight scenes. ))

[ Sett usually stayed in his own lane. What other people got up to on their time wasn't his business, and it would've been easy to just get out of the way and disappear with the crowd while everyone started to scatter in a panic when some big bald guy started tweaking out. It wasn't like he hadn't watched guys like baldy tear people like that victim limb-from-limb before. Hell, he made a living off of it.

But those guys were stupid enough to volunteer. This guy hadn't been stupid enough to willingly throw his life away, and clearly wanted nothing to do with this. Now that victim wasn't small--he was built well enough, but he was still clearly out-weighed by the bald guy.

So he sighed to himself and cracked his knuckles. His mama raised him better--he wasn't going to let some idiot get their face caved in. ]

Hey, cue-ball! [ He snorted as he chimed in, bearing his fangs and holding his pointed ears up high as he spoke.

Most by-standers were now gone or hiding, leaving the three of them the only ones standing. ]

Why don't you pick on someone your own size? Or 'you too chicken-shit to handle a real fight?

[ The poor victim took the opportunity to start slinking away, then full-on sprint to try and dive somewhere to hide. This golden-clad, fur-frilled pretty boy was tilting his head to either side, stretching out his neck and shoulders while shifting to widen his stance and maybe loosen up his legs a little. ]

C'mon ugly, let's see what you got. I'll even let you get the first swing, so make it count.

[ If the ghost had any idea what information Nappa's body was capable of sensing and processing, it might be able to parse that this beast-man had a fearsome little whirlwind of power ready to start chomping at the bit. It was, presently, well below an average Saiyan, but likewise above anything the average human could manage. ]

[ooc: Thank you for the video, it was very informative! The ghost doesn't know how to use Nappa's body beyond relying on overwhelming strength and its attempts to use his energy manipulation abilities will be severely hampered, so I think Sett can definitely draw things out to the point where the ghost will flee, but not without getting a few good blows in beforehand.]

The ghost's attention is diverted when Sett detaches from the crowd and struts forward, issuing a challenge of his own. He gives the guy a once-over...hmmm. Doesn't look like as easy prey as the one currently making like a tree and splitting, but then again...the ghost has nabbed a real powerhouse of a guy, one overflowing with a kind of power he never dreamed of feeling while alive.

"You're gonna regret that, punk." He sneers, striding forward to meet Sett, eye twitching from a weird...sense he was getting from the other guy. Some kind of pressure...weird. He shrugs it off as just this body being weird. He can accept the odd headache in return for this kinda power. "When I hit someone, they stay down. Permanently."

He still tries to aim a cheap shot at Sett's midsection with a quick gut-punch, but it's sloppily-executed. A trained pit fighter probably sees it in his eyes before he's even made a fist. But it is fast; despite his size, Nappa can be pretty deceptively speedy when he wants to be. It even takes the ghost by surprise.

"NOW DIE!!"

((ooc: If you're unfamiliar with ranma 1/2, here's a brief rundown of his capabilities. prefacing this with i do not expect ranma to flat out win a fight against a saiyan elite, but he's probably capable enough to last long enough to make him give up the ghost (literal sense here). i'm all for however you want this play out and i'm flexible enough for anything!))

[Bullies are one things Ranma can't stand. Jerks who think they're allowed to throw their weight around and kick down those weaker. If there's anything else he can't stand more than bullies, it's those who threaten the innocent and helpless. The teen's drawn to sight by the fleeing bystanders and the not-so subtle musings of the bald meathead standing over a cowering target too petrified to move a muscle.

Not on Ranma's watch.

Before the ghost piloting the Saiyan's body can advance closer on his next victim, something comes down from above. Hard, right on the top of his dome.]

Jeez. Do you always monologue before a fight, or only when you pick on an easy target?

[Perching atop Nappa's head like a bird, Ranma sat there cleaning out his ear and checking his nails. Given that its hard for most to not be distract when someone is sitting on their head, the victim saw the opportunity to run for the hills now that they've gotten over the freeze part of the fight-flight-freeze trifecta.]

How about you stop running your mouth already, and start running your fists on someone who'll punch back?

[Thank you for the write-up, I am very canonblind on Ranma 1/2 so this was useful for me to have. The ghost possessing Nappa is very much not a martial artist, especially not one even approaching Ranma's calibre, and doesn't know how to effectively use Nappa's own ki abilities, energy blasts and whatnot. He's relying mostly on raw overpowering strength, so while he might be able to get a few good punches in, someone as skilled as Ranma could easily dance around him until the ghost got wise and flees. Also up to you if you want the curse to kick in at any time during the fight, I'm sure there's some inconveniently-placed buckets of water left around here somewhere...]

The ghost starts suddenly as he feels something land on his body's chromedome and sit there. As Ranma checks his nails he slowly reaches up and pats the martial artist's leg.

There's a whole-ass guy sitting on his body's head! How...?!

"Uhhhh..." The ghost hesitates for a moment, trying to decide if this is a guy he actually wants to try having a go at. But arrogance (and catching the sight of those overmuscled arms of Nappa's) and anger get the better of him. This body is too powerful to let some prancing little dork make a fool of him.

"NICE OF YOU TO VOLUNTEER!" He yells suddenly as his other arm comes up and tries to grab Ranma with both hands and wrench him off his head. It's probably the expected move, but Nappa's body moves fast, despite the bulk.

(No problemo! Feel free to have ghost!Nappa mess Ranma up too, kid's a brick wall and very durable!)

[That slight hesitation was enough to get a big grin on said little dork's smug face. All that bark earlier, reduced to a whimper for a second against someone who can stand up to them. Ranma'll never tire of hearing it, like music to his ears.

Expected and predictable! It was the only move he could make. Meaning Ranma foresaw it and is deft enough to leap forward out of Nappa's big, meaty claws' way. Beefcake's quick., the teen notes to himself while landing forward, pivoting on his heels to properly face the brute. This might actually be a fight!

No, focus on taking this lug down now, that's the main goal. Though there's nothing forbidding having a little fun with a potential challenge. Ranma kept his smirk, fingers beckoning come at me.]

What were you blabbing earlier 'bout tearing someone limb to limb? [Rolling his arm, smile growing as his voice drips with ridicule and teasing.] My limbs are feeling really detached here.

The ghost snarls in anger as Ranma manages to evade the grab, but even he was caught off-guard by how fast his arms moved. He stares a moment at Nappa's hand as Ranma taungts him, slowly opening and closing his fist. "...Huh. Guess this body's even stronger than I thought." With a wolfish leer, he turns the ghost turns his attentions back to his opponent.

"So! A smart-ass, huh?" He chuckles. "Gonna enjoy wiping that smirk off your face. NOW DIE!!"

He steps forward and almost instantaneously has crossed the gap to Ranma. Fast indeed/ And it's accompanied by an awkward, if powerful uppercut for good measure.

[Worst thing any good martial artist can do is underestimate their foe. Someone being smaller doesn't necessarily mean they're weak and fragile. Someone large and encumbered by muscles won't be slow and sluggish. Ranma knows this all well. With how quick Nappa closed the distance, Ranma only had enough reaction time to cross his arms defensively in an X, taking the blow.

The ghost chose the perfect vessel to control if power is what it desired. Nappa's fist tore up the sleeves of Ranma's arms, exposing the suffusing angry red bruise and lacerations that do well to act in the fallen sleeve's stead given the blood's a similar shade. The young martial artist skids backwards, arms still in the blocking formation, finally coming to a stop when he hit a stand.

Yowza...! Okay, avoid taking as many blows as possible. Ranma heaves a breath, forcing his arms back down. Just like Nappa, Ranma moved fast. Fast enough to appear like Ranma teleported in front of the brute to the naked eye, and to the naked eye looked like he threw a set of thirty rapid-fire blows into a singular haymaker at Nappa's gut. They weren't as powerful as Nappa's punch earlier, albeit still feeling like cannon fire point-blank, but they came out quick.]

wow I think I was real tired writing that last tag...painful. XD

minorinpain - 2024-11-02 06:20 (UTC) - Expand

oof thats the biggest mood there

catsgothistongue - 2024-11-05 21:26 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

minorinpain - 2024-11-10 04:26 (UTC) - Expand

Up to you whether this succeeds or not, I'm fine either way!

catsgothistongue - 2024-11-17 02:10 (UTC) - Expand

[Was it bad fortune for Nappa's possessor that the target he chose happened to be Gohan, or for Nappa himself? Who could say? Gohan already found himself standing on edge seeing the one-time foe his father and friends had faced, memories of those days coming rushing back to the forefront of his mind. All those months they'd spent training, only to be effortlessly dispatched by one Saiyan. Yamcha, Tien, Chiaotzu... Mr. Piccolo... And if it hadn't been for the timely intervention of his father, he and Krillin would surely have joined them in the afterlife.

...But he also remembered the fate of Nappa, one who loyally followed the orders of his master, only to be discarded when he was no longer useful. And since then, they've encountered so many more powerful foes and gone through so much more than the invasion of the Saiyans. What he feels now isn't hatred or vengeance, but pity for the large warrior.]

You.

[But he also recognizes that Nappa is acting out of sorts. Saying things that wouldn't make sense for him to be saying if he was in his right mind. Was he possessed by something...?]

I don't know who you think you are, but I'm giving you one warning: [Despite his small frame, he was fearless in the face of someone threatening to rip him apart, almost defiantly so.] Let him go, now.

The ghost twists Nappa's face into a look of confused anger. This wasn't right, people were supposed to be scared, not stand their ground and stare him down. Especially kids! All right, this one looks like he could probably manage well enough in a schoolyard brawl, but this body was a mountain of muscle! The ghost could even feel it brimming with a kind of inner power, just begging to be tested.

And the kid's not even afraid?!

"Nuh-uh. No way, Jose. I been a spirit too long to let a choice body like this go. I'm gonna get my enjoyment out of it!" He rears a fist back, winding up for a punch. "And I'm gonna start by caving your face in, you mouthy little brat!"

It's bad form; even Nappa wouldn't be so sloppy as this if he were in full control. the wind-up time is abysmal, and so telegraphed Gohan could see the blow coming from next week. The ghost isn't a martial artist, and is so juiced on an elite-level Saiyan's raw strength, he's relying solely on that strength to win.

And if this were any other opponent, that might be enough.

Edited 2024-10-20 19:41 (UTC)

[Any other opponent would still easily be felled by one swing of the mighty Saiyan's fist, his raw power capable of leveling cities in a fell swoop.

But Gohan is not just any other opponent. He effortlessly catches Nappa's in his significantly smaller hand, not even flinching in the slightest.]

I don't want to kill someone who's already died once.

[Was he talking to the ghost, or to Nappa? Only Gohan knew the answer to that.]

So I'm giving you one last chance. Leave the people of this world alone and go back to wherever you came from.

The ghost is obviously expecting to make good on his threat. But Nappa's fist is stopped mid-strike. It takes a second to register why. The ghost looks down at his fist, and sees Gohan effortlessly holding him back despite his arm muscles straining to push through. His eyes go wide.

"Nrgh...that ain't possible! What kinda trick you pulling, brat?!" His other arm comes up in an attempt at a cheap shot, a low blow to Gohan's midsection. He's not about to surrender a body this powerful to some...some trick!

[Gohan had a free hand still, and so when the possessed Nappa tries to land a cheap shot on Gohan's abdomen, that free arm reflexively shoots down to catch it. Now both of Nappa's hands have been caught by Gohan, and he's got a surprisingly strong hold on them despite the size difference.]

Are you done disgracing that body you've stolen?

[Vegeta always goes on and on about Saiyan pride, so Nappa surely must have some sense of Saiyan pride too. So having his body stolen and manipulated like this... The level of shame he'd be feeling right now must be immense. Assuming he's even still in there somewhere... He had to put an end to this.

Still, he had to hold back. Gohan didn't want to kill Nappa, or even hurt him. If he could just... scare the ghost out of him, maybe that'd work...]

There are no tricks here!

[With a grip on both of Nappa's hands, he hoists the larger Saiyan off the ground by floating into the air.]

Now... Let him go!

[And then, with a twist of his body, he flips Nappa's body over his shoulder and slams him into the ground.]

GETTING STARTED

ELTRUT: FESTIVAL

NAUGHTILUST: MASQUERADE

GHOST PROBLEMS

QUESTS

Nappa | Dragon Ball Z | Undecided! | TDM

DRUNK PIRATE

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Killer Sharkgulls

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Ghostly Possession

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*insert joke about ghost nappa here* (Ghostly Possession)

Forever haunting Vegeta

somewhere in capsule corps vegeta is muttering "godamnit nappa" over and over

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possessions

here we go here we go here we go

Re: here we go here we go here we go

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insert joke about ghost nappa here (Ghostly Possession)