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« january open log: avaleci »

This is our Open Log for players to have an easy opportunity to tag others and have fun with prompts that deal with current happenings that are not covered by our MANTA Board quests. Sometimes we provide extra quests at the bottom, but oftentimes we just let the MANTA Board cover it. Players are free to include MANTA Board quests in their toplevels!

For your toplevel, please include the following: Character Name | Canon | Armada Choice.

TOPLEVEL DIRECTORY (Updated January 16)

WINTER LODGE

As part of an annual migration of sorts, the three leviathans will journey north where the waters are cold and small icebergs and chunks of ice will float aimlessly. As if serving as a "boundary point," there is a large island called Avaleci. It is a unique place where one half is an active, submerged volcano and the other is a snow-capped mountain. For a few years now it has become a place to serve not only as a waypoint for those traveling through the area, but a tourist vacation destination. It is here the three leviathans will rest, Nogard attaching itself in the black coastal sands where the mountain and volcanic plains meet.

Riding up a special sky gondola will take visitors high up on the mountain to a luxurious winter lodge that will allow anyone to stay in one of their cozy cabins—for a fee, of course. If one cannot pay with cash or treasure, then earning one's stay through labor, such as hunting for cooks or helping clean and assist others is an option.

The lodge itself will provide for most anything visitors may need, from appropriate clothing to gear and equipment for any sports or activities they may wish to partake in the area. Skiing, snowboarding, sledding, bobsledding, snowshoeing, mountain climbing—most everything is available with marked trails and areas that would be safe to partake in such activities. There are also a few special activities visitors may want to try their hand at.

Along with the mountain slopes and the snow covered forests surrounding the lodge, there is a large frozen lake just a small hike up a trail from the lodge. There are also ice caves that some may try to venture through, but should take caution as there are also natural predators and monsters that live in the area.

🎣 Ice fishing. There are two forms of ice fishing: 1) the usual dig through the ice and drop a line into the frigid waters, and 2) have a net ready to try and catch flying fish that will fly over.
⛸️ Skating. Show off your moves! Just stick to the thicker ice, and watch out for anyone trying to play hockey instead.
🌟 Stargazing. Although chilly, there is a designated platform where one can use telescopes or just lie out on the ground to stargaze. Maybe if they're lucky, an aurora borealis will appear to paint the sky with a curtain of colors.
🦇 Snow bats. There are special little white bats whose homes were devastated by a small avalanche not too long ago. There are now rescue efforts to help rebuild their habitat to create hollows for them to build their nest. Form a positive bond and they may gift helpers with a special powdered sugar that falls from their fur.

Although not the tallest mountain in the world, climbing to the peak can be a challenging feat, especially as it includes venturing through some ice caves. The staff try to keep the trails and caves clear of any dangerous animals and monsters, but they still sometimes come through so be careful. However, should one reach the peak, they can collect a special mountain ice crystal that will stay frozen no matter how it gets. Just beware of potential avalanches. There is a magitech system installed to automatically create a special dome shield in certain areas to help protect anyone who can reach the safe spaces in time. But if otherwise caught, rescue efforts will be quick and should be able to pull anyone out to safety.

Finally, there are a number of wildlife and monsters that inhabit the mountains. For the most part they will leave the busy lodge and recreational areas alone, but encounters are inevitable. Territorial mountain goats, ice golems lurking the ice caves, and the occasional yeti may appear. Some may be persuaded to leave peacefully, especially with food. But others may be hostile no matter what. While the lodge would prefer no bloodshed, they understand if it must happen. Otherwise, for hunters looking for game in the wilderness, they will find the usual variety of animals and will need a permit before venturing out.

HOT SPRINGS

Warmed by the volcano, the hot springs are located at the foot of the mountain, where the snow disappears and the terrain is rockier with short cropped grass and valleys before it fades out to the barren volcanic plains beyond. Built a bit simpler compared to the winter lodge, the hot springs' inn is set outdoors where the pools are, but it, too, has special rooms and lodgings for people to enjoy themselves for a relaxing stay (again, for a fee). Because the hot springs are easier to access on foot, the sky gondola starts down there and connects to the winter lodge above.

In terms of amenities, the hot springs have both separated and mixed pools. They are usually well marked, but sometimes pranks happen. There are several located outside with some near lava streams that flow out from the volcanic crater far from the springs, to the ocean. There are invisible, protective barriers to prevent anyone from accidentally touching the lava. All rooms will have their own small private pool. There are also foot baths, saunas, spa and massage rooms, a gaming room, and several food stalls and restaurants for one to dine at.

Of course, just like up on the mountain, there are some "hazards" that those using the larger pools, especially those that are near the lava streams, to be wary of.

🦎 Fire Drakes. Fire drakes are a common sighting around and in the pools. They are for the most part "friendly," in the sense that they won't outright attack unless they are injured first. But they can sometimes crowd the pools, so one may have to gently "shoo" them away.
🥚 Drake eggs. Nests can be found scattered here and there, and the eggs are a delicacy of the island. Blue eggs are safe to harvest as they are unfertilized, just like chicken eggs. Red eggs, however, are considered protected. Should a drake catch anyone trying to take a red one, then all hell will break loose as the entire hoard of drakes will descend to save their egg and the entire springs will shut down until it's settled.
🐧 Waltz of the Penguins. It just so happens this is the time when large flocks of penguins will migrate down for mating season. They usually won't bother anyone as they are more intent in performing special dances to find a partner, which can be beautiful to watch. Or perhaps someone may want to try and play matchmaker. But it isn't unheard of for someone else to catch their eye…

Some unusual activity is happening outside of the springs, and a local environmentalist will run in distress. Ice giants were spotted attacking and trying to collect a special native breed of tortoise. They grow up to be as large as giant boulders, with their shells made of molten rock. They are formidable in their own right, but the ice giants are larger, capable of picking them up and knocking them over. Rescue the tortoises either by guiding them to the safety of the springs or beating back the ice giants (killing is allowed). Save the tortoises and be handsomely rewarded!

Finally, those in Nogard may find their leviathan's choice of stay a bit…warm. They already had to experience witnessing their leviathan turn into a flesh dragon and engulf them in its gut only to be popped back out to the sweltering heat of the volcanic plains. Good luck to anyone who decides to stay in their homes. Elah and Eltrut will be unaffected.

VOLCANO EXPLORATION

Note: All threads involving prompts in this section will count as "quests" and be worth 4pts.

On the other side of Avaleci where the lava is hottest and where there is no cold to ward off the heat is a dangerous terrain where only the brave and more adventurous should go. Make sure to bring plenty of water and anything else that might help beat the heat. Who knows, even a bit of snow might help. There will be several tunneling entrances leading to winding corridors and wide caverns, some even boasting floors of lava, so watch your step! Fortunately, those who are fleet-footed should be able to make it across on the stones.

Within the caverns, there is plenty to discover: from gemstones and fire crystals to fire blossoms (interesting, they look strangely like the winter blossoms only red), and even some old magitech that appears to be broken. Still, there is no one around to tell people not to collect any of it...

🌋 Floor is lava. Getting across the volcanic terrain will require adventurers to hop from safe stone to safe stone to get to the other side of a lava lake. Beware of lava blobs that will shoot lava balls.
🧂 Sulfur smelling salts. Journey deep enough to find a sulfur field, where smelling salts can be harvested to help ease the nightmares brought on by the sleeping curse. However, too much exposure to the smelling salts will leave one feeling hyper energetic to the point of acting sleep deprived.
💎 Fire crystals. These crystals are a hard sought after item as they can be used for a large variety of magitech and even jewelry. However, they are extremely hot to the touch and can even burn if not handled carefully.
💾 Old relics. Scattered throughout the caverns are odd remnants of what appear to be old relics from the past. Researchers and archaeologists have tried to study here before, but due to the dangerous nature of the environment they've been hindered in their efforts. Those who retrieve pieces to return for study will be able to learn and work with the researchers. (note: Players can come up with any kind of relic that could be found here, from old magitech parts to fantasy genre artifacts. We'll ask for submissions during AC, but you are welcome to ask if you're not sure if your idea is okay or not!)

Roaming around the volcanos, especially in the caverns, are small flame sprites that can talk, sing, and dance. They are mischievous little things with a penchant for trouble, and love playing tricks on people, so keep your eyes peeled for them. Be careful, they also have some very sticky "fingers" and will try to steal whatever you might have on you. However, those sticky fingers are also very fiery, and will burn whatever they get their grubby little hands on!

The sprites will lead you on a merry little chase with your items, over lava pools, through winding tunnels, deeper and deeper into the volcano to take their new items to their secret stash of treasures. They will be hard-pressed to give it up, but should one have the charisma or the charm to convince them, they may instead be swayed to return with you if they are promised a comfortable life elsewhere! A large ship, perhaps? Or a fireplace? Away from that "big, scary, flaming animal" that lives further in the volcano.

Guarding the sulfur fields is what one could surmise is the "big, scary, flaming animal" that lives within the deeper depths of the volcano. Should anyone journey too far, they will no doubt hear its hooves thundering throughout the tunnels. Whether you choose to fight this fiery horse or attempt to tame it will be up to you, but it will not be an easy task… Especially upon close inspection it appears to have a few bones sticking and not quite "whole."

There are some odd things about this area with the flaming horse. Not too far is a small cave where what looks to be remains of a broken altar made of obsidian, the ground charred along with bones and bits of fabric. Dark red stains can be made out as well, but is that just the red rock of the volcano, or something else? Other artifacts can be found, such as torn books, stone tablets, but it all seems made within recent years.

More details about the flaming horse:

Attempts to tame the fire horse may be partially successful. If characters manage, one of two things will happen:

The horse will stare at them as if in a daze before it retreats into the lava, stopping its attacks for a short period of time.
The horse will charge off towards where the strange altar is, attempting to break the remaining structure and dig at the markings on the ground. A strange black smoke will appear and it will retreat back in anger before rushing into the lava and disappearing.

Subduing the horse will be very difficult, but we will leave it up to players on what method will work, and whether it is successful. We will ask for AC submissions, as this will unlock a follow-up quest in February.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[All Freminet wanted to do was to spend some time here and get used to his new environment. So far, everything seemed to be going smoothly as there wasn't much he had to worry about. It was a far cry from what he was used to in Fontaine as he was always doing something either in the orphanage or going on missions.

Either way, as he wanted to relax in the lodge, he was somewhat relieved to know that he could stay with some acts of service. Of course, between trying to fix some broken tables, chairs, and whatever the people came up with? It was a fairly simple task.

Or at least, it would be until he heard a very familiar voice telling him something.]

....What?

[#wat]

Edited 2024-01-06 20:54 (UTC)

Yes, you there! The quiet-looking boy with the blonde hair and hat! Would you like to join me on stage for this next trick?

[It wasn't entirely uncommon for Lyney to use people he knew as surprise audience members, but it would be new for Freminet to join him on stage. But it would offer them an advantage; no one here knows that Freminet is his brother, and Freminet would be able to perform perfectly on his tricks, having helped set up many of the mechanics used within them himself.]

[Of course, if Freminet said no, he wouldn't force the boy.]

[The quiet looking boy, he says. Not that he can blame him with just his looks alone as he gives off that attitude. For a moment, he debated if he should go up or not. However, with everyone's eyes on him, it was a little difficult to say no. That and he was already used to being Lyney's assistant in his magic trick sometimes.

With a sigh, he gave a small nod before coming up on the stage.]

Uh...I'm sorry, what do we have to do?

[Lyney is grateful for Freminet’s assistance in this. Truthfully, this is something he could do with anyone, but any chance he can incorporate his younger brother is a good day for the magician.]

Excellent! Thank you for your assistance, my friend. Now, I must ask you, have you been wearing your hat all day today?

Uh...

[He said before looking at Lyney and then back at the audience. Feeling nervous, he didn't know how to respond as he was suddenly experiencing stage fright. Maybe this was a bad idea after all.

Looking at the ground, he gave a small nod.]

...Y-Yes, I have.

[Oh, he can see that nervousness brewing, so he'll be merciful and only ask yes or no questions.]

I see! And is it safe for me to assume you haven't tucked anything away inside your hat for safekeeping?

[Yup, he was probably regretting this. With a mumble or two, he gave a nod.]

N-No, I haven't. I...I haven't been using it for much of anything outside of placing on my head.

I see, I see!

[Lyney nods, then turns to the crowd.]

Well then, I think it’s safe to assume that his hat is completely normal in every facet! Now, if I may, would I be able to borrow your hat for but a moment?

[He turns, extending his hand to Freminet.]

Um....sure?

[As he does so, he wasn't sure what Lyney was planning but he does trust where his brother was going with this. And yet, his gaze was still downward as if he was waiting for something to go wrong....]

Excellent! Thank you!

[He takes the hat in his hand, twirling it in his hand for a brief moment before showing the inside to the audience to prove its emptiness.]

It seems my esteemed guest was correct! Not a single strange thing about this hat!

[He holds the hat upright in his hand, looks into it, then reaches into it. Somehow, miraculously, when he withdraws his hand, he pulls Pers out of the hat as well.]

Ah, but what's this?? It appears there is something in this hat!

[The crowd oohs and aahs at the display, while Lyney offers the clockwork penguin to Freminet. Did he make the shy boy smile??]

[He should be used to Lyney's shenanigans, he already knows what kind of magic he could do and what to expect. However, it doesn't stop him from smiling when he sees his penguin before him. Immediately, his shy nature quickly disappears before a small smile slowly forms on his face.

Giving a chuckle or two, he gave a nod.]

Yes, I can see. Um...thank you, that is my penguin.

[However, his demeanor quickly reverts back before he looks back at the audience. After all, what was he supposed to say next??]

[Ah, there it is! Lyney always loves seeing that small little smile on Freminet's face whenever he does a trick; that's how he knows the trick was a good one.]

Well, it seems as though your penguin wished to join us for our performance! I have to thank the both of you for joining me here!

[Lyney offers a bow to Freminet, and the crowd applauds the young man. At that point, Lyney straightens, faintly tilting his head; to the audience, it doesn't look conspicuous, but for Freminet, it's a silent inquiry.]

[Does he want to stay on stage? Or has he had enough and wants to retreat? Now would be the time to do so, if he wanted.]

[As the audience kept on clapping, Freminet found himself in an awkward position. Sure, he wanted to help his bother continue with the magic show but at the same time? He really didn't know if he should go or not. For a moment, he looked at his brother and then back at Pers.]

Uh......

[He said before slowly taking a few steps back away and trying to exit the stage.]

[Lyney can see that look, and can tell his brother wants to make a hasty retreat. So what better way to do so than to take the spotlight for himself? With a wink at Freminet, he turns back to the audience.]

And now, since you've all been such a lovely audience, I'll need help from all of you for my next trick!

[At such a bold declaration, the attention quickly shifts from Freminet to Lyney, giving the diver ample time to flee from the stage.]

[With a heavy sigh of relief, it seemed that he was about ready to go and complete his next task. And yet, he had to wonder what Lyney would do next. Perhaps taking a break wouldn't be so bad.

Hugging Pers, he decided to stand in the back and see what his brother would do next.]

[Lyney will put on a nice little show for the crowds while Freminet retreats to the audience, dazzling them with his tricks. It's nowhere near as elaborate as his performances at the Opera Epiclese, but he's still got a few stunts that impress the small crowd.]

[Once his final trick is completed and he takes his final bow, Lyney heads over to his brother as the crowd begins to disperse.]

Well, Freminet? What did you think? Was it enough to wow you?

[Now that the performance was over, he could take in another sigh of relief. There wasn't as many people as possible around anymore, he didn't have to worry about accidentally bumping into them. Now that his brother came up to him, he gave a small smile.]

Yes, I think so. Although...

[He said with a pause]

I wonder how you would feel if you kept adding Pers to your show? [He might as well now, right? Now that it seems like he might not have to use him as frequently in combat anymore.]

Oh?

[Lyney perks up a bit, a smile forming on his face.]

You'd be comfortable with me using Pers in my shows? Because if so, I'd be more than happy to incorporate him in more!

I wouldn't mind and especially since I won't be using him too often in combat.

[Or at least, he really hoped he didn't have to...]

And if I do plan on making upgrades to him, I might as well try use Pers more often.

Hmm! Well, if you're sure about that, I'd be happy to include him in my shows! And I think Pers will like that too. Why, I'm certain he'll be able to inspire me with plenty of new tricks to mesmerize my next audience!

[He plays it up a bit, knowing how much Freminet enjoys his fantasies; he's happy to act as if the little clockwork penguin is just as eager to join his shows as Rosseland had been.]

Oh? What upgrades are you planning?

Well...

[He said before trailing off. Despite him knowing that Freminet could handle missions by himself, it still made him nervous to say it out loud.]

I heard that there was some old technology that could be found up in the volcano. I figured as soon as I was done with my tasks here, I could try and see what I could find. And once I do, I was hoping I could use it to upgrade Pers to see what else it could do.

Old technology in the volcano?

[Lyney brings a hand up to his chin in thought.]

That sounds rather intriguing! Would you mind showing me a few of those bits of technology when you do? I'd like to see what sort of things can be found there.

[And if any can be used for shows--]

I was planning on it anyway.

[He said with a mumble or two.]

Besides, isn't your birthday coming up? I was going to surprise you with something.

Huh?

[Lyney blinks up at Freminet in surprise, before offering a light chuckle.]

Why, yes it is! But you don't have to get anything for me! Why, you just got here! You should focus on getting settled in this world, shouldn't you?

Yes, I should but it's still a nice thing to do. Especially now when it's just the two of us here.

[And you know, now that he isn't always going on missions, he could afford to be more extravagant right?]

« january open log: avaleci »

WINTER LODGE

HOT SPRINGS

VOLCANO EXPLORATION

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