TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 6

[avalonmods]

Check out the OOC intro meme for this month to say hi to new players/characters!

{ QUICK NAV } Premise ⚔️️ Rules ⚔️️ FAQ ⚔️️ Taken ⚔️️ Reserves ⚔️️ Apply ⚔️️ Locations ⚔️️ Bestiary ⚔️️ Top-Levels Only ⚔️️ A ⦿ Soaking in Your Arrival KERPLUNK, SPLASH! Regardless of what you were in the middle of, you and your familiar have been magically pulled into the world of Avalon just above the Bay's waters. After a brief plunge into the Bay, the rush of water filling your ears and soaking up into every creak and crevice of your body, you may need to cough to clear your airways when you rise above the surface. It's still chilly, but not enough that you can't manage on your own. The Lady of the Lake is swimming around under the water, but seems to be focusing on coordinating a band of mossatees to help rescue any wayward new arrivals. Mossatees are a special Avalonian manatee that is green in color and has what appears to be a patches of grass or other short plant life growing on its back. While some are fully green, many sport blooming flowers or fairy circles of mushrooms. If anyone tries to ask the Lady of the Lake for directions, she will direct you to Archimedes at the Rent-a-Ride. Those with animal magic may get their info from the manatees, though may notice that they're really overly friendly and have zero concept of personal boundaries. Everyone may notice they have no concept of personal space, as they will happily run right into someone's belly for a snoot squishing. The shores themselves are littered with new arrivals complaining their way up a staircase carved into the walls of the White Cliffs. There is no railing, so be careful, but if you do fall, be prepared for a mysterious sand hand to reach out of the side of the cliffs to catch you. The hand will pat you atop the head twice before retreating back into the wall. This is the Cliff Beast; despite the name, he is quite friendly. *Reminder: Your character's familiar may or may not be with your character in their initial plunge. If the familiar isn't partial to water, it may meet your character on the beach or sit atop their head while they swim. Or if they are, they might splash about and swim alongside your character. Familiars have different personalities and body specs and we leave those up to the players. B ⦿ The Caravan to Camelot Once everyone is wrangled up to the top of the White Cliffs, the handsome owner of the Rent-a-Ride, Archimedes, will distribute smart phones, a pair of earbuds, and animal-themed ponchos and tell them to "Check the Shit Box." The "Shit Box" refers to wardrobe more formally known as the Wardrobe of Finding, a hammerspace-like wardrobe that opens to each person's items and pets when the person touches the handle. It was recently enchanted by Merlin to prevent people from having to fish their waterlogged possessions and pets out of the water with them. From there, Archimedes directs everyone to settle in groups into modernized carriages pulled by horses and gives them a basic explanation of why and how they've been brought to Avalon: The rest of the universe is frozen in time and your character has been brought here by a familiar that was able to bond with them. They'll have to learn magic to help save their own world from destruction, but first they've got to get them to Camelot. It is here that you have the first opportunity to decide who they will be in their new home. You'll have about an hour to wander around here, meet and greet, and pet the horses before it's time to go. These carriages use fae technology that combats weight, so your character will be able to get in regardless of whether they're light as a feather or weigh two tons. The carts have air conditioning when it's hot, heating when it's cold, and a mystical shield to protect from bugs. There is also a mini-bar that pops out of the console with nip bottles. Characters can use their smartphones to connect to Camelot's internet service, avalononline (AOL), to chat with other characters, watch dumb videos, learn about the world, contact Camelot Support (they'll answer any questions they can for you, from how to use a smart phone to where to find quests and resources to learn more about your magic). Be careful if you decide to use your phones while in the caravan-- if you don't use those earbuds and start forcing everyone to listen to your nonsense, Archimedes may make you walk. Which given the fact that it's pouring down rain in April? Not ideal. You were only given ponchos, not rain boots. C ⦿ The Red Spring The journey from the White Cliffs to the City of Camelot is a long one, and the first evening you arrive you'll end up spending at the Red Spring, a booming resort town. Because of the volume of new arrivals and vacationers, inn rooms are assigned two-to-a-room. The rooms have two twin beds, a bathroom, a mini-fridge and microwave, and a TV equipped with a couple of entertaining video games and a few free movies. Unfortunately, due to a bee infestation and massive amounts of rain, the hot springs of the Red Springs are not available this month! Instead, an underground salt cave is offered as a way to relax and unwind. Gather around in the rejuvenating, dimly lit caves and breathe in the relaxing effects of salt crystals. Feel the sand between your toes, or if you don't like sand, try one of the many pools with tiny garra rufa for a fish pedicure. Or, lie down in a recliner and stare up at the "stars"-- magic sparkles in the ceiling that move to spell out single-word concepts you may be experiencing. (Maybe you're relaxed? You might get something like "Chill." Find your relaxation buddy hot? Just be careful to look away before the stars spell "Thirsty" to the whole room.) The springs are also home to a large training grounds just outside town limits, where there are teachers who will teach basic magic safety and help you discover what kind of magic you have together with other new arrivals. Try target practice, obstacle courses, meditation circles, and other ways to try to figure out just what you can do... if you didn't already have an accidental discovery on the ride there. As it turns out, a mythical land that's been around for a few centuries has a few things in common with many modern worlds. It's got the internet, and games have evolved a little bit past hoop trundling and draughts. April, being the traditional month of mirth and games and lots of rain making it hard to have fun outdoors, is the time for Camelot City Gaming Convention, affectionately shortened to CameCon. Come into the large convention center located in the south part of town, get dry, and check out some of the awesome things to do. A ⦿ Couchless Co-Op Without the massive audiences required to really run MMORPGs, Avalon is much more a fan of couch co-op style gaming. Though most games are available on mobile devices throughout Avalon when they are released, there's nothing quite like coming to CameCon to utilize the gaming stages for everyone's favorite fighting games. Multiple players at a time can plug in their phones and connect their accounts to a light magic-based illusion stage (powered by multiple light mages at a time, once a year only!) roughly the size of a basketball court. Fighting games can be played tournament-style on the phone next to your opponent for some awesome trash talk during your battle. Race through space with this year's popular NASTAR Racing Game (National Association for Space Travel Auto Racing) game and fight off space pirates in an epic Mario Kart-esque racing and item battle adventure with your choice of star ship. Or plug your phone into the stage podium and get away from the humdrum fantasy life by joining in a live-movement game that combines synchronous kinetic and light magic. Move your body in the vortex illusion of your favorite rhythm dance game with a buddy! Or maybe you're more into the free-style gaming of Grand Theft Automation with both friends and strangers-- step onto the illusionary stage itself to explore crawling cityscapes and live the life of crime you always dreamed of... at least the cops won't really arrest you if you do it here. Just make sure if you use magic you remember you're on a stage and don't accidentally send some flying off at a poor convention go-er just past the illusion stage. B ⦿ Arthurian RP in your Arthurian RP None can forget one of the most important of game types: the roleplaying game. There's a huge historical set game going on right now where characters can LARP as their favorite Knight of the Round Table. There may be a couple of arguments if two Lancelots end up in the same game, but don't worry, there's a fair way of determining who gets the part for this game if you don't want to wait for the next storyline: rock-paper-scissors-magic. Instead of the traditional version of RPS, you shake your fists and open up to whatever hand-held spell you can make with your particular brand of magic. If it's something that can overcome the other kind in less than three seconds, you're the winner. (And yes, even healers can play-- some protective magic to block a dark magic pain curse is definitely going to win out, for example!) Either way, once your role is decided, put your acting skills to the test! ...and if you don't have any, well, they have costumes that will help you get into the mood with a little dress-up and props that will magically give you sword skills... though only while using the dull-edged plastic props. Or you can just sit on the sidelines and have a picnic on the concrete floor of the center with a potential new pal and watch other people play-- there's a lovely little buffet table with pastries, coffee, and juice in the corner. C ⦿ It Figures... A convention isn't a convention without a little shopping. Come check out what cool games are upcoming in the exhibit hall, buy figurines of your favorite game characters (or.. new ones you've never heard of since this is a new world, but are still cute and/or kick-ass), and most importantly, check out the cool magic you can apply to them. A spell available for purchase in the convention hall that's popular this year is Recipe: Figure Anima, which makes your figures move in place and say popular lines as if they're an actual, miniature version of the character. It's recommended you practice while you're in the convention hall though so figure experts can help if things go.. awry. People have been known to have their own emotions influence the spell, and sometimes toys have started taking on the attitude of the caster. There's nothing quite as tragic as your favorite angelic game character telling you they're gonna kick your ass because you were in a fighting mood. So OOC. Maybe you can find someone who's a little better at magic to fix the problem? Of course, when the rain breaks through and floods the exhibition room, there's a lot of mass hysteria as people scream and climb up onto tables, trying to protect their merch above all else. Hurry, help someone else up onto your table before their ent dakimakura they just purchased gets wet! Only you can save the gamers from water! ..Or that's what you thought, until a second later the electricity goes out and you're left in a total electricity blackout in the convention hall. It may be a good idea to use some magic to try to light the way and find a way out of the flooded hall... A ⦿ Keep Your Vines to Yourselves With magic blossoming left and right because of the bountiful spring equinox rituals, things have been getting a little stranger around the Broceliande. Though it's always been known for being a little odd, there is an overgrowth of prehensile, very friendly vines populating the forest now. The vines seem to have minds of their own, sometimes grabbing people, pulling them up into trees, or generally wrapping around them as if trying to get a warm hug. Ultimately, they seem relatively harmless.. except when you can't get down from them. Hopefully, you've got some kind of destructive magic that can help you fight off the overly friendly vines as you head into the forest to investigate the strange reports citizens have been making of their friends and family disappearing in the generally friendly, if odd forest when they've gone to fetch herbs or other supplies, gone on walks, or who knows what else from the forest. It seems like the best way to get the vines to let go without magic is to tickle the person the vines have captured, so you really better hope you're ticklish... and there's someone willing to really go in on it. It takes a lot of laughter to get these vines to leave you alone! B ⦿ Selfies with Selkies Those who continue on with their investigation after avoiding or escaping the vines will find a very, very large flower that seems to have taken route in a sink hole in the middle of the forest. Hundreds of vines seem to be coming from it, and it seems like this flower may be the source of all of the vines throughout the forest. It won't attack unless you attack it first and it seems to almost immediately regrow any vines that are destroyed. If the flower itself is attacked, it will rise up and attempt to eat your character with thousands of tiny shark-like teeth that lie where the pollen of its flower should be. Those who try to fight will find it seems virtually unkillable and immovable. It is neither plant nor animal and seems to have a thousand minds and souls held within it that somehow feel incomplete, so it's largely incommunicable even with cognitive or death magic. It's definitely a strange find, and it could be easy enough to assume the missing people tried aggression as their first tactic and got gobbled up... Take a trip up to the Archivist will lead them to find a book that includes information on the species: The Cereus de Anima. This giant flower rapidly grows when a seed from the Land of Rot transfers via someone's clothing to an appropriate forest environment and is known to absorb a piece of a person's essence from anyone it touches with its vines. People often seem to go missing for a short period of time when one of these appears, then come back behaving a little differently but ultimately don't seem to be in distress. No one is quite sure what the cause of this is. There doesn't seem to be any record of there being lasting damage, however questionable the plant is... The Archivist, upon seeing you researching the plant, says that he's heard some of the lake's residents just off of the Silent Shore have some experience with one. He hands you a couple baskets of some specially anti-rust enchanted parts and tells you he was supposed to deliver them to a Selkie man living in the lake for a project he's working on. You and a partner can make the delivery and ask your questions from him. The Selkie isn't going to be particularly friendly to fellow men, not trusting human men farther than he can throw them, but will decidedly try to seduce women as Selkie men are known to be extremely handsome and flirtatious with human women. Non-humans he will be neutral toward. It's best to go in pairs so you don't end up on a whirlwind candlelit beach picnic with a shirtless selkie in exchange for information about how to uproot a Cereus de Anima. (At the very least, the selkie will want you to take a selfie with him before you leave so that you have something to remember him by, and you'll always be welcome back if you change your mind.) Regardless of how much of a challenge it is for you to get to that point, as long as he gets the delivery from the Archivist, he'll eventually tell you and your traveling partner about how he heard that there used to be a village at the edge of the Dusklight Woods that was overrun with one of them, and that there's only one survivor who moved to in a cottage on the other side of the Pure of Heart Bridge.. Those familiar, yes, it is the old man that Morganna tried to kill and save in a quest a couple of months ago! Time to travel all the way back to the Pure of Heart bridge and make your way over to the cottage and talk to the man and it sure seems like this quest is long and tedious and you may be wondering if someone will have noticed you're gone... C ⦿ The Answer is No Back in Camelot City, it seems that anyone who's been touched by the vines has been replaced by a doppelganger in their lives. They're just barely off from the original- they have all the memories, but may be slightly more skilled at things they didn't used to be, or may seem to make less ethical choices than they might otherwise. There's just something slightly off. But when people start using AOL to contact their friends and let them know they've been gone.. well, it may seem like the jig is up, or at least in question. Those who find out they've been replaced may want to return to Camelot quickly to try to reclaim their lives. Doppelgangers will attempt to kill their original if they come into contact with them when they aren't around other people, so you may need to flee for your life if you haven't gotten good enough at magic to defend yourself yet. Around other people, the doppelgangers will do their best to try to prove themselves the real person and since they were made from the original, will have the same memories as the original character so asking questions that "only ___ would know" may not work. Eventually it will come out that the doppelgangers have occasionally wriggling vines instead of spines underneath their clothing, if you're willing to check that to see who's real, but that won't be common knowledge. What can be found out from the old man at the Pure of Heart bridge if you choose to leave your doppelganger alone is that Cereus de anima doppelgangers can only live for a month without killing their original and absorbing the rest of their essence. However, if the original plant isn't taken care of with a special venom you can only obtain from certain creatures in the Forest of the Fisher King, the problem will just keep happening over and over until the city is overrun and becomes nothing but a breeding ground for the flower and its replicas. MOD NOTES: • All test drive prompts are open to anyone in the game at any time to create your own logs with, but this post should have top-levels by potential new characters only. Current characters may reply to any threads, but should not top-level comment on this post. • If your application is accepted, you may accept TDM threads as game canon as long as both players consent. Characters may begin threading as soon as their journal is accepted to the communities. • You can have any animal-style poncho you want! They are themed, not made from actual animals. No animals have been harmed in the making of these ponchos!! • TIMELINE: The resolution to the third prompt will be in April's event! The first two prompt sets will be during the first week of the month. The doppelganger problem and obnoxious traveling and research will be occurring for the second and third weeks of the month. • People with green magic may be able to fill something off about the doppelgangers, but may not be able to identify what it is right away. Blood mages will be able to feel that their blood feels the same as the original as they are essentially copies. Cognitive people will be able to use their magic normally except for hypnotic suggestion- the doppelgangers are immune to it, so while you may be able to find other ways to out them, hypnotizing people to tell the truth won't work this time. Doppelgangers are made from the essence of the person, so they will be able to access their phones and accounts. Note that the Cereus de Anima and doppelgangers are not fairies and cannot be contracted with. If a Death Mage attempts to possess a doppelganger, it will technically come in contact with the doppelganger's vine and may end up with more than one doppelganger depending on how many times they try it. Siphon magic can be used to destroy a doppelganger easily, however, the essence that was stolen from the original's soul may be destroyed in the process so it is not recommended as the original may start to feel as though they are no longer a whole person. • If nothing here tickles your fancy, try one of this month's Quests for your TDM prompt. • The first "Arrival" prompts are present on every TDM, but contain seasonal tweaks for flavor. All other prompts will change monthly. Make sure to read the Red Spring section on this month's even if you're normally familiar-- the springs are closed this month, check out the alternate prompts! • Questions about this TDM's content? Comment here! If you have a question about the game at-large, please head over to the FAQ.

Comments

Eustace | Granblue Fantasy

[flamekthunder]

⊗ arrival a: uncertain beginnings

[When Eustace first found himself falling and plunging into cold water, he had no idea what was going on and that confusion only continued when he heard voices around him and then ended up being dragged to shore by a snow white wolf. A wolf that looked so similar to one he used to know he was shaken enough that he wondered if he somehow got caught in some kind of trap or illusion created by a primal beast or something. And considering he had been in the middle of important operations, he's feeling less forgiving about the whole situation. But after some "discussion" with the wolf; realizing he wouldn't be able to search for his gun in that lake even if he wanted to; and seeing others around him in a similar state as himself, he has little choice but to follow its urging to the cliffs.

Should he run into someone who seems a bit lost, he'll pause before stopping.]

I don't know how true it is...but they say we should head up to the cliffs. [His eyes flick first to the wolf standing next to him and then to the cliffs ahead. Seeing the carved in staircase and the difficult climb, he again looks at the stranger.] Can you handle it?

[While climbing the cliffs, should anyone slip or have difficult and Eustace is nearby, he'll try and help them up.]

⊗ arrival b: caravan mingling

[Only after Eustace retrieves his belongings—specifically his beloved rifle—does he feel more assured and calm again. He's still not sure what's going on or if what the man and everything else is saying is true, but as long as he has Flamek, he'll at least feel has his trusty partner with him. So while he waits for the caravan to move, he'll be doing any of the following:

1. Lone gunman. After discovering his rifle is in a strange "sleeping" state and unable to release lightning blasts like usual, he sets himself a bit away from the group to inspect and eventually clean the weapon. His rifle isn't really that dirty, but checking over his gun and wiping it down calms him somewhat as he clears his mind while considering his options on what to do next.

2. Conversing with animals. He's already noticed he can hear various voices and when he's near the horses does he realize it's from animals. However it's not consistent, so he experiments a bit, speaking softly to the horses and understanding bits and pieces. Should there be any dogs around he will try to...slowly approach.

Otherwise he'll just keep to himself and watch everyone else, observing and taking mental notes on how everyone seems to be.]

⊗ arrival c: training grounds

[Eustace is quick to find the training grounds as he is wanting to understand the kind of magic he now possesses. He's already figured out he has animal magic, but he apparently has a second set as well. It only takes a bit of trial and error with a mentor to discover he has elemental magic with a natural affinity to electricity and ice. With the basic knowledge now in mind, he spends most of his time practicing with it.

1. Animal transformation. On his first attempt to transform, he ends up looking at his wolf familiar and manages to transform into a wolf himself. It's surprising since he didn't expect to get that far on a first attempt, and maybe a little bit exciting as well. It's rare for him to feel this kind of exhilaration and so he can't help but try and see what else he can do. Unfortunately the first success seems to have been a fluke, and it's hit or miss on subsequent efforts. One unfortunate mishap has left him as a puppy and he's having difficulty trying to transform out. So someone passing by might just hear what looks like a cute little brown husky pup swearing in a strangely deep, low voice.]

Damn, did I overdo it? ...I need to find a quieter place to concentrate.

[Little puppy will now be trotting off away from the training grounds, a rather amused white wolf following after and leaving a trail of snow flurries in its wake.

2. Lightning strikes. With Flamek no longer able to conduct electricity, Eustace focuses on mastering harnessing electricity, especially after he learns that he may be able to imbue his weapon with the element. Of course that's going to take a lot of time and effort, so for now he focuses on the basics—and that is conjuring electricity into his hand and releasing them. Again it's hit or miss—and unfortunately those misses could be an accidental "hit" on someone else in the area.]

Ah...sorry, are you hurt?

[Should anyone be hit by a stray bolt of lightning, at least it will be a minor jolt and burn.]

⊗ vine a: vine problems

[After hearing about the strange disappearances, Eustace and his familiar head off to investigate and quickly encounter the strange vines. For the most part he's able to dodge them, even practicing his animal transformation to change into a dark wolf and escape that way. But of course it's not that easy.

1. How's it hanging? Even he can be caught unawares, and while in his normal form, one manages to wrap around his foot and pull him up to hang him upside down. A few more latch onto his body, preventing him from moving much. And of course he's unable to transform so he tries to cast some lightning magic to try and sever the vine. It works—but not completely. Should he try the other elements like fire or ice? As the vines just seem to be holding him for now, he tries not to expend too much energy and stares at his familiar.]

Not going to help?

[At its whimsical shake of the head and lazy swish of its tail, he just sighs and looks back up. He just needs to find the main vine to target...

In the meantime, if someone does venture near his familiar with trot off and tug at them to lead them towards Eustace. Whether they want to help is of course up to them—or get trapped with him as those vines really do enjoy the company. Tickle him if you dare.

2. Freeing others. For those who are stuck, he'll try to help free them using his magic. If he has to try and tickle them, though...........Well that'll be interesting.

Note: vine threads can continue through to finding the flower and investigating the selkie! Can even start prompts at the flower instead.]

⊗ wildcard

[I HAD MORE but this is already long. Open to any other prompts! And yes those floofy dog-like ears of his are natural and real, not part of the animal magic.]

training grounds

[schmisse]

[ ... she was just nearby when she heard someone speak. Having sweat enough for the day, she's on her way to leave the training grounds when she sees a puppy! There's no one else here, so who could have been talking?

This isn't something she would normally do, but now she's following the puppy and the wolf wherever they may be going. Of course, she's not exactly the queen of subtlety, so she's very easy to catch. And when she's caught? She straightens up immediately, hands both at her sides, feet together. If her braid could stand up, it probably would be up now. ]

I've never seen a talking puppy before!

[flamekthunder]

[It really doesn't take too long for Eustace to sense someone following, able to feel and hear her footsteps easily. He just doesn't bother or have much concern since the person doesn't feel too threatening, however when it's clear the pursuer is a persistent one and he won't be able to be alone, he lets out a small sigh and stops to turn and look at her.]

I don't know kind of animals exist in this world, but I'm not really a dog.

[Sorry to burst her bubble, but better to clear this up sooner rather than later.]

[schmisse]

[ Have you ever seen a girl so innocent and hopeful about her bright future, only for her future to be shattered before her very eyes? Her shoulders slump, and the life in her eyes disappears. ]

Well, that's disappointing.

[ ... But man, he's still so cute??? ]

What are you supposed to be then? Some sort of hellhound, and then this place turned you into a cute dog when you arrived here because you got stripped of your powers?

B1 Caravan

[konpeito_aji]

[The dog ears don't even faze Nobunaga, but probably because everyone is wandering around in animal themed ponchos, and Oda Nobunaga himself is even wearing a falcon themed one, but that gun!!!! He's so excited, he can't even help himself!]

I've never seen a rifle such as that! [He's a bit too loud, especially since Eustace was trying to be away from the rest, and Nobunaga seems oblivious to that fact. Or he doesn't care. His enthusiasm will not be contained!]

[He takes out his own matchlock Tanegawa gun though, and shows it to Eustace.] I was grateful the Shit Box kept the gunpowder from getting wet, but yours is malfunctioning?

[flamekthunder]

[He had ignored the approaching the footsteps, but he starts a bit when he hears the sudden and rather loud exclamation in front of him. Looking up with some annoyed wariness, he stares at the man in front of him. Seeing how he initially stares at Flamek, his hand unconsciously moves over it as if to protect it, but then he's taken aback when Nobunaga takes out his own to...show him?

... ... Wait, is this guy really just here to talk about guns...? Honestly this is something like a first for him, and perhaps if he wasn't still trying to grapple what's going on he'd be a bit more amiable, but for now his guard is completely up. That said, he's also aware of the merits of at least learning more about the others here as well since he may be working with them in the future, so he won't be completely standoffish.

Eustace's eyes flick over the weapon, noting the simpler design of the rifle and can't help but appraise it a little. It's not a bad looking weapon really... And he can tell it has fine craftsmanship... Hm.]

...I'm just cleaning it.

[Like hell he'd say whether his gun was malfunctioning or not. It can at least still fire bullets so it's not completely unusable, but until he can ascertain more about this place and the people, he's less keen on divulging confidential matters. Plus it's not a complete lie—he is cleaning it while checking it at the same time.]

Yours?

[konpeito_aji]

[Listen, everyone in his world thinks Nobunaga is fruitcake (they're right, but that's not the point!) especially because of his love of guns and having factories devoted to making them, and letting no-title peasants have them, and then using them as frontline soldiers and... so on.]

[He's a little disappointed at the answer, but recognizes (for once?!) when to tone it down.] Perfect shape. [A relaxed easy-going grin.] I was definitely worried, coming out of the water like that. They even had my extra gunpowder though, so nothing to fear.

[He's still brimming with the desire to talk guns to someone who not only uses them too, but respectfully and doesn't dismiss it as a toy for idiots. But he doesn't know what to ask. Where was it made, how long have they been playing with using them, and so on.]

[Oh right. It's good manners to introduce yourself. He hasn't done that in uh. Decades.]

[A small head bow.] I'm Oda Nobunaga. I've been using them since they were first introduced accidentally to our shores. [And a lot more proudly and defiantly:] I have no doubt that one day they'll be the key to everyone's freer future. [... Is that a serviceable introduction? He forgets.]

Training grounds

[angelolatry]

[She's trying. Trying to practice her new abilities here. Her Light magic and newer Green magic. But as she adores dogs, of course she pauses in her training, in her practice at her new abilities when she spots a puppy! Naturally, she wants to go and give it a pet and make sure the little guy isn't lost or something? She doesn't immediately associate the voice with the dog, because as much as she has come across so many, she's never actually been able to understand them. And the voice certainly wouldn't be what she would expect from the puppy either. So she calls out, making to follow the puppy.]

Ah, wait!

[....as if the puppy would understand and respond. But still. She tries. Cue her tripping in her haste to follow, her huge Protozoan familiar in the doglike state shaking it's head at her. As if anyone would expect anything less than Colette following a puppy to pet it and name it......]

[flamekthunder]

[One day he'll get this damn thing right—

Sensing and hearing the young girl calling out to him, Eustace initially ignores her, mostly because he doesn't want to get involved in weird, potentially uncomfortable matters. Nothing personal against her, just not what he needs at the moment. But when he hears her trip, he stops and turns to see her on the ground.

...Ngh.

This would be a perfect chance for him to escape, but he does feel a tug of concern. She...kind of reminds him Lyria for some reason. He can also feel his familiar just staring at him, as if questioning what he's going to do. With a sigh he turns and walks over to her.]

Are you all right?

[He'll just. Have to explain himself before things get too weird.]

Vine #1

[darkestbefore]

[ She hadn't expected to be... 'fetched'? by a white wolf and tugged off the path she'd been following and deeper into the vine-layered forest. Which isn't exactly safe, she knows, but the wolf seemed very insistent she follow it.

So here she was, stepping into a small clearing and following an unknown wolf. Her own small dragon familiar is curled around her shoulders, head swiveling to and fro as it keeps a lookout for her. The wolf abruptly stops and looks up and she stumbles to a stop beside it before following its line of sight and spotting... ]

Oh! [ Now she understands why she's here. Although her lips quirk in a hint of amusement as she cocks her head to the side and studies the unfortunate adventurer strung up in the vines. ] ...Do you need some help?

[flamekthunder]

[While his familiar had run off, Eustace had been testing the vines, tugging at his bound arms and legs not so much to try and break free but to try and follow the movements so he can try and track down where they led. This one is there and...if he tries to fire of bolt of lightning, it might loosen that one.

Before he can make the attempt, he hears their approach and glances down at the young redhaired girl his familiar brought over. For a guy who's been dangling upside for a while, he's doing remarkably well.]

...Unfortunately.

[Yeah, even if he is capable of doing this on his own—something he can't be wholly certain about—it would be faster with someone's help. However he catches some movement from the corner of his eye and looks back at her.]

Just watch yourself.

[Last thing they need is to be both caught!]

vine - 1!!!

[sparkstrikes]

[Lightning had come out into the forest to (very carefully) inspect these vines herself, especially after hearing rumours of people being almost swallowed up by them and having no way of getting out. She had hoped that she wouldn't find someone, even if she kept her expectations low on that front, but what she isn't expecting is to be dragged along by a wolf into the thick of the trees until she sees a man (?) suspended in the air, hanging upside-down at the mercy of the vines.

Yep. Low expectations.

This must be his familiar. Or the other way around? Hard to tell with those ears.

She stares up, and her arms fold over her chest. For a moment, she looks like she isn't going to help at all, but her eyes say something different: they're scanning the vines for any sort of weak spot that she might be able to cut through, or somewhere she can get up high enough to do so. Which would be up in the tree they appear to be springing from.

But first...]

How'd they manage that?

[She motions with a hand, implying she means the upside-down part.]

[flamekthunder]

[Why is it always upside down... Also did these vines wrap him even tighter after he escaped the first time?? He's barely able to move his hand this time, making it difficult for him to try and cast lightning. So he's once again left to leave it to his familiar to get help, and when it finally arrives....

...He just sighs.]

It seems to be their preference.

Vine #1

[liveandforgive]

[ Something tells him that if he decides to go with Fire magic, he'll cause more problems than solutions. ...even if the one big solution means burning the whole of these things down. He hasn't even experienced them in the last world he occupied before coming to Avalon, yet here he is, still as sceptical as before. Unsuspecting people were disappearing, and with the rapid influx of 'friendly' vines that have begun cropping up, it was only a matter of time before Cloud had to get involved.

His Chocobo Chick familiar stays close, darting its head from where it sits atop the blond's head at the vines that slither along and attempt to reach out for them. But he remains vigilant, venturing further in until he's suddenly met with... ]

...?

[ The white wolf wastes very little time in tugging at his pantleg before checking to see if the newcomer would follow. The chick flutters down from Cloud's head, kwehing at his partner that maybe they should follow the wolf! After another pause, Cloud huffs, shaking his head before he treks along after it. Leave it to him to trust wolves. He's kind of got an affinity for them. But once it becomes clear as to who this wolf belonged to, Cloud steps over another vine before peering up at the ensnared Eustace, the sunlight pouring in through the canopy as he lifts a hand over his brow like a visor. ]

A little tied up?

[ Come on, dude. ]

[flamekthunder]

[You know, he's starting to just wonder if this will be his fate. Always grabbed by vines and hanging upside down— Okay no, he's actually getting a bit irritated by this since he had managed to avoid the first few that tried to grab him only to have one manage to slip past and completely wrap around him, followed by several more that resulted him in a vine-wrapped cocoon—upside down.

WHY UPSIDE DOWN.

This forest is targeting him, that's the only explanation.

In any case, he just gives Cloud a bit of a glare. They can't be seen, but his fingertips are sparking with electricity, their air buzzing from the slowly gathering amount of magic that Eustace had started to collect as he was fully prepared to just blast this crap off him before they appeared. After dealing with Flamek's lightning over the years, this would be nothing.]

If you're not going to help then stand back.

training grounds (2)

[divinereaper]

[ Naoto had just been around practicing his own elemental magic, sticking to his own little area. He didn't want to accidentally bump into someone, especially with his familiar so wary of strangers. It helped that Avalon's form of blood magic helped him sense others.

So he just enjoyed his training in peace... That is, until lightning got a little too close.

His heart was beating way too rapidly for his liking, but at least he got out with just a singed shirt. He forced himself to calm down before speaking but... that was hard. ]

A-Ah... don't worry about it! At least I'm not on the floor! And it's not like I haven't been electrocuted before...

[flamekthunder]

[...

It's hard to not notice how rattled the younger man is, but then again he did almost get struck by a stray lightning bolt. Although it looks like he didn't sustain any injuries other than the shirt, anyone would feel anxious after that.



Until Eustace catches those final words, his brows furrowing slightly. Electrocuted before? ...Then again that could mean a number of things and regardless, it's none of his business. So he pretends as if he didn't hear it nor does he draw attention to Naoto's condition.]

It's my first time casting magic... I can move somewhere else.

[He hadn't expected things to get out of hand like it did, so moving somewhere without any people around may be better...and technically preferable, but the training grounds did provide a lot of good tools and resources for him. But if him practicing magic would put others in potential danger, and in particular cause distress for this guy, he'll just make do elsewhere.]

c1

[rustyhonesty]

[There is a nice quiet corner that currently has a lion lying on the ground, looking rather grumpy and trying to regain its strength. He looks up and at the duo walking by.]

You too, huh?

[There's a lynx nearby, observing.]

[flamekthunder]

[There's a slight prick of his ears as he spots the lion lying there and at first he tenses...

Until it speaks.]

...Animal magic?

V1-♃

[roseeclair]

[Makoto figures going into the forest to deal with these reports of vines and disappearing people is as good as any. Her pace is slow and alert but not overly cautious as she and Kaede make their way through the woods, when all of a sudden Kaede's head turns towards something.]

What is it, boy?

['It' is a white wolf, trotting straight toward them. Makoto takes a half-step back before she notices the frost in each step.]

Are you someone's familiar?

[flamekthunder]

[The white wolf looks up at Makoto before glancing at her familiar, as if sizing them up to see if they will be of use. After another moment the wolf steps around and pushes its head against the girl's legs, clearly forcing indicating for her to move.]

C2

[backstreetbard]

[ If someone was going to be hit by friendly fire (or friendly lightning, as the case may be) it's rather fortunate that it's Dorothea. Her magic is elemental, too, and this isn't her first time dealing with unwieldy spellcasters. Years spent training as a mage and on the field of battle have honed her reflexes, and the second she spots a stray bolt in her peripheral vision, she spins on her heel to catch the crackling energy in her outstretched hand and deflect it harmlessly back to ground.

It still stings a little, and Dorothea wrinkles her nose as she tries to shake the tingling sensation out of her hand. At least the man has the good sense to apologize for the incident. Dorothea sighs, rubbing her palm. ]

I've had worse. Just be a little more cautious, won't you? It's lucky I'm used to this sort of magic.

[flamekthunder]

[He's actually impressed she had managed to not only notice it, but also catch and deflect it. Her words only confirm his suspicion that she must be well versed in magic.

Out of respect and deference, he nods in agreement.]

It's my first time using magic, but that's no excuse. Now that I'm aware of the potential misdirect I'll move somewhere more isolated.

Caravan B2!

[everydayeveryway]

[Adelle fit into the caravan quickly. Oh, there's questions -- and worries -- and she's not very dried out, even. Her silver hair is plastered to her, her ponytail wet and limp, and "bedraggled" describes her look. But she can talk to people, be friendly and make friends. And try to not asking all the questions she needs to start asking right this second.

She spots Eustace after he's approached the dog. A quiet moment, interrupted by...

...well, that sudden bundle of charging energy. Adelle runs up just after Eustace, her sudden movement a contrast to his slow approach and watchfulness. And she exclaims, loudly:]

A dog! Aah, and she's a cutie, too~!

[...she might scare the dog off at this rate.]

[flamekthunder]

[The dog Eustace had tried to approach seemed a bit shy, and in the past he would have been a bit hesitant as his cold, closed enough nature had made dogs wary of him. But now he takes it a little easier and while trying to test if he can truly understand it, he just murmurs soft encouraging words as he slowly outstretches his hand.

His eyes brighten a little, his expression softening more as the dog seems to relax and is about to brush its head against his hand........






When there is suddenly LOUD.

Immediately Eustace stiffens as the surprised dog yelps and runs off, leaving him crouching awkwardly on the ground with hand now touching nothing but air.

So...so close...

It takes another moment before he slowly turns his head to look towards the girl, a cold, silent glare in his eyes.]