#Caythaes Mekandawn

[mekandawn]

So how's that shadowflame treating you these days

[ultimatewowdursgate]

DWC May '24 - Day 7

Void

It had been a while since the last event Kaz had been to. As always he'd enjoyed the chance to relax, to let loose and see his friends. And as usual it had been a great time. But in the aftermath he was worrying about how he'd handled some of it in hindsight...

It had been a long time since he'd last seen his good friend Caythaes. So it had been a wonderful surprise when he ran in to them that night.

However even more surprising was the change that had happened in time between. Cay was now visibly effected by the void. And Kaz had no idea how to react to this.

He'd heard about some of the Blood Elves choosing to go down that path, willingly embracing it even. But he couldn't imagine Cay doing such a thing. No, it certainly didn't seem like them at all.

But... Kaz of course overthought it. He didn't want to risk offending or upsetting his friend who he cared so much about by saying the wrong thing, especially not knowing the circumstances.

And so Kaz had tried to play it cool. To act as though nothing at all had changed! He was so happy to see his friend for the first time in ages that he decided he should focus on that fact rather than worrying about this situation and it, presumably, having been the thing keeping his friend away.

But now… in the aftermath of the meeting, his mind kept being drawn back to how he'd handled it.

While Kaz doesn't have the void in him; his mind could be a dark place even without it. Full of worries, doubts and regrets. And so often turning against itself even despite his monk training.

As indeed was happening to him again right now.

He looked back on his attempt to not pressure or upset his friend by raising the issue. Only now he second guessed himself and feared it had made him look like he simply hadn't cared.

And the mere possibility set his stomach turning.

He had attempted at the time to make sure Cay would know he still cared about them and that fact would never change no matter what the void or anything else did to them.

But now with hindsight he feared that by not actually outright mentioning the change he'd only come across as diminishing or ignoring it and hadn't seemed either supportive or understanding as he hoped.

And once again he felt like a terrible person.

Kaz let out a huge sigh and struggled to push these thoughts aside.

"Right, I've got to do something about this!" he muttered to himself.

And so he sat at his desk, took out some paper and began to write.

Hey Cay!

Urgh, no! Too casual, you look like you're not taking this seriously.

Dearest Caythaes,

Too formal, you won't sound genuine or understanding like that.

...

After a great many false starts, much wasted paper and ink and even more overthinking Kaz finally settled on something he felt wasn't completely terrible and hoped his friend would know he cared and was their for them.

To my good friend Cay,

I hope this message finds you well. I just wanted to apologise for the other night. It was great to see you again after so long, I'd quite missed you lately you know. But I fear I must've came across terribly.

I didn't want to hurt or upset you by saying the wrong thing but I rather think I've messed up by not saying anything at all.

Obviously I don't know exactly what you've been through. And if you don't want to talk about it that's ok! But if ever you do want to talk about it, or anything else, I'd be only too glad to listen and if there is anything I can do, no matter how big or small, to help just name it and I'll do my level best for you.

In any case, I just wanted to let you know I'm here for you. And always and no matter what will be. I wish you the very best my dear friend.

And with that he signed the letter. Smiled as the worries began to fade and left to post the letter and hope for the best.

...

And the moment the letter went in the post he immediately started thinking of all the ways he could and should have done it differently.

Kaz clenched his teeth and winced as he stopped himself yelling something obscene.

@daily-writing-challenge @mekandawn

Thanks Gnome for the inspiration and for always being great to RP with! :)

[gnomeskillet]

ALSO: story #9 and 13 for Cay, and story #13 for Twist! o/

How do they react to the PC either allowing Astarion to ascend or convincing him to spare the 7000 spawn?

Bad End Cay on Ascension: Seven thousand and seven souls all funneled directly into the Hells at once. I don't like it, but it's better than letting the Damned roam free. Here's to hoping that Astarion doesn't become the monster he sought to destroy.

Bad End Cay on Sparing the Spawn: I can't believe you just... let them walk free! 7000 bloody vampire spawn unleashed into the Underdark! And what are they going to feed on? I doubt Myconids have anything resembling blood in the way you and I know it. Should have just killed them all and be done with it.

Good End Cay on Ascension: *standing their eyes closed and a hand over their heart* So many lives destroyed... I- I can only hope their final moments ended painlessly, but. I suspect not. Gods, I hope this was worth it.

Good End Cay on Sparing the Spawn: Gods, Astarion... I want to- I want to scoop him up in my arms and shield him from further pain. My heart aches for him, but... By Lathander's holy light, he's done it. He's finally free!

Twist on Ascension: *laughing manically* 7000 souls all at once!! By Bhaal, I could only DREAM of accomplishing such a feat! Imagine if I were to become his spawn...!

Twist on Sparing the Spawn: Tsk, a perfectly good massacre wasted. Astarion had better lick some of that blood off himself so he can at least become a true vampire, or else I'm going to be SO disappointed in him. *a pause as Twist's eyes widen and a grin splits his face* Ohh... there's an idea. Perhaps I'll see about having a taste myself...

I answered #9 for Cay Here!

[artofradioactivechina]

An Enamel Pin Design and Logo Art Set for @mekandawn for their stage persona, the Solar Eclipse!

[illidariguarddog]

@mekandawn

“It’s- it’s okay if- if you’re not interested in the sexy. Just- just flex for me a bit, and- and I’d be happy enough.” Caythaes smiles, their ears wiggling a bit. “I also am- always up for friendship cuddles. I- I will do my best to make time to come visit and- and give you some soft affection.”

“As I said, you’re in a special class, Caythaes! I will do many things for you, including flex and pose however you wish. You’re always welcome! We can even abuse my ‘own room’ privileges and build a blanket fort or something. Oh! Maybe I’ll commission a small ice chiller from you so I can experiment with cold teas!” 

[flo-machina]

Devil’s Food Chocolate: a vice headcanon. Vikki!

Vikki absolutely loves her beverages! Coffee, tea, boozeahols, you name it. If she can drink it, she’ll try it. 

There’s one bartender in particular who makes the best drinks in all Azeroth according to Vikki, but recently she’s had to learn how to cope with taking pours from other professionals.

(( @irielle-firine, @mekandawn ))

[gnomeskillet]

General 1, 7 & 10 for Cay

Where can your Tav be recruited?  Are they first encountered on the Nautiloid, or in the Nautiloid crash region?  Or are they not recruitable until a later act?

I have no idea where I would drop Cay, tbh. Like- probably SOMEWHERE in the crash region, but I cannot figure out a good spot. Maybe Waukeen's Rest or with the fake Tyr guys.

OKAY, I thought about it on the drive to work, and I like Waukeen's Rest. They reached it during the raid and ran into the tavern to help Councilor Florrick and got stuck with her. When you step into the plaza, your tadpoles connect and you get the sense that someone is in the burning building.

Do they have their own personal quest that spans the course of the game?  Can it take different branching paths depending on the choices the Player Character makes?

OH BOY DO THEY EVER. Cay's two main character development quest hubs are the Rosymorn Monastery (obvs) and the Shadowcursed Lands.

Even though it's technically early in the game, Rosymorn is more or less where the player decides whether they get Good End Cay or Bad End Cay, and there are a lot of factors that influence which you get.

The long and short of it is that once it becomes apparent that the Githyanki attacked the monastery to convert it into a creche, Caythaes will get extremely upset. They'll want to avenge the slaughtered Lanthanderians and if Lae'zel is in the party, they'll start a fight. If you let her handle it, she'll be able to talk them down (at least until Vlaakith) but if you intervene or she's not there, you have to pass a high persuasion check to get them to chill.

Or you can side with them and agree that the Githyanki need to be purged. This is the bad end, and they will switch from Knowledge Domain to War Domain and spend the rest of the game angry and aggressive.

The Shadowcursed lands has much less of an impact, but as a cleric of Lathander, they feel it's their duty to help Halsin cleanse the land. Lathander abhors the undead and is diametrically opposed to Shar, so. There will be a bit of conflict with Shadowheart, especially once you get to the Gauntlet. Additionally, once you get to the Thorm family tomb, Cay will recognize the totems to Myrkul and you'll have the opportunity to convert them to a War Domain cleric without triggering the bad end. This doesn't change too much, but they will be a bit more... heroic in their over all demeanor.

Are there any unique NPCs associated with your Tav that can show up during the course of the game?

I like to think that Leon and Pin have a shop in Baldur's Gate that when you visit, they'll be like "OH GOD WE WERE SO WORRIED ABOUT YOU!!!" and Cay can introduce them to their new friends.

[gnomeskillet]

1-11 for the story asks for Cay and Trashmouth both

I WILL ALTERNATE because some are easier for Cay, some are easier for Trashmouth, and also my brain is goo.

How does your Tav advise the player character when it comes to the Dream Visitor?

Cay: I know the most obvious thing to do is blame it on tadpoles, but don't you think it's interesting that it happened right after the artifact activated? I don't think it's a coincidence, and I'm willing to trust that this Dream Visitor really is everything they claim to be. And I have to admit, I am curious to see what the tadpoles can do...

How do they advise the player character on Raphael?

Trashmouth: *sigh* Of course it had to be Raphael... Just ignore him for now, don't let him think that we're desperate. He'll string us along until the last second because he thinks it gives him the upper hand.

How do they react to Astarion biting the Player Character?

Cay: UGH, I'm so envious! Do you think he'll bite me next if I slap my neck and tell him to come get his juice? Or is that weird?

How do they react to the Player Character letting Abdirak whip them?

Cay: Ohh, I wish that was me... How come you always get to have all the fun?

Trashmouth: I'm just glad that for once, it's not me. Was it as awful as it looked?

How do they react to the Player Character taking their first tadpole power?

Cay: Well? How do you feel? What was it like? Do you have another one? You're going to share them, right?

Will they stay with the Player Character regardless of siding with the goblins or the tieflings, or is it possible for them to leave the party permanently?

Cay will stay regardless, though they will disapprove of picking the goblins. Trashmouth, being a tiefling themself, will leave the party permanently if the player sides with the goblins.

What can they be found doing at the tiefling/goblin party? Do they have comments on who the Player Character chooses to spend the night with? 

Trashmouth can be found drunkenly singing and dancing with a bottle of wine in hand. If the PC comes up having chosen someone else for the night, they'll be all toothy grins and eyebrow waggles while making a lot of innuendo. If the PC insinuates they want to spend the night with Trashmouth, they will laugh nervously, make some excuse about needing to pee, then take off into the woods.

Cay hovers near Gale's tent and fidgets. If the PC is spending the night with MOST of the other companions, they congratulate them, wish them a good night, and ask for some of the PC's good luck. If the PC is spending the night with Gale, they'll sigh and give them a sad smile, then look in Gale's direction. "He really is- he's cute, isn't he? I was... I mean, I was kind of- I was hoping I could spend some time with him tonight, but... I guess not..."

If the PC expresses interest in Cay, they startle and blush. "Oh! Like- as a casual thing? Sorry- not that- I mean, you're very attractive, so it's not like I'm saying no, exactly, but I'm not really. Looking. For romance. But I would be happy to- I mean, as long as you understand that it's just casual!"

Do they have unique dialogue if the Player Character lets them die when they steal the Blood of Lathander?

Cay: Give me that mace. Give me that mace right now. I'm- You have a cleric of Lathander in your party, and you just- YOU DID NOT NEED TO DROP THE WHOLE TEMPLE ON ME, I COULD HAVE JUST- GIVE ME THE MACE-!

If you don't give them the Blood of Lathander, they will storm back to camp and refuse to rejoin the party until after one Long Rest. The disapproval hit is massive.

How do they react if the PC licks the dead spider in the Gauntlet of Shar?

Cay: Well.... I've put worse things in my mouth, I'm sure. Still, that's, um.... let me check you for toxins, okay?

What do they say if the PC tries to force them to go up on stage with Dribbles the Clown?

Trashmouth: You have got to be kidding me. There's only room on that stage for one clown, and I don't like to share the spotlight.

[mekandawn]

Utterly losing my mind at the pile of corpses in front of me. Spirit Guardians was the BEST choice of a spell I've ever made. The OTHER half of the pile was killed via Turn Undead since I am a Cleric of the Morninglord.

This is it. This is. Caythaes. My sword even sings!

[mekandawn]

One of the many things that keeps me enthralled with Baldur's Gate is the way that it allows me to really... play Caythaes in a way that is more fulfilling than WoW ever could. There's a sort of... what choices you make in WoW don't really matter, you know? And I kind of understand that in an MMO, there needs to be at least some sort of overall cohesion to the story since there's so many people playing at the same time, but...

*shrugs*

The play between the Tadpoles and the Artifact reminds me of the Void. The constant nudging for more power, the desperate need to steel your mind against a controlling force; if I have the brains/energy, I 100% want to use some of the elements in Caythaes' whole Shadowflame aspect. But the thing that's really got me thinking is-

Astarion is fascinating to me beyond the whole sexy flamboyant vampire bit. He approaches the world in terms of power and control, and as someone who's spent most of his life under the power and control of another, he's desperate for as much of it as he can get his hands on. He wants it, he craves it because he can never, ever be sure that he'll be safe again and GOD but it makes me feel things.

But it also makes me think about how Caythaes views power and control. They're a Blood Elf, one who knows their people's history and relationship with power. It's something that rarely comes up in RP and I've never really known how to incorporate it into my writing, but Caythaes understands ambition. They understand why people reach for power.

They understand the necessity of seizing power by force when times are desperate.

The Blood Knights siphoning the Light from the Naaru. Demon Hunters eating the hearts of demons. The Void Elves' quest to control the Void not just for their safety, but perhaps for the safety of all of Silvermoon. Liches and Necromancers seeking control over Death.

They understand. This is why they treat those others would condemn as monstrous with grace. They see the motivation behind their choices, and they know they're not any better.

Caythaes took on Fate's Shadowflame because they needed to do something, sure, and but. They don't see it as an affliction. There's a reason they refer to what happened as an incident and not an accident. To them, it's power seized and they're not going to let go of it. They just have to figure out exactly how to harness it.

[mekandawn]

HOPE IS MY SPECIALTY AHHHHHHHHHHHH

[mekandawn]

I made Cay in Baldur's Gate 3 and I am sobbing over this abandoned temple to Lathlander, it is everything I want in a temple dedicated to a Sun God, it's so warm and beautiful and it's called Rosymorn-

Bonus Cay being a lil shit to a Scrying Orb that started following them around.

[ultimatewowdursgate]

💭 For Caythaes!

Whenever Kaz thought of Caythaes he couldn't help but cheer up a little.

Cay was probably one of the kindest people Kaz had met and he would always remember fondly one of the first real and deep conversations they'd had.

The one where Cay had been such a good friend and had managed to persuade him to overcome his nervousness and join the tarts.

He honestly felt so grateful, the result had been a turning point in Kaz's life for the better. He only wished he knew how to tell his friend how much they meant to him.

[mekandawn]

THEY

[mekandawn]

We done it!

[mekandawn]

Just some fun shots from last night’s raid feat Terry ( @mremaknu ) stuck staring at Cay’s cleavage.