songerein | ⨂ Eustace's Bach--er, Camping Party ⨂

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⨂ Eustace's Bach--er, Camping Party ⨂

Who: Eustace & all his male CR
Which: Semi-closed log, forward-dated to the weekend before the wedding (November 26-27)
Where: Out in a cosy clearing of the Wildlands
What: Eustace can't make up his goddamn mind, so he invites all the men he knows to his bachelor party. He intends for it to be a relaxed hangout, but...well. We'll see.
Warnings: Alcohol, underage drinking, ghosts, more to be added if they come up

» invitation
At some point in early November, all those named by Eustace (aka, every man Eustace has had CR with) will receive a short message from Trahearne over the journals:

Hello. If you aren't aware yet, Eustace will be getting married this winter. He has invited you and several others to join him in a pre-celebration of the occasion called a "bachelor party." This will be held on Saturday, 11/26 at a location in the Wildlands (see attached map). Please bring food and drink and anything else you will need for camping.

No need to reply. If you are unable to attend for any reason, feel free to ignore this message. If you will be coming, we will see you there.

For those who are reluctant, or want to go but can't find a good excuse, some of Eustace's dogs will appear at those characters' houses without warning to dognap them. The flower dogs can make use of vines for those who really want their characters to suffer for this party.

While any of the dogs may come to grab people, only the male dogs will stay for the party, of course. There will be 5 dogs in attendance total--4 corgis and 1 flower dog.

» campgrounds

In the weeks beforehand, Trahearne and Beat went and scouted out a suitable little place for the shindig: A clearing in the woods flanked by a small cabin. The cabin sits nestled among the trees at the edge of the clearing. The clearing itself is sizeable--there's a place for chopping firewood, a ring of stones in the middle suggesting its use as a bonfire spot, and a grill built into the ground nearer the cabin.

The ground here is soft, but not muddy--perfectly suitable to sleep on. Beat and Trahearne made sure to clear away excess leaves from the ground to make things more comfortable.

The woods around the clearing are not thick, but they are still wilderness. There is abundant, if mundane flora to be found, and smaller critters that happily scamper around in the daylight. Who knows what lurks beyond in the nighttime... Better keep those fires going to keep the bad things away.

» cabin

The small cabin at the edge of the clearing is just that--small. It is comprised of only two rooms. The front room is a sitting room with a small kitchen, kept warm by a wood stove. Visitors to the cabin are free to make themselves comfortable in front of the fire on the couch big enough for three, or the large sitting chair by the window. The dining table only seats two, and it sits snug against the back of the couch.

The back room is home to the bedroom. Here, the visitors will find two bunk beds--enough sleeping room for four (or more if you wanna share i'm not judging). All the beds are made and equipped with soft, clean blankets and pillows. It seems whoever was here first was anticipating the party.

There is also another door in the bedroom, which leads to a closet. The particularly nosy will find all sorts of things useful for a cabin stay inside: extra pillows, blankets, tools for maintenance, an extra grill... You name it! Within reason!

On the outside, there is a stockpile of wood for the wood stove, and an outhouse. Just the one.

» nighttime

This is an overnight party, by the way. And when night falls, that's when the real fun begins.

As mentioned before, there is more than enough space in the clearing to create a big bonfire. But be careful--it's dry and windy. Take care not to unwittingly set any of the trees on fire. The ground is comfortable enough to sleep on (especially for those seasoned travelers), but for those who don't want to rough it completely, there are tents and sleeping bags.

The cabin is for those who don't like or can't sleep outside. It is comfortable and warm, yes, especially with all those others in the same room... But there's a catch. It's haunted. The ghost that inhabits the cabin isn't malicious, thankfully. It's friendly, in fact. Perhaps a little too friendly. Those sleeping in the cabin may find themselves poked and prodded into awakening at odd hours. Besides that, it's harmless. Promise.

Treat this as a mingle log! The setting description above is just the stage--feel free to come up with games, have your characters bring things to add to the mix, play around with the things mentioned above. It can be as chill...or not as chill as you want.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

It's what I've been calling it, since- well. Moonshining is what's created it.

[He tipped the jar a bit, causing the liquid to swirl, but the colors remained distinct in that galaxy-like appearance. Sparkling away as if that was just what the jar contained.

76 Hummed-] Made a hobby of it here.

Didn't expect to find any moonshiners here. [He watches the strange brew glitter, fascinated.] Tried a bit of ages ago but never seen anything quite like what you've cooked up. Would it be all right if I had a taste?

Got a nice little distillery tucked way out of the way. Use honey as part of the main mix, along with dried corn since it's easy to keep.

[76 was taking out a second glass as he spoke, pouring a bit into it and offering that out for Alastor to take if he so pleased-] Go ahead. Has a taste of blackberry mixed with raspberry to it, and has a hell of a kick so I'd sip it gently.

[He meant it, too. Was strong- even this that he'd watered down with a bit more juice. Wasn't aiming to give anyone alcohol poisoning after all, so he'd mostly brought a sampling of the safe batches.

With another slow sip from his own glass-] The honey I've been using is what causes the look, and I've grown fond of it.

So I take it your recipe takes at least some inspiration from mead?

[The corn doesn't surprise him. There was plenty of whiskey made from corn after all.]

Thank you, sir! [Alastor takes the glass and swirls it under his nose to get a sample of the smell first. (Liquor should be appreciated fully!) Certainly smells strong. Blackberries and raspberries tend to be on the tart side of sweet, so at least he didn't need to worry about basically drinking syrup.]

I assume the bees that provide it are one of the fantastical twists on Earth's animals that is typical of this place.

[He takes a sip and nearly chokes yet still manages to keep his smile and swallow it down.]

Yes, that is most certainly moonshine! [A polite cough to try clearing his throat.] Though far more pleasant than the rotgut deserving of the name I had back in '27!

A bit, yeah. I had access to a lot of honey, and was able to get a lot of corn, so I figured I may as well use them. Took a bit of time to get the amount right, and this is one of the batches that's come since I've got it just right.

[His free hand tipped just a bit as he spoke-]

Pretty much- bright blue in color, and range from regular sized to that of, well. Puppies and kittens. Still very honeybee in appearance outside of color and range of sizes. Found several hives of theirs, and they don't mind me so I make sure they're doing well whenever I go out their way.

[Discovered one hive in those first few days of being in this place. It was almost funny, and given how the honey looked and tasted? He didn't mind keeping a supply while ensuring the bees were healthy and well.

At least 76 managed to keep a faint chuckle to the reaction brief, rolling right over it.] Trying to make sure it's something at least decent in taste. Some of it is more like faintly flavored paint stripper, but I keep that more for myself.

I've got other flavors, since the honey takes on different colors and flavors depending on where the bees visit. Which of course, in turn, changes the look and taste of the moonshine. [May as well have fun with the moonshining 'hobby', right?]

[Alastor listens as he sips away at his drink, periodically giving little coughs to clear his throat. He's not wasting the drink since it is quite good just...hooboy, that is a kick and a half. He's never tried Hellish moonshine because he's pretty sure that would straight up kill a demon and force them into immediate regeneration.]

I'll certainly have to find something to trade you for some of that honey. I assume the honey's flavor doesn't change any between the size difference, just the pollen used to -- hic!

[Alastor clears his throat, bringing a hand to his mouth to cover the next little hiccup. The coughs to clear his throat had likely irritated his diaphragm. How embarrassing!]

Pardon me! Seems that initial sucker punch hit a little harder than expected! Ha!

[76 had kept his glass in hand, idly swirling the colorful liquid. The star-like sparkles glittering away, shifting about with the colors but never blending together beyond where they touched. Kept up that galaxy look rather well. Only pausing to take a slow sip here and there without interrupting himself while he spoke and listened.]

You assume right. [Head tipped, even with the- well, clear it was hitting harder here for the guy.] I will take trade for a jar or more. Honey is just as colorful and where this look comes from.

You're good. It does have a kick, especially for those that don't quite expect it the first time. I've got some watered down with fruit juices, too. Some more tart than others, of course.

[Bit of lime, lemon- hell, even cranberry when he could get it. Star fruit juice added quite the interesting addition, too.]

[Alastor waves off the implied offer.]

No no no no! This will do me quite nicely! [He takes another sip.] Besides, I'm not one for sweets. They're fine enough on occasion but my tastes run more towards the bitter.

[He moves to take another sip, pausing for another hiccup before doing so. Probably shouldn't be a surprise that it's hitting him hard. He's a twig at best.]

You might like the orange blossom honey that I've got orange peel in then- goes well spread over toast, or whatever else.

[A tip of his glass before he was taking another slow drink-]

If you're ever interested? I also make honey that goes well with various meats as it cooks. Glaze with various herbs and the like in it that really gets the taste in there.

[Maybe try to make sure Alastor got a good meal in him to help soak up some of that alcohol. He did bring food along with the moonshine after all.]

I'll certainly have to give them both a -- hic! -- try. Particularly using honey as a glaze. I don't believe I've had that before!

[It was probably a good thing Alastor had also come armed with way too much food: a large pot of gumbo, a large basket of cornbread and biscuits, and another of beignets. He'd brought alcohol, too, but nothing he'd brewed himself. He wasn't much of a brewer.]

[...He'd been excited to be invited to a party for once, okay?]

Now let's see...what could I offer you in return...?

Honey glazed meats can be something else- it creates quite the delightful crust, and depending what else is in it? Some taste you wouldn't get any other way.

[Food was always a good subject, honestly.

76 hummed, thoughtful for a moment. Both to think and gauge just how hard it was hitting the man. Light-weight. Ah well, just make sure he got plenty of water in him and food, too.

Be fine.]

I'm open to quite a few things. Recipe trades counts if it comes down to it, little things like that I'll take easy.

[And give very large jars that'd last a while in turn.]

Oh, I have plenty of recipes to -- hiccup! -- trade! I specialize in Cajun but I've quite a few Creole recipes under my belt as -- hic! -- well!

[There's definitely a slur starting to enter into his voice. His ambient static continues hissing away as he pauses for another drink of his glass. Yeah, he's definitely tipsy now.]

What's your poison? Fish? Poultry? Beef? Venison? Redcap?

Edited 2022-11-12 02:03 (UTC)

Think that would suit just fine in a fair trade if you ask me. All for the good of food, yeah?

[Hm, something to eat would need to be coming soon- wouldn't want Alastor not enjoying this, even if it was just a nice get-together to celebrate an upcoming wedding.

With more good food.]

I do a lot of cooking with all of it, honestly. All meat is good- though I can't say I've ever eaten Redcap, even after dealing with the little bastards here.

Hear, hear!

[Alastor's grin widens for a moment.]

Not as tasty as venison, but a suitable enough substitute for demon flesh, I assure you. Hiccup! Best with the right marinade, like the snoyotes.

[He takes a little too large of a sip this time, resulting in a fit of coughing. Which is really painful when your body tries to cough and hiccup at the same time.]

[He leaned over a bit and picked up a canteen from his bag just behind the log he was sitting on. Took off the attached cup and filled it with water, and that was offered out after the coughing mostly seemed to clear-]

Here, drink this a bit slowly and you can get back to the moonshine. Will help things get back down the right pipes, mostly.

[Someone came a bit prepared.

So, demon that ate demons huh? That was a new one.]

The right marinade can make any meat something good. Trick is always in the preparation.

[Alastor takes the cup and takes careful sips. The moonshine is really hitting him hard at this point, but it's a nice sort of feeling. Been a few months since the last time he got plastered on purpose.]

Yes, indeedy! So few peo--hic!--people seem to understand that! Probably due to all the processed--hic!--garbage nowadays!

That and folks not being taught how to cook properly- quite a few instant or frozen meals and all that.

[Going out to eat- life of convenience that he didn't have any issues using himself once upon a time when it was that or nothing. Had it's place in the world, wasn't bad- but it never hurt to learn how to cook for yourself either.

Even without hunting.]

[Alastor finished the water, handing the cup back to 76.]

[He shakes his head, pausing for a moment as it starts to spin. He takes a drink of moonshine. Shouldn't be much longer until that glass is empty.]

Fewer an' fewer useful skills gettin' passed on. Hiccup! A miracle it all doesn't jus' collapse.

[And that Transatlantic accent is collapsing into his natural Southern one.]

[He may be idly starting to pulled a wrapped parcel out of his bag, just- well. What's good for helping soak up alcohol? Bread, meat-]

Some folks working overtime to keep things together, that's for sure- You ever have a pulled venison sandwich before? I made up a batch of the pulled meat since I went hunting recently and got a big one.

[Very easy to warm up with that fire, and he knew how to toast bread, too.]

Brought a good bit with me so I wasn't just bringing moonshine. Slow cooked so it was pull off the bone tender.

I'm still sober 'nuff ta see what yo doin' dere. No need to -- hiccup! -- dress it up. [Alastor grins as he waggles a finger at 76.] I 'preciate it an' I'm not so fool ta turn it down. Hic! But jess so you know, I'm plannin' ta get up an' take a walk once I finish dis. [He gives the glass a little shake.] No sense overdoin' the giggle juice dis early.

Edited 2022-11-13 14:29 (UTC)

Took you for a responsible drinker type- When you might partake. [It was said with a soft chuckle, a couple a sourdough buns being taken out as well and given something of a fire toasting briefly -thank you dreamotion blue fire- and was opening that steaming packet of pulled meat.

There was a whiff of devil pepper, added to the rub he'd given the piece of meat before it was slowly cooked. Bit of sage in there, and some cherry honey to hold the seasoning as a glaze as it had cooked. Generous sort of helping put between the pieces of toasted sourdough and plenty juicy it was a mighty fine sandwich with just being that simple.

Was offered out upon completion- along with a napkin.]

Be enough energy for that walk, too. Here, and hopefully you enjoy.

Old habit, my dear! Old habit! Hic! Was old 'nuff ta start drinkin' durin' Prohibition. Less yer at home where it's safe to knock a few too many back, you practice mod'ration at the -- hiccup! -- speakeasy ta not get caught!

[He'd only gone to one of those a handful of times. His "other hobby" was risky enough. He didn't need more reasons for the law to look his way.]

[Setting down his glass for the moment, he takes the sandwich. He gives it an appreciative sniff before taking a bite. Those fangs do an excellent job of cutting through it without issue. He takes his time chew and swallow before using the napkin to catch some of the excess juice.]

Delightful! An' this is some o' that honey glaze?

Some speakeasies still exist, too- even if it's more for the atmosphere and keeping that bit of history around.

[Not that he was much of a social drinker even on a good day- especially after the SEP. Sure, if meant he could knock back as many as he pleased for appearances sake because it didn't do anything for him. Reason he picked up the hobby in a world like this

Moonshine did a lot for him here, and he was glad of it. Kept his sleep dreamless, so no one wandered through things he didn't want them to see. Most of the time.

76 nodded as he sat back, re-wrapping that package of pulled venison.]

It is; cherry honey with devil pepper, sage, and a few other things to bring out everything good about the taste of venison if you ask me.

Really? Pro'bition lasted that long?

[Alastor takes another bite, humming with pleasure at the flavor.]

You'll hafta -- hic! -- show me your method.

Lasted thirteen years, a bit longer in some places. [He had stumbled across one hidden gem of a speakeasy that was well kept. 'Quiet' sort of place he had once enjoyed.

Now he knew quite a few different places back home that was goo to act drunk and... listen.]

Be glad to another day. Method I used before when we had barbeque sandwiches on the menu- did real well.

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This thread is probably when sober Alastor started to become drunk Alastor LOL

LMFAO what a way to kick it off 🥃

At least he's mostly a happy-go-lucky drunk unless you get him on a depressing subject?

*At least*.

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At least.