escordvi | « june 2025: sticky situation »

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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 had their invitations approved by the mods can actually reserve on June 24 and apply on July 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 June 14 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 June 16th)

GETTING STARTED

This section can be timed for any time after June 14 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. As an important note, Elah's situation is unusual in that the leviathan has disappeared, leaving behind a floating island remnant behind. Everything is mostly the same, there just isn't a whale carrying the land. Travel to the island is possible.

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.

ELAH'S ISLAND

It's later in the month that the people on the remnants of Elah's floating island notice that parts of the land have been slowly breaking off. It had started with the outer pieces, which is why it had remained largely unknown, but when some fisherman witnessed part of the land cracking and falling into the ocean, they raised the alarms. Although the progress seems to be slow, tremors could now be more visibly felt and are conclusively linked when pieces fall off. Before panic could completely seize the remaining populace, efforts to keep the land together are mobilized.

Once alerted, the Corsairs will also offer aid. Not wanting to risk damaging the floating island further, several groups will stay on Elah while Nogard will travel separately with the rest of its population to an island half a day's out known for a strong "adhesive" that should help keep Elah's remnant in one (questionable) piece until Elah is found. However, these remedies are all temporary band-aid fixes, and the state of the "island" has acting officials and leaders beginning discussions on what to do next if Elah cannot be found soon…

🫨 Troubling tremors. As the days progress, the frequency of the tremors increase—from once every other day, to two to eventually a handful. In the main city of Baleen, the tremors are slight, with just notable rumblings that feel no different than when Elah gave an occasional grumble. However, some are strong enough to knock a few loose things over and cracks are starting to show on the buildings and streets. Farther out from the main city, where the farms and smaller towns and villages are situated, however, the movement is felt more strongly and the damage more severe. Here is where aid will be needed most, from repairing damages to evacuating and moving people and animals further inland.

🩹 Patch it up. There are various methods being deployed to try and "patch up" and tether the loose pieces. Those who excel in earth magic are quick to try and strengthen the ground while both magitech and mechanical engineers are hard at work to create devices and structures to try and keep the land together.

🪣 Super Snail Glue. Once the slime from the island arrives, it is quickly processed to be poured into the cracks like cement. However, care must be taken because if not careful, one could get caught in it, especially as it is slow to harden. While one won't sink in it, they will be stuck in there for a while. If the glue does happen to harden around the individual, they will need to be broken free similar to being in cement.

🍲 Potluck. As smaller communities and farms are evacuated closer to Baleen, aid is provided to help try and keep everyone calm. One of the main ways is hosting several potlucks throughout the oncoming days. Farmers who brought their crops in so they would not be lost willingly offer the surplus and Corsairs from Nogard will also bring in plenty of ale and supplies. It's also a perfect opportunity for those who have been working hard to take a break and try to keep spirits up.

As time goes on, plans for future evacuations are made to prepare for the worst case scenario. However, the main issue is where people should settle. There are a few populated islands that people may travel to on their own, but acting officials would prefer to try to keep everyone together—especially if they need to resettle somewhere completely. Requests to set sail and scout for suitable islands are sent out for any who are willing to risk the dangers that may come with it. Given the situation, while they have some natural preferences they won't be too particular for now. It just needs to be large enough to house a sizable population and have ample resources that they can live off of.

ADOPORTSAG

Meanwhile, Nogard will settle onto the island of Adoportsag. It is a rich and fertile place, with thick tropical forests filled with luscious fruit trees and waters so clean and clear it's almost hard to believe. It's no wonder the local snailfolk population is very relaxed and chill, who welcome travelers gladly into their homes. They will be friendly, mellow hosts who offer all manner of delicious foods and drinks, from local fruit and root vegetables, cooked meats with fragrant spices, and sweet-scented juice and cocktails. However, everything on the island has a light inebriating quality to them; most foods will make one feel slightly tipsy, while stronger foods can even cause faint hallucinogenic effects. The effects can be slept off, but will probably cause a mild hangover the next morning.

While the snailfolk are fairly large, the giant snails and slugs that also inhabit the island are even larger—large enough to be ridden! If one would want to try to ride one, anyway. They are very peaceful and approachable creatures so there will be no difficulty in gathering the slime from them. However, take care—if they are harmed or feel threatened, they will turn hostile quickly and turn red. Their slime will become toxic and acidic, powerful enough to burn and even melt skin and bone. Some will even use their slime to smother and suffocate attackers. Perhaps that's why there are very few predatory animals and those that do exist stay far away from them…

🌻 Embarrassing flowers. Scattered throughout the island are trees that bear a multi-coloured, sweet-smelling flowers that are said to hold magical properties. According to the locals, whoever picks the fruit that grows from these flowers and shares it with another will undergo a sacred trust-bonding ritual with the one they share it with. However, what the locals fail to mention is that the flowers will begin to shout out the eater’s most embarrassing moment for all nearby to hear. The local snailfolk see this as a chance to laugh at past troubles and grow trust between friends, but others might not appreciate this ‘sacred’ custom.

💦 Stuck together. Creating the glue needed to repair the island of Elah is sticky work, and while the snailfolk do offer warnings it’s very possible that people can get stuck together thanks to all the slime. The snailfolk do have solvents to remove the slime, but it may take them a while to make it. Those who get stuck together will have to get used to each other’s company while they wait.

🧴 Slime products. The slime isn't just a great adhesive—it's actually quite versatile and can be used to make different products. From lotions to lubricants, it can even be used in cooking. Somehow rumor that the slime could be a "cure for wrinkles" and the next big trend for beautification has spread. There are even attempts to create some kind of alcoholic drink from them. The snailfolk aren't as proactive in producing many products, but other merchants and craftsmen are interested. New products are already out for testing for people to try. Just be warned, that there could be side effects, such as making the skin feel extra sensitive…

🐌 Snail feeding. In order to create the glue needed to reconnect the islands, slime needs to be harvested from local snails. Feeding the snails is the best way to get them to produce the slime, so help feed them leafy greens and large fruits to get that slime running!

🌦️ Rainy weather. The weather can be quite fickle on the island. One minute it's sunny and the next rain suddenly pours down. Usually the rain will pass through quickly, leaving behind a cool mist that unfortunately later becomes sticky with humidity. Should anyone get caught in the rain, take shelter under the trees or even under the large leaves that can cover a few adults. Just be careful—sometimes after the rain, the flowers and fruits will emit a stronger scent than usual, making the inebriating effects more potent.

On the southern side of the island is an active volcano, but there are currently no threats of a full eruption, just occasional lava flows that travelers should be careful of. Near the base of the volcano in one of the few safe areas is a grand, magnificent temple made of black obsidian dedicated to the worship of a long-departed entity that can be described as a "goddess" snail. The temple is beautifully decorated with art and effigies, including a very large statue of a very large snail draped in dress-like robes that looks very elegant and…goddess-y by snail standards. All the snailfolk respect and revere the goddess depicted within the temple, though most view the temple itself as more of a cultural landmark these days. However, there is a cult of dedicated snailfolk followers that are desperate to see their goddess again. This is the only time the local snailfolk seem to be wary and warn travelers to be careful as these followers can be…odd.

🌋 Sacrifices. After overhearing an ill-timed joke about "making sacrifices," the cult takes the suggestion seriously. Normal snailfolk will catch wind of this and warn everyone, but members of the cult actually start kidnapping people to drop into the volcano as a sacrificial offering to revive their departed goddess. Fortunately for those wanting to plan rescue efforts or those who find themselves kidnapped, the cultists are very slow and the volcano is very high. It's quite easy to make an escape. Just be careful of the lava flows and pools and steam vents along the volcano's slopes.

🍎 Lava Pomegranates. A special fruit that is grown not by trees, but a product of the volcano and cultivated by the temple followers. Although dangerous and can explode if handled from the lava fields they sprout from, after they cool they make for a spicy, delicious treat. However, there is a side effect where one will go into a daze and easily susceptible to suggestions. They will also start yearning for the volcano and the goddess… Quickly snap out anyone who has fallen under the effects before the affected join in the kidnapping for sacrifices or worse—try to sacrifice themselves!

💎 Hidden treasures. Potential sacrifices notwithstanding, the volcano is a veritable treasure trove of natural resources. Adventurers are encouraged to explore the volcano to see what sorts of items they can find, whether it be to barter with the local snailfolk or to take it for themselves. Take heed when exploring, however; the volcano is home to fire golems and fire sprites, as well as elemental beings born from the lava of the volcano.

👁️ Fire Cyclops Among all the creatures that dwell on the volcano, none are as feared as the fire cyclops, a monstrous elemental being that is said to live in the heart of the volcano. Few have seen the monster in person, and fewer have lived to tell the tale. Anyone brave or foolish enough to challenge this fiery monster will be greatly rewarded by the snailfolk.

INVASION

Later in the month, while treatment for the remaining island of Elah is still in the works, alarms sound when a ship arrives badly damaged and half of its crew dead. They recount being attacked by the shark leviathan Krahs and had lost three other ships to the sharkfolk. Worst of all, it's heading right towards them—as can be seen by the gray clouds rushing in from the distance and the large waves that herald the large leviathan's approach.

Corsairs stationed on the island will send word to Nogard still on Adoportsag, and the leviathan will bring in those who wish to join to rush in to try and intercept the Krahs. However, due to the distance and the suddenness of the attack, they won't arrive until after Krahs's sharkfolk warriors have made landfall. Not only are the sharkfolk warriors vicious and ruthless, the shark ships return with adjustments, their ability to cut through the water both above and under allowing them to destroy ships with their powerful jaws at a speed that can go undetected before it's too late. The invaders seem particularly enthused, as if they are taking advantage of Elah's disappearance to try and take over or even destroy the island.

⚔️ Defend! While Nogard engages with Krahs, waves of sharkfolk marauders have begun to storm the shores of Elah. Help defend the island by fighting off as many as you can and drive those shark invaders back into the sea! The people who had recently been evacuated from the outer areas of the island will be particularly vulnerable and Corsairs will set up barricades and defenses as best they can.

🎣 Live bait. While the sharkfolk are strong and fearsome warriors, Corsair aligned sharkfolk allies will reveal their kind can be easily distracted. One strategy to distract the sharkfolk is to get into special cages to act as live bait to draw the sharkfolk in while being protected from their sharp teeth and crushing jaws. If you’re brave enough, dive into one of these cages and help draw away some of the attackers! Offer support for those who risk their lives by protecting them and attack with the opportunity they provide!

🧜‍♀️ Mermaid dancing. Another method of distraction is less violent, but more unusual; the sharkfolk seem to be attracted to beautiful faces, sultry dances, and suggestive songs. Make use of the merfolk magic to transform into a beautiful merfolk or siren, and use your best talents to distract the sharkfolk away from attacking the island. As the old saying goes, make love not war, right?

🦈 Shark infiltration. Some merfolk that were around Elah have decided to offer their magic and strategies to help those willing to fight the sharkfolk. Their plan involves transforming willing defenders into sharks in order to infiltrate the ranks of the attacking sharkfolk and sabotage things from behind enemy lines. Embrace your inner saboteur and cause some havoc – so long as you don’t mind biting.

🪝Hooked. All the action from Krahs’s attack is causing the island to further fragment into pieces. What’s worse, some sharkfolk are using giant shark-teeth grappling hooks to try and physically drag parts of the island away into smaller pieces. Stop these grapplers before they pull away whole chunks of the island!

Although they will be later to come, eventually whale- and dolphinfolk will arrive as reinforcements. Initially they were traveling just to offer support to the island in general, so they are surprised to find it under attack. Quick to enter the fray, they should be able to help turn the tide, especially as the dolphins and orcas are particularly vicious against the sharks. They do love shark livers, so it will be quite a gruesome sight as the already bloodied waters will turn into more of a bloodbath. The dolphins will allow others to ride them to help fight in the water.

But will they be successful in fending off Krahs's attack? And if they do, how much of the island will be saved? Everyone's participation will help decide the island's fate!

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.

Dead Men Tell No Tales

Elsewhere

A small archipelago of tiny islets has been discovered in a foggy section of ocean, and amidst the rocky islets lies a small ship graveyard. Explore this collection of broken ships and see what can be recovered, but take heed; the area is also known to be populated by dreaded sea serpents looking for their next meal. And maybe they’re the ones who are sinking the ships, too.

Without A Paddle

Eltrut

Some of the locals on Eltrut are a bit bored this month. They’re challenging anyone and everyone to try and race from one of Eltrut’s many sandy beaches to a small island off in the distance. There’s just one catch. Racers have to use two animals and some rope to do it. If that means strapping two turtles together and riding them like a raft or using your own animal companions or the local wild sea life to strap together to drag you over the waves… Who can make the distance?

Another Crab’s Treasure

Atnam

Those travelling to Atnam for work on the Manta Board might find their pockets just a little bit lighter… It seems there’s a thief in the midst. Without realizing it, you might find yourself without your purse or whatever gold coins you had in your pocket. Anything precious and shiny on your person is in danger of being stolen! Find the culprit and get back your precious shiny items. And find out that it might be a tiny, pesky crab with a rusty spoon doing it…

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

i—arrival

[Link is no stranger to the fall. It's become a familiar feeling, almost welcome in the way his stomach pitches, the lurch of excitement—

However, most of the time, when he reaches for his paraglider, he actually finds it on his person.

This time being an outlier, Link is hurtling toward the deck of a ship at a truly alarming pace. He's almost relieved when his vision seems to shift, putting the clear water in his range of view instead of an unfortunate collision with solid materials. But that doesn't stop a somewhat alarmed hyaaa— to be cut off unexpectedly as he collides with the water like a little cannonball. Oof.

He may need some help being fished out of the water—before his stamina runs out.

Most of the rags he was clad in disintegrate in the water, leaving him in mostly underpants. Weirdly, as he explores the ship, he doesn't seem to mind this at all. He'll make unabashed eye contact with anyone he encounters at the time, an eyebrow raised very faintly if anyone makes a fuss. Look. It's just underwear.]

ii—elah [potluck]

[If Link had a red rupee for every time he ended up volun-told into helping with a potluck in a strange world…he'd have more than two red rupees, actually. Two times is weird. More than two is predictable.

Anyway, he's here, and he's got a nice little fire going with a cookpot. He seems well within his element; even seems like he's enjoying himself. His expression doesn't change, of course, but occasionally you'll catch him humming a short little tune, and there's a lightness to the way he holds himself that speaks to how comfortable he is in this capacity. For those looking for food, he's got a ladle and a meal ready, but with supplies being what they are:] Got a plate?

[For those bringing raw ingredients, he'll look them over curiously for a moment before offering an assuring nod.] I can make something with that.

[Those who seem curious about the process might be dragged into chopping, if they seem so inclined. Otherwise, he's content to cook alone.]

iii—adoportsag

[So. Snail people. Giant snails. That's interesting. As is the case in many of these prompts, Link is unbothered. And speaking of unbothered…

Well, here's the thing. Link isn't necessarily trying to bond with anyone over these fruits, but he is a menace who will eat just about anything if given the chance. So tell him there's a cool fruit and he's already taking a bite out of it. The result: Link is now exploring the area with a half-eaten fruit in hand, while the flowers chanting at him.

"Oh! It's you! The master of underpants excellence. The one who showed us all how to achieve more, wearing less."

Yeah. This game really is like that. Link is still unbothered, though; as they ("they") say, I am he.

Later, Link proves to be less unbothered when he begins to get stuck to people who are also working with the slimy substances they need. He'll face his partner-in-misfortune with an apologetic look.]

Sorry.

iv—invasion [live bait]

[Link has seen enough of this strange place to acknowledge that they do not lack for fighters. What they do seem to require is people who will willingly look death in the face and say "I fucking dare you."

He won't actually say that. But he will climb right into one of those cages.

It'll take quite a beating, but in the end, if the cage fails, Link will raise his weird arm and pass right through the top of the cage, safely out of danger. If questioned, he'll lift his eyebrows slightly, as if you're the weird one for suggesting this isn't normal. What, your arm doesn't do that??]

wildcard
[i'm open to basically every prompt, so throw something at me if none of these suit you!]

Edited 2025-06-15 01:52 (UTC)

[ They simply have to stop meeting like this. It's starting to seem as if any time Riju is in trouble, stuck in a jam that she can't puzzle her way out of or at least throw brute force at it, she gets this curious feeling in the back of her head. Maybe it won't solve her trouble but at least she won't have to go at it along.

The feeling comes to her maybe a few days after they make landfall and she's trying to keep busy, trying hold onto some semblance of control of the situation. She throws herself into the potluck efforts, one that means she's taking care of people, something she understands even if her particularly isn't quite suited to it in this form.

Still there's no skill needed in running errands, organizing the inventory and delivering to where it needs to go. The feeling comes precisely when she's making one such delivery to one of the cooks. It grows with every step until she's all but certain the man facing away from her, hunched over a fire, is the first person she's recognized in this strange land.

So what else can she say to get his attention except... ]

We really have to stop meeting like this.

[It takes shockingly little to draw his attention.

In part, perhaps Link is simply used to having it drawn in multiple ways anyway; does that make him a master of multitasking or just unable to keep his focus on one quest at a time? The multiverse may never know. But as preoccupied as he was with the fact that he has yet to see anyone he knows, from Hyrule or Songerein, any concern he felt melts beneath the reality of her presence.

For a second, when he turns, his expression is unmoving and unreadable. A small smile, barely more than the upturn of his mouth, follows shortly thereafter.]

I'll try harder.

[One often at the other's back. But it's relief lurking beneath the surface of his demeanor; Riju is someone he trusts with every fiber of his being. Then, because this is just how he is:]

Fish? [While holding up one on a skewer. Consider it an apology for meeting like this.]

[ Since arriving, Riju is holding onto more than she realized. The last time she saw Link, he had left her and the other sages to descend into the deepest bowels of Hyrule Castle. It must have started in that moment, hope winding up on a string of uncertainty at a future they couldn't afford to lose.

Never in her wildest dream would she have expected the future to throw her for such a loop, alone and a stranger in a foreign land. A lifetime of serving her people has taught her how to put on a strong face, to grin and bear it, and assure even herself that everything would work out.

But at the sight of that smile however small, the tension finally snaps. Her face barely betrays her. Though Link is one of the few people in her life who could probably catch it. A tidal wave of emotions that crash on his final words and she can't help but laugh, reaching to accept the skewer. ]

Thank you.

[ There's so much she wants to say, so much to ask about where they left off in Hyrule. This means they succeeded, didn't they? She's suspected it but doesn't dare trust this to instinct. But she's come to accept that the path home will take more time than she likes, time enough to appreciate fortune where it finds them. ]

You know I never thought I'd grow sick of fish.

(no subject)

skyglider - 2025-06-16 03:35 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

crack_shots - 2025-06-17 16:12 (UTC) - Expand

[ With how big the ship is, Link may not see who exactly and suddenly threw a dangling rope off to the side... but hey, his world has bird people, so it might not be too big of a shock when he gets up there. (Aside from how short she is compared to the Rito.) ]

Grab on! I'll help pull you up! You hurt or anything?

[Not being one to question a suddenly appearing rope, Link is just grateful that it's there at all. Grabbing the rope, he starts to pull himself up, along with whatever help he might get from whomever is pulling it up at the deck of the ship. Luckily he's a pretty small guy, so it's not the heaviest lift ever!

His stamina is stretched to capacity when he finally tumbles head-over-feet onto solid...wood, and he just sort of lies there for a moment, dripping all over the deck.]

Not hurt. [He blinks, finally realizing-- ah. A Rito? ...no. Just a duck. Okay.] Thanks for your help.

Glad to see you're okay! Now let's get you dried up, kiddo.

[ Almost everyone is a 'kiddo' to her. She had a towel underneath her arm, and now uses it to ruffle Link's hair. ]

Sorry to say, but that drop-off is pretty much the official welcome to this world.

(no subject)

skyglider - 2025-06-16 14:07 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

sos_pilot - 2025-06-17 09:36 (UTC) - Expand

[With Elah in dire straits, it's all hands on deck, so to speak. Darin had been focusing most of his efforts in the last month or so on the island since it's leviathan up and took off. Despite his status as a (self-denounced) Corsair, as a member of Hand and Hearth his responsibility was to everyone.]

[And for the first time in his life, Darin genuinely felt like he understood what his father meant. That people should always come first. And that those with the power to affect change had a responsibility to use it for the people who needed it.]

[Hauling supplies was often limited by cart space and available hands, but when you've got strength like Darin's, several trips can be completed in one. He's hauling several dozen packs and satchels, all of which are slung around his body like sandbags. He has two enormous crates, one resting on each shoulder, effectively blocking his periphery, and he bears all of this weight like it's truly nothing at all. At 6'3" Darin was clearly built for this work.]

[He sets the supplies down and looks around to see if anyone needs help when his eyes settle on the back of a seemingly familiar head. Darin tilts his head. That guy...seemed familiar. Wait...pointed ears, sandy brown hair...]

[But the arm was...wrong? Something seemed off.]

[Darin looks around. He needed a better look at this guy. So, he pulls one of the tarps off of one of the crates he was carrying and throws it around his head and shoulders like a shawl before making his way over to the man at the cooking pot. He takes a seat.]

[...Wait, why the hell was he wearing a disguise, Link doesn't know who the hell he is. He takes one look at the tarp and tosses it away before leaning forward to scrutinize the man.]

[...Oh.]

[Oh no. It's really...]

Oh holy crap.

Edited 2025-06-15 22:26 (UTC)

[Large, loud, and blue-haired. Darin stands out in a way that Link cannot ignore, no matter how he tries to, because the man seems to be fixating on his face in a way that's...somewhat unsettling, if he's honest. Link makes a concerted effort to remain unfazed; there are plenty of things about him that one might feel compelled to stare at, after all. The ears were kind of a thing, in Reverein. The arm calls attention -- the nails are quite fancy, after all.

...

The point, here, is that Link is used to being given funny looks, and he's trying his utmost best to pretend he absolutely doesn't notice. Even when the large man takes a seat by the cookpot.

... Why is he wearing a tarp? ...

Doesn't matter; the tarp is gone in a matter of moments, and so is any reasonable doubt that this man might have been not specifically staring at him. Link watches him curiously, eyebrows lifted, mid-vegetable-chop.

A beat.

He holds one out.]

Carrot?

[Okay. Okay so that's his voice. That's what he sounds like. If this is, in fact, Link what did Darin expect him to sound like? Does it match?]

[...Gods he has no idea.]

[Panic starts to well up in his heart but he forces the feeling back down. No, this doesn't confirm anything yet. At all. Maybe this isn't Link. Maybe this isn't the Hero of Hyrule, the legendary wielder of the Master Sword whose very existence is basically the greatest thing Zelda has ever known. Maybe this is just some weirdo with a weird arm and he just offers people carrots.]

[Maybe carrots are his thing.]

[Darin's gaze falls to the carrot, then moves back up to Link. Without breaking eye contact, he takes the carrot.]

[Then he just...bites into it. With a slow and loud cronch.]

[He chews.]

[Swallows.]

... ... ...

[Cronch]

[SAY SOMETHING, IDIOT.]

You've got a weird arm.

[Great.]

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skyglider - 2025-06-16 13:41 (UTC) - Expand

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skyglider - 2025-06-18 17:42 (UTC) - Expand

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forgeabettertomorrow - 2025-06-18 18:44 (UTC) - Expand

[The Desert Wind may not pique Link's attention, in itself. He may have heard some rumors of its Captain, a fearsome hulk of a man- or its exploits, which very much are responsible for some of the bad reputation the Corsairs have earned. Pirates in the worst sense of the word, they show no fear and even less mercy.

Besides, why should he fear? The Captain has his very one Sea Serpent of his own to keep watch over his ship as he moves through the graveyard, relying on his own dark magics to keep himself from being an inviting meal to the ones that reside here.

He pauses at the top of one of the broken masts, assessing the situation without a glance back towards his crew. Either Megamaki will fend off any threats in his absence, or the crew itself will ready the weapons - they have learned that the only thing he cares for is power, and if they show weakness in loss, then they are less than nothing to him.

But here...

He is certainly not above robbing the dead, leaping down from his perch onto the deck of a ship with something on another having caught his attention. At least, worthy of a second, closer look.]

[Many years ago, Link had scruples. He might have frowned upon the act of taking an object from the dead; he might have even stopped someone from doing so. But that was before he lost everything-- and then regained it all-- only to lose it again--

In some ways, he's as much a relic of the past as any of these lost souls.

Desperation changes a person. He's picking through what he can of a half-rotted ship, too, looking for a weapon that may prove a solid ally, at least for a time. There's been a permanent knot in his chest since the loss of the Master Sword, something lonely and restless and even somewhat frightened. He's fought battles unclothed, but he's never felt quite so naked as he does with the sword's absence a constant shadow in the back of his mind.

And, speaking of shadows-- The large man on a nearby ship begins as one, a movement in the periphery of Link's vision, and in response he himself slinks into as much of a dark corner as he can find. From a distance, there's something familiar about the man, the size of him, the shocking red of his hair. Link begins to move closer, using the deck of the ship for cover.]

[It doesn't take long for Ganondorf to take another leap, and- another heavy whud, and what Link sees is unmistakable. Despite the fact the man now wears mass, fat and muscle as opposed to a mummified lich-thing, that red hair? The sheer aura of malice about him as he straightens up and looks around, as if expecting - though not at all fearing - some sort of ghost to make an attempt on him?

His thumb twitches on the hilt of his katana, though it does not loosen it from its sheathe. Instead he frowns, just slightly, all but knowing that something is here - and annoyed that it will not simply come out and face him.

...

Better for it, then, to cower in the shadows. He half-turns, starting for the flooded belowdecks.]

[Kaveh has an armful of fruit. Just behind him, an adorable floating suitcase is carrying like three bigass basketfuls more. Some of them are strangely shaped but sweet smelling, and some are orange and spikey...

Yeah this man brought Zaytun peaches and harra fruits to a cookout. Look he had too many to get through on his own, they'd go bad. So here's a tall-ass ~~fruit~~ man carrying an absolute embarrassment of fruit.]

Oh--but they're not from this world, is that alright?

[...

It's a...floating suitcase.

Link sets his eyes on that first, eyebrows lifted rather mildly, actually, but he is quite interested. (In the suitcase, or in the fruits? Good question!!) In any case --get it? case?-- they're fruits that Link has never seen before, and he is intensely curious. In spite of how intense, his first response is a subtle nod.]

Yes. Are they...from yours?

[Unable to wait, he grabs one of the spiky fruits and examines it with interest. Foods from a different world that he can cook? It's like ~~Christmas~~ Goddess Day came early.]

Oh! Be careful, those are spicy--!

[LINK NO IT'S SUMMER YOU DON'T NEED COLD RESISTANCE.]

[ When she heard that volunteers were needed feed the giant snails, Zelda immediately dropped what she was doing and made a beeline for the Paladin soliciting aid. Giant snails!! She saw them from a distance when she first arrived on Adoportsag to help with repairing the islands left behind by Elah, but she sternly forbid herself from running off to get a closer look. There's important work to be done!

But if that important work just so happens to involve with the slimy giant snails... well, Zelda wouldn't be a very good Captain if she didn't volunteer to do some of the dirty work herself. Lead by example, after all!

(Never mind that she's bouncing excitedly on the balls of her feet as she listens to instructions about how to feed the snails and not get stuck to them in the process.)

Decked out in a pair of knee-high borrowed galoshes, Zelda tromps through the soggy paddock where the giant snails are currently awaiting their lunch. (Whether the ground is soggy because of the frequent rains or the snail slime is anyone's guess.) Each snail is about the size of a tractor, slowly craning their heads towards Zelda as she approaches them carrying a bushel-basket filled to the brim with leafy greens. She's all smiles and laughter as she feeds them, taking a number of pictures with the Purah Pad as well.

When her basket is empty (which happens a lot faster than Zelda would expect of such notoriously slow creatures), she hurries back to the paddock fence for a refill. ]

Excuse me! Hello!

[ She climbs up on the lowest rung of the fence and waves to get the attention of a figure on the other side, as they stand near the rest of the snail food, more bushel baskets full of greens and algae and apples the size of soccer balls. ]

My basket is empty! Could you bring me another one, please? --Oh, could I have the one with the big apples?! I want to see how they would eat an apple!

[They're like horses, almost. Well, in a way. Somewhat. A bit.

...

Okay, maybe not. But they're large and docile and somehow, Link feels nostalgic for that kind of peace. Something about livestock and farmland and a muddy paddock calls to him somewhere in his heart; perhaps Hateno sits within him still, the sleepy farming village that survived and thrived. Perhaps it's something deeper still, a part of his soul steeped in twilight.

He doesn't mind the work, to be honest. He's never been afraid of getting dirty, and it's a kind of work that allows him some quiet.

Or-- it was quiet. Before he heard--

...

Link jerks to a halt mid-movement, stopping short of the basket with breath hanging in his lungs. Because-- he knows that voice. He knows that voice, and yet, no, it can't...

His mind goes numb, his ears full of bees as he drops everything in his hands, absolutely everything. It may seem at first as if he's fully ignoring her request, because he simply walks away without even turning to confirm his suspicion. If he's wrong, and he simply looks a fool, he'll deal with that. So, for now, he tromps right out of the area and into the paddock to stare directly at--]

Zelda.

[His voice is quiet, marked by shock. Disbelief. Relief.]

Edited (welcome back to 10,000 edits land) 2025-06-17 00:25 (UTC)

[ For a moment, Zelda stares in open confusion as the person near the snail food just... pretends not to hear her?? That's kind of rude??

--Oh, and now they're going to walk away?! ]

H-Hey! Wait a moment!

[ Zelda puts a foot on the next rung of the fence with the intent to climb over it--... but her gaze follows the figure as, instead of outright leaving, they head straight into the snail paddock and she gets a proper look at their face-- ]

Link...

[ Her eyes go wide and his name slips from her lips in whisper before she can catch it.

No, it can't be. Can't be! Link is in Hyrule. And this isn't Hyrule. This is another world entirely, full of oceans and rifts and strange people from worlds she's never even imagined before. Link isn't in this world. Link is in Hyrule.

But-- But Link is in front of her. She'd know that face-- that voice-- anywhere! Beyond any time or place, sea or sky, even in another lifetime entirely-- Zelda would recognize Link, no matter what.

And this is Link. Here. In a giant snail paddock. Not in Hyrule. Not across the gulf of time. Here.

Zelda can't remember how to breathe.

She opens her mouth again, to say-- something, she has no idea what-- when suddenly, her grip on the fence slips and she goes tumbling to the ground, landing squarely on her rear in the sodden, sticky, mucky grass of the snail paddock. ]

O-Owww...

[In recent months since his memory came back to him, Beat met others he had known in the past, yet had little to no recollection of him. While he was lucky that the person that mattered most to him remembered their time together, it was hard not to get discouraged when he was met with confused look after confused look more times than he was willing to keep track of.

Yet, ever-willing to shoulder the burden, Beat somehow manages to push past it, despite the somewhat pained smile he plasters on his face.

Seeing Link out of nowhere brings forth that same type of pain, a pit growing in his stomach when he encounters one of his closest friends from Songerein, expecting the now familiar scenario to play out somehow. Even finding themselves volunteering like this hits him like a wave of nostalgia, as he attempts to keep his head above water despite the feelings that threaten to overcome him.

But, for the meantime, he pushes his emotions aside, keeping the mission in the forefront of his mind as he makes his way into the cage with Link. Glancing over his shoulder, he smirks, a little forced despite the cockiness in his tone.]

Ain't got nothin' to worry 'bout, yo. Beat's got ya.

[Even if Link might not remember him, he would always have his friend's back. He'll deal with the explanations later, when they have more time to themselves.]

[This is a new world with all manner of strange new people. Until now, Link has not encountered anyone he knew from his time in Songerein; indeed, if there really is a multiverse out there full of different worlds and places and people, the odds of finding someone familiar seem small to nonexistent. He's fine with that; his memories of those friends will sit warmly alongside those of the Champions. Gone, but never again forgotten.

And then, as Beat is wont to do, he smashes through that assumption entirely within a matter of moments.

Link has the same thought, of course; how unlikely it is that the other boy has the same memories of the same strange dream. He himself had assumed it wasn't real, and only now has he begun to really parse those times as anything but.

It would be easy, beneficial, to put those thoughts and feelings aside. Doing so for the sake of duty is part of Link's defining self.

And yet.]

Beat.

[One could interpret this as a sort of introduction. An assumption that now Link knows the name of a stranger. Given another moment, perhaps he'd follow with an introduction of his own, a nice to meet you or something similar. But there's something of a spark in his voice, a faint hint of recognition in the widening of his eyes.]

( this is a lot for furina to take in, confused of her whereabouts, and unsure what they mean by they'll be sailing into sharkfolk territory soon. what does that mean, what is she supposed to do with that information? this is where furina has to sit down, elbows pressed against her thighs, and her heels scraping along the floorboard as she tries to process what's going on.

it's when she hears a loud splash nearby, water smacking onto her that furina is quick to get to her feet and look over the boat to see that someone's in the water... struggling. taking a deep breath, furina reaches out to try and help fish him out of the water, but pulling out a completely naked man sans for his underwear catches her off guard with a gasp, releasing his hand so that he falls back into the water. )

Where are your clothes!?

( she appeared here with hers, but him? where did they go! now she has to cover her eyes like this is not happening right now. what would people think if she pulled a random, naked guy out from the water! they would talk! then again, this isn't fontaine, and there's nothing to talk about... but still!! )

[A lot is going on here, and the relief Link feels at being pulled out of the water is remarkably short-lived as Furina lets go and he plunges with a sploosh! back into the sea. Okay. So that happened. Link flails a bit more before he's finally able to claw his way onto the side of the boat, pulling himself up with a little sigh.

Where are his clothes?

He looks down. Where are his clothes? Listen, when the starter says poorly clothed and rags, rule of funny kicks into play. So his expression is mild throughout as he examines himself, picks a few remaining rags off of his weird arm, and offers a spectacularly unbothered shrug.]

Good question.

[I'm sorry to say that he doesn't seem even a little bit embarrassed. He's not even in a hurry to find replacement clothes.]

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performs - 2025-06-18 19:35 (UTC) - Expand

[Usually, Espio is pretty good about managing his own personal space, but the excess of slime honestly makes it harder to navigate. Sure it's the same for this man as well, considering they're now stuck together.

Espio's colors flush to a fuchsia, but he keeps a passive expression. While Link is usually unbothered by most things, Espio puts on the mask of it.]

It's quite all right. Our circumstances are a bit... tricky.

["Oh... dear...." one of the snails drawl slowly. "Let me... work on... a solv...ent... in a... jiffy... for you." The snailman makes to dash, which means it's slowgoing.

They have a solution, but clearly it's gonna be awhile.]

...My name is Espio. [Might as well get introductions out of the way!]

[This is not Garrus at his best - he's tired, covered in dust from the work, and just wants to sit down a minute. There's too much to repair and not enough time to repair it in. Which is probably why he just kind of stares stupidly.]

["Got a plate?"]

[His brain does not want to fire on more cylinders than it already is. He just kind of stares at Link. A plate...? What-?]

[It takes an embarrassingly long time for him to realize what he's actually being asked. He grimaces, mandible pulling off his teeth.]

Ah - sorry. Long day. I can find one?

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« june 2025: sticky situation »

GETTING STARTED

ELAH'S ISLAND

ADOPORTSAG

INVASION

QUESTS

link | loz: tears of the kingdom | corsair | tdm

ii.

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i

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ii. HERE WE GO

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wildcard dead men tell no tales

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II - tosses a blonde at him

the fruit leading the fruit.......

he is their king

probably the least tragic wildcard I've ever written for you

sad elf hours: slightly less sad edition

sad elf hours: 50% reduced sad for better heart health

iv-ish

DUMB BOY SQUAD... 🥺

i.

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iii

ii—elah [potluck]