[[Open]] MANTA Promots and Catch-All

[yuezun]

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!

Comments

[emet_sulk]

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.

[yuezun]

"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."

[emet_sulk]

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?"

[yuezun]

. . .

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

Somehow he manages to say that in a dignified manner.

[emet_sulk]

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?"

[yuezun]

"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."

[emet_sulk]

"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?

[yuezun]

"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."

[emet_sulk]

'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."

[yuezun]

"Take whatever time you need," he answered with a shrug. "The ship is still being readied and will not make it's first voyage for some weeks yet. You have been recommended by Rem Tokimiya. So you will find the invitation open unless you do something to endanger the others on the crew."

[emet_sulk]

The last comment causes him to huff in amusement. No, he doesn't think there'll be any need to harm anyone for the forseeable future. Not unless they intend to harm him first of course.

"I'll be sure to inform you of my decision by the time your ship is ready."

He has a feeling, though, that he'll say yes.