escordvi | « april: oh snap! reppansagen »

Entry tags:

« april: oh snap! reppansagen »

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 April 24th and apply on May 1st. Our EMP/ATP can be found here.

All threads related to the snapping turtle prompts are worth 6 points.

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 April 12th 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 April 23rd)

GETTING STARTED

This section can be timed for any time after April 12th 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.

OUTSIDE THE TURTLE

The results of the recent island raid along with the implementation of Armada insignias has created a tense atmosphere. Rumors that it was those from Elah who spearheaded the grotesque trend of the crystallization of living creatures to put on display have been spreading, while the Corsairs are responsible for supplying their greed. It's clear that members of both Armadas were involved in some way, yet there are those who try to place worse blame on the other. Because of this, attempts for First Tides festivities throughout the month have been stifled. Some are still able to come together to celebrate the importance of the leviathans that allow people to survive on their backs, with the current divide making residents particularly more loyal to their home leviathan.

But when the sudden appearance of a large snapping turtle that is almost twice the size of Eltrut appears, its jaws snapping and aggressively moving as if to fight the bewildered leviathan, all that tension, anger, and frustration seems to pivot towards the aggressor. Dubbed Reppansagen, fleets from both Armadas join in to try and force the leviathan away, each side moving as if to prove themselves. Some are reckless, ships crushed or swallowed by the snapping turtle's monstrous jaws, but eventually those who manage to breach the shell realize that this turtle isn't rampaging without reason.

Ominous spiny spikes protrude from the turtle's shell, and turtlefolk who have joined the fray are able to figure out at least a few reasons for the turtle's aggression. Where the spines came from is a mystery for now. Thus within a day, objectives pivot from fighting the turtle to helping it, though there are still those who are more on the defensive until the turtle calms down. Due to the massive size of the turtle and the spines, this would be a weeks long undertaking.

With a common "enemy" now in their midst, the two Armadas will form something of a "truce" to allow better partnership. This means the insignia effects have been lessened, allowing those from opposite sides to be within each other's presence for a few hours longer before they feel that burn and must separate. This particular effect is only active on the snapping turtle. Everywhere else remains the same, and remedies can be used if they are acquired. (Note: for those unfamiliar, due to current events, everyone has an insignia reflecting their Armada affiliation on the back of their hand. Please refer to the Captain's Log for detailed information on the effects this has on everyone.)

⛵ Snapping jaws. The leviathan has been swimming and snapping at any ships sailing by. Getting too close will result in ships getting snapped into pieces in the turtle’s strong and destructive jaws. Avoid getting snapped up and or swallowed whole. Some ships might be automatically lured in when the turtle opens its mouth and its golden tongue shimmers, magically enticing pilots to steer their ships right into its jaws.

🐡 Pulling spines. The snapping leviathan is cranky for a big reason. A massive reason. Extremely large, jagged spines have pierced their way through the snapping turtle’s thick shell and have to be removed. Find a way to grip onto these massive spears and pull them free from the shell to give the turtle some well needed relief. But be careful because the spines can be incredibly poisonous.

💊 Healing. After the spines have been removed, the turtle will need an immense amount of healing. That will include the wounds and scratches that can be found all over the turtle's legs, neck, and head as well. Those with healing skills or healing items should consider using them on these wounds so that the shaky earthquakes in the area might stop.

🌿 Snapping vegetation. Just like the snapping turtle leviathan itself, a lot of the local flora and fauna is prone to being a little snappy. Large pitcher plants, cobra lilies and venus fly traps are littered all over the leviathan and will snap up and try to swallow any passersby. Don’t get stuck!

🥀 Thick pollen. The local vegetation has a habit of emitting powerful wafts of thick pollen that can alter moods if the pollen is accidentally inhaled. The pollen can do anything to the body, from causing severe drowsiness to severe … ahem. Arousal.

🐢 Baby snapping turtles. Don’t forget that it is the First Tide season. That means that there are hatching baby turtles everywhere that need to be guided to safe waters before they’re munched on by predators. Baby snapping turtles are also hatching on the turtle’s shores and will need to be carefully guided to the water. But these little guys are extremely snappy. So, don’t lose a finger or two!

The "ground" is mostly just the shell of the leviathan, and it is dry, rocky, and almost barren with vegetation mostly found on the higher ridges. Living around the bottom ridges are various gangs of scavengers that make a living out of salvaging what the snapping turtle has left behind in its wake. They salvage anything from broken materials to valuable goods. They are greedy, sneaky thugs who will lie, steal and kill to make a dubloon. Be careful not to get robbed.

Deeper and higher up the shell are hidden villages of snapping turtlefolk that, most likely because of the scavengers, are hostile and aggressive to outsiders. Venture too close and one may be attacked with barbed spears, the tips like small jaws that will clamp down and hook into the target's flesh, making it difficult to remove. But if one can help rid them of the scavengers and prove they are helping the leviathan, they may loosen up. Perhaps guiding one of the other turtlefolk from Eltrut over to help translate and communicate will help. Getting on their good side will yield guides, assistance in pulling out the spines, and even some rare minerals and materials, including some treasures they may have collected or taken from the scavengers.

INSIDE THE TURTLE

Whether on purpose or being caught by the leviathan's lure, those who get too close to the turtle's mouth will need to either somehow steer their ship through or save the crushing weight that destroys their ship. Inside the turtle's mouth is a graveyard of broken ships that it has attempted to snap and eat. Broken, waterlogged wood and rusty metal is scattered everywhere, not to mention the occasional floating skeleton or lost treasure. Those who attempt to travel through the mouth can try and dislodge any painful pieces that may have pierced the turtle’s gums and perhaps it will release them in gratitude.

But for those who are unable or caught in the strong current and are swallowed, if not on a ship then there is a lot of debris that can be used as a surfing board or a raft to travel down what will be a very long drop through its throat. This will be a test for many ships and where many who survived the initial crushing jaws may topple over and wreck if they can't maintain steady balance.

It will eventually even out and those who manage to survive it all will find themselves in the stomach. By the entrance the water is turbulent but safe, but the water grows more acidic the further in, becoming a toxic, acidic ocean that is very dangerous to the touch. Any live tissue that enters this part of the water will be slowly dissolved and digested. It is best to avoid getting in the ocean water whatsoever. But crossing it… That might be the bigger challenge.

🏚️ Stomach villages. Inside the stomach is where the inside of the turtle doesn’t seem so much like the inside of an animal. The turtle’s insides are rocky and craggy, with plateaus and steep mountains to traverse. There are even lights in the distance that show that there might be living communities down here who have been making the most of their life inside the leviathan, shipwrecked crew who accepted their fate. Venturing further, travellers will find small villages of slugfolk who might be eager for visitors. They’ll be willing to trade and sell goods and have an interesting selection of medicinal ingredients that are made out of…slug slime.

🦠 Growths and fumes. Being inside the turtle has its fair shares of dangers. There are bulbous growths that can be found all over the stomach lining. These growths contain terrible bubbles of gas that can make anyone extremely sick, but the growths must be removed in order to give the area and the turtle some much-needed relief. If destroyed, the area will momentarily flood with smelly gas before it dissipates, leaving it healthier and more breathable than before.

🧫Viruses. Bizarre creatures seem to be crawling all over the area, attaching themselves to anything and anyone to suck out their nutrients and energy. These little creatures have been dubbed viruses and they also need to be destroyed as soon as possible. They look like tiny oozing piles of goop with big bubbly eyes.

💎 Treasure gacha. The leviathan’s body is littered with lost treasure and relics to find. Some of it is valuable or magical and some of it is complete trash. All sorts of things can be dug up from the leviathan’s insides to be kept! While there are numerous chests and treasures to be found, players can comment below to roll a specific item their character might dig up. Test your luck! Only one roll per character.

It is soon discovered that there is a legendary pirate ship, the Blood Onyx. Captained by the ruthless weaselfolk pirate Vermino, it was once known as the terror of seas, plundering ships and ransacking towns for all the gold and riches they could have. It is rumored to have disappeared over a hundred years ago after stealing from an ancient sea worm's hoard, and thus many assumed the worm got its revenge. Now, those who have entered the leviathan's stomach will find the ship itself on a small rocky island in the middle of the acid ocean, its red tattered sails blanketing the walls and black stained hull battered and broken among the cliff like rocks deep in the turtle's stomach. It looks as if the crew may have lived there for a time, perhaps even part of the communities that are here now…

There are warnings that the ship is haunted and those who try to venture out are said to never return, their corpses found floating in the water before slowly disappearing. But of the small few who manage, they speak of ghosts and undead guarding the vast riches still contained in the hull, and even bring back a few artifacts they manage to swipe. It is also said there are some powerful artifacts from the sea worm, items and books that speak of crossing worlds and traveling great distances. Some of these artifacts may be scattered outside of the ship throughout the stomach in the form of glowing rings. Whether any of this is actually true…only one way to find out.

Once further through the stomach there is an exit leading into the intestines. There is no water here, instead it is made of multiple long, winding caverns that look like they are also made out of earth and stone. They are rough and hilly and it will be quite the trek to get through them to reach the end. Those with ships will have to figure out how to move them over the land. What’s worse is the tunnels seem to absorb and reject all forms of light sources, so anyone travelling through these tunnels will have to do it in pitch black darkness. But perhaps there is a way to find the light. Holding hands with a precious person might make the walls light up and glow… This note might be learned from the slugfolk in the area who happily sing a song.

Song lyrics:

Two lovers, forbidden from one another
A war divides their people
And a mountain divides them apart
Built a path to be together
And die...
Secret tunnel!
Secret tunnel!
Through the mountain!
Secret, secret, secret, secret tunnel!

As they get closer to the "exit," things will start smelling a bit foul and by now everyone should have figured out where they need to go to escape. There's also a bit of a…blockage that will prevent an easy out. To help relieve the leviathan of its constipation, there are some glowing mushrooms growing along the rock walls around the area and back in the intestines that when crushed and mixed into the dark river will soften things up. Massaging the rough walls might help relax things as well. Once enough has been mixed, there will be a loud guURugLGllle, a signal that the leviathan is ready to blow. It's their one shot to be expelled out of the leviathan, so don't waste it!

QUESTS

The current MANTA Board is available, but we have a couple of additional quests that are specific for the event! These quest in particular is more related to First Tides festivities, good for those who may be less interested in dealing with the cranky turtle. 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.

Lei’d Back Business

Eltrut

Unfortunately, this year the First Tide festivities have mostly been cancelled at large on Eltrut. But that’s not stopping some of the local turtlefolk from taking to the market squares to sell their leftover goods; after all, they don’t want their hard work to go to waste! From flower leis to seashell necklaces to a mystery special crab soup, help the turtlefolk to sell their wares and keep the spirit of First Tide alive!

Shell Yeah, More Babies

Everywhere

While the main festivities aren’t occurring, it is still time for baby turtles to hatch. For those who don’t venture to the giant snapping turtle, they can still find plenty of regular baby turtles who still need to be helped to get to the water. They won’t bite your fingers off, but their more docile nature still makes them prime targets for predators. Help guide them safely to the ocean waters. Just be careful of the particularly violent razor-beak pelicans, who will do anything to snack on a baby turtle.

Turtle Untangle

Everywhere

Some of the larger, adult turtles around are getting caught in local fishing nets. Since they are so big, they need help in getting themselves detangled from the mess and back to the ocean. But there are some fishermen around who might want to poach the turtles for themselves to make turtle soup. Help rescue the turtles! And maybe give those fishermen a piece of your mind?

Shady Selling

Naughtilust

There are rumours on the Naughtilust of a shady merchant selling supplements and aphrodisiacs that are supposedly made from turtle shells and other such materials. While the supplements don’t appear to be dangerous, the notion of hunting down turtles warrants investigation. Track down the source of these rumours and put a stop to the merchant selling these materials. Or… Are you more interested in getting some of those special materials for yourself?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

☄️ Arrival

Shipbound

[ Heights never bothered Riku before, but waking to lying face down on a crosstree of a large ship is not what he expected upon trying to travel to the other side. The deck is far below him and thankfully, Riku is quick to keep his balance before he rolls off. Getting to his feet, he takes advantage of being near the tallest point of the ship to look around. ]

Not Quadratum, then.

[ It looks nothing like his dreams of the large city on the other side. Was is somehow an adjacent world? So much was unknown about what he was walking into, but any step that lead him closer to Sora was one he'd take. There might be a reason he ended up here instead, so he'll stick around long enough to find out.

He jumps down to land on the deck with ease, time to find out more about this place. ]

Could you tell me more about this place?

[ The crew doesn't seem too surprised by a random person showing up, so Riku will tread the line of World Order to ask a rather vague question. ]

Eltrut

[ Or on Eltrut he can be found following the map to collect his belongings, getting a tattoo, picking up his shellphone (and scrolling the posts for information), or just wandering the streets to explore the new world. He is, of course, looking for familiar faces and yet doesn't expect to see them at the same time. ]

You almost wouldn't believe you were riding on the back of a turtle if the big guy wasn't visible. The ride is pretty smooth.

[ He's just stopped to look over at the scene of the turtle's head over the horizon of the shell. ]

☄️ Outside the Turtle

Healing

[ Riku is up on the shell with his healing spell at the ready to use on the turtle. There are large gaping holes from where the spines were and while the protrusion is gone, there's still work to be done. ]

Do you have anything to help with the poison? My healing spell only helps with physical injuries.

[ He has a couple of items that he picked up from a local vendor, but Riku knows that there are magics that can heal poisons and other ailments. Sora is more the jack-of-all-magic. ]

Scavengers

[ Or he's fighting scavengers down in the barren lands, Keyblade flashing as he slashes at their weapons and arms to disarm them. Riku isn't above shooting off some Dark Firaga to attack the more violent ones who reek of darkness. It helps him figure out when to not hold back. ]

These guys aren't messing around, don't pull any punches with them.

[ He will play rescuer if needed. ]

☄️ Inside the Turtle

Growths and fumes

[ Reppansagen is certainly no Monstro - being on the inside. The mouth felt about the same, with all the shipwrecks inside but going deeper proves to be more like the bowls of the giant whale than the rest of that crazy place. He's looking up at one of the growths that's making the giant turtle feel unwell. ]

It's going to be better to attack it from afar. Unless you want to smell whatever has been trapped in there.

[ There's a teasing tone to his words, but they're also truthful ones. ]

The Blood Onyx

[ Crossing worlds isn't a new concept to Riku or traveling long distances, but he can't help wanting to explore an old pirate ship. Any treasures found can go to someone else, he's more interested in just looking at them. ]

Aren't you worried that some of this stuff might be cursed? Some of those curses are pretty powerful.

[ He knows about Sora's time in the Caribbean, after all. ]

☄️ Wildcard

[ Hit me up for other prompts.

Tsukeru ]

[Travel between worlds isn't that new. Not to the likes of Kairi and her friends. So she isn't as startled by all this as some others might be. She tries to keep calm, glancing around to get an idea of her surroundings. Some sort of ship. The redhead is exploring, tentatively, when she spots a familiar figure, blinking and pausing as she sees him, a hand tentatively reaching. The last thing she recalled was going to sleep, to try and help find Sora. If she might be able to do something with their connection. Their bond. Kairi just wants to help. She's unsure if this is a dream or what to expect.]

Riku...?

[ Hearing her voice is more startling than waking up in a new world. Riku stares back at her, watching her hand reaching towards him with uncertainty. ]

Kairi. Guess I didn't make it to the other side at all. [ He takes her hand with all the certainty she's lacking. Not a dream. ]

Are you alone?

[ Kairi had been with the Fairygodmother, last he knew. ]

The other side? Of what? Did you find Sora? Is he here?

[She can't help but focus on the missing part of their trio. Riku doesn't seem to be immediately hurt or anything, at least. So Kairi glances around, almost expectantly. It's still a habit, when she sees one, that she expects the other to be there, too. It makes her heart ache each time that she is reminded that Sora is still missing. Her gaze shifts down to their hands. It was real. He feels real, his hand warm and reassuring in hers.]

You're the first familiar face I've seen so far.

You don't remember? We found something, not Sora exactly, but where he went.

[ Riku was on his trail, following their friend beyond worlds and realms they were familiar with. Into the unknown to bring Sora back. No injuries, though there might a slight red mark where his face was resting on the crosstree for who knows how long. She looks fine, too. Also wearing clothes similar to his. ]

Same. I woke up in the ship's rigging. [ He points above them with his free hand. Of course Riku notices the way her gaze looks for someone who hasn't been there in a year, it's still habit. ]

GETTING STARTED

OUTSIDE THE TURTLE

INSIDE THE TURTLE

QUESTS

Riku | Kingdom Hearts | Undecided | TDM

Rikuuuuu! <3 (also arrival)

no subject

no subject

no subject

healing 🐢

no subject

no subject

no subject

scavengers

no subject

no subject

no subject

Eltrut~ (or outside of turtle/ wherever you best like for continuity)

no subject

no subject

no subject

Growths and fumes

no subject

no subject

no subject

Blood Onyx

no subject

no subject

no subject