closed 🌻 the crew finally gets underway

[multidisciplinary]

Who: Zelda's floating circus The fledgling crew of Hand and Hearth
Status: Closed
Where: Elah, Nogard, Eltrut, all over the place, really
What: Zelda and her crew are collecting materials to offer to Elah in order to receive their ship.
Warnings: Setting-typical danger, probably.



[ Sometime after the Ghoul's Moon but before Winterstide, Zelda reached out to everyone who had agreed to help her with the relief organization she's been working hard to develop. She created a group chat via the shellphone network and announced that she had filed the necessary paperwork to receive a ship and officially found her crew!

... That was a couple months ago.

Today, at long last, her paperwork has made it through the bloated bureaucratic machine that is Paladin HQ. As soon as she finds out, Zelda immediately grabs her shellphone to share the news. ]

Everyone, I have wonderful news!

I just received word from the Assistant Deputy Director of the Elah Drydocks that we've been approved to make an offering to the leviathan Elah in order to receive our ship!

I'm sending you all the list of materials we've been instructed to gather for our offering. Most are the expected fare, but there are a number of things that are rather... esoteric.

[ >"List.txt" sent to group members. ]

I shall track our progress on the Purah Pad, so please keep me apprised of everything you gather.

And if you are uncertain of anything on the list, I shall be happy to assist as best I can.


I. The Normal Materials

[ What even goes into making a ship? Well, usually, the classification of the ship comes first. Once that’s resolved, the plans and materials are given to a shipwright, who turns these common materials into something seaworthy.

In this instance, however, the shipwright appears to be Elah themselves.

Each person in the crew probably has their own idea of what constitutes a strong and sturdy vessel– what could go wrong if everyone was allowed to bring their ideas to the table? Sure, too many cooks might spoil the broth, but is there really such a thing as too many ideas when it comes to shipbuilding?

Lumber is abundant enough, but things like rope, metal, cloth, lacquer, resin, and any other materials might be a little harder to come by. Given the world that they’re in, magical substitutions might just be what the Leviathan ordered.

Thus, the crew is tasked with finding the normal ship construction mundanities throughout Eltrut, Elah, Nogard, and everywhere in between. Pair up, fan out, and salvage everything you can. There’s no wrong answers when it comes to shipbuilding, obviously. (Protip: There are.) ]

II. The Personal Materials

[ Seafarers often speak of a mysterious being known as a Klabautermann, a fairy-like being that inhabits a ship and becomes its very soul. While this might seem like nothing more than superstition, in this world of magic, the Klabautermann could very well exist.

Willing one into being would take a more personal touch, requiring each member of the crew to offer something that represents who they are. This ship will carry their hopes and efforts across the seas of this world; it’s only appropriate to give these wills form in the shape of personal effects.

Each crew member is tasked to find an item that they feel best represents who they are and why they’re a part of this crew. Perhaps it is an item they own that is important to them, or one that represents something meaningful to them. An item related to their past, or to their hopes, dreams, and aspirations for the future. It would be a disservice to both ship and crew if the vessel didn’t carry a dash of each crew member, permanently enshrining them in the story of the vessel.

Hopefully the magic of Elah will give the Klabautermann conjured by these items a suitable form. ]

III. The Objectively Cool Shit

[ The common materials are gathered, the personal effects carefully selected, but there’s still one thing missing. Something that represents the coming together of this crew, that showcases their unity– a challenge to bond them in their shared undertaking.

Rumors have recently begun to circulate about a serpentine, dragon-like beast that inhabits a remote island across the distant sea. Its scales are said to be tougher than titanium; lightweight, durable, and, when bleached in the sun, they shine like a platinum beacon.

The Rhadiandendron.

Two scales of this creature, while difficult to obtain, would make an excellent prow for the ship. A beacon to cut through even the darkest squall, that those seeking aid could see upon the horizon.

All that remains is to obtain them from the behemoth... a task that will take the cooperation of the entire crew. ]

Comments

[forgeabettertomorrow]

1 The Normal Materials

[Growing up in a port town, Darin is more than familiar with ships. He's worked with plenty of shipwrights before and always found the work to be exciting. Something about building a vessel to explore what lies beyond the horizon always appealed to him. He never thought he'd actually be able to contribute to a ship he'd sail on. That alone was enough for Darin to take the task seriously.]

[There were plenty of places to go for run-of-the-mill materials across the Armada controlled islands and Darin's made a fair few connections. But something was still bugging him. He wanted this ship and the dreams it carried to really have something special. He has no idea how the leviathans make the ships but finding something rare could only lend to the ship's aura, right? While going about securing the various materials, a thought occurs to him.]

Forgotten Cay...

[Almost a year ago, Darin had gone to Forgotten Cay looking for treasure. He'd found schematics for magitech engines but was chased by the ghost Leroy Longbones. He'd given the schematics to his widow to put the poor soul to rest...but maybe he could recover something from the old ship? Even just the parts to an engine or a relic could serve to really give their ship an edge. And if all else failed, maybe he could make an appeal to his widow.]

[So, he finds himself heading back to Forgotten Cay with whoever else feels like tagging along.]

There better not be any ghosts this time...

2 The Personal Materials

[Darin sighs as he sits at his workbench in The Starmetal Forge. It's long past closing time but he's still open. He really should head home for the night. But he seems to be working on something— rather he's attempting to work on something. Zelda's request for something personal has him flummoxed. He's so used to making things for others. In all of his time as a smith, he's never once forged anything of note for himself. He doesn't wear armor, and his dao— resting sheathed aside his workbench, was made by his adopted father. In the many years Darin's been working metal, he's never thought to make anything for himself. And now Zelda is asking for something personal to be included? Something that defines who he is? Everything he is seems antithetical to Zelda's entire mission. And even then, does he have anything worth contributing?]

[He stands up and paces around the forge. He had to find something. He knows how heartbroken Zelda would be if he didn't add something that he felt represented who he was. His eyes fall across all of the unfinished projects he's started, all neatly placed in dedicated shelves. If anyone were to walk in, he wouldn't even notice.]

Haaah...how the hell am I supposed to contribute something when I don't even really know who I am...? Pretty sure Zelda won't be happy if I try and suggest she wouldn't want something representing a Demonic God for her ship...

[Darin never expected to be grappling with who he was over a ship. But maybe the ship is just the reason this lifelong struggle is coming to the forefront of his mind.]

3 The Cool Shit

[Now this was something Darin could get on board (heh) with. Not only has it been far too long since he was able to cut loose, but the idea of snagging some rare materials from a legendary radiant serpent had him practically champing at the bit. As he makes landfall with the rest of the group, he emphatically punches his hand into his palm.]

Alright, so we only need a couple of scales, right? Anyone against me trying to snag a claw or something? Either way, I think we should only grab what we need and try not to kill the big guy. Which means we're gonna have to get a little creative while trying not to get eaten.

[Darin's grin widens.]

Though, I'm open to wagers to making things more interesting~!

4 Closed to Zelda - Under One Banner

[This is it. The materials are collected and now all they have to do is wait for Elah to provide to them the ship they've worked so hard on dreaming up. Darin's practically electric, wondering what type of ship they'll wind up with. He's made a personal vow to tend to the ship's needs, he's even been studying technical manuals so he can be a good and proper shipwright.]

[There was one thing, though, that he didn't want to leave up to Elah. Maybe it was selfish, but it's something he personally wanted to make sure came out to his exact specifications. Something he'd been working on in secret and that he'd planned to give to Zelda once they'd been given permission. He'd been hiding it for months, and now on the eve of the birth of their ship and crew, he felt it was time to give her what he'd been working on.]

[He'd been waiting for Zelda to arrive home on Eltrut. He assumed she's be gone for most of the day finalizing all of the bureaucracy needed on Elah. When Zelda comes home, she'll find him sitting at their kitchen table, practically staring at the door waiting for her to come home, his leg bouncing up and down in place excitedly.]

[Under his arm on the table...is a rolled up piece of parchment?]

2!

[onebullet]

Demonic God, huh?

[ Shepard leans against the open doorframe with her arms folded across her chest, a mildly amused smile on her face.

On a nearby surface, steam curling towards the cold winter air behind her, is a box that unmistakably contains a fresh "putza". There's also a loose bundle of... something black and broken, a singular stripe of red on white blistered and charred among it. ]

You working late, or just forgot to close?

[forgeabettertomorrow]

[Darin practically jumps out of his skin, hurling himself backwards over his workbench to crash down on the floor.]

[When he peeks up over the bench, he lets out a heavy breath.]

Gods dammit, you scared the living hell out of me, Shepard.

[For the moment, he'd dodging the 'Demonic God' inquiry.]

Yeah...I got so lost in my work I forgot to lock up...what's up?

[onebullet]

[ She holds her hands up and steps inside, nudging the door closed with the heel of her boot. ]

I did knock, but you were galaxies away.

[ Don't worry, she will circle back to the talk of Demonic Gods on her dialogue wheel eventually. ]

I brought you a project and a bribe. No rush on the project - I'd be surprised if you managed to salvage anything from it, and with things being so busy right now...

[ She scoops the gauntlet from the pile, the connective material between the plates barely holding the shape of a hand, with at least one finger completely missing. ]

Materials aren't too different from Garrus's things.

2

[thearchangel]

I'd say you're currently in danger of customers coming in after closing time... damn. Here's one now.

[He means himself. This lanky bastard who just sauntered his way inside, bundled up like an FBI agent in the 90s, and propped himself up in the doorway to watch the pacing for a while.]

[Totally not eavesdropping here. Not in the slightest. Until announcing himself by being an asshole. You know, normal Garrus things.]

[He ... looks a little different, too. Considering you can see both his eyes, he's not wearing that goofy visor of his.]

Been at this a while, I take it?

[forgeabettertomorrow]

[Darin whips around so fast he almost topples over— he only barely catches himself on the edge of his workbench to keep himself upright.]

Oh geez! Sorry, about that! I forgot to—

[He forgot to lock up and just assumes Garrus is a customer. It honestly takes him a minute before he even realizes it is Garrus. He blinks a few times before recognition sets in.]

[And then he starts laughing.]

Oh gods, how the hell are you even moving around like that?!

[thearchangel]

Yeah, yeah, laugh it up...

[He peels the hood and scarf off. Then the gloves. It's blessedly warmer in the forge than outside, so, thankfully, he's not freezing his ass off.]

It's not easy. I really have to work at it. Plus, it's look stupid or freeze.

I prefer surviving. Thanks.

4

[multidisciplinary]

[ Zelda has been getting home late every night this week and today is no different. It's long dark and well past dinner by the time she activates the travel medallion for the cottage she and Darin share. She already warned him earlier today that she would be home late and not to wait on her for dinner.

While Zelda knows Darin won't be asleep in bed yet, she isn't expecting him to be watching the front door waiting for her. So when she steps inside and sees him at the kitchen table, she raises her eyebrows in surprise. But it's momentary, her expression softening as she removes her coat and boots. He really is just like a big dog sometimes... ]

I hope you haven't been sitting here waiting for me all night.

[ She smiles affectionately at him as she approaches the table. He really is just like a big dog sometimes...

(While Zelda notices the roll under Darin's arm, she pays it no mind. It is not unusual to see him with one of his projects close at hand.) ]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

[His passive smile widens into a much more eager grin as Zelda steps in. The excited energy he's giving up doesn't seem like it's just for her alone. While he absolutely is thrilled to see her, this excitement stems from something else. She knows that look. It's the look he gets when he has something to share with her.]

[But he keeps himself as calm and composed as he can. His chin is resting in his palm with the rolled up parchment in clear view on the table.]

No, not all night. I sat down this afternoon and briefly got up to cook. There's stew warming on the stove, by the way. Once I was done, I sat back here so...

Not all night~

[His grin transitions seamlessly into that boyish, teasing smirk.]

[multidisciplinary]

[ Zelda knows that look, all right. His excitement is almost palpable. (And if he was a big dog, his tail would be wagging like crazy right now.) ]

Ah, of course, my mistake. Most of the night.

[ She can never resist returning his teasing with her own. The princess was never really one for banter in the past, but Darin manages to bring it out of her effortlessly. ...That, as well as the desire to kiss him right on his smirking lips. (Goddess, his cheekiness is so cute somehow.)

Zelda deliberately looks down at the rolled up parchment, then back up at Darin. If he's been waiting for her, then whatever he has under his arm isn't just any old project. ]

Did something interesting happen while I was on Elah?

i-ii. gathering materials

[headhunt]

( when it comes to the issue of the mundane materials, karlach only has a vague idea of what is needed to put together a ship. she has been out at sea for many months now, but her understanding of how a ship actually functioned is still pretty lacking. what did she need to know about how ships were built? the main thing that she both knew and understood is that she knew that they needed wood, iron, and fabric.

all things that karlach could easily get a hold of.

during the relief efforts after that massive windstorm a while back, karlach had made a good number of connections while donating her time to rebuilding homes and other structures. it didn't take much convincing to not only get told what materials to look for, but get them to help donate extras of their own stores. at no cost to the tiefling.

which had been surprising to karlach, right up until she had been reminded that she had spent months assisting without asking for anything in return. providing her with spare stock only felt fair.

the truly difficult task that had been set before her is to find something personal to donate. something meant to represent her and her spirit. )

Mmm.

( she makes a thoughtful noise to herself as she plops down in front of the riverbank just outside eltrut. someone once told her that the sound of running water is peaceful and is supposed to help one think. karlach isn't sure how true that is, but she thinks that it's worth a try.

her first thought, of course, is to offer her own fire into a bottle.

her second thought is that having bottled infernal hellfire on a wooden ship might be a mistake no matter how you slice it.

that's what leaves her at a loss. what is she if not fury and fire? )

What's a Karlach?

( she finds herself asking out loud, eyebrows knitting inward thoughtfully. )

[onebullet]

[ Having only been here a few months, with a significant amount of that time spent recovering from the state she arrived in, Shepard lacks the connections other members of the crew are able to lean on. She also lacks the knowledge of sea-faring ships, only used to ships that are made of metal and carbon plating - not that she could tell you how to build those, either.

And so her contribution in the effort to gather materials has been primarily hauling colossal amounts of materials from Point A to Point B, piling a borrowed cart high with wood, and rope, and fabric. All the better to build her stamina, which... well. Shepard was never a track athlete to begin with.

Finished for the day, she's heading back to Eltrut proper when she spots the unmistakable figure of Karlach making her way down to the riverbank. Her sharp whistle goes unnoticed, carried away somewhere in the large distance between them, and so she takes a small detour to say hello. ]

At least when I ask myself "what's a Shepard", I have the option of falling back on the herding thing.

[ She huffs a small laugh as she finally catches up in time to hear the other woman's musing, the cart abandoned on the dirt pathway behind them. ]

If I'd known I was going to bump into you, I'd have brought you that beer I owe you.

[headhunt]

( at the arrival of a friendly face, karlach perks up. there is never a time where she doesn't appreciate company. she finds herself sitting up straighter before turning to look over the commander, expression warm and welcoming.

she lifts a hand in greeting, offering the other woman a small wave.

then she laughs. )

You find yourself asking what a "Shepard" is often?

( both a serious question and not. )

[multidisciplinary]

[ When she first reviewed the list of materials her crew was tasked to collect for their ship, Zelda knew immediately that the personal effects would present the biggest challenge. The members of her crew are not necessarily the most... philosophical of people. Not on the surface, at least, and perhaps not even knowingly. But, as she gets to know each one, Zelda has caught glimpses of the profound sentiments they carry deep in their hearts. The challenge is not that her crew has dearth of sentimentality; the challenge is for them to give those sentiments voice.

Perhaps the princess-- no, the captain-- might be able to help. After all, Zelda once helped Link find his voice. ]

I would also quite like to know.

[ It's not just an attempt to help Karlach think about these things; Zelda genuinely would like to get to know her better. She knows that Karlach and Darin are very close, that he has sworn to help fix her heart (literally), and that this world has granted Karlach a freedom she didn't have in her own. But beyond that?

Well, what is a Karlach beyond that? ]

[headhunt]

Hey there, girlie.

( it's a warm and friendly greeting. karlach gestures for her new captain to come join her on the grass, beckoning her closer. she might not have anything special with her but the view is nice and the sound of the water probably something zelda could also appreciate. )

About what? About me?

( she sounds surprised and she is, unused to anyone simply asking after her.

however—

if someone's asking, karlach doesn't mind telling. )

What if I told you a story?

[thearchangel]

1) MATERIALS
[To say he jumps at the chance to get to work on this is... well. He doesn't exactly jump, but it's close. Something to keep busy. Something to throw his attention and his weight behind. Gathering normal materials is easy enough. But does require a lot of focus so he doesn't get ripped off.]

[And probably needs a buddy. He goes for the ropes, figuring most people will try for the lumber.]

I can't believe these things are made of wood. Couldn't we add something sturdier?

[As he's eying some sheets of metal ready to be hammered into shields or armor or something. Garrus, no.]


2) PERSONAL MATERIALS
[This is... harder. Personal items? What is he supposed to use for that? He's never been a man to collect personal items. Not once he'd grown up. Kids always gathered those kinds of things. The most "personal" thing he has is his visor. Like hell is he going to give that up - he can't. Even if he had a spare, it wouldn't be the same. He's actually removed it, turning it over in his hands, occasionally trailing a talon along the inside panel.]

Does it have to be practical? [Something useful to integrate into the ship?]

[Maybe that's the problem. He's too damned practical. What good does something like a personal item, "a representative of hopes" have to do with a boat?]

Too bad I don't still have the old Archangel armor. Just fit that into the shielding somewhere. [As it stands now...]

[But what is he, outside of that? It feels like it's behind him now in all but name.] Can we just write a note and use that? I feel like that would be easier.

[Who is he talking to? Whoever happens to be around in wherever the gang is gathering the supplies.]


3) THE COOL SHIT
You think maybe we can just... shoot a couple scales off it?

[Of course he asks that. Because that's a logical solution to everything. Use your sharpshooter skills to knock a scale or two off a giant dragon monster.]

[Of course he asks that, and of course he's going to inevitably get looks from whomever gets to be on this adventure with him. Only to shrug, his rifle still very much in his hands.]

Do you have a better idea? Because I'm open to them.

3!

[onebullet]

[ Shepard leans into him, pressing her eye to the scope of his rifle with a hum of consideration. There's no judgement here - as far as she's concerned it's a valid suggestion. ]

Can give it a try, see how tough they really are. Only issue is if it follows the noise of the shot back to us.

[thearchangel]

[It might say something about them both that he just offers the scope without a word as he feels her lean in. Something positive, but still, something.]

If we get enough distance, the sound might not be loud enough to get its attention.

Or we find a convenient, loud, waterfall and shoot from there.

[Of course this is what they're considering. These crazy space folks.]

2

[headhunt]

Don't think so. About it needing to be practical.

( a voice pipes up from garrus's side, along with her ever present warmth. karlach leans in to try to get a better look at him and his face. not that she thinks she is very good at reading garrus's face but she's learning. )

I think it's just supposed to be something that could represent you? Symbolic and all.

[thearchangel]

[Despite himself, he jumps. He shouldn't, but he'd been deep in thought. He almost fumbles the visor for a second.]

Then... what's the point, really? If it doesn't help something?

[That's the cultural upbringing talking.]

Maybe practicality's all I've got.

[multidisciplinary]

I. The Normal Materials

[ There is a derelict ship that has been beached on Rotagcorc for several weeks now. The gatorfolk who inhabit the island have been begging the Paladins to come collect the wreck (it was flying the armada's flag). If they don't, the gators will gut the ship themselves and sell off any valuables to the Corsairs. Having caught wind of this issue during one of her trips to Elah, Zelda decided to come have a look at the wreck for herself.

Overall, the ship has seen better days. But the binnacle is still in excellent condition...

Now, Zelda has always been a good, law abiding citizen.

--Well, she's usually a good, law abiding citizen.

Because that's what a princess should do, right? Obey the laws and set a good example for her people? Even though Zelda is pretending not to be a princess in this world, she's still trying to follow the law.

Usually. ]

Tell me, where would you draw the line between salvaging and stealing?

II. The Personal Materials

[ Darin is not the only person who can frequently be found at the Starmetal Forge. There are two workbenches, after all, and the other is Zelda's. The princess-in-hiding is a regular fixture in the forge, whether disassembling and reassembling magitech or fiddling with whatever new device she and Darin are cooking up.

But although there is a half-assembled magitech motor spread across her workbench, it isn't the source of Zelda's attention. It's the necklace she's holding in her hand, her thumb rubbing over its stones. The forge is quiet right now, empty of customers and even its owner-- the only scenario in which Zelda would feel safe enough to take it off.

Those who have met Zelda have almost certainly seen her wearing this necklace-- a choker made of stone beads, with a curved yellow stone resting at the base of her collarbone. The only time someone wouldn't see the necklace is when she has it tucked beneath her clothes. But Zelda never removes it, no matter what.

Except for right now. Right now, she has removed it... so she can offer it to Elah. ]

Maybe it would be safer for everyone if it just became part of the ship. At least then I wouldn't spend every day worrying about it falling into the wrong hands.

[ She frowns down at it. ]

Knowing my luck, Elah wouldn't even accept it. It's not even truly mine to begin with.

2! Meeting time!

[onebullet]

[ Shepard seems to have a habit of swinging by the forge when the sole inhabitant is absorbed in their thoughts. Were it Darin, she'd just join in on the one-man conversation to spook him, but... this isn't someone she recognises.

She would put a sizable bet on guessing who they are, though.

Lightly, she raps on the door with her knuckle to announce her presence and waits a moment before stepping inside. ]

Captain Zelda?

[multidisciplinary]

[ An unfamiliar voice addressing Zelda startles her out of her musings. She gasps and jumps to her feet, accidentally dropping her necklace in the process. Someone just addressed her by her title! The one she's been trying all these months to keep hidden! ]

N-No, I am only--

[ Her brain catches up with her mid-sentence and she stops herself from finishing with "--only Zelda."

Wait a minute, they said Captain Zelda, not Princess Zelda. ]

Y-Yes, I am Captain Zelda. [ Ahem. She clears her throat, trying to compose herself. ] My apologies, I was a bit lost in thought and did not hear you come in.

1

[thearchangel]

Well...

[What a better way to bond with your new boss than by going out on a little routine salvage mission with her? In full armor, armed with a rifle probably as long as Zelda is tall. Trying to look inconspicuously through the scope at the aforementioned ship.]

[Yeah this is a great plan, Vakarian.]

Generally, I'd say it's relative. In this case - [Somewhere in that statement, Garrus' casual drawl is cut off by a piece of the ship literally falling off into the ocean.] -

I'd say salvage is probably a generous term for what we're doing.

[This is like combing through a junkyard in his humble opinion.]

[multidisciplinary]

[ Zelda watches as part of the ship crumbles away and falls into the water. Time and weather (and whatever wrecked it in the first place) really haven't been kind to this ship.

She sure hopes hers will fare a little better...

Zelda's gaze drops to the Purah Pad in her hands. Displayed on the screen is the Sensor+ program, a radar system that detects hidden metals and treasures. Several dots of different sizes are pinging on the screen, all coming from the direction of the derelict ship. The biggest dot is the binnacle, which stands right behind the helm on the deck; the smaller dots are most likely other metal objects located somewhere below decks. ]

Then in that case, the Paladins shouldn't be too put out if we salvage a few things from this wreck for the Heroine.

[ Zelda doesn't realize that she hasn't actually told Garrus (or anyone besides Darin) the name she has picked out for the ship. ]