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31 Writing prompts

We are trying a new project this year. Carissa will be providing 31 Writing Prompts for everyone to respond to. We are using this as a way to learn more about the characters, the Island Kingdoms and in general explore writing. (BOB)

Start with your character name and add your post using the provided format at each prompt. For quick access, click the link above to reach the prompt desired. Some prompts are themed for the day, but not all. A prompt will be posted each morning. Respond when you can, but most of all, have fun! (Carissa)

Happy Month of Writing!

October 31: What was your favorite sweet treat growing up?

Vee Barlett: That pastry thing. A duff? Anyways, it's filled with whatever fruit is on hand, made kinda pasty-like, and covered with this delicious rum sauce, although I ain't sure it had much rum in it when I ate it as a kid. Or maybe it's why I like rum...

Rothuss: Cajeta was the best thing ever, man. I always looked forward to when Ma or Gramma made it. I used to sneak some from the widow Farenna's house when she wasn't looking. I don't think she ever noticed any was missing.

Ilero: T'e cook would sometimes make extra kiisseli and set it out. Hye would take it and go out t'e window and sit on t'e ledge to eat.

Shurkural: Momma did the cooking at the Inn, and there weren't much call for sweets all that often. But every once in a while she'd get some cookies or sweetbread from the baker for us all. That was nice.

Marisu: Very definitely cake with strawberry sauce.

Brer Necholas: Hmmmm..... I'm afraid I don't remember.

Craigh: Yeah, Taslar didn't really allow sweets. Sticky fingers tended to make a mess on all his books.

Ruffuss DeOrange: (to Vee), feeding her a slice of mango, "I know it is terribly predictable but I do prefer these over our families namesake"

Adiro Barone: For sure gizzada. Japo made it the best!

Levi: It was more of a drink but mango, mixed with cream and coconut milk.

Jericho: Cherry Tart

Temperance: I didn’t have taste for sweets then, and I still don’t. I suppose the closest thing would be a cup of steamed lemon tea with half a spoonful of honey, mixed thoroughly.

MeLange: Mango with whipped cream on top, sometimes cherries too, just on special occasions.

(Your post here)

November 1: What was at least one tradition your family had? Do you still do it?

Vee Barlett: Growin' up, Pa told us the sea can grant wishes. He told us when them stars and planets aligned just right, only twice a year, the sea'd hear us. So on those nights, when Pa told us things were perfectly aligned, Leo and I would run to the beach and toss our wishes out to sea in little bottles. Sometimes Pa would, too. But I ain't done that in years. I used to wish my mother would come back, but she never did, and when Dad came around, I realized I didn't want her to come back. I ain't found anything worth wishing for since then.

Michel Chelcein, Mistress of the third circle, strength..... On the first day of spring every year my family would trek up into the mountains and build little boats, no more than a handsbreath long, and set them into the stream to float down towards the ocean. We would always hope that we could find our little boats in the days to follow. Once when my little brother was very sad when his dog died my father found his boat along the shore and brought it home for him. They smiled and floated it along the river again, saying that it was taking Snarry to the ocean. I never knew, did he actually find that boat or did he just bring another boat home to make my brother happy? As I grew older I learned that it did not matter because it made my brother smile and stopped his hurt. Every spring I am here at the Temple I take a group of young maybe believers up to launch a boat for themselves. Just to remind them that we let our hopes go to see where they take us.

Rothuss: Ugghhh! Man, I tell you, that place was full of all kinds of ridiculous little rituals. Absolute crap, every single one of them.

Adiro Barone: We met at da Stunedg and celebrated the lungest day uddah year. we wore nuttin and enjoyed no garb!

Levi: Lila would haze people into the family business by taking two of the boats out until you couldn't see land anymore, and pretending like we were going to drop anchor and sleep on the sea that night, but then as soon as you fell asleep, she'd hoist up and head back home, leaving you to fend for yourself in the morning. Luckily, Dahlia warned me about it before it was my turn and I got to end that particular "tradition."

Jericho: When a cargo load arrived that made my parents happy, we'd celebrate with a small gift to each of the family and the men who handled the shipments. My brother liked to ask for weapons, I liked to ask for books.

MeLange: Every winter we'd all gather and strip to our skivvies in the cold dark night, and run and jump into that freezing cold water. I did not enjoy it...

(Your post here)

November 2: Who are some of your relatives and what are they like?

Vee Barlett: I thought I had an Aunt Bertha, sister to my mother. But after she bugged me one time too many, asking lots of nosy questions, and I complained to Pa, he told me I didn't have any aunts on that side. Aunt Bertha stopped bugging me not long after that. Only Pa's ma is around still on his side. She used to help watch us when Pa was out and about, but she can't get around much anymore. Think she lives in Evershine, in a small little cottage, far from the city bustle, but Pa still visits her now and then. Pa says their relationship is still a bit contentious, but his ma warmed up when we were born and in her old age. And Dad's got two siblings, I think? A sister and a brother? He mentions them now and then, but I ain't ever met them that I remember at least. I think 'cause they live on different islands? And when I asked him once about his ma and pa, he said they're good as dead. Don't think they got along well...

Investigator Zora Polasis: Stares HARD, "Who are my relatives?..... Just NO'

Rothuss: Well, I think you've met, but this is my little sister, Ratbone. *gestures* We've got other family, back home, of course. Ma and Pa and our brothers, Vorpen and Graid. And Gramma, too. Uncle Rapports, but he doesn't live there, just comes visiting every so often.

Adiro Barone: A me brudders! Da ra six...wait...seven of us. um. we fight. thats hows yas knows we luv each uvah.

Levi: Sisters and parents are the main ones. Extended family isn't on the same island and I haven't bothered to find out much about them yet. Lila is the oldest sister, and the toughest. She plans to take over the family business, even though Dad wants me to do it. She's all business all the time, never has any fun, and hates it when anyone else has any fun. Next is Zenaida, then Eulalie, then Dahlia. Dahlia is sweet and quiet and thoughtful, and always very nice to me. She's the only one I can really confide in. Zenni and Lalie are twins, and they aren't close to anyone but each other. Zenni is more goofy and Lalie is quiet, but incredibly smart. She's learning to run the accounting books for the business now.

Jericho: I don't like to talk about my family very much. There's none left who I'd really want to call family anymore. My brother is...well...Sociopathic? Psychopathic? I do healing of the body, not the mind. Let's just say I want to stay a few islands or continents away at all costs.

Ilero: *sigh* Hye fat'er is Czar Orrager Sauscha. He was very stern man, very strict. Had a very strong temper, but he was in a lot of pain. Hye understand t'at now, but as a child... No. Hye spent a lot of time out of t'e house, staying out from underfoot. Hye remember hearing t'e story of how he got hurt as a child. No one ever talked about it where he could hear it. He would go into a rage if anyone ever brought it up, or mention his injury. Hye was an infant at t'e time, only just born. Mot'er had died during t'e birt'. An argument started between Fat'er and my uncle Gerhard, my mot'er's brot'er. Hit got very bad, very heated, wit' lots of yelling and screaming behind closed doors. No one else was in t'e room with t'em, only what could be heard from outside. After a while, t'ey heard massive crash from inside, t'en silence. When t'ey broke t'e doors open, t'ey found bot' of t'em lying on the floor, badly hurt. T'e room had two floors, wit' walkway and railing up top, looking down onto big map table. Could have big meetings at table, or walk around up above and look at map and make plans. Apparently t'ey got into a real fight up top and crashed t'rough t'e railing and hit the edge of t'e table. Gerhard snapped his neck, Fat'er broke his back. Gerhard died, Fat'er never walked right again. He uses two staves now to support himself and move around. He refuses to use a wheeled chair, even t'ough his legs not work right, and walking is agony. He is ... very good at hitting wit' t'ose staves.

Temperance: I grew up with my uncle who specialized in studies of wildlife, both plants and animals, as he traveled. Sometimes I would travel with him.

MeLange: There was Papa Gunther, Mama Gunther, and Nana Gunther. For the kids, Stanley Gunther was the oldest (Named after Grandpa Gunther, I wonder if he was as big a jerk), and the rest of the boys were Junther Gunther, Bunther Gunther, and Runther Gunther. The girls were Maraya Gunther, Soraya Gunther, and finally Zedaya Gunther. Zedaya was the youngest and an accident, she was also the only one who didn't constantly remind me that I wasn't a real member of the family. I'd call her Zed, and she'd call me Mel.

(Your post here)

November 3: Do you carry around a trinket? What makes it special to you?

Vee Barlett: My pearl and oyster necklace, although I usually keep it hidden under my clothes, close to my heart. Everyone knows how precious pearls are, but includin' a piece of the shell kinda emphasizes the protection and inner beauty part. Dad gave it to me when he officially became my Dad.

Rothuss: Trinkets? No, not really. I mean, I've had this goat horn for a while, maybe that counts? I dunno, it's just stuff, right?

Slepton the Woodsman: "Trinkets are things you have on you that slow you down. You need to stay clean and lean to get through the jungles here. If you just carry excess weight around you will find your self in trouble sooner or later." He pokes at his skewer of meat roasting while he rubs an old oyster shell between the fingers on his left hand.

Adiro Barone: Wassa 'trinket'?

Levi: Just my machetes!

Jericho: I carry a pair of dice that represent Locrin. It's special because it reminds me I was able to escape a coming nightmare.

Shurkural: Do you count a sword as a trinket, sugar? This here was my Granddaddy's sword. He was a werewolf hunter, I learned what I know from him. I've had it silvered, so it's even better against them wolves than it was, and it's been blessed by a Saint, or a Goddess. See, here's her name, engraved along the flat of the blade right here.

Temperance: This wooden instrument, the size of a child’s palm, is called an ocarina. It was gifted to me, and I decided to keep it around my neck because it represented the shape of a bird.

MeLange: Just this leather bracelet with a figure of a penguin sketched in, no big deal.

(Your post here)

November 4: What's your current favorite meal?

Vee Barlett: Last summer, I got to try some Moreton Bay Bug. And I'm still cravin' it, but it ain't found outside that bay, and that island ain't a common destination. So, if I can't have that, then I'm gonna say crab. On a roll, with some greens, with some butter, soft-shelled, crack the shell... all of it. All of it is good.

Arista from Aida: Pulling the conch out from its shell, wrapping it in a strand of seaweed and eating in soft warm bites

Levi: My mom's spicy chicken. It's delicious AND fun. I have no idea what spices she puts on there, but it starts out like you think you can take it, but by the end of the dish, all the weak links at the dinner table are weeded out. Dahlia never even tries. Lila eats the whole thing and barely even blinks.

Jericho: I like fish steamed with dried coconut flakes and rice. It's pretty versatile. You can just throw any sort of vegetable and it'll come out nicely. You can also save the sauce for a day or two if it's salty enough.

Temperance: I don’t have a particular preference, but I do tend to stick to stews or soups because they tend to require the least amount of preparation and help you get rid of any ingredients on the brink of going bad.

Adiro Barone: meat

MeLange: Kale Salad

November 5: Why do you like water or land better?

Vee Barlett: What kinda stupid question is that? It's like askin' why the sky is blue. Water just is better, and if you can't figure out why, that's on you. End of story, yeah?

Esther Madrid, Mistress of the fifth circle, shepherdess of fish, summoner of rain, mother of the flock - "I remember when I was maybe 5 or 6 I was at the beach wading with my brothers and I saw a fish. I pointed and called to it and it swam to me. I laughed and petted it before it swam away. Then I saw another and another and another and they all came to me to be pet. That is when I knew that I belonged in the ocean. Then I learned that the schools that I need to guide swim on land also."

Levi: Oh, gods, land. LAND! Water is so wobbly and there's nothing to eat but fish fish fish. And you're STUCK there. You can't get away when someone gets annoying or stinky. (definitely does not glance at Vee as he says that.)

Rothuss: Land is where all the good stuff is. The sea is useful, don't get me wrong. But if I wanted to look at the same thing all day long I could just stay in my room and watch the walls. And without the risk of drowning in a storm or whatnot.

Craigh: I .. haven't tried swimming yet. Before this body, I couldn't swim at all. Missing an arm kind of makes that difficult. This new arm, uh, kind of looks like it'd be good at swimming, but I don't think that's how it works. It sure does get itchy if it gets too dry though.

Jericho: .....well, until I met Vee and the gang, I really liked Land. I had a vague idea of one day owning a fleet of shipping and medical vessels, but never really thought of them as more than a transport mechanism. Now? The sea is a little concerning, but after seeing how the rest of the crew are at ease, and my own seasickness is waning, I think I'm starting to like the sea more. Its rules are simple compared to land. And if you break them, you understand the consequences. It's an unspoken agreement that if broken may result badly but not unexpectedly. So....I like the sea more now.

Lewis Carroll: May I recite a portion of my latest poem entitled, A Sea Dirge. I think then you should understand my feelings on the matter.

There are certain things—as, a spider, a ghost,
The income-tax, gout, an umbrella for three—
That I hate, but the thing that I hate the most
Is a thing they call the Sea. ...

If you like your coffee with sand for dregs,
A decided hint of salt in your tea,
And a fishy taste in the very eggs—
By all means choose the Sea.

And if, with these dainties to drink and eat,
You prefer not a vestige of grass or tree,
And a chronic state of wet in your feet,
Then—I recommend the Sea.

Temperance: Though both parts of the natural world have so much to offer in terms of research, I think the solid foundation under my feet wins by a tad. It prevents scrolls or books from unnecessary water damage and allows me to move as far as I’d like to avoid headache-inducing social interactions.

Adiro Barone: Land

MeLange: Water is fun, but land is solid. I can vacation on the water, but I live on land. So... land I guess

(Your post here)

November 6: Did you have a childhood crush? If so, who was it?

Vee Barlett: Dock Boy. I ain't actually sure I ever learned his name, and ain't sure he ever learned mine, but I took a shinin' to him when he was at the docks. He sailed on different ships, and sometimes our paths would cross. Now, I ain't sure if it was a crush or if I just liked talkin' to him, but my dads teased me about my "crush" so maybe it was? Been years since I saw him, though, so who knows what he's been up to lately.

Bail Vialtin: There was this super cute girl Maktaba that I was madly in love with. She was just so cute, and athletic and smart, and funny, and just so amazing and ... sigh. I wish I knew what happened to her. I went to her house but her father said she was cleaning her hair and I should come back. But she never seemed to be free. I wish I knew what happened to her.

Levi: Yeah, Troy.

Rothuss: Oh sure. Liann was maybe my first. We were what, I dunno, ten? Man, it was fun being a kid. No cares at all.

Jericho: I don't want to respond because Vee will laugh at me. Maybe. I don't know. I was a kid. Either way, it doesn't matter. She's dead now, along with the rest of the crew she was with. Do we have to talk about this?

Temperance: Though I’ve never experienced it firsthand, the symptoms of infatuation are rather intriguing. I’ve been told it causes irregular breathing, nausea, a sudden spike in body temperature, chest pain, and overall irrational behaviors amongst many others. It brings you to so many questions! What are the reasons behind such reactions? Are these reactions exclusive to humans? If so, why? Is it merely the physiological differences or is it a direct result of our societal structure? I’d be interested to conduct a study of some sort for conclusions.

Adiro Barone: Ah. Me sitta. She bein blonde and all. Máiréad.

Shurkural: *smile* Yeahh.. I had one. His name was Jinnal, his dad was Hargroff Forthern, one of the town councilmen. Jinnal was always dressed real nice and he was worth looking at.

Marisu: It's a bit stereotypical I'm afraid, but I had a bit of a girl crush on the stableboy when I was younger. Nemmi. He was older than me by a few years, so I was nothing but a nuisance to him, I'm sure.

MeLange: I loved Mrs. Caran! She was so Mature

(Your post here)

November 7: What's a hobby you enjoy even though you aren't good at it?

Vee Barlett: Leatherworking is pretty fun. You either stab things with a big needle or imprint them with a sharp tool. I definitely don't have the patience to be good at it, but it's fun to make little pouches or crappy wallets to give your dads for their birthday. You know, back when I could actually get away with that kinda gift.

Rothuss: Everything's worth trying, at least once. And then never again, most of the time. *winks* But how are you going to know if it's fun if you don't at least try it?

Mistress Bearily: I really like the idea of the feel of a good lash, it just feels right in your hand. But I have never gotten the knack of weaving the leather just so to create that smooth texture. So I do try to weave my own, but I leave it to the professionals for the real thing.

Jericho: Well.....since I one day want to own a fleet of shipping vessels and medical vessels, I'll probably need to be pretty good at business. I'm not exactly good at it, but I daydream about it! I really hope to learn from someone who can teach me the ins and outs of business, numbers, and figures. I don't want to just help the world, I'd like to do it so the enterprise doesn't go bankrupt and then cease to exist.

Temperance: I’m currently attempting to figure out how to play the ocarina when I find the time. It’s an intriguing instrument.

Adiro Barone: [hmmmrmp] Good at every ting. [ puffing chest out].

Levi: Studying cryptids. Do they exist in this world? Who knows. But Levi certainly thinks he does, and he thinks he knows everything about them. He's probably wrong, but he won't stop believin'.

Brer Necholas: Hmmm... Every once in a while I'll try my hand at whittling. The results are never that pretty, but it's relaxing.

MeLange: Tap dancing. The Keiser showed me once, it did not go well but it was a lot of fun!

(Your post here)

November 8: Name your favorite animal and why.

Vee Barlett: Cone Snail. Beautiful, but oh so deadly. You grab this pretty shell, don't think twice about it, then BAM! Dead. Oh! Or those cute lil' ringed octopuses. Deceptively deadly AND wicked smart. Who wouldn't aspire to such a thing?

Frank: There are these little spider monkeys that live in the jungle. They are cute and funny, they squiggle all round. You have to be careful of course they will steal your food right off your plate if you are not careful.

Jericho: I like Sea Otters. They can be playful but also tend to be able to take care of themselves. Also, they are very clean and make cute noises when playing in the Ocean. Very self-reliant. I like to think I could be like them. Well....you know...minus the teeth, fur and....come on guys stop laughing! You get the idea.

Rothuss: Anything other than those moronic, idiotic, stinky, stupid, goats!! They're so stupid they make everyone around them stupider too!

Temperance: As it stands, tropical rattlesnakes! Though highly venomous, they seldom show signs of aggressive behavior toward humans unless provoked. Rodents are also a prominent part of their diet, which would prevent infestations as well as spread of plagues or diseases.

Adiro Barone: My favrit to eat is da cows. to hunt, da fox. to watch, da Conmara pony. to hold, the pygimy shrewsh.

Levi: Parrots. Not only can they fly (and who wouldn't want to fly!), but you can also teach them to say hilarious stuff sometimes.

Shurkural: I love dogs. Friendly dogs, at least.

Marisu: Horses, of course. Such noble beasts, and kind, and smart.

MeLange: Penguins cause they're cool and fancy at the same time. Plus they're good swimmers and can slide on their bellies.

(Your post here)

November 9: What was a story or myth you heard growing up? What was it about?

Vee Barlett: Long ago, some sailors set out to deliver some shipment at the behest of their king. Now, them mornin' skies? They were red, red, red. And that tide? Definitely weren't normal. No sailor worth their salt would sail, but the king insisted it was important and paid and threatened some poor saps to sail for him. Now these poor sods, they tried to stay afloat all they could, but ain't no match against Mother Nature, 'specially when she gives ya so many warnings. They prayed to the gods as the wind and rain whipped them around, tryin' their hardest to stay afloat on a mission doomed from the start, and them gods? They took pity. After all, ain't on them but their foolish king, yeah? (points up at a group of stars) That's them, right there. A warnin' to other sailors to listen to Mother Nature, but a bit of pity taken on them poor souls by lettin' them light the way for others. And that king? He's got a nice tribute, too, rottin' at the bottom of the sea, much as his soul was, yeah?

Cleo: Growing up we were always told that the Islands were settled hundreds or thousands of years before. That the tall shapes in the jungles were stone houses for the dead. Even though anyone could see that they were just mounds of trees and jungle growing everywhere. Well, that was until a door opened up when those strangers came to visit. No one ever heard from them again after all the screaming stopped.

Jericho: A lost city in the waves. I don't quite recall what happened, but it's rumored even today that it seems to move or be spotted as a ghostly silhouette on the horizon before disappearing on the horizon. No one seems to know anything more about it, really, so I haven't really given it much thought. For all we know, it's just a dream of the ocean, a mirage on the seas. I first heard it from a nice sailor who was visiting our estate. He told me something that oddly wasn't in any other rendition of the tale. "Finding the Lost City is the easy part, it's letting it go once you've found it that can lead you to a dark place." I never did see the man again. I was very young at the time. Until you asked, I hadn't much considered more about it. Legends are usually based in some sort of reality, but an entire city that can disappear? Well, I won't say it's impossible. More like Improbable. I must admit I feel some curiosity toward the man, though. Do you think it was a riddle? A moral wrapped in a story? How literal is the story intended to be. <Chuckles a bit>. I guess the moral is you can find certain things that will bring you what you want very quickly, but it's letting go of those urges that will save you..... still. An odd story to give that sort of moral, don't you think?

Temperance: Though it was more superstition than anything, I was frequently told that mirrors were to be dealt with care. According to word of mouth, roaming souls of the deceased that encounter a mirror within the first three days of their passing would find themselves trapped within the glass. By extension, the tales often warn you not to leave looking glasses facing your feet in your sleeping quarters. I suppose it’s rooted in fear of what could happen to you in your most vulnerable state.

Levi: Dopplegangers. Particularly almond ones. Creepy shapeshifters. My dad said they can sneak up on you looking like anything. Could be a monkey. Could be your closest friend. Could be some delicious food when you're really hungry. Then they steal your soul. Do the almond ones look like almonds or taste like almonds? Who knows, but Levi wants to find out.

Rothuss: Allow me to spin for you a tale not often told. The priests don't like the story, and so they try to suppress it where they can. But I've heard the truth, whispered when the priests aren't listening. Jericho, you may wish to close your ears.

You know, of course, of Bran, the god of Law and Strength; and of Trask, the god of Deceit and Trickery. Many tales are told of their rivalry and the times they have fought and spat, as gods do. But somehow, in the stories the priests tell, Trask is never successful. Bran always easily defeats him or sees through his tricks. You'd almost think Trask was a complete failure as a god from the stories they tell you. But this isn't that. This is the time Trask nearly won.

Trask desired to play a prank on Bran, one that would leave a lasting mark. He began by secretly gathering dark magic from forbidden sources. He sought the aid of nefarious creatures who dwelled in the shadows, promising them great rewards for their assitance in his wicked scheme. Under the cloak of darkness, Trask infiltrated Bran's divine sanctuary. While he slept, Trask cast a powerful spell with his dark magics that drained Bran of his strength and imprisoned him within an enchanted tomb. Trask reveled in the success of his plan, knowing that he had struck a painful blow to his rival.

As Bran woke up within the confinements of the tomb, he realized the full extent of Trask's ruthless prank. Panic and anger surged through him as he fought against the magical restraints, but Trask had ensured that escape was impossible. The other gods, unaware of Trask's deceit, mourned the apparent loss of Bran. They believed that Trask had finally succeeded in his quest to overthrow the god of law and strength. Trask reveled in the chaos and despair that had befallen the realm, relishing in the power he had gained. Days turned into weeks, and hope waned among the gods. They mourned the loss of their beloved Bran, and Trask reveled in their sorrow. But little did Trask know that the true strength of Bran's spirit had not been extinguished.

Deep within the enchanted tomb, Bran's determination and resilience grew. He refused to succumb to despair, using his divine wisdom to seek a way out. Bran studied the ancient inscriptions within the tomb walls, discovering a hidden knowledge that would allow him to free himself. With newfound understanding, Bran channeled his divine energy to break free from his magical prison. The tomb crumbled to dust, and Bran emerged, reborn and more powerful than ever before. The gods, who had mourned his loss, rejoiced at his return.

Trask, caught off guard by Bran's triumphant escape, realized that his prank had backfired. He had underestimated the strength and determination of his rival, and now faced the wrath of a god who had been pushed to his limits. In a furious battle, Bran confronted Trask, unleashing his divine power with righteous fury. Trask, now overwhelmed by the consequences of his actions, pleaded for mercy. Bran, embodying the principles of justice, decided to spare Trask's life but banished him to a realm of eternal darkness.

From that day forward, the rivalry between Trask and Bran took on a new dimension. Both gods became more wary of each other, now more cognizant than ever of just how powerful the other really was when they went all out.

Marisu: I had a tutor knowledgeable in Greek mythology, and she told me of Chiron the Wise. A centaur of great wisdom and knowledge, respected even by the gods themselves. He tutored many great leaders and warriors throughout his life. Unfortunately, Hera drove the hero Heracles into a wild berserker rage, and during this rage Heracles shot Chiron with one of his arrows that had been dipped in Hydra blood, thus becoming fatally poisoned.

The Gods of the sea, and how they would punish man without cause, without reason, and also give life and freedom and joy. Each day and each night different from the other, unique.

(Your post here)

November 10: What's your favorite season? Why?

Vee Barlett: Late Spring. You get good sailing weather, but sometimes nature starts throwin' curveballs at you to keep things interestin' and that can be fun. A bit o' danger flirtin' for the adventurous.

Jeb Harlett: The rainy season is my favorite, means the crops will be growing strong and the family will be able to eat.

Jericho: I too like the rainy season. I like the sound of the rain and the coolness it brings. It's oddly peaceful and washes away the filth of the town.

Temperance: Late winter. There’s nothing like rousing to crisp, wintry morning air and smelling hints of spring within it.

Levi: The coldest season. It's too hot here, and when it's cold you can find someone to snuggle up with. In theory.

Shurkural: I think probably fall, you know? It's so changeable. One day it's warm, and then you'll get a cool breeze that feels just perfect. Or on a cool brisk day, the sun will just beat down on you and you feel both hot and cold at the same time. And the leaves blowing in the breeze as all the trees start getting ready to hibernate for winter.

MeLange: Summer Duh, shirt-optional

(Your post here)

November 11: Tell us about a core memory of yours from childhood.

Vee Barlett: Look, maybe I'm a bit hotheaded sometimes, and maybe Lil' Vee was, too, yeah? I've seen how some of them parents handle their hotheaded kids, but Pa had more patience than that. At least with Leo and me, I mean. Initially he told me the pillow trick. You know, if ya get real mad, punch or scream into a pillow. So one time, I'm steamin' mad at somethin' or another, and Pa just throws a pillow at me. Except this time, I don't take it to punch or scream. I get real angry, catch it, and just lodge it right back at his head. And he's shocked for a minute, then he just starts howlin' with laughter and throws it right back at me. And I do it again, but Pa? He finds it the funniest thing ever. I don't know, it just works, yeah? Over time, he found it was the easiest way to calm me back down, like a game, yeah? Just a game of catch with my Pa. Not sure why this one was on my mind today...

Widow Northin: I can still remember the blue of my mother's apron. Looking up and seeing that meant I was safe at home again. Blue always meant safety for me all my years.

Rothuss: Oh man, that's a good one. I can still see it when I close my eyes, you know? There's little me, sitting on a rock looking out over the valley. About 10 or so, I think. You could see the town off to one side, the stream running down the slope. Ratbone is there too, playing with one of her toys, a little stuffed dog. And our uncle is sitting down with us, telling stories about the places he's been and the people he met. He was, you know, just so good at describing things, it's like you were there with him.

Temperance: My uncle would frequent a particular tavern when I was young and became friendly with a bard that would play his lute around the area. He was strangely difficult to understand. He’d laugh the loudest in front of a gathering crowd, and then play with the loneliest look on his face in the same breath. I never found out why he gave me the ocarina, either.

Levi: My first memory is having that yummy mango dessert drink, and my dad slipping a little rum in it when mom wasn't looking. I must have been four? Five? I'm sure it wasn't enough to really feel the effects, probably just a drop, but mom wouldn't have approved anyway. It was a nice bonding moment between me and my dad. Nevermind that all that bonding fell apart in my teen years.

Ilero: Hye remember t'e time a mercenary captain come to see Fat'er. He was from t'e sout' somewhere. He had a funny accent, to me at least. He met wit' Fat'er and Seosur, and hye snuck in to watch and listen. Hye hid behind where t'ey could not see me, but t'e captain spotted me. Hye was sure he would tell and hye would be punished, but he just winked at me and said not'ing. Hye not remember what t'ey talk about, but hye remember t'at t'e captain talk back to Fat'er, and even laughed at one him once. Hye had never seen anyone talk to Fat'er like t'at before.

MeLange: It was early, I don't know how young but young. Just playin foolin around on the playground in this little sea castle. We were boys and playin' led to wrestlin' led to punchin'. We weren't even angry we were both smiling the whole time. Anyway, that's the first time I learned about what my strength could do to another person. It's hard to look at him, he still limps.

Jericho: I remember reading about all the gods of our pantheon. I'd never really be super religious, other then the family praying for luck or good fortune. But, I know many other families do that too. I remember reading Locrin's entry and was fascinated by his tale. I guess that was one of the reason's I felt more drawn to that deity over others. Now he's my patron you might say. I do my works in his name.

(Your post here)

November 12: What's your theory as to why the sky is blue?

Vee Barlett: Because it's jealous of the sea. I mean, it's in the very word: jeh-luh-SEA. But it ain't ever gonna be the sea so it just reflects what it wishes it could be. Don't get me wrong, the sky is just as pretty, but I always thought of 'em like a pair of siblings where they wish they could be each other, and they try their hardest to be, but they're each their own person still in the end, yeah?

Widow Northin: When I was younger I thought my mother made the sky blue because it was her favorite color. So many things in our home were blue. I just imagined that she would make the sky blue too to maker herself happy.

Rothuss: When you make a painting, you use more than one color of paint, don't you? Look, if it was the same color as the grass, the world would look a whole lot more boring, wouldn't it? So the gods used a few different paints to color in the world. And I think they did a pretty good job of it, you know?

Levi: Why would anyone care about something like that? It just is.

MeLange: Because it reflects the blue ocean duh.

Jericho: ....what? I uh, don't really have one. I never really gave it much thought before now. I suppose when this plane was formed or created, there was something contributing to the fact that the sky is blue. Maybe something with light? You know, like when the sun is setting in the sky, that area turns' a bright orange for a bit. But I don't really give it much thought.

Temperance: Placement of the sun? I do agree with Jericho’s observation that when the sun sets it bleeds in varying shades of red or orange– similar to that of sunrise. I also find it quite interesting that the sky is only that certain shade of blue when the sun reaches a certain point in the sky.

(Your post here)

November 13: What's something that currently haunts you?

Vee Barlett: The name Violet is definitely startin' to...

Widow Northin: That my daughter will not have a happy thought about me to pass along.

Levi: That I never made a pass at Troy. No, just kidding. I do think there's a ghost haunting me, though. I suppose it thinks because I'm so in tune with the cryptids that maybe I'll be able to talk to it or something. No such luck so far. It just kind of hangs around and pushes things off tables sometimes. Maybe it's the ghost of a cat.

Ilero: What happen, if anyt'ing, to my family.

Marisu: The whole civil war, what happened to my family... *sniff* It was all my fault...

Craigh: This new body. It's terrifies people when they see it. Only the people who know me really well can even tolerate it. Is it a prank by the goddess for coming back? Or is she punishing me for wanting to leave? I don't remember being there after I died, but they've told me what I said when they spoke with my spirit. This is the price I have to pay to come back, and I'm willing to pay it. The ability to actually do magic is worth it, but I do miss being human too.

MeLange: Your Mom! Hehe, no not really, but she does haunt my dreams. Something that haunts ME huh? Well nothing crazy you know, just the usual stuff like "Who am I?" "Where did I come from?" "Why did my family abandon me?" "Can I pull off hats?" you know that kind of stuff, no big deal (shrugs) Oh say hey to your mom for me.

Jericho: Nothing particularly haunts me. My family was a real piece of work, but that's the great thing about having the courage to leave. You don't have to stick around. I'm sure there are horrors in this world that would decimate my dreams and haunt my waking hours, but I have not yet encountered that. Blood really makes me sick I guess. Like, just the sight of it makes me queasy, unless I'm actually in the middle of a healing session. But, actually grabbing something stabby and sticking it in something would be too much. That sort of haunting is just particular to me for the most part. I mean, it's not like Vee or Levi would care very much about stabbing someone who deserved it.

Temperance: The fact that some inquiries may never return with an answer no matter how much you attempt to find one.

(Your post here)

November 14: Tell us about a holiday you celebrated growing up. Do you still celebrate it?

Vee Barlett: We always honor the sea and the winds. When the winds change, we'd go out at sunset with gifts and candles, but ain't just any gifts. You can't just give the sea something from land and think it's good, yeah? Some years we'd gift salted foods, transform land to her favor, like roots and meats, and some years we'd return what's hers back like pearls or sand dollars. Then when it gets all dark out, we'd light them candles and set them out to sea. It helps guide them lost souls back, too, ya know? I still try to celebrate it when I can. Ain't worth the possibility of makin' her mad by forgetting to honor her or letting them souls remain lost.

Dirk the trapper: We used to celebrate my birthday every year. Then when I died we stopped celebrating it for some reason.

Levi: The new year, of course! The family goes out on a boat the first night of the new year. We bring food, rum, and paper lanterns with little candles. The paper is expensive, but it's only once a year. After we've eaten and had some rum (the kids get a small glass at 10, and at 13 we're allowed to drink what we want as long as we don't get sick), we would think of what we wished for the upcoming year, and release the paper lanterns over the water.

MeLange: Hmm it's hard to say. See, the parents, they were off-kilt Keldorians, a very literal people, they took randomness very seriously. One day I sat for breakfast, took a bite, and the eggs were rotten! They all laughed and said it was the triple D - Dirty Dastards Day - and it was a holiday of pranks. I didn't like that holiday. Then another time we woke up to all these wonderful juices, like all these amazing colors with little slices of fruit actually IN the juice. They said those were to commemorate the day of the great saint Jaina, who I guess really liked juice or something. I really liked that holiday. Whichever holiday it was, we never knew when it'd be, it just popped up out of nowhere like a rogue wave.

Jericho: We religiously celebrated Hallow of Planes night. I didn't much care for the tricks, but the treats were always fun. Supposedly it's a day where the planes intersect with each other. It's as close as you can be without actually opening up an entrance into another plane of existence. I loved hearing tales of the odd happening on Hallows night, where things from other places managed to slip between the realms. Most stories never ended well exactly, but they were fun to hear about. We pay our respects and offer giving's to participants through the evening.

Temperance: We often paid tribute to the first days of spring because, according to the words of another, “‘tis nature’s way of communicating to us that our endurance through the chill wasn’t for naught”. We gathered icicles or snow into bowls, watched them melt, and used the cold water to bathe or clean as a way to start afresh into the warmer seasons. If we couldn’t access ice or snow, then we opted for freshwater instead. I suppose I’d still keep the tradition if it doesn’t hinder traveling.

(Your post here)

November 15: Do you prefer sunset or sunrise? Why?

Vee Barlett: That's a hard one, but I think I'm gonna go with sunset. It's just somethin' magical watching the day fade into night, watch them stars start to shine, like bein' transported to a different world.

Hilde Finn, Mistress of the fourth circle, believer of sunsets, greeter of the sunrise, tangled as the mangrove, depth of the banyan root: it is part of my title after all

Rothuss: Sunrise, yeah. Just sitting there and watching it, the shadows, melting away, the light bright and warm on your face. Can't help but fill you with hope at what this new day's gonna bring you, you know? At least, until a goat farts in your face. But that's life, I guess.

Temperance: Sunrise. The mornings tend to be less chaotic than the hub-bubs that take place near evening.

Levi: Sunset, of course. Sunrise is far too early and bright. Especially if you've been drinking the night before.

MeLange: Sunset, I like to sleep in.

Jericho: Points to MeLange -> What he said. Many days I have to get up early, so the days I get to sleep in are marvelous.

(Your post here)

November 16: Name your least favorite food and why.

Vee Barlett: Truth be told, I ain't a huge fan of pork. I know it's a popular one given how easy they are to supposedly raise, but they eat garbage and taste like garbage, yeah? Can't be sanitary.

Thonian: Honey! Why are you eating vomit?!?

Temperance: I tend to avoid sticky sweets or syrup. The way they leave residue in just about every part of your mouth is the kind of mess I’d rather not deal with.

Levi: Green vegetables. They're ok if they're with something else, but I've seen people just eat leaves and pretend like it's normal. Gross.

MeLange: Fish... I mean I'll eat it if there's nothing else, but when you've eaten as much fish I have growing up... my god, the humanity!

Jericho: I despise fish eggs. Fish? Great!, their eggs?.....No. I hate it.

(Your post here)

November 17: Did you or do you have any pets? Do you want one?

Vee Barlett: I try to befriend all them animals I come across, yeah? They all got interestin' lives without them complications of humanity. I got a soft spot for the aquatics, o' course. You know, the albatrosses, dolphins, octopuses, whales, and even most of them sharks.

Zeldrin: My daddy said son you are dumb as a rock and you are just about as fast as one. I said "Thank you Daddy, rocks roll reeeally fast when they go downhill". He just shook his head. When I turned 8 he said I could get a pet. I was sure it was going to be a rock, but it turned out it was a tree. "Zeldrin, you need to stay around these parts and help out the family. You can't be rolling along like a rock. So I want you to raise this here tree as your own. When the tree is older than you then we will talk about you leaving home." I just smiled and said "Thank you Daddy, I am going to call it Yettle." That is how I ended up living here for more than 30 years with my pet Yettle.

Marisu Doeskin: Darling Zephyr. My sweet horse. I still miss him. He was so gentle, and so very smart. I regret bringing him with me, but I also couldn't see myself leaving him behind.

Levi: Not yet, but I'd love to get a parrot. They don't seem to like to stick around though.

Shurkural: Not really. I don't mind feeding the animals, and I like dogs, but I don't really want to 'own' any of them, if you know what I mean.

MeLange: Boy that's a tough, so many great animals out there. I'd go for a penguin! That would be amazing, of course it would need to be ok in our climate. If I couldn't do a penguin, some kind of falcon that I could watch fly and come back to me, that would be cool. Then I'd have to just go for classic dog to be honest. Sure it's not exciting like a falcon or classy like a penguin, still there's just something about those faces...

Jericho: I would love a Shephard Dog. But, pets require a big commitment and my life seems all over the place. I don't know if I'd ever adopt one at the moment with how hectic life has been. Hopefully, I'll be able to have one one day.

Temperance: I haven’t seen the need to do much other than record observations about animals in their natural habitats, though I’ve heard they make decent companions if domesticated properly.

(Your post here)

November 18: Tell us about that scandalous gossip you heard.

Vee Barlett: Alright, get this. You know ol' Jacobson down the block? Just past the cobbler? Well story I heard from a friend of a friend is he challenged the baker to a contest, see? Some stupid drunk bet or somethin', yeah? But Jacobson has been stealin' customers so of course Baker Paul takes him on. Should be an easy bet to win, yeah? But shocker, in a blind tastin' he loses. They decided to go best outta three, yeah? And somehow, Paul loses! So him and his buddies, they ain't really happy, but they play it all discreet like, right? Get Jacobson drunk, find out how the old man got so good at baking. Drunk as a horse, Jacobson tells 'em about his mother's secret spice mix. A bit more nudgin' and Jacobson tells 'em what's in the mix, just your standard mix of spices, but Paul and pals don't buy it. Finally they weasel the truth outta him. The secret? Ashes from the crematorium and pyres. Ain't ever touched anything the old man has made since then, even if he mighta been pullin' their legs.

Hilde Finn, Mistress of the fourth circle, believer of sunsets, greeter of the sunrise, tangled as the mangrove, depth of the banyan root: Let me tell you about the parents of this scoundrel that I know....

Levi: So Lila told me last time I saw her that little Talin down the road was fixin to propose to Vee. Can you imagine? That kid is so scrawny and all about farming to help out the church and everything, and he hates water more than I do. Kid like that got no chance. Yeah, yeah, I know his family's got money because of the huge sugarcane farm, but it isn't like Vee can't just go ask her dads if she needs money. Hell, even if her dads didn't like her, she's got family everywhere. Some of them probably don't hate her for existing. So this kid is scrawny, and loves the church, hates the sea, AND is a year younger than her. He's only met her, what, twice? She probably doesn't even remember his name! But anyway he told Lila that next time he sees her, he's going to propose. I didn't tell Vee about this, of course, because gods, I wouldn't want to ruin that surprise. I hope he proposes in front of us all.

MeLange: I heard that Levi may talk a big game, but he actually LOVES the smell of farts, he can't get enough! The Keiser once told me that she had to ask him to leave the library because he wouldn't stop! He likes his own too. Must be nice not to discriminate...

Rothuss: You know, it's odd. You remember Adelaide, right? We talked a little bit. When there was time, I mean. Anyways, one thing she mentioned was that she wasn't the only Shieldgem in the service. A cousin of hers. She kinda hinted that maybe they were in intelligence of some kind. She never said their name, or even if it was a man or woman. And she could have been fibbing a bit. But I wonder... It was kind of coincidental running into Rosa like that, wasn't it?

Jericho: <Winces> I was helping a drunk with a hangover and he told me not to tell his wife that he'd been out with his special lady friend.

(Your post here)

November 19: What was a game you played growing up? Do you still play it?

Vee Barlett: I used to play that rubber ball game. You know, where ya throw it against a wall, and hit it somehow then them others have to hit it, and ya take turns until someone misses? And ya keep goin' until you're the last standing. Problem is, them other kids didn't like playin' with me, complained I threw the ball too hard or I cheated 'cause I could catch it with my hips even if that was in them rules. Sore losers.

Michel: I am the champion rock skipper for the Osterhold district. One time on Lake Pinochote I recorded 34 skips. Of course the record is 44 skips but I can't help it if that was done by some strange outsider with fins. If you can charm water is it really fair to the others?

Temperance: I had a preference for word games or numerical puzzles as a child. The numerical puzzles were especially interesting– they had grids that were filled with smaller boxes, and in some boxes there would be numbers, while others were left empty. Both games were flexible enough to either be played solo or in a group, but I generally appreciated playing on my own.

Levi: Hoodman's Blind. One person gets blindfolded and has to try to catch the others running around. If you catch someone, they get blindfolded next. With so many sisters, it was pretty fun. Until Lila got older and decided it was a game for babies, and the others were too scared of her to keep playing.

MeLange: Racket Ball with these rackets you had to make yourself and these heavy lime-sized balls. It was fun, but I had to stop playing when I accidentally took out a dude's eye. It was...awkward.

Rothuss: Oh, all kinds. I loved games. Hoop the goat, tag, hide and seek, things like that. And nah, you outgrow those games, in favor of better ones.

Jericho: Oh, something I can actually be good at. <Grins>. I like Pokiire. Game of cards with rules and sets. Get the highest point value and you win the pot. But, one of the reasons I like the game so much is you aren't just reading your cards, but your opponent. Do they have something better then you when they go "all in?" or is it a bluff? It's an amazing game.

(Your post here)

November 20: Name your favorite scent and why.

Vee Barlett: The smell of the sea breeze, yeah? It's nice and strong with the mornin' wind. That's when it's best and freshest.

Troy the tanner: I remember what it was like to smell before they cast that spell on me. I used to like the bread baking in the kitchen.

Levi: The jasmine flowers. When you're on a nice walk at night, or a hunt, and all the flowers start to open up, it's almost magical. Too bad the Yateveo likes to sprout at night disguised as jasmine. You can't get too close or you'll get eaten.

Temperance: Crisp wintry air. There’s something distinctive about the way the drop in temperature changes the scent of the environment.

MeLange: Lemon, it wakes me up, smells fresh

Jericho: Smoked and roasted boar that has been buried in the sand and cooking for a full day over coals. It's the most delicious and mouthwatering scent ever. It's the harbinger of a feast that you won't forget for a long time.

(Your post here)

November 21: What was a book you liked reading or looking at growing up?

Vee Barlett: There's this kid's book 'bout a captain who just roams the seas, away from the constraints of civilization, and has all these grand adventures underwater. It's a short book, though. I always thought it'd be better if someone expanded on it, yeah?

Prince Harold: I wouldn't call it a book really. But we have a collection of small portraits of all the previous crown princes going back for centuries. It is sometimes nice to look at the history and know where you come from. It can be fun to look at the different types of uniforms they wore over the years. It can be sobering to look and know what you need to live up to that past and do better. To look at the ones who decided not to wait and chose to take the throne on their own timeline. Words can escape you but pictures cannot.

Levi: I don't know how to read, but my dad used to tell me stories about chupacabras and lemishes and sea serpents. Those were good stories.

Temperance: It’s hard to say since I was always reading, but my first fable happened to be about a scorpion who successfully convinces a frog to help him cross the river with the reasoning that they’d both be doomed if he used his venom. But halfway through their journey, the scorpion stings the frog anyway, claiming that he cannot help the actions of his true nature. It was an interesting tale, open to numerous different interpretations.

MeLange: Penguins: A Spiritual Journey

Rothuss: My uncle kept a journal, describing some of the people and places he'd seen, so he could use them as ideas or fillers for his stories. I loved reading that when he'd let me. Heck, sometimes I'd sneak peeks at it even when he wouldn't let me.

Jericho: Legends and Mythos of the Isle's realms. It was a book written by an unknown author, but seems to be published everywhere. It's full of fun trivia and cautionary tales that arose from the early myths of the first settlers who arrived here. Some of the stories are complete bullshit, but others have been proven to have been true!

(Your post here)

November 22: What are you most grateful for in life?

Vee Barlett: That's an easy one, yeah? Family. I wouldn't be here without 'em. Pa, Dad, and Leo... Now sometimes friends become like family, but if that don't count, I'm still gonna choose family first.

Levi: Rum!

Levin of the Fourth Circle... : Water. Everyone on this Plane needs water. We all are drawn to it in the many forms. Most only ever think they see it as fresh from a spring or salty from the sea. But there is warm water, cold water, frozen water, hot water, our tears are water. Here at the Church of the Mist we see the deeper meaning of all of the forms that water takes around us.

MeLange: I can see it in others, but family don't mean much to me. Friends, on the other hand, comrades, allies. For them I am grateful, but don't tell them that.

Rothuss: Honestly, I'm loving the travel and seeing new places. I haven't gotten to do a whole lot of that before, at least not without a "responsible adult" around.

Jericho: Before I met the gang, I would say my ability to heal and help others. That I was worthy enough to do it that a patron god would help me do it. Now as I get...ahem...friends, I would say I got to meet up with them, although they both dazzle me with their brilliance, and baffle me with their bullshit in equal measure.

Temperance: Information. In a way, a nifty tool of its own that could influence the usage of other types of tools, and could put you in advantageous positions if used or controlled properly.

(Your post here)

November 23: Have you ever attended a feast? What was it like? If not, what do you dream one to be like?

Vee Barlett: Oh, man! When Dad goes all out, he goes ALL out! He loves throwin' celebrations. I'm actually a bit disappointed we didn't stay in Osterhold long enough to celebrate me comin' home... Anyways, yeah. The best ones are filled with tons o' food: pies, roasted meats, baked goods, roasted vegetables, lots o' fish, soups, stews, crab, you name it. It depends on the season and what we celebratin', but Dad always gets the best cooks for whatever the occasion and it shows.

Levi: I mean, not a proper royal one or anything, but on birthdays my parents would get a huge variety of foods and we'd all have plates full of little bits of everything. I imagine the royal ones have tables covered in food, piled so far and wide you can barely fit your plate on there. Sounds kind of nice, but all the manners and stuff you'd have to have to go to one of those doesn't sound worth it.

Ruffus DeOrange: Let me tell you about the last feast that I attended, well I did leave rather quickly just as it was starting.

Temperance: All the ones I’ve been present in included loud, inebriated crowds, copious amounts of drink, and absolutely ridiculous displays of buffoonery. I suppose it wouldn’t be a celebration without those staple elements to go along with the endless varieties of food.

MeLange: Back when I'd do the Strong Man competitions, there were some interested investors who would reward me with a feast after I won. It was great, so much meat, so little fish. Eventually, though, I figured out they stuffed me with food so they wouldn't have to pay me any extra, and that kinda turned the whole thing sour. So I threw the last game, they were unhappy, but the fish stew tasted better than any of the feasts.

Rothuss: I mean, we've had village feasts at holidays and such, but if you mean a fancy noble party, nah man. My best bet for being able to attend one is as part of the entertainment anyways. But hey, I'd get paid to be there, which ain't bad.

(Your post here)

November 24: Name your favorite plant and why.

Vee Barlett: Levi is more the plant guy, but I think Manchineel and Waterwheels are pretty fascinatin', yeah? One's so toxic ya can't stand under it when it rains or you'll get poison while the other is an aquatic fly trappin' plant. If more plants were like these then maybe I'd take more interest in 'em. Honorable mention to sugarcane for givin' us delicious rum, of course.

Levi: I just said jasmine! although that Yateveo is a pretty close second. I'd like to see one up close, in the light, but they're notoriously good hiders and eaters.

Dragor: Garlic. You cannot have enough of it, no matter what those other fussbudgets in the kitchen tell you.

Temperance: I don’t know about favorites, but the Drosera, most commonly known as Sundew, is a fascination. Their very existence seems to defy the observation that carnivorous natures are exclusive to animals.

MeLange: Well my favorite is probably the one just outside the library entrance, always so happy to see me. I'll call her Margaret so I can be like "hey Marge!" whenever I go in and then "later Marge" when I leave. And because she looks like a Margaret

Jericho: Oh that's easy, Sugarcane. Simply rip a small piece of the plant open, stick it in your mouth, and you have a great treat! Just don't eat the fibers. You just suck on them until the sweetness is gone.

(Your post here)

November 25: What's something you like to drink that isn't rum?

Vee Barlett: I suppose if I can't have rum (what about wine?), I like drinks with a kick to 'em, somethin' a little bitter that gives ya the jitters and keeps you awake. And you know, ya can't go wrong with just water, yeah? So many ways to appreciate it.

Levi: That mango-coconut dessert. Obviously better with the rum, but still good without it. Even mango juice on it's own is pretty good.

Gloria: Rum is our most popular drink, followed by water a close second. But I do mix up a very spicy cocktail. A bit of coconut milk, some drambuka, a bit of sour mash, and two, three if I can sneak if by chef, red chillis. Shake it up and serve it inside of a half coconut shell that still has a bit of meat inside.

Temperance: I generally enjoy steeping sunroot in boiling water and drinking it as tea. While I have heard that it helps regulate the human body when it suffers from overly high levels of sugar, I haven’t tested its validity to confirm it. All I can say for now is that it’s a light, calming sort of drink.

MeLange: (assuming they have our fruits) I love juice. I'll go for pineapple, apricot, mango oh and watermelon, coconut, date juice, you wouldn't expect to like that one but I do. Rum actually tastes terrible, I just drink it fast enough so I start to feel good and stop caring. Or... wait a second... I could mix the rum with juice!

Rothuss: I know it's not following the stereotype, but I actually don't drink that much. I haven't been drunk in a long time. Life's more fun when I can remember what I did.

Jericho: I love Mint tea with sugarcane. It's a great way to start the day!

(Your post here)

November 26: Do you have a current project you're working on? What is it?

Vee Barlett: I always got somethin' I'm working on, and it ain't anyone's business. And if'n they insist on knowing, I tell 'em I'm workin' on my canoe which is true. It always needs some upkeep, that clear sign it's mine so everyone know what'll happen to 'em if they touch it.

Levi: Working on getting up the courage to hit on Troy. But I'd have to do it when Vee is away, and I'd have to make sure she never found out. OR I'd have to plan to disappear right after. It takes a lot of thinking. I'll probably be working on it for years.

The Head Distiller at Temple of the Orange Sunsets: I am almost finished with the reinventory of all of the storage. I found 1 of the two missing bottles from the celebration but I have not found out who drank it yet. There is only 300 more bottles to check.

Temperance: Finding the answers to many of life’s inquiries, I suppose. Recently, that goal has veered more specifically towards studying the varying effects of venom on the human body. Why would some types of venom exclusively paralyze a limb, but another would take away a life in a matter of hours? What are the elements within the venom that make it so lethal? In controlled doses, would humans be able to utilize venom for medicinal purposes? Would it be possible for two different types of venom to counteract the effects of the other? If so, what specific combination?

MeLange: I don't know if it's a "project", but I do like watching the birds fly, up there in the sky. Good fun when you're out on the water. The higher they go the better. I've come to recognize some by their squawks and songs, and I'd like to learn more. Is that a project?

Jericho: I'm thinking about a business plan for the bar in town. I don't think it's necessarily a bad idea. The alcohols must be pretty good for Vee and co to keep going back, and I just like the ambiance. But, to add a few gaming tables? Now, you have a right proper hang out. It's a great source of revenue for the place and adds a few options for us to do things when we're there.

(Your post here)

November 27: You are stuck on a deserted island. What are three things you would want with you?

Vee Barlett: Why am I stuck? Bet I can repair the ship just fine as long as I have the right tool, yeah? And if I don't then I'll just ask the sea life for help. I suppose that'd be easier if I could breath underwater... wish one of my contact would come through already with that. Ok, ok: tools, water breathin' ring or similar, and a bottle of rum. Nothin' you can't do with those three things on ya.

Rothuss: That's easy. Plenty of food and drink, a pleasant and attractive girl, and a ship coming by in 3 days to pick us up again.

Temperance: A sturdy blade, an annotated Herbalist’s almanac, and a large bag of holding.

MeLange: So this Island must have animals right? just like it must have sand? so I wouldn't bring either of those because they'd be waiting for me when I got there. Besides that, I'd bring a library. If I couldn't bring a library then I'd bring a beautiful librarian... actually, switch those around. An encyclopedia, then, if I couldn't have either the librarian or the library. Then a big jug that I could keep juice in. A big umbrella, all that sun can age the skin like for real.

A diamond in the rough: All I need is an apple, a loaf of bread, and a lamp to rub

Levi: Sugarcane, yeast, and a barrel.

Jericho: Uh...why am I stuck on a deserted island? What did I do to get to that particular circumstance? I need more information here. I suppose if I'm guessing off the top of my head, a Amulet of Returnal which would simply transport me home.....I don't think I would even need anything else. I guess failing that, a supply of rations for a few days while my magic sends out requests for aid?

(Your post here)

November 28: Name your least favorite person and why.

Vee Barlett: Now it might be baseless, but for some reason, I feel like I need to name Levi here. I've been feelin' a need to stab him with my knife more than usual. I bet he knows why...

Pilon: There was this guy Charles, he used to hang out on the corner trying to catch a glimpse of Vee when she would walk by. She never noticed him, until he tried to get a little too close then STAB with that quick twist of hers. Except this time when she did it she got blood on her favorite pants and blouse. She got in trouble for that one. I never forgave Charles for doing that to her. He should have bled cleaner.

MeLange: The oldest brother Stanley... such a jerk.

Levi: That De'Orange guy right now. Who does he think he is, making Vee trade her body for a bottle of rum that was too hot for him to do anything with? What a sleazeball. Not crazy about the strangle-lady either.

Jericho: My brother. He's a piece of shit on the world and kills without too much thought.

Temperance: My father, perhaps? I regard him with indifference, so– I suppose that’s the closest to “least favorite”.

(Your post here)

November 29: If you could be any plant or animal, what would it be and why?

Vee Barlett: Hmm, that's a hard one, but I'm thinkin' maybe a cormorant? They're birds of land, sea, and air, and who don't wanna master all the realms? Although I'd like to hold my breath longer than that and dive deeper than that... That ain't my final answer. I really gotta think about this one.

MeLange: I feel like I've been over this... Penguin, they're cool and classy and slide on their belly. The real question is, out of all the birds, why'd I pick the ones that can't fly?

Horn: I would be a whale. Can you imagine being so big that no one else will bully you? Able to just go where you want do what you want no worries at all.

Levi: A really spoiled cat. Man, that's the life.

Rothuss: Probably one that was big and could fly. Don't need to worry about getting eaten, but could still get that bird's eye view of the place.

Jericho: I hate to admit it, but when Levi said a spoiled cat, I actually kind of agree. That would be pretty awesome. Let's say I get to be a Royal Cat though. If I can't already choose that, I choose a crow. Little bastards are too clever for their own good and serve as harbingers to the wicked.

Temperance: I think I’d like to be a raven or a crow. From personal observation, they’re both intelligent birds despite their ominous reputation. They could easily be quite fearsome to behold, if provoked, and can establish amicable relationships with other species.

(Your post here)

November 30: What are your current dreams and ambitions?

Vee Barlett: I want my own ship, damnit. If I ask for somethin', my dads are pretty good at getting whatever it is for me, but a ship? Not sure why not, either. Minute they said no, I tuned them out. I hate bein' told no. But I'm gonna get myself a ship one way or another. And I suppose, at the same time, I wanna do somethin' to make them both really proud of me. Too bad the tax stamp didn't work out...

Lord Pitlon: I cannot wait until I can get that final piece for my potion. Then I will be able to control the zombies from a distance and give them new orders after they have left on their mission.

Levi: I want to see Jericho loosen up. I want to fight an almond doppleganger. I want to find the chupacabra. And I want to be the best botanist this side of Borniquen.

MeLange: dreams and ambitions huh? That's a loaded a question random person. It's got levels right? I'd like to be friends with animals, I like em. I guess that could just mean a pet huh? Besides that, maybe my own library one day? Nothing big or fancy, just a nice spot for people to lay back and get lost in a book or whatever. Oh, you know what? There are a group of 'investors' like I think I said earlier. They actually put quite a lot of money on me and I totally threw it for them, so I just feel like I should probably take care of that at some point, not sure if that's really a dream or an ambition? I guess more of a task to to-do. And hey I guess the last one, and I know I play it cool like nothing bothers me, and that's mostly true, but I guess it wouldn't be so bad to figure out where I came from you know? Like, why did my family abandon me? Just stuff like that. I'd take the pet first though.

Rothuss: Pretty much the same as they always have been. Continue to do what I want and enjoy myself. I like giving people enjoyment, and the guard an anxiety attack.

Jericho: My dream is to have the largest ship in the world. A veritable city on the waves, bringing culture, healing, aid, whatever is needed to the needed. And of course, making money in the process. No point in being a charitable venture when you go bankrupt a couple years down the line and now you cant help anyone!

Temperance: To continue understanding the human body, the human psyche, and the reasons behind the mechanisms of our existence. To put it simply, I’d like to continue studying to answer the endless questions I seem to have about the natural order of the universe.

(Your post here)

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