Attack of the Escargotgo!

[Monsters and Minions]

A merchant has brought his new crop of fast cabbage into Dockside from Pelican Village — and while rejuvenating to most who eat them, they amplify the speed and growth of many snails! Dockside residents have dubbed these creatures escargotgo, and they can range from hand- to house-sized, and can outrun most people when they charge! They possess sturdy shells that gleam strangely, and can give off a stunning pulse when threatened or cornering difficult prey. While some of these creatures have adapted to the changes and can be tamed or relocated, many have become aggressive and unstable — and it could take about a week for the last of their food supply to be eaten, disposed of, and simply go bad! Until then, the escargotgo may be making trouble for farmers’ markets and sauerkraut enthusiasts (and a tidy profit for enterprising salt merchants) across RhyDin.

(( Feel free to have your character encounter, interact with, tame, or slay these mutated snails! They are naturally drawn to fresh fruit, vegetables, and meat, they are susceptible to salt, and they can be aggressive or docile depending on how the mutation affected them. The problem is expected to go away in a week's time (by August 14th or 15th), but you are welcome to encounter these creatures after that. Also, please use this thread to share forum posts, logs, image inspiration, and other things related to this event — I would love to see them!

Big thanks to Yuzuki Kuwabara's player for the idea. <3 ))

[Riho Matsuda]

The air conditioner at the security office in Kabuki Street was working overtime, in order to keep the hot natured Riho comfortable. It meant that the trio of hostesses from the cosplay cafe, Cafe Neon in 3-chome had to raise their voices to tell their story of the harrowing attack of the escargotgo to the bemused guard captain. All three were wearing somewhat disheveled maid costumes, and were gesturing at Riho with great emphasis.

"We had to run from the front of the Cafe to the car while it was going after the cabbages!" Shiho exclaimed. "We barely made it. It was very fast, especially for a huge snail!" Kanon nodded, pulling up a chair. "After that it attacked the car and nearly turned it over. It was as big as the whole car! We just barely got it in gear and got out of there! You have to do something or we can't go back to work!" The third, the silent Moeka simply nodded stubbornly, studying Riho with an expectant look.

Riho thought about it for a moment, rubbing the back of her neck. It was clear she really didn't want to go out hunting giant snails in the summer heat, nor even leave the air conditioned office if possible. An idea seemed to strike her then. "You just need the correct weapon to defend yourselves, and you can get back to your shift at the cafe" she decided. Holding up a finger to indicate that they should wait, her engineer boots left the desk and thumped to the floor. She strolled through the door at the back of the office, opening the cabinet that held the Shinsengumi arsenal.

When she came back she was holding an ornate longsword and offering it out to Shiho, hilt first. The weapon gave off a faint glow at its edge, and the quillions were forged with an intricate crystal pattern. Seeing Shiho's puzzled look, Riho explained confidently. "This Salt Sword should be just what you need." Shiho recoiled from the offered weapon and shook her head emphatically. "No way! We're not monster hunters! I'm not going into 3-chome until you take care of it!" she insisted. Moeka thumped a fist on the desk and nodded. "You have to help! We need to get to work before the Mazoku get back in town or we miss the best tips!"

Riho sighed, placing the sword down on the desk. After rubbing the back of her neck and tapping the heel of one boot on the floor pensively she took a breath and conceded. "I'll go down there and see if it's still around" she promised, though her dark eyes squinted menacingly at the trio as she added. "After I eat my lunch!" All three glanced at the bag from King Burger sitting at the corner of the desk, and gulping at the narrowing of eyes from the reputedly short tempered Riho. They all bowed and murmured agreement before quickly filing out the front door to return to the car.

In their wake Riho sighed again, opening the bag to take out the paper container of french fries. After a moment's thought, an inspiration struck the habu and she shook the salt sword over the top of the container. The edge glowed brighter for a moment, and dutifully sprinkled a shower of salt onto the food.