escordvi | « february: ya relaeh oasis resort »

Entry tags:

« february: ya relaeh oasis resort »

Welcome to the Test Drive Meme for

escordvi! Anyone can participate in the test drive, regardless of invite eligibility. Just keep in mind that only those who have had their invitations approved by the mods can actually reserve on February 22nd and apply on March 1st. Our EMP/ATP can be found here.

For your toplevel, please include the following: Character Name | Canon | Armada Choice | TDM (IF TDMING). Current players can use the same header, just without the "TDM" label. We do require those who are TDMin'g to include the label so other players can distinguish between others.

For everyone's convenience, TDM threads can be carried over in game if you wish! If you are still unsure which armada to place your character, you can play it a bit loose and vague in the TDM and make retroactive changes if you carry over the threads. The log itself is set to cover starting from February 7th until the end of the month. Characters will appear at random intervals during this time rather than all at once, so players have some more flexibility on how much more adjusted they are for someone else.

The MANTA Board can be used for additional prompts.

If you have any question about the TDM, comment here. If you have questions about the game in general, please comment to the Game Info.

TOPLEVEL DIRECTORY (Updated February 14th)

GETTING STARTED

This section can be timed for any time after February 7th until the end of the month, which includes during the current event. These prompts are to benefit those TDMing, but this portion can be handwaved instead and serve as a reference for players to know what their character will have experienced and learned on arrival.

STARTER SHIPS

There are two ships that serve as starting ships for each armada: Stormbringer for the Corsairs, and Royal Fortune for the Paladins. There are various ways new arrivals—or riftfarers as they will be called, among other creative names—will appear on or by these ships. The crews for both ships will also seem a bit odd to some, as it is a mix of humans and various animal folk, non-humans that look more animal than human. Some just look like large versions of their smaller counterparts. From birds, to seals, to even bears, there is no shortage of interesting faces and people on these ships.

🚪 Random room. It could be empty, filled with crates or supplies; down in the hull where the livestock are kept; have the luck to awaken in a bed...or the misfortune of that bed already occupied; somewhere in the kitchens; in the bathroom—any room! Now let's hope the doors can open or someone may have to try and ask for help. Or jump through the porthole if there is one and it's above water.
⛵ On deck. If not in the ship itself, another possible spot to wake up to is somewhere on the maindeck. If they're lucky, they're on the deck itself. More unfortunate souls may find themselves caught in the sails or netting, the crow's nest, or on the top of the masts. Someone should be able to help, right? Or catch.
🌊 In the water. The most unlucky sods will find themselves appearing in mid-air just past the ship and plummeting straight into the water. Good news, there's always someone on the lookout for such a thing and calls for help to "throw a lifesaver, get the rowboat!" will be made. Are there sharks? Well... ...Are there?

However the new riftfarers arrive, they will be poorly clothed, practically rags or loose uniforms depending on the ship. Fortunately, veteran crewmates will guide them, escorting them to a room with a strange typewriter in it. After typing their name, the typewriter will magically continue and type by itself at a fast pace until it dings and rolls out the paper. This paper will have the following information:

• Name and Shellphone ID (journalname)
• Armada (Corsair or Paladin, will match the starter ship)
• Cabin Number for their personal cabin on the starter ship
• Apartment Address for their personal address at their base armada location
• A basic map of the starting locations in Eltrut, including written directions (continued in the Eltrut section)
• A basic map of where they can find a chest with their original clothes and belongings (this will be different for every person and will be anywhere either on the starter ship or on Eltrut—players can be creative here).

After that, the crewmate will do their best to explain the basics of how they got here, what's going on, and what they'll need to do to live in Escordvi while they are here, giving them a small leather pouch with money. They will be reaching Eltrut soon, so the crewmate will suggest they look around, meet the others who have arrived. Even from their distance, they will be able to see the giant sea turtle that serves as Eltrut's leviathan.

ON ELTRUT

Once in Eltrut, the new riftfarers will be greeted by several birdfolk who will be happy to give tours to those who may need them. Otherwise, anyone is free to roam as they please and will have a map for the following main places they should visit.

🐚 Microshell. The first stop that is encouraged will be Microshell, the main store to acquire their own personal Shellphone. The paper they received on their starter ship will have their ID and the staff at the store will set them up, explaining how the device and the network works.
✒️ Inkwave, Tattoo Parlor. The next stop is Inkwave, a tattoo parlor run by a very burly but friendly octopus, Knistej. Here everyone receives their own unique magic tattoo, allowing anyone to cast specific single element spells and other magic. Note: tattoos are required before anyone will be able to use their original magical abilities.
📜 MANTA office. The final stop is the MANTA office, where all the request, mission, and task notices are posted. Each armada has their own branch office for armada specific notices as well. A great place to find jobs to earn some cash so they don't stay a hobo forever.

OASIS RESORT: YA RELAEH

After the rougher than usual winter months and all the flyers and advertisements for the new oasis resort, there is a buzz of excitement of a potential new place to travel to, especially in such a mysterious and still relatively unknown desert region. Of course, some are skeptical for that very reason, but the support from the dragons helps quell some of those fears. Because the only way to access the desert region is through a special portal within the ancient temple, designated cruise lines are established to ferry guests from the leviathans and other islands to it. That alone can be a few days of travel, but the cruises will provide enough food and comfort until their arrival to the temple.

The Temple Ruins.

The temple itself was once underwater and upon its rising had been desolate, dirty, and difficult to traverse through. Now after a year, it has been cleaned with some of the rooms renovated, but much of it is still restricted to the scholars who have practically come to live on its grounds, trying to decipher the various murals and carvings they find. But perhaps in anticipation or in conjunction with the resort's opening, the halls that the guests pass through will feel more like a museum to show off the various findings and artifacts. The mural that had once been covered in black tar has been completely restored and is one of the main featured "attractions" with a scholar ready to inform how it depicts the land, cities, and general image of the world before the great flood that made Escordvi what it is today, along with the symbols of the seven Ancient leviathans as they know so far. And the Ancient leviathan that is represented by the desert is Sarht, a dragon believed to be one of the fiercest and strongest leviathans in history.

With that little introduction, guests are ushered into a large chamber that is now called the Constellation of Mirrors, where mirrors are seen all over the walls and standing on the floor. When positioned a certain way, constellations will form on the walls, and a specific combination will open a gateway that leads directly to certain locations. So far only Ainomiad's tundra and Sarht's desert have been confirmed.

Going through the gateway, the hot, dry, desert heat that greets them is a stark contrast to the cooler temperatures of the temple. Fortunately there are large tents with fans for everyone to gather and wait at before embarking on the journey through the desert to the resort. Guests will join a camel caravan and must either ride in special covered wagons or on the large camels in pairs. Fortunately there are parasols attached to provide some shade, and the camels are friendly creatures that are easily bribed with fruits, but anything can happen. The trek to the oasis resort from the portal is about an hour long through the sandy dunes with one small oasis break, through which the tour guide will give a brief history of how the reptilefolk discovered it and developed the area. Although the path is well marked and secured, hostile creatures still roam the sands. Assist in caravan security as an outrider and watch out for rogue sand eels that might slither by. Large pole markers marking the path have defensive spells that cover a wide range, so they can be used if needed. The camels are also fiercely protective and may try to join the fray.

Entering Ya Relaeh.

As the camels and wagons draw closer to the town and the oasis, they will see bright colours and flags billowing in the light breeze, the buildings that make up the town around the pristine blue water white and seeming to shimmer under the sun. To the west, the coliseum can be seen, and throughout the time that travelers spend here, they will often hear the faint sounds of cheers and shouts erupting from the structure, as tournaments and battles are a common occurrence.

Passing through the entrance and arriving at the station, those disembarking will find themselves at the center of vibrant, bustling crowds. Many Reptilefolk and even Dragonfolk pass through carrying crates to and from the station, transferring supplies that they have brought here or gathering to return to the portal. Those attending the station will have fresh water available for anyone who requires it before sending everyone off to explore.

While still in development, there is still plenty in Ya Relaeh to see. Stalls line the sandstone paved streets all the way around the oasis, the merchants calling out to those who pass to buy their different wares ranging from clothes, food, spices, and trinkets. The white buildings are made brighter by the desert sun, and make up several restaurants and cafes with local lizard- and dragonfolk cuisine, clothing stores, and the like. Rickshaw carriages drawn by lizardfolk wait for those who would like a ride in exchange for coin, and they will offer tours of the town on top of taking people where they want to go. And fast.

There is all kinds of entertainment available to see as one wanders through: snakefolk dancers with their illusions in the streets, and they will try to pull in any watchers to join them, fire-breathing lizardfolk, some juggling blades and showing off their talents. In the spirit of Dragon's Gale from their dragon cousins, there are also many venues and activities to help foster bonding with one's mate or to help pursue a fruitful love life.

It is clear that as they move closer to the resort, this part of Ya Relaeh is far more developed than the rest, with the roads becoming more refined and less bumpy than those closer to the station.

The resort itself is decadent with the hopes of drawing in more tourists, with the entrance boasting a large archway sculpted into the shape of intertwining snakes to greet visitors. Inside the building is noticeably cooler, and the snakefolk that work there will be quick to welcome anyone wandering in, ready with an explanation of the resort's amenities and a tour should they want one. While there are many rooms available to stay in, those with a bit more money to spare can rent out one of their villas that have been built out of the water with their own entrances to the oasis, along with rock walls for some extra privacy.

And of course there is the oasis pool at the center of it all—the main attraction. So go out and have fun, or take a relaxing dip in the fresh waters!

🛺 Lizard Rickshaw. One of the most interesting ways to get around through the town is using the rickshaws pulled by very muscular and very fast lizardfolk. They take great pride in their speed and will sometimes get competitive enough to race each other even while with a client behind them. So hold on tight! It's also possible for someone to try their hand (or feet) at pulling one of these carts if they so desire.

♨️ Healing Springs. The main draw of the oasis is its cool, fresh waters that seem to have some kind of healing property to them. Scattered around the resort are special springs that are said to have specific qualities to them. Get rid of those aches, pains, and even some mild illnesses with a quick soak. Mental health may also be greatly improved…or maybe it's just the company. Was it also mentioned that most of these are mixed springs?

🗿 Mud Baths Gone Wrong. The mud from the oasis is also said to have therapeutic properties and there are many spas that offer their services as it requires a special process. However, some tourists try to do it themselves, which is always a terrible mistake. Those who try will find the mud baking onto them to create a tough shell, making it difficult for them to get out. Help break open the now hard-as-stone mud shell. Throwing them into the oasis waters will also help to soften up the mud.

🏄 Sand Surfing. With dunes towering high as waves, some have taken them as a challenge to try and "surf" down. Of course, it's a bit boring when they're mostly stationary, so some will use magic to make the dunes "move" similar to the ocean waves, the sands cresting and crashing down. Although it adds excitement, it's also more dangerous if someone gets buried in the sand.

🏊 Water Park. Part of the resort is a large water park directly connected to the oasis. With a bit of a "pirate treasure island" theme, there are wave pools, water slides, and a "shipwreck" filled with "treasures" for anyone to try and climb through and find. There are also dragon-themed floaties available for rent or purchase.

🎨 Artist Competition. The figure of Relaeh is unknown, but a contest is being hosted for people to submit their own visions of what this "mystical healer dragon warrior" could look like. Paintings, drawings, statues—any kind of art is allowed! However, for some reason there are saboteurs who keep destroying or slashing through the pieces, sometimes leaving the word "FAKE" and "LIAR" over them. Help protect or figure out who could be doing such a thing!

🔗 Seahorse Bracelets. Special seahorse themed bracelets are handed out as gifts to all arrivals. However, these bracelets have a magnetic property that will make the tails of the seahorse hook and latch onto each other, forcing the wearers to be together for some time before it wears off. The bracelets cannot be broken.

The Coliseum is only half an hour's ride away from Ya Relaeh, and to carry the old dragon traditions of Dragon's Gale, duels and fighting competitions are currently being held. Anyone can sign-up to fight, and the matches can be one-on-one or doubles. Right now there is a great fervor as it's a great chance for suitors to try and impress their intended loves, with victors granted the honor of bestowing a prize to a recipient.

While historically there were also fights against monsters, there are no such planned fights as the purpose is for the fighters to show off their skill. However, the sound of the crowds, scent of delicious food, and loud activity in general may attract some of the native wildlife that dwell in the cliffs behind the coliseum. So be prepared if one happens to make their way in!

DESERT EXPLORATION

One of the biggest reasons why the resort was established in that particular location was not only because of the unusual healing waters, but also because some records were found of a mysterious dragon warrior named "Relaeh." Although there isn't much, they were able to learn that Relaeh had strong healing abilities, some legends depicting him almost as a mystical figure. With the support of the dragons and other scholars, the reptilefolk want to learn more about their desert heritage, and thus will provide means and supplies for those willing to venture further out into the desert, where still much of it has yet to be fully explored, especially the distant cliffs and rocky areas that border the perpetual sandstorm that encircles the desert region and limits how far one can go. As a reminder, anyone who manages to walk into this sandstorm will find themselves going through it for some time before coming out in some other direction back into the main region. It is not possible to completely pass through this barrier.

There are two important "artifacts" that the scholars are interested in. Golden dragon scales are still scattered across the desert, especially around old settlements. Obtaining one will reveal a vision of the past, though where in the past is random. Example of visions shown by scales found last year can be read here. Comment to this subthread to receive new lore.

It seems the remaining golden keys that are rumored to lead to Sarht's Heart are scattered somewhere throughout the desert. At least six more are missing, and they could be anywhere. The dragons seem to have keen interest with this, so anyone who can find the keys will be greatly rewarded. Rumor has it that someone claims to have a few keys and will hand them over…for a price.

Adventurers are warned that ever since Ya Relaeh started development, there have been strange sightings of mysterious figures, especially around the sandstorm. They should also take care if they find themselves spending the night, as the temperatures will drop drastically. The desert terrain also consists mostly of sand and large sand dunes that seem as high as mountains, but there are rocky areas, especially out towards the sandstorm. Speaking of, be careful as smaller ones may erupt at any time. There are trees and smaller oases scattered through to provide some safe areas and relief. Though, anyone will warn explorers to be careful not to wander too far out to the dunes, it is far too easy to get lost, and many have been known to disappear for days on end...

There is a limited supply of sand skimmers equipped with sails for traveling longer distances through the dunes, though one may need either a good breeze or wind/earth magic to make these more useful. For those days when the wind is not on their side, it is possible to hitch a ride on one of the well trained giant desert catfish from the oasis and back. They are big enough to carry up to three people as well as some bags, but be careful, they move fast and are a little more dangerous to travel on, so hold on tight! They will also often and very suddenly stop to eat something on the way. (No, they cannot be adopted, they belong to the lizardfolk.)

Wandering throughout the desert and sometimes even appearing within Ya Relaeh is a mysterious hooded merchant who will only refer to himself as Adinvels. He claims to have several valuable wares to sell, including some ancient keys wanted by the dragons. However, he will not sell them to just anyone. He will challenge those interested to a duel, not to win, but as a test to prove their skills and honour. Satisfy that and he may offer to sell for a pretty doubloon or five as well as speak of a legend of an ancient warrior. Those who try to cheat or fight dishonorably will get their asses kicked. For those interested of this legend, comment to this subthread.

🏜️ Dangerous Mirages. It is known that mirages are a dangerous occurrence out in the desert, but they seem worse this time around. Some may be born of one's personal delusions, another may conjure a shadowy snake-like figure that will lure them around only to leave them lost. Yet others seem to hint at the desert's past. Blood curdling screams, deafening battle cries, and sounds of weapons clashing along with explosions, with the sand sometimes erupting as ghastly corpse-like figures clad in black and red uniform suddenly spring up to suddenly fight those nearby. It all feels so real, including the injuries, but before anyone can truly succumb a strange flash of white will disperse the mirage.

👤 Mysterious Figures. Their appearance is random, but they all fit the same description: large heavily cloaked figures adorned with heavy spears, swords, and crossbows, their long, spiked tails the only clue that they are some kind of reptilefolk. Their faces are hidden beneath the dark hoods and scarves, voices are rough and muffled if they even speak at all. If encountered in the middle of the desert, they will appear to aid those who may be in trouble, even guide those who may be lost or need shelter. However, if one ventures near the sandstorm, the figures will appear through it and attack, warning that they "don't belong," "history will not repeat," and to "go away."

🏕️ Strange Sites. Because it has been learned that the people of the past were nomadic tribes, there are archaeological digs all over, but researchers will point out potential locations for adventurers to look through. While some may be tempted to keep some of the artifacts, the researchers will request (beg) to try and preserve the site and save valuable artifacts for research. Paladins in particular may be more inclined to try and protect and secure such sites. (Players are free to be creative in any findings and treasures. Reminder that ancient Escordvi was more modern and high tech, almost sci-fi. Any written records or carvings will be unreadable due to the ancient language looking like wiggly lines.)

⛏️ Quarries and Mines. Under all that dirt and sand are valuable minerals and stone, and several quarries and mines have been developed to aid in constructing Ya Relaeh. Visitors can come by to take some for themselves, or to help suppliers travel to the city to deliver their goods.

💎 Treasure Chests. There are chests scattered all over the desert. Some have been uncovered by the wind, while others look as if they were strangely dropped there… In any case, find a way to open it and be greatly rewarded! (Players can use one of these generators, just stay reasonable!)

🌵 Cactuars. Strange, living cacti live and wander around in the dunes and come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. (Players are free to come up with their own versions, too! These are just examples but this list is not exhaustive.) While some might be friendly, everyone should be on their guard as others can be aggressive, and watch out for those thousands of needles! There are rumours of there being one very big cactus, dubbed by the locals a "Gigantuar" because of its sheer size that is both a rare sighting and a formidable foe if one gets too close, and it will always try to escape if it thinks it will lose the battle. Are there any warriors daring enough to try fighting it?

🦂 Desert Monsters. The desert hides many different beasts and creatures. Look out for gargoyles with fiery wings and tails, three-headed cobras, trampling wild horses, massive underground lizards, choya, and various poisonous bugs and insects. One of the most dangerous being giant hidden antlions that can detect your footsteps and will chomp down on you the moment you step over their sand trap.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Any questions about the log itself go here!

Comment here for the visions found via dragon scales in the desert. Replies may be delayed as we work out and finalize what to give for each reply, and may wait and do a batch at once for easier sorting. Keep in mind that the visions will be brief and will be related to the area in some way. Only one handwaved vision is allowed per character, any others must have a thread started to receive another vision. It should be noted that threaded vision submissions are shared between thread participants (so one vision for two or more people in a thread).

Character(s): Roxas (and probably others)
Where was the scale found: Probably in the ruin that Roxas was exploring in his top level.
Questions/Other: n/a

Player(s): Clover
Character(s): Kaveh
Where was the scale found: Tripped over it in the desert
Questions/Other: N/A

Player(s): Taisa
Character(s): Shadow
Where was the scale found: In the mines after bullying a giant lizard.
Questions/Other: zzz

Comment here if your character will be encountering and fighting Adinvels in a duel and for a piece of myth to be shared. Reminder that the characters don't have to win the fight, just show their skills. Characters can receive a golden key, but there are only 6 available. It is preferred that there is a thread, but it does not need to be complete.

Player(s): VG
Character(s): Wriothesley
Win or lose: I'm open to a dice roll! Or coin flip!
Does your character want a golden key? Sure. He heard the dragons wanted them, buuut he's not going to just hand it over. He'll want to talk to someone about it.
Questions/Other: Does he also sell tea?

Player(s): Clover, Taso
Character(s): Kaveh, Alhaitham
Win or lose: the power of ~~chaos gay~~ love wins this time.
Does your character want a golden key? Yes
Questions/Other: My deep apologies to Adinvels for how ridiculous these two are.

⳨ⲓⲛ𝖽ⲓⲛⳋ ⲧⲏⲉ Ⳑⲟⳙⲛⳋⲉ

[ it takes a little while for Jade to find his bearings. going from one location to another with only a small explanation of the why and how doesn't really settle well on him. neither does having a little map to find his personal belongings. after finding his attire and his pen, Jade has to take time to straighten out his hair. it had been tussled and in an unacceptable state. only then does he proceed to pick up the shellphone and visit the odd tattoo artist before exploring Eltrut in earnest.

and it is in that exploration that he finds something of interest. immediate interest, so it would seem. there's a very familiar name of something that is "near and dear to his heart." to think that there could be a Monstro Lounge here of all places piques Jade's curiosity. his suspicions are, of course, all but confirmed the moment that he steps inside. the decor is far too familiar to be a coincidence. everything from the dishes selected to the over all theme and the layout of this Lounge is quite close to the one back at school.

regardless of who might be inside, Jade definitely seems to know his way around - as he immediately starts to head towards the VIP room. that is where he is likely to find his favorite, adorable little octopus, yes? ]

Ⲇⲅⲧⲓ⳽ⲧ Ⲥⲟⲙⲣⲉⲧⲓⲧⲓⲟⲛ

[ there is very little that Jade considers himself unable to do. if he sets his mind to it, he can accomplish it. sitting down to create a piece of art is, of course, one way to pass the time. Jade has little interest in actually competing in the actual contest. rather, he's more entertained by the idea that someone is sabotaging the art itself. one, Jade finds it a little distasteful to destroy or ruin someone's art. two, if he finds that person before another does then maybe he could. ahem. put the squeeze on them.

so, really, the drawing that he is presently working on ( to be fair it likely resembles a Dragon Fae in robes holding a staff ) is just bait. at least the artwork itself looks nice?

people can either find him working with some smudges of graphite on his face or on his hands. or, alternatively, since Jade has chosen a location by a body of water, there's a certain feel of eyes watching from that same body of water as people drift close to his artwork. ]

Ⲋⲉⲇⲏⲟⲅ⳽ⲓⲛⳋ Ⲇⲅⲟⳙⲛ𝖽

[ the little trinket about his wrist gets an amused look from Jade. ]

I wonder why it is they didn't use real seahorses. Were I back home, I think others would find offense.

[ considering it's looked down upon to not use actual items from the sea in any ocean-related jewelry. still, it's not something that's likely the norm here, so Jade doesn't mind. he just finds it curious.

at least right up until he inevitably ends up linked with someone else. ]

Oh my. [ his smile is polite and his tone soft and even. ] I apologize, but it seems as though we will be together for a spell.

Ⲉ⳽⳽ⲉⲛⲥⲉ ꓓⲓ⳽ⲅⳙⲣⲧⲓⲟⲛ

[ anyone working on their perfumes should beware. Jade isn't making any himself, no, but he is definitely lingering around other peoples' workstations. a thought has occurred to him that, well, things are getting a touch boring. so there is a need to remedy that while satisfying his own. hmm. desire for experimenting, let's say.

people working on their perfumes will find that some of their ingredients have been replaced, especially if there are ground up materials. Jade's seen fit to switch out little powdered packages or vials for ones of his own design. so, really, any of the following might happen instead:

a. the perfume blowing up in someone's face
b. opposite effect: everyone is repulse by the wearer
c. enhanced effect: perfume works A LITTLE TOO WELL

or, maybe, something else unexpected might happen. all the while, Jade is just looking to see the results. smiling and looking completely innocent all the while. ]

Ⲱⲓⳑ𝖽ⲥⲇⲅ𝖽

[ use this space as you see fit. Jade will be exploring the different Leviathans - especially any mountainous locations ~~on the hunt for mushrooms~~ - but he won't be making an appearance in the desert. feel free to write me a prompt or PM me if you want to plan something together! the eel is just looking to have a good time. ~~and maybe torment Azul a little~~ ]

...

[Leona looks ready to toss himself into the ocean once he sees Jade. Instead, he heaves out a sigh and places his fingers against his temple.]

That innocent look doesn't suit you.

GETTING STARTED

OASIS RESORT: YA RELAEH

DESERT EXPLORATION

QUESTIONS

DRAGON SCALE VISIONS

no subject

no subject

no subject

FIGHTING ADVINVELS

no subject

no subject

Jade Leech | Twisted Wonderland | "Paladin" | TDM

Essence Disruption

The Lounge

we're doing this let's go

Seahorsing Around

Rosalia Rossellini | Trauma Team | Paladin | TDM

A. Starter Ship

B. On Eltrut

C. Lizard Rickshaw

D. Seahorse Bracelet

E. Wildcard

Tony Tony Chopper (One Piece) l Corsairs

Kalim Al-Asim l Twisted Wonderland l undecided??? prob Paladin????

Alhaitham | Genshin Impact | Paladin

C

Roxas | Kingdom Hearts | Paladin

Della Duck | Ducktales 2017 | Corsair

desert :>

Mud :)

Desert

Flynn Scifo | Tales of Vesperia | Paladin

Darin Altway | Original Character | Corsair

5