Owl Rescue

[dreamposts]

✵ MINI EVENT: OWL RESCUE ✵

Late in the month, the blizzard has reached its peak and the skies seem strangely dark and ominous, a soft jingling of bells followed by deep, baritone voice echoes through the skies.

Gone away are the reindeer
Out to play are the dreamers
To lead their return, we gather in snow
All to bring the lost presents home

In the shadows we can build a snowman
To protect the sleigh that's full and bright.
Mimics will attack, and we'll say, "No, man!"
Only the real presents here will do!

We'll raise our mugs to the fire
Raise our voices higher and higher
Then we'll slash through our foes
From head down to their toes
All to save this Christmas Wonderland

In the city we can make some string lights
Beautiful and bright just like the stars
With a little magic, we'll be alright
And top everything off with just a Star

A star so big and bright
with magic all around
shining with all its might
making the world go 'round!

So come join us, all ye citizens
of this little festive town.
Guard your hearts with love and laughter,
and we'll bring this foul Grinch down!

With a mighty bellow the gusting winds clear and for a moment the morning skies seem beautiful and bright, as if the strange blizzard storm had never appeared at all. And then, in perhaps questionably late fashion, a large man dressed in red and astride a giant reindeer descends down to the central plaza.

"Ho ho ho! So this is where that bastard's been trying to hide, eh? I'll give it some credit—it chose a powerful world for its mischief…even if it could still use some work. And it's still just a baby—miracle it's lasted this long." The man, many of which will recognize as the fabled Santa Claus turns to look at the still run down buildings. For a man who is known to being "jolly" and full of holiday spirit, he looks as if he's about to head into war with the large axe at its his side and hardened expression. Just as he's about to say more, he clicks his tongue as a loud SCREEEEEECH is heard in the distance.

"But it won't be around much longer if you kids don't do anything about what's coming."

In the next moment, a large fiery owl large enough to overshadow half the town hovers in the air, the flames dangerously drifting from her feathers.

WHERE ARE THEY…

WHERE ARE MY CHILDREN!!

Her voice shakes the ground, the fire expanding outward as she gives one last heartrending cry filled with anger and agony.

PROMPTS

It's a confusing mess as two large figures have appeared at once, but it's clear that the owl's needs take precedence. With Santa's help, the owl will shrink small enough so that she can wait in the Plaza alongside and wait for those willing to find her eggs and owlets. But she watches over it with an anxious eye, the flames occasionally rising whenever there is a sound of one nearby. Everyone better work fast!

A. Talk with Santa. With Santa remaining with the owl, some may wish to speak to him while the others are working to find the baby owls. Although he plans to speak again once this is over, he will go ahead and answer any questions people may have. All questions may be asked in this thread, and as mentioned in the Game Notes, this will not be an IC thread. It is encouraged for questions to be asked now as it will help speed up dispensing information later.

B. Owl Egg Hunt. The eggs are scattered throughout the town Reverein, the nearby forests, and the lake. As if sensing their danger, the eggs have hidden themselves in various nooks and crannies, which can make it quite difficult to find. Hopefully no one accidentally tries to cook one. However, there are some clues. They will sparkle and will sometimes wiggle and roll out of their hiding place. They can also be "lured" out by friendly, positive emotions, or towards anyone that might exude a feeling of safety, security, and protection. However, if they're frightened the eggs will start to hatch. They sprout wings, legs, or even the beak to try and either escape or protect themselves. The eggs may also take on elemental characteristics, such as turning into a fireball, a block of ice, a giant rock, or a mini cyclone. Another threat will be the snoyotes as the sly buggers will follow would be rescuers to find the egg and try to snatch them and run off.

C. Owlet Panic. For the eggs that have already hatched, the owlets will be panicking and very emotional, causing a great environmental disruption around them. From fire storms to massive blizzards, the babies are out of control. Fortunately they're easy to spot—as well as hear. Their high pitched screeches can be heard from long distances. Calming emotions will be key in trying to soothe them, though dremoation abilities may be needed to get to them first.

D. Owlsitter. Whether already hatched or bursting out after returning to mother owl, the little owlets can be quite the handful. They're born already large enough to fly and while they aren't skilled, they will flutter about here and there. Essentially toddlers, they will get into anything that might interest them and cause mischief. With the owlets capable of casting elemental magic, that can pose a problem as sometimes it can go awry.

E. Snoyotes. The snoyotes are a cross between snake and coyote and they rely on their stealth skills rather than offensive power. They will stick to the shadows and can camouflage themselves well. When they do need to fight, they are tenacious and will try to sink their venomous fangs into their assailant. The venom is paralytic and is potent and fast acting. Although not always enough to kill, if enough venom makes its way to the heart then there might be trouble. As mentioned they will follow those looking for eggs to try and snatch them first, but some may be hunting other eggs. It's not necessary to kill them, driving them off to the Wild Canyons will do.

» BONUS: FANG COLLECTION. Although highly potent, the venom stored within the fangs of the snoyotes can be used in anti-venom remedies (and poisons). Collecting them will need some care. In addition, defanging a snoyote is one way to keep it away for those unwilling to kill. Their fangs will grow back so would be an effective way to farm fangs later.

[Mod Note: Details on this mini event can be found here and we request all thread submissions to be made here. Reminder that this mini event is opt-in.]

Comments

thoma 🐾 genshin impact

[burnbrighter]

a 🐾 on the hunt

[ Of course, with Thoma’s huge soft spot for animals, he couldn’t deny the request of the distressed mama owl! He’s been looking high and low for those eggs, but his current trek has landed him in the forest.

Specifically, in front of a rather large tree, an egg nestled in a fork in the high, high branches. ]

Hey little guy, I’m not going to hurt you! You can come down!

[ Sure, talking down an egg might seem weird, but he’s seen other eggs wiggle and bounce around. Perhaps he can talk this one down and safely catch it without having to risk the climb.

Unfortunately, his talking has also attracted a pair of snoyotes! He has no idea they’re there, hiding in the bushes just behind him. They might attack or might not, but either way, he could use a hand because it doesn’t look like that egg is coming down anytime soon. ]

b 🐾 owlet lunch time

[ Thoma is… surrounded by owls. He can be found in the square near the mother owl, sitting on the ground with a large bowl in his lap. All of the owlets they’ve managed to gather are crowding around him in a loose circle, wiggling and flapping their winds in excitement.

Why are they so interested in him? Well, he brought food, that’s why. It’s nothing fancy, just some scraps of meat in that bowl of his – he figured a home cooked meal would be lost on a bunch of owls. It was chaos when he first showed up, but he seems to have gotten them into some kind of order now. ]

Okay, who’s next?

[ One of the owlets steps forward, wings thrown wide. Thoma grabs a scrap of food from the bowl and tosses it up. The owlet jumps, catching it in its beak and gobbles it down in a way that is definitely adorable and not at all disturbing. ]

Nice!

[ And on it goes. Come say hi, if you want. Or perhaps your character falls victim to a bad throw or an overly enthusiastic baby owl? ]

c 🐾 wildcard

[ Whatever you wanna do! Feel free to hit up my plotting comment if you want to work out something specific! ]

a

[hearthwarming]

[ Despite having a keener sense of hearing and sight whilst in the form of a giant owl, Oriphi doesn't seem to notice the snoyotes concealed in the bushes behind them. Perhaps she might be focused entirely on Thoma, for Reasons— or rather, on trying to help Thoma coax the egg down from its position.

Regardless, she gives a couple of soft hoots up at the eggs in similar hopes of getting it to wobble into her and/or Thoma's waiting arms (or wings), but if even Thoma's gentle voice can't convince it, it may be time for a different approach. She tilts her head at him in question as she lowers herself a bit beside him, her wings splayed out, as though to invite him to climb onto her back. ]

[burnbrighter]

[ When he spots the flowers peppered in the feathers of the owl that alights at his side, he recognizes who it is instantly. He smiles warmly at Ori, glad for her help.

Though it seems the egg isn’t responding to coaxing in human or owl languages ].

Oh… you want me to climb on? Good idea!

[ With her help, he can probably bear the egg to the ground more safely so he climbs onto her back, fingers curling into her feathers to keep him steady. ]

Let’s go!

[hearthwarming]

[ Owlphi gives Thoma another moment to situate himself on her back to ensure that he's steady and not entirely uncomfortable before she spreads her wings to their full span and takes off from the ground, ascending towards the egg - but trying to be take care so as not to violently shake any branches or possibly dislodge the egg accidentally along the way.

It's a task easier said than done, considering her size, but she makes short of it, coming to perch on one of the bigger branches below where the egg is nestled. She hopes Thoma can reach the egg from there or catch it if it wobbles, but she'll be here to support him in any way no matter what happens! ]

[burnbrighter]

[ Thoma’s never ridden on a bird before, so this is a new experience all the way around! But he trusts Ori with his life, so it’s an easy thing to let her bear him to the branches of the tree. ]

Okay, hold still.

[ He has to climb up Ori a little bit to get to the egg, but the second his fingers brush the shell, it wriggles and jumps out of its perch, plummeting to the ground below - or, more accurately, into the open maw of a snoyote below. ]

No!

[ Before he can even think about it, Thoma launches himself off Ori’s back after the egg! ]

[hearthwarming]

[ She can feel the weight of Thoma on her back as he climbs in an attempt to secure the egg— until suddenly she doesn't. It's the egg that she sees in her peripheral first, followed suit by Thoma himself, and despite being in a different form at present, Ori can feel her heart stop and then sink to her stomach.

But she also springs into action quickly; almost as soon as she realizes what's happened, she's tucking her wings closer into her form and diving down from the branch upon which she had been perched, descending rapidly. It's at that moment that she sees the snoyote waiting at the foot of the tree, which only serves to further the sense of urgency with which she then swoops around, wings spread out, to try and catch Thoma and the egg. Determined and desperate as Ori is to protect both the baby owl and someone so very important and precious to her from hurt, the flowers nestled sparingly the feathers of her owl form spread and bloom into a bed of flowers until they're practically covering her whole back, acting to soften the impact. ]

B

[fleetinglight]

Quite the gathering you have there.

[Ephemer can't help but be impressed as he steps closer to Thoma and all his new feathered friends. While he doesn't know the guy, its just a sight to see someone so at home with them all. A smile pulls more at Ephemer's lips as he watches the scene.]

You better be careful, the mom owl might just adopt you into her nest at this rate. I don't think they're going to want to say goodbye to you.

[He teases Thoma lightly]

[burnbrighter]

You think so?

[ He glances over at the mother owl, who does appear to be watching them fondly. ]

Uh, I’d settle for being their cool uncle or something rather than an adopted brother. You know, someone they just visit every now and then!

[fleetinglight]

You might not get a choice in that...but hopefully they'll see you more as a uncle then.

[Ephemer tilts his head a bit, amused]

Either way, they really seem to have taken a liking to you. Are you usually this good with birds?

[burnbrighter]

Here’s hoping!

[ He would rather not be whisked away by a giant fire owl, thanks. ]

Oh, I guess I just really like animals in general. A little food goes a long way in endearing them to you.

[ He offers up the bowl. ]

Do you want to try?

[fleetinglight]

[With as friendly as Thoma seems....Ephemer doubts the blond's friends would just let him be whisked away, assuming they're here. Even so, Ephemer would rather he not be taken away by the giant fire owl either.

He glances to the birds and then to the offered bowl.]

Just toss pieces, right?

[It seemed easy enough. He's interested. He moves closer, being careful of any owlets that keep him more than arm reach away.]

B

[brokenlight]

[The sight of this guy being surrounded by owls is...pretty cute.

It has Ventus watching in some amusement before he comes over.]

They look like they really like you.

[burnbrighter]

[ Thoma is in fact adorable, and the addition of baby animals just makes him more adorable. There are little motes of warm light floating around, Thoma’s happiness made manifest. ]

I think it might actually be the food they’re most fond of. Would you like to try feeding them?

[brokenlight]

Can I?

[He perks up, drawing closer to them.]

I've never fed owls before.

[burnbrighter]

Sure! Just make sure they take turns. They get rowdy otherwise.

[ Thoma offers up the bowl in his lap. The owlets all follow the motion intently, eagerly awaiting more snacks. ]

[brokenlight]

Okay.

[Ven beams and takes the bowl.

He takes one of the scraps of meat before tossing it to the one currently in front of the line.]

A

[likescaves]

[ Merisia...isn't really the best at coaxing any of the eggs out of their hiding spots. Though she's far from unfriendly, her agitation is enough to complicate the task, so she turns to something a little more practical for her: chasing off any snoyotes she finds and leaving the egg gathering to everyone else.

It's not long before she hears Thoma's voice nearby, vaguely recalling it from her first few days in this world, and follows it. Of all the things she would've thought to try, she had hardly considered talking to the eggs. You'd think she wouldn't be surprised at this point....

That said, she can't immediately see any signs of snoyotes nearby (curse her subpar eyesight), but Topaz Carbuncle's growling is enough to tip her off that something's amiss. ]

I get the feeling you're not in this egg hunt solo.

[ She isn't entirely sure something is even stalking them in the first place, but Carbuncle's nose rarely fails them, and she's not about to get careless. ]

[burnbrighter]

[ He’s distracted from his task of coaxing the egg down by their approach. He spots the carbuncle first - not difficult, given that it glows and sparkles - and he instantly remembers the creature and its rather prickly owner. ]

Hey there–

[ Ah, but then Carbuncle is growling, and that can’t be a good sign. He knows that an animal’s instincts rarely fail them, so he’s willing to put his trust in Carbuncle as well. In a swirl of golden flecks of light, Thoma’s spear appears in his hand. ]

Good thing you guys showed up when you did, then.

[likescaves]

[ Merisia blinks. How did- No, she can ask him about that trick later. Thoma isn't the first person she's met who can conjure a weapon out of thin air, but that hardly means it isn't surprising. She'll have to ask him about it later. ]

Just doing our part to put a stop to this nonsense. [ She cares, honest. She just doesn't like showing it. Not to people she doesn't know that well, anyway. She passes the spear another glance. ] How good are you with that thing?

[ Carbuncle creeps closer to the bush, teeth bared and tails even with the ground. He hardly looks like the same friendly little creature that met Thoma some time ago, but that's precisely what makes him such an effective familiar. The moment Merisia gives him a command, or the moment the snoyotes make a move, Carbuncle will strike back. Merisia prepares a spell, but she isn't about to act in haste. This is an unfamiliar foe, after all. ]

[burnbrighter]

Me? Pretty good. You look like you can hold your own pretty well, too.

[ Thoma has seen other catalyst users before, so he’s not entirely surprised when Merisia prepares to do some kind of magic - but just to be on the safe side, Thoma gives his spear a twirl, slamming the end on the ground as he calls on the power of his Vision. Translucent red-orange light springs up around them both: a shield of Pyro energy.

Which is just as well, because in that moment, one of the snoyotes springs out of the bushes to attack. ]

[likescaves]

I've got a few tricks up my sleeve, yeah.

[ It's always the nice ones you have to watch out for, Merisia has learned. You never know if they're incredibly overpowered, or incredibly stupid. Or both.

She wasn't expecting the shield, however. It's almost enough to break her focus, her eyes flying wide. It seems Thoma has plenty of tricks of his own. At least for now, he appears to be on her side.

Deciding to trust in the barrier (or whatever the hell it is), Merisia unleashes her spell, a swarm of darkness converging on itself before it bursts outward and covers the ground in flickering flames of shadow. Though it won't harm Thoma, the snoyotes might find them far less painless, and the added effect of slowing them down should prove helpful as well.

Carbuncle wastes no time in lunging forward either, fangs and claws bared to latch on to the snoyote. Unlike Merisia and Thoma, he doesn't need to worry quite so much for his own safety, so he can afford to be more aggressive right off the bat. ]

a

[grappleking]

[Balthus has quickly launched himself into hunting for eggs and owlets alike, eager to cover as much ground as he can as quickly as possible to speed this mess along to its end— he doubts that mother owl is going to get any less anxious as time goes on, so the sooner she's reunited with her children, the better it is for all parties involved.

Of course, he's hardly the only one out looking, and he's glad to see a number of familiar faces among the crowd— Thoma, in particular, seemed an especially task-driven kind of guy when they'd first met, and he's not in the least bit surprised to find him trying to lure an egg out a tree as he approaches, having just searched the brush nearby.]

Hey, you found one! Any luck with—

[He cuts himself off, his friendly smile fading as he hears something snap in the brush behind them, and quickly turns to raise an arm, preparing to deflect an incoming attack— if there is one.]

... on your toes, buddy. Don't think we're alone.

[He can't see the snoyotes yet, but he knows damn well he'd heard something.]

[burnbrighter]

[ Thoma is glad to see so many people out helping with the efforts to reunite the mother owl with her babies, and he is glad to see familiar faces most of all. Though their encounter was brief, he did enjoy the time he spent with Balthus.

He has one hand raised to wave, but the sudden snapping of a twig has them both falling still. In a shower of gold sparks, Thoma’s weapon - the real thing, not a facsimile made of sunlight - appears in his waiting palm. ]

I heard it. Stay sharp.

[ Well, now that the jig is up, the snoyotes have opted to divide and conquer, with one staying in the bushes and the other circling around for a surprise attack. ]

[grappleking]

[Balthus is quick to turn his back to Thoma, pulling his fingers in tight to ready his fists— his claws haven't materialized just yet, but he doesn't necessarily need them, unless whatever is coming at them is going to be heavily armored. Given the warnings about the local wildlife, he highly doubts that, and he figures he can weather a few teeth.]

There's at least two.

[He can pick up that much from their movement, though his searching gaze has yet to find any sign of them.]

Back-to-back, don't let 'em sneak up on us!

[No sooner does he say so than one of the creatures comes bounding at him out of the brush, fangs bared, and even as it leaps, he drops down and throws his weight against the incoming attack, sending it flying backwards— though not for long. It's agile, quick to right itself and get back on its feet.]

Okay, this is not what I imagined these things looking like—

[burnbrighter]

[ Even in the moment, Thoma's eyebrows jump up, silently impressed by Balthus' battlefield instincts. It seems he's going to make a good ally for more than just skulking through a haunted dollhouse, and Thoma is more glad for his presence than ever.

It's tempting to turn towards the commotion happening behind him, but he knows that to do so would be inviting an attack from the second creature. Besides, it bounds out of the brush soon enough and Thoma catches it mid-flying leap with the haft of his spear and flings it away with a swing of the weapon. It's back on its feet a moment later, circling them along with its friend. ]

What else did you expect from "snoyote"?