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Welcome to the Test Drive Meme for

escordvi! Anyone can participate in the test drive, regardless of invite eligibility. Just keep in mind that only those who have received invitations from the mods can actually reserve on 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

[It be foolish of Shadow not to have some awareness of his surroundings. Always needing to be prepared for the worst, despite no other visible threats around them. As he punches the lights out of both scavengers, unsatisfied with their responses, he feels like he still couldn't drop his guard.

A bloodied gloved hand rest against his head as he heard a voice, shouting loudly. Was he hearing a memory? While awake? Brows furrow. The woman's voice that screamed in his head is unfamiliar. He moves to stand, stepping off the bodies of the scavengers and turning to Chris. Suspicion on his face, seeing them awake.]

(Chris blinks their eyes in bleary confusion, body trembling. Sunlight? But they were... no, that was a long time ago.

They are on the ground. Were they sleeping?

They look around.)

...Shadow?

[He continues to observe them, crossing his arms. Don't mind the knocked out bodies behind him.]

Did you hear a woman's voice? [No "are you all right?" or "what happened?" from him. They look unharmed anyway. Why they were sleeping here is still in up in the air.]

(A woman's... ah. They're beginning to piece together what happened. But why were they asleep in the first place? No. Focus. One thing wt a time.

They consider, for a moment, how much truth to tell him.

...Well, it's not like he doesn't already know bigger secrets.)

In my dreams, yeah. They ...don't always stay ...inside my ...head.

[...He doesn't like the implication of their admittance. Their dreams, their thoughts do not stay in their head? If their thoughts can slip into others, it would mean they have an ability to penetrate another's mind. And they conveniently didn't mention that detail. He slowly lowers his arms, hands balling up into fist.]

What exactly were you made to do? What have you seen? [His tone is cold. There is anger boiling beneath the surface, trying to be contained. Regardless of Chris' circumstances, he cannot forgive the other if they saw something not meant for their eyes, or mind in this case. Taking advantage of his goodwill that already come far and few.]

(Oh fuck. Bad call.

They do not wanna end up on the ground like those scavengers.

They raise their hands up placatingly.)

Just surface stuff. Like hearing conversations. I mostly use it for telling if people intend to hurt me ...or if they're lying.

(Omitting so much information but fuck you Shadow, just because their power is scary they owe you a full explanation and all their personal information? They know he's got some kind of abilities too but they're not demanding he tell them.)

If I wanted anything bigger I'd have to dig for it, brains aren't exactly open books, Shadow.

[The thing with Shadow is that he has a very hard time believing someone at face value. Even after Chris reassures him it's for their own protection, he still doubts. The power to infiltrate another's thoughts, is not a power to be taken lightly. Even now, he wonders if this boy is searching his head. He's good at keeping up walls, but the mind can be unpredictable. The mind is harder to control, cracks can slip, information that others can use against him.

He grits his teeth, growling. Arms shaking, looking ready to beat the shit out of Chris. Instead he turns and kicks one of the scavanger's body away. Sends it practically flying as it skids and tumbles a great distance along the ground.]

Stay out of my head, or I'll make sure you'll never have another thought. [This may be a mistake. To let this boy go unscathe, but he remembers. He unfortunately remembers, what was spoken once by the girl he cherished, and the memories from this boy being experimented on forcefully displayed. The silver lining, that Professor Turo did not display having an issue with this kid. A very thin, silver lining. Will he be proven wrong for making this choice? ...Time will tell, and should making these decisions blow up in his face, then it just proves all is hopeless for these fools. He clicks his tongue, glaring back at the boy. Tone still aggressive.]

What put you to sleep? [Because that's what makes the most sense why someone is just sleeping randomly out in the open.]

(Wow. Wow. Fuck Shadow, actually!

They had no idea he was a fucking violence obsessed unhinged murderer, and the memory of him seeing the truth in those caverns, of them trusting him with it, makes them clench their fist even as they struggle not to hyperventilate in sheer panic.

Does he know what he could do to them?

They decide, right then and there, not to trust him with any more sensitive info.)

Yeah, whatever asshole, I doubt there's anything in your mind I want anyway. (mumbling) Bet you wouldn't stand for it if people threatened to kill you because they were scared of whatever powers you have.

(They check the scavenger Shadow didn't send flying just to see if they're even still alive. Consider messenging someone about two very badly injured strangers in need of help.)

Don't know. Some plants let out a big cloud of pollen, that might have done it.

[If he had given them the impression he was some kind and forgiving person, then this is their rude awakening. Trust is not something he easily gives. He may understand what the other has gone through, but they could still turn out to be a threat. Really, how much does he know about the current Chris before him? Even he isn't above ending Turo's life if duty calls.

That is who he is, shaped by all of life cruelties to be self-reliant. Do what others cannot as the Ultimate Lifeform. Even if others see his actions as abhorrent, he'll do what he believes is necessary. His ears twitch, hearing their mumbling. A huff as he starts to walk.]

I don't care what you or anyone else thinks. I will continue to fight regardless. [He has been threatened plenty of times, called a number of unsavory things. He is numb to it all now. Meaningless noise irrelevant to what actually matters. He starts searching for these plants Chris had mentioned. His shoes disturbing some of that pollen. He stops when he sees this, looking around. There is a lot of vegetation in the area, but where is the actual source...? He notices a few large bulbous-like plants growing, creepily pulsating. Hm. His hand crackles with energy as he summons a spear made of pure energy. He fires it one of the bulbs, then jets backwards as it bursts into a cloud of pollen.]

(They snort bitterly.) You probably just killed some random stranger because you want to kill me.

(They may be a piece of shit but at least they're no murderer.

The passive part of their sense, the one that's always active even when they're not using it and intrinsic to how they interact with the world, picks up his focus and they follow his gaze to: oh for fuck's sake. They pull up part of their shirt collar to cover their nose and mouth so they won't breathe too much of it in.)

Watch what you're doing, asshole!

[Shouldn't have been there for him to kick then. The individual is not his concern. He hovers backwards as the pollen spreads.]

Then stay out of the way. [You're awake and you got legs, use them. He eyes the remaining scavenger. Between them and these bulbs full of pollen, this is prime robbery site. Seeing no one else, and one scavenger still out like a light...

He jets himself closer to Chris.] Do you remember seeing anything, anyone before you fell asleep?

Go fuck yourself, Shadow.

(They'll give him the finger to go with the verbal disrespect.

But personal feelings aren't relevant to business, especially when that business is safety and survival.)

Mostly a cloud of pollen. Didn't sense anyone or anything other than animals. (And because they're not supposed to be reading his mind...) Got a reason for asking?

[He just rolls his eyes at their retort. Not a concern.]

Because I doubt you're the first to come through here. [Won't be the last. He stares at Chris in silence, considering for a moment.] People can get caught here, taken advantage of.

[He looks to the still unconscious scavenger.] He is still alive. You can use him. [Whether Chris will listen or not after his outburst is another thing. If they don't, he will simply look into this another way.]

You mean read him? Alright.

(And they'll crouch down beside the guy--wow he looks even worse off than they used to--and place a hand on his head. They wished they had the Rat-King with them to set up a sentry, but they'll just have to hope Shadow doesn't take this convenient opportunity to murder them.

It's reasonable to want to know if this was a deliberate trap, though. And this is the fastest way to do it.

They zone out, reality disappearing as though they're going down a long tunnel as they enter his mind.)

[They're doing as instructed. Shadow will keep watch of the area then, angling himself in a way that keeps Chris in his line of sight. If the other isn't going to try something, then he'll leave them to their work.

A few things will play out in the scavengers mind. The first, more recent, when they and their partner found Chris fast asleep. They're chuckling amongst themselves as they search Chris.

"Boss was right about making base here. These ninnies just walk right on into our laps they are."
"Aye. We may never go hungry again."
"Ye think too small! We need to get off Ol'Snappy is what we need to-"

Their sight abruptly goes skyward. Both scavangers yell and squawk in confusion, a blur of a familiar black hedgehog as Shadow gets the jump on them. There is only Shadow in their view, the sky behind them as Shadow seems to have a grip on them, a raised fist with the other hand.

"Where are you all hiding?"
"I-we, ain't tellin ya nothin'!"

Their vision goes out, with the last thing they see being a gloved fist. But their mind will start to wonder, as one does when a question is planted in ones mind. Vegation, with those familiar bulb-like pollen plants growing all over the place. The scavenger is walking, through the large vine-like vegatation, being careful not to pop any of the pollen plants until...the vines thin out to reveal and passage, a crack in the turtle's shell.

It's dark as the scavenger descends. Voices, whispering, chortling amongst other people. A good haul this time from their recent victim. Various trinkets and perishables line up the walls within. Others who have decided to work together, playing a game of cards at the table. Unawares their secrets has just been compromised.]

(The memory rushes to meet them and they take it in. It's hard not to feel sympathy: they know what it means to live like this, forced to scrounge and beg and rob for every scrap.

They probably got stuck here when their ship crashed or sank or whatever.

...Not that that means they're keen on being the next victim. Shadow apparently saved them from that. They guess they should be grateful... if you know, he didn't immediately decide they were completely untrustworthy and threaten to murder them for basically having the wrong power right after.

They blink slowly, coming back to themself as they withdraw their hand.)

There's a group holed up in a base not far from here who go after people who get caught in the plants. (And yet, they don't give details. These people are desperate and trying to survive. Something needs to be done, but they don't deserve to have Shadow come murder all of them.)

[So his hunch was correct. But he was already certain of that. He wanted to know where. His attention now onto Chris.]

Did you see what the surrounding area looked like where they're hiding?

Why? So you can kill a bunch of desperate, stranded people?

(There's an edge to their voice.)

[Being sympathetic. Cause he feels a connection these people? Cause of what happened to him? Eventhough these same people tried to mugged him. An irritable sigh.]

Why did you read that person if that was your concern?

Something needs to be done about them. I just don't trust you not to go overboard like some violence obsessed nutcase.

(They think you're a violent killer now, Shadow.

Which is like, true, but their estimation of him is lower than even this edgy hedgehog would probably like. They know he draws the line somewhere before creating life for the purpose of torturing it, but that leaves a lot of room. They know he's willing to kill allies now out of the fear they might betray him, and they're worried he's going to come after them to kill them when he learns that while they can't dig deep into his mind without intention and effort they can't 100% control whether or not they hear the things he's actively thinking of at any point in time. He's also willing to take actions that put those around him at risk without any concern for what might happen. How much further does it go? Innocent strangers who just happen to be in the way? Children?

Right now, they wouldn't be surprised.

It doesn't help that having their own life threatened has also made them more empathetic towards these stranger bandits who are now potentially under the same threat.)

Edited 2025-05-11 10:30 (UTC)

You can just say you want to come along. Just don't get in my way. [That's all it boils down to. The reasoning doesn't matter to him. They provided information, they have a right to investigate too. He guess. Ugh, what a headache. ] Now will you tell me where you saw them go?

(Come along? Shadow's fast enough that they're not sure they could do shit all if he decided to ignore them. Even if they can predict his movements he'd be fast enough that they'd be unable to react in time even with that advantage.

They're not going to admit that kind of weakness to him though. They guess if there are children or something and he tries murdering them they can blast his mind to hell and deal with the consequences later.)

It'll probably be easier to just show you anyway.

(They've got a sense of where and what the spot looks like, at least. They'll turn abruptly and start walking in the direction they're fairly certain its in: deeper into the thicket of pollen plants.)

... [He lands back on the ground as they choose to show him. He follows along behind them. Footsteps made intentionally obvious. His ears swerve slightly, in case one of the bulbs decide to pop, or someone tries to jump them when they get closer to their place of hiding. In case the one he's following tries something while they're still on edge.]

(They're not gonna try anything. Instead they'll move slowly, cautiously, as quietly as they can.

There might be the slightest of weird feelings as Chris puts their "do not notice me" perception aura up, but they bypass Shadow's mind, including him in the illusion alongside them.

They're nervous enough about the plant pods to be extra careful about not touching them. They'll both be sitting ducks if they fall unconscious so close to the lair of thieves.)

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