songerein | { summer beach episode 2023 }

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{ summer beach episode 2023 }

SUMMER BEACH EPISODE

Thanks to the Dreamsortium's aggressive advertising in town and around the Wildlands, the Forever Dreams resort's grand opening is a bustling and lively one with both dreamers and local fae alike coming by. Even the dragons from Dragefjell are coming down to enjoy luxurious sunbathing.

Just remember, only the first night is free! After that, one must either pay or help fulfill some "odd jobs" around the resort for the Dreamsortium.

More details on everything can be found here.

I. FOREVER DREAMS RESORT

A. Resort Amenities. Everyone will have a room to stay in, though there are also camping options for those who might want to stay outdoors.

🧑‍🍳Outdoor Dining. There are outdoor kitchen patios that are available for guests who would like to prepare their own food, however while the resort will provide with some ingredients, guests will have to bring their own. Perfect for those who try their hand at fishing and want to enjoy their catch. Just beware of the sea gulls that will try to pilfer anything left unattended.
♨️Spa and Massage. Need a break? Relax those sore muscles? The resort boasts only the best and have a special spa for those who can gather and relax with a drink and snack. They have also hired friendly dragons and orcs who specialize in providing the best massage possible.
🦀 Crab Shuffleboard. There are some shuffleboard courts setup that are said to be more unusual than normal, which is quickly revealed by the usual round "discs" used for play. The discs work well enough regardless…until at some point legs appear to reveal they are strange little crabs! They are sturdy little ones so some consider their traveling as part of the game, but others might want to catch them. (Note, they are not normal crabs and are Karka hatchlings.)

B. Animal Control. Unfortunately the construction agitated and displaced a few of the local creatures in the area, and while most have just moved on, others are less willing to leave their original habitats. Some are making it work, while others are hostile. Perhaps creating a newer, better habitat will make them more willing? Or figure out ways to coexist.

🐍Sea Snakes. Completely harmless, these aquatic snakes would nest in the tall seaweed that grows near the beach by the resort. Most of them were able to be relocated in other places, but there are some patches that haven't been moved because of their nests. By now the eggs have hatched, but the babies are still hiding out. Help move them to a safer location!
🦦Seaweed Otters. The otters prefer the clams that can be found in the shallows which is why they can be found lounging about. They're cute and friendly, but also mischievous, stealing other food and toys from beach goers. Although relatively harmless, it's dangerous for them. Good news, the same types of clams can be found further down. Catch the otters and guide them towards the new location. Alternatively, have them try different foods from other areas of the beach to encourage them to move elsewhere.
🦉Pineapple Owls. Pineapples are popular to serve, but harvesting them has been difficult. There are some owls that are dive bombing those who try. It doesn't help their eggs look like small pineapples! Help locate the affected trees to mark them and find empty trees to safely harvest from.
🦀Karka. KARKA ROOOOOLLL. Appearing by the coves on the edge of the Wasteland, these giant, monstrous creatures have a tough outer shell that is difficult to penetrate and requires using a special acidic solvent that somehow the Dreamsortium are able to prepare quickly. They appear to be very agitated and while they mostly stay where they are, some will come close to the resort to attack. Maybe returning some of those "little crabs" from the shuffleboard courts would help…

C. Beach Fun. There are some casual fun beachside activities that everyone can partake in! For those who didn't bring their own, towels and beach chairs are available to rent.

🤿Snorkeling. Grab your gear and do some snorkeling in the clear shallows around the resort! Might make a new finny friend or two.
🐚 Shell Collecting. There are a number of beautiful shells, and they say the large conch shells will whisper a dreamy tune that could help one sleep. There are also contests and requests to collect certain shells.
🏐 Games. Various games are set up, such as beach volleyball, watermelon smashing, water balloons and water guns, and the return of the fruit slicer, where one must slice a barrage of fruit with only dreamotion.
🍈Melon Dodgeball. A new game that's becoming an explosive hit is a dodgeball game using special melons. These melons are sensitive to the temperament and dreamotion of the players, so the more tense and energetic they are, the more likely they will explode and splatter their target instead. Still counts as out!
🐢 Boating. The turtle shell boats are back! Toting large clams shells big enough for two people, these giant sea turtles will happily pull people for either a relaxing cruise, or a fast paced ride through the water. Small sailboats are also available to rent.

D. Special Businesses. Some of the local businesses are putting up stalls on the beach!

🍷 At Day's End.Two days a week during the month of July, At Day's End will have a booth available at the beach resort! The bar and winery's offerings include a number of fine drinks and cocktails designed with summer in mind, such as: the Champagne-like Dew of the Ether; the luck-changing, naturally cold Azure Omen; the floral and sweet Divine Retribution, available with or without alcohol; and the minty and light fruit punch, Dawn in the Wildlands. Other drinks will also be available at the beach stall, though in limited quantities compared to the town's location.

Much like the services provided to patrons of the establishment proper, van Zieks will be available to provide cooling through his personal dreamotion abilities, though in exchange for passing out pamphlets or helping him serve drinks. He can't do anything about sunburns, though, you're on your own there.

🌸Wild Harvest. There is nothing unusual about the Wild Harvest's stall, and at a glance, it is exactly as you'd expect. There are flowers for the taking, set decoratively inside a vase beside a stack of fliers for any new dreamers who don't know about the establishment yet. A list of names that seems to be a sign-up for something called You Be the Chef also sits in front of whichever staff member may be running the booth, and if asked, they'll happily speak about the contest.

There is a grill set up with sticks of freshly grilled kebabs, also for the taking to sample, and nearby, a wooden-looking slide of sorts has been set up. Those who have visited the Harvest in recent weeks will know this is for the nagashi somen, or flowing noodles, for anyone who'd like to "catch" them. Chopsticks are provided, as well as the complementary dipping sauce.

In addition, as a dessert, there is also a station set up with cups of shaved ice for passersby to create their own Summer Dreams. Various toppings, condensed milk, slices of fruit and fruity syrups are provided. Even emoji-fruit with positive emotions are used! And if patrons are unable to infuse their sample with their own positive dreamotion, the staff is more than happy to assist.

II. ATLANTIS

At some point during the grand opening, some merfolk will surface and wave at the beachgoers. With reassurance from the Dreamsortium, anyone who wishes to visit the underwater city Atlantis may do so and will be given a special potion that will allow them to transform into some kind of merfolk or aquatic creature. They can last for several hours and will automatically bring them back to the surface before it wears out. Enjoy~ And beware the sirens.

A. Around Atlantis. The city is vast at the bottom of the ocean with so many things to see and do, with numerous shops opening their doors and the locals curious to meet their land based neighbors. So much so, perhaps another visit will be in order. For now, here are some highlights, and for those less inclined to try the potion, they could try and figure out a different way down there. Surely someone with enough dreamotion talents can come up with an idea?

🎣 Jellyfish Hunting. A favorite game of the Atlantians, there are special schools of jellyfish that swim around the city that come in a total of five different colors: blue, pink, yellow, green, and orange. If one catches at least one of each jellyfish, a small chest of jewels will be given as a prize. The jellyfish are friendly and harmless, though they might still try to sting out of defense.
🍴 Look at this Stuff. A young mermaid has been watching the "landdwellers" for a while now and has started to create her own collection of items only found on land. She asks any visitor she encounters whether they have or could find some trinket to add to her collection.
✨ Glowing Coral. The city is filled with beautiful, large coral patches and large reef gardens, especially just outside the city. Of particular note are special coral that sing, and one particular group of merfolk request some help in harvesting these to be used for everyday purposes in the city. Visitors are welcome to gather some for themselves—with careful moderation of course. As long as they are cut properly and kept in sea water, the coral will continue to thrive and potentially grow.

B. Temple of Saudade and Hiraeth. An ancient temple that is partially submerged just outside of Atlantis, and there is an indiscernible melody or song that can be heard faintly throughout the temple. The merfolk are still excavating it to find what all is within it, but it's a difficult endeavor due to the effects of the temple. It has a large amount of dreamotion energy and there are certain areas where people can become trapped in an illusory vision of a memory or unrealized dream with a very strong emotional tie to the individual. This will make the individual more emotionally reactive and must be calmed and talked out of their illusion. If the emotion is strong enough, whatever the character is seeing or wishing to be real will form.

C. Sirens. While not targeting the visitors swimming through Atlantis, there are sirens and other hostile fae that dwell in the ocean depths that don't take too kindly to the visitors. Stray too far from the safety of Atlantis or drift too deep into the shadows and they may appear to either harass or downright attack. Their songs are not as effective while someone is in merfolk/aquatic creature form, but they do have some effect to at least try and lure them for attention. Those who are afflicted with nightmares or have more nightmare energy will also be more susceptible.

❄️ Christmas Carols!? One siren in particular may be familiar to those from around Christmas. Called "Sirenia Caviary," she is one of the more "friendlier" sirens, but her voice wails through the waters as she is suffering from writer's block. Help her come up with new Christmas songs and the sirens may look more favorably on everyone.
🍌 Treasured Bananas. One reason why the sirens are hostile towards outsiders is due to a recent "plunder" of their precious chest of bananas. Seasalted Bananas are a delicacy and hard to come by since bananas are not found underwater. Bring some bananas to the sirens and their mood may improve.
♻️ Underwater Cleanup. Another reason for the sirens' hostility is the amount of trash and litter that has accrued both during the construction of the resort and the large influx of visitors thanks to it. While it wouldn't be enough to make them as friendly as their Atlantian cousins, clearing out some of that trash would at least make them less inclined to attack and chase upon sight. The collector in Atlantis might also find some use out of the items.

D. Thieves. There are some suspicious individuals (pirates) that appear around Atlantis trying to steal various treasures and items from the city and from the temple. Try to stop and catch them–but even if they are caught, they somehow escape. There is always an odd "click" and "buzz" sound before they disappear in black smoke that has a hint of nightmare energy in them…

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[Eustace is with his dog, Valo, to help round up some of these animals. ...Okay he also has a bunch of corgis around, but some are elsewhere trying to herd up the other animals. It's while following some otter tracks that he accidentally bumps into Aglovan, and upon turning—]

Sylvari?

[WAIT NO.]

Are you all right?

[ Distracted with his hanger-on, he barely acknowledges the bump, already prepared to brush it off without a care in the world...until whoever it is speaks, that is. ]

Huh?

[ Shifting the nibbly creature in his arms, he looks back, and has a brief moment of pause where he deeply considers...

...did this guy actually buy those ears? He'd always thought they'd looked a little tacky, but to each their own.

Anyway. ]

I could do without the teeth marks, but I'll live. I'm not so withered that an otter bite will do me in. [ A beat. ] ...But I am Sylvari, if that's what you were wondering.

[A small shake of his head.]

I know Trahearne if you're familiar with him. You're the only other Sylvari I've seen so I was a little surprised.

[...He'll also eye the otter because is this guy sure he'll be all right...]

[ He's perfectly fine!! Even if it is attempting to gnaw on his arm. At least it's the metal one, so he can't really feel it. ]

Rather hard to not be familiar with him. [ His lips twitch up into a smile. ] He is the eldest of us all.

[ Is. Was. Mother's favorite, and all that. Not that he minds that- Aglovan himself would definitely be nobody's favorite being a walking fire hazard. ]

I've hardly been here long, myself. [ A beat as he thinks. ] A week or so, at most.

[He does recall how Trahearne was the oldest and something like a leader to his kind, so Eustace nods in understanding.]

In that case, welcome. I'm Eustace, and I know Trahearne quite well.

Eustace, then. [ That's one to remember. ] It's a pleasure. I'm Aglovan.

[ He's mildly curious, though- ]

I've heard he's been here a while. It's a bit strange to hear, if I'm being honest. How long exactly have you known him?

Likewise, Aglovan.

[A small nod before he thinks for a moment.]

I believe... It must be over a year now. Year and a half?

[ Hmmmm. He's thinking. ]

So time really must be a bit different here, then? [ He crosses his arms with a small hum. ] It's been quite a bit longer since I've seen him back in Tyria. I'm going to assume that's likely normal.

Very. You could spend several years here and only a few months even days could pass in your home world. The opposite is also true.

[ Hmmmmm. Much to think about, ]

That's a pretty big discrepancy. [ thinking.gif ] But you don't remember anything if you go back, right? That's a waste. We normally remember at least some things from the Dream back home.

Yes, for better or worse. But I recall Trahearne talking about the "Dream" from your world. From...your mother...?

[Mother Tree? Something like that—]

Yes, our Mother. The Pale Tree.

[ Unbothered. ]

All of us experience the Dream, mostly before we're born. After, it's mainly what connects us to each other. The empathy connection we share is the only part of it that remains here, though. It's still a bit jarring to feel.

I remember Trahearne saying he could not feel that connection, anymore. Granted...

[...Well he's also kind of dead so that would probably. Throw a few things in that, too. But that does beg the question.]

Can you reconnect with Trahearne here?

[He assumes not, but dream world and whatever. Never know.]

[ YEAH, THAT...WOULD DO IT. A nervous scratch of the head. ]

I'd be surprised if he still could, to be perfectly honest.

[ ...Well, enough about that. ]

At most we're capable of feeling each other's emotions still. The empathetic connection is alive and well.

[Ah. He catches the drift and just nods his head.

And as if to help them out of this awkward topic, the otters Aglovan was trying to deal with strike again, taking something from nearby.]

We should help catch them...

[And then a stare at the otter that is actually still by them.]

Although this one seems attached to you.

[Possibly literally if it tries to grab the sylvari's arm again.]

[ It's not quite awkward for him, per-say, but he'd rather not talk about Trahearne's circumstances when he isn't...totally sure of them himself. Old Sylvari habit and common courtesy.

Luckily ( or un-luckily ), the yelp from someone nearby at being thieved draws him back to the situation at hand. He sure forgot all about those, huh.]

Yeah, I wager they could use a hand.

[ ...And then he looks down, at the one still nestled against him, who seems...oddly content now. ]

I'm...honestly surprised, myself. I've never quite been good with animals like my brother is.

[ He's just going to gingerly lift it up?? It, however, does not wriggle for release like it was. Huh. x1 Otter gained. ]

[New elite spec unlocked—]

You'd be surprised how friendly the creatures here can be. But given its size... Is it still a pup? We should make sure its family isn't looking for it, or you'll see the how hostile they can be instead.

[ No mech no dice.

That definitely earns a frown, and he looks back at said otter, who looks back up. And bats it's tiny eyes as the picture of innocence. Hm. ]

That...sounds like a better plan. [ A small nervous laugh. ] Not to say I probably couldn't handle an angry otter, but I'd rather not provoke any wildlife I don't have to. All things have a right to grow, after all.

[ Preferably with teeth and thieving hands far away from people's belongings. ]

Let's see about putting them back.

[A small nod as he looks around.]

Let's try by the shore. It couldn't have traveled too far.

Sounds just fine to me!

[ Off we go...the poor creature is a bit dejected, but it's better this way.

Here's to hoping there's no bigger otters laying in wait, as they trek on the sand. He's not fancying the idea of being mauled. ]

[And their fortune will hold! As soon as they approach the water, the other otters will come out... But not attack.

Yet.

Okay, their luck may only hold for so long, especially when the kit starts squeaking. Seeing this, the adults will start hissing because THIEF? THIEF???]

...Not good. Try and hold out the otter to show we mean no harm.

[ Hooray!

This seems to be going pleasantly enough...at least until the squeaking starts. Then the hissing starts. Then his face falls a bit in typical 'oh no' fashion.

His gaze snaps to Eustace once he speaks, blinking at the suggestion]

Ah, right-

[ He bends down to offer up the pup, lowering it closer to the ground at the same time. Look...you can have...please don't bite him or his new companion.

He'll nearly let go once it's down, only barely holding on in case it tries to do a u-turn for the nearest snack or shiny object. ]

[Hmm...

HMMmMmMMmMmmmmMm.

The otters still seem a bit wary, but sensing Aglovan's sincerity, they slowly approach. The little pup itself isn't necessarily helping, what with it trying to escape and run off again. But perhaps used to such behavior, one of the otters, perhaps its mother, will run up and grab it by the scruff of its neck to drag back into the water. You're grounded, young man!!!

Seeing this, there's a small breath of relief as the otters now gather around Aglovan, sniffing him curiously.

...]

Solved one problem, but we still have the issue of them being too close to the beachgoers. This will only happen again.

[ Phew! That went better than expected. He's eyeballing the approach cautiously in turn, but once the smaller one is scruffed and dragged off, he lets himself get back to his feet with a sigh.

...Although, he isn't expecting his newfound entourage, blinking at the pack of furry menaces sniffing around his wooden legs. Hm. Don't nibble him, please. ]

You've got a point. Animals can be far too curious for their own good.

[ Hmmmmm. ]

Perhaps we could lure them away with something?

I heard they were fond of a certain type of food... The clams? If we take some that might entice them to move the other location on the other side of the resort.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

{ summer beach episode 2023 }

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