fifth shot ⊗ open august log

[flamekthunder]

🧙 WHO: Eustace and anyone
⚔️️ WHAT: all three animal mage related quests
🕒 WHEN: throughout August
🗺️ WHERE: various
⚠️ WARNINGS: none except for animal deaths for the hunt task and any potential violence that might happen in the combat oriented prompts

⊗ a: task - don't treep, man

[Near the beginning of the month, Eustace helps with the farmers, taking it as more opportunities to work on his communication with other animals. But he'll also help out with some of the physical labor aspects as well.

1. Herding. Taking the form of a black sheep dog, Eustace will run out to help corral those wayward animals, even help by communicating with any other dogs that might be around to direct them. Of course, sometimes trying to get clues to where the other members of the herd can be difficult, and there are times a dog can be seen lowly growling at a cow or sheep as he tries to make sense of what they're saying. He'll even pair up with anyone else who is out there, animal mage or not, and will be useful to get in close to the animals to drive them back. Of course he has limits to his magic, so there when not using magic, he'll ride out on a horse instead. It never really occurred to him to use his magic on it, but he does find communicating with it a lot easier.

2. Helping hand. When not out running around trying to get the animals back, Eustace will be helping repairing buildings. Mending fences, bringing in wood, sorting the feed—he'll be displaying a surprising amount of knowledge and ease working in a place like this.

Also do not mind the gratuitous fanservice as without his cloak on, the Erune fashion preference of wearing backless, sideless tops will be on full display.]

⊗ b: task - invasive species

[Knowing full well the necessity of controlling animal populations, Eustace heads out to site to help deal with it. It would be nice if they could convince the animals to move, but that could cos other problems in other ecosystems, so culling may just be the best answer here. However he's bringing a cart with him as he's not going to let this go to waste.

1. On the Hunt. Although he prefers working by himself, if there is anyone who is not as experienced he'll offer some advice or walk with them to help with the hunt. Otherwise, anyone wandering might be surprised if an animal suddenly falls and Eustace drops down from his perch in the trees, the gunshot that took out the creature silent.

2. Loading the Cart. After each kill, Eustace will carry it back to the cart he brought with him, arranging them in a certain way. And towards the end he'll even make an offer.]

All of these can be taken back and used as food or materials for goods. If you want any for your own use or to sell, go ahead. I can also prepare it if you can't.

[3. Carcinuses. Since the Carcinuses are only out because of the excess food, Eustace is less inclined to try and actually kill them. He will if there's no other choice, so he's ready to shoot down the lightning, but he'll try to help drive them back. The methods employed are to either bait them back in the water by chucking his own kills into the lake or...try and actually communicate.

This is a little tougher, but he'll try. So some might see a...very small, strange looking silvery gray crab staring up at a giant Carcinus who is just staring right back at the puny thing with some curiosity.

...Yeah he has no idea if this will work, but an attempt is being made. Or he could be mistaken as a little crab being intimidated by a big giant scorpion tailed crab when it's really probably the opposite. The claws are up, could there be a show down!?? (No, no there isn't.)]

⊗ c: task - animal mage hunt

[Eustace is not only an animal magic user, but because of his ears he can be easily mistaken as a "victim" of this ritual. So he's getting a double whammy on this one. The two options are:

1. Getting an Earful. Eustace was already used to people staring at his ears or even outright asking about it, but the past few days have been aggravating. Too many people have come up to him and either expressed pity or asked personal, invasive questions that were borderline disturbing and some outright propositioning. Some even had the audacity to try and touch them or worse—look to see if he had a tail hidden. For the most part they have more harmless so he just ignored and walked away (or smack a hand that came too close), but there's a point where the limits of his own patience is reached and he'll snap. Some might see someone fleeing from him in fear...or perhaps you might be daring enough to inquire while he's in this foul mood?

2. Targeted. There will be a few key incidents, but over the next few days Eustace will first notice he's being followed before he finds himself having to defend against sudden attacks. He'll also be on the hunt for the assailants as they are clearly a threat. For the most part he can handle it, but there are still times he could slip. Anyone who sees Eustace fighting off his assailant is free to intervene and help, perhaps even stopping one before he even realizes one is tailing him. Alternatively, anyone who wants to target and fight him is free to do so as well! Just PM so can figure out how it turns out.]

⊗ d: wildcard

[Thanks to the Animal Mage Hunt, he's going to end up suffering a severe injury later on that will limit his activity for the second half of the month, so most of the activity would be better set earlier. But if anyone wants to do a thread to check on him while he's recuperating, that's doable! If interested in anything else not included here, just hit me up on laenavesse or discord and we can work something out!]

Comments

[flamekthunder]

[He would have been fine with her trying to untie it if she thought she could do it. Really he might even prefer it as there would be less risk...but it would depend on the horse.

He reaches into his side holster and pulls out a retractable pocket knife before holding it out to her.]

You only need to flip blade out...and keep it hidden. We'll see how it reacts to us, but I'll keep its head away so it won't see if it you do have to use it.

[He then opens another pouch on his holster and pulls out a handful of potential treats—sugar cubes and pre cut apple slices. Knowing he would he encounter an assortment of animals, he had prepared for such an occasion.]

Here.

[sighsheavily]

Ah, no, no.

[she smiles lopsidedly, holding up the knife.]

This'll do for me. I can't even pretend I can entreat that beast's good graces, so I'll leave that entirely up to you, alright?

[flamekthunder]

[He just looks at her for a moment before nodding, pulling his hand back. He'll just use this for his own instead.]

Understood, I'll do my best and if this doesn't work... I'll just turn into a bear and make it submit.

[He's joking.


Maybe.

The delivery was so flat and he's walking towards the horse with such a quiet, calm demeanor though, so it definitely must have been a joke.]

[sighsheavily]

[<3]

...

[...yeah. okay. well, if he does do that, she can't say he didn't warn her.

he must be a druid. or druid-adjacent. gads...

she sighs turning over the pocket knife in her hands to inspect how it works beforehand, then obscures it in her grip on her way over, halting her approach when the irritated animal snorts at the both of them with indignation.

her eyes fix on the tangled up lead, sizing up where best to do some swift cuts before she looks to the maybe-druid's back, waiting for her moment to get in there.]

[flamekthunder]

[The horse is glaring, pawing the ground as it eyes them both. Its gaze seems to rivet towards Cecelia for a few moments before it turns back to Eustace the newcomer. It's already seen the man...dog...thing change so it's not sure what to make of it.

But Eustace just ignores its clear discontent and attempt to threaten them, instead walking forward without any hesitation. Just as it bares its teeth and about to rear up, he just holds out his hand to show the treats.]

Hey. Keep that up and you'll hurt yourself.

[Although his voice is quiet, his own stance is assertive and intimidating in its own way. It takes the horse by surprise...but no, not enough! It's just as stubborn and just shakes its head, stepping this way and that.]

...Just quiet down and look. You clearly haven't eaten anything. Wouldn't it be better if you had some of this?

[Undeterred, Eustace just continues talking, holding out his hand to reveal the tasty treats, the apples freshly cut, the sugar cubes glistening in the sunlight.

Come on, horse. Tempted yet?

Even if not, Eustace has stepped around in such a way that the horse has stretched out the length of the tether a bit and is facing Eustace, its attention alternating between the one challenging him and the bait. So there might be a brief opening...]

[sighsheavily]

[gads, this why she is terrible with animals: trying to engage in dialogue when it's not even clear they can understand it... at least owlbears have a modicum more intelligence and the ability to show it.

she eyeballs both horse and ex-hound, watching the former with a bit more scrutiny before she feels daring enough to draw nearer, to stoop and get a couple fingers on the tangled cord.

the click of the knife blade makes her wince, but it appears it's not as appealing as food right now; she holds her breath and quickly starts sawing into a narrow portion of the braided rope.]

[flamekthunder]

[Eustace can see Cecelia's movements from his peripheral vision as well as hear the blade sawing the rope. Before the horse can catch wind of her actions, he holds up the sugar cube in the air directly in front of the eye closest to Cecelia and moves it to the opposite, making it turn its head slightly.

Sugar cube...oh how long has it last had one? The horse is stubborn, but...sugar cube... It can already recall the sweet sweet taste of those delectable granules, and oh, apples, too. Apples... It would be even better if the weirdo had—

As if reading its mind (well, he kind of can), Eustace suddenly reaches into his pack and pulls out a long stick of carrot, his expression never changing from its calm, focused look. Immediately the horse's ears prick up.

No! It must resist! It must not fall to these temptations! ...But now the carrot is being waved slowly back and forth... Oh, and now it's being broken into smaller bite sized pieces... And the horse is rather hungry...

There's an impatient paw of its hoof, its annoyance now focused on the lack of tasty morsels. The moment Eustace can hear that voice that's basically, "Damn you mongrel just give me the food already!", Eustace steps forward, grabbing the halter with his free hand while he let the horse eat out of his other. He can hear it's grumblings of "This doesn't change anything I still hate you!!!!!" but it's a bit unconvincing given how more relaxed it is and that is definitely a satisfied swish of its tail.

It's too bad Cecelia can't hear this... Though by now she should have had ample time and opportunity to cut the rope.]

[sighsheavily]

[just a little more time, aaaaand...

there!

Cecelia bristles, catching herself before she just straight-up bolts away as impulse wants her to. that'd just flip the beast out. instead, she exhales, withdrawing her hands and the knife, slowly backing away until she feels safe enough to take more intentional steps and breathe again.]

The deed's done, and no one is worse for wear.

[flamekthunder]

[The horse is munching through the treats when it finally realizes Cecelia had moved. Quickly it snaps his head to look at the woman, it's ears already pinned back as if to display hostility, but Eustace has a firm hand on its halter so it can't do more than that.]

Cool it, she just helped free you.

[There's a bit of a moment as the horse turns its head to see that the rope severed and its eyes roll between the two.]

If you had let her do this from the start you would have been back in your stall by now. Now apologize and thank her.

[The one sided conversation is probably weird to witness let alone seeing someone scold a horse like this. The horse's attitude as it seems to protest, bobbing and shaking its head as it paws the ground, only adds to it. In the end Eustace sighs and looks back at her.]

Forget it, he's too stubborn. But good work.

[sighsheavily]

[honestly? she's keen to leave him to wander as it pleases at this rate, make him someone else's problem.

a touch dry:] Had I come here solely for the praise of the beasts, that would break my heart. As it stands, though...

[she looks over her shoulder.]

Shall it follow your lead back to the collective gathering their missing animals?

[flamekthunder]

It's hungry and tired enough, so it shouldn't protest too much.

[A glance as he takes the leftover rope into his hand after the horse has taken all the food he had brought out. That was...definitely an interesting way to phrase things.]

I can take it back on my own unless you want to return as well. You look like you could use the break.

[Just a friendly suggestion; he won't mind either way.]

[sighsheavily]

[she tilts her head. does she, now? sure, this ordeal has been...an ordeal, but she'd like to think she held her own rather commendably, given her lack of proficiency.]

...I'll follow your lead, thank you. [she holds the pocket knife out to him to collect.]

[flamekthunder]

[He takes the knife and pockets it before he takes a moment to look around to orient himself before turning towards the farms. It takes a bit of a hard tug for him to get the horse moving as it seems to be glaring at Cecelia.]

...What did you do to make him so angry?

[It's probably just the horse being weird and fixated on the first person who tried to help, but he might as well ask.]

[sighsheavily]

What, indeed. [she scoffs a little with her next breath, hiking her skirt to step over some upturned branches in her way.] Perhaps your dialogue with the creature himself can clear that up, because I have no earthly idea.

[besides her incredible lack of charisma with animals, that is.]

[flamekthunder]

[He just glances at the horse who snorts at Cecelia's words. ...Hm.]

...Something about your attitude.

[He's saying the nice version, though really he doesn't think the horse is much better so he's not really judging Cecelia.]

[sighsheavily]

[Cecelia stifles a scoff, trading it out for a bemused hum. animals are overly perceptive - perhaps this one doesn't like the layers and layers of veneer she puts on? it wouldn't be the first time.]

My... Thank goodness this is the last he'll ever see of me, then! I hope that sentiment stays solidly with him - [she peers sidelong at this dog-eyed...not-druid...animist?? gads, who knows] Though if I also wind up offending your sensibilities in some way, you're just as free to walk away.

[she promises she'll hold the grudge for just the minimum amount of time.]

[flamekthunder]

[Eustace glances over at her before there's a small laugh.]

I never stay long with anyone who bothers me, but you're fine...so far.

[May or may not be teasing a little. A little.]

The same can be said for me as well. I have been told countless times I can be difficult to be with.

[And he isn't really bothered by it because it's true and he knows it. He just doesn't care because it's not important compared to whatever else is going on.]

[sighsheavily]

Then, perhaps, I can inquire as to your name? [since this task may be easier with the help - he seems far more proficient in it.]

[flamekthunder]

[...Huh, come to think of it he hasn't introduced himself, has he? Tends to happen when he's focused on the job.]

Eustace. Yours?

[sighsheavily]

Miss Ardenbury will do, thank you. And I'll thank you again should I need further assistance where...animal-relations are involved, mm? I'm sure I can repay the favors in kind in my own way.

[so long as it doesn't involve animals.]

[flamekthunder]

[...Would she be offended if he just calls her Ardenbury in the future out of habit—]

...Miss Ardenbury, then.

[He'll try to remember, however, as he despite how he can be, he'll respect one's preference. For the most part, anyway.]

If you ever need assistance you can call me and I can see what I can do. I'm still training my skills, and I'm more proficient with dogs and other canines. But you don't need to worry about returning any favors.

[sighsheavily]

Mm-? [she'll tilt her head a little, putting a note of curiosity in her tone.] Do you mean to say this matter of speaking with animals is a new skill for you? Something bestowed upon you by the isle itself?

[flamekthunder]

Yes.

[And now he looks at her curiously.]

Did you think it was an innate skill of mine?

[sighsheavily]

It's hard to know for sure, solely on observational impressions.

[beat.]

...But the ears did lead me to make some surface-level assumptions.

[flamekthunder]

...Ah.

[Just a small nod of understanding.]

Perhaps my ancestors could have as my race does have roots with animals, but that was ages ago. It's also not impossible for someone or even specialized clans to develop such a skill, but for the most part it's rare.