escordvi | [[Open]] MANTA Promots and Catch-All

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[[Open]] MANTA Promots and Catch-All

Who: Dongfang Qingcang and you!
Status: Open
Where: All Over!
What: MANTA Quests and Crew-Related
Warnings: None at current; will update as needed

A Strange Shopping List
Having been convinced by Rem that a ship of their own, set up with the equipment and libraries needed, would be more useful in conducting the research they were interested in, Daqiang has done his own research into how mortals of the world go about acquiring one. There were the usual mentions of sometimes having ships stolen out from under a captain - particularly if a Corsair was boasting about taking a ship previously owned by a Paladin. But the most common consensus was that if you wanted a ship that would match your needs, you should gather appropriate materials and 'offer' them to the God-Beasts.

What sort of materials? Well, besides the usual wood and cloth and such, it seemed that items and components that would have significance or relevance to the ship the God-Beast was creating for you were just as important. As such, Daqiang had inquired with Rem and then Kimmuriel about what they felt was appropriate and came up with a short, but very odd, list: Magitech Items (still determining what sort), Stainless Steel, Black Jade, and one Dragonfly. And since it was so odd, gathering the materials became an exercise in visiting multiple ports for both information and discussions with merchants.

During the first half of December, Daqiang can be found on Elah, Eltrut, Nogard, and Antam speaking (or arguing) with various merchants over the costs of stainless steel, out in the wildlands of the leviathans chasing down rumored veins of black jade. Maybe you've chosen to help him in acquiring the materials and that's why you're knee deep in mud while Daqiang releases yet another dragonfly you caught because it's 'not good enough'.

Recruiting
If you've been invited to join the Raiders of the Lost Arts or have heard the rumors of them recruiting, and have yet to meet the strongest in the Three Realms, the great devil and Moon Supreme, Dongfang Qingcang, well he's not that hard to track down. His inquiries into procuring a ship have made it easy for anyone unfamiliar with him to get pointed his way by most merchants and port authorities.

On Nogaurd he is easiest to find onboard the Stormbringer as he still has a cabin there. If he's not immediately available, go ahead and hang out with Deathstar, the large, black, warrior cat that Daqiang took on as a 'servant' but whom gets treated more like minor royalty himself. He's very friendly and affectionate and would enjoy a shoulder ride even if he's too big for shoulders in question.

On Elah or Eltrut, he is largely keeping to the merchant quarters and around midday, you're certain to find him enjoying a meal at a private table set up where he can watch the various mortals walk by. He's the perpetually grumpy one dressed like he just walked out of a royal court.

MANTA quests TBA and Linked from Comments
Bite-Sized Blessings (General)
Fey Fighters (General)
Picture of Dorina Grey (General)
Magitech Madness (General)
Coins of the Crescent (Corsairs)
A Steamy Winter's Heist (Corsairs)
Poke 'N Prance (Corsairs)
Untitled Goose Bounty 2 (Bounty)

Wildcard
If the non-quest prompts aren't catching your fancy and the quest prompts aren't what you want either, feel free to put up something else and we'll go!

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Emet-Selch has seen his fair share of instruments from around the Source and beyond. Music is not his particular passion but he has an appreciation for those who indulge in it, as he does for all who put their soul into the arts.

Thus, the zither which this young-looking man plays is not unfamiliar to him. Of course, nothing is exactly the same across cultures let alone across worlds, but there are only so many ways one can design a stringed instrument. Emet-Selch pauses to listen to them play. Or rather, rehearse? They seem a little hesitant despite their calm demeanour.

He waits for an appropriate lull before approaching.

"Out of practice?"

Daqiang's eyes lift to take in the immortal choosing to speak with him. What would have been an odd-looking fellow back in his world - such short hair! - was about as common as the wind in this one. The stalk of white hair would have spoken of either great age or having had part of his power lost or drained at some point. It was difficult to tell what it meant when the man was certainly from another world entirely.

He inclined his head with a hum and then replied in a bored tone, "It has been many thousands of years since this venerable one had reason to play."

Daqiang allowed his fingers to rest on the strings a moment longer before pinching a single one to pluck it and test the sound. A beautiful, robust note that hung in the air.

He waits for the sound to dissipate. A beautiful note, although it would be more beautiful in symphony.

Emet-Selch has no means of discerning the other man's age until they give it away themselves. His eyebrow lifts in surprise and his manner changes slightly. Perhaps less acerbic and more respectful?

"Too busy with other pasttimes, hmm? Or did you grow bored of the instrument?"

"There was no purpose in continuing," Daqiang replied, tone unfaltering. "There is no place for idle music in war."

The drums for marching or calling lightning as punishment were a far different matter than a zither meant to be played solely for enjoyment.

"But there is no war now. Here," he went on to say, half to himself, "And a spell that is useful."

A purpose in learning.

"What have you chosen to learn?"

"Me?"

Emet-Selch hadn't stopped with the intent to learn anything but one of the two bards is approaching him now, all smiles, to ask what instrument he's interested in.

He hesitates. Then, almost reluctantly, requests a small harp. Like one a travelling minstrel might play.

Ah. It seems the other man had not yet chosen when he stopped to speak with Daqiang. Perhaps he had been looking for suggestions.

"This venerable one has not seen such an instrument before," he said after Emet-Selch had been given the small harp to practice with before the lessons began in earnest. "Is it common in your world?"

"...Somewhat, I suppose. There is no shortage of bards about."

He randomly plucks one of the strings. His fingers aren't slender, like his old friend's used to be. His fingers are thicker and clumsier, made for gripping a staff or holding a weapon. He doesn't think he could ever match the beautiful songs they used to play.

"'Tis called a harp. This is one used by travellers."

"Have you played it before?" He asked, using the conversation as a reason to delay returning his hands to his own instrument.

"No. But a friend did once. A long time ago."

Soft laughter echoes in distant memory but it doesn't help him find the right strings. He knows how to read music at least but a string instrument does not come with the conveniece of black and white keys. And although he knows no shortage of songs, he hasn't the first clue how to play them.

As such, there is a round of dubiously tuneful plucking as he tries to match the sound to memory. It has the makings of a tune. The promise of one, just out of reach.

Well, if Emet hadn't already admitted to not knowing how to play, his attempt to do so certainly made his lack of skill very clear. He would certainly need the instruction being offered by the bards.

Daqiang returned his focus to his instrument. Took a breath and set his fingers to the silk cords. The tune he played was not so much a song as a scale run disguised as a tune. A means of ensuring every cord was played at least once and the fingers forced to stretch to pluck or slide along strings as needed.

When he finished, he laid both hands on the strings to still them. It was not as fast as he had once played it, but for his first return to the instrument, it served well enough to remind his fingers of what they once knew.

His tutelage is more thorough than he expects. He had thought to simply be shown the notes that each string corresponds to but they also give him advice on how to really play the instrument. Given a half hour, Emet-Selch's play markedly improves to the point where he can play a simple tune with some confidence.

Most people would show excitement at this point. The Ascian instead looks pensive. He wishes his friend were here to listen.

"What spell are you seeking to learn?" he asked as they both came to the end of their respective tunes and the Bards had moved on temporarily to help others with their fingerings and timing. "Now that you have a song to tie it to, they will teach you a spell. This venerable one has seen that the fireworks one is very popular among the younger mortals."

"I hadn't intended to stop and learn anything..."

Then again, he thinks, this is the only way he can keep his friend's memory alive now. If the offer is being freely made, then--

"What spells are they teaching?"

"Mostly insulting parlor tricks," he answered, leaning his chin on one hand. "Forcing someone to like, making them stand on their heads, giving them hiccups... and the popular fireworks effect. But also a short-term sleeping spell."

He frowns to himself. He has no desire to force love between others, incite common parlour tricks, or spout pyrotechnics... A spell to induce sleep, however, could be useful.

"It sounds to me as though there was only ever one choice. Which do you intend to learn?"

He feels as though he can guess.

He plucked a couple strings idly, "As you said. There was only ever one choice."

He huffs in soft agreement. Granted, the last thing he wants to do is put an audience to sleep with his playing but if they're offering the spell for free then who is he to refuse?

"I don't believe I introduced myself: I am known as Emet-Selch."

A belated introduction. This man, however, seems worth keeping an eye on.

"Dongfang Qingcang. Moon Supreme of the Moon Tribe," he returned the introduction with his own. He titled his head and frowned at Emet, more curious now, "Rem Tokimiya has spoken of you."

This Dongfang Qingcang's curiosity is matched by Emet-Selch's own. A tribe which worships the moon? Besides the extravagant title, their careful and measured way of speaking does support the fact that they are an important figure.

But who was this Rem again? Oh, wait - she's the one he keeps running into.

"...The girl with short, black hair and a red capelet? How are the two of you acquainted?"

. . .

"We are," Daqiang clears his throat, "'Quest buddies'."

Somehow he manages to say that in a dignified manner.

Emet-Selch emits a quiet, choked sound. His expression contorts but he quickly schools it back to being impassive. He wonders if this is why Azem and Hythlodaeus would laugh at him.

"...I see. And what gave her cause to mention my name?"

"When we were discussing who might be acceptable to invite to join the crew of the ship we are in the process of acquiring, your name was given among others," he answered with a small shrug, "She did not say why specifically. Only that she judged you to be appropriate, given the purpose of our formation."

"And what is the purpose of your would-be crew?" he asks with a slight frown. Try as he might, he can't fathom what she might deem him suitable for. A crew of mages, perhaps? Necromancers or others who can see the dead?

"Research." Simple and straight forward. Though, given the many, many kinds of research there was... He continued after a moment: "Rem is interested in the origins of the tombstone that was taken from the Ghost Ship which attacked the God-Beasts some weeks ago. It seems to be based in lost and forgotten, or forbidden, magics that are difficult to track. Pursuing it is not likely to be an easy task and while we continue gathering what information we can find on it, there are other mysteries and forgotten and lost magics and artifacts that are not related to the one that may possibly control the rifts. Since that is the case, and we are already planning on traveling and exploring to find clues for the tombstone, there is no reason not to include others who would have an interest in exploring and researching to discover what unknown magics and relics this world has."

'Research', hmm? Emet-Selch's gaze drops to the side as he considers. His death frees him of a great many obligations and he is left bereft of purpose. No need to incite chaos, no need to play the part of ruthless conqueror - he could simply...exist. As he once did so very long ago.

"...You sound rather like adventurers." Do I have it in me to become one again, Azem? "I would like some time to consider."

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yuezun - 2024-02-01 23:15 (UTC) - Expand

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emet_sulk - 2024-02-04 00:59 (UTC) - Expand

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