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childrenofbajablast2025-01-01 12:23 pm
diceofthegods) wrote in childrenofbajablast2025-01-01 12:23 pm
Test Drive Meme #2
SEASONS GREETINGS
On the morning of the first of the year, a notification message pops up on everyone’s Rocky-Talkies no matter if they just arrived or are longer-established offworlders. Small minor-illusion fireworks accompany the ping which features Charlie smiling and waving. Alongside him are both Slayd and Dimitri (where Dimitri is not smiling, but what can you expect?)
Without further ado, Charlie begins to speak: "Happy Winter Solstice and beginning of a new year! We have some fantastic news for you! The town of Hast has opened its arms to us in welcome thanks to your good work in the area. Not only that, but we have some very special visitors in their harbor. You will get to meet one of the legendary heroes that saved this world! Hoshiko!"
At her mention, an image of a... wanted poster mugshot pops up with a brunette woman holding up two fingers and sticking her tongue out. "Wait, no, sorry- Not that one!" Charlie corrects, the profile changing to a more recent photograph of the woman. Here, her hair is longer and she holds herself a bit more maturely.
"She'll be accompanied by a group of friendly kobolds who assisted in that journey as well. Hoshiko will be putting on a lovely firework display for everyone as a New Year’s celebration. The kobolds, meanwhile, are avid traders. They travel all around the seas to the north and have collected plenty of interesting items to trade. They have sent word that they are interested in any scrap metal you can find! Thankfully, the beaches near Hast are plentiful in scrap metal to collect from previous mining ventures there. You will also be doing the people of Hast a favor by cleaning up their beaches.
That said, please take care and wear gloves if you plan to collect the scrap! I will make sure there are plenty available in our shop for the taking. I have also restocked it with more warm winter clothes!" Though they are basic, it might be nice to accessorize a little. "Be on your best behavior to our hosts in Hast if you plan to visit, and please go with our warmest wishes besides! Hoshiko will make sure you're safe!"
The next part is said lower since Charlie seems to think the recording has ended before it actually did: "She promised she would, at least."
Without further ado, Charlie begins to speak: "Happy Winter Solstice and beginning of a new year! We have some fantastic news for you! The town of Hast has opened its arms to us in welcome thanks to your good work in the area. Not only that, but we have some very special visitors in their harbor. You will get to meet one of the legendary heroes that saved this world! Hoshiko!"
At her mention, an image of a... wanted poster mugshot pops up with a brunette woman holding up two fingers and sticking her tongue out. "Wait, no, sorry- Not that one!" Charlie corrects, the profile changing to a more recent photograph of the woman. Here, her hair is longer and she holds herself a bit more maturely.
"She'll be accompanied by a group of friendly kobolds who assisted in that journey as well. Hoshiko will be putting on a lovely firework display for everyone as a New Year’s celebration. The kobolds, meanwhile, are avid traders. They travel all around the seas to the north and have collected plenty of interesting items to trade. They have sent word that they are interested in any scrap metal you can find! Thankfully, the beaches near Hast are plentiful in scrap metal to collect from previous mining ventures there. You will also be doing the people of Hast a favor by cleaning up their beaches.
That said, please take care and wear gloves if you plan to collect the scrap! I will make sure there are plenty available in our shop for the taking. I have also restocked it with more warm winter clothes!" Though they are basic, it might be nice to accessorize a little. "Be on your best behavior to our hosts in Hast if you plan to visit, and please go with our warmest wishes besides! Hoshiko will make sure you're safe!"
The next part is said lower since Charlie seems to think the recording has ended before it actually did: "She promised she would, at least."
Hast To Be
The town of Hast is a cascade of buildings that trace down the large Bail Mountain and spill out into the harbor below. Hast is a busy and active mining town. Several mine entrances can be seen dotting the mountainside. Here, they mine for precious metals and useful minerals that are used throughout the continent for a multitude of purposes.
You are welcome to explore the mines at your own risk! You are warned that outside of the normal risks of being in a mine, there are some monsters that inhabit the older mines that are no longer in use. The town is not liable for anything that happens to someone foolish enough to enter unprepared.
The people here are friendly, albeit seemingly always on the move. They appear too busy to even really worry about newcomers. There are plenty of small shops where you can find raw minerals and metals for sale as well as products that are refined from such materials. Tools, more sturdy weapons, and useful gear are some things that may catch your eye here!
Charlie has afforded everyone 10 gold pieces to spend here. We will leave what you buy and how much it costs up to the player, on the honor system that you don’t go hog-wild. Generally, one gold piece = 100 modern-day American dollars for reference. (Please don’t over-worry about what-costs what, we trust you to use your best judgement!)
Aside from material goods, you can also enjoy one of the few pubs or eateries that exist around the town.
Enjoy your time!
You are welcome to explore the mines at your own risk! You are warned that outside of the normal risks of being in a mine, there are some monsters that inhabit the older mines that are no longer in use. The town is not liable for anything that happens to someone foolish enough to enter unprepared.
The people here are friendly, albeit seemingly always on the move. They appear too busy to even really worry about newcomers. There are plenty of small shops where you can find raw minerals and metals for sale as well as products that are refined from such materials. Tools, more sturdy weapons, and useful gear are some things that may catch your eye here!
Charlie has afforded everyone 10 gold pieces to spend here. We will leave what you buy and how much it costs up to the player, on the honor system that you don’t go hog-wild. Generally, one gold piece = 100 modern-day American dollars for reference. (Please don’t over-worry about what-costs what, we trust you to use your best judgement!)
Aside from material goods, you can also enjoy one of the few pubs or eateries that exist around the town.
- ⁂ "The Rusty Nail" is a pub that serves primarily the local miners. Meanwhile, "The Bitten Coin" is the tavern that also serves as one of the local inns. If you’re looking for fancier fare go somewhere else you can find some slightly more stately restaurants toward the harbor.
⁂ "The Tossed Dagger" serves some delicious local fish dishes, and "Gordo’s Big Biscuits" is somewhat self-explanatory.
⁂ Most of the entertainment here is bar-fights and somewhat crude performances given the local’s preferences, but you can certainly find comfort at the inn if you’re not looking to mix with rowdy miners and fishermen.
Enjoy your time!
Kobold Chaos
Rusty Bucket Bay by Grant Kirkhope
1:07 / 3:P57
▶︎
Grant Kirkhope is a Scottish composer and voice actor for video games and film. Some of his notable works include GoldenEye 007, Banjo-Kazooie, Donkey Kong 64, and Perfect Dark, among many others.
The kobolds mentioned are plentifully packed in a barely-seaworthy hunk of metal ship that serves as their maritime clown-car. It is being tugged along by a far more... ship-looking ship. These creatures are hyperactive, will yip your ears off about nothing, and are all too excited to receive any metal or 'shiny bits' and will parade around with it like little peacocks proudly. That said, they are friendly (even if somewhat annoying or tiring for lengths of time).
If asked, they will happily tell you that the scrap is not only to repair their ship but also to build an effigy to their god: the "Arsenal Dragon." When pressed on this, they will say their god is indeed a very real person. He was another one of the great heroes that saved the land! He had ascended to divinity at the end of his journey and is currently helping to rebuild the otherwise desolate north. They will then proceed to gush about how cool and amazing and strong and great he is.
Did they mention great? And strong? And cool? Oh, and amazing!
There are two kobolds running an official trade-in booth hastily constructed on the beach. They have (barely legible) nametags.
"Mung", reads the tag in front of a red and cream kobold with gold horns. "Liberius", meanwhile, is a squat, white creature with thick glasses that looks like he's on the verge of a nervous breakdown at all times.
You can trade scrap metal and they will give you a random magical-or-interesting item of equal value. While can gather as much scrap as you wish, but please keep it to one trade-in per character. Everyone that helps out can report so to Mung and Liberius here and receive - in addition to their item - a bit of reputation as well as five (5) bond points to use for activity rewards.
If asked, they will happily tell you that the scrap is not only to repair their ship but also to build an effigy to their god: the "Arsenal Dragon." When pressed on this, they will say their god is indeed a very real person. He was another one of the great heroes that saved the land! He had ascended to divinity at the end of his journey and is currently helping to rebuild the otherwise desolate north. They will then proceed to gush about how cool and amazing and strong and great he is.
Did they mention great? And strong? And cool? Oh, and amazing!
There are two kobolds running an official trade-in booth hastily constructed on the beach. They have (barely legible) nametags.
"Mung", reads the tag in front of a red and cream kobold with gold horns. "Liberius", meanwhile, is a squat, white creature with thick glasses that looks like he's on the verge of a nervous breakdown at all times.
You can trade scrap metal and they will give you a random magical-or-interesting item of equal value. While can gather as much scrap as you wish, but please keep it to one trade-in per character. Everyone that helps out can report so to Mung and Liberius here and receive - in addition to their item - a bit of reputation as well as five (5) bond points to use for activity rewards.
LIGHT 'EM UP
Once the sun begins to set, offworlders are encouraged to head down to the harbor for a fireworks show on the water as promised. They are gifted sparklers of whatever color they choose and given the option to buy larger fireworks of their own if so desired. It can be noted that any purchased with the gold provided by Charlie have a unique logo branding on them that is separate from the town of Hast. This is a personal investment, it seems, versus helping the town proper.
If questioned, the proprietor herself - Hoshiko - will make an appearance. She wears a long, furred cloak that covers most of her body from view and shields her from the cold. "Look, a lady has to make money in this world somehow," is all she’ll say with a cheeky sort of smile. However, anyone that comes across her is free to make a perception check to notice that they have less gold than before.
If successful (a roll of 12 or higher), Hoshiko will congratulate them on their quick catch and return the gold then. If unsuccessful, they’ll find (most of) the gold returned and a note at the end of the night that simply reads: "Thanks! Here’s your change."
Other than the brief encounter, the captain seems mostly preoccupied with making a magnificent display of pyrotechnics. They launch from her ship and dance across the sky for quite some time before a large finale. Any stray sparks or potential fire hazards are to be expected, whether from her own show or careless handling of other fireworks, but thankfully they have a plan for that too.
A large, white dragon will put out any fires with a powerful blast of frost breath. Sorry if you get caught in the chill! It doesn't seem too concerned with that so much as stamping out any flames before they can spread. "Find someone to warm you up!" it will laugh (in a perhaps familiar voice) before moving on.
If questioned, the proprietor herself - Hoshiko - will make an appearance. She wears a long, furred cloak that covers most of her body from view and shields her from the cold. "Look, a lady has to make money in this world somehow," is all she’ll say with a cheeky sort of smile. However, anyone that comes across her is free to make a perception check to notice that they have less gold than before.
If successful (a roll of 12 or higher), Hoshiko will congratulate them on their quick catch and return the gold then. If unsuccessful, they’ll find (most of) the gold returned and a note at the end of the night that simply reads: "Thanks! Here’s your change."
Other than the brief encounter, the captain seems mostly preoccupied with making a magnificent display of pyrotechnics. They launch from her ship and dance across the sky for quite some time before a large finale. Any stray sparks or potential fire hazards are to be expected, whether from her own show or careless handling of other fireworks, but thankfully they have a plan for that too.
A large, white dragon will put out any fires with a powerful blast of frost breath. Sorry if you get caught in the chill! It doesn't seem too concerned with that so much as stamping out any flames before they can spread. "Find someone to warm you up!" it will laugh (in a perhaps familiar voice) before moving on.
Notes
⁂ Hello and happy new year! Welcome to Children of Bahamut's second test drive meme! If you have any questions, suggestions, or feedback then feel free to ask here.
⁂ We have a top-level directory for folks this test drive for ease of finding ones to tag into! We also ask that you please mention though if you are a current or new player in your top-level.
⁂ Additionally, we have a separate top-level for rockstar profiles for people to post if they want to participate in an easier icebreaker texting option!
⁂ A reminder that TDM threads can be used for activity rewards even if the other person does not end up claiming and joining the game!
⁂ Full Navigation ⁂
⁂ We have a top-level directory for folks this test drive for ease of finding ones to tag into! We also ask that you please mention though if you are a current or new player in your top-level.
- (Example header: character name | canon | current/new player )
⁂ Additionally, we have a separate top-level for rockstar profiles for people to post if they want to participate in an easier icebreaker texting option!
⁂ A reminder that TDM threads can be used for activity rewards even if the other person does not end up claiming and joining the game!
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"Yeah...well. Guess I'm looking out for you now."
Somewhere deep inside, he felt a rumble like someone was laughing with approval. It was the right thing to do, embarrassment or not.
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Something deep in his heart fluttered at that; unspoken words whispered approval that Ryou understood but could not hear.
"We'll... look out for each other."
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"Sleep well, Ryou."
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Ryou relaxed against Seto's warm, muscled body, and all he could think was "I could get used to this," before he finally, finally fell asleep.
--
Morning broke, and a hush settled over the cottage.
Ryou woke up first, shifting in Seto's arms; it was as though he was waking up to a boyfriend or a lover, held close and safe.
Of course, that was ridiculous...he would never. Not with Ryou. Look at the set of his cheekbones, the way his hair swept over his brow.
Ryou reached out a hand, delicately brushing the bangs away.
His cheeks grew hot, but that didn't stop the fond smile on his face, or the twinkle in his eyes. He was never close enough to Seto to touch him before, but he really was handsome, wasn't he...?
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Well, it mostly was. Light slowly trickled into the room, and Seto came to awareness slowly. Someone brushed fingers through his hair, so gently. It should've been strange or threatening, he was so used to sleeping alone---but he knew deep in his soul that he was safe.
He cracked an eye open, catching the briefest glimpse of Ryou's expression. Radiant. Or..
"...morning?" His voice was still heavy with sleep, cheeks tinged pink from the attention. But his tone of asking was curious, not upset.
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He didn't startle... good. He didn't overstep any boundaries, it seemed.
"I wish we had a sundial in here; I don't know what time it is."
Time to start breakfast? Probably? Probably.
In a minute.
Warm.
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Kaiba's mind came back to him bit by bit, but he didn't pull away.
"Did you sleep well?"
There was a strange lightness in the air around them. It wasn't uncomfortable at all to be this close.
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Though the thought of it not being 24 hour days...then how long would each day be? They had to find a way to manage time, because otherwise Ryou would let the time get away from him. Especially now that he knew he had the potential to learn magic here...
"You're very warm," he chuckled. "I don't think I've slept this well in a while."
His face leaned in a moment, but then stopped, mere centimeters away from Seto's nose.
What.
What did he think about doing? It seemed just so natural to just bring his face in close, to...what?
A bit of pink glowed on his cheeks.
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(Were they going to still be human, soon? Odd tangent. But being a dragon wouldn't change his feelings.)
"...Hey. Ah. Is there something on my face?"
Dangit. He just had to be awkward at a time like this.
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Ryou's cheeks darkened, but he shook his head. Gods, what was he doing?
He was staring!
"No, not at all. I just... your eyes--"
Shoot. That... was not what he meant to say.
"They look...Lovely. In this light."
Someone smite him. He was making a right fool out of himself!
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"I don't usually notice such things," he admitted. "But. You kept me warm, as was the plan...and your face. It made waking up easier."
Did it now...?
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It was Ryou's turn for his eyes to widen; why did hearing that make his heart race? Usually when people complimented his face...
Ah.
But they were women, weren't they.
This... was not a woman. This was Seto Kaiba. A man.
Not just a man, but someone masculine, strong-willed, intelligent--
"Ah..."
Finally, Ryou averted his eyes, but his smile... he was more than pleased. Shyly giddy, really.
"Thank you. Your... face is nice to wake up to, too."
Was this flirting?
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Seto could feel his face burning. He looked at Ryou to try to distract himself, and whoa. He was entirely too distracted by those bright eyes and that lovingly sleep-tousled hair. Why was he thinking like this?
"But we survived the first night. We'll figure this out together."
Right. Back to...normal? Right?
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"I'm not. They just never got close enough to tell you the same."
Because it was an objective fact: Seto Kaiba had beautiful eyes when one got close enough to look.
And...
...
That was a stomach growling. Ryou's stomach.
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It was cute. He tried not to think about that more deeply.
"Sounds like it's time we gather breakfast," he snorted. "We have eggs, right? The farmers seemed pretty helpful last night."
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"Oh, yes! I can get started on that straight away. We should have plenty of eggs for me to make some omlettes."
They had a few vegetables they could use...veggie omlettes with some mushrooms...
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"I can help this time. I'll chop the vegetables?"
Of course they'd have to get out of bed and get dressed. He could do that. But it was unfortunate to leave...
Once he'd memorized the look of Ryou perched above him, he closed his eyes a moment to commit that to memory. Then he'd roll out and get to work.
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"Right. I'll get things laid out for you while you get dressed."
This was... this was nice. Domestic. It was the kind of peace and quiet he'd always wanted, but was never able to have with the Ring.
As Seto's eyes closed, Ryou rolled out of bed, grabbing the first shirt he saw without thinking and pulled it over his head.
It was a little big, but it was something to cover his chest. His scars.
Hey.
Hey, Kaiba.
I hope you have other shirts.
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He couldn't stay forever, though. Ryou was waiting for him. So he'd have to roll out of bed and get dressed, except.
That wasn't going to work, was it? Something was missing. He sighed and pulled on his pants, heading out to join Ryou...
Who looked absolutely stunning in a black turtleneck that was slightly oversized for him. This wasn't helping. He needed to focus.
"Alright, I'm prepping---how's it going?" Yeah. He could totally wash and chop and dice like this as long as he was away from the splattering oil, no problem. He just had to push Ryou out of his mind juuuust enough to focus.
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This shirt looked like Seto's turtleneck, and was a little big for him.
You know, he was sure it was fine.
Maybe Charlie gave them extra shirts with his magic, no big deal. All he needed to do was set the veggies on the counter with a knife and cutting board...there. Just like that.
And what good timing! Seto was up and dressed!
Ryou turned towards his voice--
"Oh! I got everything--"
Eros, Giver of Carnal Pleasures, Ryou Bakura will be your servant for all Time in thanks for this Glorious Meal.
Those were...Seto Kaiba's unclothed abs was he literally in a dream right now.
Ryou Bakura stared at the vision in the kitchen, face flushed with a blank, empty-headed smile.
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Huh, that was odd. He did like seeing Ryou's smile, but this spacing out wasn't good if they were going to make breakfast without hurting themselves. He reached out and gently squeezed his wrist.
"Are you still awake? Don't think we have coffee, but I can get some icewater..."
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Only for him to see abs.
Eyes. Up.
Eyes. U p.
"Oh, ah! I'm all right! I must still be a little tired, that's all! I'm very sorry to worry you--"
Bury him.
Please.
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Seto squeezed Ryou's arm briefly before he let go and whirled around to face his station. It was...difficult. He knew Ryou would see the scars on his back if he looked, but. That was small potatoes compared to their entire. Situation. He could do it.
He wasn't exactly a superstar chef chopping with practiced ease or anything, but he was fairly competent at least. Since it was still early, he took it nice and slow to give Ryou time to get up to speed.
"If I was by myself, I probably would've just boiled a few eggs. You're better at seeing the whole picture."
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...
He didn't want to see him hurt. He...
Nnngh, come on. Come on!
"We will be more active here; we'll need to get more nutrition in our diets."
Ryou glanced at Seto's back for just a moment before turning back to his station.
(Scars...? What could have caused those...?)
"Besides, without a fridge, we have to make sure we use our perishables."
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Seto's being facetious, judging by the light tone of voice, but...it really is that cold out there, seems like. Occasionally a sliver of wind slips through a crack and he grits his teeth, but it's fine. He's fine.
"But you're right. The market's close enough for it to be more manageable. And...don't know how we'll take the transformations either."
There were a lot of questions he still had to ask, come to think of it...
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