« february: dragon's gale 2025 »

[seaboards]

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 February 22nd and apply on March 1st. Our EMP/ATP can be found here.

For your toplevel, please include the following: Character Name | Canon | Armada Choice | TDM (IF TDMING). Current players can use the same header, just without the "TDM" label. We do require those who are TDMin'g to include the label so other players can distinguish between others.

For everyone's convenience, TDM threads can be carried over in game if you wish! If you are still unsure which armada to place your character, you can play it a bit loose and vague in the TDM and make retroactive changes if you carry over the threads. The log itself is set to cover starting from February 14th until the end of the month. Characters will appear at random intervals during this time rather than all at once, so players have some more flexibility on how much more adjusted they are for someone else.

If you have any question about the TDM, comment here. If you have questions about the game in general, please comment to the Game Info.

TOPLEVEL DIRECTORY (Updated February 27th)

TEST SAILORS:
Dragon Age: The Veilguard - Lace Harding | Undecided
Durarara!! - Shizuo Heiwajima | Paladin
Final Fantasy VII - Cait Sith | Corsair
Final Fantasy VII - Aerith Gainsborough | Paladin
Genshin Impact - Noelle | Paladin
Granblue Fantasy - Lyria | Corsair
Omori - Basil | Undecided
Original Character - Zellias Vance-Arland | Corsair
Sonic the Hedgehog - Dr. Starline | Paladin
Sonic the Hedgehog - Miles "Tails" Prower | Corsair
Sonic the Hedgehog - Amy Rose | Corsair
The Amazing Digital Circus - Pomni | Undecided
The Silt Verses - Faulkner | Corsair


CURRENT MEMBERS:
Dandadan - Ken Takakura | Corsair
Dragon Age: The Veilguard - Davrin | Paladin
Ducktales 2017 - Della Duck | Corsair
Final Fantasy VII - Nanaki | Paladin
Forgotten Realms - Kolnatha Shavval | Corsair
Genshin Impact - Lyney | Corsair
Kingdom Hearts - Axel | Corsair
Mass Effect - Garrus Vakarian | Paladin
Original Character - Darin Altway | Corsair
Pokemon Scarlet & Violet - Kieran | Corsair
Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened - Sherlock Holmes | Paladin
Sonic the Hedgehog - Shadow | Corsair
Sonic the Hedgehog - Dr. Ivo "Eggman" Robotnik | Corsair

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GETTING STARTED

This section can be timed for any time after February 1 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.

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OCARD: ISLAND OF DRAGONS

Early in the month, Nogard will travel to the island of Ocard where dragons of all types can already be seen migrating to it. A large island filled with clear blue lakes, dense forests, high mountainous cliffs, and even large, rocky platforms that somehow float in the air, it is the perfect place for such mythical creatures to gather, mingle, and hopefully find their mate and brood. While some dragons do remain on the island as permanent residents, the real "keepers" of Ocard are the dragonfolk. Living deep within the forests, they are a race of dragons that come in different sizes and forms, but have less magic and power compared to the larger ones. They help protect the land and ensure it continues to thrive so that the dragons can come and go without issue.

Those from Eltrut and Elah will have access to a special dragon run ship that will cut through the waters and get them there within two days.

While it is impossible to cover all the types of dragons that are coming into Ocard, and there are many hybrids and mixes, they are generally grouped into the following types:

💨 Air.

Air dragons look like they’re made of diamonds with transparent bodies and fluffy feathered wings. They are gentle and peaceful and like to play. They will toss people in the air or give them the temporary ability to fly with their dragon’s breath. They like to play harmless pranks on others like stealing items, kidnapping people for rides in the clouds or impersonating the voices of loved ones.

🔥 Fire.

These are quadrupedal, lizard-like and have thick leathery wings. They are playfully aggressive and like to fight and show off their strength. They’ll do anything to show off their might which means they will challenge anyone and everything to a fight. But it is important to note that they’re not bloodthirsty. They just love competition and will back down if they rightfully lose. They have the ability to heal anyone after a duel and like to give winners shiny gold coins.

💧 Water.

These ones are fish and snake-like, with long bodies and fins and shiny lustrous scales. They spend most of their time in the water and like to jump out and make a show of dancing on top of the water and over the waves. They are performing creatures and love music and dance and will coax others to either swim with them or dance with them on the water’s surface. They enjoy lifting spirits and will give others bits of wisdom and life advice. For anyone who shows an appreciation for music, they will gift them pretty gemstones.

⛰️ Earth.

They are heavy, thick and dinosaur-like and look like they are made of stone and metal. They like to breathe on plant life to make it grow faster and love to munch on trees and bushes. They can make flowers grow in people’s hair and will give them sweet fruits to eat. They also enjoy talking and sharing stories and will often offer words of affirmation to those who need a boost of self-esteem.

⚡ Lightning.

These dragons look like they’re made of a thundercloud, with puffy bodies and electrical currents running through them. They are dreamers and like to nap or put people to sleep. They will give dreamers good dreams and curl up with them to sleep as well. They are experts in dreaming so if asked politely about the sleeping curse they will give others a black round amulet to cure one person each of the sleeping curse. It coughs up the amulet, so the requester will need to wipe off the sticky saliva.

🕶️ Darkness.

These dark dragons have huge thick leathery wings and dark metal-like scales and nails. They often breathe out black smoke and have dark-coloured eyes or piercing bright yellow ones. Despite their dark look, these dragons are not hostile in any way. They dislike fighting and would rather lounge around and listen to the world passing by them. Despite that, they like to inflict nightmares on sleeping creatures just to see them squirm or to make their dreams just a little more interesting. They might also know about the sleeping curse and can extract sleeping demons… If they care enough to help. They might need convincing in the form of many delicious snacks.

This year, several tribes of snakefolk will be traveling to Ocard as "special guests" of sorts. It seems the dragons have always tried to invite their reptilian cousins, and the snakefolk have always been reticent as during the winter months they are less active and prefer to stay in their warmer homes. But enticed by the prospect of gathering rare herbs and gems, a few have managed to "slither" their way over. While most are around as fellow guests and travelers like everyone else, some have decided to take advantage of the opportunity and participate in some way for the festival to show off their tribe's talents. Maintaining their snake origins, they do not have legs, instead using their long tails to slither over the ground, but they do have arms and hands that are more like claws with their sharp nails.

🪞 Illusionists.

The illusionists are masters of creating imagery and hallucinations to deceive the unaware. Be it through their seductive whispers, enchanting dances and music, or special incense to alter the senses, these snakefolk are considered the most "beautiful" and bewitching of them all. Be careful not to be ensnared by their glittering eyes. They are more interested in entertaining and being entertained, and will be happy to provide special "services" that could rival the Naughtilust. Their warriors excel in using illusions to create clones and phantasms of themselves to confuse their opponent, and are adept at both physical and magical weaponry.

☣️ Venomous.

The venomous snakefolk produce a natural venom in their fangs and the effects vary depending on the type. Some will paralyze, some will destroy the skin, and whether a death is quick or slow will also depend on the type. Fortunately that shouldn't be an issue… For the festival, these venomous snakes will display their mastery of potions and poisons. They will have an assortment available for sale, however those who want the more, uh, questionably lethal kind will need to find "backdoor" means to acquire. They are also very interested in the ingredients available in Ocard and will pay a decent wage or provide potions (or poisons) to those who can help them acquire the more difficult ones. Also known for their "silver tongue," they are also quite good at gathering information, so maybe they have some secrets they could share… Their warriors are the most agile and prefer to dart in quickly for a lethal strike, utilizing their venoms and poisons as well as the shadow arts.

🪴 Plant.

The plant snakefolk take a different route than their venomous kin. They are a peaceful and somewhat "cute" tribe, their stature smaller and more interested in learning and exploring what's around them. Vegetarians, they are experts in all things plants, they are masters at manipulating greenery and will happily study the flowers and plants Ocard provides. Although peaceful, they do study self-defense in a form similar to monks, with preference to martial arts and plant manipulation to subdue their foes.

🌊 Water serpents.

The water serpents are a hybrid between dragons and snakes and come in a variety of forms, sizes, and colors. They live exclusively in the water and thus had to swim from their tropical warm waters to Ocard. They are the grumpiest of the bunch because of this, especially since most of the festivities are on land. Unbelievable. To entertain themselves, they will be causing havoc on the ships, taunting anyone willing to fight them in the water, and spraying water at those who venture on the beach. Perhaps providing them food, entertainment, and some place comfortable to rest would help their mood…

While the festivities of Dragon's Gale are the predominant attraction of Ocard, the island itself holds ample opportunities of resources and locations that visitors can explore… But the dragons will not promise any protection for those who venture further than the designated zones. Although dragons reign supreme, there are other monsters and hazards that can threaten not only non-dragons, but young hatchlings as well. Threats that the dragons will gladly reward those who help deal with them.

❤️ Heart gems. Near the base of the island, a new underground mine has been discovered that is ripe for exploration. The mine is littered with shiny, glittering gemstones of every colour, all in the shape of hearts. Go digging for treasure and collect as many heart-shaped gems as desired. Any extra jewels that are found can either be gifted to the dragons or kept.
🥚 Dragon egg baths. Mating season means eggs are being laid all over the island. To help the dragonfolk, take some of the precious newly laid eggs down to one of the many island hot springs and wash them gently in the water. This will promote healthy gestation periods for the eggs and is a nice hot bath for you. The spring water is obviously very good for boosting fertility and increasing certain desires, too…!
🍾 Swamp Ingredients. The local snakefolk are in need of some ingredients for their various potions and poisons, some of which can only be found deep in the dangerous swamp. Go out and collect the needed ingredients, but beware: some of the ingredients are quite toxic if handled incorrectly, so exercise caution while gathering. Those foraging for ingredients also need to beware the hostile animals, basilisks, and quicksand prevalent within the swamp as well.
🌿 Venus vine traps. Some young plant snakes have thought of a new fun game: using magic to get venus fly traps and vines in the swamp to tangle people up and dangle them from the canopy. While they are harmless pranks, it’s still very inconvenient for those wanting to explore the swamp. Help free anyone tangled up in the vines, or try and find the young plant snakes and see if you can convince them to cut out their antics.
🌸 Flower garden. What better location for a romantic stroll than through a lush, full-blooming flower garden? Even if you don’t have a beloved to take through them, the flowers are still beautiful to look at. Though be careful to pay attention to what flowers you go by, as some of them may cause various different effects such as falling asleep, bursting into giggles, or feel exceptionally amorous to those who stop to smell the roses.
🍾 Garden Ingredients. The flower garden is full of flowers that can be useful in creating non-toxic potions, but some of the local plant snakes were a bit overzealous in their picking of the flowers and are now restricted to limited access. Anyone who would be willing to go into the flower gardens and pick the required flowers they need for their potions would be rewarded handsomely by the plant snakes.
🐡 Catfishing. The waters around the island have very special catfish that are swimming around in droves. They can be caught and eaten for a delicious meal but if the fishers aren’t careful the catfish will start mimicking the voice of the person the fisher adores most and will start spouting a bunch of lies and secrets.
🐚 Beach combers. It’s not uncommon for seashells to wash up on the shores of Ocard’s beaches, but there are some special iridescent seashells known as Serpent’s Scales that are especially sought out by sea serpents to make their nests especially beautiful. Go and find the prettiest, most iridescent seashells you can and bring them back to the sea serpents so they can have the fanciest nests on the island. They only want the absolute prettiest seashells, so any that don’t meet their standards can be kept by the beach combers and, if desired, the sea serpents can turn any rejected seashells into Serpent’s Scales jewellery as thanks.
💙 Lover’s lagoon. They say that hidden along the beaches of Ocard are isolated little lagoons that are perfect date spots. They’re pretty hard to find, but if you manage to find one, it could be a beautiful spot to unwind and enjoy the natural scenery on one’s own or with a special someone.

It's already known that the dragons tend to side with the Corsairs due to the Armada's affiliation with Nogard, a dragon leviathan, however the snakefolk will be a bit split in their "preferences." While they won't refuse anyone who shows interest, the venomous snakes and illusionists will be most interested in dealing with the Corsairs, offering deals to their services and products to those who like to live a little on the edge of the law, perhaps even share some "secrets"—if their words can be trusted. There's something of a... mutual understanding. The Paladins, on the other hand, will receive bonus perks from the botanists and water serpents, who favour the more peaceful and lawful ways. They will gladly share in some of the rare herbal ingredients, and the serpents will help deal with any rogues that try to escape via ship with illegal goods, especially when it comes to the dragon eggs.

Once again, the dragon eggs are being targeted by thieves who want to either sell them for a high price to collectors, or to zealous chefs who find dragon eggs a delectable ingredient. To make matters worse, the eggs can look like rare treasure. The best way to know which is a real dragon egg is to see if it will absorb elemental magic. Corsairs will be tasked in stopping and retrieving stolen eggs, and any Corsairs caught stealing will be punished even more harshly as there is a pact between the Armada and the dragons.

Meanwhile, with the influx of potions from the snakefolk, the Paladins will have to track down some notorious groups known in dealing with dangerous, toxic poisons. Because the snakefolk may be involved, care must be taken so as not to ruin the festive mood and they must not blindly accuse anyone. Something that may be hard to do as tensions between Corsairs and Paladins continue to rise. It won't be uncommon for a Paladin to incorrectly assume any Corsair dealing with one of the venomous snakefolk to be part of the ring…

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DRAGON'S GALE

With the assistance of the Corsairs who share a natural affinity towards the dragons due to Nogard's own draconic form, large feasts and challenges are held often as entertainment for visitors. The dragons also participate in these activities, as they also use them as an opportunity to show off and meet other potential mates. Or perhaps it's not a dragon that catches their eye…!?

There is a plethora of activities as one might expect for a time of celebration and matchmaking. Although the focus is on the dragons, the spirit and mood makes them playful enough to try and push their non-dragon guests to find their own "special partner." And for those who are not so romantically inclined, forging friendships and strong bonds are also heavily encouraged.

🐍 Wooden snake carvings. All around the island are small wood carving stations where people can try their hand at carving out a special lucky wooden snake. If partners can carve out a nice snake carving, it is said to bring the pair good luck and good fortune for the year.
🥇 Golden snake bangles. This year, special golden snake bangles are being given out to arrivals on the island to keep. They seem harmless and pretty but be careful because walking too close to another person will have the bangle latch onto them too and you’ll be latched together by the wrist for a few hours.
🍸 Venom potions. There are an array of special potions, lip balms and tinctures for sale at merchant carts around the island. These special products are made out of various different types of snake venom that are said to give the user all sorts of different effects. Some of the effects include clear skin, muteness, attraction to the next person you see or sheer paralysis!
💑 Fire massages. Some of the Snakefolk are offering a special “couple’s massage” where pairs can come to have a nice relaxing massage together. Enjoy a stress relieving experience given by some of the very talented Snakefolk that use their powerful tails to coil around your limbs to squeeze and shake all those pesky knots right out of you.
🍝 Spicy noods. Along with a lot of the other food and drink offered around the island, there is a special challenge this year to eat a large bowl of the famous “Eltrut’s Spicy Noods.” It consists of one pound of meat, one pound of fishcakes, two pounds of noodles and veggies all in the famous super spicy soup broth that is said to be as hot as a volcano.
💕 Love noods. Alternatively, there is another challenge offered up to challengers that can eat a four pound bowl of delicious and savoury chicken flavoured “love noodle soup”. The catch is you have to eat the bowl of noodles with a partner. You get bonus points if it’s with a partner you don’t know. Grab a friend or a stranger and start slurping!
💋 Dragon’s kiss. Have you ever wanted to smooch a dragon? Now is your chance, as the dragons have become docile enough to consider it. Challenge each other by seeing who can kiss a dragon and make it blush. Some of the dragons are rightfully poisonous to kiss though, so be careful.
🤜 Snake fight. They are tired and cranky and itching to fight. Are they perhaps stronger than dragons? With the illusionists and their clones, the venomous with their speed and poisons, and the botanists with their calm and plant control, they will prove to be a worthy opponent at least. Claim victory for a prize and bragging rights for your love!

Unlike other festival type feasts, the kind hosted by the dragons are huge with more of an all-you-can-eat buffet style. Held during the evenings and always accompanied with giant casks of ale, there are large portions of meat, all hunted by the dragons and dragonfolk, though they will welcome any who may try their luck and offer something to the many tables as well. In fact, this year they offer a challenge for anyone to venture out into the island or out in the waters to find the largest animal to catch for the feast. When up against the mighty dragonfolk that might seem unfair, but that's what also makes it all the more exciting.

Just beware taking on a drinking challenge from a dragon—they have greater tolerance than most and will be quick to goad anyone to try and drink them under the table (though they usually end up on top instead). A special dragon's ale has been brewed, one that has been in the making for what they claim to be centuries. Down this drink and one will feel as if they are a dragon themselves, gaining increased strength and endurance. However, that's only useful if one can stay sober, as even half a drink can make the most stalwart dragon a bit tipsy. Who knows how it would affect any non-dragons…

But for those who may want a lighter snack, there are some local cafes and many stalls selling special delicacies and other common festival food. One particular favorite is the dragon croissant, adorable pastries shaped like tiny dragons. Anyone who's eaten a croissant will be granted a partial or full dragon transformation for the day (but the wings do not fly). Another favorite is the rainbow dragon peppers. Depending on the colour of pepper, those who are brave enough to eat the peppers will be given a special type of breath: fire, lightning, or ice.

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CASTLE RAIDS

Scattered throughout the island are numerous castles and ancient temples and buildings that many dragons have called their own. From high up in the mountains and floating land masses, to deep within the lakes and caves, there is question of whether these structures are leftovers from the "old world" or if they were built especially for the dragons. Perhaps a mix of both. Regardless, all of them house untold treasures and relics that the dragon resident has collected over time.

And Dragon's Gale is the perfect time for their "spring cleaning" of sorts.

While a dragon would rather kill anyone who tries to take their hoard, it has become tradition to allow non-dragon visitors to test their might and wit to actually do so. They have to begrudgingly admit they have way too much and some can be hazard for young dragons, so they set aside what they are (un)willing to part with and those who are able to pass through their challenges and traps, or perhaps even face the dragon itself, can keep their rewards.

To make things more interesting and in the spirit of their own endeavors in finding a mate, there is a known "challenge" where dragons will dragonnap unsuspecting individuals, usually those who are seen either with a significant other or close friends, and bring them to their castle. Now their "hostage" must be saved. While some may disagree, the dragons find this "game" a surefire way to help unwilling couples or friends to show their bonds. No harm will come to the hostage, unless something should happen to incite the dragon's ire…

This year the snakefolk have been enlisted convinced to help assist the dragons in their strange game. Whether they participate with full hearts or just kind of wave their hands and let would-be heroes pass will depend on the snakefolk. But they will utilize their skills and some should be careful around the illusionists and venomous ones as they may direct their ire towards the "heroes." The also whisper of something very intriguing called Sarht's Heart.

There is a rumor being spread by the snakefolk of keys that could lead to a "treasure" called "Sarht's Heart." What it is exactly they do not know, but after the expedition into the desert it seems something out there could be related. They say the keys are scattered throughout Ocard hidden by the dragons. The dragons neither confirm nor deny and do not answer any questions that could be related to Sarht. In fact they seem adamant in remaining silent. But some may find some dragons more aggressive in guarding their treasure during the raids. Perhaps there is some truth to those words?

There are indeed special golden keys scattered throughout Ocard, not just in the dragon hoards but most will be found there. Find as many as possible and submit all findings during AC. The Armada that has the most participants will get the "prize" at the end.

🪨 Underground Caverns. In addition to the castles, underground caverns have been cleared out and "refurbished" to be used as additional hoarding sites, and thus some may find themselves traversing underground through convoluted cave systems to rescue their "beloved." Traps and obstacles will still exist, but be careful. Although the dragons did clear out most of it, they couldn't be bothered to do a full extermination, so there may still be a few dangerous creatures lurking around…
🕸️ Maze. The castle itself is a labyrinth of corridors that twist and turn among themselves. Not only that, but there are illusory walls and floors that are designed to disorient people, so everyone should keep their wits about them! Large, feral spiders creep among the dusty cobwebs, and down the other corridor is a toy spider that, if broken, has candy inside. Try not to trip the giant rolling boulders, or else be ready to run and duck into other corridors to escape!
💨 Traps. The castle is armed with all sorts of dangerous traps, so watch your step! Flamethrowers, hidden trap doors that drop into dangerous spike pits, tripwires that will trigger spiked walls to close in. There are even some rooms fortified with smoke traps that will shroud anyone in darkness. Should anyone choose to take the less adventurous route, instead of steel, everything will be made of foam, the pits will be filled with all manner of nasty things (pudding, whipped cream, jello, balls!), and the darkness gas will be replaced with laughing gas. Opening a random chest may also send people to another random room in the castle, so be warned!
🪄 Magic Hexes. Randomly, magical hexes will be cast in an attempt to disorient the raiders. They can range from paralysis to confusion, even sometimes hallucinations. Other times, they can be physical effects—oops, did their legs just turn into fins? Why does it feel like someone is tickling them for ten minutes non-stop?
🗝️ Guardians. A fortress of treasures always has to have guards, so there will be encounters with stone gargoyles, trolls, wyvern, and the like. Fend them off!

For those who do make it past the many obstacles and out of the traps, they will be faced with one final challenge: battle the one of the many dragons! Whether caught attempting to steal treasure that they will guard or trying to save a hostage, they are on full alert, and boy, do the dragons love a good fight. While these battles will not be too challenging, they are still looking for raiders and rescuers to put on a good fight and show with them. Weapons and magic are fair game, and they will do the same, but remember: this is just that, a game.

In the end, they are simply trying to strengthen the bonds of others, and maybe even play a little bit of matchmaker. Just remember that this is all for fun, so show off a little to impress that hostage, add a bit of dramatic flair, and have a good time!

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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.

Lily-livered Scallywags!

Everywhere

With the new wave of riftfarers flooding in, it’s high time that everyone takes a lesson on how to insult others like a good pirate would. Grab a partner and verbally attack each other with the best pirate insults you can come up with. Nothing can break the spirit of a pirate like a good, hearty and heartfelt insult! Use your best pirate phrases like, “You fight like a dairy farmer!” or “This is the END for you, you gutter crawling cur!” to take them out. Yarrrr!

The first one to crumble under the pressure of the verbal abuse will be deemed the victor.

Oh Barnacles, Mr. Krabs!

Eltrut

With spring just around the corner, a lot of shipowners are thinking about getting a head start on their heavy spring-cleaning. A lot of the ships that have come into the main dock are badly covered in wood-hungry, structure-weakening barnacles that need to be removed before the ships get holes in them.

Take tools such as long handled shovels and heavy picks and start scraping off the barnacles until the ships are clean and shiny once again.

Save the Last Dance for Me

Eltrut

While the islands are rich with magic, sometimes it’s better to grab a sword rather than wave a spell around. There is a travelling swordsman on Eltrut who has been going around offering elegant sword lessons to anyone who would like them. But he can only teach people in pairs because his style of swordplay involves quirk feet, quick steps and quick hearts. It’s more like a dance than it is a fight.

Grab a partner and learn this quick-stepping sword style for all to see.

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Comments

Faulkner | The Silt Verses | Corsair | TDM

[withermarked]

i. Arrival (cw: drowning) [tell me brother / will the water / now wash clean your hands]

Maybe cursing the name of the river while knee deep in its waters was not the smartest choice Faulkner has ever made.
(But then, has he ever made a single smart decision?)

Maybe there's something ironic in dying alone, afraid, and begging, when he wished that fate on the God that's now chosen to devour him.
(He doubts the Trawler-Man understands irony anyway.)

Maybe his sister will still come back.
(She has to come back.)

This isn't a satisfying ending to a parable.
(Maybe she's right that she isn't an allegory.)

But right now he's struggling and choking and trying to keep his head above the water as his robes weigh him down.

His heavy, uncomfortable, oversized robes.
(Because everyone thought the prophet would be someone tall.)

Of course their image of him can't let him go, even now.
(Maybe the Trawler-Man does understand irony.)

He doesn’t notice when he leaves his familiar currents behind–drowning in one place is much like drowning in any other. He doesn’t even notice when the cumbersome robes are replaced with rags, when the only sign of his former station are the stinking weeds tangled into his soaked hair.

It used to be a crown fit for a prophet, a leader, a saviour.
(But truth be told, it barely looked better before.)

None of this is fair, he tells himself. He’d chosen to grow, to change. To leave the Great Man he had tried to become behind, to let go of power and station and worship. To do penance, for as long as it took. He’d chosen to live.
(Maybe it was too little, too late.)

But maybe she’ll hear him.

"Marco...?"

ii. Island Exploration [the youngest son / the least of three / pulled up from obscurity]

As he explores the island of Eltrut, Faulkner finds himself falling back into old habits. In some ways it’s a weight off his shoulders. Right now, he’s not the Prophet.

Right now he’s a naive, innocent, maybe even simple kid. He’s in his early twenties, of course, but blessed–or cursed, with a face that tends to read younger, even after the hormone treatments Katabasian Mason procured for him. Right now he’ll call it a blessing, as he hunches his shoulders, makes himself smaller. As he looks around with wide, bright, curious eyes, under a mop of disheveled blond curls.

Of course, none of it’s really false, he tells himself. Never false. He really is lost here, he really is as confused as he’s acting.

It’s just that people are so much more eager to help when you present yourself a certain way, when you let them feel good about it. Or when you let them condescend, like his older brothers. Either way, they feel assured in the natural order of things, in the way you so clearly know your place.

So maybe when he just happens to bump into you in the streets, he takes the opportunity to ask you for directions after profusely apologising. Or maybe he makes a point of reminiscing how pa could never afford these kinds of things as he fumbles about in his attempts to set up his Shellphone.

iii. Tattoo Parlour (cw: body horror) [and when the young man first turned flesh / to the form his rushing god had wished]

There’s nothing affected about Faulkner’s wide eyed stare when he finds himself in the tattoo parlor. Nor in the way he shrinks back from the octopus. The other non-humans he’s seen have been upsetting, unsettling enough already, but something about this one hits closer to home.

Perhaps it’s the fact it’s a water-dwelling creature. Perhaps it’s the fact the thing is tracing patterns onto the skin of a person who doesn’t look nearly as scared as they clearly should be.

He remembers etching the marks, carefully and confidently, into the flesh of a man who got in his way. He remembers the crunching of bones and chitin as the man’s body twisted into something that wasn’t quite a shrimp. He remembers running like a coward, like a child, as the newborn saint reared forth–

“You’re letting a saint give you prayer marks?” he blurts out, sounding equal parts confused, afraid, and like he might be sick.

Yes, he’s been told that the beasts here supposedly aren’t saints or angels. He’s been told that the tattoos are magic. But at this moment he can’t help but see this filtered through the lens of his own world. He can’t help but wonder what monstrous power they’re feeding in exchange for whatever ‘magic’ they get from this.

iv. Prayers? [with lonely heart and spiteful hand / at the water’s edge I stand]

Faulkner has been choosing to be secretive about his ties to the Parish of Tide and Flesh, even here, in this strangely secular and supposedly godless world. Which is why he makes sure to be alone in this moment; so he thinks, at any rate.

He gives the area a wary glance before crouching on a pier, peering into the water below as if looking for something. He has a bundle of fabric under one arm–coarse, white cloth, stained with red silt. He could have simply not looked for the chest with his belongings, but what kind of narrative would that make?

“Are you there, my river?” His voice is quiet. There’s hope there for a moment, or at least loss.

And then his face twists into a snarl.

“My vast, suffocating, mindless brute? Do you feed here, too?”

A pause, a breath, he steadies himself a little.

“Where’s your wrath? Where are your angels? Damn you, answer me!”

No bearded faces greet him from the waves; perhaps he’s truly lost the ability to see them. Perhaps this world really is free of the gods and monsters that haunt every wretched inch of his own.

Or perhaps, worst of all: the teachings were mistaken. All water is not connected as one, and the Trawler-Man was never as vast, as powerful, as omnipresent as all that.

Arrival

[telepathicignorance]

"Polo."

Do they actually hear it, or just sense his intent to say it? Either way, the response is flat, and in a voice that is decidedly not familiar, at least in the 'I know this person' way.

(There might be some familiarity in that the weird nasally tones are very "born afab, transitioned away from that".)

The lifesaver is aimed perfectly, so perfectly there's a chance he might get smacked in the head before he sinks under. The rowboat will come out a few minutes later. If they have to, they'll dive to grab him, but they'd really rather not strip off part of their clothing to do that.

[withermarked]

Right now, the only thing that registers about the voice is that it's not Carpenter.

Followed by the fact it's not anyone else he expects, either. It's not Sibling Rane, Sister Thurrocks, Charlie...

It's no one he'd expect to be waiting for him, if this was the Trawler-Man's garden. And that snaps him out of things, just a little bit.

...Or maybe what really snaps him out of it is the fact he immediately proceeds to get smacked in the head by a life preserver. Either or.

But one way or another it does work, somewhat. He manages to grab it and cling, but that's about all he can manage.

[telepathicignorance]

Well, good for him, then, that they've got the rowboat coming out.

A hand will reach out to grab him, followed by several others as Chris and a band of Corsair pirates--that, given how Esvordvi is like, mostly animal people--probably includes at least one guy (a badger person?) who looks distinctly alarming, lift him out of the water.

"You got a name, kid?" That's not the Badger person speaking. It's actually the much smaller ...dude? next to him, who thankfully seems like a fairly normal human.

[withermarked]

Fortunately, he's a bit too out of things to object. In fact there's a solid amount of sputtering and hacking up water while mostly collapsed before he processes what he's seeing enough to try to shrink back from them.

Not that there's much space to do that. Or that he can make sense of what he's seeing. Maybe he is dead, after all?

At least the question is something to focus on. Though even that takes him a minute.

He's used to giving Faulkner. Brother Faulkner, Katabasian Faulkner, High Prophet Faulkner...

"...Richard."

[telepathicignorance]

They frown at the way he shrinks back. Oh, he's one of those. Well, he'll just have to get used to it.

...High Prophet Faulkner? What the fuck? It tastes like regret. A hint of blood.

A cult? They remember the void. Julia's screams. The connectors between them.

They shove down the memories. And then it registers what the kid just said.

"Wait. Richard?" He might know what's coming from the big snort and the shit eating grin they're fighting to keep from spreading across their face. "You named yourself Dick?"

[withermarked]

This gets a flash of memory, as he gives them a long look that is equal parts I almost drowned and this is what you're focusing on, and wow, original, never heard that one before. He should have stuck with Faulkner.

Richard had seemed like a perfectly good choice. A solid grown-up sounding men's name. And it matched pretty well, he thought. Edward, Charles, Richard. Their mother wasn't in the picture anymore of course; this was already a while after she was sacrificed. But he'd figured he might as well stick to the theme.

...and every boy at school had been more than happy to point out the same thing as Chris. But whatever he calls himself, this man is good at nothing if not digging his heels in.

"Takes one to know one, I guess." Should he be a little shit to the stranger who just saved his life? Maybe not, but they started it.

"Rich." (Not Richie, they're not exactly friends yet.)

[telepathicignorance]

"Sure, Dick." No Faulkner, you're gonna be Dick forever now.

Don't you just wanna punch that grin right off their face?

They catch the bit about sacrifice and file it away. A casualty of whatever cult he rose to prominence in?

"You inhale any water, Dick?"

[withermarked]

...There's more than one reason he changed it to Faulkner.

His nose kind of wrinkles in irritation, but the next question is probably important, so he tries to focus on it. Unfortunately, everything hurts right now, throat and lungs included. But his breathing seems to have evened out.

"Not so sure," in less of a snarky drawl and more of a tired mumble. "But I've felt worse."

After, for example, waking up battered and bruised on the banks of the White Gull River, Carpenter nowhere in sight--

But he doesn't want to think about that. Besides, back then the water was on his side.
(Was it ever, really?)

[telepathicignorance]

"If you have, you might be at risk of secondary drowning." You know, that thing where despite having escaped the water you end up unable to breathe anyway.

The universe likes to punish the unfortunate for the act of survival, they've found.

"Should probably see the ship's healer."

(cw: mild suicidal ideation)

[withermarked]

He's familiar, even if he's not really thinking to be concerned, right now. He's only about half-glad he was pulled out of the water at any rate. But he has to admit that's never looked like a fun way to go.

The next part catches his attention, though.

"Healer, like..." Well, they didn't say doctor, they said healer.

"You got a pox monk, something like that?" More curiosity than fear for once--he was at least told his life was saved by a pox monk, after all, even if that whole incident is something of a blur. From what he knows, they're usually one of the more alright ones, as far as 'false' faiths go.

[telepathicignorance]

"No idea what the fuck that even is."

They shrug. They're getting close to the Stormbringer now, and there are people readying the davit to hoist the rowboat up. This close, one can see that the crew of the larger ship appears to be an assortment of strange people--someone with bat wings can even be seen soaring out over the water.

[withermarked]

And that's, well, that's strange, but maybe not that strange. Faiths tend to be insular, denying the power of other gods even when it's all around them. Turning a blind eye to what keeps the wheels of society turning. Hell, Faulkner grew up on stories of the St Electric's angels crushing houses underfoot, but he never quite believed it. He was even surprised when that bookshop had a Saint of their own.

...Speaking of which. He's coming back to himself, and he looks even more on edge. Wary and ready to bolt. Or fight. But he does his best to stay steady.

"I've never... I've never seen this many Saints and Angels in one place," he says, a little tentatively. Trying to lean into 'awestruck naivety' lest he offend whatever powers rule wherever he's found himself.

It might be strange how much words like saints and angels carry connotations of revulsion, of fear, of body horror and loss of self and rampaging monsters in this kid's brain.

[telepathicignorance]

And at that, everyone in the boat--including the Badger man--stares at him in utter confusion. After a moment, someone starts to laugh, and the rest follow the cue and join in because really? How else do you even react to that?

The Corsairs ain't saints or angels, kid. That's what the Paladins are trying to be. Or at least, think they're trying to be.

And maybe Sidestep will join in, just a bit. Because they need yo blend in. Because it's a little funny to hear them described as anything like those winged beings of holiness and purity spoken of in Human churches.

And then they scoff. "So that's what your world calls non humans then?" And it's hard to keep the bitterness from their voice. Because the words don't taste of light and goodness and purity. They taste of fear and revulsion and lack of personhood.

They taste a little like the way people talk about Re-Genes.

[withermarked]

Faulkner seems, if anything, more on edge at the laughter. It's not that non-humans are thought of as being people less than they are, it's that it's incredibly strange if one is able to act like a person.

"My... world?" He's not really dead, is he? This isn't the Trawler-man's garden, he's certain of that by now. But maybe that was only ever a story, something to bring comfort to those too desperate to see through it. He's not sure of anything anymore.

Or maybe he's just run into something really strange. It's a big, strange world after all. No need to get ahead of himself. Just... stay calm. Act curious.

"What do you call it when someone is... hallowed? I mean, blessed with a non-human form. Touched by a god."

You know, the completely normal and commonly understood concept where god turns you into a giant monster? That one? His tone certainly implies something along those lines.

Although blessed is another word that might stand out as a little off. The definition may be the same this time, but there's an air of paying lip service to the idea it's a blessing... while hoping someone else is the one so blessed.

[telepathicignorance]

Is a part of them amused at his fear? Yeah.

Suck it up Dick, things are only gonna get weirder from here on out.

They make a face at the jumble of concepts here. Like if boosting made you into something less instead of more.

"I'm pretty sure Donny here-" The Badger man is looking at himself in confusion, and they reach over to pat his shoulder and reassure him. "-was born like this, actually. No 'gods' involved." They say and airquote gods like it's some weird, alien concept they don't really believe in. And well, they don't in the way most people would. There certainly aren't any saviors or forces of divine justice out in the world. And their creators are mortal and human.

If any deity pays attention to Re-Genes, it must be fickle and full of malice.

[withermarked]

None of this makes any sense, and all of it's terrifying. But because it's terrifying, and because he's well aware that there are fates much worse than drowning, he needs to try to be careful.

He takes a slow, still slightly ragged breath.

"That's... acknowledged," he settles on, after a moment. It's hard to pretend to believe it, so he mostly just leans into his very real confusion but chooses not to argue.

"I apologise if I've... caused any offense," he adds, glancing away. If nothing else he regrets if he has.

"Seems I'm not as worldly as I'd like to think."

Terrifying as this is, there's something almost comforting, almost novel, about retreating back into dumb country kid. It's a hell of a lot less stressful than people expecting him to have all the answers.

[telepathicignorance]

"You'll get used to it." Ssid with no small drgree of uncaring irreverence. If nothing else, the funny looks he might get for calling them saints will set him straight.

The rowboat is now being lifted up out of the water. Shiny does not know enough about this process to describe it.

"There's a duck woman from a world where the only humans are the result of the influence of a supernatural entity. Sort of like the opposite of your thing." They're mostly telling him this because it's funny... but it might be even funnier if he actually does meet Della.

[withermarked]

Duck... Woman...

It occurs to Faulkner that there could be a very simple explanation for all of this: he cracked under the pressure more than he realised and has finally just fucking lost it! Maybe these people aren't here any more than Charlie, or Dad, or--or Carpenter--

Wait. No. Carpenter was really there.
(Wasn't she? Was that really just his guilty conscience?)

This is a bad train of thought to go down, one he can already tell isn't going to end well.

"Can't say I've ever run into that," he finally says, sounding a good bit more distant.

[telepathicignorance]

"You'll be running into a lot of it here."

Eventually, the boat will be pulled up into place and dome of the other people will start climbing off onto the main ship. And yeah, that's definitely a pirate ship! Jolly Roger and everything! Chris stands up and offers their hand to Faulkner.

"Come on."

[withermarked]

Looking the ship over brings up yet another jumble of confused images, questions, and assumptions. Because Faulkner's world doesn't have real pirates, at least not ones that look like that.

But they certainly have corporate mascot gods with pirate themed aesthetics. (At one point, he just found the whole thing embarrassing. Now, he hopes the Trawler-man gets rebranded as something even stupider looking.

Not that he says any of this out loud, for several different reasons. It's one thing to make sure people underestimate him a little, but he might not be in the mood to keep getting laughed at.

For the moment he just takes their hand, as much as he wishes he didn't need the help.

"...Thanks. Have you got a name?"

[telepathicignorance]

Wow. He must really hate this god. It's a feeling Chris can get behind, honestly. Not like the universe and whatever might be in charge of it has been particularly kind to them, either.

"Chris." Way better choice than Richard, they think.

Anyway, they'll help the kid out onto the deck of the Stormbringer. It's got even more weird looking people (pointed ears, blue skin, hair that isn't dyed but isn't any normal color...) and clearly nonhuman people than the boat, though there are some completely ordinary looking humans wandering about.

[withermarked]

Faulkner finds himself almost disappointed that Chris isn't a particularly easy name to make fun of. Though he's distracted from this quickly enough either way.

He can't help swearing under his breath--at least, the tone sounds like swearing. The phrase happens to be bait an' flesh.

He shrinks in on himself a bit more, not particularly wanting to get closer to Chris... but not particularly wanting to get closer to any of the strange-looking people, either. So he just makes himself appear smaller than he already is, hunched and non-threatening.

"So what kind of... healers do you have, here?"

[telepathicignorance]

Yeah yeah, they have better taste in names than you. Suck it up, kid.

"Potion mixers, magic users, regular doctors... take your pick."

They don't have much sympathy for his fear of nonhumans either. They exist. He can learn to deal with this fact just like everyone else.

[withermarked]

Judging by the vague nod he gives after a moment, those categories sort of fit what he's used to, but not exactly. He's heard of various concoctions sold at places like the floating market, of extremely debatable safety judging by the rumors. He knows there are herbs grown in hallowed--or polluted--soil. He knows some children of the water were looking into their own takes on medicines, before the Katabasians steered them away from those risks.

He supposes plenty of other divine healing could fall under 'magic,' and the concept of regular doctors seems much the same to him.

But whatever else he's going to say, he's instead hit with a wave of dizziness so bad he sways a bit. Maybe it doesn't matter exactly what kind of medical attention he gets, at this rate.