consentacle fun, etc.

[n_ll]

The following prompts can be BYOM (bring your own monster) if you so desire! Anything goes. Literally anything.

"Monsters" are common around here. They always have been. While many societies choose to revere them as gods or use them to instill fear into ill-behaved children, the monsters of New Cloudbank are one with the people and have been able to hold jobs, own property and self, and vote; freedoms gained from a civil movement some decades ago. While societal integration has gone somewhat smoothly, there is some resistance held by conservative individuals that look down on monster-human relations and hold the untrue belief that some of the less humanshape monsters are a threat to people.

Boxer is an example of one such creature. His upper body is proportionally larger than any human; that if he stood on human legs he would easily reach thirteen feet tall, cut like someone who exercises on a needlessly regular schedule. However, he does not stand on human legs at all, but rather a numerous set of tentacles, rich cocoa-brown like the rest of his skin, decorated with stark yellow stripes at their base and a line of dots along their topsides, lined with dark golden suction cups on the opposite side, and delicate membranes between them. His yellow accents, including his eyes, glow under dark enough conditions to see them.

He's never harmed a human in his life, much rather the opposite if anything, but that doesn't mean he doesn't have a reputation for it...

Errands.

A monster's gotta eat.

Of course, he doesn't have to drop by for meat, as the only thing he puts on his table are things he caught with his own hands swimming in the depths outside of the bay. But frying fish in its own juices does not a meal plan make, so regular supermarket trips are the solution to well-rounded meals.

But he can't quite get around like everyone else, on account of boneless tentacles being designed more for underwater agility than, well, walking. So he has to opt for a wheelchair, one custom-built to accommodate his bulk and allows him to comfortably use his extra appendages for his wheel-based mobility while keeping his hands free.

Although being just shy of wheelchair-bound on land, he's at less disadvantage than one might think, using his long tentacles to snatch things off of the topmost shelf with length to spare. Otherwise, he tries to keep them hidden under a soft, knitted blanket, for the comfort of strangers, who tend to stare anyway. (Oh well.) He likes to joke that it's not his form, but the fact that he chooses to dress somewhat formally even for his mundane outings, even though he knows that's not the case.

Maybe you're the one struggling to reach that favorite item of yours so conveniently stashed just beyond finger's grasp on the top shelf.

"Here. I'll get that for you," he says, with an easy smile.

Bet you weren't prepared for a tentacle to hand you something when you went out today.

Shore.

This quiet little section of the beach is usually deserted, rumored to be the place where feral monsters hunt for humans. Now this, this is a rumor that is entirely Boxer's fault, purposely spread to his few visitors so he could have this little piece of heaven all to himself.

Maybe you're a regular here. Maybe you're a brave new first-time visitor, hopefully to catch sight of the man-eating monster for yourself. Either way, the sight is hardly as intimidating as the legend: he's sprawled out naked on the warm sand, basking in the sunlight that beats against his bare, chiseled back as he naps.

Scary.

Water.

New Cloudbank is a large city-state with bustling seaside commerce, full of fishery companies, international trade, and tourism. A water-dweller like Boxer is almost never without work, since many companies are chomping at the bit to commission an strong, amphibious monster to survey the deep for the next best catch, keeping the water safe, or mounting rescues for wayward tourists.

He loves what he does for a living.

Maybe you, too, are of similar business, using your nonhuman physiology to your advantage in the outer bay waters, catching Boxer in the middle of what he does best. Or maybe you're simply a patron of these companies--for Boxer, as brazen as he is to get a free drink, will gladly suction-cup climb his way into boats and schmooze with locals and tourists alike.

Wildcard!

Comments

[lovespeople]

Few things in the world were worth hoarding, and yet despite this fact Sybil's eyes had laid upon a brand new and fascinating target. The past few decades had brought her into contact with numerous other monsters and fascinating individuals. Yet for some reason this man had caught her eye immediately (perhaps the subtle, almost imperceptible glow reminded her of gold? Who knew, really.) and she wasn't about to lose sight of him. But she was in public, among others, so she couldn't just do what she wanted. She had to be clever.

Slowly, Sybil made her way past other customers and guests, a deliberate sway in her movements without even a hint of nervousness as she walked. Any human would be nervous wearing the heels she was wearing, but she owned them without even a single stumble. The heels were made of metal, and were honestly more like boots with how they stretched up the back of her legs. The fronts were open, but only revealed the bottoms of her thigh-highs. The treat of shown skin was just above, but below the frills of her dress. All white with accents of red, the dress looked like something off of the runway (spoiler: It actually was from the runway) and she wore it with every ounce of style it deserved. She peered at Boxer as she finally approached where he was, tilting her head so the brim of her hat gave her no trouble. Sure she could have worn her hair up, but a hat could make a bolder statement (especially with the red, and black spikes) so it was the obvious choice.

Deciding to keep observing, she turned her full focus to the top shelf. Reaching slightly, she decided upon... Well, coconut oil, there were certainly worse things. But it was just slightly too far back on the shelf. Before she could consider her options, the jar moved much closer to her. Much closer, courtesy of a certain focus of her attentions. Good.

With a smile, she turns to Boxer. "Why, thank you." It's all genuine, not a hint of fake smile or gratitude. The perfect cover to get a better look at him and observe him. His attempt to hide his monster self was ineffective in every way. He couldn't pass for human even from a distance. Good. That alone provided more appeal. Her thoughts kept focused on him, sorting through a number of topics. All while she kept up conversation.

"It would seem today is my lucky day." She pauses, letting the words hang for a few moments before she picks her line of inquiry. "Do you come here often?"

After all, all she has to do is keep him talking and he won't realize he isn't the only monster present.

[n_ll]

Even before he extends a helping tentacle for her, he's perplexed by her appearance. He swears he's seen her before...certainly not in person, like on the television or the internet. That presence, that outfit, it's unmistakably familiar, but he can't quite put a name to the face. Something starting with S...Sarah--no, too simple. Salena...? Siobhan...? Damn it.

Most of what she says goes effectively unheard, as he tries to think of what he knows her from. Do you come here often? she asks, as he politely tucks his limb back under his blanket, and his mildly bewildered facial expression changes to something a little more...knowing and exasperated.

He knows where she's aiming for with this. She's attractive, has a nice voice...her choice of fashion is a little more bourgeoisie than he'd usually go for, but as it stands, not that bad of a prospect. But he still hasn't figured out who she is.

"It's a grocery store, miss--ma'am." he responds, somewhat meekly. "Most of us come here often...except for the tourists, but they stick out like sore thumbs."

He's one to talk.

Man I feel rusty at this

[lovespeople]

Of course he's seen her before. Her face has been, honestly, everywhere in fashion. She supports, she participates, she judges, but she never models. Despite having the body for it and despite numerous requests for her to do so, she has her limitations. Though, to those who want her, she keeps it as a tease. The true reason she won't model remaining a total mystery to others.

Certain things didn't need to be a mystery, though. Her body language spoke volumes about her intentions for Boxer, though it was doubtful that he would realize the extent to which she sought to keep him. His confusion is evident, though, and that takes a priority over all else. His response earns a soft laugh from her.

"So you live nearby." She focuses on what he leaves implicit in his words. "Are you implying the tourists come to see you?" She drops the question surprisingly casually, seemingly uncaring that it could be construed as a negative thing.

Monsters, after all, were still a sight to behold for humans. She had long since stopped caring about what humans thought of monsters, honestly. She had a selfish agenda when it came to humans, and fulfilling it meant appearing as one of them... but certainly not an equal. She stood above them, and thus she had little care for their little opinions. But of course, he didn't know she was a monster. No one did. Even so, she adds a final comment to lighten things up again.

"Or are the tourists here because someone said I would be here?" The comment is so casual that it made it seem like it hadn't happened before.

It had, of course.

errands

[expendableasset]

[ tim's by no means short-short, but the shelves at this bookstore go up particularly high, in some cases requiring a rolling ladder, but he always hates asking for one to be taken out. it makes him feel like he's frustrating the poor stock-clerks when he could be doing something better. he's about to resign to going home bookless when even after he's stood on the tiptoes he still can't reach, and then --

oh. he tries not to stare, more fascinated by the smooth texture of this man's tentacles than shocked or bothered. he gives a nervous laugh either way, because interaction with a stranger, one hand rubbing anxiously at the back of his own neck as the other reaches to take the book. ]

Oh! Oh, uh -- thanks, man.

[n_ll]

[Oh, cute. Boxer hadn't pinned him from the back, but he's definitely the "live at the bookstore" type, huh? Even though he's definitely not the same type--at least by apperances, Boxer puts on his best charismatic smile.]

Don't worry about it.

[In his blanketed lap lay a few fantasy-romance novels, one by a wife of the author Tim was trying to get at, and a baking cookbook.]

[expendableasset]

[ boxer would be right -- tim definitely does spend a lot of time here. he glances over boxer's lap as his tentacle retreats, examining the books there. his eyes light up. ]

Crimson Fortress is really good. One of my favorites.

[ indicating one of the books in boxer's lap with an excited hand-wave! ]

Shore

[gunslingerqueen]

[A thing about beaches - they’re crowded in the summer months. It’s natural to spend the day there at the peak of the hottest season, to host bonfire parties and get up to stupid shit as the teenagers of New Cloudbank were wont to do. Usually she doesn’t mind sharing, even indulging in beach etiquette, which often means putting up with errant volleyballs and screaming children. Nariko’s a people person at heart, after all, but today she just wants some damn privacy. So is going to the Danger Section probably a bad idea? Maybe.

But she does it anyway.

Lo and behold, it isn’t unoccupied! It’s startling but the guy also looks like he’s completely knocked out and is therefore less imposing than he might be awake. Since she isn’t planning on summoning valkyrie’s or hellfire they can manage to share this space just fine. Nariko carefully sets down her bag, and lays her towel just out of what might be Boxer’s immediate reach.

The only thing that might actually wake him is the gentle hiss that comes with popping her beer open. Otherwise she isn’t going to bother they guy. Everyone needs their rest.]

[n_ll]

[It's more effective than any alarm clock--Boxer's eyes snap open as soon as the bottle does. No one brings booze onto his beach and gets away with it.

Before he gets up, he turns his head and analyzes Noriko carefully. It's not someone he recognizes, and she's got some guts to just set up when the fabled man-eater is napping right there. She's either totally badass or an idiot, and there's an easy enough way find out which one.

Like a dog getting up from his nap, he pushes his upper body upwards with his hands stretched out before him, digging his thick fingers into the sand as he lets out a yawn, unintentionally showing off his sharp teeth. Since he's spent so much time drying out in the sand that is just as dry as he is, he can't really use his suction cups for mobility, but it's nothing his upper body can't make up for as he crawls his way over to her with a drowsy smile on his face.

He leans in--uncomfortably close, enough to smell the yeasty aura of her beer from the bottle, as he stares her in the eyes.]

Did you bring enough for the whole class?

[gunslingerqueen]

[Look she was trying to get her book out in peace, mister, rude! If his face wasn't so nice she might have smacked him which places her in the 'looks like a badass, actually an idiot' category. Maybe she's not so bad, though, because this is probably his territory or something but he seems to have a weakness. The neck of said weakness is tilted towards his mouth - he can have the one she's already opened.]

Enough for the whole school district. Sandwiches, too.

[Do Monster Humans eat sandwiches? It's a fair possibility from her entirely human perspective, and it would be rude to keep them to herself when she set up shop here in a criminally small bikini.]

Sorry, I was trying to be quiet.

[Not 'sorry I crashed your spot' or even 'sorry, please don't bite me to death with your dangerous and hot teeth'. That wasn't to say she wasn't a little concerned but, well. He was hot!]

shore thing

[silentcrash]

He's seen her, hasn't he? Everyone has- the latest rising star on the local music scene. Some complain she's only popular because she's a siren and that's cheating . Those people haven't seen her on stage.

Voice of a songbird, moves like a hunting hawk. And those eyes.

That's Red, all right, and if she ever let the public find her here the peace of this beach would be ruined. Lucky for them both, she's good at keeping her secrets.

Like him, she comes to this beach for solitude--most of the time. Today she has something else in mind, and she's pleased to find the man is here again.

Red perches on a rock a short distance into the surf. Quietly--her voice meant only for her companion--she begins to sing.

[n_ll]

He doesn't wake up immediately. Her song actually summons her manifestation in his dream, glad in gold and bright yellow and a smile that brings an inner peace to his racing thoughts...the touch of someone who understands, the laugh of someone who sympathizes. They were born into their respective roles, but they wouldn't have it any other way, though separated by the distance between the sea and the sun...but when they finally meet at the horizon...

Even though the dream fades, the song remains, a gentle jostle from his slumber. Even as he wakes, the song continues, and he turns to find the source of the noise.

It really is her. The recognition brings a smile to his face, but it's a long, slightly awkward climb on his arms back into the water. Once he has enough water to swim properly, it only takes him a few seconds to get to the rock, thin ends of his tentacles sticking to whatever surface isn't covered in algae so he can hold his head above the water and smile at her.

"Hi."

[silentcrash]

"Hey."

Red leans over, her talons reflexively digging into the rock's pitted surface to steady her perch. She's bare but for her own feathers, as usual when she takes to the water. Her arms are almost wings, draped in long black-and-gold feathers but not quite large enough to fly. The plumage extends onto her chest, shorter and fluffier and doing nothing at all to cover her breasts.

Enjoy the view from below, is what I'm saying. She doesn't seem concerned with modesty.

"Don't think I ever caught your name."

waterwaterwater

[thirdchance]

It'd been awhile since he was able to slip out of his brother's protective gaze and Alphonse was making the most of it. He'd traveled to a coastal town under the cover of night with Winry's help, she at least knew that Alphonse was able to take care of himself now, years later after all of that mess. Sure he was still slightly weak at times but he was still more than able to travel. It was sea travel that might prove his undoing though and his brother right. At this moment on the sailboat one is supposed to be able to manage on their own, he's having a bit of trouble getting the yardarm under control. It...probably doesn't help that his boating experience all comes from books, nothing practical until this afternoon. So here he is, on the beam, trying to get one of the ropes that slipped free from the rigging. "Oh, come on. There's no need to be like this."

[n_ll]

Like a creature from the deep, a long, thick, besuckered tentacle rises from the water, a minute or two after Al loses control of his rigging. This far from land, a cryptozoological disaster could happen, and nobody would be any wiser. Say your prayers, Alphonse.

Or maybe they've already been answered.

Said tentacle, instead of coming crashing down and cleaving the boat, wraps around the end of the yardarm and gives it a firm tug in 180 degrees, sending the boat careening in a sharp turn that points it in the opposite direction it was headed. The sudden shift in momentum surely knocks Al off his perch and into the boat, but he won't be alone to suffer. After the boat evens out, it starts tilting to the side as more tentacles crawl their way up onto it, almost to the point of fully capsizing as the owner of aforementioned tentacles climbs his way up onto the boat. Worry not, though, the only water the boat takes on is whatever sloshes off of this new companion that is making quick work of getting the mast properly set up, working the ropes like he's done it his whole life.

When everything is set and secure, the oversized creature turns around to address Al.]

Got a death wish or something? You were about to hit a nasty current for a boat this size.

[Of course it's chastising, but he says it with the calmest demeanor, as if he was just teasing him. Or maybe that's just how he talks. (It's the latter.) ]

[thirdchance]

When he first hears the suction on the wooden deck he stiffens, straightening up as much as he dares to peer over the side of the beam. Only to 'eep!' quietly in his head and hunker back down on it, readying his hands to summon his alchemy if necessary. As far as he knew, there was no news of squid or octopus attacking sea vessels when he set out. But that could've also been from the renters just wanting to try and make money, not that it'd cost him an arm and a leg to set sail—wouldn't they have charged him enough to pay for the boat if it had been lost at sea? Alphonse yelps when he gets knocked off, 'oof's when he hits the deck, scrambling to find something to hold onto or use as a weapon when whatever it is that's found him decides his fate. But moments later he's still alive and not underwater, only then does he somewhat relax, an oar in hand. Which...is somewhat slowly slipping out of his grip as he stares at his new companion. Not quite catching fish with his mouth. "A-ah, no...?" He colors, realizing that he's staring and turns and looks at the wheel, "I thought I had my barrings locked when I went to go get that rope but... Well, I guess it got knocked loose."

shore

[protectthecastle]

The maids had heard the rumours first, of that small stretch of beach where no one was to go because it was the feeding grounds of a monster, that people had been dragged screaming into the waves and that the sea had frothed red and white once in a feeding frenzy. And well-meaning as always, they'd mentioned it to the only daughter of their master.

When actual, factual reports had failed to turn up any information or any numbers, Veronica had gone to the little strip of sand and rocks and sea by herself on a beautifully sunny day dressed in comfortable shorts and a loose shirt made of a delicate, flowing material in a jewel-like green. Her sandals dangle from her hand as she leaves a line of soft footprints all the way to along the sand and what she finds is a monster.

A very relaxed monster, all things considered. With a quiet blink, Veronica tilts her head down at him,

"Excuse me."

[n_ll]

He's in the process of slowly waking up by the time he hears the sand crunch beneath her feet, but he doesn't pay much mind to it. He'd rather that she'd leave him be to wake up on his own accord, but that's clearly not going to be the case.

Boxer pushes himself up onto his forearms languidly, extremities lightly frosted with sand, as he looks up at her with a drowsy, confused expression. Hardly intimidating.

"Can I...help you?"

[protectthecastle]

That's not very feral behaviour at all. Or at least, not the feral behaviour others insist on telling her about and it's obvious she isn't even slightly worried as she crouches down beside him.

Her tone is friendly and cheerful, her chin resting on her arms as she smiles,

"Yes. I was told that there are attacks on this beach and yet there are no records or reports of such and I wished to know if you have heard anything about them. And if you did, I would be very much obliged if you would tell me."

And then, almost as an afterthought: "-Please."

Errands

[ownerofbb8]

Anyone that requires substance to live needed to get it somehow. Even if it meant going out in public when others might find you terrifying. Poe had been at the market picking up a few items that was needed for meals. Things that he would normally forget to pick up day to day that were needed for making certain other things. Bread crumbs were needed for baking purposes.

The grocery store seemed less busy today making it easy for him to maneuver around. Poe made sure to check everything off from his list, not wanting to miss a single item from it. Next came the last item and it shouldn't have been that tricky to get.

When he came upon the aisle and saw the location that it was at. Poe knew that it was just out of his reach even if he were to go on the tips of his toes. The man glanced around him first before trying to go for the item anyway.

There's a sudden heat rising to from his neck to his cheeks as he hears the voice of another man next to him. Poe looks at the tentacle in slight surprise as he takes a step back in order to take the item from him. A smile spreads on his lips as he gives a small nod to the man.

"Thank you. You didn't have to do that though."

Especially if the other was trying to hide for obvious reasons. Poe wasn't about to shout out about the appearance. He would treat anyone with respect until they prove other intent.

water!!!

[hoasen]

As someone in politics, she's always interested about different cities and lands, what they have. They say this place has a lot of "monsters".

That didn't matter to her. What she was more interested in is whether this city was willing to trade. And then after meetings, she will be able to go tour this city in her own time.

That very moment where Sen was in a boat was her "own time". Preferably, she would've liked to row around herself, but seeing as she knows nothing about the water other than "There might be monsters in it", she opted to travel around on a simple ferry that did the rounds. Normally, she's quite shy, so she hasn't really spoken up or tried to talk to any of the locals on the boat.

Until she saw the half-human tentacled creature climb up the side of the boat. It didn't matter how the others reacted, she was staring. She really couldn't help herself, and she knew she shouldn't.

[n_ll]

He's not coming for her. After all, she's not working the bar. But once he's got a daiquiri in hand, he's making his rounds to the delight of travellers that get to interact with such a show-stopping monster face-to-face. It's only a matter of time before it's Sen's turn. Boxer moves toward her with mobility that is admittedly a little awkward, an obvious "trial and error" method of reaching out against the floor with his tentacles and pulling himself closer to his goal with whatever suckers actually managed to attach to the floor. It's fast enough--walking speed for a human.

"Know that look in your eye--you're here for business, aren't you?" he asks, all smiles.

Shore!!

[unholy_rebirth]

Thereth has honestly not spent much leisure time on beaches. Growing up on the plains and deserts of Kalimdor meant that any nice, tropical sandy vacation spots were rather far away, and as an adult, of course, she's always busy adventuring. But her friends have certainly told her all about how lovely and peaceful long walks on the beach are supposed to be, so she decides to try it out. After all, she's on vacation. Plus, there are sure to be new and interesting things to sketch out by the sea.

As for the rumors of dangerous monsters – well, what's a nice vacation without a little excitement? She wouldn't mind wrestling a kraken. She could probably win.

The sun is pleasantly warm against her fur, and the breeze is gentle and salty. It is different, but it's not bad-different. Inspiration for her sketchbook, held loosely in one hand as she wanders, is already bubbling up in her mind, and she spends so much time looking out at the ocean that she nearly misses the large naked gentleman napping right in the middle of her path.

She squeaks (and a tauren squeaking is a funny thing to hear) and skids to a stop as best she can on the sand, but she's not upset or frightened. She's met stranger people, and this person does happen to have a nice, smooth, chocolate-colored torso that's glimmering faintly in the sun...

With a sly smile, she tries to decide if it would be better to move around him or just enjoy the view for another moment. She doesn't want to be a creeper or anything. On the other hand, maybe he doesn't mind if he's just sitting out here..?

[n_ll]

No wake-up call quite like someone squeaking with surprise. Despite the shock, he still lifts up his head slowly and, with a yawn, pulls up a bent arm to rest his head up so he can leisurely look up at her.

And when he does, he looks her up and down a first, second...and third time. Huh. A Bovine woman. You usually don't see those around cities like this--so his interest is already peaked default. On top of that, she's thick, in all the right ways.

"Hi," he greets simply, grinning. He knows she's checking him out--it's rare for someone new not to, regardless of their preferences.

Water

[spacejumping]

Samus was hanging out at the docks. It was a little bit past noon, with the bright sun hanging high up in the sky. She was not the amphibious sort, one that could just breath underwater. That much was beyond her. She was, however, a sea serpent, able to hold her breath for a number of hours. It was the next best thing.

She would take the occasional odd job here and there, having made somewhat of a name for herself. But for right now, Samus wasn't on any sort of mission or task. She was simply sitting down on one of the docks, her heavy, and long snake tail dangling over the edge and into the water itself.

It was a good feeling, with the temperature warm enough that she could just relax and enjoy herself for a bit.

[n_ll]

Blue has always been one of his favorite colors. Needless to say, the shimmer of her scales under the water draws him in from miles away.

And what do you do when you find something you like? You go to play with it, of course.

He swims up to her, relatively hidden in the shadow cast by the dock, and stays underwater as his tentacles reach out and coil around her tail playfully. You usually get a pretty good read on people by the way they react to something touching them in the water...