seaboards: (Default)
seaboards ([personal profile] seaboards) wrote in [community profile] escordvi2024-10-18 12:26 pm

« october: ghoul's moon 2024 »



Welcome to the Test Drive Meme for [community profile] 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)
TEST SAILORS:
Animorphs - Alloran-Semitur-Corrass | Undecided
Baldur's Gate 3 - Minthara Baenre | Corsair
Battlefield 1 - Clyde Blackburn | Corsair
Dragon Age: Inquisition - Sera | Corsair
Dragon Ball Z - Nappa | Undecided
Dream Daddy - Robert Small | Corsair
Ducktales 2017 - Della Duck | Corsair
Dungeons & Dragons - Kolnatha Shavval | Corsair
Final Fantasy VII - Vincent Valentine | Paladin
Final Fantasy VII - Sephiroth | Paladin
Fire Emblem Three Houses - Claude von Riegan | Corsair
Gundam 00 - Setsuna F. Seiei | Undecided
Inuyasha - Inuyasha | Paladin
Kingdom Hearts - Axel | Corsair
Kingdom Hearts - Xehanort | Paladin
Mass Effect - Commander Shepard | Paladin
Mass Effect - Legion | Paladin
My Hero Academia - Hawks | Paladin
Neo: The World Ends With You - Beat | Corsair
Octopath Traveler - Cyrus Albright | Paladin
Original Character - Naeva dos Martos | Corsair
Original Character - Gan Ainm | Paladin
Overwatch - Zenyatta | Corsair
Persona 5 - Futaba Sakura | Corsair
Sailor Moon - Helios | Paladin
Spy x Family - Loid Forger | Paladin
Spy x Family - Yor | Paladin
Tales of Beseria - Rokurou Rangetsu | Paladin
Trigun - Vash the Stampede | Undecided
Twisted Wonderland - Azul Ashengrotto | Paladin


CURRENT MEMBERS:
Baldur's Gate 3 - Karlach | Corsair
Big Hero 6 - Tadashi Hamada | Paladin
Big Hero 6 - Hiro Hamada | Paladin
Fallen Hero - Sidestep | Corsair
Final Fantasy VII - Reno | Paladin
Final Fantasy VII - Cloud Strife | Paladin
Final Fantasy VII - Nanaki | Paladin
Final Fantasy XIV - G'raha Tia | Corsair
Final Fantasy XVI - Joshua Rosfield | Corsair
Genshin Impact - Arlecchino | Corsair
Genshin Impact - Lyney | Corsair
Kingdom Hearts - Roxas | Paladin
Legend of Zelda: TotK - Zelda | Paladin
Mass Effect - Garrus Vakarian | Paladin
My Hero Academia - Izuku Midoriya | Paladin
My Hero Academia - Katsuki Bakugou | Paladin
My Hero Academia - Rody | Paladin
Nimona - Nimona | Paladin
Octopath Traveler - Alfyn | Paladin
Original Character - Darin Altway | Corsair
Pokemon Violet - Professor Turo | Paladin
Ranma ½ - Ranma Saotome | Corsair
Sherlock Holmes - Sherlock Holmes | Paladin




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.




lecturer: (64)

cyrus albright | octopath traveler | paladin | TDM

[personal profile] lecturer 2024-10-19 01:50 pm (UTC)(link)
1. 🔥 inkwave
[ well! this has been exciting. after arriving on a ship somewhere, typing his name into a typewriter (fascinating!!) and getting back into his usual clothes, cyrus albright is not even remotely concerned about his surroundings. or, well, if he is, he's certainly not showing it. rather, upon arrival to eltrut, his head has basically been on a swivel, observing every single thing physically possible. this is a scholar's paradise if only because there is simply so much to learn that he's nearly dizzy with it, and while of course the lack of his companions is currently quite concerning, he imagines they'll find each other well enough. and besides! he was on a journey before. this just seems rather like a detour.

so! unbothered. thriving, in his lane, cyrus chats up locals and everyone in sight, and learns rather quickly about the inkwell, which is where you might find him... or, at least you will hear him from the open door outside: ]


A tattoo as a conduit for elemental energy? [ this is not a shocked or angry or Karening The Manager reaction, this is genuine surprise and delight that practically radiates through his voice. ] Oh, you simply must tell me how that works. What does it utilize? The body's natural humors? Does it serve as a connection point? Instead of using words or spells, to create a permanent bond with nature itself... what a fascinating concept. Have you been doing this for long -? Tell me, what are the practical implications? The limitations? Have you any literature on the subject...?

[ this poor tattoo artist. he keeps going. he really just keeps asking these questions, just, yapping away. ]


2. ❄️ blooms of youth
[ well, all of this is just fascinating, isn't it? there are a thousand local traditions to be exploring, and when one is in atlasdam - or perhaps, in his case, when one is in flamesgrace, or cragspear, or any other appropriate comparison - one must make as the flatlanders (or frostlanders, or cliftlanders) do. so ultimately, the idea of arriving somewhere quite strange has done little to bother one professor cyrus albright.

are you out and about capturing souls for envoy jades? you may see one of those lovely, miserable emberbloom souls floating placidly in front of a man in a fancy fit, who is listening to the young lady's troubles. ]


I see... so you are looking for your true love then? They've not abandoned you, have they? [ there is such a genuinely caring look on his face - the ghost shakes her head, clutching the flower, and the warmth in cyrus' tone soaks through his every word. ] I'm glad to hear it. I could hardly imagine such a fate for you, my dear girl, alongside the tragedy you were already victim to.

[ the ghost looks... enamored? this ghost looks completely, utterly enamored with him. cyrus, completely oblivious, sets his hand to his chin. a mystery! ]

So, they're amongst the living then... Well! Let's get to looking, shall we? I will not let you suffer everlong - rest assured, I'll find this person, no matter how long it takes. Now, let's see...

[ and thus begins his observation. surely, by coming to understand this ghostly shade through observation, he'll be able to match her with her missing true love. what he will not come to understand is that this spirit clearly has the hots for him. please help. ]


3. ⚡ wildcard!
[ i love literally all of these prompts, so if you want something special, just ask and i'm happy to write it! ♥ plurk is [plurk.com profile] protags or pm! ]
Edited (i decided i wanted it to be pretty and forgot my plurk) 2024-10-19 15:44 (UTC)
phoenixdominant: <user name=sheme> (pic#16608303)

blooms of youth 👻

[personal profile] phoenixdominant 2024-10-19 09:47 pm (UTC)(link)
[Joshua would never consider himself a master at love and romance but there is a certain look that one might get when they're interested in another. That sweet, almost desperately dopey look that one can get when they're staring their objective of affection...

That poor man has no clue, does he? If some of these ghosts weren't dangerous Joshua might have left him to his own with her but ... He can't help but to carefully approach with a small concerned look on his face.]


Might I be of assistance? It seems your friend here is looking for someone she's lost?
Edited 2024-10-19 21:50 (UTC)
lecturer: (40)

[personal profile] lecturer 2024-10-19 11:38 pm (UTC)(link)
[ oh! company!! the ghost turns to look, and cyrus immediately brightens, tapping his fist to his open hand in an a-ha gesture. ]

Ah! My good man, you've come in the nick of time. [ he looks at the ghost, still holding her little flower, and the ghost looks at him, and then at joshua. cyrus hums, hand still on his chin. ] Unfortunately, it seems she's not able to say all too much, but that does seem to be the case. As far as I can ascertain, her gift is for a lover, though she's not able to tell me much about who they are.

[ back to the ghost: ] Now then, my dear girl, I'll confess, I've not much experience in matchmaking. Finding others, however - now that, I'm quite adept at. [ he points over at joshua! ] Perhaps you can tell me if this, ah, strapping young gentleman is close to what you're searching for in terms of looks, height, personality?

[ joshua did not ask for this and yet ]
phoenixdominant: <user name=sheme> (pic#16608233)

1/2

[personal profile] phoenixdominant 2024-10-20 06:14 pm (UTC)(link)
[Joshua's eyes flicker from the chipper man to the forlorn girl and he... coughs slightly.]

My apologies, are you thinking that it might be me? Or someone who might look like me? No- That's not what I was ...

[Oh bother. Joshua looks partially distressed. This man is a positive ray of sunshine, jumping to the occasion to help, isn't he?!]
phoenixdominant: <user name=sheme> (pic#16608225)

2/2

[personal profile] phoenixdominant 2024-10-20 06:14 pm (UTC)(link)
[He clears his throat gently...]

What I was meaning to say is that perhaps there would be other ways to help her find what she is looking for? Meaning, someone who isn't the two of us?

[Please sir, she's obviously looking for someone who's dead...]
lecturer: (47)

[personal profile] lecturer 2024-10-20 06:24 pm (UTC)(link)
[ this poor man. he laughs, and waves his hand. ]

Oh, no, no that is not the case at all - though, if it were, it'd be a lucky find, wouldn't it?

[ cyrus is certainly something, that's for sure. this last bit is a joke, and he sets a hand to his heart, dipping his head apologetically and rising back with a warm smile. ]

My apologies for the confusion. No, no - it is rather that because she's quite unable to speak much, I thought perhaps she could indicate a few physical features that might help. Height, hair color, eyes, build - things of that like, yes? To sort the chaff from the grain, as there are quite a few of these friendly apparitions floating about. It's important that we come to the correct conclusion: the gift that she bears for her love is a precious one, indeed.

Whenever you're ready, my dear girl. [ he looks at the ghost with the flower, who looks between them and... looks like she sighs? whether it's wistful or exasperated, who knows. the ghost then floats over to joshua, and gestures to someone shorter. someone suspiciously cyrus height. cyrus, again oblivious, makes a thoughtful noise. ]

So... shorter than the gentleman.
Edited (playing wordy bitches w/o being repetitive is a nightmare) 2024-10-20 18:30 (UTC)

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cursedwords: (pic#17284187)

Wildcard

[personal profile] cursedwords 2024-10-19 11:25 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Has Cyrus ever wondered what it would be like to encounter a ghost-cat? Fortunately he has to wait no longer. Toge is a total menace, he's running around in his very fancy costume which was a sheet with two holes - but now it has four to let his ears peek out of them. He's sneaking up on unsuspecting people and jumping out of nowhere, waving his hand under the sheet in a spooky way. ]

Tuna mayo!

[ Trick or treat! ]
lecturer: (98)

[personal profile] lecturer 2024-10-19 11:46 pm (UTC)(link)
[ cyrus has wondered many things, and anything he has not wondered is something new to think about!! which means that toge sneaking up on him absolutely works - he startles where he's minding his business, jumping about a foot off the ground before he whirls around to see his... haunting cat friend. ]

Oh - good heavens, you startled me! Tuna...mayo? Yes! Tuna mayo.

[ and he waves like this is a greeting ritual of eltrut. is this how people say hello here during this festival? who knows... he'd hate to disrespect the culture. (it's not) ]

Now, I'm afraid I've neither tuna nor mayonnaise upon my person, if that's what you're seeking...
cursedwords: (Smile)

[personal profile] cursedwords 2024-10-19 11:50 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Excellent, excellent, perfect startling, Toge is very proud of himself for that, and positively delighted as his ears twitch back and forth. ]

Kelp! [ He's not too far off, Toge does have a weird greeting word.

Out from under the sheet comes his white cat tail and dangling off the end of it is a plastic pumpkin pail, which he shakes lightly. Please give him candy, since he did such a good job. ]
lecturer: (79)

[personal profile] lecturer 2024-10-19 11:58 pm (UTC)(link)
Kelp? Well, had you found me a few hours ago, I'd have had that in spades, my dear boy.

[ that whole waking up in the water thing...this is a joke, and he laughs as he says it. however. cyrus looks at the pumpkin pail, and the lightbulb goes off! ] - you have a tail as well! Do you come by that naturally? I'd thought that might be part of the costume, but it's quite animated...

[ he is asking you for candy, cyrus, stop asking questions ]

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apothecarry: (this could be serious)

wildcard!!

[personal profile] apothecarry 2024-10-20 03:27 am (UTC)(link)
Whoops!

[The world's tiniest black kitten bounds around Cyrus with what one can only presume is the unburdened joy of the chase.

Seconds later, Cyrus will find himself extremely jostled by the young man giving chase.]


Ah, sorry, pardon me, just- here now-

[He's calling to the cat! The cat that escaped his little basket at the last second, and now turns to look back at him, and he's sure it's sweet glee in those little golden eyes. In its teeth it has a little woven trinket of some kind! And Alfyn is determined to gently get it back.

But! He just about knocked a fellow over, so let's address that first.]


I'm real sorry about that, are you all-

[He turns, prepared to help right an upended somebody, or at least to carefully dust them off and apologize a few more times for his rudeness.

Instead he chokes on his last words. His eyes get very wide indeed.]
lecturer: (81)

[personal profile] lecturer 2024-10-20 01:31 pm (UTC)(link)
[ well!! cyrus weighs about a hundred pounds soaking wet on a good day, and he is hardly paying attention - or, well, he's paying attention to everything around him and nothing that could be potentially dangerous all at once, as he is wont to do, which means that while he does see the little black cat go darting by, he does not see the apothecary that barrels into him.

he makes a noise, an 'oof', and ungracefully gets knocked right over on his ass. it surprises him more than anything else - cyrus blinks, once, twice, looks up, and then his face just lights up. ]


-- Alfyn! [ oh!!!! ] Now, what a twist of fate - I'm quite alright, and all the better for seeing you, my friend. Perhaps less so for running into the bulk of you, but there's no better man for that, eh? [ that's delivered lightly, a little teasingly. he's still on the ground, so give him a second to get himself together and pull himself back up. ]

Are you quite alright? I was wondering where you all could have gotten off to.
apothecarry: (burned out)

[personal profile] apothecarry 2024-10-20 08:46 pm (UTC)(link)
[A second?? Alfyn holds out a hand for him immediately, let's get you up off the ground Professor, he feels just terribly for fully knocking him over like that.

Once everyone is upright, Alfyn grimaces and shakes his head.]


Sorry for that! I'm chasing a- uh. A cat? Sort of? But I really ought to watch where I'm goin' all the same.

[The "cat" in question tilts its little miniature head to the side. It still has something held daintily in its mouth.]

I was buyin' that for a friend! But then this little fella over there appeared out of nowhere, grabbed it, and took off.
lecturer: (2)

[personal profile] lecturer 2024-10-20 09:04 pm (UTC)(link)
Hardly any trouble at all, my friend - fortuitous, indeed. [ he will gladly take that very familiar hand and pull himself up with it, brushing off his coat. it's so nice to see a familiar face that he easily falls right into the usual, and he follows alfyn's gaze over to the cat. let's problem solve! his favorite game!! ]

Oh? I see...

[ cyrus watches the mischievous little creature for a moment, observing, hand to his chin. ]

... Well. To catch a cat, one must think like a cat, mm? Let's see, do you think we can find something it might want a bit more than your gift? [ work smarter not harder! ]

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astudyinviolet: Scruffy Sherlock explaining (⩑ The Interlaken Mystery)

blooms of youth

[personal profile] astudyinviolet 2024-10-22 08:36 am (UTC)(link)
[ Sherlock is in the middle of some errand or another when he comes across a man looking a lady ghost. The ghost seems unbothered by the attention. In fact, she seems to enjoy it. However, what catches Sherlock's eye is the way the man looks at the ghost. The man doesn't match the longing expression of the ghost. He seems to be studying her as if she is a puzzle to solve.

Then Sherlock recognizes the ghostly image of a flower in the ghost's hands. It can't be the same from that case, could it?
]

Excuse me, miss. Is that an Ethereal Emberbloom you hold?
lecturer: (39)

[personal profile] lecturer 2024-10-23 02:15 am (UTC)(link)
[ oh!!! company. cyrus glances over when someone approaches - he smiles and nods in greeting, and the lady ghost looks over at sherlock. she is indeed holding that exact flower, and she nods, enthusiastically, at being recognized.

in the meantime, her extremely unaware companion makes a noise of understanding. fascinating! ]


An ethereal emberbloom, is it...? Now, I'd heard of an embershroom, but one can hardly expect the flora and the fauna here to be the same as it was back at home - are you familiar with the bloom, good sir? Perhaps you've come just in time.
astudyinviolet: Sherlock deducting with Watson in the bg (⩑ The Adventure of the Empty Shed)

[personal profile] astudyinviolet 2024-10-25 03:43 am (UTC)(link)
[ The ghost's nod confirms his suspicion. Sherlock's eyes dart over the ghost's form, trying to take in any additional details. ]

That flower only comes from a field on Elah, protected by the Paladins for how scarce they are. They are a symbol of love.

[ And because Sherlock cannot help himself. ]

During an increase in smuggling activity, I went to help guard the field. The field has a darker secret. A ghost placed corpses underneath the flowers.

[ Even if all evidence pointed towards corrupt Paladins, leading him to completely misunderstand the situation. He cannot deny that he messed up due to his lack of knowledge of the supernatural. ]
lecturer: (54)

[personal profile] lecturer 2024-10-26 08:23 pm (UTC)(link)
[ listen the more he can't help himself the better it is because cyrus looks interested immediately. the ghost is still trying to get him to pay attention to her, but at the moment... the story captivates his attention, eyebrows raising up nearly off his forehead. ]

Despite their incorporeal state? [ placing corpses? he looks at the lady ghost, who sighs silently. ] The ghosts were not a product of the corpses themselves?

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netherese: (12)

1, I'm late but I'm here!!

[personal profile] netherese 2024-10-26 05:19 am (UTC)(link)
[It is fortunate for both Cyrus and the tattoo artist himself, perhaps, that Gale of Waterdeep just so happens to have planned to visit Inkjet today for a touch-up— a part of him is quite grateful that the tattoos aren't permanent, as he doesn't know that he could commit to one for life, but it can be an out-of-sight, out-of-mind situation, given that he's used to having magic at his beck and call, and therefore it is, on occasion, just a touch inconvenient. Fortunately, it is easily remedied, and this time he has managed to remember to have it seen to before it fades entirely.

Upon entering, however, he finds that Knistej is already quite involved with another customer— one whose line of questioning rings quite familiar. Gale can't help but smile as the door to the tattoo parlor closes behind him, tipping his head towards the proprietor by way of a greeting. It wasn't so long ago that Gale himself had been asking those very same things, though it's hard to believe it's been a year since then.]


I may be able to aid you in answering a few of those questions!

[The offer is bright and cheerful, and Knitsej himself looks relieved to have someone there to intervene— though only briefly.

He remembers Gale well enough to know this won't be much of an improvement.

The wizard pays the octopus no mind, his attention wholly on the kindred spirit in front of the counter.]


I've been doing a bit of research on them, myself!
lecturer: (112)

smooches

[personal profile] lecturer 2024-10-26 08:30 pm (UTC)(link)
[ !!!!

cyrus' attention turns from the shopkeeper - he does a little bow of his head in thanks, ever polite, before he turns to the other person in the room with a light of joy in his eyes. he does quickly scan (or... you know... scrutinize) gale. another scholar? certainly. sometimes you can just recognize a kindred spirit in a few words. ]


Have you? Pray tell, if you wouldn't mind. [ sparkle sparkle ] This system of utilization is utterly unique to anything I've seen before - even our folk magics need only verbal components and a bit of old-fashioned know how. [ which is!!! so interesting!!! to cyrus the scholar. ] But a tattoo! How fascinating.

That is to say, I am all ears! Be it research or where to find it.
Edited 2024-10-26 20:35 (UTC)
netherese: (27)

[personal profile] netherese 2024-11-07 08:58 pm (UTC)(link)
[By the gods, it's like meeting an alternate version of himself. Cyrus' enthusiasm is indeed catching, which is quite impressive when one considers that Gale comes with plenty of his own.]

Oh, it would be my pleasure! I am hardly the only person conducting such research in this place, and I'm certain we've all uncovered different facets in our efforts, but I've found most of our fellow academics to be quite forthcoming when it comes to discussing such things.

[There was no need to hoard it all to oneself, after all. He's always felt that knowledge, just like magic, should be accessible to anyone who wished to learn.]

The tattoo seems to serve as a conduit of sorts— where I hail from, magic is a force of nature in its own right, one that can be tapped into and manipulated by those with an affinity for it. Even those with little natural talent are able to make some connection with it, should they be willing to put in the work, and I've found it to be much the same here— accessible to all, once that conduit is applied.
gruffier: (095)

running up late with 1!!!

[personal profile] gruffier 2024-10-26 02:16 pm (UTC)(link)
[ With the influx of new arrivals, Clive and Torgal thought it best to assist any that should be in need of gathering their bearings.... this person, however.

It was the prolonged conversation that lured the man to the open door of the tattoo parlor. However, it wasn't Cyrus' query that had stopped him from intervening, but rather the look on the artist's face that pleaded to be recued. Looks like it was his cue.

Torgal spoke up first with a pleasant bark to indicate his greetings before Clive fully stepped into the parlor.
]

That interested in getting on yourself?
lecturer: (2)

never late! <3

[personal profile] lecturer 2024-10-26 08:34 pm (UTC)(link)
[ oh! the dog bark catches his attention - cyrus glances down and then up, briefly scrutinizing his new companion. a warrior of some kind...? ]

Well! While I'd certainly never considered a tattoo or anything of the sort before, it would be remiss of me to find myself somewhere new without any means to defend myself. And I am finding that my normal connection to the elements is rather... missing.

[ a pause. and then, brightly: ] Besides, is it not wonderful, to utilize such a methodology? Even if I'd not wanted to get one myself, I'd love to learn about how! A lesson learned is never a lesson wasted, my good man.
gruffier: (092)

[personal profile] gruffier 2024-10-27 04:56 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Oh... wow. That was a lot. A forward glance to the artist indicates that they were already scurrying behind the counter and out of sight, likely having heard this rant for some time now. Well, time for Clive to take on the mantle.

His attention turns back to Cyrus, attempting to look at least a little knowledgeable about the subject. At least he could be a good distraction.
]

A scholar, then? [ He's known his fair share of knowledge seekers, but none quite as... enthusiastic. ] Magick works differently here from what I'm accustomed to, but the tattoo is only a fraction of that capability.
lecturer: (98)

[personal profile] lecturer 2024-10-27 06:35 pm (UTC)(link)
[ thank you this is the most ic i've ever felt

because yeah!!! it is a lot! cyrus is a lot. he laughs a little though, and sets a hand to his heart, bowing his head in apology. ]


That is correct, yes! And in my enthusiasm, I believe I've forgotten my manners. I am Professor Cyrus Albright - just Cyrus is quite fine. It is a pleasure to meet you. [ he will offer a handshake like a gentleman! and then nod, looking around at the tattoo parlor once again, on a swivel like a giant nerd. ]

It is much the same for myself, as well. I'm used to being able to harness a variety of elemental energies - that of fire, ice, and lightning specifically - but here, it seems it'd be a touch more limited. To start back over at the beginning! Rather exciting.

And for you, good sir - you too are from another realm, I take it? Perhaps you'd regale me a bit of how it works where you're from? If you wouldn't mind.

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