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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

[Somehow, Freminet wasn't surprised to hear his answer. Although, at the same time, it did manage to catch him off guard.]

Yes, I am. I'm assuming that you must have met my brother, Lyney?

[That and the outfit he wore did look straight out of something from the country.]

Edited 2024-01-07 16:28 (UTC)

[There's another blink now, since he didn't think this person would be related to Lyney of all people... then again both he and Kaveh have ended up here too in the swathe of numerous other people from Sumeru, so he doesn't have a leg in that particular non-argument.]

Yes, I've met him before.

[...and there may be other things he could also say here but you know what let's not because it doesn't matter anyway. The important thing is that his suspicions are confirmed, so Alhaitham turns back forward and starts walking again.]

My Vision won't be of much use in this place, but hopefully we can avoid combat where necessary. [He's here to explore, not fight, though if push comes to shove he'll do what he must.] I'll have to ask for your help if it comes down to it.

[Considering his Vision and the fact that he is here by himself tells Alhaitham that the other is probably fairly combat capable, so that's what he will work with. Still, he'd rather not risk it if at all possible.]

[In the back of his mind, he had to wonder if Lyney might have done something to annoy Alhaitham. He was hoping that by having friendly relations with his brother, Alhaitham would be a bit more nicer. Of course, that didn't happen and stead? He just was blunt as usual.

Perhaps that was just how this scary tall man was like....]

If you need to, feel free to tell me. I'm not sure how much my Vision will be one use here but I'll try my best!

[Pause.]

I don't want to let you down. [Or anyone here, really.]

[Yes Freminet, this is indeed how the 'scary tall man' is like. Don't worry, you'll get used to it.

He does, however, cast a glance back at the part about not wanting to let him down. There's a blink, followed by one pointedly raised eyebrow and a quiet huff.]

Your Vision will be just fine; elemental reactions generally work the same way here as they did back in Teyvat, so your cryo powers will serve well in this place.

[Just stating the facts as it is here. Alhaitham also hasn't stopped moving the whole time, which means he is starting to see something in the distance...]

[He was so matter of fact, he just wasn't used to someone talking him this way. Although, he wasn't sure if this was a good or a bad thing as he kept looking downward. Ah, what was he supposed to do here?]

I-I see then that's good. I'll do my best to make sure that we stay safe...

[But as he kept walking onward, Freminet raised an eyebrow.]

Um...we're getting close.

[They are indeed getting close to something, just like what Freminet said—and if the heat and light wasn't enough of an indicator, it seems like they'd come onto one of the many lakes of lava that this place has.

Alhaitham comes to a stop at the edge, eyeing the lake and more specifically what is on the other side. Its clear that the path forward is through this lake, and while some of the rocks look solid enough to be platforms, its still hard to be entirely certain about the stability of it all.

He glances at everything for a while more before he eventually looks over to Freminet.] How well do you think Cryo works on lava?

[...he's never been to Natlan before, so.]

[Now that they were at the place, Freminet had to raise an eyebrow or two. It certainly was a lot different compared to his missions on Fontaine. At least when it came to using his Cryo abilities, he knew what to expect. But when it came to lava...?]

Um...I'm not sure, I never tried it before either. But I can see what would happen?

[That and he never been to Natlan either. Regardless, he hit his claymore on the ground to momentarily freeze the lake before them.]

[Alhaitham watches as Freminet's Cryo powers react to the lava. The first thing that happens is a loud sizzling sound, which he supposes is from the ice rapidly melting from the intense heat—and while that much is expected what is not expected is how the lava that'd been touched by the ice starts to bubble violently enough that it starts splashing out bits of lava right towards them.

Alhaitham quickly reacts then, one arm blocking off Freminet as he quickly moves back, just managing to step out of the way of the spitting lava in time.

...that probably could have gone better.]

[Well. That was one thing he didn't expect. For all of his missions, he should have expected danger but this was the last thing to happen. That said, as he took a step back, he just raised an eyebrow or two.]

...Ah, thank you, Mr. Alhaitham.

[But now there was another problem.]

I suppose we need to think of something else but...what should we do?

[Indeed, what do they do from here? Alhaitham thinks about it as he drops his arm and scans their surroundings instead, trying to see what they can do instead.

The lake does look fairly big for what its worth, and if he squints it looks like there's maybe more stone platforms elsewhere, so...]

Let's see if we can try to cross it from another spot.

[And he starts walking pretty much having said that. Time to poke around and see if they can find a path that works.]

[As Freminet kept on following Alhaitham, he kept his eyes open to see whatever path they could take. After all, it seemed a little odd to know that there was a quest for the volcano and yet, it seemed rather difficult to find a suitable trail.]

Um...what about that one?

[he said pointing to one nearby. While there was a small bridge, it seemed rather narrow.]

I could try to build an ice bridge and see it will make it a bit more stable...?

[Alhaitham glances over to the small bridge that Freminet points out and takes a second to mull over the suggestion. He's no ecology expect in the way that Tighnari is, of course, though he doubts that the Forest Ranger is in anyway well-versed in traversing through a volcano, given his weakness to places that are dry and arid.

Anyway, thinking about it, Alhaitham sees no reason to not give it a shot, so he makes a small nod.]

Worth a shot.

[Annnd off they go towards their new destination now.]

[This was already so different from what he was used to. He's used to being around water and exploring what is beneath! Not looking around volcanos and looking for treasure in such hot conditions.

Either way, he gave a sigh before attempting to move toward the narrow bridge. As there was some hesitation, he gave a mumble or two before attempting to use ice to hold the bridge in place.]

Um...shall we?

[Hopefully this will go well? Especially as Freminet took the first few steps and things seemed to be going fine.]

[Alhaitham patiently waits to the side for Freminet to do his work, which really doesn't take very long at all. He watches as the ice forms where Freminet directs it, thickening and strengthening the otherwise narrow bridge.

...at the very least said bridge is high enough from the lava that the ice doesn't melt all at once, but its still notably quick, and the sizzling that sounds out as the melted ice drips down serves as a reminder that they don't exactly have all day.

Which is to say once Freminet takes those first few steps and nothing happens Alhaitham just takes that as the cue for them to keep going. He jerks his head for Freminet to keep on moving as he comes to a stop right at the edge of the bridge itself, figuring that it'd be safer for them to cross one at a time just in case.]

[As Freminet continues to walk forward, he already knows he had to move quickly. Not when he could already see the ice starting to melt. With each step that he took, the ice was slowly turning into water.

Taking a small gulp, he looked back at Alhaitham and looking at what was in front of him.]

Are you okay with that? Shouldn't you go ahead in case we might get trapped?

[Nevermind that he might too but...]

[Alhaitham gives a mildly flat look to Freminet here when the other pauses while in the middle of crossing the bridge to look back at him. You were doing completely fine, why did you stop?

In fact, Alhaitham doesn't say anything in response here, simply continuing to give Freminet that flat, pointed expression. Just keep going unless you want to stand there and let the ice melt completely.]

[The lack of a response was worrying. While he already knew that Alhaitham probably wasn't a man with many words, it still made him nervous. After all, the lack of words meant that he might have done something wrong....right?

Without any further words, he kept on marching forward. Although, he was starting to realize something.]

Wait that's...? [He said before he noticed that at the beginning of the bridge, the ice was already starting to crack.]

[Freminet why have you not crossed yet. Freminet why do you keep stopping. Freminet you are literally like five steps away—]

What's wrong? [He voices out the question loud enough for the other to hear it even over the bubbling the sizzling of lava going on between them. He can see that something else has his attention since he isn't looking at Alhaitham. A few possibilities cross his mind, but there's no use in wondering when he can get the answer himself straight from the proverbial horse's mouth.]

[Alas, Freminet would need to learn how to get along with Alhaitham a little better then perhaps he wouldn't feel so scared around him. But until that moment comes, he gave a look and quickly crossed over the path.]

We need to hurry, the ice is starting to melt.

[He said before attempting to walk just a bit faster before the other pieces of ice was starting to crumble away.]

[Yes Freminet, ice indeed does melt when its hovering right over a lake of hot, boiling lava. Were you expecting anything else otherwise?

Alhaitham purses his lips and sees where Freminet is in relation to the other side. He is nearly there at this point, and while Alhaitham would have preferred to wait until Freminet has completely crossed, he is also not wrong about them needing to hurry, since there's only so much time they can afford.

With that in mind, Alhaitham is forced to move, striding onto the bridge himself so as to cross over. As he does that thought one hand comes up to touch his earpieces, fiddling to set them to the right settings so that he fall back onto his contingency plan if necessary.]

[Look, he is trying to get Alhaitham to talk! He just wants to know he isn't doing a bad job with this quest! Regardless, he simply walked a little faster in hopes that the older man would follow along with him.

As he looked back, he could see him moving around said earpiece. While he didn't say anything, he just simply kept on moving forward until he got to the other side. With the ice starting to melt even further, he was starting to wonder if he should start making a really big ice bridge for him to cross over...]

[As soon as Alhaitham sees that Freminet has (finally) crossed over to the other side he picks his pace a little. The delay has meant that a lot of the ice is melting now, so there's only so much time he can afford, but as long as he gets to the middle point...

With his stride, he manages to do just that, and as soon as he hits that mark Alhaitham narrows his focus down to a spot at Freminet's side and calls forth the power of his Vision.]

Flicker.

[It's a murmur under his breath, easily lost underneath the sound of roiling, bubbling lava right below him, but its more than enough to get the job done. The Vision on his shoulder flares, and its the only outward sign that Freminet gets before Alhaitham more or less teleports over right next to him in the blink of an eye, Dendro energy briefly humming in the air before it coalesces into one of his Chisel-Light Mirrors that come to float right next to him.

Alhaitham takes a second to reorient himself then, and once he's settled he glances over to Freminet with a small frown.]

Don't hesitate next time. Such uncertainties do nothing for anyone involved.

[His words are maybe a little stern, but they don't hold any measure of anger towards the other.

And regardless of how well Freminet takes to that, Alhaitham is quick to go back on the move now that the both of them have crossed. He turns on his heel and starts walking forward, Chisel-Light Mirror dissipating back into nothing.]

[He didn't know what happened but all the boy could do was stare before blinking to himself. Was that how powerful Alhaitham really was? He figured that he would be given the last time he saw him, he carried bags as if they were nothing. Still, he didn't expect his Dendro Vision to give him the ability to teleport so quickly.]

I...uh...

[And yet, he couldn't help but let his words sink in. It didn't sound all too different from what his siblings or "Father" would tell him. He really shouldn't hesitate or second guess himself but it was a terrible flaw of his.

With a sigh, he gave a nod before continuing to follow him.]

Y-Yes, I shouldn't. It's something I want to work on.

One way to achieve that would be to not care about the opinions of others. Trying to please everyone around you will more often than not only bring more trouble into your life.

[Honestly, Alhaitham doesn't know why more people won't adopt such a philosophy—it would certainly reduce the number of relationship issues and other related problems that tend to plague people so.

Anyway, now that they're both here its time to resume the exploration. Alhaitham walks on, eyes glancing around to see if there is anything that might indicate a way. A whole floor of lava might simply be just that, but experience has told him that the most valuable discoveries tend to be the most closely guarded. Of course, if it prove to be too hard to accomplish then he isn't going to force it, but it certainly wouldn't hurt t at least try.]

[He wanted to say something but he couldn't. All he could do was nod. Once again, he was forced to learn the same lessons that his "Father" and his siblings told him. But he also couldn't help but wince a bit as it reminded him of a certain someone he once knew...]

That's easier said than done. I wish I could be confident enough to say that I didn't care about what others thought about me.

[His mother would be disappointed in him, wouldn't she? Shaking his head, he didn't want to think about it for too long. As he continued to look around the area, he was also keeping an eye on anything that might be guarded. Exploration around a volcano might be different from underwater but it was still the same. If it was highly valuable, it would be heavily guarded.]

...But do you see anything unsual?

WINTER LODGE

HOT SPRINGS

VOLCANO EXPLORATION

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