Dice Our Shenanigans

[Zer0]

- Our Shenanigans -
"Side quests, moments in the past, one-shots, PvP, and the like, feel free to post them here~
Game Masters are very welcome to hold their own side quests."
​

 

[Zer0]

- Table of Contents -
​

The Season of Adventuring
Their First Deal

 

[CoconutLeaves]

Jeanne Du Valliant
Three Horns Divide -- Caravan​

The scenery was picturesque: Pure, fresh, white snow that blanketed rolling hills and jagged mountains that dotted the land as far as the eye can see; and evergreen pines and sturdy shrubs which had the darkest green color, stubborn to the inhospitability of the land, determined to live just as strongly as the people who live here. The road itself, though wide and well maintained, seemed under threat of the encroaching winter as snow kept piling forth even as the traveling caravan wheels and the Chocobos that plied the paths melted them with the heat.

Orgeat was never a poetic type. But surviving death brings new perspective to the land and the people. And as she sat on the warm wooden bench of a wagon of a passing caravan, surviving on the kindness of strangers, she was humbled by the grandness of it all. Its coldness and warmth that reminded her of home, where the glaciers were both cruel and kind, entrapping them and yet sustaining them with waters that grew the most bountiful of crops, ensuring that even the harshest winters, they would never come close to starving.

"How many settlements were there again, Kvasir?" She asked as she continued writing on the thick paper that the merchant gave her. Her work, she insisted as she did not feel comfortable surviving on hand outs, was to note down the stocks and check the profits and losses. The first she was almost done accomplishing, the second and third she had not started yet, as her blonde haired, blue eyed companion, with the voice of melting snow and cracked branched answered helpfully every time she would stare at the distance, and he, wanting to be a gracious host, would explain every little trivia that he thought she was curious about.

Orgeat didn't mind of course, with the music of some bards, playing, and the occasional chatter from the guards, which were not much considering they only spoke a few sentences, the silence was the last thing she wanted.

 

[Zer0]

- Three Horns Divide -​

"There's about o' twelve of 'em in these parts, Jeanne." said Kvasir, his reindeer ears swish-swishing away a small white spider that dropped down from the caravan roof. "But we'll be passin' by just ten of them: Nightpost, Rosecairn, Mapletide, Deerwallow, Flameward Keep, Dogvale, Nevergrasp, Oldhill, Crowrun, and Wolfell. There's Nightpost right now down there, by the river. See the stakewall?" the reindeer satyr pointed west down the side of the hill their caravan was traveling through where a wide river cut across the merchant's highway from the north to the south.

There was a small village fenced by a wall of wooden trunks fortified by iron. Armed satyrs patrolled the walkways, and one tall rickety watchtower blazing with a bonfire loomed high in the center above them all sending colorful smoke signals. There was a busy docks where canoes were coming in and out, there were larger junk boats with colorful sails one could usually find in the sea-shore settlements down south, they seemed to be exporting redwood logs from the surrounding forest.

"We'll be staying here for a few days, going to wait for a second party to join our little caravan, some pilgrims returning to Flameward Keep from the Ashen Ruins up north. There's good work in this little village, I suggest visiting the village square, where that tower in the center is if you want to earn something on the side. There's also the Public Bath House if you'd like to get cleaned up. It's fed by hotsprings. Smells a bit like rotten eggs, but it's nice and hot, really pleasant after days of traveling in the cold."

CoconutLeaves

 

[CoconutLeaves]

Jeanne du Valliant
Nightpost​

"Kvasir, you helpful man. If you weren't married, I'd have asked you out." Orgeat winked as she thought about her options. Looking for work would be nice, however, as she looked at her clothes, simple white tunics and skirts that replaced her bloodied clothing, she figured she may as well bathe first. Though she wasn't keen on smelling like rotten eggs, the fact that people chose to bathe there meant she wouldn't feel out of place. Sighing, she leaned out the window and felt the cool wind caress her cheek as they inched closer and closer to Nightpost.

Nightpost...Nightpost?

Something clicked in her mind as she tried to remember something, the name suddenly becoming familiar. Back in her house, she remembered seeing a large map, filled with countries, nations, unions, almost all gone with the conclusion of the war. And as the road went past a row of dead trees, branches extending everywhere towards distance, as if desperately fleeing. She remembered something.

Gwarchodwr nos.

That's right, it went by a different name. And that name was mentioned in a few books, articles, many written in the old tongue. But her ancestors could only decipher as much as they could. Her eyes looked towards the town, silently contemplating its meaning before she watched a geyser explode in the distance, coming up like smoke from an explosion.

Her eyes widened as she remembered.

----

Children ran around as people were chatting, Cold air and autumn trees seemed to dot the area as ornately decorated homes stood tall. For a settlement, Nightpost seemed like a very well managed and orderly town. The hotsprings nearby seemed to attract tourists, braving the risk of being ambushed by bandits, and the common natural accident. Thus, people and races of every type went about their day, enjoying their time in the settlement. As the caravan came up, merchants and porters raced to them, offering to unload, buy, or sell their wares to the visitors.

"Go to the bulletin board, there should be some work that you could do." He urged as his focus moved to the crowds calling his name, or his title. Mostly the latter. "I'll have you tally up the sales later, and you'll be worked to the bone."

Orgeat had to laugh lightly, "I think even your description of backbreaking work is far too gentle for me." She teased. But heeding his advice, she walked towards the bulletin board while seeing the adjacent map. As she looked around, everything made sense. Nightpost before, used to be a sightseeing place. It was created for the purpose of luxury and entertainment. Light shows, spectacles, entertainers from around the world. She may not have been able to understand the text in one of those books, but the pictures spoke plenty of what they were.

The luxury destination was grand. It was impossible back then to create something so wasteful. Except Nightposts's existence was indeed due to a less glamorous, but significant business a mile away. It was deemed a marvel of 'modern' technology and was proof of mortal men and women to overcome even the fundamental truths of the world.

Gwarchodwr nos planhigyn gwres daear a chanolfan rheoli tân.

The Nightstand's Geothermal Plant and Caldera Control Center.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Nightpost -
"December 21, 600. 3 Days since the Bandit Attack. 12th Day since Sanctuary "​

This settlement was well guarded indeed. Some ways before the pallisade hung frozen bodies with wooden signs around their broken necks grimly warning bandits and mechromancers to keep out. Templars halted them at the gate, casting detect magic spells to find illegal magical artifacts and arcane machines. Finding none, they let the merchant caravans pass with a "Have a nice a day to you."

At the board, there was the usual common labor jobs: logging, cooks and craftsmen wanted in the marketplace, ice breakers to keep the river open and free off the ever encroaching ice, workers wanted at the docks, and extra hands to help watch a herd of giant sheep at night. The higher paying jobs called for the capture of anyone selling illegal artifacts or practicing mechromancy, hunting wanted notorious bandits, one of which looked like the one who knocked out Orgeat, the extermination of some troublesome monsters, and the aquisition of some magical herbs and monster parts out in the dangerous wilderness.

There was also a recruitment poster to join the Templars of Leviathan promising food, shelter, and a steady pay in return for one's service to he faction.

There was also a ransom broker in the market place. A polite term for "Slave Driver" who was buying off prisoners from the Templar knights: captured bandits, enemies of the faction, and criminals. He was selling his own slaves too to a gathered crowd.

CoconutLeaves

Spoiler: Market

Spoiler: Armor

- ARMOR -

ARMOR TYPE:

1. Light: +2 Toughness
   Cost: 200 Metal. Weight 1.
   Craft: 100 Metal, 1 day, toolkit
   Repair: 50 Metal, toolkit, 1 hour DC10 Artisan Agility Roll, +1 to roll for every extra hour spent.
2. Heavy: +4 Toughness, disadvantage to stealth.
   Cost: 400 Metal. Weight 3.
   Craft: 200 Metal, 4 days, toolkit, forge
   Repair: 100 Metal, toolkit, forge, 4 hours DC14 Artisan Agility Roll, +1 to roll for every extra hour spent.
3. Shield: +1 Toughness. Cannot be used with dual-wielded and heavy weapons.
   Cost: 100 Metal. Weight 1.
   Craft: 50 Metal, 1 hour, toolkit
   Repair: 25 Metal, toolkit, 10 minutes DC10 Artisan Agility Roll, +1 to roll for every extra 10 minutes spent.
4. Shield, Heavy: +2 Toughness. Cannot be used with dual-wielded and heavy weapons.
   Cost: 200 Metal. Weight 2.
   Craft, 100 Metal, 1 day, toolkit, forge
   Repair: 50 Metal, toolkit, forge, 1 hour DC10 Artisan Agility Roll, +1 to roll for every extra 10 minutes spent.

Spoiler: Armor Upgrades

ARMOR UPGRADES:

1. Camouflage: Light Armor only. Advantage to Stealth checks in 1 specific terrain: Greenery, Rocky, Snow, Desert, Urban, Wet.
   Cost: 10 Alchemical. Weight +1.
   Craft: 5 Alchemical or Free if Greenery is chosen and in Greenery terrain, 1 hour, toolkit
   Repair: 2 Alchemical or Free if Greenery is chosen and in Greenery terrain, toolkit, 10 minutes.

Spoiler: Armor Cost Reduction

Ordinary weapon too expensive? Buy cheaper and less reliable ones! Or craft your own at the Communal Forge!

ARMOR COST REDUCTIONS:

1. Crude: -1 Toughness.
   Cost reduction: 25%
2. Smelly: -2 to Stealth rolls. Can be removed by repairing the armor with a toolkit and a number of alchemical components = 10% cost reduction.
   Cost reduction: 10%
3. Second-hand: Too tight or too loose it gets in the way. -1 to combat.
   Cost reduction: 25%, Crafting and repair time reduction: 50%.

Spoiler: Weapons

- WEAPONS -
" Pick the weapon quality first, and then pick the weapon type"

WEAPON QUALITY:

1. Crude: +1 Combat
   Cost: 60 Metal.
   Craft: 30 Metal, 1 day, toolkit
   Repair: 15 Metal, toolkit, 1 hour DC10 Artisan Agility Roll, +1 to roll for every extra hour spent.
   
   
2. Common: +2 Combat. Immune to Sunder from Crude weapons.
   Cost: 600 Metal.
   Craft: 300 Metal, 4 days, toolkit
   Repair: 150 Metal, forge, toolkit, 4 hours DC14 Artisan Intelligence Roll, +1 to roll for every extra hour spent.

Spoiler: Weapon Types

WEAPON TYPE:

1. Simple | No pros no cons. Includes make-shift weapons and unarmed attacks.
2. Heavy | "Heavy Swing"/ "Head Shot". Once per turn, use a major action to make an attack with -3 to combat. If it misses, you are left open and any attack made against you is at an advantage until the start of your next turn. If it hits it is a critical strike, dealing 2 damage. On a natural 20, you may choose to deal 3 damage OR 2 damage and "Sunder" one equipped item, reducing it's Toughness or Combat bonus by 1.
3. Light | "Parry". At the start of your turn, before taking any actions, you can declare to add the weapon bonus of your weapon to your Toughness instead of your combat roll until the start of your next turn.
4. Dual-Wield | Once per turn, you can attack twice but each attack has -2 to combat rolls. No penalty if making only 1 attack. Two-handed.
5. Mage | Spell range +1 small area. Spell effect +1 target.
6. Ranged | Attack range: 1-3 small areas. You have -3 to combat rolls when melee attackers are engaged with you. Two-handed.

Spoiler: Weapon Cost Reduction

Ordinary weapon too expensive? Buy cheaper and less reliable ones! Or craft your own at the Communal Forge!

WEAPON COST REDUCTIONS:

1. Jams: Ranged weapon types only. On a die roll of 10 or below, attack fails and weapon becomes useless. A minor action can be spent to un-jam it.
   Cost reduction: 25%
2. Weak Components: Melee weapon types only. On a die roll of 6 or below, and if your enemy's armor or shield quality is equal or higher than your weapon's, your weapon breaks and its durability is reduced by 1. A weapon's durability is determined by their quality. Crude Durability = 1, Common Durability = 2, Masterwork Durability = 3. At Durability 0, your weapon is useless until repaired.
   Cost reduction: 25%
3. Second-hand parts: Old and worn. -1 to combat.
   Cost reduction: 25%, Crafting and repair time reduction: 50%.
4. Cursed Relic: On a roll of 6 or below, attack fails and weapon afflicts the user. Roll randomly from Affliction list to permanently decide the affliction.
   Cost reduction: 25%.
5. Reduced Range: -1 small area range.
   Cost reduction: 10%

AMMUNITION:

1. x1 Common Ammunition
   Cost: 2 Metal
   Craft: 1 Metal, toolkit, forge, 30 minutes.

Spoiler: Accessories

- ACCESSORIES -

ACCESSORIES:
*Characters can equip up to two accessories at a time.

1. Winter Coat: Reduce cold weather DC by 1.
   Cost: 4 Alchemical. Weight 1.
2. Climbing Gear: Reduce journey DC of alpines, mountains, highlands, and caves by 1. Or +2 to climbing if not journeying.
   Cost: 4 Alchemical.

Spoiler: Healing & Tools

- TOOLS -

TOOLS:

1. Map: +4 Survival if you are in the map region and if the map applies, such as: not getting lost, or finding the best hunting grounds.
   Cost: 5 Metal
2. Compass: Advantage to navigation rolls.
   Cost: 25 Alchemical
3. Toolbox: +1 Crafing and repairing gear and machines, pick locks, disable traps. You can also excavate or gather more crafting resources = Survival Skill Rank.
   Cost: 100 Alchemical. Weight 1.
4. x12 Hygiene Kit: +1 Condition when used during a long rest. +1 to Crafting Disguises. Also contains cosmetics and all manner of bubble bath bombs.
   Cost: 20 Metal
5. Crockpot: +1 Cooking, and brew potions. Contains a mess kit and comes with a collection of containers for monster parts, unknown liquids, and acid.
   Cost: 100 Metal. Weight 1
6. x1 Trap: After being secretly set up, when triggered, the trap inflicts an affliction. Please choose 1 affliction upon purchase. DC to Disable your trap once set up = 10 + your Agility + Artisan Skill rank.
   Cost: 50 Metal

HEALING:

1. x3 Trauma Kit : DC 12 Knowledge check removes one affliction or improves health by 1. DC 14 stabilizes dying character. If affliction DC is less than 12, affliction is automatically removed. Every +1 hour performing the medical operation gives +1 to Trauma Kit rolls. Uses up a major action when used during battle.
   Cost: 50 Alchemical
   Craft: 25 Alchemical, 10 Metal, toolkit, crockpot, 1 day.

Spoiler: Food & Miscellaneous

- MISCELLANEOUS -

FOOD:

1. x6 Rations: Feel free to change the name. These are snacks and preserved meals, coffee, tea leaves, etc. that can be eaten or drank during a short rest, recovering 2 manna instead of just 1 without having anything to eat or drink. Lasts for 2 months.
   Cost: 1 Alchemical
   Craft: 1 Fresh Ingredient, crockpot (30 min.) or campfire (4 hours), DC10.
2. x3 Fresh Ingredients: +1 to cooking rolls. Recently hunted meat, caught fish, picked fruits. Remains fresh for a day.
   Cost: 1 Metal
3. x12 Spices: +1 to cooking rolls. Includes seasoning such as salt. 1 spice may be added per 1 cooking roll.
   Cost: 1 Metal
4. x2 Seeds: A handful of seeds. After planting and a month of care, yields 2d6 Fresh Ingredients, 2d6 spices, 1d6 Alchemical.
   Cost: 1 Alchemical
5. x1 Meal, Cheap: +1 Condition. Fresh for a day.
   Cost: 3 Metal
   Craft: 1 Fresh Ingredient, crockpot or campfire, 30 minutes, DC12.
6. x1 Meal, Delicious: +2 Condition. Fresh for a day.
   Cost: 6 Metal
   Craft: 1 Fresh Ingredient, crockpot or campfire, 30 minutes, DC14.
7. x12 Pet Food: +1 Pet Condition. Lasts for 2 months.
   Cost: 2 Metal
   Craft: 1 Fresh Ingredient, crockpot (30 min.) or campfire (4 hours).

MISC:

1. Resource Exchange: 1 Alchemical for 10 Metal. 10 Metal for 1 Alchemical.
2. Backpack: +20 Carrying Capacity. The inside is waterproof. Characters can equip 1 backpack at a time.
   Cost: 10 Metal
3. Chest: 40 Carrying Capacity. Toughness 20.
   Cost: 15 Metal
4. Lock: DC 18 lockpick. Toughness 20.
   Cost: 10 Metal
5. Manacles: DC 18 lockpick. Toughness 20.
   Cost: 20 Metal
6. Oil Lamp: Casts light in a 30 ft. radius. or 60 ft. cone. Has a hood allowing you to lower the light to a dim 5 ft. radius. Stays lit for 8 hours on 1 pint of oil. Can be hung on belt.
   Cost: 25 Metal. Weight 1.
7. x6 Oil Flask: 1 pint. Can be used in combination with fire attacks, increasing the DC for "Burn" by +1.
   Cost: 1 Alchemical.
8. x6 Torch: Equipped in your off-hand or main hand. Casts light in a 30 ft. radius. Burns for an hour with a chance of being blown out in bad weather. DC 10 to avoid "Burn".
   Cost: 1 Metal
9. Flint and Steel: Make fire. Comes with a box of tinder.
   Cost: 1 Metal.
10. Lashings: Advantage to Overcoming Difficult Terrain when set up. Rope or similar that's 50 ft. in length.
    Cost: 5 Metal
11. Net: After making a successful attack with a net on 1 target, inflicts "Grappled". A major action can be spent to make a DC 14 Combat Strength roll with a sharp weapon or DC 14 Survival Strength roll to get out of the net or destroy it.
    Cost: 15 Metal
12. Block and Tackle: A wooden pulley that when set up with rope allows you to haul up to four times the weight you can normally lift.
    Cost: 5 Metal
13. Fishing Rod: +1 to Survival rolls when fishing.
    Cost: 5 Metal.
14. Tent, 2 people: Protects against bad weather.
    Cost: 10 Metal. Weight 2.
15. Tent, 4 people: Protects against bad weather.
    Cost: 20 Metal. Weight 4.
16. Plush Sleeping Bag: Gives a comfy rest. +1 to Condition.
    Cost: 100 Metal. Weight 1.
17. Mirror, small:
    Cost: 5 Metal.
18. Wooden Whistle: You can choose to buy a pet whistle that sounds silent to people, but is heard by dogs and other animals with sensitive hearing.
    Cost: 1 Metal
19. Bell: Each craftsman and settlement has unique handsome bell designs mostly based on culture. The bell can be made from brass, porcelain, glass, metal, crystal, bone, etc.
    Cost: 1 Metal
20. Battle horn
    Cost: 1 Alchemical
21. x100 Paper and Art Supplies
    Cost: 1 Alchemical
22. x6 Cheap goods: recycled things, old loot, clothes made from fur or monster parts, monster decorations, etc.
    Cost: 1 Metal
23. x2 Common goods: leather or cotton garments, baked goods, honey, crafted baubles and woodwork, journals, popular second-hand books, etc.
    Cost: 1 Metal

Spoiler: Transport

- TRANSPORT -

MOUNTS:

1. Chocobo: A hardy intelligent birb trained to come to its owner when you whistle. Has a 3 Hex speed on the world map. Can carry 2 people with an extra carrying capacity of 40 when saddled. Already comes with a saddle.
   Cost: 50 Alchemical
2. Giant Ram: A giant intelligent mountain sheep that's very fluffy. Has a 3 Hex speed on the world map. Can carry 2 people with an extra carrying capacity of 40 when saddled. Already comes with a saddle.
   Cost: 50 Alchemical
3. Polar Bear Dog: Giant huggable dog. Has a 3 Hex speed on the world map. Can carry 2 people with an extra carrying capacity of 40 when saddled. Already comes with a saddle.Cost: 50 Alchemical

VEHICLES:

1. Caravan: Can be drawn by up to 2 mounts or 1 motorcycle. Has 1 Hex speed when drawn by one mount or one motorcycle in difficult terrain, 2 Hex speed if two mounts or one motorcycle. Can carry 8 people with an extra carrying capacity of 100. Comes with a canvass cover built to withstand harsh Leor weather.
   Cost: 200 Metal.
2. Canoe: 4 hex speed in water. Can carry 3 people with an extra carrying capacity of 40.
   Cost: 50 Metal. Weight 20.

Spoiler: Services

- SERVICES -

SPELLS:

1. Spell, Heal: Cures 1 Hp or removes 1 affliction.
   Cost: 10 Alchemical

OTHERS:

1. Repair Items: Repair time is cut in half.
   Cost: Crafting cost of item
2. Lodgings, Comfortable: +2 condition.
   Cost: 6 Metal per day
3. Stable
   Cost: 2 Metal
4. Public Bath: +1 Condition. They also clean your items for you.
   Cost: 2 Metal
5. Courier, Letter: Delivers messages to a location for you
   Cost: 1 Alchemical
6. Courier, Package: Delivers items to a location for you.
   Cost: 1 Alchemical per 1 Weight.
7. Library: Look up historical information.
   Entry Cost: 1 Metal per day
8. Information: +1 to +6 to Charm Intelligence rolls when asking around for current events or recent past.
   Cost: 1 Alchemical per +1 to roll. 10 Alchemical per +1 to roll if this information is secret or forbidden.
9. Weather Prediction: Predict weather 3 days in advance. GM makes DC18 roll.
   Cost: 1 Metal
10. Fortune Teller: Hear a prediction about the future. May or may not be fake.
    Cost: 1 Metal.
11. Ransom Broker: Will pay you for prisoners at an avergage of 20 Alchemical per quality slave.

Spoiler: Jobs

1. Common Labor | Wage: 1 Alchemical for every 4 hours of work.
2. Templars of Leviathan Recruitment | Wage: 100 Alchemical a month.
3. Slave Trading | Reward: 20 Alchemical per quality slave.
4. Monster Hunt | Reward: 30 Alchemical.
5. Gathering Magical Herbs | Reward: 10 Alchemical.
6. Wanted Dead or Alive: Flanksteak of the Bloodshots Gang | Reward: 150 Alchemical.

 

[Katsuya]

​

- Cascata dell’ Oceano -
“Close to home”​

A thunderous roar echoed in the chilly air, steam hazing the visitors as they walked around the rocky edge. Any brave soul that looked down will see the grey waters of the massive oceans. Small fishing boats and canoes floated in the icy waters with fishermen and women pulling their nets. Hoping they catch their meals and not their doom. Beyond the edge of the waterfall is a small town, busy and filled with different travelers of all kinds. Some colorful in their furs, others in pure white or black. Not that anyone should be surprised about it, Cascata dell’ Oceano is infamous for having a trade route with merfolk and their delicious seafood while having a beautiful view towards the ocean. Even the picky seagulls that fly overhead came down to eat . . .

A red head raised his brow when he saw a seagull dive down and ripped another’s breakfast. Holding back his chuckle while pulling his bike forward on the snow-covered cobbled roads. Goggles shined under the sun’s glaring rays. His reddened nose under the ragged scarf breathed in the wonderful cook seafood, wondering where he can eat without the rats with wings taking his food too. Narrowed indigo eyes roamed the busy streets, slightly worry swimming behind the usual playful energy he seems to show. Isa couldn’t exactly stay in these parts for long, he was too close to home, and he wasn’t ready to go back. Not now. So he has to leave soon before someone recognized his image.

His stomach growled painfully, reminding him to get something to eat first. Right, he needs food to even use his illusions too.

“. . . Lord Loki, watch over me should I faint before I can get something to eat.” Isa muttered as he pasted through the stalls and perked up when he heard someone yelling about how goo their food were. He blinked a few times and without realizing it, walked over to the stall that was sell Takoyaki. Pulling his bike too.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Hera's Grill -
" Beach, Cascata dell’ Oceano, Summer "​

Splash

A glimmer of koi fish scales leaping up into the sun, and the thieving seagull squawked in alarm as a flowing fish tail wacked it away, bird feathers scattering. The merman landed back into the ocean with a splash and approving applause from the customer the seagull had stolen from.

He re-emerged, grinning, pushing his wet mauve hair out of his eyes. He was slender and beautiful, just like the rest of the mermen and mermaids that come to the shore during low tide to set up floating stalls at the docks where they served the freshest live seafood to travelers and locals, chatting, singing, putting on a show with the slice and dice of their chef knives, and charming ethereal beauty like the sirens sailors sing of in their old tales.

It was in Hera's Grill that Isa was drawn. A man, the only man, half submerged behind the floating stall was giving off the most delicious savory smoking scent of grilled octopus and tangy citrus from his cooking table, where magical fires burned beneath from a floating rune engraved obsidian stone. He had dark skin, teal eyes that showed only gladness at how happy his customers were from eating his food, and had a fleshy horn protruding between his short wet white hair. He spotted Isa just as everyone spotted Isa and the mechanical contraption he was pulling with him.

Immediately, the merefolk were charmingly calling the newcomer's attention, inviting him to their stalls. The horned chef on the other hand, grabbed a coral jug, stepped out of the water, and welcomed Isa to the stall.

"Good morning, sir!" He said cheerfully in a singsong voice, wisps of frost spreading in beautiful intricate glowing ice blue patterns down his toned arms. "Welcome to Hera's Grill!" He bowed extending a hand, and the frost spiraled into a pristine glass, with crystal like fascets. He poured an amber liquid into the glass. "Would you like Firewhisky to unwind from your travels? Hot soup to fill your belly? Steaming octopus balls fresh off the grill for a heartier meal to give you strength for your journey?"

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

- Hera’s Grill -
“Sitting on his bike “​

Isa gulped. He stopped breathing for a quick second when the horned merman offered a coral cup of fire whiskey. Barely listening to the other charming merfolk that were calling him as he payed close attention to the list of food and gulped again. His gloved hands gripped on the handles before loosing one and reached out to hold onto the coral cup. Even with the gloves on, he can feel the coral’s rough texture on his finger tips.

”Good mornin’ . . . ” Isa looked at the vendor with a hum, silently pondering before taking a sip. A warming tingle from the hot liquid spreads from his mouth down to his chest, coiling in his tummy. The red head costumer sighed happily, looking like someone gave him a comfy blanket to wrap himself; the chilled air around his mouth became warm, coming out as a puff of steam. His pointy ears flushed red.

”Everything sounds great to me. May I have one of each that you listed?” Isa asked politely, smiling with his own rakish charm; a corner of his lips curled higher than the other, revealing a pointy canine among his normal teeth. Pinkish cheeks plumped his eyes closed. He didn’t even care that the vendor can hear his stomach growl in joy, Isa just wanted to eat warm food and everything this guy listed sounded so good~

The motorist held the cup close to his chest like an excited two year old with two hands, still smiling as he sipped the warming drink, and sat on his bike’s cushion.

“This is seriously good~” Isa muttered, loosely crossing his legs over as he patiently waited for his food.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Hera's Grill -
" Beach, Cascata dell’ Oceano, Summer"​

"Of course, coming rightaway, sir!" said the horned man, pleased he was getting a large order. He turned, secretly throwing his fellow vendors a triumphant smirk, as he strutted back behind his grill. The merefolk looked at him amused or splashing their tails, unimpressed.

Shing, shing, shing, went the sharpening of knives, as he expertly twirled them and slid off one of the grilling octopus from the rack. There was a sizzle of sauce and filling as he poured new takoyaki shells into the obsidian runed stone, seasoning them with great care. "That Firewhisky's four years old, straight from The Chickadee Tavern in the Highlands." said the horned man, casually, as he chopped the octopus in quick short graceful strokes. He plopped chubby little pieces in the takoyaki shells and flipped them, pouring more to encase the squiggly octopus tentacles.

The hot smell of tangy fish emerged, as he opened the lid of a large crockpot floating at his side and poured a generous helping of sooup into a bowl. "Have you been around The Highlands, sir?"

He coated sauce on another grilling octopus and carefully turned it around in different areas making sure it was cooked tenderly on either side. The smell of caramelizing sugar started to waft from it, and he plucked it off, still sizzling, and left it on a hot plate.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

- Hera’s Stall -
“Sitting on his bike”​

Isa hummed again, sipping as he listened at the noise around him. “The Chickadee tavern? I should visit there one day.” Then he raised a brow at the question and his smile turned into an impish grin.

”No, I haven’t been to the Highlands yet, but I have been traveling around. Like to Icecrown glacier and thousand cuts badlands —- not for long though.” Isa said quickly at the end, chuckling. “Too dangerous, ya kno’?”

He took another sip of the fire whiskey and his grin melted back into the smile from before. “This stall must have nice connections to have good whiskey like this. Nee~ I have a question for ya.” Then the red head leaned forward and tilted his head like a fluffy kitten.

“Do ya know where I can find good fish to fish around these parts?”

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Hera's Grill -
" Beach, Cascata dell’ Oceano, Summer"​

"Of course I do." chuckled the horned man as if that was the most obvious thing. He plucked out the cooked takoyaki and artistically drizzled a sauce of cream yellow around it with a dash of chopped green herbs. He bowed with a flourish of ice blue frost, presenting them and the grilled octopus all on a sizzling hot plate sitting on a wooden tray to Isa, and a bowl of hot soup.

"If you take a canoe and lantern tonight over at the coral reefs about a mile off shore," he pointed south towards the sea horizon, " the light will attract Amberjacks and Snappers. There are Polka shells and Atlantean eels too at the bottom if you fancy some free diving, sir. What kind of fish are you looking to catch specifically?"

It was hearty food that tasted as though it was made with lots of care and love, the way an artist made sure every line was perfect, and the vendor poured him another shot of firewhisky, as he secretly, casually, trying-to-not-look-very-obvious glanced to see if he was able to make this customer happy with his food too.

Katsuya

Spoiler

Isa gains +3 to Condition. Out of battle, Condition points can be used to heal Hp.

 

[Katsuya]

- Hera’s Grill -
“Sitting on his bike”​

Isa froze when he bowed with flourish, raising a brow but shrugged it off as he carefully took the tray. Placing it on his lap after uncrossing his legs. Parting the chopstick, he plucked the grilled octopus off the plate and gently blew air. Hoping it’ll cool a little before eating it in one bite.

The vendor will see Isa freeze with wide eyes that shined brightly in glee like nothing else is as wonderful as what he tasted. Then the red head began to wolf down, slurping the soup quietly with a tilt of the bowl to savoring the grilled octopus with a happy hum. He only stopped eating to see where the horned vendor pointed and continued eating. Sipping the food down with the warming fire whiskey and sighed in relief. His stomach doesn’t feel like it will shrink in pain anytime soon.

”Just call me Isa.” The motorist said gently. “I don’t know much about fish or what would be best for travel to be honest.” He pondered for a moment and looked at the vendor. The cup, plate, and bowl are empty within minutes.

“If it’s not too much trouble, mind showing me? I can pick ya up after you close your stall so I don’t bug your sales.” The redhead searched in his bag and gave different sorts of iron and unusual herbs in the vendor’s hand. Some he can tell by sight that the payment is a lot more than what he would have asked for.

“You can keep the rest. My way of saying thanks for a good meal.” He whispered quietly, in hopes to not catch anybody’s attention behind his furred hood.

Isa told the vendor what each herb was used for, some for cooking, and some for medicine. “You can pick whichever. I’m sure your boss won’t be mad about it.”

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Hera's Grill -
" Beach, Cascata dell’ Oceano, Summer"​

The vendor smiled, not in the too-cheery-that-it's-insincere charming way he did before just to attract Isa to eat at his stall, but a genuine proud one like someone happy with his art, as he watched Isa eat with satisfaction.

"Isa." he repeated warmly. "Alright, I can help you with that." he nodded in normal tones, and graciously took the plate and bowl, pleased to see it empty so quickly. He was surprised at how casually this stranger's arranging to pick him up after work as though they were old buddies. His mind whirled into reasons of why: does this man think he can just decide what to do with him?; is he suspiciously dangerous and is going to do something to me? All the thoughts though faded from his mind when Isa took out some high quality goods.

The vendor's hesitant look turned to suprise, then to Oh-hey-you-are-my-best-friend-now-rich-person, as he spluttered, balancing the generous payment in his arms. "Whoa, this is, uh, a lot, sir --- I mean, Isa. Yeah, my boss will be pretty happy with this. I totally wouldn't mind showing you around the reef and helping you fish." he said immediately. "Thanks for the tip, I live off these!" He chuckled.

"Name's Moss!" he managed to extract a hand to shake Isa's. " I get off at seven, but I'll meet you here at seven thirty. I'll arrange a canoe for us, Isa, and I'll bring food too since you liked my cooking a lot." He grinned happily.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

- Hera’s Stall -
“Ready to go”​

Isa chuckled quietly as he handed over the tray to Moss. “Trust me, I know that struggle. Gotta have enough while travel. Though I’m not a good of a chef as you. That‘s a useful skill that I wished I had. Hahah. Less starving nights, ya know?”

Stretching his arms up and graciously thanking Moss for the meal, the red head listened. Picking up the sudden change in his voice and grinned. Guess he made a good impression on the guy, thankfully. Even better he agreed to help him fish too. This is going to save his stomach for a while, depending on how much he can save and how much he can catch tonight.

‘Though something caught his attention. His name is Moss? Isa wondered. The red head thought only merfolk had sea-based names like that —- ah, who is he to judge a guy’s name anyways. He shook Moss’ hand firmly with a grin. The vendor can see at the mention of him bringing his cooking, did Isa’s grin perked into an excited smile. “Really?! Lucky~ Hmmmm~” The redhead pondered again.

”You’re not afraid of loud noises, are ya?” He asked, now a bit worried for Moss. “Better yet. Have ya ever ridden on a motorcycle before?”

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Hera's Grill -
" Beach, Cascata dell’ Oceano, Summer"​

"Not afraid of loud noises, no. What breed is that?" Moss added in genuine curiousity, as though Isa was talking about a particular species of chocobo.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

- Hera’s Stall -
“Sitting on a bike”​

Isa stared at Moss for a moment before smacking his forehead in realization. “Ah. Right not everyone knows...” He lightly patted the machine he’s sitting on, grinning impishly.

”It’s not a breed of chocobo. This. This is a motorcycle.” He informed Moss. “I travel riding on this and it only needs water to function.“

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Hera's Grill -
" Beach, Cascata dell’ Oceano, Summer"​

"What?!" said Moss loudly. He immediately went to his stall, put up the CLOSED sign, and then returned to Isa. "That moves like a carriage that doesn't need chocobos just using water?" he pointed at the bike as though it was ludicrous witchcraft, and yet there was this extremely hopeful manic glint in his eye. As though his shock was too much for someone who just learned this existed. "Can you show me?"

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

- Hera’s Grill -
“Sitting on his bike”​

Isa just grinned, internally laughing at Moss’ reaction. Though the red head slightly leaned back from his reaction, not used to anybody being this excited about the info. “Y-yea —- um, are you sure you should be closing the grill now? I thought you’ll close at seven thirty?”

He pointed at the closed sign and he knew it was too early for Moss to close it. “Don’t you need the payment for today?” Isa tilted his head. “I’m still gonna show ya later ya know-“

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Hera's Grill -
" Beach, Cascata dell’ Oceano, Summer"​

Moss seemed to not catch his own excitement, realising how over the top he was behaving when Isa pointed that out. He looked torn between learning more about this motorcycle contraption miracle and being a good worker. He still hadn't received his daily pay for today. He gave a great sigh, running a hand through his wet hair in impatience.

"You're right, Isa, alright I'll see you tonight." And he took off the closed sign, dumping Isa's goods into a floating chest chained to his stall. The merefolk around them were looking with keen interest.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

- Hera’s Grill -
“bye bye”​

He almost felt bad for pointing out his workload as he watched Moss’ impatient face. Almost. The vendor needed his pay and Isa didn’t want to be the cause of him losing it.

”Yea, I’ll see ya tonight then.” Isa casually waved at Moss, standing up from his spot, and grabbed onto the handles. Then he pushed his bike away from the stall, ignoring the stares from the merfolk. Now that he’s full, the redhead can focus on his search again, remembering to visit a small store, and asking the the store owners about a certain someone.

”I hope they’ll tell me something useful.” Isa muttered under his breathe, once again feeling the heavy weight in his pocket.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Night Time -
" Beach, Cascata dell’ Oceano, Summer"​

Moss waved back, hitching up a reassuring smile to his newfound acquaintance, and hoped he didn't find his overenthusiastic eagerness weird.

There was an ethereal beauty in this side of Leor, as the brightness of day dimmed to the east, and darkness gently blanketed the sky from the west. Stars winked awake, greeting the sleepy folks of Cascata dell’ Oceano who were winding down from another hard day's work. The air was cool, as braziers and lamps sparked into life, dotting the streets in warm cozy colors of ember. Folks in fur coats, muted grey in the dim light of torches, strolled lazily down the beach where the coming and going of the waves gently lulled them into peace.

And then the lights appeared, soft green, ethereal purple, haunting blue in the dark sky, the southern lights of Leor.

Moss walked along the shore barefoot, enjoying the sparkles of glowing green from the bioluminiscent plankton in the waters and the dancing lights above. He strolled back and forth around a lantern lit canoe anchored close to the sands. He was dressed as this morning, long dark pants patched up in some places and topless save for an open fur coat over his shoulders like a cloak. If he was cold, he did not show it. In fact he seemed to enjoy it, as he breathed in the cold crisp air of the ocean and gazed up at a crescent moon.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

- Night time -
“Beach of Cascata ‘dell Oceano”​

Within the distance, Moss can hear a rumbling sound breaking the peaceful silence. It was getting closer too. If he turned around, he’d see Isa riding the said contraption that he wanted to try. Steam was trailing behind him from the pipes of the motorcycle and huffed as he slowed down. The vendor can feel the heat emanating from the engine as Isa twisted a handle and he got off to kick a metal leg for his bike to lean on. Then he twisted a key out of the slot.

The redhead pulled of his goggles down and grinned at Moss with a wave. “Hello again. I didn’t make ya wait long, did I?” His eyes reflected the bioluminescent planktons and peeked up at the Southern lights. His grin softened.

“. . . So-! Is this the spot or is it further away?” Isa said curiously.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Night Time -
" Beach, Cascata dell’ Oceano, Summer"​

Moss stared at the machine in wonder, then shook his head and pointed at the sea horizon, amused that Isa forgot what he said earlier.

"We're going to the coral reefs a mile off shore." he said, untying the rope that anchored the canoe. He pushed it off to the sea and hopped on without waiting for Isa, as though he fully expected his machine to run above water. He was looking at it excitedly and curiously, as he started to row towards the ocean.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

- Night time -
“Beach”​

Isa ruffled his own hair, grin widened sheepishly. “A-ah. Right- . . .?!”

Raising a confused brow when Moss just started to push the canoe off and hopped on without him. Just rowing away. What was this man thinking? He doubted that Moss will fish for him —- even if that was the case, Isa wouldn’t let him. He just needed help with fishing since he doesn’t know much on how. The motorist picked up on the excited look in his eyes again and snorted.

“ . . . It doesn’t walk on water, if that’s what you’re hoping for!!” Isa yelled out, not even trying to stop Moss from rowing further away. “It only works on land!” Though...it would be really cool if he can make his bike float on water. He should make that as a next-thing-to-do on his list of upgrades.

Zer0