I WANT YOU TO JOIN ME IN A MYSTERY RESCUE MISSION!

[om_nom_namur]

[Sometime around mid-month, a text message goes out to the general public.]

WANTED

Adventurers strong enough to brave the high seas
Doctors, healers, and those inclined to render aid to the suffering
A worthy crew
Explorers
Those inclined to solve mysteries

Interested Parties Report to The Maelstrom at Fayren Harbor
Anchor Weighs at Dawn June 20

*~*~*~*

[Dawn at the Docks - June 20]

[In spite of the early hour, Fayren Harbor is bustling with activity as the darkness thins. Fishermen who've been out all night rush to bring their fresh catch to the market, while others who will be out all day race to be the first out to sea, and first to the best fishing spots. At the far end of the harbor an enormous clipper towers above the everyday ships, drawing a crowd of gawpers who, after being yelled at a few times by the workers hurriedly trying to load her, have the decency to stand back and let those who look to be on official business move freely. At the top of the gangplank a man with a clipboard hurriedly checks lists and directs those bringing cargo aboard, while an oversized, burly man with blue skin and shark features watches, balancing in a crouch on top of the rail. Though he isn't saying much, there's an air of authority about him. For any wishing to enlist, the fishman would seem a good person to talk to.]

[Fair Winds - June 20-21]

[When the supplies for the expedition are loaded and the tide is nearing its peak, Namur hollers for all hands to gather on deck for a quick briefing, the sun beginning to crest the horizon and make the sails glow as he speaks.]

A'ight y'all, thank y' for answerin' the call t' come an' help. We got a whole colony a folks that's gone missin', an' I ain't gonna lie, I ain't got any idea what we's gonna be in for once we reach the island. No one's been able t' get there since they gone, or at the very least ain't no one bothered comin' back, an' folks is worried they mighta met a dreadful end if y' catch my drift. This voyage's gonna be dangerous, but I know we's up t' the challenge. Whatever quarrels y' got with each other, leave 'em on these shores, cuz from now on 'til we make it back we's all on the same team, workin' for the same goal. Watch each other's back, keep each other safe. If we do that, there ain't nothin' that's gonna keep us from hittin' our target.

When we get there, there might be folk that's sick, or maybe they don't want us botherin' 'em, or maybe somethin's already botherin' 'em an' they'll need our help gettin' rid a the pest. We done our best t' have somethin' ready for everthin' we could think of, but that don't mean we thought a everthin', so look sharp an' keep yer wits 'boutcha! Any kinda weird shit make sure t' report it t' somebody, preferably me or one a my kin. Enchantments an' curses ain't outta the question here, so if y' see somethin' strange, say somethin'. Easy as that.

Meantime, I 'xpect all them that knows their knots t' make theirselves useful gettin' this ol' girl t' run. The rest a y's gonna make yerselves useful in the galley, keepin' shit clean, an' learnin' the ropes. Don't wanna hear no bitchin' 'bout chores, we's all gonna be doin' 'em, so don't even start! Don't be stealin' each other's shit, an' definitely don't be showin' yerself for a shitty traitor. Them's the rules! Don't like 'em, get yer ass off the ship!

All that said now, let's get this baby out t' sea 'fore we lose our tide!

[There's plenty to do, both in getting the Maelstrom away, and in keeping her plunging dauntless through the open waters. Keeping sails trim, keeping the decks clean, keeping the crew fed. And plenty of opportunities to get to know the other members of the crew a little better. Namur will encourage those that don't know how to sail to learn from someone who does. It'd be a shame if all the experienced sailors became incapacitated without passing on at least the basics.]

[The Storm - June 22]

[There'd been some good cloud cover the day they set out from Fayren, enough to mottle the sea with sun and shade and provide a strong wind to speed their rescue mission. But the further from shore they ventured, the thicker the clouds became, and soon the experienced sailors would likely find themselves watching the sky with trepidation. Distant thunder rolls over the waves, until suddenly and without warning the wind abruptly shifts direction, and the distant storm bears down on the clipper with astonishing ferocity. Namur screams to be heard above the wind whistling through the shrouds.]

ALL HANDS ON DECK! GET YER ASSES TIED T' THE SHIP AN' GET THEM SAILS STOWED NOW! THIS AIN'T A JOKE OR REQUEST!

Comments

[Replies to Text Message Go Here]

[om_nom_namur]

[OOC: Please use this space to send pithy replies or whatever to the Want ad. If you're looking to toplevel for the log, just make a toplevel as usual. Thanks!]

[text]

[forthelifeofme]

a journey across the seas? sounds exciting!

i would very much like to hear more!

[Text]

[burnt_offering]

Count me in. lets sail together as brothers again.

[immortalsoul]

Healers, huh?

I know a thing or two about healing! Or at least... I can make medicines for you to bring.

What's the anchors' weight?

[light_of_willpower]

I'm not actually used to sailing, but I'm very useful in a fight and have a few other useful qualities besides that. I can also bring various supplies for first aid and any healers we do have, as well as others. Assuming I can join in?

[Fair Winds - June 20-21]

[burnt_offering]

[Ace is an experienced and talented sailor, the acting first mate of this journey, and he's totally in his element. This is the life that had been all but dead to him, and a part of it still is. But goodness, his dead past is back to haunt him in the best sort of ways. And he's enjoying every moment of raising his former career up for a while. And that happiness shows, all but radiating through his actions and words.

He'll be flitting about from task to task, volunteering himself up constantly and serving as a mentor for anyone who's not as experienced on a ship as he is. He might be there helping with a chore that's not easy to handle, or offering a drink to someone who's struggling, or just there as support as needed.

Welcome to the family, even if it's just for a short time. The Whitebeards go hard on the whole brotherhood theme, and Ace exemplifies it. Although some of this new volunteer crew he might be watching with a wary eye. They've had their taste of traitors in the past, and sometimes it's better to be wary than see a life lost because of someone else's treachery.]

[shivvymetimbers]

Tch.

[Guess who've been glaring daggers at the self-purposed first mate? This angry looking sod with the ridiculously long hair and fancy blue coat. Yes, Bastien is here in all his agitated glory looking every bit like a sourpuss. He was in better spirits before he got good a look at the crew. Everything was going well until he spots this overgrown louse parading around on deck. It's then that Bastien found himself cursing his luck.]

This must be Karma. [He mused while languidly swabbing the deck with a used old mop.] It has to be.

There's no possible way this was a mere coincidence.

[Fussing and cussing like a sailor twice his meager height, Bastien gives up on the chores in favor of climbing up to the crow's nest. Captain Bastien Courbis isn't some damn cabin boy. Let someone else fuss about the chores.]

Is anyone even keeping bloody watch up there? [He questions once he's halfway up the mast.] Or are you too busy prancin' around like some bleeding fairy to care?

[chief_of_staff]

[Of course Sabo has to go and spend some quality time with his brother. He wouldn't pass up an opportunity to do so, especially out at sea!

He's currently holding his notebook and pen when he spots Ace, but still manages to enthusiastically wave with his free one.]

Hey! [And then he'll sit on a barrel, settling the notebook right on his lap.]

I know we're here for a reason, but would you like to practice writing a little with me? Or reading what I've written? It's a beautiful day out so there's no reason to waste the sunlight.

[immortalsoul]

[Silicon is one of those "not as experienced" who could use a helping hand. Her primary jobs have been cooking, cleaning, and preparing healing items... But she can't resist a few chances to get up on the decks! In this case, to practice some knots as ondeck items are being secured for safety.]

Is this it? [She holds up her rope and knot for inspection,] Will this one hold, do you think?

[June 20]

[om_nom_namur]

[Namur waits until Ace looks like he might be between tasks for a moment, then closes in on him quick before he can get himself involved in something else.]

Yo, Grill Pit! Got a minute?

[specialist_snowflake]

[The ships that Winter is accustomed to sailing are those that move through the skies, not the seas. She's also used to greater technological advancements in steering and maintenance, so all of this is very obviously new to her.]

[Nonetheless, other than some scathing looks at those who speak with coarse language or who treat her too informally, Winter doesn't have any complaints to offer. And given that she doesn't know anything about sailing, she's hardly in a position to offer criticism or rebukes, making her a far more tolerant passenger than one might expect if they had previous dealings with her.]

[She takes her assigned chores with dignity and grace, somehow managing to keep that pristine uniform of hers spotless even as she swabs decks, or keeps watch, or any other number of tasks she's given. In fact, she follows orders promptly and with a thrown salute.]

Sir.

[She calls out to Ace with crisp formality, both hands full of rope.]

I request assistance in learning the proper way to secure the mast.

[In other words, please help her tie this knot, Ace.]

[Fair Winds - June 20-21]

[youfool]

A. On deck

[He was asked, so Ted answered the summons to the ship. Ostensibly because Namur thought him an intellectual, or at least familiar with fairy tales enough to guess what became of the ones they sought to save. Likelier the reason was more plain and subtle; for company, perhaps, which would mystify him more.

He took to the maritime tasks well enough. Namur had literally shown him the ropes months past, and he'd done some reading on how to apply that tutelage to a larger ship. If the literature didn't suffice or he needed a hands-on explanation, Jinbei would be his resource.

Being one of the few (maybe the only) who could cook well, the majority of his labors are in the galley. He'd made rounds to ask what everyone would like, and then, inexplicably, made it. Ted's stockpiled every non-perishable in the world in that void of his, and could produce most anything on request.

Speaking of wanton power abuse, Ted's control over his life-fiber threads had gotten to the point that they were practically prehensile. Why, is that deck swabbing itself? No, just an ultra-thin thread manipulating it like a primitive Roomba. Shiver me timbers, that fresh-caught-fish flopped onto the deck of its own accord! Divine providence? That, or the threads double as a fishing reel. They make for fine portals, allowing--when he saw no one watched--him to be anywhere in an instant. Last but not least, he'd invade everyone's personal space and subtly attach a thread for safety's sake. A life-fiber lifeline, if you will. Don't worry, it's too thin to see. Won't hardly notice.

Yet for all this whimsy and seafaring fun, Ted did it all in a perfunctory, enervated way as wooden as the masts. When he worked, it always seemed to be where everyone else wasn't. When his duties forced him to speak, he used words sparse and simple. Just the way he was at Jolly Eddy's, and for the same reasons: vanity. A mission to "rescue" artificial islanders is too empty to enjoy. He might've, at least, enjoyed the crew or the sailing, but his spirit was burdened with the greatest storm he'd yet known.]

B. Brooding

[When he had time, Ted went to the crow's nest, the universal dwelling for introspective sailors. He read Moby Dick, skipping the boring parts for one in particular, where a preacher gave an evocative, artful account of Jonah. What a character; one he could, despite the gap in virtue, relate to. Both had a greater task before them, and both went to sea to shirk. He knew that once this voyage is over and he goes back on land, he will have to have a talk with Grievous. It might be the beginning of the end of life as he knows it.

No great sacrifice, given the dearth of pleasure life seemed to give him thus far. That joy de vivre that hung on him like a halo during his first days in Genessia had all but bled out of him, leaving him a cursory shade. Sometimes he would look out upon the motley crew they'd assembled, and think:

I used to want this.

The adventure, the colorful personalities, the novel atmosphere. The sheer black anxiety of what he'd been dreading, and must now meet, cast an impenetrable shadow on all of it. Why bother making conversation when, in hardly a week's time, he may be a villainous pariah? Ted is too transparent to practice duality. It was hard for him to keep his private fears within and affect his cheery, past self without.

The present was so prosaic, and the future held such grave portent that its gravity compressed him utterly. He ran the possibilities in his head a thousand times. What will Grievous do? Even if all goes well, can they really help such wretched, desperate souls? He had grown to care only for one thing, and he'd read somewhere that people who cared so singly were the most dangerous of all.

It's a small miracle that he can function at all under so consuming a care. This sailing seemed so small and ridiculous compared to that. Sometimes it's all he can do to stargaze--another withered past-time--and wonder if the heavens he sees are fake too.]

[Fair Winds - June 20-21]

[om_nom_namur]

[Ted's brooding has become the new norm. Namur knows better than to call him on it, but damn it, he can taste the angst all the way down on deck. How the hell is he not supposed to worry?

So he climbs the shrouds, quick and nimble like the strangest-looking spider scurrying over it's web, and drapes his arms over the edge of the crow's nest.]

Know anythin' 'bout them stars, Smolt?

A.

[specialist_snowflake]

[Winter does not like Ted. He's annoying, grating, and wildly sexist in his views regarding women and combat. He's a nuisance, and she had often entertained doubts about training him in the wilderness as she had; if he used those skills for ill, he would have to answer to an angry specialist.]

[Nonetheless, credit must be given where credit is due. She's surprised at his cooking skills in particular, and if she were a warmer sort of person, she might even consider asking him for lessons in the future. She's gracious enough in accepting what he cooks, even if she'd come fully stocked with her own supply (and then some) of military rations -- dried meat and fruits, packets of food with a long expiration date, potable water, and so forth.]

[But she can see there's a marked difference in his gregarious personality. While keeping to himself is preferable so she doesn't have to deal with him, it's unusual.]

[So when the time inevitably comes for one to relieve the other of watch duties, Winter regards him silently for a moment, before gazing back at the ocean once more, hands tucked behind her back.]

It strikes me as odd that you have yet to assail our ears with a single sea chanty, as of yet.

[What happened to all the annoying singing in which he used to take so much delight?]

[Fair Winds- June 20-21]

[singinghuntress]

[DayTime]
[It might surprise some people to realize Rip was on the ship. Then again, it might not surprise anyone that knew who she considered family and who she was dating. Rip spent most of the day either sleeping in Namur's cabin or below deck, helping with chores where she could and checking in on people that might not be doing so well.]

[NightTime]
[Once Night fell she could move around more freely, eager to be on deck and see the stars. Rip didn't care if she was on watch or even swabbing the deck, she was just happy to be out in the fresh air after being kept below deck all day and chatting at anyone that might be eager for conversation with the huntress...]

Zhe last time I vas on a ship, it vas a British Aircraft Carrier. It vas.. nice, but I zhink zhis is a much better ship zhan zhe Adler.

Night

[om_nom_namur]

[Namur leans over her, stretched out amongst the shrouds.]

The Adler? Call it that cuz it'd leave yer brain addled or what? Sheheheh!

[gip_u202]

[Dawn at the Docks]
[Anyone out and about on the docks during the ship's preparations will be witness to something of a spectacle, provided they're paying attention; it's not every day one catches sight of a single woman, a petite one at that, heaving supply crates back and forth single-handedly seemingly ignoring the fact that they're half again her size. She moves with purpose, hefting each crate up onto one slender shoulder before making her way to the gangplank and up onto the ship, but unfortunately the size discrepancy does mean that she's having a hard time watching out for anyone else who may be scurrying about on deck. When the expected collision inevitably occurs, the little blonde gives a similarly little squeak of surprise before reaching out with her free hand to try and steady her accidental victim.]

Sorry! So sorry-- I didn't even see you. Are you all right?


[Fair Winds]
[Once underway, Rowan is decidedly less useful than she had been initially. She can most often be found towards the stern of the ship, either curled up in a ball uncomfortably close to the railing, or bent double atop it while she retches over the side.

During the occasional reprieves from her seasickness, the little blonde remains either tucked in place with a book or doing her best to make herself useful-- an undertaking for which she shows a surprising amount of talent, given that she's clearly never been to sea. When it comes to hauling sails or heaving the anchor, she's able and more than willing to do the work of several people. When it comes to keeping things shipshape, who better than someone who's already accustomed to keeping her home showroom neat?

One might be just as likely to catch her hard at work on deck as they might be to find her desperately trying to avoid notice while suffering the ill effects of a life spent entirely on land-- but either way, she's unlikely to be the one to start up a conversation.]


[The Storm]
[Following Namur's barked commands, Rowan's quick to move; her lifeline is secured first and foremost, and then she sprints over to get to work with the sails. She's more than capable of handling even the larger ones by herself in calmer weather, but is surprised to find herself almost yanked off of her feet when she tries the same trick in the face of an approaching storm. Cursing with a viciousness that would make any seasoned sailor proud, she braces one foot against the mast she's working and grits her teeth as she fights to haul the canvas into place.]

Hey-- you there! Is your line tied off? I could use a hand over here...!

[Fair Winds]

[youfool]

[It was difficult to avoid noticing the one among them suffering from motion sickness. Drat, he thought. Would she said so ahead of time. Medication would be far more effective hours before the trip. Ah well, he'll do what he does best: offer unsolicited aid and advice. Ted approached after the end of a cookie toss, extending a box of Dramamine.]

These will help. Try to remain in the center of the ship for balance's sake.

[Certainly not the stern or anywhere else near the edge, poor thing.]

Focus on the horizon; books are too stationary and upsetting.

OTA

[om_nom_namur]

Dawn at the Docks
[As mentioned, Namur is perched near the gangplank, available to talk to. He's bored and a bit twitchy, excited to get out to sea already, but in spite of all that he's keeping an eye on those coming and going in the ship. If any pendant-bearers- Gatewalkers or Gaters as he calls them- happen to come near and he doesn't recognize them and they don't address him first, they'll find themselves being hollered at a few moments before they can set foot on the ship.]

Yo! Hope y' ain't comin' aboard for nothin' more'n curiosity's sake! What's yer name, Gater? Whatcha think yer here 'bout?

Fair Winds
[Yes, he swims in it every day and yes, he's taken a little schooner out several times over the years of his stay here in Genessia. But the sea felt so small then. No horizons to explore, only deserted islands awaiting their arrival, with not even the promise of buried treasure to fuel that adventuring spark. There was no point to sail but to sail itself. Nowhere to go, no one to see. But the strong wind whistling through the shrouds, the rhythmic rise and fall of an actual damn ship and the salty spray glittering like a rainbow of jewels when a stray shaft of sunlight hit just right all come together in some kind of harmony that resonates not in his eardrums, but in the foundations of his very soul. The song of the sea had been but echoes for too long. Now there's somewhere to go, a mystery to unravel, danger and maybe some weather- those clouds are looking a bit black after all. But who gives a shit? A little storm in a fishbowl isn't anything he can't handle. They'll do their best to skirt the thing, use its wind to push themselves ever faster towards the destiny of the week. But he's quick to laughter and feeling somewhat roguish. Were you working hard to mop the gathering water off the deck? Perhaps your bucket just mysteriously disappeared. Or maybe he's approaching quickly, twirling two lengths of rope in his hands before tossing one your way, ready for a knot tying race. Hell, there's not a lot of power left in his communicator since the ship has no way to charge it, but he's not above firing it up and blaring out a song or two for a dance.]

The Storm

Shit shit shit shit shit!

[He thought they could outrun it if they kept just out of its reach, but that sudden switch blew the clouds right over them in a matter of seconds, and Namur had to scramble to catch someone before they flew right over the rail as the ship pitched to the side. He grabs up a handful of ropes, securing the ends as quick as he can to one of the masts, kicking the loose ends to any who come near.]

Get that 'round yer waist an' cinched tight! If y' get blown off or we capsize, 's the only thing that's gonna keep y' from gettin' lost in the depths!

Fair Winds

[burnt_offering]

[Ace has been busy. And he likes it that way. While he's not making sure things run smoothly and carrying his share of the work and then some, he's been enjoying the feeling of being on the ocean again. Sure, the clouds are worth keeping an eye on, but there have been storms before and there will be storms again. And he's more concerned about keeping the mood up for the trip. And goodness, sometimes it's easier said than done with some of the people around.

Namur might just be happy to know that he brought a couple of power banks with him for charging.] Namur, wanna hear something cool? [Music. He's obsessed. And he's got a few minutes to enjoy, so he might as well bring up some fun before he brings up the less pleasant point that's been worrying him.]

Fair Winds.

[shivvymetimbers]

[There's nothing quite as relaxing or as lovely as the great open sea. For the first time since joining this motley crew has Bastien known peace. He leans precariously over the railing just gazing at the great blue horizon with a sense of absolute awe. Even though he's far from home and even farther from all that he knows, Bastien can't help but feel at home here.]

The wind is being kind to us! [The unbridled glee within his tone is telling. He sounds less like some cutthroat pirate and more like a star eyed youth.] This is good news! We'll soon arrive to our destination in due time.

[He glances over at the others briefly tilting his gaze upward towards the clear skies above.]

I suppose that old gods are watching over us or some mess. [The pirates shrugs.] I've never been much for religion---HEY!

[His mood takes a complete turn once he spots some fool messing up his fancy knot work. Bastien lets out an annoyed huff before marching right over with a looking both like murder and death with rage seeping into his once peaceful honeyed gaze.]

Don't mess up my handiwork, you yellow-bellied sea eel! I did those myself.

[Meaning they're "perfect" and have no need for cumbersome fat fingers pulling at them.]

[chief_of_staff]

[Honestly, Sabo is just trying to help anyone who appears to need it, even taking on tasks he's not normally accustomed to. Which just so happens to include knot tying. He's in the middle of untying and re-tying one delicately formed knot when he hears a familiar voice yelling at him, and his immediate reaction is to whip his head to the side and look.]

Not stealing from small stores today? [He has a very wide, almost shit-eating grin on his face as he asks that.] Did I mess up a knot of yours? I didn't mean to; I was trying to fix it, actually.

[When he finishes tying it back up, he stands straight and shrugs.]

Fair Winds

[chief_of_staff]

[Sabo has been looking for something to do, lately, so when he hears Namur's call to action, he wastes no time boarding the ship and taking in the sights. Jotting down notes whenever he can, he's finding himself busy for the most part, but he's also available to help anyone who may need a hand.

Though, after some time, a strong gust of wind will blow his hat off of his head, sending it tumbling across the deck. To which the revolutionary goes charging forward in an effort to catch it, barreling right into anyone who may be in the path.]

Oh! Sorry! My hat -- [He reaches for it, but barely misses gripping the brim.] Can you help me get it back?

Fair Winds

[om_nom_namur]

[Namur, being much taller and a bit more in the hat's path when the wind decides to gust it around, snatches it out of the air, but then with a grin holds it high.]

Oh, y' mean this hat? Come get it, Warmonger! Let's see whatcha got!

[He winks and takes a step back, centering himself a little better so he can react faster.]

PLOT EVENT

[genpcs]

The winds at sea grow ever more wild, making it harder with each passing hour to navigate and keep the right heading. Ordinarily it would take 1-2 days to reach the outpost island, but with the winds being this unpredictable, travel time is doubled. The weather holds, but just barely, until June 22, where the rain that was promised in the newspaper's weather forecast finally overtakes the ship, and begins to come down in pelting sheets. It almost hurts to be hammered by the sheer ferocity of this rain, to say nothing for the swelling waves that tower dozens of feet high. Lightning strikes the mast (hope no one was in the crow's nest!) and splits it in two, shearing the sail apart and splintering the deck as it collapses. A monster wave rises suddenly, swallowing the fatefully named Maelstrom, and the sheer force of its impact slams the crew hard enough against the surface of the water that all fall unconscious.

BAD END

...Or is it?

One by one, each member of the crew washes up on the sandy shore of what appears to be an island about twenty miles wide, covered in lush tropical plants with a towering dormant volcano rising above the jungles. The wilderness is stuffed with tropical fruits and docile animals that can easily be hunted, and never appear more dangerous than the occasional startled boar. Communicators don't seem to work on this island, and while magic and powers can be used, they're significantly dampened to the point that they barely manifest at all.

Once everyone is miraculously accounted for, further exploration of the island will eventually uncover a small settlement of assorted villagers. It's obvious to see that they've been here for a while, having fashioned clothing out of materials washed up on shore or fashioned out of foliage. Hair is long and so are beards, where applicable. The matron of this village is a tough old woman named Mensch, who welcomes the shipwrecked crew and bids them to come and dine with her people. After hearing their plight, she nods sympathetically, but informs them that there's no way off the island. An enormous sea serpent frequently patrols the waters looking for anyone foolish enough to sail or swim off, and has devoured no fewer than four rafts of people thus far.

Mensch asks the crew to help gather food and resources, such as fruit, herbs, fish, wood, and game, and if they help they'll find that the villagers are as warm and friendly as their matron. Each and every one of them seem happy and strangely resigned to living out the rest of their lives here on this island. 

Spend enough time with them...and the crew might learn some interesting things about the island and the people who dwell there~

Don't I Know You From Somewhere? - Those who have bounty hunted for over a year might spot some familiar faces, and they might be pretty sure that some of the villagers were wanted pirates that were never taken in. It was assumed that they had either died or were laying low. But when asked about this, the villagers seem genuinely confused and deny ever being the kind of person who could hurt someone, or steal. What a horrible thing to do! No, they might share a name and a face, but they definitely don't remember committing any crimes, sorry. Must be a coincidence! Or maybe someone made a false accusation against them to ruin their good name. But who would do that, and why?

Going Native -Those who signed up specifically to investigate the vanished settlers, and spoke to any friends or relations of the missing people, might recognize that some of these people are indeed the settlers in question. When confronted, they look confused, and say they don't remember being part of any outpost excursion- they grew up here! There must be some mistake...

Royal Reunion - Anyone who met the king and queen before the royal family vanished in January 2018 will also encounter a few people of interest. They're almost unrecognizable given their wild appearance, but the whole royal family is here. Or at least they're very convincing look-alikes, because they'll laugh themselves to death if someone tells them they're royalty. Ruler of what, the bananas? The monkeys? Stop making up silly stories and help them climb this coconut tree already!

Old Lady Mensch - The matron of the village is very warm, and a master of delegating work to make sure everyone has enough to eat and supplies to keep them thriving and comfortable. She's fond of children in particular, greets people with hugs, and will invite people to talk about themselves. She shows the most concern for people who aren't happy with who they are, whether they openly project this or not, and is very good at figuring out what people don't like about themselves. She'll ask if they ever wished they were someone different, and will give encouragement to become that person if that's what they really want. She believes in you!

Going Native

[om_nom_namur]

[Some of these folks are definitely the missing settlers. As odd as it had been for the bereaved, he'd convinced several of them to let him taste the places they'd once lived and smell several articles of clothing they'd worn. He knows people by their taste and smell better than by sight, and once he's learned a person's taste, he rarely forgets them. But they don't smell like deceit when they say they've lived here all their lives, either, so it's weird.

Namur furrows his brow, hunched down in a squat so he can talk face to face with a young man.]

A'ight, y' grew up here yer whole life. Know if I make a fuss 'bout tellin' y' otherwise y'd be hollerin' for some shitty proof, so I'mma beatcha t' the punch. Prove t' me y' been here more'n a couple months at most, eh?

Open to all

[light_of_willpower]

Down at the Docks

Being up this early wasn't unusual for Trunks really. He also didn't seem to have anything, luggage or gear-wise, except his sword slung-over-his-shoulder. He doesn't spend as much time in Fayren as elsewhere though, so he isn't as early as he'd like. He recognizes Namur though, calling out the man's name, so he'd know Trunks was there.

When he does make his way over to the man with the checklist and up the gangplank, he offers a small wave and half-smile.]

Looks like most of this is under control already. Anything you need or want help with? I have a few different first aid kits and other supply stuff with me from Capsule Corp. Just in case.

Fair Winds
[Trunks is definitely a land-lubber, in that he isn't used to being on a ship on the water. But he listens, and observes, and is willing to learn and pitch in where and when needed. Aside from his sword, he didn't have much gear that needed to be stowed as most of his personal supplies (and extra supplies) were in a case filled with Capsules.

Everything Namur says makes sense though, so Trunks makes himself useful with the chores, or finding someone who can help teach him the basics of how to sail. Not everyone knows how to fly after all, and he doesn't want to be a liability either. He's here to help!]

The Storm
[Sword over his shoulders, as that's safest to keep on him, Trunks can be found helping tie people and things down, and stowed away. He's probably one of the better-abled to handle a storm, considering the combat situations he's found himself in.]

[chief_of_staff]

[Sabo is eventually approached as he sits on a barrel, looking over some notes he'd made recently. He's asked if he can teach this guy how to sail. Sure, he could; he'd studied navigation quite a bit as a child. Smiling, he answers:]

Sure! What exactly do you want to know?

OTA

[kalmaleader]

Fair Winds

[Maybe Qubine was doing this out of boredom, but it really didn't matter. This was one of the areas where he hadn't gone to search for the Royal Family of Fayren. He was pleasantly surprised to find that the ship was actually large enough to accommodate his own size, as well as for the crew who volunteered for this mission.]

[Even so, he spent the majority of the time flying ahead of the ship, and then pulling back and landing on the deck whenever his wings got tired.]

Storm

[When the storm suddenly hits, Qubine actually finds himself at a loss on what to do. He could turn the water into ice, or the rain into snow, but that would only make it more difficult for the ship to sail. And it would do nothing for the fierce winds that he lacked the ability to control. Perhaps a Wind dragon would be able to change the wind direction.]

[Still, he tried to fly above the ship against the wind, looking down at the deck and seeing how the crew was faring. If he spotted anyone that was blown overboard, he could dive in and rescue them.]

Fair Winds

[om_nom_namur]

See anythin' good t' eat while y's out there scoutin' 'round? Whales an' big schools a fish sometimes look like bigass shadows in the water, 's how birds go fishin'. Similar for yer folk, or not so much?

OTA- Gone Native

[singinghuntress]

A. Around the village.
[There's a new face among the villagers after one particular moonlit night. The woman was tall with her raven hair pulled back into a long braid that constantly draped over her shoulder, dressed like all the rest. She can be seen talking and laughing with other villagers as if she's lived her all her life.

Anyone that might recognize Rip can easily spot her in a crowd, though, there's something off. She looks remarkably... Human. And she's in the sunlight instead of hiding from it.]

B. Beach
[Rip can be seen on the beach tending to a small little boat, checking ropes and oars along with her supplies. The task takes her all morning but, she seems to be enjoying her work as she hums along some song she can't seem to get out of her head, even if she has no idea where it came from...

To anyone spotting her, it's obvious this woman's tended to this boat before thousands of times with how familiar she is about it. Finally, she loads what looks like a few crude but sturdy knives in her boat and a small net like satchel.

As she gets ready to head out, she strips out of a simple dress that she was wearing and tosses it into the boat, revealing a very simple bathing suit. With a few test shoves, she starts to get the boat in the water...]

C. Out on the water.
[Rip anchors herself out in the waters just off shore and gathers up her gear before getting into the water. She takes a few deep breaths before diving.. Anyone swimming around can see she's searching for pearl oysters.

When she does come up for air, she always has at least a few oysters in her little net. Eventually she'll get enough and head in..]

B. Beach

[youfool]

[While trying to loose Trunks, whose company was flattering if unwelcome, he spotted Rip in a time of day that, for all he knew, should've turned her to ash. The two were tepid, at best, but curiosity drove him to approach and ask what prompted this diurnal attitude.]

Good morning, Rip. What have you been up to in the last twenty-four hours?

[Maybe he should've kept better tabs on everyone, though with his perception, that was unlikely.]

OTA - Plotting Against the Serpent

[kalmaleader]

[Ever since being stuck on this island, Qubine's priority had been to deal with that sea serpent that the villagers had warned about. As far as he was concerned, that was the only thing keeping him from simply flying back to Fayren. He couldn't say as much for the rest of the marooned crew.]

[The other concern was the lack of powers. While he is confident in fighting without his elemental abilities, he isn't sure if anyone else was able to. To be as prepared as possible to face the serpent, he needs to find out by speaking with the crew. He paces back and forth as he addresses them.]

We're all painfully aware that our powers are disabled on this island. While I can still hold my own even without my elemental abilities, I would request assistance in dealing with the serpent out there. I would be willing to allow a few people to ride on my back, if they have any combat skills that can be utilized.

[He stops, turning his gaze to them.]

I'm also open to other suggestions, if anyone has any.

Re: OTA - Plotting Against the Serpent

[youfool]

[OOC: assuming that his adventures with the rock/Trunks don't change anything significant, i.e. he's still a normie.]

Alas, I won't be much help against Leviathan at present. My labors are better spent here, trying to break enchantment.

[And even if, by some miracle, he got his powers back, he'd like to be more conservative with them, lest anyone connect him to future-crimes. He believes in everyone else's ability to handle things.]