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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

Aha. I'd take any of those over this too. But here we are.

[He's seen all those things on that list too. And almost all of them in this world already too. Big yikes... But still, there might be something important to find on the other side of this lake of lava and Zack wants to find it. It could be important. It could help people. Or even help with that sleeping curse that's been going around.

Zack starts to tug at the collar of his shirt.]

No offence or anything but I don't think you'd be able to throw me. So I think we'll go with option one.

[Zack's like over six feet tall with the muscle structure to match, kid.]

Excuse me for trying to think positively. Carpe diem, and all that.

[Some things just never leave home. Whatever might be at the end of this cavern, Ranma wasn't planning on turning back now. Not when they've made it this far. He's dealt with fire being blasted on him firsthand, this volcano's got nothing on him!

It took a bit to not openly scowl, opting instead to just shrug off the taller man. He could easily just hoist the other guy over his shoulder and leap the entire path of rocks to prove his point, but he won't. If he wants to underestimate him, be his guest. It's just beneficial for Ranma in the end if the two of them ever fight.] Good thing I was joking. [His tone didn't imply that, though remained nonchalant.

Excuse you, he's lifted pandas that are heavier!]

Hope you're good at jumping and maintaining balance. [Walking to the edge, the martial artist braced himself, waiting for the lava blobs to stop shooting up before leaping forward speedily, hopping from rock to rock. Leaping like a trained acrobat, maneuvering his body through the air as hot magma shot up and barely missed his leg as he landed. It helped that he's balanced on thinned and smaller platforms before, so standing on the rocks wasn't much of an issue for the fighter. He made sure to hop to the second rock ahead of the first to give Zack room to jump.]

[Zack is used to chemically advanced super soldiers with enhanced strength and power but not anime shounen kids with more power than what they look like they have on the surface! Can't blame Zack for making the assumption! He'd rather not make a kid toss him like a sack of potatoes! He's pretty bulky.

Zack does give a friendly grin as if to smooth it over.]

Next time I'll let you try to throw me. Where there's no lava around.

[Just to be safe!

But here Zack goes after Ranma is done with his parkour session. He watches where Ranma jumped and hopped and he ties to map the same in his head. Zack isn't the most nimble person but he's got enough athletic ability to give it a go. He gives a slow breath and then jumps to the first rock. And then the next one. But the next one might rumble dangerously under the added weight...]

Oh shit.

[Hah! Sucks to be you guys, he didn't need to be pumped with chemicals to get stronger! Score one for the shounens, zilch for RPG boys!]

I'll hold you to that!

[Zack you've just made the worst decision of your life telling him that.

This was a breeze for a martial artist like Ranma. His whole style's greatest strength, apart from its adaptability and flexibility, was having control in the air. Meaning that to him, he wasn't jumping to safety to avoid a gruesome and untimely demise at over a thousand degrees Celsius. He was practically playing hopscotch, gamboling over the stones with an energetic bounce. If anyone could see the young fighter's face right now, they'd see an honest smile as he does death-defying jumps to rock after rock.

A smile that is wiped off when he picked up the sound of someone about to take a fall, whipping around.] Ah, crap... [Maybe if Zack wasn't so bulky, he wouldn't be having this issue! Ranma wasted zero time springing into action, bouncing back over the stepping stones he just crossed, landing right beside Zack. Due to Zack taking up most of the space on the already not so big rock, Ranma had to land on a small corner and do his damnedest to not lose his own balance.

No words and no hesitation. There couldn't be any in this moment. Zack would find himself going from standing on a crumbling platform, to being hoisted up and over onto the anime shounen kid's shoulder.] Suddenly me throwing you doesn't seem like the worst option, now does it? [As the rock Zack was on a minute ago began to sink, Ranma'd repeat his path and start jumping back with the Zack of potatoes in tow.]

[Zack is debating his life choices in general right now! He didn't want to put down the kid's ability and would give him a fair chance to prove that later! Later!! But now that he watches the kid jump from rock to rock with such flow and ease he wonders just how good this kid is. He's impressed.

... And it looks like he's going to find out sooner than later.]

Hey?! What the?!

[He's always been the hero carrying the damsel in distress it's not supposed to be the other way around?! Now he's being carted like potatoes and he can't even say anything against that! The crackling rocks start to split and meltdown. They don't have many rocks left that will support both their weight. So, Ranma better makes quick work of the rest of the path to the other side of the lava lake.]

Oh, come on!!

[Fine, he'll shut up and hold on!!]

[The fact the rocks were beginning to sink and break apart didn't scare Ranma at all. The only thing he'd be worried about is getting the other man to the side before both of them take a plunge into a slow death of melting into the pool. That being said, no matter how ballsy Ranma is to play scotch hop on unstable rocks, it didn't change the fact that they were starting to run out of wiggle room. So...]

Remember what you promised a minute ago?

[Looks like he's gonna get to hold Zack to that promise sooner than he anticipated. Ranma grabbed Zack with both hands while jumping high into the air, and chucked him to the opposite side of the lake. The landing was rough and unpleasant, but it was either that or falling in the lava. Shortly there after, Ranma gracefully touch down like he'd just completed gymnastics.]

Whew! [He wiped sweat from his brow with a breath.] Just like hopscotch. Almost makes me feel like a little kid. [Joking aside, he looked down at Zack.] Ya' still kicking?

Argghgh?!

[Since this kid has Zack in his grasp and he can't do much but yell like an angry bag of potatoes right now there isn't much he can do about it. He gets tossed. And tossed hard enough that he hits the ground on other side of the lava with a loud thud where he at least manages to roll several times instead of breaking a shoulder.

But hey! They're pass the lava! Success...?

Zack's frowning as he sits up. He looks ruffled.]

Doesn't that just beat all. [He shakes his head.] I underestimated you for a kid. But next time give me a little more warning.

[But there wasn't really time for more warning, was there? Not when Zack looks out to watch the rest of the rocks crackle and bubble under the lava's surface. They'll have to find an alternative way out now.]

[Wow. Couldn't he be a little more thankful? He just saved his butt from being fried! Ranma gave the black haired older man a dry frown.]

Uh, I did? Not my fault you didn't catch it. [Because saying 'Remember what you promised' clearly conveyed 'Imma gonna lift you and sling you over the lava pit. K? Cool? Cool' He doesn't bother helping Zack get up, just standing there with his hands in his pockets.] I saved you either way, didn't I? So quit whining and get up. Feels like I'm toasting in a giant oven right now. [Turns out being very close to lava sucks a lot more than just walking up a volcano. Who knew?]

[It's okay, it's only Zack's slightly beaten-up ego. He was totally not cool.]

Alright. Alright, wonderboy. Let's find our way out of here.

[He brushes his pants off and wipes the sweat from his brow.]

And thanks for saving me. I mean it.

[Just so there's no real bad feelings here.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

« january open log: avaleci »

WINTER LODGE

HOT SPRINGS

VOLCANO EXPLORATION

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