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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

I. Ice Fishing

[Dion isn’t really familiar with this practice, but upon learning about it, it seems like something interesting to do.

So he’s sitting out there on the ice on a small stool with a line in the water.

Waiting. Waiting patiently. Waiting.... and frankly freezing his ass off.]

I don’t suppose the fish would like to come faster, would they? [He’s definitely going to want the hot spring when he’s finished.]

II. Hot Spring

[This is so much better than ice fishing. Dion is beginning to think that winter being so cold here is not half as fun. It certainly never was in Sanbreque.

He’s all too happy to find himself in one of the separated baths with a towel tied around his waist, even in the water. His entire right arm is bandaged as well, which might be strange but he’s moving it so it’s not a problem.

He sinks in to his shoulders and just relaxes, taking the chill out of him.

He’s not very inclined to get out anytime soon.]

III. Floor Is Lava

[There’s such a thing as been warm and comfortable and there’s another thing to walk up and have lava balls shot at him.

That’s nice.

He wasn’t really thinking he wanted to revisit Ifrit’s hellfire any time soon.]

Blast it. [Dion is quick to dodge and grab the back of the shirt of whoever is with him to pull them out of the line of fire.]

This will be no easy task.

IV. Wildcard

[Like something different? Don’t be afraid to throw me whatever you want. I’m game.]

[Rin isn't very good with fishing herself, and quite frankly, the clothes she's wearing isn't helping with freezing her ass off either. However, she does have a fire spell that might warm them up a bit, and she shifts a bit closer so that she can offer her hand -- that's on literal fire -- toward him. The proximity of the flames warming the both of them up with relative ease.]

You look like your freezing your ass off. Hope this helps a little.

[As for his question:]

Unlikely. They know you're fishing, so they're not gonna come now.

I was certainly thinking I wish I'd brought my friend with me, considering he can do something similar. [ Dion smiles at Rin. ] You have my thanks.

[ Excuse him while he scoots a bit closer to the flame. His armor is not well-designed for the cold. ]

I've never understood the desire to do this for recreation and now that I'm trying it, I'm inclined to keep to my original opinion.

I'm sure with your friend, and my abilities combined, we can be some sort of campfire for everyone out here. Unfortunately, I don't have my little phoenix here with me, so I can't warm everyone up in the area.

[She doesn't mind that he shifts closer, and in fact, the fire grows a bit more underneath her fingers. Glad that she could honestly be useful for something while they both froze out here in the cold.]

It might be better in the summer, or another season! Winter fishing doesn't seem very appealing to be completely honest, but eh. We're out here, so we should get this over with.

[As her stick remains unmoving.]

I'm Rin, by the way.

A phoenix you say?

[ How interesting and amusing at that. Hopefully the fire will be enough to keep them warm while they sit there. Waiting for fish. ]

It was advertised as something to try. [ So he's trying it. ]

I am Dion Lesage. The pleasure is mine, Lady Rin.

Yeah. Not those big phoenix that are protecting the sacred land, but a mini one. The small girl would attach herself to my sword and spread it's wings when I struck something... Kind of sad I don't have her here. She's been a big help in my adventures.

[If it helps, she'll likely become a space heater of sorts if it becomes too cold. For now, though, she leans back and watches as those fish just. Swim by their lines. For now, anyway. She figures that if they're patient enough, they'll catch something.]

Well, if this line doesn't work, we can always try the nets. We'll probably get more fish that way, and you look like you can swing.

[Oh, why does he sound like a royal or noble... Not that it changes her opinion about him so far.]

Hmm... Your name sounds like you're a noble or something.

Knowing a phoenix myself, I imagine that she would be very useful.

[ Even in small form. ]

Yes, the nets could be a good alternative if the fish don't find themselves attracted to our line.

[ Dion smiles a little bit at that. ]

Ah, I cannot deny that. I'm a prince, although that's not terribly relevant here.

Yeah? What's the phoenix like? Ours from back home can talk like us, but they're pretty rare to see and speak to. It's kind of a huge honor if they do want to talk to you, since they're busy protecting something.

[Honestly, she's kind of tempted to switch to the nets. But she'll give it a few moments, as she is enjoying their little chat. He seemed relaxed, even as he confirms her suspicions. Most nobility that she dealt with seemed similar to him, so she certainly didn't mind.]

A prince... Fancy. Wouldn't have guessed that, since you're pretty relaxed. I'm guessing you were quite loved back at home?

WINTER LODGE

HOT SPRINGS

VOLCANO EXPLORATION

Dion Lesage | FFXVI | Paladin

ice fishing

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Wildcard: MANTA Board: Frost-Kissed Blossoms

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hot springs 💦

So forward Joshua

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III

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