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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.




tilfrosset: ([101])

[personal profile] tilfrosset 2024-11-17 11:01 pm (UTC)(link)
[Something in his reply catches her attention and she repeats what he says, just to make sure she's heard right.]

Your people?

[Well, she's not offended, just a bit taken by surprise. Garrus, certainly won't ever be mistaken as a human, after all. But after a lifetime of being othered just for being a Dominant, Jill still has to swallow the kneejerk reaction that bubbles up every time. Besides, it's not like he knows what she is; taking offense to something that has no vitrol behind is silly.]

Maybe. [She shakes her head, both to clear her mind and to the idea of people eating sweet on their eggs. Picking up another jar, she carefully reads the label slowly.] Pineapple. This one has pineapple in it.

[A pause.]

What's pineapple?
thearchangel: (you lost me)

[personal profile] thearchangel 2024-11-18 06:11 am (UTC)(link)
Ah, humans. Sorry - habit.

[Maybe that's the wrong phrase. Admittedly, he's not too sure how, but maybe she thought he meant women or, something like that. Even with a little gesture at himself, as if to punctuate he'd meant species here. Never hurt to njm
clarify.]

[His head tilts to one side.]

[Then he frowns. As much as possible.]


I... don't know. I know apples. Sort of. Maybe it's that?
tilfrosset: ([192])

[personal profile] tilfrosset 2024-11-21 07:15 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh... I see.

[Good thing she doesn't show all her thoughts on her face. Clearly, he meant nothing rude by that phrasing.]

Apples that grow on pine trees, maybe?

[Honestly, that doesn't make sense. Pinecones grow on pinetrees. Apples grow on their own turf. In any case, Jill shakes her head and hands the jar over to Garrus instead of asking the vendor about pineapples. That would too good of an idea.]

You should try it.
thearchangel: (Question!)

[personal profile] thearchangel 2024-11-22 06:33 am (UTC)(link)
... I have to ask what a "pine tree" is, then.

[Sorry, Jill. None of these words make sense. Like, at all. Okay - maybe tree. But that's about it.]

[He blinks. Then takes the offered jar.]


I'm not sure I'll be the best judge but... [But why not? He'll crack it open, try it. And blink again. His mandible flares off his jaw.] It's just sweet?

[We are so sorry, Jill. This man can't taste capsaicin.]
tilfrosset: ([76])

[personal profile] tilfrosset 2024-11-22 06:55 am (UTC)(link)
It's... [Jill pauses because she isn't too well versed in botany. She has to figure out how to explain the difference between pine trees and any other old tree.] ...a type of tree? The leaves stay on it all year round unlike other trees. I've seen quite a few of them, but none of them had apples on them.

[And that's about as helpful as she can get. Mostly because her curiosity is piqued when Garrus actually does taste the salsa (without either of them paying for it, whoops!) and that overrides anything else at the moment. She watches his face for a reaction before shrugging at the one she does get.

So she dips a finger and pops a large dab on her tongue, immediately regretting it because unlike him, she can taste capsaicin and Jill is not used to spicy food. Like at all. She's the Dominant of Ice through and through.]


That's not sweet!

[Her normally fair face is turning red as her eyes water, too blurry to read the jar's "heat rating" of four little happy smiling flames.]
thearchangel: (SHOCK AND AWE!!)

[personal profile] thearchangel 2024-11-22 07:47 am (UTC)(link)
[A tree that never loses its leaves? So - the trees on the Citadel Presidium? No, that couldn't be right. Maybe he should ask around. No need to pester Jill when she's clearly doing her best. It's not clicking on his part, that's all.]

Must be something else, then.

[And all that flies out the window in a moment. She looks - uh oh. Oh, that looks bad.]

It's not? It - crap, are you okay? Do you need a medic?

[They should have paid for it, certainly, but the vendor is watching the show with an air of "yeah these fools deserved this".]

What's wrong?
tilfrosset: ([72])

[personal profile] tilfrosset 2024-11-27 07:16 pm (UTC)(link)
[Jill nods furiously, waving her hand in front of her open mouth. A medic would be nice because she feels nothing but the burn of the peppers laced through the salsa. How in the world could Garrus just pop this stuff in his mouth and not even react?]

Oh, Founder, it hurts... why does it hurt?!

[The vendor is off along the side, trying very hard to hold their laughter in. They're at least beginning to pour a glass of water for Jill, but they are also taking their sweet time doing it because for starters, Jill isn't going to die. No matter how she seems convinced she will, she just won't. And secondly, maybe it'll teach these two to pay before sampling the goods.]
thearchangel: (Has anyone seen my contact?)

[personal profile] thearchangel 2024-11-27 11:35 pm (UTC)(link)
I don't know -

[The movement of the vendor catches his eye, and he gestures at Jill. In the classic YES?? sort of thing. Asking for an explanation.]

[The vendor looks at the jar. Pointedly.]
Oh hell. [The movements are more fumbling than it would be if Jill weren't in apparent danger. But he pulls out a handful of cash/coins/whichever, and drops the lot on the table.] Here.

[There's a nod from the vendor, and they slide over the glass. Then it's right over to Jill.]

Here - take this.
tilfrosset: ([73])

[personal profile] tilfrosset 2024-11-28 12:03 am (UTC)(link)
[Before Garrus' back is even turned, the vendor snatches the money off the table as if he would suddenly change his mind about paying for the salsa after all. They hope those two have learned their lesson about consuming unpaid for goods, or at least learned how to read the heat level warning.

Meanwhile, Jill snatches the glass from Garrus, something she'll apologize for once she stops crying and practically sucks down the entire thing in one go. She's sloppy about it, water slipping out of the corner of her lips, but she can't begin to care as it begins to just take the edge off the pain.

Things still sting and now her lips feels somewhat numb as she runs the back of her hand over them, wiping away any droplets of water left behind and gasps out:]


I don't think I like pineapples.
thearchangel: (garrus telling a bad joke dot jpg)

[personal profile] thearchangel 2024-11-28 12:39 am (UTC)(link)
[Yeah, lesson learned, but it should have been his weird taste buds, not hers...]

[He turns away from the vendor, pointedly, and searches his clothing for anything like a tissue or a scrap of cloth or something. Not finding anything, he turns back, makes direct eye contact with the vendor. And slaps down another bit of cash before snatching a handful of napkins.]

[Maybe not necessary, but now it's the principle of the thing.]


Here. [Take the crappy fair napkins, Jill, please.] I don't think you should touch pineapple again, if that's the reaction. Maybe... we should get you something cold.
tilfrosset: ([119])

[personal profile] tilfrosset 2024-11-28 12:57 am (UTC)(link)
[The vendor raises their eyebrows at the additional money, but says nothing as they slide it into their side pouch. The cheap napkins are free, but easy money is nothing to sneeze at.]

Cold... yes, something cold.

[That's a good idea and not one she waits on seeing through. It's something she does without thinking: in a sharp flash of blue, she's conjuring up a shard of ice from her palm that she instantly sticks into her mouth, sighing in relief. Eikon curse be damned. This is an emergency.

The stinging is still there, insistent on reminding Jill of her small crime, but the chill of the cold soon overtakes it, enough to where she's able to speak in her normal voice again around the ice.]


Maybe you should take it home with you. Or just very far away from me.
thearchangel: (there goes the next shadow broker)

[personal profile] thearchangel 2024-11-28 05:36 am (UTC)(link)
[Look, he's just trying to make it right, Vendor, don't give him the eye.]

Yeah, we can -

[There's a record scratch sound in his head. It's not her fault, the sight of someone using magic like people use biotics is... it's still pretty damn jarring. But he schools his expression as much as possible, even looking away, forcing his mandible to stay put and not flutter all over the place.]

You all right? [After the ice snack.] ... Actually, I might. I know someone who might need a little spice in his life.
tilfrosset: ([62])

[personal profile] tilfrosset 2024-11-28 05:46 am (UTC)(link)
[The vendor is giving him both eyes. They can only hope these two have learned their lesson.

Jill catches Garrus turning away from her as if to give her privacy and suddenly she feels a bit self-conscious. Granted, it's a lifelong thing with her for the most part, but also shouldn't he be able to use magic too? That is, if he got the tattoo like everybody else did.

She's not about to go inspecting his alien body for it, so she just shrugs off his concern with a nod, especially since he doesn't bring up her pulling ice out of thin air. If they don't speak about it, it's guaranteed to not exist, right?]


Garrus, no, you can't make anybody else suffer with this. It's too painful. Whoever is it, do you hate them that much?
thearchangel: (um what the fuck?)

[personal profile] thearchangel 2024-11-28 05:56 am (UTC)(link)
[Yep, clearly she just did some magic thing like this place lets people do. Frankly, he hasn't really tried his hand at it. Beyond staying alive with eating food.]

[Then, she's so outraged, he blinks. And has to smother down another expression, this time it's amusement. He can't keep it out of his voice, though.]


He's a friend, actually. And he's always saying he has incredible tolerance... [There's an echo of assurance under his words.] I'll tell him before I have him try it.
tilfrosset: ([90])

[personal profile] tilfrosset 2024-11-28 06:06 am (UTC)(link)
[Well, she could do it long before she arrived in this place, but telling Garrus that requires more than some hot salsa and probably a table in an empty corner of some tavern and lots of ale. A farmer's market is just not the right time for that kind of conversation.]

If he's a friend, you'd do more than just warn him. [She shakes her head, still convinced this so-called pineapple is a weapon of mass destruction rather than a condiment.] An enemy would deserve to taste this, perhaps to throw them off guard. What if he thinks it's sweet like you? What will that serve?

[She's outraged, yes, more so offended that things like this exist to begin with than over Garrus wanting to tease a someone with it. The peach version from earlier catches her eye on the display table and it takes everything in her not to shove it away from her. Instead, she reaches out and turns it around, so the label is facing away, as if the thing has eyes staring at them.]
thearchangel: (Question!)

[personal profile] thearchangel 2024-11-28 06:21 am (UTC)(link)
All right, all right...

[He holds his hands up in defeat. She's so determined, it's kind of funny. And it takes everything in his scaly brain not to laugh. Not her fault. That's on him and being surprised.]

I'll tell him it's hot, and ask if he wants to try it. [That seems like a compromise.] It -

[Did. Did she just turn a jar away. Did she do that. Oh no. No - do not laugh, sir. Don't do that, she might have a shotgun like Tali.]

... Maybe we should find something else to look at.
tilfrosset: ([12])

[personal profile] tilfrosset 2024-11-28 06:30 am (UTC)(link)
[Yes she did. And she would dare him to say anything, a single word, even just a breath of one, about it. His height and strange body doesn't intimidate her; she'll fight him right here in this market to prove her point. Without a shotgun too.

Though speaking of it being a market, Garrus does have a decent idea. Standing here whining about how her mouth still feels a little numb won't do her any good. So there's one last slurp on the shard of ice for her before she tosses it in a nearby trash can and nods at his suggestion.]


Perhaps we should look at the baker's table. I saw quite a few different breads in different shapes than I'm used to. They probably have some desserts as well.

[And she's sure none of them are set up to burn her mouth.]
thearchangel: (Did I leave the gas on?)

[personal profile] thearchangel 2024-11-28 06:55 am (UTC)(link)
[You do not underestimate the small ones. That's how you get your ass kicked. Or your comms hacked and flooded with your ship's pilot's porn recordings.]

Bread - that's a new one. They never did develop that for us. [Not anything that, apparently, tasted like the "real thing".] I'd be up for that.

My treat, since, uh... [Since he clearly did not warn her well enough about the spicy salsa. And although he can absolutely be the biggest asshole there is, he does, genuinely feel bad for how she got hit by the stuff.] All of that happened.
tilfrosset: ([170])

[personal profile] tilfrosset 2024-11-28 07:08 am (UTC)(link)
[It also probably helps that she can transform into something bigger than him if she really wanted to. Or rather, she could outside of this place. While Jill still has the feeling of Shiva hanging around in her subconscious and can conjure up simple ice with or without the tattoo, she hasn't felt a need to try full priming. Even semi-priming hasn't happened yet. Part of that is her not wanting to really, the other is she hasn't been brought to her knees in a situation that called for it.

And no matter how mad Garrus might ever make her, Jill has enough self-control not to prime on him in thee middle of a crowded market.]


Bread is new to you? [She tilts her head in slight confusion. Bread is one of the most basic foods she can think of and a life without it seems like a life not worth living.] What do you eat where you're from then?

[She shakes her head, waving off his apology. If anyone is to blame, it's the vendor for making that stuff so spicy.]

I don't blame you, though I still wonder why it was sweet for you and painful for me. Is it because we're different?
thearchangel: (get outta this armor)

[personal profile] thearchangel 2024-11-28 07:16 am (UTC)(link)
[That would be something. Impressive, really. He's learning here, how out of his depth he is. Which is a lot, considering his ass sinks like a rock if he even touches the water.]

Yeah. A lot of things humans eat are. I've seen them, sure, here and there, but for my people? You're lucky if human food just gives you hives. [He is on the luckier side than most. Which is even more beneficial when your girlfriend is human.] It's a different species thing. DNA, really.

[A beat, before he adds, tapping the scarred side of his face:] I'm fine, here. The tattoo took care of it.

[And then he shrugs.] I have no idea. If our ship's doctor were here, she'd probably know. But... we can just chalk it up to "different species", probably.
tilfrosset: ([85])

[personal profile] tilfrosset 2024-11-28 09:09 pm (UTC)(link)
DNA? What's that?

[Sir, you can't just be using terms this ol' medieval girl wouldn't know. They probably still use leeches for medical care in her world.

She follows his hand up to his face where he taps, squinting a bit to see the tattoo. No wonder she missed it; Jill has a habit of ignoring people's facial scars, both not to bring them any undue attention and because she's gotten so used to Clive's that it doesn't register anymore.]


Luckily for us... me, really, bread doesn't hurt unless it's right out of the oven. I think I'm safe that whatever's on display here has been left long enough to cool.
thearchangel: (Did I leave the gas on?)

[personal profile] thearchangel 2024-11-30 12:32 am (UTC)(link)
[DIAL UP MODEM NOISES.]

... It's uh. Basically what makes your hair a certain color? Or your height. I'm trying to figure out how to best explain it.

[In layman's terms. Because he's a soldier and a gunner, not a doctor. How do you explain the whole thing about the "building blocks of life"? And then the "different amino acids" thing?]

It smells great, I'll give it that. You'll have to point out the good ones.
tilfrosset: ([185])

[personal profile] tilfrosset 2024-11-30 08:06 pm (UTC)(link)
[At the mention of hair, Jill pulls the end of her long ponytail over her shoulder to glance at it. So DNA makes her hair a shade of grey. Not particularly useful information, but she has enough curiosity in her to find it interesting anyway.]

It's okay. I'll go and ask about it whenever I have a chance to get to the bookstore again.

[Which would probably surprise the bookseller as he's gotten to know her as the Romance Novel Girl.

With a nod, Jill leads Garrus over to the bread display, immediately zeroing in on a small round boule that has a golden brown crust and looks utterly inviting. For this carb loving lady, it practically screams EAT ME.]


Ah, this one sounds good. It's a honey wheat, supposedly healthier for you than the plain white loaf, but the bit of sweetness from the honey thankfully distracts you from how nutritious it is.
thearchangel: (Ceiling Reaper?)

[personal profile] thearchangel 2024-12-01 06:19 am (UTC)(link)
Probably your best bet. Sorry - but if you want a tech explanation, I'm probably better at that.

[By a long shot.]

[And that's... a lot of bread. More bread than he thought was actually a thing. Shows what he knows. Some of them look like they have chunks baked into them? Some look like they have icing - oh, those are donuts. He knows those. Thanks, C-Sec.]


Hey, pick whichever one you like. I'm the newbie here.