sixth shot ⊗ open september log

[flamekthunder]

🧙 WHO: Eustace and anyone
⚔️️ WHAT: various quests
🕒 WHEN: throughout September
🗺️ WHERE: various
⚠️ WARNINGS: none except for any potential violence that might happen in the combat oriented prompts

⊗ a: task - shear determination

[Shearing sheep...that takes him back and although it's been a while he heads over. Even if he can't, he can at least use his magic to try and help keep them calm. So for shearers, Eustace can assist some of the nervous sheep, quietly speaking to them and stroking their heads to keep them calm. And he'll also give some advice.]

You need to get all the way down to the skin and be quick about it, so don't hesitate. Be firm or it'll just come out jagged and you'll have to do it over. The faster you are the, less time they'll be like this and remain stressed.

And watch its right side—seems like it's more sensitive there. Could be a skin irritation, but we can treat it after it's been sheared.

[He'll call out any other such problematic spots a sheep might have. Sensitive leg, ticklish belly, don't be too rough, don't be too gentle—being able to hear and understand the sheep certainly has its benefits.]

⊗ b: task - cult classic

[If it's not one set of idiots it's another...

Having recovered from his injuries from last month, Eustace will take this as a prime opportunity to "warm up" and get back into it. Although there had been no deaths, it's clear the guy is being too reckless. Except with him sticking to the rooftops in the late evenings and around the places the incidents have occurred, it wouldn't be too unusual for him to be momentarily be mistaken. Especially when he's always wearing his own cloak.]

⊗ c: tdm - the fighting badass

[Zombies and undead... Well he's used to fighting them, but carrying back their remains? Not the most pleasant thing, but a job's a job and it's something he can do. He needs the exercise, anyway.

1. Combat. Although he'll plan on going solo, he won't helping anyone who is also dealing with the zombies. And wouldn't you know, lightning is fairly effective against them. Not wanting to push himself too, he's setting himself on a high point and sniping down the zombies, shooting lightning down immobilize and down them. Should he have someone that's more close combat, he'll be careful with his shots and let them finish it off.

2. Night watch. For the journey back, Eustace will be definitely guarded and alert on the captured remains. If camping out with someone, he'll secure the bags or boxes used to hold them and eye them warily.]

It would be better if there was some kind of sealing magic... Go ahead and sleep, I'll keep watch.

⊗ d: wildcard

[Considered the Take to the Skiesish prompts but he'd need some convincing to drink the vials. Should anyone want to take that up, I'll be game for any of the other prompts (flying, catching stars, giant bats). If interested in anything else not included here, just hit me up on laenavesse or discord and we can work something out!]

Comments

[flamekthunder]

[It's fine, Eustace has already long learned the telltale sounds of "Zidane" and was able to pick it up as he drew near. So he doesn't even glance at him as he looks down.

.............Hm.]

...I'll have to adjust the output... [Since he has to use his own magic there are still variables he needs to continue honing in.] We only need a few, so let's see what can be salvaged.

[tantailizing]

[It'll only be that way for so long...]

Yeah, that's true. [Over to the bodies they go to begin picking at whatever remains.] Huh, I wonder why we can't use the ash if you made any from that shot for the next part.

[flamekthunder]

It's all for a ritual and they're taken to a crematorium, aren't they? It's possible they use a special fire or some other magic that's necessary for it.

But there's no harm in taking what we find just in case.

[Though he's also doubtful any of the ash is...of great quality. Lightning is a lot different compare to fire.

Anyway, shoving an arm in a bag.]

[tantailizing]

Yeah, that's true. I wouldn't mind seeing it if it was some special fire or magic.

[Digging around and finding a leg, Zidane grimaces.]

Ooh, yeah, no... this ash is... bad.

[Also that was probably meant to be a torso, but considering where this leg is burnt off? Haha... that's dust.]

[flamekthunder]

[Eustace will head over after taking another piece, idly shaking his glove to cast off some of the grime. Looking over...]

...As expected. When lightning strikes a target, the heat is concentrated to the point that it will melt and tear through objects, unlike fire which will actually burn and produce more ash. Speed is also a factor. Being struck by lightning is more like being struck by a bullet or arrow.

...In theory I could use flame instead, but to make the kind of ash they need would require a high heat and a lot of time.

[tantailizing]

Huh... explains why the burns are different when you're hit by them.

[Whee, joking about being at the wrong end of a spell. It's just what you do. Picking up an arm next, he stares at the hand and decides to do something. Gonna get some cloth out from his bag, put it over the hand, and tie it at the wrist.]

Also, note to self: don't try cooking with lightning.

[flamekthunder]

It wouldn't cook well at all.

[Spoken as if from experience. But now he's watching Zidane a little curiously.]

What are you doing?

[tantailizing]

... So you did try.

[Wow, Eustace. But, looking up from his work...]

Covering the hands. Look, if they start moving while we're heading back, I don't want the fingers grabbing and scratching.

[flamekthunder]

No, but I've witnessed and examined enough corpses to tell.

[...That's not a better answer is it.

But there's a light of recognition as he nods in approval.]

Not a bad idea. We might should bind some of these limbs together, too. Even if they break out of them, it'll at least keep them held together for a while longer.

It's unfortunate my ice magic can't last for a long period...could have frozen them.

[tantailizing]

Oh... hm...

[So back to thinking about trying it.]

Not sure if I brought enough material for that. We might have to scavenge something up, but yeah, it should work.

Hey, don't worry about it. Where there's a will, there's a non-magic solution.

[flamekthunder]

[Zidane. No.]

If there are any vines that should be enough. If not even just a few will do.

[He glances around and looks up into the trees. Hm.]

Since you're fast, go grab some over there. I'll gather the rest.

[Just a curt nod to a set of trees with some dark vines hanging.]

[tantailizing]

[You mean Zidane, yes.]

Got it.

[Turning the way Eustace is looking, he shoots a grin back.]

Sure! Though, if these ones start grabbing again, we're using something else.

[Because he's not accidentally causing another flower incident. And he takes off to do some quick pruning.]

[flamekthunder]

[He won't be part of it!!

At the mention of the fines grabbing them... Eustace's expression darkens in disgust before he mutters:]

I'd rather just burn the entire forest...

[Never. Again.

But he'll be gathering and sorting the various zombie parts until Zidane returns.]

[tantailizing]

Let's not. If the dead comes back to life here, what's to say a fire wouldn't start walking around?

[And then... yeesh, he'll deal with the vines instead, thanks.]

[Speaking of, Zidane comes back shortly with several ropes of vines.]

[flamekthunder]

Not if it just burns to ashes...

[But fine, FINE.

Anyway, once Zidane returns there will be a couple of piles that Eustace will direct him to while he starts binding others. Together they should be able to make quick work and shove them all in the bags.]

[tantailizing]

Eustace...

[Now who's being immature. That gets a laugh.]

[He doesn't need guidance, but he follows Eustace's directions, and ta-da! A batch of bundled zombies. And of course, ruining wordplay even mentally.]

Looks good! Lets get these back.

[flamekthunder]

[He can have his moments, yes.

With his own set slung over his shoulder, he nods.]

Once we regroup with the others we'll need to prepare for the night.

[Always looking ahead...]

[tantailizing]

Yeah, there's no way these aren't going to be squirming around by nightfall.

[Someone's gonna wake up with one in this blankets.]

[Lifting his own pack of undead limbs, he's ready to go.]

[flamekthunder]

[And off the go, and if Eustace had his way it would be in completely silence. At least it shouldn't take too long before they reach camp where they can set down their haul and take a small break.]

[tantailizing]

[Quiet... is actually what happens while they're walking. Look, they're in the Land of Rot - Zidane's active, but he's not a complete idiot. The Land of Rot makes his fur stand uncomfortably... Okay, they're good for now for some quiet discussion.]

... So, how're things going with Tifa?

[flamekthunder]

[Eustace was about to just take a sip of water when he hears that question. He does not choke on it, but he does give Zidane a weird look before he finally answers.]

I don't follow.

[...What...things. What kind of question is this???]

[tantailizing]

[He tilts his head.]

You haven't talked to her since your arm's gotten better? Hey, you're not actually avoiding her because of this whole stalker thing right? That's rude, man.

[flamekthunder]

[...Rather than avoiding—

Just a sigh as he continues to go about whatever he's doing to help with the camp.]

We're fine, I haven't been avoiding her. [Might as well get that out of the way before Zidane does something more annoying.] But what does it matter to you?

[tantailizing]

Oh good! I was worried for a moment. She was worried after all.

[Look, he might've told her about the arm, but not anything else.]

Just curious. But I mean, your avoidance says it all I guess... nice.

[flamekthunder]

[...WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN.]

I don't know what you're talking about. You asked, I answered.

[Just, you know. Very basically. But that's normal?? Zidane stop being weird.]