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seaboards ([personal profile] seaboards) wrote in [community profile] escordvi2024-10-18 12:26 pm

« october: ghoul's moon 2024 »



Welcome to the Test Drive Meme for [community profile] 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 October 25th and apply on November 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 the IC dates of October 11 for new arrivals to appear, and October 25th until the end of the month for the event itself. 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 October 29)
TEST SAILORS:
Animorphs - Alloran-Semitur-Corrass | Undecided
Baldur's Gate 3 - Minthara Baenre | Corsair
Battlefield 1 - Clyde Blackburn | Corsair
Dragon Age: Inquisition - Sera | Corsair
Dragon Ball Z - Nappa | Undecided
Dream Daddy - Robert Small | Corsair
Ducktales 2017 - Della Duck | Corsair
Dungeons & Dragons - Kolnatha Shavval | Corsair
Final Fantasy VII - Vincent Valentine | Paladin
Final Fantasy VII - Sephiroth | Paladin
Fire Emblem Three Houses - Claude von Riegan | Corsair
Gundam 00 - Setsuna F. Seiei | Undecided
Inuyasha - Inuyasha | Paladin
Kingdom Hearts - Axel | Corsair
Kingdom Hearts - Xehanort | Paladin
Mass Effect - Commander Shepard | Paladin
Mass Effect - Legion | Paladin
My Hero Academia - Hawks | Paladin
Neo: The World Ends With You - Beat | Corsair
Octopath Traveler - Cyrus Albright | Paladin
Original Character - Naeva dos Martos | Corsair
Original Character - Gan Ainm | Paladin
Overwatch - Zenyatta | Corsair
Persona 5 - Futaba Sakura | Corsair
Sailor Moon - Helios | Paladin
Spy x Family - Loid Forger | Paladin
Spy x Family - Yor | Paladin
Tales of Beseria - Rokurou Rangetsu | Paladin
Trigun - Vash the Stampede | Undecided
Twisted Wonderland - Azul Ashengrotto | Paladin


CURRENT MEMBERS:
Baldur's Gate 3 - Karlach | Corsair
Big Hero 6 - Tadashi Hamada | Paladin
Big Hero 6 - Hiro Hamada | Paladin
Fallen Hero - Sidestep | Corsair
Final Fantasy VII - Reno | Paladin
Final Fantasy VII - Cloud Strife | Paladin
Final Fantasy VII - Nanaki | Paladin
Final Fantasy XIV - G'raha Tia | Corsair
Final Fantasy XVI - Joshua Rosfield | Corsair
Genshin Impact - Arlecchino | Corsair
Genshin Impact - Lyney | Corsair
Kingdom Hearts - Roxas | Paladin
Legend of Zelda: TotK - Zelda | Paladin
Mass Effect - Garrus Vakarian | Paladin
My Hero Academia - Izuku Midoriya | Paladin
My Hero Academia - Katsuki Bakugou | Paladin
My Hero Academia - Rody | Paladin
Nimona - Nimona | Paladin
Octopath Traveler - Alfyn | Paladin
Original Character - Darin Altway | Corsair
Pokemon Violet - Professor Turo | Paladin
Ranma ½ - Ranma Saotome | Corsair
Sherlock Holmes - Sherlock Holmes | Paladin




GETTING STARTED

This section can be timed for any time after October 11th 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.



ELTRUT: FESTIVAL

Each year, during the month when the Ghoul's Moon rises, its reddish glow illuminating the waves like blood on water, the spirits of the dead gather at the edge of the tide and their spiritual energy reaches its peak. During this monthly period, spirits and ghosts seem to be most active, dancing and playing in the dark and searching for the last ship they will ride in their journey over the ocean to reach their final resting place. Spirits are powerful and energetic enough that are able to appear in their living corporeal forms and appear as living, breathing people. Or they are able to walk the earth as they once saw themselves. Even if some of their memories of those lost years might be hazy.

The Leviathans and surrounding islands are bright with festive colours and lights so that these spirits may find their way in the dark and shadows. Even Eltrut gets into the festive spirit, "shaking off" its shell to reveal a pumpkin form with a natural glow like a lantern. Celebrations are ripe with music, dancing and good old merriment to see them through.

This year’s Ghoul’s Moon celebrations includes a Farmer’s Market that is situated at the main pier. Locals, farmers, and merchants from near and far away have gathered to the market to sell their handmade goods for autumn, selling anything from fresh grown fruits and vegetables, to pickled jars of eggs, beans and beets. To dried moose jerky and cuts of fresh steaks and cured sausages and tasty cheeses. Don’t forget the homemade soaps, knitted hats and mittens, ribbons, jewels, weapons, fashion accessories and more! Riftfarers are also encouraged to take up their own booths and to sell their own goods and services to the festival goers as well!



🥤 Spooky boba challenge. One of the many market booths is holding a challenge to go along with their seasonal boba drinks (like pumpkin spice!). Several boba drinks are sold with floating pumpkin jellies, candy worms, bat-shaped tapioca pearls and ghost-shaped candies. The add-ons themselves are various random unknown flavours that might take the drinker by surprise. Some might taste like sour lemons, while another might taste like spicy chili peppers. If anyone can drink the entire boba without making a face, they’ll be rewarded with a coupon for a free boba with a very normal flavour.

🎃 Pumpkin collecting. One of the local pumpkin farmers has brought a boatload of pumpkins to the market for the season. But instead of just picking out what pumpkin to buy, the pumpkins have been scattered in a random pattern across a dark grassy patch. With only a few dim lanterns to help, try and collect as many pumpkins in the dark as needed. Just be careful not to trip on the various magical pumpkin vines in the patch that might try to trip others on purpose.

🍬 Candy treat exchange. There are various vendors selling all sorts of seasonal homemade candies and sweets. A little game has appeared between the vendors that if a candy or sweet is bought from one vendor that it should be traded with another person who bought from a different vendor. Buy some candy corns, milk chocolates or fruit lollipops and exchange them with friends to collect the whole set of candies available. And eat them all, too!

🐈‍ Black kitten spirits. The market is a bustling little zone that isn’t free from pesky Ghoul’s Moon spirits. A gaggle of mischievous black kitten spirits are haunting various booths and vendors, stealing items and scratching at things that aren’t theirs. They seem to be so small they fit in one hand, so they are hard to spot! The market vendors are asking others to keep a look-out for them. And to catch them with little wicker baskets, if possible!

🍏 Bunnyfish bobbing. One of the booths selling fresh apples is offering a little “apple" bobbing challenge with a twist! While blindfolded and handcuffed (it was a corsair’s idea), use only your mouth to catch a Bunnyfish bobbing in a bucket of freezing ice water. If a flopping Bunnyfish can be picked up, the vendor will offer an apple smothered in candy caramel and peanuts as a reward! Sweet-sour apples can be purchased by the basket as well.

🧴 Potions & lotions. A beauty guru has a special market booth where she is offering various potions and lotions for a price. These products are boasted to be mood enhancers. Including potions or topical lotions that will increase happiness, confidence or love. While other offer to enhance moods such as anger, sadness or hate. Because there might be someone out there who needs a potion like that. The effects of these products last for about twelve hours. For a little extra excitement, she can give you a potion or lotion at random. They’re also very hydrating!

While there are traditional festival game booths and food stalls scattered all through the main roads of Eltrut, there are special activities set up just outside of town available. A haunted corn maze out in the fields where the volunteers try to scare participants and the corn seems to shift and move to change the layout, but those who make it through will enjoy some corn ribs. Bubble races where participants go on a wild, tumbling ride down a giant hill while inside a giant bubble shaped either as pumpkins or skulls and referred to as "pubble" and "skubble" respectively. Try not to get popped early! Haunted hayrides for a thrilling adventure through the woods that end at an old haunted manor that will leave everyone screaming. And for a bit of a thirst quencher, try some Pumpkin Nog, which comes either with or without spiced rum, this alcoholic treat will warm up anyone with just a few sips.

On the night of the 31st, fireworks will go off to signal the end of the festival. Until then, it's an almost week-long festival for everyone to have fun and celebrate those who have passed.


NAUGHTILUST: MASQUERADE

On the evening of the 30th, the Naughtilust will steadily make its way over towards Eltrut and stop within ferryboat distance of Shellton. The two leviathans will greet each other with friendly accord, the Naughtilust presenting its friend with a large pumpkin shell filled with delicious treats for it to enjoy. All the shops, taverns, inns, brothels, and all entertainment services will be open all night long, and while the main target audience are adults, they do provide some "safe," family friendly entertainment for the younger crowd. Special dancers, musicians, and other entertainers line the streets on the Naughtilust to provide all kinds of delight.

However, the main highlight is the grand masquerade which is held at the Helice Palace, one of the largest and grandest buildings on the leviathan. As its name suggests, it is designed to fit the image of royalty, with large gardens, multiple ballrooms, grand halls, private and public terraces, and enough rooms to house any guest who may wish to spend the night (with a partner). Normally one would have to pay a hefty fee, but for the Ghoul's Moon, the sirens are opening it up for one grand fee of attending the masquerade and dressing one's best.

This year, the theme of the masquerade is Haunted Funeral Wedding. A strange theme that mixes the formality and dress of weddings, but with a side of macabre as it is implied it is a wedding after death. Those who participate will be required to wear formal wear that can be from modern to regency ballroom, but one' s entire appearance must have an "undead" look: ghostly, ghastly, bloody, zombie, mummy, etc. It can be as tasteful or as gruesome and hideous as they want. Wedding styled gowns are also allowed. Many boutiques will offer costumes either to rent or buy for those who need them. The masquerade itself is open to all, young and old, however what happens beyond the ballroom may require some adult supervision.

It's still the Naughtilust, after all.



🎭 Masked dance partners. While some may already have a dedicated partner, there is a special enchantment that will be cast on all masks that will mask one's identity. There will even be a portion where everyone will be matched up at random with a dance partner. With only dance skills and voice alone, dance the night away or enjoy a song or two with a stranger. Perhaps it will be a chance to find a new friend or a new romantic interest.

🍹 Drunk pirate. There is a truth and lies drinking game offered to drinking adults. For everyone participating, they must share one random unique fact about themselves and the others must decide if the fact is the truth or a lie. If the guesser is wrong, they have to take a shot of straight coconut vodka. Start getting to know each other and start getting drunk like good pirates do!

🥇 Costume contest. Whether they volunteer or not, couples will find themselves suddenly tagged for the costume contest and shuffled into a special staging area where they will need to act out their costume and perform a themed dance. All participants will also receive a temporary enchantment to make their costumes more "realistic" to improve their performance.

🪶 Dancing in the air. Dancers will be "blessed"—or perhaps cursed?—to experience the ghostly wonder of flying while dancing, either within the main ballroom or even just outside on the terraces and gardens. While those in the ballroom can go as high as the ceiling, those outside will only venture up a few feet, so no one will find themselves flying off to sea. Some may find themselves a little transparent at times, but the warmth shared with their partners is still very real.

💐 Boo-quets. Create hauntingly beautiful bouquets that can be used either for the weddings or funerals that are taking place around the masquerade. Or perhaps make one as a gift for a loved one. Just make sure the flowers picked are the less "screeching" kind…or won't whisper dark, embarrassing secrets.

Outside the Helice Palace are special gardens that one can take a romantic stroll around and host hauntingly beautiful weddings under the blood moon. They boast a number of different flora, small hedge mazes, gazebos, and fine statues for those to enjoy. There are also many shaded corners and little hideaways that couples can hide in should they wish to enjoy something else. This year, the flowers in particular fit the theme, with bloody red and black roses and some should be wary as the flowers may be even scream out or whisper eerie tidings. A number of tombstones also fill the area. Perfect for creating a haunting ambience to cling onto each other.



👰 Wedding jitters. While some may have fun with the "undead wedding" concept and pretend to get hitched, there are some spirits who are taking this opportunity to make the vows they were unable to while living. However, even ghosts can feel nervous and some are having cold feet, hiding in dark corners while their awaiting partners are left searching for them. Help the couple before their negative feelings turn them into more hateful spirits throwing ghost hands.

😍 Possessed lovers. Some ghosts desperate to find their "eternal love" will latch onto living "grooms" or "brides," regardless if they are already spoken for not. While some will retreat if confronted, others may prove more stubborn, perhaps even try to force their "betrothed" to the altar. Then there are the rare few that must be dealt with—ghosts that will take to possessing the lover or who they think is the lover of someone. In this scenario, their acting may be good or bad, and some may just want to help spur on relations while others have more nefarious plans to steal the other's soul. One big tell for who is possessed is the eyes of the victim will have red hearts in their eyes. To save the victim, try one of the following methods: 1) throw "purified wine" at the victim; 2) throw "purified rice" at the victim; 3) ring the special bells found on tables right in their ear three times; 4) try and help fulfill their desire (suitable for non-dangerous spirits); 5) kiss them; 6) punch them.

🕯️ Weeping candles. As part of the theme, special candles can be lit either in the halls outside the ballroom or out in the gardens in remembrance of those who passed. When lit, the melting wax looks like tears, and the crackling flame sounds like quiet sobs—and the fumes may make those nearby cry as well. These candles are especially useful in helping lingering ghosts pass on.

⚰️ Floating coffins. There are special coffins set outside in various locations outside the palace. Large enough for two to sleep fit in comfortably, they are "open casket" though a lid can be pulled over for those who want some extra privacy. These coffins can also float through the gardens, allowing for a special private view while being closer to the red moon.

Whether one is deciding to pledge their eternal vows or not, some party crashers in the name of Captain Salt's Lonely Hearts Crew will appear, and they are different from the same crew that appeared in Latrommi— all of the ghoulish, ghastly kind. Only those of the undead will rush in, but because of the setting, not many will actually believe they will do harm and in fact some of the lonelier guests and ghosts may take them as a partner. But for the more determined, there will once again be some bride and/or groom abductions, be they dead or alive. Best to thwart their efforts or some weddings will turn into funerals.


GHOST PROBLEMS

All threads for these prompts are worth 4pts.

On the edge of the watery world of Escordvi, where the horizon blurs between sea and sky, tales of the Farplane echo through the salty winds. This underworld, a shadowy mirror of the living seas, is where the souls of the departed find their final resting place, guided by the spectral hand of Envoy Jades and his ship, The Asmodeous. The Farplane, this is where the spirits and ghosts can spend the rest of their eternity in the bliss they choose.

Envoy Jades, with his tattered coat and a gaze that pierces through the veil of life and death, has sailed the seas for as long as anyone can remember. He sings old sea shanties and sleeping lullabies as he makes his rounds collecting souls. And while his appearance is ghoulish and grave, it is said that his presence is kind and encouraging, often coaxing ghosts to enjoy their last days in celebration in the realm of the living before taking his ship to embark on their final journey. The ship, said to be forged from the remnants of sunken galleons and woven with the souls of the lost and found, sails the seas like a looming ghostly shadow all month long. It is said that those who witness the ship's passage may catch a glimpse of their own fate, as their reflections ripple through the water.

However there is a bit of a problem. Those out and about need to be careful as there are many restless and vengeful spirits about. Many are harmless and are out to play pranks, however there are some who may have grudges and can be dangerous, even possessing people. The following methods are known to work to help those who are possessed: 1) help fulfill their desire; 2) beat them down; 3) find some "blessed" water or relic to expel the ghost (many will be sold around the festival but whether they are real or fake is a hit or miss); 4) dunk the person in the ocean. Once released, help capture the ghost and bring it to the shore where Envoy Jades can collect the wayward soul.



👻💀 Ghostly possessions. Be careful not to be possessed by ghosts that are obsessed with love who will make the person possessed do anything and everything to find love, even if it means hurting someone. Or ghosts with a very opposite personality compared to the possessed, which will make them act how they normally wouldn’t act. Or even ghosts that used to be dangerous or murderous that will possess others and make them want to murder someone too. Ghost possession can be any and all sorts, from dangerous to playful.

🧜 Mermaid ghosts. Ghosts of mermaids that perished in a terribly violent way are around and swimming about various docks and boats looking for unsuspecting victims to attack. These mermaids look half-eaten and angry and will attack anyone on sight and try and take a bite out of them in return. Be careful when docking and escape while you still have all your limbs. Trying to fight a ghost-mermaid-zombie off could be tricky.

👻 A dead man. A familiar looking ghost of a man once alive is wandering about demanding that his seamstress be returned to him. He keeps blathering on and on about how he owns his woman and that no one can take her away from him and that she is his to control. With a closer look, this ghost’s neck is ripped open so he has a hard time speaking clearly and his angry ugly shouts come out as wheezes and growls. Most believe this delusional ghost doesn’t deserve to be around, so find a way to destroy or send it away.

🌹 Emberbloom victims. Many of the lost ghosts wandering about are ghosts that carry beautiful red and orange flowers that look like the bright sunset. These ghosts are the departed spirits of murdered people that were buried on the Leviathan, Elah. These ghosts seem happy enough to be wandering about once again but they also seem sad that they never found their true love to give their flower to. Help these ghosts find their true love (Maybe it’s you? Maybe it’s someone else?) and help them give their ghostly sunset flower to another.

🐄 Bull ghost. A massive skeletal bull ghost is also out and about wandering the lands. It doesn’t seem particularly aggressive or violent, even if it looks like it could stomp on someone and kill them instantly. Actually, it seems quite nice and likes to listen to love songs. Try avoiding a fight and sing him something pretty instead.

🎃 Pumpkaboos. Little pumpkin-like ghost spirits are dancing and playing all over the Leviathans and the surrounding islands. These little spooks are playful and sweet and enjoy lighting the way for people walking around in the dark and are said to be spirit guides that lead ghosts to Envoy Jades’s ship. But while sweet, be careful, as these little spirits are able to hypnotize others and can control them to do their little pranks and harmless bidding. But they mostly want to play.

Every now and then, The Asmodeus will appear on the shores of Eltrut and other places that are having issues with ghosts. Although the ship may appear dark and dangerous, it will only appear to only collect the roaming spirits nearby before departing. It will remain active until dawn, and once the ship has been loaded with the spirits ready to depart, it fades away on the ocean’s horizon.

However, The Asmodeus should be mistaken for the ghostly ship that attacked Eltrut’s shores last year. In fact, while also collecting the wayward spirits, when it's off in distant waters, its speed picks up and seems to be searching…perhaps for this very ship that has not been seen since last Ghoul's Moon.


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.



Killer Sharkgulls
Eltrut port and ships

Seagulls can be a pain to most ships. Yet, seagulls that have evolved to be violently carnivorous can be even worse. These birds, effectively named sharkgulls, have been seen attacking ships and ports alike. They are big enough to eat small children in one gulp, or will do their best to eat full-grown humans after they've ripped them to bite-sized shreds! Beware and kill them before they can kill you!


Message in a Bottle
Everywhere

It’s a popular tradition to write a handwritten message and put it in a bottle and to send it out to sea. Sometimes messages come back with written responses. Sometimes they don’t! But writing a message can be a very therapeutic or fun thing to do. It might net the writer a few new pen pals or some well needed anonymous advice. Pen a letter, place it in a glass bottle and release it into the ocean's waves to see what happens. And be sure to respond to any bottles you find, too!


Plundering Pumpkins
Everywhere

There’s been a rumour going around that wearing a mask crafted from a carved pumpkin is an effective countermeasure to scare away ghosts. Demand for pumpkins has thus spiked all month, and farmers are struggling to keep up with demand. Some people are willing to pay a very high price for people to, ahem, acquire pumpkins from the local farms for them, while farmers will pay with coin and free produce to any who will help guard their crops for harvest.




indispensable: (interlocutor.)

masked dance partners

[personal profile] indispensable 2024-10-20 04:59 pm (UTC)(link)
[Alhaitham, by definition, is rarely one for parties. Sure, he's made a few exceptions, such as celebrating having saved the Dendro Archon or more recently, his own marriage, but beyond such extraordinary reasons and circumstances Alhaitham doesn't really go out of his way to attend gatherings in general, much less parties with countless strangers who he doesn't know.

But Kaveh, who has always loved such festivals and celebrations, would not take no for an answer, which is why Alhaitham is here now... except for the fact that he is alone because he'd ended up losing Kaveh anyway despite doing his very best to not let that happen. Part of him is aware it might be due to the enchantment that'd been placed on the masks, but still...

Either way, none of those things are going to stop him from finding his husband, which is why he's also made his way up to the balcony. He walks with purpose, the tails of his coat flapping behind him like a pair of wings as he goes right to the edge and peers over the railing, attempting to spot where Kaveh might have gone to. The eyeholes of his mask (an ornate silver, with deep teal feathers as decoration) at least don't get in the way, though it definitely would be better if he could remove it entirely.]
thearchangel: (Did I leave the gas on?)

[personal profile] thearchangel 2024-10-21 05:12 am (UTC)(link)
[He noticed the guy taking a position nearby. It's a habit. A habit he never got out of, keeping an eye on your surroundings. Especially in crowded parties. Prime opportunity to get to someone. Not... that he expects this random stranger is out to stab him or something. Old habits.]

[Garrus is quiet for a while, for his part. Waiting to see what the guy's going to do. When the answer is "not much", he relaxes a bit. Better make with the chat. Make nice. At least try.]


Looking for something?
indispensable: (admonishment.)

[personal profile] indispensable 2024-10-21 08:07 am (UTC)(link)
[On Alhaitham's end a tall, hooded figure usually doesn't mean well, but with how long he's been here now its something he's kind of gotten used to. Turns out when you're not in Sumeru tall people are far more common than one expects.

But given the hood and everything Alhaitham didn't think the other would be one for conversation, which is part of the reason why he picked this balcony to people watch in the first place. So needless to say he is a little surprised when the other does address him, but he isn't surly enough to give the stranger the cold shoulder.]


My husband. [He answers the question with little fanfare, eyes still sweeping through the crowd below in a bid to try and pick Kaveh out.]
thearchangel: (Waldo you crafty bastard)

[personal profile] thearchangel 2024-10-22 06:21 am (UTC)(link)
[Garrus looks at the man. Then down at the milling, swirling crowd. He's quiet for a good few moments longer, before he adds:]

You're going to be here a while.

[Not that he has any idea what said husband looks like. He's just judging from the amount of people, the amount of obscuring costumes below. If he were trying to pick out one person, it'd be a hell of a time. And he's got a good eye for this kind of thing.]

Need a hand?
indispensable: (delineate.)

[personal profile] indispensable 2024-10-22 09:25 am (UTC)(link)
[There's a grunt in acknowledgement of that first bit. Yeah, Alhaitham has no doubt that trying to find Kaveh here is gonna a bit like searching for a needle in a haystack. But that doesn't mean he's not going to try, especially since this is his husband he's talking about.

He glances down at the crowd below, already starting on the task of finding his husband, but he does glance back over to the stranger at the offer and nods after a moment's consideration.]


Sure. [He says, and as he turns back he starts listing out what to look for.] Shoulder length blonde hair, gold mask with red feathers, has sleeves with a winged pattern on them that's similar to mine. [He holds out an arm to let his own sleeve dangle so that the pattern on them can be seen.

And yeah, you'd think with a description like that it wouldn't be too hard, but somehow it is.]
thearchangel: (Look at your drell.  Now back to me.)

[personal profile] thearchangel 2024-10-23 04:59 am (UTC)(link)
Red feathers may be easier than the hair...

[Given how many people down there have the blonde look. It's a good thing he learned a long time ago what that meant, in terms of human hair color. Blonde was the weirdest one, in his opinion. It's just yellow.]

[He glances over at the proffered sleeve, taking in the detail. Then it's back to scanning the crowd.]


He a dancer? Or more of a talker?

[So he knows where to look. If the guy's out there dancing, then that might be a little more difficult than if he's just talking.]
indispensable: (vexatious.)

[personal profile] indispensable 2024-10-23 08:51 am (UTC)(link)
[...saying that looking for the feathers is easier than picking out a blonde does make sense, given the number of them that litter across the floor below. Blondes may not be uncommon in Teyvat, but they are a bit more uncommon in Sumeru, and while usually its not much of an issue at all its certainly annoying to have it work against him now.]

Talker. [He easily answers the question, a small huff tacked on after that single word response.] He can deny it all he wants, but he's got two left feet when it comes to dancing.

[Certainly not for a lack of trying, however. Though its not as if Alhaitham is much better himself, but it's not himself that he's talking about now.]
thearchangel: (have you heard my liara impression?)

[personal profile] thearchangel 2024-10-24 06:30 am (UTC)(link)
[A talker is a relief, actually. There are fewer pockets of people talking than there are dancing. They stay still, too. Which makes it easier to pick out hair styles. And colors.]

[But then the comment about dancing gets a snort of amusement out of him.]


Yeah, I know the type. They shuffle around like they've got weights attached to all their limbs... should be classified more as flailing.

[He says it affectionately enough. But Shepard's lack of dancing skills is a running joke between the entire crew, past and present.]
indispensable: (mellifluous.)

[personal profile] indispensable 2024-10-24 09:04 am (UTC)(link)
[Well, it sounds like this other person is speaking from experience. Alhaitham lets out a huff of his own, sounding just as bemused.]

Sounds like you've got experience with that. [Just a passing remark as he continues to scan the floor below, still trying to pick out where his husband might have gone to. But admittedly all the lights and colors are giving him a bit of a headache... ugh. Even if he understands the concept of a costume party he isn't going to pretend they're aren't annoying.]
thearchangel: (wtf was that noise)

[personal profile] thearchangel 2024-10-25 05:42 am (UTC)(link)
Yeah. A lot of experience. Couldn't take her anywhere with a dance floor.

[He goes quiet after that, looking at the crowd, carefully. So far, it's just a sea of people.]

Does he make a habit of running off at parties?

[That's just sort of an idle question. Silence filler more than anything else. Because if he's too quiet, too long, he'll start thinking too hard.]
indispensable: (intuition.)

[personal profile] indispensable 2024-10-25 08:39 am (UTC)(link)
[Alhaitham just hums in acknowledgement to the first bit, seeing no real need to add anything else to the conversation; large festivals and celebrations have never really been Alhaitham's thing at the end, for all the ones that Sumeru has held. Kaveh has predictably gone to far more of those things, and its not like Alhaitham can vouch for his dancing abilities there. Not that any of that matters in the end, anyway.

He keeps his gaze focused on trying to find Kaveh too, but with people constantly milling about it is proving to be a much harder task than expected. A part of him also doesn't expect the question when it comes, and while he's usually not much of a small talk person its a simple enough question that he sees no harm in answering.]


Only if he gets distracted by something. [Which... can be a 50/50 chance, really, especially in this place.] Otherwise, its more of the problem coming to him instead.

[Mostly in the form of people who want a chance to talk to the revered Light of Kshahrewar, the architect who created the Palace of Alcazarzaray. Kaveh's name is one that's well-known throughout all of Sumeru, so the people who desire to know him is basically unending.]
thearchangel: (Waldo you crafty bastard)

[personal profile] thearchangel 2024-10-26 06:18 am (UTC)(link)
Which one do you figure it is tonight?

[There's more amusement in the question than there probably should have been before. It's not that funny, but he sure sounds like it is. Maybe it's more that he's having such a mundane conversation, after a lot of wild ones.]

[He lifts his head, peering into the crowd a little more closely. Then pointing with a long, taloned finger.]


How about that one? Is that him?
indispensable: (scrutinize.)

[personal profile] indispensable 2024-10-26 02:33 pm (UTC)(link)
[Alhaitham is the king of mundane conversations... when he feels like it. Thankfully the topic of it being about his husband means that he's willing to keep it going for the most part.]

The former, so long as he stays indoors. [Which... he probably will. At least, so long as Kaveh doesn't get the idea of him stepping out for some fresh air, which is entirely possible. Thus in the end, things are still more or less left up to chance.

Alhaitham would sigh about it then if it isn't for the other going to point out a potential match. He leans forward a little to catch a better look of who had been singled out, only taking a second before he shakes his head in a negative.]


The shade's not right. [The blonde coloring there is entirely too pale; Kaveh's hair is richer in vibrancy, almost like spun gold.] They're a bit too short as well. He's about the same height as me.
thearchangel: (this is just a good pose ok)

[personal profile] thearchangel 2024-10-27 12:28 am (UTC)(link)
Indoors? Why is outdoors a problem?

[Unless there's people out there that want to make things A Problem. But what could someone have run into here to cause something like that? Then again, he doesn't know the guy. Maybe the husband is a real troublemaker. Maybe he has a bounty on him or something.]

[Wouldn't be a first.]


Mm. Got it. Taller - different hair shade. [Man, it's just blonde how many colors of blonde can there be?]
indispensable: (obfuscate.)

[personal profile] indispensable 2024-10-27 01:25 pm (UTC)(link)
Just a higher chance of him to get into trouble if he goes outside, that's all.

[Not saying that it will happen but there is very much a non zero percent chance of happening, and Alhaitham would like tonight to be without incident for them thank you very much. Especially considering where they are right now...

He continues to look, gaze sweeping around once more to try and spot his misplaced husband. Kaveh really is being far more trouble that he's worth right now... they really should have just stayed home.]