isleofavalon | fifth shot ⊗ open august log

🧙 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!]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Keith wasn't sure what was happening, but, considering the targets, he was either dealing with a very bad sniper trying to take him out, or it was someone helping him fight them off. He was hoping it was the latter.

Either way, Keith certainly wasn't letting the opportunities go to waste. Openings, confusion, distraction... eventually, as things continued, the group began to waver in their determination, slowly coming to the realization that this wasn't going to be worth the bounty. And, if Keith ended up not being the animal mage they needed to find to end the pranks of ears and tails and other things, then this whole fight would be for nothing.

It was time for them to go.

The group took off, splitting apart fairly quickly as they ran.

Once Keith was sure they weren't coming back, he looked up, catching his breath and extinguishing the flames on his swords as he attempted to locate his secret helper.]

[Eustace had debated on rendering them completely unconscious with more concentrated lightning, but the risk of hitting the other person were too high. So he can only try and memorize the faces and other traits of the assailants before they eventually give up and disperse. Only once they're clear does Eustace step out before jumping straight down to the ground, landing near Keith with expert ease.

Shouldering his gun over his shoulder, he looks at him.]

Are you all right?

[Keith spotted the person just before he jumped down. Slowly catching his breath, he nodded a bit to the question.]

As well as I can be, I guess.

[He looked a bit roughed up, but nothing serious at the moment.]

Thanks for the help.

[Though, even with the thanks, Keith didn't immediately offer up a hand to shake. He was visibly wary, not sure what to think, yet. He didn't let go of his blades.]

[Eustace gives him a once over before nodding, noting the ears and tail. He also doesn't holster his weapon, though it's not because he's wary of Keith. He's alert, but mostly to ensure there aren't more lurking around before he starts walking around to investigate the ones that had been left behind still lying unconscious, electricity still buzzing around the ones that had been harder hit. It's not surprising they wouldn't try to save their "comrades."]

They're getting more aggressive and bolder coming in large groups like this... I wouldn't be surprised if gangs are now in on it. [A frown forms before he looks back at Keith and then a pointed look at the non-human appendages.] Yours, magic, or curse?

Whatever's going around that's got everyone turned into animals who normally aren't. [Keith frowned.] Though, I do have animal magic. People have seen me using it, especially with herding the escaped livestock earlier this month. That's why they were after me.

[He sighed. He was still on edge, but, for now, seemed relatively satisfied that this savior wasn't going to turn on him.]

It started off one-on-one. I guess they decided the harder targets needed teams. [After all, it wasn't like Keith couldn't fight for himself. That much was clear.]

[So a target either way...]

I'm being targeted for the same reasons, although they've likely seen me around before that curse occurred. Most have been coming at me on their own so I've been hunting them down in return, but I might be facing the same situation soon. [He'll have to be more prepared, hmm.]

Yeah.

[Keith took a deep breath to force his breathing to slow down a bit. He could feel himself coming out of the adrenaline spike from the fight now, though, so that was good, at least.]

I think, as the stronger fighters outlast their attempts, they're going to start trying harder until the source of this prank is found or the person who posted the ad takes it down. Watch your back.

[Keith then held out his hand.]

Thanks for the help, though. I'm Keith.

[He looks at the hand briefly before reaching out to take it for a firm shake.]

Eustace.

And I agree with your assessment. I've been trying to interrogate those I find, but as expected it's difficult when most are just those who are using it as an excuse to attack others.

[He looks at the ones still unconscious.]

I doubt it, but maybe they might know something. Otherwise I'll have the local enforcement take care of them.

[Keith nodded.]

Yeah. I've noticed that, too. Have you gotten any good leads? I wouldn't mind finding out what we can to get this to stop.

Unfortunately, no. [A small sigh.] The identities of who cast the ritual and the one who posted are still unknown.

Mm. [Keith frowned, staring down at the unconscious attackers for a moment. Well, more like glaring down at them.] If I catch wind of anything I'll let you know. The more people working on this, the better, I think.

It would be appreciated.

[Hearing local enforcement approaching, he just eyes the men, noting their faces.]

For now, just be on the alert and if you notice any patterns or similarities among the attackers, be sure to alert the authorities. Might as well take the opportunity to sweep the streets of gangs and other groups taking advantage of this.

Take advantage of them taking advantage?

[Keith quirked an eyebrow in amusement.]

I think I can be on board with that.

[He smirked, but his ears flicked back at the sounds of others approaching.]

Thanks again, though. I appreciate the help.

[He also hears the sound although he doesn't make much movement.]

Don't mention it. It would be better if you kept in public places unless you're looking for them. But don't get in over your head.

[Holstering his weapons he turns towards the incoming law enforcement to greet before they both give their accounts on what transpired.]

fifth shot ⊗ open august log

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