[ Molly catches both of his swords and then bows to Fjord, tail lashing in excitement as he sees him all dressed up and cool. (The cloak looked awesome, and the armor? Top notch.) Molly had decided to not make armor and put in too much work on something he might not like, instead wearing clothes that would easily put him in a circus and that he probably got from a hundred thrift stores. Tight leggings, boots climbing halfway up his thigh and that pirate shirt open so wide that you could almost see his navel. ]
A very good morning to you as well, stranger!
[ He purrs, baring his fangs a little bit in a grin. ]
[ His gaze rakes over Molly appreciatively as he draws nearer, taking advantage of those hands being busy holding their swords to lean in and steal a morning kiss, soft and smiling. ]
You look wonderful. I want you to do me a favour and have all the fun you possibly can today. Deal?
[ Yasha looks somewhere between proud and shy, which is offset from her warpaint and grizzly looks of a barbarian. It's like watching something in technicolor (Molly) and then grayscale, but she pulls it off really well. ]
We can wait for Cad, I want to have a close look at his costume before we all run off and have to 'meet' again.
[ Molly says, curiously inspecting parts of Fjord's outfit and then sneaking a kiss on a cheek.
It seems the rest of the camp is slowly waking as well, probably drawn by the chatter of those already up. Molly's red eyes are wide as he watches some people in full costume walk by, finally going over to have a chat with a human man with a white wig and yellow contacts, full-on leather armor and two swords on his back. Same class! ]
[ Fjord makes sure everyone has some snacks for a quick meal, sitting outside with Yasha and comparing swords while Molly flits around and Caduceus gets dressed. The firbolg looks the most regal out of all of them in his floaty fabrics and velvet coat, ordinarily messy hair braided intricately over one shoulder.
Oh, hey. Are we ready to go then?
They don't tell him they've been ready for at least an hour since Molly started attacking air at dawn. Once they wrangle the tiefling into following, they drop him and Yasha off at one entrance to the field and Fjord keeps hold of Molly's hand for a moment more. ]
We'll enter from a different direction so we can 'meet' properly. Remember, if you need to drop out of the game and leave just say 'out of character' to whoever it is and they'll understand, come back to our tents or find a crew member. Whatever happens, me and Deuces will be back here by ten o'clock tonight. Okay?
[ Molly takes a moment to properly coo over ad's outfit while the firbolg looks politely confused and, then it's off! He grins at Fjord when he tells them the last tips and information before stealing another smooch and then grabbing Yasha's hand. He pulls her with him and they run out on the field with Molly waving for a moment before he actually seems to collect himself. Somehow.
An hour or so later, two weary travelers enter the inn, and a lot of people turn to stare at the massive woman and her colorful companion.
The game was on, and Molly was living all his theater kid dreams. ]
[ Fjord watches Molly go like a leaf in the wind, waving like he's already forgotten he's not supposed to know them. Fuck it, Fjord thinks, and blows him one last kiss. Breakfast is a lengthy affair as numerous folk roll into the main dining tent to get their bacon and eggs with ale or roast yams and juice, with Fjord and Caduceus happy to unofficially wait for their friends to turn up as they chat with other characters they know. One person dressed as a half-dragonborn keeps cooing over the new brooch that Caduceus gave Fjord last game, green ribbons twirling in her fingers as she scoots closer.
Fjord is distracted by the dramatic entry of Molly and Yasha, tamping down on a smile as he utterly fails in not checking out his not-boyfriend while in-character. Caduceus is even less subtle, although as he waves he adds, I like the flowers in your hair, miss!
That's one way to kick off an introduction. Fjord is too entrenched in keeping his cool to do much beyond ogle, yet. ]
[ Molly has his hands full of pamphlets and flits here and there between people to distribute them, Yasha at his back while looking stern any time someone refuses a pamphlet or plays 'annoyed' with Molly.
The tiefling is wearing the most amazing and terrible coat, in all kinds of colors and full of embroidery, and it's impossible not to look at him. He chats and socializes while the aasimar just seems a little confused, but she plays along all the way to where the holy bros sit, and Molly slides in beside Fjord. ]
Well, never have I seen two people in such need of entertainment!
[ He wiggles a pamphlet under Fjord's nose. It has 'Moon and Lightning's Carnival of Colors' written on the front. ]
Taliesin, Tal to my friends, and we're friends now, aren't we?
[ Tal is a hit with the drama-loving larp crowd and soon it's not just Fjord and Caduceus (Travis and Jaffe!) getting to know him. The pamphlet is so cool that Fjord pockets it in his armour, keen to keep a memento of Molly's first foray, although he does his best to stay aloof and critical of Tal while Jaffe eagerly asks about the carnival. That means a lot of other characters start flirting with Molly and Fjord can't intervene, but that's just IC life. He bites the inside of his cheek when a fancy guy going by Gilmore starts flattering Tal's outfit.
Thankfully, one of the crew dressed as a messenger boy runs in and announces there's an army of monsters that will arrive at the town close to noon, which splits the crowd into those keen to fight and others who need to locate potions, or set up healing stations. Travis invites Tal to join him and Jaffe in a search for potions at the shops before they run out. ]
[ Molly is really enjoying talking to people, even if remaining IC is a little difficult at times. He flirts, hands out more pamphlets and ends up talking to this Gilmore guy that is apparently a wizard or a sorcerer or something. The outfit is glorious, so they end up in a compliment battle while he's bought 'drinks'. It's all pretty nice, but he perks up when the messenger boy comes in to warn them.
Looking around for Yasha, he finds her talking to the half-dragon girl he briefly saw earlier, and decides to not bother her for now. After all, this handsome paladin is speaking to him! ]
I am not shy about battle, my friend. Nor could I reject such an offer. Let us go and see what we can find to help.
Let's get the good potions this time, in that case.
[ The 'good' potions have a shot of vodka in them with the Ribena, which Molly can find out on his own. Fjord leads him to the shop which is a tent with an open front, managed by a large blue firbolg who is entirely amiable when it comes to getting them a good deal. Fjord snags two greater potions. ]
This should be enough ... I hope we won't be out there as long as last time.
[ Mm, delicious blackcurrant potions. Almost makes you wish you were hurt! (Molly's pretty sure he will be, his picked class was a little unbalanced.) He peers at the potions, smiling and chatting with the vendor and then comes off with one superior potion as well. 'Jaffe' seems busy talking to a... leaf(?) so Tal joins Travis's side once more. ]
Does this happen often? We did not know these lands have unrest when we put up our tents!
[ He can't get the smile of his face, which is kind of ruining the moment, but at least Molly's definitely having fun. ]
[ He fights to keep his expression neutral, lips twitching as Molly starts spouting enough ye olde talk to make Fjord horrendously fond. ]
These are the underlings of the dragon we slew some months ago. [ Turning his attention onto the tiefling while everyone else is busy, he lets some of his acting slip and winks. ] If you're afraid, you're welcome to stand behind me.
[ Molly says excitedly, and then swears under his breath because he dropped character again. He picks back up quickly, though, because he's dedicated to this - and watching Fjord wink at him like that is cute. Like they're in cahoots together. ]
Will you protect me with your big sword, mighty knight?
He sweeps his cloak back and gets down on one knee, sword in the ground as he holds the hilt and gazes up at him. It looks very in-character, all except for the genuine softness in his eyes. ]
[ Molly was trying to joke, so this was not the reply he was expecting. Instead, it is so, so much better and the shit-eating grin turns softer at once. His red eyes watch in awe as Fjord - Travis - swears such a thing to him.
Tal shouldn't be bothered about it, but Molly feels like he's the lead actor in some period drama right here. ]
You are a truly noble man, Travis. I am grateful for your promise of protection, as I am just a simple carnie and I have never seen battle with such evils before!
[ It's amazing that he can stop himself from fake-swooning. ]
[ He really needs to let Molly know that only the weird hardcore larpers he met this morning talk like that but for now ... it's adorable. Rising, he reaches for Tal's hand to give it a chaste kiss to seal his Paladin's oath (which a couple of people witnessed in the street and appear to think is A Big Deal). ]
If we survive the night, you must tell me more about your carnival.
That hand is freely given, and Tal bows dramatically in turn, coat swooshing and his horn jewelry clinking. Under the coat can be seen the two scimitars he had been playing with this morning, so apparently he's more of a 'hidden carrier' and maybe not such an innocent carnie. ]
If we survive the night, Sir Travis, I will tell you anything you want.
[ Of course he will have to seal that with a wink, and someone on the sides laughs. ]
[ And for the rest of the day as they flit around and prepare for the 'battle', Fjord assists in showing Molly around icly with Yasha and Caduceus bringing up the rear, everyone resigned to following Molly's eye for curiosities. When the warriors are called to the field to do battle, the "invisible" crew members who act as referees and storytellers are already on the eaves, the opposite end of the meadow filled with mask-wearing monsters. Fjord tries to stick by Molly or at least keep him in his eyeline, with Caduceus keeping them covered as he slings spells over whirling blades, and their quartet brings over a crewman called Matt who has a clipboard with his notes; he instructs them and the monsters who wins each round of combat and it's fun as fuck, in Fjord's opinion, until one BBEG stomps over.
Lorenzo, the hulk calls himself, managing an eerily evil laugh as he advances on them. Fjord is annoyingly attacked by other crew at that moment and Matt deems him grappled, so he can't run to Molly's aid.
And it's suddenly kind of ... anxious, the mood shift. ]
[ It's a sight to see Molly so into all of it and flitting around, while the rest of his poor friends have to essentially rein him in now and then. Then the battle starts and the tiefling is so excited to use his new swords. There's a spray of 'blood' (too red and watery to be real) as he 'charges' them and goes in for the fight.
It's all fun and games until the hulking BBEG stomps forward, and Molly is honestly not sure if the person playing it isn't like, half-ogre or something.
Well. He advances, slipping out more fake blood as he 'curses' the bastard and starts to fight. It is clear that his class is still underbalanced, though, and he's quickly losing to Lorenzo.
One shitty strike and he slips, trying to not laugh as he falls on his back. Matt calls in a rock paper scissors to see if he manages to get away in time, and that's also a complete loss.
He gestures as covertly as he can towards the place he was stashing his Blood Hunter blood, and the 'stab' is enough to break it. Blood everywhere. It's glorious drama and Molly's so utterly pleased as he 'dies'. ]
[ He almost yells at Matt, taking a step forward before being reminded he's restrained. Where the fuck is Caduceus? He needs Caduceus — Jaffe! — to heal Molly — Tal. ]
I cast Lay On Hands on Tal!
[ Unfortunately you're still grappled, begins Matt, but Fjord (who isn't sure why he's so distressed only that they were having so much fun and now it's all fucked up) wants to blast the shit out of Lorenzo who is already strolling away. ]
I shoot Eldritch Blast into the sky and yell for our Cleric!
[ Matt pauses, checking his notes, and he agrees to pause the moment as he goes to find Caduceus and relay the message, 'only because he has the ability to help the situation within a certain time period'. ]
[ They pause the moment and Molly takes it to wipe 'blood' off his face so he can see again. Fjord's voice sounded very upset and he wasn't sure what was IC or not, so he gives the half-orc a little smile.
...which is honestly just gruesome with all that corn syrup blood.
Somewhere in the back Yasha is screaming loudly, very into her barbarian thing and pummeling the shit out of some disgusting 'blob' monster with her giant sword. ]
[ It's such a disturbing sight to see; he didn't think he'd have to look at a blood-stained Mollymauk today, it was all for fun and maybe they would stroll to the tavern after this and laugh about the battle, but that won't happen if Jaffe doesn't get his tail back sharpish. He doesn't want Molly to leave the field and Tal to be dead.
So he looks worried and his frown only softens a little as he manages a sad smile, glancing over sharply to the sound of Caduceus running over. ]
[ Molly quickly goes limp again as they continue - a little overdramatically so, but still. That just seemed like the Mollymauk motto.
Jaffe gets back just in time to cast some kind of spell to lengthen the time he has to save Tal, and starts doing some very fancy ritual that ends with silver glitter on Molly's body, quickly mixed into the mess everywhere, and Matt rolling a dice on his phone.
'Tal's soul returns to his body, and he is resurrected!'
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A very good morning to you as well, stranger!
[ He purrs, baring his fangs a little bit in a grin. ]
This is amazing!
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[ His gaze rakes over Molly appreciatively as he draws nearer, taking advantage of those hands being busy holding their swords to lean in and steal a morning kiss, soft and smiling. ]
You look wonderful. I want you to do me a favour and have all the fun you possibly can today. Deal?
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[ Oooh, smooch! Molly melts against Fjord and returns the kiss softly. ]
...and you look just as great as the picture you showed me. What a stunning, handsome paladin you are.
[ There's a small laugh and he gestures to the slowly awakening OOC field. ]
How could I not! I mean, unless someone kills me in like, a minute.
[ Not going to happen. Yasha says as she leaves the tent, looking absolutely terrifying in her costume and makeup, huge sword over a shoulder. ]
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[ That sword is enormous and despite being foam it looks heavy enough that he probably couldn't carry it. ]
You guys look amazing, I can't wait to meet who you're playing. Did you want to head out if you're hungry? I'll wait for Caduceus.
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We can wait for Cad, I want to have a close look at his costume before we all run off and have to 'meet' again.
[ Molly says, curiously inspecting parts of Fjord's outfit and then sneaking a kiss on a cheek.
It seems the rest of the camp is slowly waking as well, probably drawn by the chatter of those already up. Molly's red eyes are wide as he watches some people in full costume walk by, finally going over to have a chat with a human man with a white wig and yellow contacts, full-on leather armor and two swords on his back. Same class! ]
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Oh, hey. Are we ready to go then?
They don't tell him they've been ready for at least an hour since Molly started attacking air at dawn. Once they wrangle the tiefling into following, they drop him and Yasha off at one entrance to the field and Fjord keeps hold of Molly's hand for a moment more. ]
We'll enter from a different direction so we can 'meet' properly. Remember, if you need to drop out of the game and leave just say 'out of character' to whoever it is and they'll understand, come back to our tents or find a crew member. Whatever happens, me and Deuces will be back here by ten o'clock tonight. Okay?
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An hour or so later, two weary travelers enter the inn, and a lot of people turn to stare at the massive woman and her colorful companion.
The game was on, and Molly was living all his theater kid dreams. ]
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Fjord is distracted by the dramatic entry of Molly and Yasha, tamping down on a smile as he utterly fails in not checking out his not-boyfriend while in-character. Caduceus is even less subtle, although as he waves he adds, I like the flowers in your hair, miss!
That's one way to kick off an introduction. Fjord is too entrenched in keeping his cool to do much beyond ogle, yet. ]
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The tiefling is wearing the most amazing and terrible coat, in all kinds of colors and full of embroidery, and it's impossible not to look at him. He chats and socializes while the aasimar just seems a little confused, but she plays along all the way to where the holy bros sit, and Molly slides in beside Fjord. ]
Well, never have I seen two people in such need of entertainment!
[ He wiggles a pamphlet under Fjord's nose. It has 'Moon and Lightning's Carnival of Colors' written on the front. ]
Taliesin, Tal to my friends, and we're friends now, aren't we?
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Thankfully, one of the crew dressed as a messenger boy runs in and announces there's an army of monsters that will arrive at the town close to noon, which splits the crowd into those keen to fight and others who need to locate potions, or set up healing stations. Travis invites Tal to join him and Jaffe in a search for potions at the shops before they run out. ]
Unless you plan to await our return from battle?
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Looking around for Yasha, he finds her talking to the half-dragon girl he briefly saw earlier, and decides to not bother her for now. After all, this handsome paladin is speaking to him! ]
I am not shy about battle, my friend. Nor could I reject such an offer. Let us go and see what we can find to help.
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[ The 'good' potions have a shot of vodka in them with the Ribena, which Molly can find out on his own. Fjord leads him to the shop which is a tent with an open front, managed by a large blue firbolg who is entirely amiable when it comes to getting them a good deal. Fjord snags two greater potions. ]
This should be enough ... I hope we won't be out there as long as last time.
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Does this happen often? We did not know these lands have unrest when we put up our tents!
[ He can't get the smile of his face, which is kind of ruining the moment, but at least Molly's definitely having fun. ]
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These are the underlings of the dragon we slew some months ago. [ Turning his attention onto the tiefling while everyone else is busy, he lets some of his acting slip and winks. ] If you're afraid, you're welcome to stand behind me.
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[ Molly says excitedly, and then swears under his breath because he dropped character again. He picks back up quickly, though, because he's dedicated to this - and watching Fjord wink at him like that is cute. Like they're in cahoots together. ]
Will you protect me with your big sword, mighty knight?
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He sweeps his cloak back and gets down on one knee, sword in the ground as he holds the hilt and gazes up at him. It looks very in-character, all except for the genuine softness in his eyes. ]
I swear to protect you, fair warrior.
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Tal shouldn't be bothered about it, but Molly feels like he's the lead actor in some period drama right here. ]
You are a truly noble man, Travis. I am grateful for your promise of protection, as I am just a simple carnie and I have never seen battle with such evils before!
[ It's amazing that he can stop himself from fake-swooning. ]
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If we survive the night, you must tell me more about your carnival.
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That hand is freely given, and Tal bows dramatically in turn, coat swooshing and his horn jewelry clinking. Under the coat can be seen the two scimitars he had been playing with this morning, so apparently he's more of a 'hidden carrier' and maybe not such an innocent carnie. ]
If we survive the night, Sir Travis, I will tell you anything you want.
[ Of course he will have to seal that with a wink, and someone on the sides laughs. ]
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[ And for the rest of the day as they flit around and prepare for the 'battle', Fjord assists in showing Molly around icly with Yasha and Caduceus bringing up the rear, everyone resigned to following Molly's eye for curiosities. When the warriors are called to the field to do battle, the "invisible" crew members who act as referees and storytellers are already on the eaves, the opposite end of the meadow filled with mask-wearing monsters. Fjord tries to stick by Molly or at least keep him in his eyeline, with Caduceus keeping them covered as he slings spells over whirling blades, and their quartet brings over a crewman called Matt who has a clipboard with his notes; he instructs them and the monsters who wins each round of combat and it's fun as fuck, in Fjord's opinion, until one BBEG stomps over.
Lorenzo, the hulk calls himself, managing an eerily evil laugh as he advances on them. Fjord is annoyingly attacked by other crew at that moment and Matt deems him grappled, so he can't run to Molly's aid.
And it's suddenly kind of ... anxious, the mood shift. ]
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It's all fun and games until the hulking BBEG stomps forward, and Molly is honestly not sure if the person playing it isn't like, half-ogre or something.
Well. He advances, slipping out more fake blood as he 'curses' the bastard and starts to fight. It is clear that his class is still underbalanced, though, and he's quickly losing to Lorenzo.
One shitty strike and he slips, trying to not laugh as he falls on his back. Matt calls in a rock paper scissors to see if he manages to get away in time, and that's also a complete loss.
He gestures as covertly as he can towards the place he was stashing his Blood Hunter blood, and the 'stab' is enough to break it. Blood everywhere. It's glorious drama and Molly's so utterly pleased as he 'dies'. ]
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[ He almost yells at Matt, taking a step forward before being reminded he's restrained. Where the fuck is Caduceus? He needs Caduceus — Jaffe! — to heal Molly — Tal. ]
I cast Lay On Hands on Tal!
[ Unfortunately you're still grappled, begins Matt, but Fjord (who isn't sure why he's so distressed only that they were having so much fun and now it's all fucked up) wants to blast the shit out of Lorenzo who is already strolling away. ]
I shoot Eldritch Blast into the sky and yell for our Cleric!
[ Matt pauses, checking his notes, and he agrees to pause the moment as he goes to find Caduceus and relay the message, 'only because he has the ability to help the situation within a certain time period'. ]
Yeah, okay, I yell really fucking loudly for him!
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...which is honestly just gruesome with all that corn syrup blood.
Somewhere in the back Yasha is screaming loudly, very into her barbarian thing and pummeling the shit out of some disgusting 'blob' monster with her giant sword. ]
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So he looks worried and his frown only softens a little as he manages a sad smile, glancing over sharply to the sound of Caduceus running over. ]
Get a diamond out, he's dead!
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Jaffe gets back just in time to cast some kind of spell to lengthen the time he has to save Tal, and starts doing some very fancy ritual that ends with silver glitter on Molly's body, quickly mixed into the mess everywhere, and Matt rolling a dice on his phone.
'Tal's soul returns to his body, and he is resurrected!'
Close call, good thing they had a cleric. ]
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