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

[Although she doesn't bark, she does Nobunaga something of a wolfish grin before returning to Eustace.

Then she grabs the end of Eustace's cloak and tries to drag him closer.]

—!? Hey—

[WHAT IS HIS WOLF TRYING TO DO.]

Eria... [Shakes his head and laughs again.] Sorry Eustace. It would seem she wants you to be friendly, but it's all right, Eria. I'm not lonely. You want what's best for Eustace, don't you? Sometimes people with sensitive hearing just need to spend time alone, I've found.

If you play Go, Eustace, I promise not to talk during it.

[Eustace just makes a short disgruntled sound before he feels that tug again. HE COULD JUST LEAVE. But then he'd have to deal with the consequences from his familiar and he really doesn't want to.

So he ends with a sigh and just look at Nobunaga.]

Is that even possible?

[It's not a flat out rejection. Which in Eustace's terms is basically an agreement through resignation.]

[Nods emphatically!!!]

[SEE? LOOK! HE'S QUIET ALREADY!!!!]

[Even if his aura itself is like 2000 times brighter and sparklier.]

[.................Ugh.]

...Just be normal.

[It's worse when he's forcing himself.]

So... [Although speaking of forcing, he can't believe he's about to ask this:] Where do you want to play?

[Just going to assume Eustace has at least been exposed to most strategy and tactical based games like chess and Go and gonna run from there—]

[EUSTACE, HE HAS BEEN A FREAK FROM HIS UNIVERSE SINCE HE WAS BORN! HE DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO BE NORMAL!]

[So he takes this to mean "be Nobunaga!"] We can play here-- No, the board's back at the inn, we can play at the inn! Lobby, if you don't care about privacy, or we can take it wherever you're comfortable.

[He's kind of bouncing on the balls of his feet again... and he's going to try to race Eria, you just know he is.]

[CLOSE ENOUGH

And he's already starting to have regrets. His familiar, of course, does not, and will be more than happy to race him.]

...Just find a quiet corner.

[He'll just. Follow after them more slowly. It's like watching kids—]

Oi oi! Don't think just because I'm wearing geta I won't keep up!

[RUUUUUNNNING!!!!!]

[You would never know Nobunaga is in his late 40s. He is though. Seriously....]

[Poor Eustace!]

[WHY IS HE WATCHING A GROWN MAN OLDER THAN HIM ACT LIKE THIS all he wants is peace and quiet...............

But well this is taking his mind off his Flamek problem, so there's that?? And he really will just walk at his own pace, even as they disappear off into the distance. He'll eventually get to the inn, it's cool. Let the kids burn off that energy (even if it'll probably be just a small dent).]

[This is your life now. The only way out is to get Hideyoshi to travel universes and nag Oda into submission, or to conspire with Mitsuhide -- which is always a crapshoot because Mitsuhide is somewhere between unfailingly loyal, and always willing to drive others insane. Which one he wants to bother more though, that's the real dice roll.]

[Nobunaga has the board all set up, a refined pot of tea and Japanese style tea mugs at a table with no chairs, cushions instead, but he is not sitting at the table lowered towards the floor. Oh no. He's laying on his back in the middle of the floor trying to teach Eria how to play dead. AS YOU DO! Grown ass demon king.]

[Ugh, he wishes could use points to rip people out of their universes—or shove them back in— Okay not really ~~because that's meta~~ but if could...

By the time Eustace arrives, he...didn't really have any expectations. But finding the scene before him is definitely so far away from anything he could have had that all he does is end up staring at the two goofballs.

So he's just. Going to stand there. Eyebrow twitching slightly before he just presses his fingertips against his brow and sighs.]

If you'd rather goof around, I'll head to my room instead.

[For the record, Eria is definitely trolling Nobunaga because although she may look like she's trying to "learn," she is not really trying to do so and is just letting the man look ridiculous.]

[Yes, Eria is definitely smarter than Nobunaga!]

[Fair warning: he's only good with a few things. All of them having to do with war (and dancing -- it's a war thing for him) but he's very good at Go.]

[He just enjoys making everyone underestimate him through sheer raw dumbassery.]

[He rolls over, holds a paw up:] Arf!

[But then elegantly sits at the table like he wasn't just doing that.] Let's begin.

[True to his word, even being himself during a game of Go, he is pretty quiet though. Laser-like focus.]

[It's been a while since Eustace has last played a round, so he doesn't expect to win himself. But as he does have experience in playing these games, so he might prove to be a formidable opponent to make the match worthwhile at least. Who knows what other rounds could be like if they have a rematch.

But for now Eustace just stares at Nobunaga and shakes his head before sitting down, the wolf positioning herself beside him to watch curiously.

Hopefully Nobunaga doesn't expect Eustace to say anything because he'll be his usual quiet self, only deliberating a moment before playing his pieces.]

[As promised, Nobunaga is completely quiet and focused. He can certainly talk and hold a conversation, while playing, but it's a lot easier for him not to while playing!]

[He will definitely occasionally scritch Eria's ears whenever she wants though. He's not an affectionate person, but he is forever a child in an adult body, and therefore completely playful for no reason other than the sake of it!]

[He also believes you can learn almost everything from play styles!]

[Obviously he already knows Eustace knows guns, wolves, is generally quiet and serious, but not a spiteful asshole, and is surprisingly patient. Which also means Nobunaga knows if he's too reckless, he'll make it easy for Eustace to win, and indeed, that would probably be predictable from Nobunaga. But if he tries to drag it out, it will definitely give Eustace time to mount up the methodical take. So instead, he wants to see if he can stress the man out just enough with pressure!]

[Eustace will only occasionally glance up from the board to study Nobunaga's expression...or note how his familiar is trying to earn some free pets. He can only mentally shake his head at that. But he's a bit surprised and maybe impressed by Nobunaga's ability to focus and certain moves he makes. In some ways he had expected more bold or reckless movements, but since the man is apparently some kind of general warlord...seeing this side of him also makes sense. It's proof that the man does have some maturity in him.

Some.

And Eustace has no issue with the game dragging out. Whether it was fast paced or slow, he's able to adapt by analyzing and trying to read his opponent. He's not always accurate—although he does a lot of strategizing and tactics, it's not his focus or specialty. But it's enough to make him a challenging adversary in a game like this, each move having a particular purpose.

And now...after a seemingly long deliberation, he decides to try and bait Nobunaga, leaving him the option of either taking a bolder move that could reap benefits but with some potential risk, or continue on a more cautious route.

Whether Eustace cares to win or not doesn't really matter—perhaps he's more interested in seeing what he can learn of the man from how he plays.]

[Unsurprisingly, he takes the bait. Perhaps even less surprisingly, he does it in a bombastic way that sends a message that he knows how to win and he plays for keeps. Some things never change.]

[Yep, not surprised at all. Having considered this possibility, Eustace continues to play, giving Nobunaga baiting opportunities while at the same time strategizing to try and make a major upheaval later.]

[Nope, that won't work. He's indulgent, but paranoid. Getting woken up by assassins sent by your own family members will do that to you. So after snagging a few bait for fun, he starts focusing on bunkering down and hooking up his plays so that there's always two eyes open, and not much room for monkey jumps.]

[It might be a little surprising that he's not applying much pressure though. He usually has a strike first aggressive loud demeanor, but it's not playing like that at all!]

[That said, everything is still all over his face. He can't hide his thoughts... except by not saying them. Like now.]

[Eustace takes occasional glances at Nobunaga, not necessarily trying to read him but to see what kind of reaction or thought process the guy has. Because he has to admit, he's impressed by the current play.

Should he try being aggressive just to see what would happen? Winning is still an objective, but he also finds enjoyment in the actual play and this is going surprisingly well.

In the end, however, Eustace continues his slower methodical approach, reinforcing more of his territory while mindful of any openings or gaps and capturing any stones that are in his way.]

[Ah good, methodical fits Eustace best, and since it's not unexpected for Nobunaga, he continues along the same way!]

[But he's grinning now.]

[Like an idiot.]

[...Mhm.]

Enjoying yourself?

[Surprise, Eustace is the one to break the silence, but it's a rather calmly delivered question as he just moves his stone to capture a seemingly insignificant one of Nobunaga's.]

Yes.

[A beat. Smug grin again.] Have you ever seen me not?

[He has lost his temper a few times here, but usually at timelines that go awry where everything he held as most important failed.]

[And even trying to irritate Eustace less, was more just he knew he was overwhelming, and it's hard for him to fix that.]

I've had the fortune of avoiding your presence until now, so I can't really say.

[Delivered in such a straight, calm, neutral voice despite the words thrown sharp like a knife.]

[He just laughs!] Yeah exactly!

Oh wait. Yeah, I usually am having fun here. I got bored in my own world a lot, so I played a lot of Go. Well, until people caught onto me. Sometimes Mitsunari still did, but he's quiet like you, just prefers books over guns. Mitsuhide is my gunman. Did you know he designed my gun? He's here too.

Somehow I'm not surprised...

[Just an idle comment on Nobunaga just having fun in this place.]

But I've never heard of or met either of them.

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