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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

[Kaveh huffs faintly, but he'll take the seat, leaning a little into the warmth of someone else's body. Listen, it's really cold outside.]

I mean it, Alhaitham. It's safer if you're not alone in there.

Have you known me to be careless, senior?

[He says this as he shifts about a little again, this time in order to have the blanket now cover them both. It doesn't quite manage that at first, since the blanket is mostly made for one, but then Alhaitham unceremoniously presses himself even closer so that the blanket can properly drape around them both.

It does make his task of note taking somewhat more cumbersome, but if Alhaitham is bothered by it he does not voice it out loud and simply continues on as if nothing has happened.]

Give me that.

[One of us here is ambidextrous and it isn't you, Alhaitham! So Kaveh just scooped the notebook and pen out of his hands to pick up where Alhaitham's left off, just glancing over to see what Alhaitham's keeping track of.

He'll wait expectantly for Alhaitham to dictate more notes to him, though he's already filling in a few of his own observations in that elegant, lovely handwriting of his.]

I didn't say careless. I am telling you to be more cautious than normal.

[Alhaitham makes no attempt to stop Kaveh from taking the notebook away from him, only adjusting himself thereafter so that its easier to see what Kaveh is writing to supplement what he's already written down.]

I'll be fine. [He is always careful, after all. Kaveh knows this.] Change the altitude by seven on that third one in the right list.

By seven? Got it.

[He doesn't argue--Alhaitham's got the telescope, and in situations like this, Kaveh trusts Alhaitham's factual observations are accurate.]

If you come back hurt, I'm never letting you hear the end of it, you know that, right?

My aim is to explore, not fight the local wildlife.

[Fighting is so troublesome anyway, he'd rather avoid it if he can.]

Fifth on the left. Decrease the angle by ten.

Looks more like eleven. [But he'll write down both notes, to be certain.]

Do you need to take personal offense at every suggestion self-sufficiency is not enough precaution? Even the most experienced scholar falters on unfamiliar ground.

[LET HIM FUSS AT YOU GOSHDANGIT.]

At what point did I say I was offended?

[He is letting you fuss. Is this not obvious.]

You're so--ugh.

[He makes a frustrated noise, but goes silent. How does he begin to explain the anxiety? How does he begin to explain how it felt coming back after the coup was over? Or how it feels now?

He knows Alhaitham can take care of himself. To the rest of the world, he may as well seem invincible. But Kaveh knows very well no one is infallible, and that includes Alhaitham.

He doesn't have any more family left to lose.]

[Alhaitham shifts his gaze from the notebook onto Kaveh at that unexpected response, blinking once and then just... staring at his roommate and watching the play of emotions that run across his face.

He does not know exactly what it is that has Kaveh this high strung—after all its far from the first time where either of them have gone to explore somewhere dangerous on their own. Trips of the desert are frequent enough between them back in Sumeru, not to mention how often Alhaitham has gone with the Traveler on their commissions.

Then again, they are not in Teyvat anymore, and the rules of this world is still something they are both trying to get used to. So maybe that is where the source of Kaveh's worry lies. If so, then its not as if anything that Alhaitham says here is going to be of any use.

So he thinks about it for a while, rolling his head and then his shoulders as he considers this, and after a beat reaches down to rummage through his belt pouch. It takes a second, but soon enough Alhaitham is pulling something out from it as he turns back to Kaveh.]

Here. [With his free hand Alhaitham grabs Kaveh's hand that isn't occupied by his pen, bringing it over close enough so that Alhaitham can reach over with his closed fist that he presses into Kaveh's palm, slackening said fist right after. Immediately there is a familiar, clinking sound which Kaveh should easily recognize, for once Alhaitham draws his hand back Kaveh's can now see a set of very familiar keys in his palm.]

I'll want them back when I return, so make sure to hold onto them until then. [They're the only set that exists here now since they're not in Teyvat anymore, so Kaveh had better not lose them or Alhaitham will be very... irritated.]

[Kaveh is quiet, at first, staring at the keys in his palm. There is, distantly, the flare of familiar indignation that Alhaitham had, once again, taken his goddamn key, but--strangely enough, even that is comforting, as he stares down at that little lion keychain. His fingers curl closed around the keys, and he huffs, something almost like a laugh.

This man is ridiculous. Ridiculous, and terrible at being any kind of reassuring, and yet. He's still trying, isn't he?

What a strange man Alhaitham is.]

...Ha. One of these was mine to begin with...I'm not going to lose it if you're not taking it.

[It's a roundabout way of saying he'll keep them, but he never can seem to say things straightforwardly, when it comes to Alhaitham.

'Thanks. Come home safe' would just be too hard, even now.]

Of course I'll want them back. How else can I be certain that we'll be able to return home after getting back to Sumeru?

[The words are light and almost on the side of playful—or at least as much as somebody like Alhaitham can ever be such. But it is there, and if there's anyone who'll pick it up it can only be Kaveh, his mirror, his reflection.

He turns away after that, busying himself with taking another look with the telescope even though he's already more or less finished looking across this particular patch of sky a while back. Doesn't hurt to have a second look just to be certain, considering the length of time that has passed since his last look.]

You could put a spare under the pot outside like I keep telling you.

[Kaveh snorts, but he's already tucked the keys into his pocket, and shifted back to look up at the stars. If he's pressed a little closer to Alhaitham now, well, it's cold out and this blanket isn't that big.]

And that is how you invite thieves to come and steal your valuables.

[Alhaitham says that but he is very much saying nothing at all in regards to their physical closeness now. It is after all quite cold and the blanket is not that big but it is very cozy with the both of them huddled in it.

He looks through the telescope for a while more before he pulls back, and when he does so goes to take back the notebook and pen from Kaveh's hands to write down a new set of notes from what he'd observed.]

Because there's such a surplus of thieves targeting buildings a stone's throw from the Akademiya, Alhaitham?

[He lets Alhaitham take the notepad from him, and when he leans back from the telescope, leans over to it, finally curious enough to look for himself, and--]

Oh-! A shooting star, look!

People can do many things when they're desperate.

[Which means yes its fairly improbable but very much not impossible, and therein lies the difference. Not that Alhaitham thinks it'll actually happen, but. You know.

Anyway, its a moot point for now since they're nowhere near Teyvat, let alone Sumeru, so Alhaitham focuses his attention back on annotating through what has been charted down thus far—or at least up until Kaveh exclaims about seeing a shooting star, and Alhaitham pauses to look up so that he can see it too.

...it is certainly quite the thing to behold. Shooting stars are not too common back in Teyvat, and he knows that some Rtawahist scholars have even deemed them as a bad omen due to how intricately tried the stars are to people's fates.

Alhaitham can't help but wonder then if this world holds such similar beliefs as well. It would be interesting to find out for sure.]

You don't always have to be so cynical about others!

[Even if it's a bad omen, Kaveh has to admit--the sight of a star shooting through the sky, through the shimmering aurora, is beautiful....his fingers itch a little, wanting to paint it. It's strange...he hasn't wanted to draw much, these last two months.

It probably has nothing to do with alhaitham, though.]

[Even Alhaitham can admit that there is a level of aesthetic beauty to the sight before them; something that as far as he knows is rare enough in Teyvat, but now they get to see it here, in this place that's so far away from home.

...and well, maybe its not too bad. Just a little. Alhaitham won't deny missing Sumeru and the familiarity that it brings to him but at the very least he is not alone here. Kaveh is here, after all. Kaveh, who'd been alone for two months prior.

Not for the first time Alhaitham feels that uncomfortable, twisting sensation in his gut again—the one that rears its head now everytime Alhaitham has to think about this. As much as he logically knows that none of that had been something that he can control, it is still...

Emotions truly are the most illogical of things to deal with.

With a sigh he looks back down to finish up the rest of his notes, unceremoniously shoving the notebook back to Kaveh as soon as he's done.]

I'm tired. You can take over.

If you're tired, we should go back to the lodge. Isn't it past your bedtime, junior?

[He takes the pen and notebook though, scanning over Alhaitham's notes briefly. He doesn't want to think about how it's felt, these last two months. He doesn't want to think about the relief that comes with Alhaitham being here. He really doesn't want to think about how he is glad it was Alhaitham, specifically.

Thinking about any of that means having to wrestle with the why. And he is a master of not doing that.]

[A quiet huff from Alhaitham comes at those words.]

I could say the same for you, senior.

[Going back to the lodge sounds like a very good idea though, actually. The cold has settled in enough at this point where a blanket isn't going to be able to hold up, and the same goes for sharing body heat. A warm place out from the cold sounds more and more palatable with every passing second.

To encourage this, Alhaitham goes to stand up now, making sure to take the blanket with him so that Kaveh has no reason to remain out here by himself.]

I'm not the one complaining yet.

[That said, he does stand as Alhaitham does--it's cold out here, okay--and stretches a bit. Maybe he should look into a better mattress soon....and a slightly bigger bed.]

Come on, then. No one else here deserves to have to find out how cranky you get without enough sleep.

[Alhaitham has no problems with their current arrangement, but he will also not complain about having a bigger bed.]

Adequate sleep is important in maintaining one's health. A fact that would not hurt you to keep in mind.

[Though to be fair to Kaveh he has been sleeping much more regularly now... only if because Alhaitham more or less forces him into it.]

I sleep just fine, as you very well know.

[He sticks his tongue out a little, feeling a little childish, but he still reaches out to playfully bap Alhaitham's shoulder.]

Enough, you can nag me inside, it's cold out here.

[Kaveh's childish response only causes Alhaitham to huff and roll his eyes ever so slightly, though he does nothing else beyond that and simply waits for Kaveh to be ready—and once he is Alhaitham starts to walk, fully expecting Kaveh to follow right after, if he isn't walking right next to him.

Alhaitham stays quiet as they walk, for there is nothing else that he has to say. Everything that is important has already been spoken, lingering in the air between them, just as it always has. A certainty that even being in another world has not changed.]<

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

« january open log: avaleci »

WINTER LODGE

HOT SPRINGS

VOLCANO EXPLORATION

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