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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

Rtawahist?

[Even saying the word slowly, it still sounds foreign when he tries to pronounce it.]

Interesting! And does that make you a Rtawahist student, if you are mapping the stars?

[It is indeed a mouthful to say, and Alhaitham is well aware of this. He's not gonna whack on anyone who has trouble with it—nitpicking like that serves absolutely nobody, especially himself.]

No. I graduated from Haravatat.

[Though he did take an one in Rtawahist back in the day, mostly to see for himself how things are like there—only to quickly figure out that it really wasn't for him at all. Far too much romanticism for his taste, and that's not even getting to the professor that'd been teaching that particular elective.]

Haravatat? That sounds fascinating. And what is it you studied in Haravatat? Considering I've heard you're something of a scribe, I assume your work is related to writing?

[Kaveh may have dropped the hint that the man is a scribe, but Lyney doesn't know about him being the Scribe.]

Haravatat is the Darshan that specializes in semiotics—the breaking down of languages, to understand their syntax, structure, and other related disciplines. As for my job, it is to document all the paperwork that passes through the Akademiya, and to draft ordinances when requested by the Dendro Archon.

[Usually it'd be the Grand Sage, but Sumeru doesn't exactly have one right now since Alhaitham himself stepped down from the position as soon as the worst of the upheaval from the coup had been settled enough for Lord Kusanali to handle the rest on her own.]

Language and syntax? That sounds rather verbose, if I do say so myself. I'm sure you're able to inspire and please all kinds of people with that skillful tongue of yours, aren't you?

[Is that meant to come out as an innuendo? Because it sure comes out like an innuendo.]

Every single piece of paperwork? For a nation of scholars? Forgive me for my ignorance, but that sounds like quite a lot of boring work for one person to handle. Even the Iudex himself has assistants that help with organizing the notes for his trials. Are you sure you're not wasting your talents away at such a mundane job?

[Also, hello? Those muscles? Unless he's pushing literal tonnes of paper, that seems fake??]

[This, Lyney, is the sight and sound of somebody who has absolutely no reaction to your unsubtle attempts at flirting whatsoever.]

It is boring, but it is simple.

[And that's exactly why he has this position. Sorry if you were expecting some deep, profound reason here. Alhaitham just wants to vibe comfortably.]

[How curious. Lyney leans forward a bit, resting his chin on his open palm.]

Hmm... Is that what you crave, then? Simplicity?

Edited 2024-01-21 21:12 (UTC)

Comfort.

[He has no shame in admitting this. Why would he, when it clearly seems to be something people keep having trouble to wrap their head around?]

I suppose simplicity can be a part of it, but it is not the intent.

Comfort, hmm?

[Lyney considers that for a moment. How curious... the more he learns about Alhaitham, the more puzzling and unexpected he becomes. But Lyney likes that in the man; it's like a puzzle box that, once one layer is opened, reveals yet another puzzle to unlock. He nods, an earnest smile on his face rather than a flirty one.]

I think that's an honest desire. Many people seek out fame, fortune, respect, notoriety... but comfort is rarely one that people ever stop to consider. Comfort is a fine truth to dedicate your life to, if you asked me.

[That's... a lot less flirty than he's been thus far with Alhaitham, and a lot more straightforward.]

There's hardly anything special about it. Aren't all those desires that you've listed simply nothing more than facets of one's goal to live a comfortable life?

[Kind of just lifts a shoulder and shrugs as he says that. The desire for fame, to be rich, to be respected or even feared... at the end of the day, does it all not lead back to the simple want to be comfortable with where they are in their life? People are after all only dissatisfied with their position because they don't feel comfortable with it.

With all of that being said though, Alhaitham very much prefers this kind of conversation, without the need for theatrics and other such things, so maybe he does relax just a little. Like it or not Lyney is from Teyvat as well, and in this world where everything is unfamiliar and strange any little bit of what he does find familiar is helpful.]

[Lyney let’s out a soft chuckle.]

Perhaps you’re right. They may all share a common basis in making one’s life more comfortable. Still, you’d be surprised how little people actually believe that. Many aren’t willing to simply be comfortable, and for others, comfort is a long-forgotten dream that can only come when approved of by those around them. Which is why people will seek out fame, respect, status, and other such desires as a tangible goal, and lose sight of what their truth is.

[Lyney let’s out a sigh, glancing up at the stars above.]

Perhaps if more people were able to freely seek out their comforts, there would be more happiness in the world.

[He says it almost more to himself than to Alhaitham, in a tone that’s softer and more wistful. He falls silent for a few moments, allowing his thoughts to linger in his mind. When he takes a breath and speaks again, it’s like whatever guards had been lowered have gone back up, for he talks with his showmanship tone once more.]

Still, I suppose that makes business good for a magician like myself! Filling in that void of happiness is what magicians do best!

[There's a hum of agreement from Alhaitham at the first part, at the very least. He's is more than well aware of how people would rather project onto others instead of admitting the truth themselves; it happens often enough that one might almost be inclined to call it human nature, or maybe some kind of self-defense mechanism. He's no expect in such things, at the end of the day, but its still something that he has observed in others often enough. Life truly would be a lot easier if people could drop those pretenses and actually be honest with themselves and each other.

But then the last few lines from Lyney crop up, and try as he might Alhaitham can very much sense something in those words, and his interest is momentarily piqued. Right from the start it'd been clear to Alhaitham that the Fontanian is more than he lets on, though Alhaitham neither has a reason nor the desire to pry. But it is still human nature to wonder anyway, especially when cracks show up on the mask that people so desperately try to wear and maintain.

So it is not so much of a surprise, then, when Lyney next speaks up with his usual brand of theatrics once more. In a way its reminiscent of Kaveh and his forced cheer, and that comparison is enough to draw out a small huff from Alhaitham as he looks away.]

As long as you're satisfied with it. [In the end it is not Alhaitham's place to judge anyone as to how they choose to live their life. This is one particular lesson that he has learned the hard way.]

[Lyney doesn't actually answer Alhaitham; he merely lets out a non-committal hum, offering a peculiar grin. Of course he's satisfied; there's no other options for him even if he wasn't. To Lyney, his path is set, his destiny clearly outlined whether he likes it or not, and no matter what detours remain along the way he knows what awaits him at the end of his path. So he may as well be the best he can be while taking that journey. If he gets to bring smiles and joy to those around him along the way, and make a name for himself among the populace of Fontaine, that's just extra satisfaction.]

[He might as well enjoy the journey, for however long it lasts.]

[Instead of a reply for himself, he instead turns to give Alhaitham a pointed look.]

And you? Are you satisfied?

[A simple question, asked lightly, but oddly weighted.]

[Alhaitham doesn't really mind the lack of a verbal response; if there is nothing to be said, then he is perfectly fine with leaving things at that. People who try to force a conversation will more often than not sends things on a rather regrettable tangent.

Still, the question that comes is a bit of a surprise, though the answer for it is easy enough. Alhaitham doesn't even take a moment to think about it before he nods.]

Yes.

[And the thing is that Alhaitham truly isn't forcing out that answer; as far as he's concerned he is more or less satisfied with what he has back in Sumeru. A simple job with a generous pay and reasonable hours, a house in a comfortable place, the time to do whatever he pleases and all the books he could ever want to read. Those are all things that he desires in his life and he has them, so yes, he is very much satisfied. What more can he ask for, at this point?]

[Again, Lyney gives Alhaitham an unreadable look, eyes searching for something not openly known. But eventually, he nods, accepting Alhaitham's answer.]

I'm glad to hear it, Mr. Alhaitham. I hope you're able to keep being satisfied, and don't settle for any less.

[For better or worse Alhaitham simply meets Lyney's gazes head on without so much as a flinch, though he also makes no attempt to try and see anything back in return. Regardless of whatever Lyney is harboring within himself Alhaitham has no desire or interest in it; as long as he isn't actively wanting to cause harm to people and especially Kaveh, then he can do just about anything and Alhaitham would not care.

At the words Alhaitham simply hums in response, and then turns his gaze back to the stars, already halfway to resuming with what he'd been doing before having been interrupted as such. He doesn't really need any sort of platitudes or well-wishes, and honestly Alhaitham thinks that if Lyney has time for such acts then he maybe could use that time on himself instead—but as always, such things are not for him to speak about, and in the end what Lyney wants to do is his choice alone.]

[Lyney wouldn't want to cause any active harm... at least, not to those who don't harm him or his family. So far, Alhaitham and Kaveh haven't ventured that far yet.]

[Though Alhaitham is already going back to ignoring Lyney, Lyney will in fact stick around; offering up some idle chitchat here and there, but eventually opting to look up at the stars and practice a few sleight-of-hand tricks in companionable silence. He'd come up here to get away from the crowds below, and though Alhaitham is another person, he's... actually pretty nice quiet company. He at least doesn't intrude on Lyney's thoughts, which is a nice gesture.]

[In return, Lyney can be well-behaved, at least for one night.]

[As long as Lyney stays quiet and well-behaved, Alhaitham has no issues with him hanging around; this is, after all, a public space, and Alhaitham has never thought of himself as the sort of person who can tell people where they should and should not be. Everyone has always been free to make their own choices, though that in turn means having to deal with the consequences that come with it.

But for tonight, just like this—it is more than fine. Alhaitham has never been a person who explicitly longs for company, but he cannot deny the quiet camaraderie that comes from the two of them being residents from a world that is now so far away from where they are presently at.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

« january open log: avaleci »

WINTER LODGE

HOT SPRINGS

VOLCANO EXPLORATION

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Good to wrap?

🎁