« mini manta board log: deep dive prep »

[seaboards]

DEEP OCEAN PREPARATIONS

This catchall log is for the special quests listed on the July 2025 MANTA Board regarding the preparations for the upcoming deep ocean trip. Players are free to use the log for non-quest purposes, but only threads related to the quests are worth 12 points.

Although Elah's location has been finalized, the area is still vast, the region filled with stormy waters and waves that only the daring and the foolish ever try to sail through. Countless stories have been built over the decades and centuries depicting this region as a "ship graveyard," a "point of no return." However, they speak of those who try to sail on the stormy currents. What of below?

Preliminary scouting has deemed it both easier yet more dangerous given the native inhabitants of the region, but if Elah is down there then it is up to them to reach the leviathan themselves.

An island in the area has been chosen as a main base for those who plan to venture down into the deep, dark depths of the ocean. Because it is completely uninhabited, structures need to be built and systems installed to help prepare for the dive. This base will also be where preparations for the snail leviathan, Liansa, will take place as similar structures will be needed atop it. However, more work will be needed for the Liansa base as the snail's body is more volcanic in nature. Engineers of all kinds will be highly sought after.

Creating a base of operations is key, both for the "station" island called "Port Hope" and on Liansa. Cooking stations, healing stations, safe campfires and barracks and cabins to sleep through the nights will be essential. However, because of the locations the environments must be taken into consideration. For Port Hope, they need to prepare for the rain and storms that pass through frequently, and the docks and piers need to be sturdy to prevent ships from crashing or snapping loose. The island is also rich in resources, but be wary of any hostile animals that may inhabit it.

Working on Liansa, however, is a bit more difficult. The leviathan is a giant volcanic snail, its shell as tall and large a mountain and is actually part active volcano, lava continuously flowing out from one of the craters that hardens over the shell. Although there are safer areas, the "land" is mostly barren—which makes sense given that the leviathan lives underwater most of the time. However, even so the shell has some enclosed crevices and "domes" that are protected from the water, allowing for some lush green forests that thrive from the fertile soil provided by the volcanic activity and water that is filtered from the ocean. There are several of these pockets scattered around Liansa's shell, and the largest one situated right by her neck is chosen for the base. It's a bit of a climb or flight up there, and the shell itself is hot with ash and volcanic fumes a toxic threat for those who do not equip proper breathing gear or linger too long. Take care while venturing the leviathan's back, for while Liansa is friendly, the creatures and environment that surround it are not necessarily so…

🥽 Deep ocean gear. Although a full working submersible may be out of reach for now, work is being done to try and create both magic and equipment to help with underwater swimming. While most hope they do not have to venture out, there are those who think this is a great opportunity to further explore the ocean depths, be it for treasure, resources, or to interact with the deep ocean folk that are rare to meet (possibly for good reason). It is also good to have safety measures in case something happens to Liansa. Thus creating underwater equipment and machines are underway, with numerous workshops built and resources pouring in.

🔥 Fire sprites. The sentient fire sprites that can be found living in most volcanoes also inhabit Liansa whose shell is like a massive volcano itself. These fire sprites are lively, chatty things that like to tease, surround, and dance around anything and anyone. While they won't deliberately harm anyone, they may get in the way of those trying to establish a base on Liansa and they are a fire hazard. It is said that their cores are powerful but making friends with them might be more advantageous. Just don’t get burned.

💅 Snail serum. There are a fair few out there that want to make the most out of Liansa’s appearance. Snail slime is notorious for being a perfect beauty serum for perfect, glowing and shiny skin. Therefore, there are a lot out there that want a vial (or a bucket) of Liansa’s precious and legendary snail slime. Try and collect it… If you dare get that close.

🐌 Sticky slime. There are smaller volcanic snails that inhabit Liansa's vast shell, and while some may try to use them for the beauty serum, just like the slime from Adoportsag, their slime is a great adhesive. Even better, rather than just "glue," the slime will harden like molten steel, providing an even stronger bond. Just be careful because while their slime is harmless at first, as it hardens it becomes hot and hard like steel.

💎 Obsidian and other precious metals. Because of Liansa's volcanic nature, obsidian is plentiful around her massive shell—if one can extract it from the hardened lava they are found in. Unlike normal obsidian, they are stronger, can be made sharper, and if crushed and refined could be used in building material that can withstand the ocean depths. There are other metals and rocks that could be useful as materials for building and for underwater endeavors. Porous stones that can help filter toxic fumes, lava crystals that if refined could help with regulating temperature both hot and cold, even the ash can find a use.

🪨 Rock chips. It is rumoured that picking up hot volcanic rocks and using them in a hot rock massage can be extremely therapeutic and healing. Start saving those aching and sore muscles by collecting some hot rock chips and giving the massage theory a try. With a massage partner, of course.

⚔️ Hostile creatures. The creatures that inhabit Liansa are mostly fire and metal based as they prefer the safety and heat of the lava the leviathan creates. Used to the threats of the deep ocean creatures, they are not exactly friendly and while they will hide first, they will also attack if provoked or someone is intruding on their territory. Their forms take on slimes, crabs, golems, and other unusual creatures that one may not recognize. It is possible to try and form friendlier connections, at least enough that perhaps they can be used to help with some tasks.

At Baleen's Reach, it was possible to encounter some of the deep ocean folk that inhabited the deeper waters nearby, and a few have made positive connections with them. Returning there to meet them again, or trying to establish contact with those in this particular area will be another objective that organizers want to try and make. If they are able to make allies and have guides to help them, then the journey may run smoother as there is very little known about the deep—especially any dangerous creatures that lurk within. Thus there is a request for anyone who is able and daring enough to reach out to make those connections and gain information. Perhaps there are even friendly creatures that could also help aid in some way.

Port Hope is situated near an underwater cliff drop similar to Baleen's Reach. Some mermaids inhabit the area and will assist those who are experimenting with the new equipment and magic to swim further underwater, but they do warn of the threats the deep ocean holds. Although with the usual time and depth limitations, they will offer transformation magic for those who seek out deep ocean folk or creatures to better understand what they are getting into.

🧜 Deep ocean folk. Perhaps already curious from the strange activity in an area that's usually quiet, some scouts from various deep ocean tribes will make their way upward, or at least as far as they can. These will vary from creatures based off of myths and legends and those similar to the other beastfolk. Players are free to be creative on the kind of folk their characters encounter, and we will be happy to incorporate them in some way either in August or a future event! No real restrictions here, they can be as hostile or as friendly as needed (there will always be varying differences so even if a character meets one that is peaceful, it is always possible another of a different group is hostile; thus there is no worry for conflict).

🦑 Deep ocean creatures. Similarly, although characters will not be able to descend all the way down, they can get far enough to start encountering more deep ocean creatures that live within that "twilight zone," capable of existing in the deep, dark depths but also higher in the surface. Bioluminescent creatures will be more prevalent, and while most will be curious, beware of the predators. There are rumors of a colossal squid, and while a few large ones can be encountered, one may only catch a glimpse of this massive giant… Won't be a problem in the future, right? …Right?

🦪 Resource materials. There are a lot of potential resources at these depths, from the coral to glowing pearls harvested from deep ocean oysters to special algae.

Although a memorial has been constructed in honor of the whales and lives lost and affected by the hunts and crystallization, organizers are asking for "extra" tributes specifically for Elah to help try and convince the leviathan to return. Officials have already started making their own petitions to show their own efforts in reforming the corruption that had run rampant, and the citizens are hoping to lend their own aid. Letters, paintings, music, and food are some common offerings, but anyone can create or perform whatever they think would work best.

One particular tribute that is being collected is a lot of giant shrimp. Capable of growing over ten feet long, these shrimp are just the right snack for a leviathan that is capable of swallowing thousands of them at once. They are quite plentiful in the warm waters that everyone will be situated near, so those willing to try and capture a few won't have to travel too far out of their way. Just be careful trying to catch these large shrimp as while they are not aggressive, their sheer size and tough shells can make them more difficult to catch and subdue, and ships will have to be careful that they are not towed away and dragged under.

Some good news is that at some point closer towards the end of the month, Elah will make brief appearances in the area. Although the leviathan does not stay for long, its sighting brings some relief and hope to those who have been desperately searching. However, although Elah appears, it still maintains its distance and will often disappear back down just as quick as it came. Even so, knowing that they are on the right track has renewed the vigor and spirits of everyone as they continue their efforts.

In the meantime, on an island farther away but still within the warm waters of the region, the Paladins on Elah's island remnant are hard at work in trying to continue recovery efforts from Krahs's attack last month and Liansa's intervention. Although Liansa's lava has helped restore much of the land, there is still much to do to help settle and restore the land so that they can hopefully have it return to Elah's back. Perhaps this is also a way to try and show atonement and proof that they still treasure the land Elah once gave them…

🦐 Shrimp feeding. Perhaps lured by the giant shrimp collected so far, Elah will venture a little closer to those who manage to bring in the giant shrimp. Care must be taken that the shrimp aren't eaten by other creatures before Elah reaches them! Shoo and fend off any giant squid or other large fish that might try to eat them.

🎵 Whale song. Some of the tributes for Elah are musical in nature, and on dark nights some can hear the sad song of Elah's sorrow. Reach out to the leviathan with music, songs, and words of hope, penance, and forgiveness. Perhaps the songs will reach the whales who were impacted by the hunts and will gather to join them.

🔥 Cooling lava. With the freshly molten lava still flowing and creating new patches of land attached to and reinforcing Elah’s island, it is a dangerous and sticky mess. Help the landmass along by using skills and magic to cool the lava down faster so it can at least be walked on, or better yet, built on.

🌱 Replanting. Once the lava has cooled off and turned into fertile earth, the land must be replanted with plants, flowers, trees and grass as soon as possible to help regulate and restore the island. Groups and pairs are given batches of all sorts of seeds and start plants to help plant all over the freshly restored ground. Time to get to work, farmers.

🌊 Clearing waters. With all the commotion, the water surrounding Elah’s island have now become the hot place to be for a lot of dangerous sea life. Piranhas, sharks and man-eating octopi have started to gather nearby in hopes for an easy meal. Help clear the waters by shooing them away or culling what is necessary.

💨 Ashy smoke. The lava has left a cloud of ashy smoke in the air. It billows slowly, littering the sky and the ground with a thin layer of ash and soot. It’s messy and can make it difficult to breathe. Help by clearing away the ash as much as possible. Beware, inhaling too much of the ashen air might leave others feeling drowsy or sick.

If you have any questions, comment here.

Comments

QUESTIONS

[seawarden]

Any questions you might have go here!

Roxas | Kingdom Hearts | Paladin

[seasaltkeys]

[A - Hostile Creatures]

[It's probably fair to say that Roxas isn't looking for the friendlier versions of these creatures. The past while has brought about a lot of feelings that he's still trying to work through. And while there's probably healthier ways of doing that, Roxas is instead focused on fighting them out.

So he's currently up against a large fire crab. He's dug in, keyblades raised in defence as the crab hammers down on him with its large claw. There's probably a few singes on Roxas's face as he waits for an opening.

Or he might need a little help.]

[B - Storms]

[Sometime later, Roxas can be found under an ad hoc shelter. It's really just some rocks leaning on each other in a way that creates an alcove. He's got a few burn marks on his face and arms. It's raining pretty hard otherwise and there's a rumble of thunder every so often.

It looks like he might be stuck here for the duration.]

[C - Planting]

[Roxas is looking at the saplings, almost a little suspiciously.]

So, how much of a hole do we have to dig to get them in the ground?

I probably should have just stuck with the flowers.

[It's a lot easier to sow seeds, after all.]

I've never really done this before.

[D - Ashy Smoke]

[Aero spells seem to be working for this, but they're also a little unpredictable. Either creating shields or little whirlwinds, so a large fan would probably be better. But Roxas doesn't really have that so he's going with his first method. And it's working, more or less.

The ash seems to be clouding around Roxas though, before it disperses into the air. And that's probably drawing it away from others, but not really helping him.

And it might be hard to make out that he's coughing in the midst of that cloud.

Maybe this wasn't the best method. Maybe he needs some help.]

[E - Wildcard]

[Open to other shenanigans and additional plotting can be done at urbaninja]

Storms

[pinksidekicking]

[ A pink otter scrambles into the makeshift shelter with Roxas and the water from the storm just rolls off of her. That's certainly one way to avoid getting soaked, her fur a natural barrier from water.

She pauses when she sees the burn marks on Roxas with a small tilt of her head. ]

Did your healing magic not heal your burns?

storms

[dawnshore]

[ A little bit of water isn't much, but even Riku wants to escape the deluge before lightning decides to strike. There isn't much to divert the element on this mostly barren land.

When he finds an indent in the shell, it's already occupied. They haven't talked much since Riku arrived, but he knows they need to. ]

Mind if I join you?

hostile creatures

[notatyrant]

[Terra wasn't used to the lands being Leviathans yet, he was really excited to go and meet a new one. What will it be like, first of all?! Hot. It's hot.

He's exploring as much as he can when he spots a fire crab seemingly attacking someone?!

Terra runs to help, keyblade being summoned as he does, only to notice the person being attacked is wielding one too!

Seeing an opening, he puts his keyblade in between the crab and the person, and pushes back, distracting the crab long enough to give this person time to breathe. That's when he looks at them closely and realizes, hey it's Roxas!]

Are you alright?

OTA || Professor Turo | Pokémon Violet | Paladin

[fractales]

Deep Ocean Preparation
Deep Ocean Gear & Base Prep
I
[There would be various magitech energy shield shelters set up, equipped with what was essentially air conditioning along with plenty of water and goods to help those that felt far too overheated from the work. Foods and juices to even help rehydrate could be found within.

Turo was even setting up another one-]

Would you mind holding this? I need to unfold the portable ice box to keep this cooled off.

[Someone didn't want others pushing themselves working so close to... well. Obvious heat sources without a cool place to retreat to.]

II
[With something of a work table set up, there were various plans and some scattered blueprints there, Turo steadily drawing something up-]

It would not hurt to have something for those going deep to use if the pressure gets to them- to help acclimate even on the return. Even if we simply build a room to keep them in until adjusted.

[No one wants The Bends.]

III
[There were still those blueprints and schematics scattered over the work surface Turo occupied, but there were now tools there as well, along with some of the parts needed- or being worked on.

A few sparks came off the metal frame that Turo was currently putting together of something that would have quite a few limbs, and hanging to the side were 'casings' drying off, prepped and shaped to almost look like odd tentacles that would slide over what he was working on-]

It would be helpful to allow this the ability to swim along with who would need it... right?

[Looking over a few runes he was engraving then into certain pieces of metal to help connect things.]

Obsidian & more 💎
[Turo made a point of going out along Liansa's shell when he heard that the collection of various material was being allowed. Careful as he stepped and- well, wearing the proper breathing gear due to toxic fumes. Lab coat tied around his waist and clearly in the body suit he had arrived in; it was made to regulate and protect against most things after all, and would do.

What some may not expect is watching Turo crouched down, digging through hardened lava as if it were mud with a metal spoon. Each piece of obsidian he managed to extract placed within a bucket that was at least heat treated so it could withstand the heat.]

Careful, there is a sudden dip that is not easy to spot where you are walking.

[Those more porous stones were being gathered as well, lava crystals more carefully wrapped before being placed into a different bucket just for... extra safety.

Turo has been doing well for himself in his collecting.]

Sticky Slime 🐌
[Of course there was interest in the slime, the properties had- and the potential there was on what could be made in mixing it with other things like the water proof resin he had been collecting; using for other things.

Kneeled down as he-]

Easy does it, I appreciate your patience.

[-was very carefully collecting it in whatever spare jars he had on him, speaking with the snails as he worked.]


Port Hope; Underwater
Deep Ocean Folk 🧜🏽‍♀️
[Turo had taken up the offer of transformation, his tail rather large and long; to him he resembled a pokémon's own that he was familiar with, even if some of the blue looked far more like a glimmering rainbow aura crystal. Still, the change served its purpose well-

He was stopped, speaking with one of a few mer that were all larger than him. There was some surprising familiarity there-]

I did not expect to run into any of you here, but I am glad to hear the medicine worked well—

[-there was a much, much larger one further below them that was listening as well, sending a smaller back and fourth to rely words. It only visible due to the glow along its body showing it was purposeful in being seen with those smaller.]

Resource Materials 🦪
[There was a bag floating around Turo, kept close by the strap of it that went across his body rather than simply hanging onto his shoulder. Something rather colorful darting around and around before diving down only to come back up- stopping just in front of Turo carefully collecting some algae.

He held his hand out as the creature dropped a decently sized glowing pearl into his hand, clapping 'paws' before it went back to zipping about. Turo watching it with a bit of amusement.]

Oh yes, thank you. I appreciate the help.

[Like someone mixed a dog, an otter, and a fish....]


Wildcard! 🃏
[Bring your very own starter, or remix any of the above to suit whatever shenanigans come to mind! Feel free to PM or hit me up in the game's Discord if you want to run something by me first.]

[menaceunleashed]

[For his own reasons, Ganondorf seeks some of the metals, and while he could send a puppet or even his crew to do this work for him...apparently, he feels the need to put forth the effort himself.

Though. He does pause at the sight of a - somewhat familiar man - treating the heat as though it were nothing. Even Ganondorf feels it, though his magic protects him, some; to say nothing of his life in the desert. Still, while the desert is hot, it is not...this.]

...Professor Turo.

[His voice is muffled, some, from the fabric wrapped around his face - his own 'protective' breathing gear - but it, like his frame?

Unmistakable.]

deep ocean prep ii

[kitsunami]

[ kit, for his part, isn't being much help at all. of course, he and surge have been wandering around in part because they were told people needed help, but the help they need here seems to be less about destroying enemies and more about building friends. that? that's something the two of them don't have too much experience in.

splitting up, they've agreed to meet up at their spot later in the day, or seek each other out if they find anything particularly interesting. in the meantime, kit is just kind of... wandering around.

turo might feel it too, a presence peering over his shoulder and watching him as he draws out his blueprint. ]

...

[ just watchin. ]

Deep Ocean Gear & Base Prep I

[notatyrant]

O-oh, sure.

[Terra isn't the kind of guy who can build much besides a killer ice cream, but seeing how everyone is helping make this mission a success, he wants to help. He follows the professor around a bit, doing anything he can.

Even if it means holding stuff that needs to be cooled.]

Are you accustomed to these kinds of exploration?

underwater resource materials

[ramuhs]

[Not wanting to risk too many variables, Cid will have transformed to swim underwater while testing out one of his newest devices that is currently strapped to his back. Of course it looks a bit odd, its octopus shape clear with the tentacles folded in like an arrow.]

Ah, Turo. I see you're down here as well. Find anything interesting?

[He will also look at the odd creature with some curiosity.]

Preparation I

[bardische]

[ Basch hasn't quite known what to do with himself since arriving. He's as a soldier, and has more or less been following orders for twenty years. More, most likely, given his personality.

So the moment volunteers are needed for manual labor and support of bigger agendas, he's happy to help. Relieved, even, like his canted world rights itself a little.

He was never a magic user, and hardly a theorist. He knows from the last world that sucked him in that a huge breadth of technology exists that didn't on his world. It's still overwhelming to try to process, so he watches intently as he assists. ]

Are these standard here?

Deep Ocean Prep 3

[emet_sulk]

[ Emet-Selch has come over to glance at Turo's progress and maybe exchange more ideas. He gives the frames a quizzical look, then the tentacle-esque sleeves. ]

I don't disagree, but why have you chosen a cephalopod as the basis for your design?

Sherlock Holmes | remains of Elah's Island

[astudyinviolet]

Music for Elah

[ Sherlock still has a number of complex emotions relating to this whole thing. Trust broken is not easily restored. However, he recognizes enough that this cannot continue if only for the sake of those who lived upon Elah. Sherlock may not fully trust the Paladins or Elah anymore, but they do. He will defer the decision to them. He is not the one who lived on Elah and near the Paladin headquarters.

He cannot help with many of the other tasks. His fear of water and tendency to black out once submerged would only cause more problems than be of any aid. Thus on the remains of Elah's island, Sherlock plays his violin. He performs well, perhaps to the surprise of those who have only heard his random scrapings.

Whether caught before, in the middle, or after a performance (of which he plans to do a few throughout the day), Sherlock will be available to talk and see if any whales cared for it. ]

Ashy smoke

[ Well, this is familiar. The ash in the air, falling upon everything, soot stained areas... it's perhaps the closest to London this world has ever felt. The appearance, the burn in the lungs, even the smell to a degree was like a cold winter's night back home.

However, like when he was disguised as a maid named Mary, Sherlock isn't really helping cleaning the ash. No, he's gathering samples to look under a microscope later. The closest thing he's doing to cleaning is brushing the ash into a container or sending some of it flying after a cough or two.

He could use a reminder of what he should actually be doing... ]

Wildcard

[ Want to do something else? Write a prompt or drop me a line at Sherry's journal, aviekokyre, or on Discord @ aviekokyre and we can plot something out. ]

Music

[planetwhisperer]

[Aerith followed the sound of a violin being played until she found Sherlock. She listened from afar so not to disturb him. To her the song was very beautiful and his playing was very heart-felt and moving. It would be impossible not to appreciate it.

She waited until he finished the song and lowered his instrument before clapping gratefully.]

That was beautiful.

music music music

[mwehehe]

[Regardless of her affiliation of being a corsair, she's still finding her way over to Elah to help and gather some info on the supposed thief that was making the rounds, but some music catches her ear. Following it brings her to Sherlock, who thankfully seems to be himself and not holding the soul of a foxkid (this time).

Well, she wanted a break anyway, so she'll plop herself down and listen, scrolling the Shellphone for anything else she might be able to find while he plays. Once he's done, not even looking up from her phone:]

Y-you're pretty good. Out h-here to think? [Call it... Mycroft's caring instincts (hahaha) but she does mean it when she says it.]

Cidolfus Telamon | Final Fantasy XVI | Corsair

[ramuhs]

⚡ i. tinkering around

[Cid is going to be coming and going between his own personal workshop and the stations constructed at Port Hope and Liansa. For more collaborative efforts and when needing the resources he'll be around the new areas, but when he needs some more privacy and space he'll be at his workshop in Nogard. As to what he's going to be up to, here are a few options:

1) Swim gear. featuring aquabreathers, temperature regulation systems, and emergency bubble.

While magical transformations would be the easiest, never hurts to have alternatives—or at least have something to wear should the transformation wear off sooner than it should. While the diving suits are still in the prototype stage and not available for public testing just yet, he has other equipment that are just as important to test, especially if anyone else is developing swimming wear.

There are some aquabreathers and head gear to try. They are both attached to devices that provide fresh air. Rather than huge oxygen tanks, they are packs worn against the body and use a system of various magic crystals, from air crystals that directly supply oxygen to an assortment of water air crystals to convert the water around them into air. The air crystals alone are guaranteed, the conversion process is very experimental. Anyone trying those will have the pure air ones as backup.

Similarly, he is testing temperature regulation systems that could be implemented directly to swimwear or a small device worn around their arm or back, and it will change the temperature of the water around them.

Finally, Cid is also testing a device or function that will create an emergency bubble in case everything fails. It won't last forever, a few minutes at most right now, but he hopes to fine tune it with more testing.

2) Turtle propulsion. Thanks to Garrus, Cid had some preliminary diagrams on a handheld underwater propulsion device, and he took that and created something similar—but in the shape of a sea turtle. It is mostly mechanical, running on an engine that after the initial wind up will use the water current to keep going. Although the user will have to help a bit with occasional kicking, the engine can help pull the diver further and at a decent clip. There is another way to fuel it, and that is through a system he designed using magic crystals. This will give a bit of extra boost and acts as a fail safe should something happen to the engine. The eyes will produce light though it's a bit limited in range. Some other features he's trying to include is another emergency bubble as well as some defensive shield and barriers. Other ideas are invisibility and electrical wards to help keep evade and stun threats.

3) Other devices. Similar to the turtle propulsion device, Cid has designed and is working on other devices that could be used underwater. A faster propulsion device without any special design, a crab based device to help a swimmer climb up and down walls, and an octopus where its tentacles could be used to reach into small crevices to investigate and retrieve items.

Anyone interested in testing these out can do so with or without Cid! Other ways is to report findings with suggestions so Cid can continue to improve. Others can also assist in building or tweaking designs.]

⚡ ii. construction efforts

[Along with working on the underwater devices, Cid has already come up with a few construction machines that would be useful either on the base or for Elah. He's taken some farming equipment found on a previous venture and have since improved them as well.

1) Dig dig dig. A handheld rotary excavator that after a little wind up will shovel into the ground to scoop out the dirt and keep going for several feet. It might look a little strange with the several scoops that spin around, but it works! If a little messy if not careful.

2) Replanting. Although he won't be there long, he will go to Elah to try and assist with some of the replanting efforts. Plus it's a great way to test these machines.]

This seed spreader should help cut through the ground and plant the seeds faster. Just mark the line with a rope, connect it to this ring here, load up the seeds there, and flip this lever and off she'll go on her own. Of course if you don't need rows then no need for the rope.

Just, uh, don't overdo it with the seeds.

[He leans in close with a wry grin.]

Get too full and she'll throw a tantrum and just spray them every which way.

⚡ iii. looking around liansa

[The new resources on Liansa have definitely taken Cid's interest, so he'll be rooting around, even using his air breathers as a test to see if they can also work outside of the water. Might help with the toxic fumes at least!

1) Peaceful(?) gathering route. While he's looking into the various rocks and minerals, he is most interested in those snails with the metallic slime. Would be great for soldering! So some may find Cid carefully picking up the snails and putting them in a container, which is filled with nice soil and leaves for them to munch on. Now if only they weren't in hard to reach crevices and hopefully don't have hostile creatures around. Cid may also be taking his infamous "shortcuts" so who knows where that may lead.

2) Not so peaceful gathering route. Of course, since he's out there on Liansa's shell, he's bound to run into some of the more hostile creatures. Occasional sparks of lightning may be heard if he has to fight, but...]

Run! Out of the way!!

[Whoever is unfortunate enough to be in the same area as Cid in this moment will see him running—no, flying?—towards them shouting, a large lava boulder rolling behind him. And they just had to be on a slope. Really Cid could have just flown off easily, but having noticed other people around WELL he can't just abandon without warning so. There's the warning.

Where the boulder came from, the grating laughter of what look to be some kind of imps or goblins higher up the slope could be a clue.]

⚡ wildcard

[All other prompts including other MANTA board things are open! Feel free to hit me up on his cr meme comment, discord, or laenavesse]

liansa - a peaceful route turning not-so-peaceful later is fine by me!

[planetwhisperer]

[Aerith may have gotten a little lost herself along the way. On the plus side, she spotted Cid gathering snails as she tried to go around a blocked pathway and began to head in his direction to see what he was up to. And if he knew a good way to get back on track.]

Hello! Can you help me? [She smiled at him as she approached. Then she saw his little jars of snails.] Are you taking them home with you? You've got the right kind of food for them in there, right?

Aerith | FFVII | Paladin | OTA

[planetwhisperer]

Fire Sprites 🔥

Aww, they're cute.

[Aerith pointed out the fire sprites that were headed towards her and whoever else was nearby. She kept her hand out as one of them got close enough to get a good look, and then it happily hopped on top of her hand and began to dance around. Fortunately, it seemed not to burn her even as it pranced around.

Maybe she would make a good negotiator for befriending the little sprites and keeping them out of harm's way. She giggled merrily.]

It kind of tickles. Oh, but be careful! It's really hot. If you don't have any fire protection I'd keep your hands to yourself.

Hostile Creatures ⚔️

I really wish I had some Ice spells!

[It was a constant thorn in her side lately as it seemed there were an abundance of fire elementals to contend with. Considering she was on a giant volcano snail, it made plenty of sense. It just didn't do her any good to know it and still not have any spells for it! Thankfully, she did have Fire-Elemental equipped in her armor so the heat wasn't bothering her so much and despite some close calls, she wasn't burnt to a crisp. Yet.

She dodged out of the way of a monster attack from a large crustacean looking creature. It was faster than it looked, but fortunately easy to predict. Its massive claw swiped right past her.]

I swear I didn't mean to startle you! I was just looking for the ingredients the others asked for!

[Sadly, the crustacean didn't seem to care.]

Whale Song 🎵

[Taking breaks away from the fiery leviathan was important, too. She still had work to do to help on this broken island so it was less of a break from tasks and more a breath of fresh, cooler air.

At night though she could hear the aching song of the whale leviathan not too far away. It broke her heart. She knew that feeling too well. She also knew a song or two that blended melancholy and hope together. She wasn't used to singing for an audience so she typically went somewhere alone to reach out to the whale, but that didn't mean she couldn't be found by the sound of her song.]

Replanting 🌱

[During the day she showed no signs of that melancholy, only dutiful diligence as she worked with a warm smile. She really loved plants so that was the best way for her to help out here. It was much more relaxing and a forgiving type of work.

Her hands were constantly dirty from ending up replacing the dirt around various flowers and tree saplings with her bare hands instead of using tools or gloves. She didn't mind, she enjoyed the texture and it gave her more freedom and was easier to be gentle that way.]

There you go, little sapling. You'll grow big and strong one day, and you'll help keep this land from cracking apart, won't you?

Wildcard

[[Anything else you'd like to do. She loves to be helpful so will do her best to do a lot. If you'd like to contact me, you can reach me at aisuyoukai on whichever platform you prefer.]]

Hostile Creatures

[tilfrosset]

[Did someone wish for ice spells?

One can't do any better than Shiva herself, though here, she comes in the form of one pale-haired human woman who sees someone in trouble. The woman is a complete stranger to her, but she wouldn't be the first person Jill doesn't know that gets her help and she certainly won't be the last.

The Dominant of Ice is just too soft-hearted to turn her back on those in need. Thus, she casts an icy barrier between the creature and the human, thick enough that the angry claw bounces off of it, but not enough that it won't inevitably melt in the surrounding heat.]

It won't hold for long...

Erichthonios | Final Fantasy XIV | Paladin

[beshackled]

On Liansa

I. Fire Sprites

[Still much in the process of learning about the lands, the arrival of a new leviathan and the opportunity for learning piques Erichthonios' interest. And while crafting and engineering are not quite his forte, interacting and placating dangerous creatures is. Thus is he perfectly comfortable in approaching the fire sprites that hover too closely to the construction in progress.

To his relief, they are not hostile, but rather gregarious sorts, and while he himself is an introverted man, he is happy enough to be a distraction for them whilst the others work their crafts. He waves them off, motioning for them to follow, displaying interest and occasionally moving the sleeves of his ample robes out of the way as they dance about him.

As for how others may react to encounter a man surrounded by sentient fire that darts around him in a close and teasing manner, who is to say?]


On Elah's Island

II. Whalesong

[In the still of night, Erichthonios sits in his dark robes, a white robed poppet standing at his side as he gazes over the darkened horizon with eyes aglow as a setting sun.

For now the attacks have been stilled, and the night is quiet, save for the soft notes that rise from waters deep; the mournful vocalizations of the missing leviathan. Elah's song of sorrow.

For a time and at length he listens. He does his best to understand.

He has not the vocal chords of a whale, and nor is he able to create a whale here to return the song in proper. But, he has a voice.]

...My friend. If you were here, I wonder what you would think a fitting reply?

[It is not clear who he may be talking to. He doesn't seem to be facing anyone.]


III. Cooling lava

[While not as showy as his magicks when transformed, Erichthonios has opted to utilize his cold spell in order to hasten the cooling of the lava. The collection of aether shining like a vibrating gem in the air might attract attention, but on the approach of man or beast, Erichthonios will quietly raise his voice to caution them.]

Pray wait a moment, if you will.

[The strength of the vibrations increasing rapidly, the gem soon shatters, blanketing the area with ice-aspected energies, cooling the ground -- and anyone or anything that happens to be standing upon it.]


IV. Clearing Waters

[Again at the water's edge, Erichthonios gazes with crimson eyes the predatory creatures swimming below.]

'Tis likely they were drawn here from the presence of blood in the waters. I don't know if adding yet more blood by culling them would be the wisest course of actions. Nevertheless...

[He lowers his head, staring the creatures down intently.]

If you try to bring me harm, know that you're also edible.

[He sees you, octopus. He sees you acting like you are thinking about it.]

II :3

[weenwoon]

Erichthonios is a grown man, of course, and by all accounts a warden of the Pandaemonium can look after himself. Still, Hythlodaeus does make a point of occasionally keeping an eye on him: he feels a sense of responsibility for someone else from their world, and he knows that Hades would be worried too if anything happened to Erichthonios.

Besides, Hythlodaeus is drawn to the whalesong, too. He's used to working with creations, but reviewing their concepts is one thing; seeing them in their full, living glory is another.

He steps closer softly. He has no idea who the friend Erichthonios refers to is: Elidibus, perhaps, given the existence of that poppet? (Hythlodaeus is still so curious about that.) But he can offer his own answer.

"Must there needs be a reply? A singer seeks not only an audience, but to express their feelings. Mayhap all we should do is listen."

He sits down next to Erichthonios, gazing into the fading dusk.

Emet-Selch | Final Fantasy XIV | Paladin

[emet_sulk]

1. Preparing a Base (This is the same as prompt 4 in his open log.)

As one of few innovators and inventors amongst the otherworlders, Emet-Selch is well-equipped to do something to help establish a new base on Liansa. He has the resources, connections, and more importantly, the knowledge of how to guide technology towards making something possible. Underwater exploration is something he had written off earlier, but it seems that events are now demanding its acceleration.

"You need to understand that the pressure of the depths of the ocean will crush your organs," he tries explaining patiently to an overly enthusiastic understudy from the Forge. They and a few other workers - both senior and junior - had come to help with Liansa's development. "'Tis far, far riskier to venture into the ocean depths than it is to fly beyond the firmament. This star is not ready to do either just yet."

Are you on Liansa to help as well? His team are trying to establish a remote workshop of sorts (maybe temporary, maybe permanent; who knows?) to help with the larger effort.

2. Not Quite Stardew Valley

When not helping at the temporary workshop, Emet-Selch ventures out to see what natural resources they can make use of. Fire sprite cores and lava crystals are always useful and he marks their locations on a piece of paper which seems to be magically filling itself in as he walks. You know, like an RPG map. The obsidian deposits are even more precious - he crouches down to inspect one, oblivious to an aggressive fire sprite which has spotted him and is making its way over, spitting white-hot sparks as it goes.

3. Down Where It's Wetter

Even though his home has long since become lost in a deep ocean trench, Emet-Selch still finds it a little unnerving to decsend into the gloomy ocean depths. His dark tentacles propel him smoothly through the water while his own magicks keep the salt out of his eyes and air in his lungs. For the sake of navigation, he is following a rocky ocean shelf downwards, but besides interesting seaweed formations and small aquatic life, he has yet to encounter more sapient species.

He knows they're around though. He can see their souls glittering in the dark, even if their physical forms are hidden. But will they be friend or foe...?

4. Wildcard

Happy to do any of the more slice of life prompts as well! Feel free to DM or poke me at ch1ps0h0y.

Not Quite Stardew Valley

[tilfrosset]

The man may be oblivious, but Jill's not. She's been paying rapt attention at every spark and flame on Liansa, not only because she isn't too keen on volcanoes, but also it seems this little exploration trip requires more use of her magic than usual.

Case in point: she notices the sprite creeping along, looking rather hostile as anything flame-based does. The gentleman seems to be far too deep into his study of the deposit to realize the oncoming danger that Jill makes the split second decision to cast a small ice barrier to stop the creature making a beeline for him. It's just enough to throw it off path, but not enough to stop the sprite from going around.

"You may wish to be more careful in the future," Jill warns outloud, calling upon Shiva's grace once more for the creation of another hurdle.

Espio the Chameleon | Sonic the Hedgehog | Paladin

[stealthpun]

i. whale song

[While technically he can sing, Espio prefers to focus on his mastery of the shamisen. In this instance, he's sitting on a stone with his legs crossed, instrument in his hands as he gazes out into the ocean.

And he plays.

Hopefully the sentiment will be accounted for. Accepting responsibility, forgiveness. Things he knows all too well.

Things he himself still must repent for, that he can relate to.]


ii. replanting

Space those out. When they grow, they will want to be greedy, so best ensure none of these grow too close together.

[Gardening is something that still takes him back. An old practice learned from even an early age, which has led to both a competition and necessity. Vegetables, fruits, flowers just for the sake of it -- he's done it all at this point.

So he has no problem getting down and dirty himself, aiming to lead by example.]


iii. clearing waters & cooling lava

[Whether it is by making sure the air is cleared of ash or helping the lava solidify into stone, Espio is out to work. Fingers align into a mudra, index and middle fingers pressed together as the chameleon summons gusts of wind. It is draining, bitter work but it is essential.

And there does come to a point where he stops and closes his eyes, shaking his head clear. Whether he is tired or weary from the unclean air, he makes no effort to announce it.

If anything, Espio just gets right back to it, hands working and focus returning to bring the wind to his command.]


iv. wildcard

[make your own prompt i aint the boss of you!]

iii

[menaceunleashed]

[Hey, you know what some people pay good money for?

And while Ganondorf is just as content taking money as, well, taking money - all to fund the ship, of course - he does at least make a cursory effort, at times, not to bite off more than he can easily chew. The challenge he seeks here is mostly for the crew; seeing them earn their wages. Making sure their skills meet his satisfaction.

...it was so much easier to just conjure monsters out of thin air. Sigh.

Either way, The Desert Wind and its Scourge settle in to land nearby to Espio before too long, a raucous din coming from its deck over their latest kills.

Care to take a closer look?]

closed to aranea.

[garudas]

[Her boat would be fine. Perfectly fine. That is what she had told her husband and now keeps telling herself as she and Aranea venture out into the ocean to find these wondrous shrimps. Funny how after speaking of it, it had somehow come to be... though she is not so surprised that they exist. Surely Elah and the other Leviathans had to eat something big enough to fill their stomachs? And even then, it would no doubt take hundreds, if not thousands, of them to satisfy a whale of that size.

Perhaps they could catch not one but several of them to bring back to Port Hope. Yet she cannot shake off Cidolfus's voice in her head, and the bickering that they had done before she'd stormed out in a huff to the port to meet the other woman.

And now here they are.

She looks out to the water, pipe in one hand as the other grips the sheet, as she slows her winds. At least they didn't have to travel too far... Perhaps this is why Elah is hanging around here.]

They said that we should find them in this area. Though how does one lure an enormous shrimp out of the water...?

[draganea]

[Still preferring flying, Aranea leans casually over the railing as she stares out towards the open water, humming a bit.]

I looked into it. Dead fish especially shredded will attract them and either use a large net or have a spear strong enough to pierce the carapace. My question is...

[She looks at the yacht. It's a fine boat, sure, but...]

...Will this boat handle more than one?

Faris Scherwiz | Corsair | OTA

[moremystyle]

Fire sprites

[So here's the thing: Faris is the chosen of the Fire Crystal. As in the Fire Crystal blessed him specifically for his courage and was born anew from his own sense of the stuff.

That's his guess for why he's surrounded by a veritable cloud of fire sprites, dancing around him and chattering eagerly, and frankly getting in the way of his efforts to pick some of the citrusy fruits from the tress in one of the island's odd little oases.]

Now hold up there--[he grimaces as he grabs an orange, which immediately starts smoking and turning black.]--I've heard of grilled fruit, but this is a bit much!

Igneous rock

[Faris doesn't remember either Xezat or Cid mentioning volcanic rocks as a part of the submarines they'd built, and maybe he'll do that when he gets back... for Cid, of course.

But in the meantime he's focused on work. If someone who knew Faris well saw him, they'd immediately notice that he's got more exposed than usual--his coat's off, his arms are bare, and his hair is hiked up in a particularly high tail to keep it off the back of his neck. Breaking open rocks with a hammer on the back of an excessively volcanic snail is hot work.

He's working on a stubborn chunk of basalt that's got some of the valuable obsidian in it when he spots someone else.]

Ahoy there! Interested in a spot of light quarrying and masonry?

Nantucket shrimpride

[Faris has fought on the high seas before, typically when creatures from the briny depths invade the deck and he and his mates have to drive them back into the waves. It's a known hazard of seafaring--but this is the first time he's been a hazard to the sea life himself.

Well, sort of. He's not doing anything to the shrimp himself, he's just trying to heard them to a spot where a city-sized whale can eat them. Frankly he was goggling when one of Elah's locals told them that the great beast could eat thousands of 'em in a gulp--just one of the buggers could feed a whole crew!

Faris has borrowed a sailing dinghy to bait them towards the catchment area. He's not sure what shrimp eat, having gotten about ten different answers from local fisherfolk, so he's got... about ten different things. Fish guts, seaweed, stale loaves of bread, you name it.]

--Right, well, 'tisn't the most glamorous of voyages. But the sooner we get to it, the sooner we'll have a treat to get Elah back to the island.

Fire Sprites

[pinksidekicking]

[ Nimona's ears prick up upon hearing a familiar voice. Looking around sure enough reveals Faris in the distance surrounded by fire sprites. A lot of people have been returning lately - most of them without memories of this place. It kinda sucks, not being remembered but she's been determined to remake friends with people she knew before.

So she approaches to look at the very toasted fruit. ]

Hmm, yummy. I always enjoy the taste of ash. Maybe you can ask if they'll just lightly toast one for you. You might get something edible that way.

eizen | tales of berseria | corsair

[verboaten]

a. fire sprite.

[it makes sense that elemental beings would be drawn to other such beings. maybe the little fire sprites sensed the kindred energy a malak possesses, or maybe they felt that earthly energy radiating off eizen and wanted to interact with this unfamiliar sort of spirit.

whatever the reason, one fire sprite curiously approached the pirate. a bit of interaction later and the two ended up engaged a little game: eizen creates rocks of increasing size and sturdiness, while the spirit tries to turn it molten. the grin on eizen's face and the energetic dancing the sprite does every so often indicates both are having a pretty fun time of it.]

b. obsidian.

[how can one ever resist the chance to explore a volcano filled to the brim with rocks and minerals? eizen sure can't. the quality of resources produced by a volcano is practically unrivaled. take, for example, obsidian. volcanoes create it and it can then be used in numerous ways. the higher the quality, the--

speaking of quality, one slab of obsidian in the ground catches eizen's attention.]

This obsidian-- [he rushes over and couches down next to it. his fingers gently touch the glossy surface.] Its quality is sublime. Even obsidian formed closer to lava vents tends to not be of this caliber. It has virtually no impurities. And this sheen!! [somehow his expression lights up all the more.] Its silica content has to be high, if not higher than average. Since it still is more of a glass than a rock, the devitrification processes is still in the early stages, meaning its age is relatively young. If I had to give an estimate, it's likely between--

[and he goes on and on and on. anyone with him, unfortunately, ends up subjected to an in-depth lecture on obsidian and all things related.]

c. hostile creatures

[slimes, crabs, and golems? how funny that eizen and whoever's with him ran into all three. in fact, not only is it all three, but all three in one! this is a slime and crab-covered golem mob. all three groups really decided that they do not want these intruders in this area and joined forces. this certainly livens up the combat. whenever a golem rushes at you, you can get pinched or slimed at the same time.

gotta love eizen's terrible luck, no?

speaking of eizen, he narrowly avoids a pinching as he dodges a golem attack. these things are an absolute pain in the ass.]

Golem on your left!

[he calls out to whoever's unfortunate enough to be with him.]

b

[empyrean_mirror]

[Kaveh was minding his own business, inspecting various materials, when he hears a familiar voice. A familiar excitement about rocks.

He knows this brand of nerdery.

Suffice it to say, Kaveh lights up and goes right towards the voice.]

Eizen!

[He has momentarily forgotten people don't always remember when they come back.]

Riku | Kingdom Hearts | Paladin

[dawnshore]

☄️ Fire Sprites

[ Riku has been trying to help establish a base on Liansa and the fire sprites are being little mischievous creatures. He's fascinated by them, having never seen living fire before. So he crouches down by them and holds some wood out of their reach. ]

If you all behave, I'll bring you back some wood from our island. There's some finely aged trees I'm sure must be pretty tasty.

[ The sprites seem to be considering this. Of course Riku knows of a few downed trees that aren't growing any longer that he'll use to uphold his end of the deal. ]

☄️ Deep Ocean Folk

[ Having gotten his swimming lesson from Sora already, Riku's willing to use the transformation magic to dive back in to the water to try to play diplomat with the local tribes. He already has a good rapport with the whalefolk, but it seems there's a lot of other curious individuals who have come to see what's happening.

So he's once again a leopard shark from the waist down and greeting the nearby folk. ]

Hope we aren't bothering you all too much. We're continuing our efforts to reach Elah up there on the surface.

☄️ Clearing waters

[ Underwater fighting isn't something he's used to, but no time to practice than now when some sea creatures are being drawn to the area. While he uses his Keyblade against them, Riku's intent isn't to kill them, merely deter them so they decide this isn't the easy meal they think it is.

He'll only cull when it's necessary or use more force against any that get a little too hungry and go after the people or folk trying to help out. ]

☄️ Wildcard

[ Hit me up with another idea if you've got one! ]

Deep ocean creatures. Closed to Naminé

[dawnshore]

[ Since she managed to miss getting to turn into a mermaid by a couple of months, Riku thought this would be a good opportunity to let Naminé explore the deep ocean and all that's found that down there. Who knows when they'll get to Atlantica to experience this and she shouldn't miss out on it when she has a chance now.

So he invited her down to check out the creatures that they'll find in this area, and see if there was anything they could do to help the local folk to gain their trust in the process. ]

We won't be able to go all the way down, but there's not much light down there anyway to see by.

Faulkner | The Silt Verses | Corsair | OTA

[withermarked]

Port Hope

Faulkner is a little less nervous than the last time he took on this form, which once again proves to multi-limbed and strangely ghost shrimp-like, largely translucent with visible bones.

Still, he has mixed feelings as he dives down to commune with the other crawling and monstrous things that dwell in the sodden depths.

(It’s beautiful down here—)
(It feels just a little like going home—)
(That makes him feel sick—)

At least it might be to his advantage that he happens to look more like the deep-dwelling merfolk than some of the others.

And he’s a little more prepared this time, with a satchel of trinkets and treats to potentially trade… and a spear in case anything tries to eat him.

i. asking around

If someone happens to pass nearby, they might notice him having a conversation with… well it might be hard to tell at first, because there doesn’t appear to be a person there.

“Do you know if there are any… people around? Maybe ones who look kind of like me?”

The small fish in front of him does not immediately respond beyond wiggling its fins.

He really hopes the ‘ring that lets you speak to fish’ that he bought actually works, or this particular approach is going to look even sillier than it already does.

ii. deep ocean… folk?

Or, perhaps, you might spot him freezing up, very suddenly, with a very hard to read expression.

The creature he’s staring at, climbing up some of the rocks on the cliffside, appears to be a very large mer-person. Her torso blends into an armoured, chitinous body and she stands on sharp, stilt-like crab legs. She doesn’t appear to have noticed the little shrimp-man, or perhaps she simply doesn’t care.

Faulkner, on the other hand, looks shaken.

Perhaps he shouldn’t be. Plenty of people down here remind him of river-saints. He reminds himself of a river-saint. But nothing else he’s run into has looked quite so much like the tapestries that hung in the seminary. Quite so much like what used to be one of his favourite stories.

elah's island: replanting

As far as other ways to help, this is the one Faulkner jumped on the fastest. It’s within his skillset, and it’s an excuse to practice is new skillset.

He’s still figuring out his plant magic, what he’s able to do with it and how to get it to do what he wants at all, but he’s getting there. He hasn’t had the tattoo for very long, so he’ll be proud of what he’s gotten down so far.

He traces patterns into the soil as he plants seeds, and they sprout into tiny plants as he goes. Magic doesn’t actually use sigils here, not inherently at any rate, but Faulkner is figuring out his own ways to help himself focus.

replanting

[crack_shots]

Riju also finds herself drawn to the task of restoring the land of Elah to its former glory. Her skills don't lend themselves to the work but she digs her tools and sometimes her hands, into the deep dark soil, one hole at a time. One for each of the little seedlings she carries with her.

Each plant stands proud when she's finished, with the little pile of dirt mounded around their stem like a pedestal from which to proclaim their fortitude.

Finishing another row, Riju brushes off her hands and surveys the next plot only to see someone else has not only gotten a head start but is almost finished.

"That's a neat trick." She greets Faulkner amicably, impressed more than anything else. This isn't a contest after all. Each of their efforts striving towards a good cause.