isleofavalon | first shot ⊗ open april log

Entry tags:

first shot ⊗ open april log

🧙 WHO: Eustace and anyone
⚔️️ WHAT: intro log + any TDM carryovers
🕒 WHEN: throughout April
🗺️ WHERE: various
⚠️ WARNINGS: mostly none? some of the prompts include the combat tasks like the spider one, so those have the potential to get grisly/graphic depending on how things shake out. ...and maybe some really bad dog puns—

⊗ a: who let the dogs out

[Eustace is continuing to train and improve on his animal magic training throughout the month, with varying success and failures. For now he's focused on communication and transformation, specifically with one group of animals: dogs. The path to all that, however, is an...interesting one. Anyone with dogs, likes dogs, afraid of dogs, whatever the case is THERE ARE DOGS. And most likely Eustace trying to reach out and pet one with either the dog accepting or hiding away. All while his own snow wolf familiar just hangs out off to the side and watch his attempts, offering no help whatsoever except to laugh at some of his efforts.

1. Bark bark woof woof. It could be at a park, in an alley, a quiet corner on the street—the locations will vary but they all have a common theme and scenario: it's a relatively quiet area and there are two figures in a seemingly serious staring contest. Eustace crouches on the ground about two feet away from a dog sitting in front of him. Big, small, fluffy, skinny, collared, stray—he's trying this on any he comes across so it all varies. But the two are staring at each other for what seems likes an intense staring contest before one of them breaking off, either by the dog barking and wagging its tail or Eustace clicking his tongue and running a hand through his hair in some frustration.]

I only understood half of that... What does a shoe have anything to do with a squirrel?

[Like. Okay, yes, dogs like those things but whatever the dog was trying to tell him, Eustace couldn't get a clear message from it.]

One more time.

[The dog stares at him with a flat look before "hrumphing," as if this isn't the first "one more time." Some comply, others might just walk off, but Eustace is determined to understand them dammit.

2. Straaaaaay. StraaAaaaaYayay— Closer to the end of the month or, Eustace can more reliably transform into a something of a mix between husky and wolf, however only for a very short time (like a few minutes) before he has to change out or risk turning into a puppy for expending too much energy. He uses whatever opportunities he has to practice both the process of changing and how to function in the form. So in the interim, he actually tries to find stray dogs and if they're wary of his normal form, he'll try changing to get them to open up that way. Of course sometimes going about as a sizable wolf leads to problems, like a passerby shouting in surprise, forcing him to run before changing out. Even jumping out in front of you, so hope not afraid of large canines.

If he does accidentally overdo it, then he's stuck as a very fluffy, very grumpy pup for a while until enough energy returns for him to change out. Sometimes he's able to voice out the truth of the situation, but sometimes he's unable to speak at all and can only grunt and whine like a real pup. Anyone who tries to take him home will be nipped at furiously.]

⊗ b: target practice

[Once he's gotten a better grasp on his animal magic, Eustace dabbles a little in his secondary, the elementals. It's a bit tougher, but he's also more determined to master it as he wants to share this magic with his weapon, Flamek. After trying the various elements, Eustace has found he has a strong inclination towards lightning magic, the electricity coming forth more easily than others. He's also managed a very faint dusting of frost, but it disappears quickly like breath into air. He'll have to try and work on that later after he's had more mastery on lightning. But even that will take a bit of work.

1. Test shots. To try and gain better control over something as unwieldy as lightning, Eustace releases small, concentrated bolts of electricity over a small distance. It's somewhat successful, mostly because trying to create small concentrations is a hit or miss, especially in the beginning. Sometimes it's just a fizzle of static, sometimes it's a large surge that fries the target. Then there's the matter of energy, and unlike animal magic he finds it takes more out of him and more quickly. But if anyone is around the test dummies, they'll hear the occasional bzzt as small amounts (and occasional large burst) electricity is discharged.

2. Flamek. Very early on Eustace learns that he can't obtain bullets except through a certain trader and for a high price. He has some that carried over, but it's still a very small, limited stock, meaning he can only use his gun under extreme circumstances. He was never one to waste his bullets to begin with, but the thought unsettles him to some degree, especially with Flamek already seemingly asleep.

He fingers the bullet that had still been in Flamek upon arrival before loading it back into the gun. There's a hum of electricity as he tries to recreate the feeling that usually happens when he brushes against the barrel, only this time it's from him instead of the gun. A complicated, troubled expression forms as he can only feel a very faint quiet "pulse" in return before he sighs and aims at the target ahead of him one-handed, a sight that is surely strange given that his gun is really more of a rifle. He pulls the trigger and the bullet hits cleanly through the center, a perfect bulls-eye.

But Eustace looks far from satisfied or pleased, instead drawing back his weapon to almost cradle it in his hands. He flicks the trigger mechanism that normally activates the weapon's charge, but there's only a dull click followed by silence. It works fine otherwise so that's some relief, but...it almost seems lifeless and it perplexes him. So when he's taking a break, he'll just be in some quiet corner brooding over his weapon as he wipes it down.]

⊗ c: task - humilibees

[This is an...odd problem for sure, but since this is supposedly where they're supposed to live, he might as well try. Especially since he might be able to do something about them. ...It just might be a little unorthodox. So there are three potential options posed to whoever he's working with:

1. Stunning them? Eustace is already familiar in using electricity to stun and paralyze his opponents, so he looks at the hive from a distance and postures a question to whoever he's working with:]

What if they're stunned by electrocution?

[MAYBE A LITTLE TOO DIRECT OF A QUESTION.

2. Bzz bzz? ...Okay. This is a little crazy. But although he's had most success with dogs, he has been able to catch bits and pieces of other animals here and there. Birds are particularly chatty so he tunes them out. But...what about insects? Can't hurt to try, right?

So he'll try to listen in and see if he can at least understand them, maybe figure out why they're there to begin with, but the moment he does he just flinches, a hand going to one of his ears.]

.......Nevermind... I can't understand a single thing from that noisy hive.

[And now that he's tried to tune in he can't seem to tune it out by the primals make it stop—!!

3. Your turn. Eustace is willing to listen any possible ideas his partner might have. Whether he'll accept it or not will of course depend on that idea.]

⊗ d: task - spiders

[Once he feels more comfortable with his magic and the world in general, he'll volunteer to help with the spider venom collection. However, he's not sure if he has the appropriate magic to collect the venom directly, he could offer some support, such as using his lightning magic to try and stun them or against the webs if someone is caught.

Just don't ask him to try and communicate with the spiders. After the bees, that's a hard no.]

⊗ e: wildcard + tdm

[I also considered the labyrinth quest but not sure if Eustace is ready to tackle that one yet. There is also the TDM prompts that can be carried over. I didn't stick any vines one in because of being used in the TDM, but those are also fair game! If interested in anything not included here, just hit me up on

laenavesse or discord and we can work something out!]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Eustace doesn't really want to go through the crowds, especially not like this. But while he knows there are some quieter back alleys he could traverse through, he's not sure that would be a wise idea, either. If only his familiar wasn't just keeping away and watching.

That said he's noticed the boy's efforts...and the clear intent on not leaving him alone. Again there's some mixed feelings, but he can at least have some respect for his efforts. So when they reach one of the smaller side streets before hitting that main crowd, Eustace stops and looks at him. If the kid intends to stay with him, then he might as well use him.

He opens his mouth to see if he can speak—but no, it's just a little bark! that escapes. A little annoyed, he sighs and lightly tugs at Zidane's boot with his teeth before turning into the street. He only takes one glance back as if to say, "Fine. Come on."]

[If his familiar was here, Zidane would probably leave him be too. Oh well...]

[At this point, at least Zidane's being fairly casual about assisting. For everyone on the outside, it just looks like a normal tailed boy walking his off lead pup, right? It's the best way to go.]

[Blinking at the bark, it's enough to make him look down and then see the tug at his boot. He grins and nods at the look back, taking a few strides to catch up.]

Alright, let's get through this crowd.

[At least the smaller side street is quieter and a little less crowded, but there are still several passersby who are taking the same route for similar reasons to avoid the main street. So Eustace will just stick by Zidane, looking around every now and then to get his bearings.

...

And then there's a...delicious scent that wafts by from a nearby food cart selling various kebab-like meats.

Normally Eustace wouldn't pay any attention, but apparently puppy form is hungry and without realizing those little paws are trotting straight to it.]

[So far so good, and they're going with a decent group trying to avoid the main hubbub. Shouldn't take that long if they can keep taking routes like this.]

[Focusing ahead, Zidane does notice a certain furball isn't at his side soon enough and looks around. He spots the puppy heading towards the food stands and takes a short jog over.]

Feeling hungry? They do smell good...

[Drool....

—Wait, no!

At Zidane's voice, Eustace snaps back to attention and actually jumps back a bit. Ugh, he needs to change back quickly.

For now, however, he's just going to be turning away to try and resume walking, but is betrayed when there is quite the loud gurgle from the pup's stomach.]

[Watching the pup spring back, Zidane follows him, but shakes his head when there's the telltale growl.]

[He turns back to the booth.]

... Hey, could I get two of these things? The kebabs? Yeah, how much?

[He fishes in his pocket to produce a few pieces of gold.]

[Ugh...this is so humiliating... Moreover, even if he accepts it, how is supposed to eat it??? Is it even safe for him to eat anything while transformed?

So Eustace is going to be very wary despite his now very small stomach affecting him and starting to crave that delectable meat.]

Yeah... yeah, a little less spice for that second one. Small guy might not have the stomach for it, you see.

[He gestures to the puppy and it looks like the kebab stand owner has a bit more heart than that first person who almost stepped on them. Acquired soon enough: one (1) kebab and one (1) puppy-safe kebab.]

[Eustace is still very not pleased by this development, but he doesn't seem to have much of a choice. Okay, no, he could always just run off, but apparently puppy instincts are going to take over instead.

As soon as the kebab is ready, his body moves on its own closer, eyes zeroing in. Is...is that whimper? Did he just whimper— Once again he's appalled by his behavior and freezes.]

[Zidane grins wide. Poor guy must be starving is he's whimpering like that. He doesn't even realize the pup is just frozen in horror...]

Okay, ooookay, one pup-friendly kebab coming up! [Crouching down, he has the decency to serve it to the shell-shocked fluff ball on the disposable tray and take it off the stick.]

[Still in the middle of his mental crisis, Eustace can only stare at the kebab for several long moments before...once again the strange hunger stirs him. Slowly he looks up at Zidane, then back at the kebab.

...

.............

Dammit.

He's still not enthused about this situation, but a thought occurs to him. Would eating help him regain the energy needed to change back?

...

As if resigning to this humiliating fate, he slowly steps closer and...starts...eating.]

[Zidane's not really watching the puppy eat anyway. He had his own kebab too, and just kind of sits down to eat too, watching people go on their way.]

[Hey, he's still trying to make some sense of this place and whether he likes it or not.]

... Hey, not bad.

[He didn't know what to expect of the kebab, but it's pretty tasty.]

[There's a small "whuff" of agreement as Eustace has to admit the meat is fairly good. Of course he wonders if his sense of taste is affected by being in this form, so at the very least a dog will think it delicious. He even eats it more normally, having started with just a few nibbles before taking more appropriate bites.

And all too quickly the meat is eaten and he does feel a bit more rejuvenated. Should he try to change back...? Well, maybe not out here in public. Instead he'll just pad over and sit down in front of the boy before giving one short "Bark."]

[Zidane only glances once in his companions direction, pretty sure he's not about to run off without finishing his food.]

[He's not done when the pup is, but with another bite to finish what's left off, he's ready to go. Gathering up their trash, he's up and will toss the garbage when they pass a bin.]

Full and ready to go?

[Just a nod before Eustace stands and starts trotting down the street again. He needs to find a suitable place....ah.

Maybe this small alley.

Determined to try and change back again, he takes the turn into it.]

[Again, Zidane just follows after the pup, but he's on guard. The thing about alleys, they're usually the prime location for any ruffians to linger about.]

[And he doesn't know how well honor among thieves applies in Camelot - not that they would know he's a thief anyway.]

[It's good to be wary. Eustace slows his pace as he tilts his head up, ears perked and nose sniffing for anything suspicious. He can still sense his familiar nearby so there's some assurance there.

At first things look in the clear, but just their luck, a group of three shady looking men appear from the other end of the alley. The bottles in their hand clearly look as if they're drunk.

...Great. It would be better if they just turned back and Eustace tries to herd Zidane back out before they catch their attention.]

[Whoop, there it is... but they're also a bunch of drunks so he's not too concerned. Doesn't make him lower his guard though and he takes the herding from the puppy in stride.]

[And hey, if they get spotted, he already knows how to work things out in a few ways.]

[Alas, before they can make it out they're spotted and one calls out to them. Something about the brats being on their turf and having to pay some kind of passage fee.

Tsk. Seems like some things are no different regardless of the world. Needless to say, Eustace is just going to flat out ignore them and try to continue on.]

Eh, already sounds expensive. We'll take another route so, later!

[Yeah, Zidane's not paying up a passage fee and continues following the puppy.]

[But... if they wanna try his hand...]

[Indeed the idiots will try. One of them is apparently an elemental magic user, and a decent one at that even when drunk. With a wave of their hand a loud gust of wind billows past them, knocking down some boxes and loose planks to block their path. Eustace manages to jump back to avoid getting crushed before turning around to growl a little.

Really... He doesn't want to have to deal with this, especially as he is now.]

[Looking at their blocked route, Zidane's tail begins to make some irritated twitches. Still, turning around, he has a grin on his face.]

I wouldn't recommend slinging around magic after drinking. You don't know who you might hit or pick the right fight...

[He takes a step in front of the puppy, drawing his daggers and shifting his stance to something he's more familiar with.]

But hell, I could go for a change of pace. Bring it!

[Eustace blinks and looks up at the boy. Is he seriously going to fight them?

...

Tsk. Like hell he'd just sit around. He may be limited in what he can do, but perhaps he can consider this exercise in how to defend himself when stuck in this form. Though who knows, maybe he's grown a little...bigger? Still a pup, but looking a bit more like a small, young dog. Not that the three drunks would notice for sure.

Zidane better hop to it, because Eustace is darting out, immediately lunging out to sink his teeth into the nearest drunk's shin.]

[Duh, he's going to fight. If they wanna cause trouble, it's on.]

[He's surprised when the puppy...? Darts out to get the nearest drunk first, but takes the distraction to shoot forward himself, boosting forward with his own magic to go for the other two. A hand in the pouch, a tail stripping armor, but the glint of his daggers might be what catches their eyes instead, the flat of the blades striking while he steals whatever he can from them before landing on his feet.]

[The one Eustace had struck howls and hops on the ground, trying to shake him off. He hangs on just long enough for the man to turn in such a way that when he lets go to avoid the inevitable kick, the man hits himself and trips to fall to the ground. He looks up just in time to see the boy's attacks and...admittedly impressive. And did he just see him also pickpocket?

...

Whatever, it's deserved he'll look the other way. In the meantime he'll take the opportunity to lunge at one of the men and body slam him in the back of the knees, causing him to topple over. The third has a knife out and is trying to deal with Zidane.]

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