third shot ⊗ open june log

[flamekthunder]

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

⊗ a: flamek's lightning

[After a lot of deliberation and having found himself in numerous circumstances where Flamek would have been the better weapon choice, Eustace finally went to the traders to get the special weapon modified. He had been quite hesitant and pretty much death glared them the entire time, but now he's at the training grounds to give it a full test.

Running his hand over the barrel, there's a rare hint of anxiety before he feels the familiar hum in response to his touch, as if to reassure the erune that no damage had been done. So after taking a breath, he channels his lightning magic into the weapon. Electricity sparks around the weapon, the sight familiar yet different at the same time. He then flips the trigger and he can see the gauge charging—but only a little. Since it's a reflection of his own magical prowess, it won't be nearly as efficient or as strong, but...it's enough.

Enough for him to hold up the long gun and fire out at the targets set out several feet away from him. A thin bolt of lightning is discharged and glances off the top. A far cry from his usual impeccable aiming, but rather than be disappointed, he just holds up the gun and studies it.]

...Hm, I need to change the calibrations...and the amount of magic output will effect its strength in both force and distance... [Again he brushes his fingers over the barrel, a small smile flitting over his lips as he gazes at his weapon in relief.] But it'll do.

[And with that same concentration, he spends most of every morning during the month (barring any crazy shenanigans) shooting those concentrated bolts of lightning at targets, testing how much magic he needs to pour into the rifle while making adjustments until he gets a steady rhythm and more perfected aim. Sometimes it might sound as if there's a storm brewing when he goes for more powerful shots, so don't mind the occasional noise.]

⊗ b: task - trowmies got my homies

[The quest seems simple enough, but it also sounds like a lot could wrong if they're not careful. Meeting the one he's working with at the entrance of one of the tunnels, Eustace recalls what he's read up on the trows and the current situation.]

It would be preferable if we didn't have to fight... If needed I could transform into a smaller animal to scout ahead.

[And whenever they go in the tunnels, he's going to find he might want to stay a small animal given the smaller height of everything. On the plus side, should a tunnel collapse he might be able to help dig a way out or try and call upon any moles or other creatures that could help alongside with any other magic or skills his partner has.]

⊗ c: task - overgrowth

[Let's skip the formalities and head right into the action!]

Watch it!

[There'll be a brief buzz of electricity following the sound of a gunshot as Eustace fires a shot from his recently modified gun, Flamek. After a lot of training, he finds it actually easier to control and direct his magic using his weapon as a conduit, although he'd have to cast it raw if he wants something strong. For now, the concentrated blasts of lightning is enough to shoot at a tentacle and deflect from hitting the one he's working with.

Too bad he can't unleash Flamek's full power, that would get rid of the Kraken. And maybe the house but given the broken walls, doors, windows, roof...it's a goner, anyway. In any case, they either need to lure that thing out or go in—the latter of which does not really sound all that appealing.]

⊗ d: task - the scarlet butcher

[The job is already disconcerting, and while Eustace is willing to just leave it to the authorities...if things are stalling then there's no harm in using his skills to look into things as well. Especially when he has several people now on his mind that he'd want to protect.

So he'll be at one of the more recent crime scenes, standing in the shadows as he studies it the building. The entrance has been blocked off, so he'll need to find another way... ...No, he knows a better way.

In the shadows he'll be crouching down and seem to be talking to someone, but it's not obvious unless someone steps in closer and discover he's talking to a pair of mice, trying to glean information from them.]

Hm... I see... A window on the upper floor...

⊗ e: backup plan + beach episode

[Having not been very...impressed by the trials, Eustace is willing to help with this so-called back-up plan. Whether it's better or not...well it's better than nothing. Properly dressed in comfortable swimwear, Eustace dives in to help to explore and retrieve the items from the shipwreck.

1. Shipwreckers. With both elemental and animal magic at his disposal, Eustace has various ways to help himself and others get down. From creating those bubbles to transforming into an underwater creature (primarily a bonito dolphin) to expedite the travel by pushing others along. Or just utilizing a professional so that he and his partner can focus their concentration on the task at hand. Should they encounter a fuath, Eustace will prefer just deflecting them and then hurrying out of the ship. Hopefully they're not in too deep or get lost while in there...

2. Beach Episode. Once the whole ship is raised and everyone starts partying, Eustace...will be mostly chilling off on the side, a towel over his head, his ears poking through the slits.

That said... If he gets his hands on a water gun and gets involved in a fight, be prepared because he will show no mercy. Be prepared to be sniped from the shadows as he takes cover behind trees, or he'll take direct shots will running past. And if he personally knows someone, he'll taunt them with a light smirk.]

Hmph. You'll have to do better than that.

[Feel free to try and drag him into any other activities!]

⊗ f: wildcard

[There are a couple of items I thought about but didn't make a specific prompt for, but would be happy to do if interested! It's a Wetdding would be cute, but Eustace may need some convincing to have a potentially noisy wedding happening outside his window. It's more likely to convince him helping if the teru teru bozus are for someone else. Roaring Rescuers is another he could be involved in as a rescuer, but that would require a bit more planning out. So if interested in either of these or anything else not included here, just hit me up on via journal, laenavesse, or discord and we can work something out!]

Comments

A

[scriptwriter]

[Kotarou had been hearing thundering noises for a while now. It was usually during the morning hours, then it'd disappear. He'd pass it over as stormy weather, but it was getting too consistent to be Mother Nature's doing. That's why he decides to do some snooping for himself. He decided to talk to one of the locals and she tells him: "Oh, a handsome man with dog ears usually goes around practicing shots at the training grounds around this hour. Do you think he's single? Do you think he takes autographs?! Can you give him this letter for me? I've been watching him for a while now and just wanted to say how much I admire him!"

Well. That was two reasons for Kotarou to be annoyed. Handsome men seemed to get away with everything, huh? If he was at the training grounds, then maybe Kotarou could size him up a bit. Potentially work off some stress if he was up for a spar... Well, he'd cross that bridge whenever he get around to it. First, he had to deliver this letter...

What the hell kind of quest is this? If you're gonna pass along a love letter, then do it yourself. Not like she was listening to me in the middle of her fangirling...

Eustace is going to overhear a younger man in his early twenties abruptly clearing his throat behind him. He coughs loudly with the intention to interrupt his shooting.]

Heeeeey, big guy. If you're gonna be firing blanks around here, you should do it in the comfort of your own home! Think of the children, man!

[flamekthunder]

[Eustace had noticed someone approaching, but he didn't pay any mind to it as he was more focused on his training. The out put was still inconsistent...and the noise was louder than it should be. A side effect of having to use his own magic? Related to the power output? While considering the possibilities, he's about to take another shot when he hears the one who had been approaching cough and then speak. Without breaking his stance, he only glances at the man who seemed just a few years younger than him.]

It's the training grounds. Children not used to combat shouldn't be around here unsupervised to begin with.

[He then fires the charged shot that had been gathering within the gun, the condensed bolt of lightning hitting and scorching through the target near the bulls-eye before he brings up his weapon to rest against his shoulder.]

And they're not blanks.

[scriptwriter]

[Judging from his personal experience, Kotarou could get a sense that he was a serious and straightlaced type. It wasn't the first time that he worked with guys like this. This just reminded him of his days back in Guardian. Having a sense of humor usually worked in the face of people like this. If Kotarou were his old self, he probably wouldn't be as sassy as he was right now. He shoots Eustace a very sarastic look.]

I didn't mean those kinds of blanks. I meant--

[Kotarou pauses as he realizes his dirty joke would lose its appeal if he had to explain it. Not only that, he wondered if Eustace would even understand it at all. It was best to let certain things go unexplained.]

You know what? Nevermind. [A beat.] I came here for two reasons. The first reason is to play neighborhood cop-slash-old geezer and tell you turn down your lightning devil music. I've been trying to catch some valuable beauty sleep!

c - overgrowth

[moonspiracy]

I am somewhat familiar with your weapon, I will take a step back.

[The house itself is an odd sight and maybe, a part of him finds it somewhat humorous. Tentacles have burst out of the windows, the doors and its pretty obvious that the structure of the building isn't going to survive this.

To uncover the creature the house needs to go. A foolish sort of mistake that could have been avoided.]

Hmm...let me. [Cassius isn't very familiar with his magic yet but he gets better. His drone is still at his side and still hasn't shown any sort of malfunction. It seems to function perfectly in sync with him.

Any debris that might start flying around is being caught in midair to gently float towards the ground.]

I advise you to free the beast first and kill it swiftly afterwards.

[flamekthunder]

[With the tentacle knocked back for now and Cassius's magic working to help keep things from hitting them, it allows them a bit of time to try and assess the situation.]

Free it first... The only way that would work is if we blew up a wall.

[Which at this point might not actually be that difficult given how much damage has already been done.]

[moonspiracy]

[Cassius looks at Eustace briefly.]

Yes.

[A nod.]

Even though I do not entirely know why you feel like stating such an obvious thing I want to ask you if you can aim your weapon at the cracks. I believe the structure of the building is already weakened, it would not take much for it to crumble completely.

[And he? He will do damage control. The most logic thing is to make sure this is handled swiftly and without any injured.]

e 1 shipwreckers

[fullgauntlet]

[Izuku is actually glad that the king has set up some contingency plans should they all fail their trials. The fae are tricky and unpredictable so having some backup plans is smart. Izuku himself was able to pass most of his trials from the previous month. Only with a few, uh, painful slip-ups. But in comparison to choking on poison or forcibly getting drowned in a pool? Exploring an old shipwreck is leagues better.

With no light or elemental magic, Izuku has to get a little creative with his own breathing-underwater spell. Having borrowed a charm that he has used in a previous quest while collecting water slugs. The charm hangs around his neck, allowing him to breathe underwater and speak as well.

He floats there in the water in his newly fitted summer swimwear. He won't be able to use an actual sword underwater but he does have a curious bag with him slung over one shoulder.]

The ship is massive... [He looks at it in awe. A little curious and rightfully excited. But nervous!] If we can find some decent treasures down here, I wonder if it'll be enough?

[flamekthunder]

[With the air bubble around his head thanks to his magic and a small school of fish following curiously behind to help push in some additional fresh bubbles in (the same fish will also poke around Izuku more out of friendly curiosity than anything), Eustace looks towards the ship.]

Given the size and the magic needed, it should be. The question is what will count as a "treasure," but there's bound to be plenty of artifacts. [He then glances at Izuku.] Unless you're considering having a keepsake for yourself.

[He's joking so there's no real threat in his words despite his usual delivery making it sound more serious than it is.]

[fullgauntlet]

[He might give a bit of a startled yelp when a fish or two poke at him. He frets but then smiles at the fishies. Maybe even pats one. Can you pat a fish?]

Artifacts...? Actual hidden and sunken treasure?

[He has to admit that's really cool. Getting a chance to explore a sunken ship and find a treasure like out of some sort of video game-

But he jolts quickly, shaking his head.]

N-no, I don't want to keep anything for myself! This is for the trade with Celliwig, isn't it?! I'm- not- I'm not a thief or anything like that!

[He's a goody two-shoes.]

B

[troubadamsel]

[ This mission doesn't seem like it'd be up Maribelle's alley... but maybe that's why she's here. After all that happened with Caster, she desperately needs a distraction. This ought to do it. ]

I've been working on other aspects of my light magic... if need be, I might be able to temporarily blind anything we run into.

[flamekthunder]

That will actually work to our advantage. Since these creatures live mostly underground, they'll be more sensitive to light so you shouldn't need to use much to be effective. We might also need your light depending on how dark the tunnels are, but I've also brought some lights in case.

[Do flashlights exist??? Otherwise small lanterns will work probably.

Though...he is a little surprised to see Maribelle for this particular job. She just doesn't seem the type to get her hands dirty, both literally and figuratively, but especially literally. However, he's not going to question anything so he won't be aware of her current issues.]

[troubadamsel]

Very good... then let's not waste anymore time. Who knows what they might do to that poor man once they get bored of their "pet"?

[ It reminds her of the sirens - and of Caster again - and she shakes her head hard to try and get rid of both mental images. ]

d.

[granmaster]

[ after the experience with the siren, gran had relegated himself to focusing on other things, mainly to keep his mind off of it. hearing about the murders was a perfect distraction, so he poured all his focus on that.

the sight of eustace talking to mice was rather... strange, but as long as it got the mission done. as long as his friend doesn’t make him go home, then gran will accept it. it’s not like he could make him go home anyways. ]

Any other information they could give us?

[flamekthunder]

[don't test him gran he'd figure out a way to keep him out of trouble maybe don't be a beatrix

After a few more moments of conversing, Eustace lightly rubs a finger on top of their heads in thanks before standing to look at Gran.]

They weren't around when the incident occurred, but they did say there were other mice that live in this building. For now they pointed out a way to get in to bypass the security placed here.

[One would think Eustace would have qualms sneaking around law enforcement, but as long as they don't disturb anything he sees no issue in at least taking a look. Especially since he has people he doesn't want hurt by this lunatic.]

[granmaster]

[ he’s a beatrix when he needs to be there’s no stopping danchou, eustace

gran’s eyes widened just a bit at the reply, realizing that animal magic could actually be useful. the sight with a crab with a knife never truly left him. ]

I see… getting in would be troublesome, but I think it can be done. [ even he can admit he wasn’t the sneakiest person around. ] Where’s the way in?

E-1

[apshot]

[ Bakugou has the advantage of being able to use both Light and Elemental to create air pockets. Honestly though... One would think that there are better options! The village from the quests not too long ago had potions that allowed for one to breathe under water. Sure as hell would be handy.

Regardless, at least losing their way shouldn't be an issue. As he travels down - uncaring who he is currently partnered with - Katsuki leaves little balls of light in their wake.

Like bright and shiny breadcrumbs. ]

[flamekthunder]

[Seriously, especially if they need to concentrate and might need to conserve their magic energy for something else. But Eustace is managing with his own air bubble and little fish to help along...even if it probably looks weird. The balls of light are definitely handy, though, especially as it gets a little darker the deeper they go. Who knows how it'll be inside the ship itself.

But this is definitely a quiet descent as Eustace has no real need to say anything, and only speaks up once they reached the ship itself.]

Given the risks it's best we get in and out quickly. We should either find a passenger room or the cargo hold to find anything of value.

[apshot]

[ Sometimes Bakugou wonders about the efficiency of all this. Sometimes it feels as though tasks are made harder or lack practical solutions just to make it harder. To make it more of a challenge. Normally he enjoys those. Everything he does he carries out with an air of seriousness.

Silence is fine too. Katsuki isn't the type of person to speak unless goaded or there's reason to. ]

Cargo hold is likely at the bottom of the ship. Captain and any richer passengers towards the top.

[ So there are the options! ]

C

[doctorintern]

Whoa!

[ Dodging out of the way, Gizmoduck blocks a swing from another tentacle with the shield from one arm, using his free hand to send a burst of fire up the length of it, pulling a pained roar from the Kraken. It wasn't enough to burn it completely - he didn't think he had enough magic to do that, and even if he did he didn't want to risk burning the house down (despite it being a wreck already) - but it certainly annoyed the creature, which he hoped would be enough to lure it out of the house. ]

[flamekthunder]

[Eustace continues to provide cover fire and—yeah, the house is a goner. It would be best if they could at least keep some of it intact for the family to salvage mementos, but...yeah.

A strong lashing of a tentacle breaks down a wall, revealing more of the kraken's main body as it slowly...wriggles about it and slowly inches outward. Hey, it's hard being a squid on land and unable to get real purchase with its flailing tentacles! One does slam down near Eustace, forcing him to roll out of the way. And when another tentacle manages to slam down on the ground, he can see it starting to tense.]

Get back!

[It's going to try and pull itself out!]

[doctorintern]

[ Dodging another tentacle himself, Gizmoduck wheels back as the kraken starts dragging itself out of the house. ]

That's right, c'mon, big guy!

[ He could already see some places that the kraken is going to get stuck on though. Still avoiding the flailing tentacles, he goes to break of some of the house that would give it some trouble. The house is damaged anyway, and they can rebuild the outside later, but for now he cuts off some parts to give the kraken more room to move.

Which is difficult with the thing still thrashing around, and he has to avoid getting hit, but he's managing. ]

A

[rotacalamitas]

[Bennett was a frequent visitor to the training ground. He wasn't very good at using his magic (intentionally), but he was nothing if not determined to change with hard work and practice. ...Plus, it was a great way for him to run into and meet up with people.

When he spots Eustace there, he watches him do his stuff, amazed at his weapon.]

Whoa... That's a pretty fancy bow you've got there!

[Guess who's never seen a gun before.]

[flamekthunder]

[Eustace straightens and looks at Bennett strangely. Did. Did he just call his gun a bow—]

...It's called a gun.

[But okay, maybe the kid hasn't seen a gun or they don't even exist where he's from, so he can let it be. He just hasn't had someone call it a bow before so it's like "what."]

e2. sneaks in here

[menphina]

[ After all that ruckus, it's good to be able to relax. She's dragged her friends over, but of course, being as she is, she absolutely cannot resist a game. Or the opportunity to dress up in a cute swimsuit, for that matter!

And what better than getting into a water gun fight? Her brother had banned her from using any sort of guns back home despite her being a sharp eye with a bow and arrow (though not as good as him, much to her chagrin), but water guns were already looking way too much fun for her to resist!

Which is why she's enjoying the new freedom she has- and very playfully dodging any shots fired her way, returning them with equal ease and swiftness. It reminds her of her days being a hunter exclusively with her tribe, with them playing forest games and playfully chasing each other to try and come out on top.

People shouldn't underestimate a miqo'te, especially a Keeper of the Moon! Though she's a bit at a disadvantage with the sunlight, being a nocturnal creature herself- but it's nothing she hasn't adapted to. And with a target in sight, she quickly dodges and hides behind a rock on the beach, taking quick aim. He looks like he hasn't noticed, and his back is wide open...

That wouldn't be fair, so she calls- ]

Heads up, you're wet!

[ Will Eustace be able to dodge in time?! ]

[flamekthunder]

[His ear twitches when he hears the voice, but with her having the advantage, he only manages to turn away just enough so that she gets his shoulder instead, one eye closing as some water sprays into his face. Turning to see the assailant, he first notices the ears. ...Another Erune??? Or maybe something different. Normally this wouldn't be so noteworthy, but after being surrounded by mostly humans, it's hard for him to notice the obvious.

However it's only a brief distraction, no more than half a second, and he just raises his gun in acknowledgment of her hit.]

Nice strategy. But it won't work again.