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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

Are you some sort of lobster that requires boiling, Zack?

[ G'raha grins, but it's spoken all in jest. After a moment he sighs, shaking his head.

As for his frame... The Miqo'te used to wear tighter, form fitting clothing. After his tenure as the Exarch, he had started to favor baggier, looser cloth. It definitely makes him appear smaller and hides much of the muscle that he has developed over the years.

It is different, though. Even though he no longer uses the bow, his muscle structure definitely boasts of someone that has spent years honing such skills. Not the typical build of a caster, one might think. ]

Have you any idea how it feels to have a water logged tail?

Edited 2024-01-06 21:05 (UTC)

[Zack rumbles with a laugh.]

I'll gladly be Zack soup. Call me a lobster bisque because I can't remember the last time I felt this good and steamy.

[Zack is definitely taking note that G'raha has a lot more muscle definition than he was expecting to see. He always looks like this nerd in baggier clothing. And he only had glimpses of his skin when G'raha had stayed in his bed. That was it. So, he's looking. Appreciatively.]

Guest the fur thing would be a problem. But I doubt you can enjoy this to the fullest without taking the plunge.

[He pats the water with his hand.]

After time time, no doubt you will be as red as one too.

[ A chuckle. At least G'raha isn't shy about his body. Not now, anyway. When the crystal had been eating way at his form? Different story.

He watches Zack pat the water, continuing to urge him on. G'raha finally relents. It's only another brief moment of hesitation before he is sliding into the water. There's a moment of discomfort and it shows...

Then he leans back against the stone and melts. ]

I'll have you take responsibility for my lack of balance later.

There you go. [He grins.] I'll carry you out of here if I have to. And I can towel dry your tail for you if you really want me to.

[That's a promise since he wouldn't want G'raha to fall over from the heated water and a water-logged tail. He needs that tail dry, shiny and clean for balance or something. Right?]

Now that you're in feels great, right?

[The volcano mineral water must be doing something good. It's like an epsom salt bath but better.]

I expect that you will. You have no idea how much it throws off my balance. 'Tis a good thing that I packed an appropriate brush.

[ Which he just might take Zack up on the whole "drying the tail" thing. Maybe. That's not something that Zack has actually done all that often yet - fussed with Raha's tail, that is. Who knows what kind of reaction the Miqo'te might have to that. Still, he might have to explain the sort of intimacy that implies too.

Not that... They aren't sort of there. Already... Ahem. ]

Though yes, I have to admit. I could easily soak in here all day. A shame I did not have something like this back when my muscles were stiff from manipulating crystal constantly.

[Sorry. He can't contain himself. He has to ask.]

So it's true then? The tail is more than just for show? You really use it for balance like a real cat does?

[He's just confirming this wild fact. Here he thought it was kind of just a cute appendage to have. Now he's just curious to find out more about the tail and more. Maybe he will partake in that tail-care afterwards.

But the question lingers as Zack moves closer to G'raha. He slides to sit next to him.]

The tower you told me about. Manipulating it made you stiff?

[ He's just going to sink in more. Allow for the heat to just. Reach inside and touch muscle. His eyes close as Zack asks the first question, chuckling. ]

Of course it is for more than just show. My kind excel at hunting and stalking. Before you ask, my ears and nose are more keen than other races. I believe Viera might have Miqo'te beat on that.

[ Then his eyes open, seeing Zack there with him. Right. The Tower. G'raha hums a little, leaning against the taller man. ]

There was a price to be paid for controlling its power to the degree that I did. I was as much the Crystal Tower as it was me so naturally I would eventually be assimilated into it.

[ Quite literally stiff. ]

The only way I could move, after a time, was to puppet the crystalized limb like one would a golem.

[He chuckles at first before he settles into his spot next to G'raha. He lets the hot water soak over him and he too enjoys the heat. But as G'raha continues to talk he sits back up straight and reaches out for G'raha's hand.]

Are you telling me that you were literally turning into crystal just like the tower?

[He frowns...]

Show me where.

[ Had he said something alarming? Zack's frown is making him think that he has. But what... ]

Ah... Initially? Here. [ G'raha offers his arm. Traces the pattern up it and across his chest. ] My Archon markings and shoulder tattoo were completely covered by the time I was able to reach my friend.

[ He gives his hand a squeeze. ]

After we succeeded, the rate at which my body was converting into crystal sped up exponentially. That body eventually succumbed to it.

... Why are you talking about this like you're talking about lunch on Sunday?

[Zack is finding this very alarming, actually. Zack continues to frown at G'raha and his hands search up and down G'raha's arm. He studies the lines of his arm almost like he's still searching for crystal.]

I know you said that's all over for you now but. What the hell do you mean by- That body succumbed to it?

[He's allowed to be concerned. Explain this to him in simple terms. So he's checking by running a hand up G'raha's arm to his shoulder and then to rest his palm on G'raha's neck tattoo.]

Is there another way I should speak of it? Back then and even now, it seems like a small price to pay for what we ended up accomplishing.

[ Of course he had also lived with the condition for about ninety years. To him it's all like reciting a historical fact. Perhaps it is his tone? For it might sound a little removed from it all.

Instead his gaze lingers on Zack's touch. It's so careful, but searching. Seeking the evidence of G'raha's claim. Or is it that he worries that some of the crystal might linger still. Problem is, with how warm it is and with Zack's touch, there's a soft little rumble in his chest from the attention. ]

Hmmm. How best to explain... [ Keep it simple. ] I went back in time at one point. There was history that needed to be unwritten and the Crystal Tower had the capability to do it. As I was the only one who could control the tower, it had to be me. We overshot by approximately a hundred years. So I bound myself to the Crystal Tower so that I might see our mission through. Once it was completed, my body was almost entirely consumed, but my companions refused to give up.

[ There's a soft smile on his features. Amused. The Scions and the Warrior of Light are truly something else. And now he is one of those Scions, even if they are supposed to have disbanded. ]

Before I could turn to crystal completely, I transferred my soul into a crystalline vessel and left it in the care of my friend. He took the vessel back with him and gave it to my twenty and four year old self. Both souls intertwined and became one.

[ So he is both of those souls. He is neither of those souls. ]

[This is a lot to take in. Zack listens but he almost loses track of the information that G'raha tells him. His face doesn't change from that confused and concerned look he has on his face.]

That's... way over my head. Which is saying a lot because I've dealt with some insane things in my life too. But this.

[He shakes his head.]

You really gave yourself up to fix something in history? Time travel? Used up your body up and got your soul popped into a younger version of yourself? Now that's insane. How old are, actually?

[But more than that...]

And here I thought I was reckless when it came to doing the right thing... I can't even compare.

I am starting to think that a good portion of us have.

[ He takes the hand that had once been crystal and places it on top of Zack's. The one that is on his neck. Eyes close and he leans into it slightly. ]

You've got the gist of it, yes. Though when you speak of it like thus, it does feel insane. Or, rather, it sounds like a story written on a page to entertain the readers. This is one of the matters I wished to speak to you of before, ah... [ His ears press flat against his head, flustered. ] Anything else were to transpire.

[ Smooth, G'raha. Smooth. ]

As far as age goes, I suppose that depends on how you define age. Physically speaking, I am twenty-four. If you want to calculate by lived experience, add another hundred years. If you mean for how long I have existed, then I suppose near three hundred and twenty-four.

[ He won't let you get away with praising him just yet, Zack. But he will allow for a moment to take that information in. ]

[Yup. Just.

Zack's gonna lean back for a second. Stare out at the sky. Give him a minute.

... G'raha's a peepaw.]

Too much?

[ ...Uh. Starting to feel a little nervous. Don't tell him it really is a deal breaker? ]

What? No- Nah.

[Zack sits up straight again. He turns to face G'raha to look at him sincerely.]

I'm just surprised, I guess. [It took him off guard.] You've got this entire life crammed into you like that. You've seen more than most people should. For better or worse, you went through more than most people would do for anyone.

[That's pretty amazing. He lets out a small laugh.]

I'll just have to tell myself you're mostly my age.

[ He hadn't thought of it that way. That he's had an entire life and then some crammed into him. As for what he's seen... That's only partially true. There have been others that have seen more. Have experienced just as much.

His gaze softens. Becomes a little melancholic. ]

I've done no less than those who had set me upon this path.

[Zack's expression softens a tad and he reaches out to put his hand on G'raha's head. With a gentle affectionate ruffle of his hair.]

I'm pretty sure you did more for your world than you realize. Because you're a selfless person. You know how to do the right thing.

[And pretty damn heroic too. Time travel... All those years... He can't even wrap his head around it.]

[ Had it been another, he might have huffed and swatted at the hand. Since it is Zack, he leans into it instead.

It's embarrassing, to be praised. To be spoken to like he's done something amazing when he had just been keeping promises. Trying to do the right thing. ]

From the stories you have relayed to me, so do you.

[ And a relief it is, to know that while it might take a bit for Zack to wrap his mind around it... He is at least accepting it.

And that's when something catches his eye. ]

Zack...

[He wants to learn more about G'raha and the life he's led he just wasn't expecting something so dazzlingly spectacular like that. It's a little mindblowing.

But he also doesn't realize he's been sitting here all this time in the hot water with his chest exposed. The tiny fang-shaped blue markings on his nipple are just out there in the open. Where the little baby dragon had bit him...]

What's up?

What's this?

[ He's reaching out, sure enough. Fingers brushing lightly against the little marks. Curious. A little conerned. ]

[Luckily it doesn't hurt anymore. The soreness is gone and the marks left by the baby dragon are just blue little spots now.]

Oh, those. [Zack snorts.] You remember that little pink terror that was loose and everyone was trying to find? She bit me.

[On his nipple.]

Edited 2024-01-15 05:11 (UTC)

She bit you...

[ Hold on, Zack. Raha is just going to lean forward. Just... Cup that pec with a hand. Honestly he's doing this just so he can get a better look at the bite marks. No other reason.

...Another reason might appear later. ]

Here. Of all places?

[Zack raises an eyebrow at G'raha's rather throughout inspection. He's more than welcome to cup or squeeze all he wants. Zack won't stop him. He might even be pleased that G'raha is doing that.]

She almost got my neck but wiggled her way down my shirt before I could grab her, yeah. [He's getting amused.] Benedikta managed to grab her before she could do any more damage.

[...]

How's it looking?

[... Enjoying the exam, G'raha?]

Miss Harman certainly has a way of getting around. Shouldn't the bruises have disappeared completely by now?

[ He's stopped squeezing, sure. But that hand hasn't actually. Left Zack's chest. Not entirely. He only seems to realize that when Zack asks the question. Really he should probably remove said hand but you know what? Raha doesn't.

Nope. Just keeping it there. Below the water, Zack might start to feel the tickle of a tail under the water. ]

Mayhap the little thing also liked what it saw.

WINTER LODGE

HOT SPRINGS

VOLCANO EXPLORATION

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