escordvi | « january open log: avaleci »

Entry tags:

« 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

[Freminet might have had a feeling that Alhaitham had met Lyney. Although, he wasn't surprised that he didn't say anything about his brother. The magician was known for being a little....interesting around people.

Regardless, when he saw the shining objects, he raised an eyebrow or two. While it wasn't what he wanted, it certainly looked like something he could use. Perhaps if he tried, he could try to make some kind of metal with it and make it into something else.]

Is this what you were looking for? I was hoping for something a little different...

[But beggers can't be choosers.]

[Alhaitham himself steps closer towards the gleaming objects as well, and it doesn't take long before he gets close enough to see exactly what they are.

Red crystals, all the way deep inside this volcano... they have to be the fire crystals that he'd heard about from a couple of disgruntled researchers he'd overheard a while back.]

My primary intension had been exploration, so I wasn't aiming for anything in particular. [He says this as he shifts to crouch down in order to have a better look at these fire crystals. They definitely remind him a fair bit of the magical crystals back in Teyvat, except red. And also very warm, though that might just be more due to the environment.

He casts a brief glance over to Freminet then.] We can continue on, if that's what you want. [Alhaitham isn't very picky on what to do, though the idea of finding some of that magitech would be useful... still, he'll let Freminet decide on their next course of action.]

[As he wanted to say something, he didn't know if he should or not. It was interesting, he was always so used to hearing what others wanted out of him. That was what he was supposed to do; do his missions without any questions and follow them to a T. But now, he opened his mouth as he struggled to say something.]

I...uh...

[Especially when he was involving others that didn't have the same goals as he did. It seemed like such an inconvenience when he didn't want to bother others. Taking a deep breath in, he just hoped Alhaitham didn't mind.]

...Would it be okay that I look for some crystals? I was hoping to see if I could make something out of them.

[Alhaitham, for better or worse, waits patiently enough for Freminet to respond. Not that he has a lot of said patience, but he can tell that the other is struggling with something, and he knows how trying to force out these things never tends to end well. So, waiting it is.

At least it does not take too long, and soon Freminet is expressing what he wants, even if its phrased as a question. It still works, regardless.]

If that's what you want. [Alhaitham responds easily, one shoulder lifting up to shrug, the other gesturing to the few fire crystals that are close to where he's crouched.] There are already a couple here, unless its another type of crystal you're after.

[Talking to people was difficult. Talking to Alhaitham was even worse. When he responded, he gave a small sigh of relief. Good to know that he wasn't mad for taking the initiative.]

No, I think this is more than enough. I was planning to see if I can make some metal or some other scrap parts with it.

[As he got closer, he raised an eyebrow or two.]

...You don't think there are anything nearby guarding it, is there?

[Alhaitham can never be too mad at people who make the effort to take initiative—well, unless you're only doing so in the way that Kaveh does. Then it's a different story. But he doesn't know other people as well as he does with Kaveh, and he isn't the kind of person to go out and make assumptions.

He nods to Freminet's words, backing off when he comes closer so that the other can take a look at the fire crystals himself.

At the question Alhaitham lets out a hum, moving to stand up so that he can look around at their current surroundings. Just as he'd seen earlier this seems to be a fairly cavernous space, and for the most part there doesn't really seem to be anything that might suggest a nest or some form of habitation, though sweeping his gaze about means that he also spots more than several pockets of crystal deposits much like that one they're right next to.]

...doesn't seem like it. [A small tilt of his head as he looks at all these deposits again.] But it seems like we might have come across a deposit of these fire crystals.

[Despite how there was a lack of danger around the area, it didn't stop him from being cautious. Slowly, he approached the fire crystals before inspecting some of them. He wasn't sure just how many he could get but for now? He quickly attempted to get three before freezing it.]

I think I'll be happy with three, I just want to see if this material is anything different from back home.

[But on that note?]

...Hopefully it shouldn't, I hope that I can make machines here. [He might as well given how he has all the free time in the world now.]

[Being cautious definitely never hurt. Alhaitham is very much maintaining some of that himself, even if he looks relaxed on the outside. But at least so far it does seem like they've been fairly lucky about not encountering anything hostile.

When Freminet goes to collect the crystals Alhaitham watches with mild interest, seeing the way he freezes them so that they're actually able to be handled. Cryo certainly has been a much more useful power here in comparison to his own Dendro abilities, but such is the nature of things.]

I've heard that they've been used for a variety of things, from jewelry to their 'magitech'. [He remarks in response to Freminet's words, head still tilted in consideration.] If the locals are able to make use of them, it wouldn't be a stretch to assume that you should be able to do the same with enough time and research.

[And honestly if anything Alhaitham is also curious to see what Freminet can glean out of those fire crystals when he works with them... will they even be anything like the ores back in Teyvat, or something completely different?]

[What was this? Was Freminet able to get some kind of conversation with him? Or least, they managed to find some common ground? He hoped so as he wasn't sure how else he could keep talking to him! Which was why when he spoke, he found himself saying it before he realized it.]

To be honest...

[As he quickly closed his mouth, he wasn't sure if he wanted to continue. Again, he wanted to say something but he wasn't too sure if Alhaitham would laugh or not. However, he didn't seem to be the type who would do so. If anything, he would probably bluntly tell him it was ridiculous.]

...I was hoping to make a couple of mechanical animals.....

[Not quite what he wanted to say but close enough!]

[The act of learning, or at least wanting to learn itself, is never something that Alhaitham is against. As long as the person is honest in their desire to understand, Alhaitham sees to reason to at least engage with them for a bit. Plus its also not as if he has anything better to do right now anyway, what with being in a volcano and all.

He raises an eyebrow once more when Freminet starts and then hesitates yet again, his uncertainty coming to the forefront once more. If Freminet were a student in the Akademiya Alhaitham wouldn't have bothered with drawing on his patience, but that is not the case, plus given how young he obviously is... well, its easier to temper himself, in this particular situation.

So he waits until Freminet finally blurts out whatever it is that he wants to say, tilting his head the other way afterwards.]

Is that something you've done before?

Yes, I have, it's...a hobby of mine.

[He won't make fun of him if he said what he wanted to, right? Yes, he knew that believing in fairy tales was childish but there was nothing wrong with that, right? As he looked the other way, he shifted his weight. Well, he might as well considering he was going to find out eventually.]

I...I was hoping to make some more clockwork penguins so Pers won't be so lonely.

[That and he also wanted to see if there were any differences between from the materials of Teyvat compared to here. But it was also mostly for the cute penguins.]

[There's simply a moment where Alhaitham stares at Freminet as he takes this new bit of information that has been given to him. Takes it in as he stares at this boy before him, who based on looks alone is most likely nowhere even near sixteen years of age, and thinks about it some more.]

How many?

[That's all he eventually asks, once said moment has passed.

The truth is that Alhaitham is actually maybe somewhat impressed by this? Considering his youth yet with clear experience with this hobby of his, given the way that he speaks. Fontaine's technology is the most advanced present Teyvat has known after all, and so to be familiar enough to make his own is a feat in and of itself.]

[Well, that wasn't what he was expecting. Here, he thought Alhaitham would judge him for being so childish in his attempt for making penguins. He usually had his head in the clouds about his own daydreams of a fictional world for Pers and now...?]

Uh...I'm not sure? I know I made a lot in the past.

[Was it really that special he makes toys for the sake of making him and others happy??]

[Alhaitham huffs at the response, though it sounds more bemused rather than annoyed.]

What I mean is, how many do you plan to make now? Are you sure three crystals will be enough?

[The Leviathans won't be here forever after all, and who knows when they'll ever be able to find more of these crystals should Freminet need them.]

[Meanwhile, Freminet kept on staring as in awe that this scary tall man was interested in what he was doing.]

I-I'm not sure. Maybe I'll see if I can make one for right now...?

[However, as he gave a pause or two.]

Unless you think that I should make a couple more.

The question is if you are content with the idea of stopping at one.

[Normally Alhaitham would not spare the effort to say all of this, but Freminet is—well. Some instruction wouldn't be amiss in this case, is what he's saying. So here he is giving it, in lieu of anyone else more qualified to do this.]

Uh...

[Now Alhaitham was also telling him what he should do? Well, he wasn't expecting that. Which was why he looked at the fire crystals before mumbling a little to himself. Even though he wanted to say he was happy with one, he knew he couldn't lie. Instead....?]

...No, not really. I was hoping to make maybe 3 or 4....

[Alhaitham doesn't so much as intend to tell him what to do as to more of... push him along the path of making his own decisions. He can see that the other hesitates a lot, which by itself is not bad, but nevertheless it is clear that he is unwilling to be truthful about what he desires, and Alhaitham is of the opinion that being truthful about those things is necessary for people to have a better life.]

Then we'll get enough crystals to make that amount. [He turns around to scan their surroundings again as he says this, speaking in the same manner as getting the groceries, as if its nothing special or strange or weird at all.] I can help you carry some if needed, but you're going to have to freeze them all on your own.

[His Dendro Vision won't exactly be of any use here, after all.]

[Freminet really didn't know how to process all of this. It was rare enough that there was someone who was willing to talk to him about clockwork penguins but to find out that this scary tall man was also willing to help him build some more? This world was already like a fairytale filled with miracles. What other miracles was he going to find...?]

I uh...thank you.

[He said before attempting to freeze and grab some more. Although...]

I'm sorry, would you like a penguin too? [Because he might as well ask for all of his help.]

No need. I don't require any expression of gratitude.

[He does it because he wants to, not because he expects anything out of it, a fact that he has no intention of letting be misconstrued.

He scans their surroundings one more time before he spots another small pocket of fire crystals and makes his way over to check on them while Freminet gets whatever is available from the first, seeing if they're just as easy to take out.]

[The more that he gathered, the more ice he surrounded them with. After counting a few of them, it seemed that it was more than enough to make a couple of penguins.]

...Are you sure? It seems rude to not do something when you've helped me out.

[Especially when he knows one of the biggest rules he grew up with was how the House of the Hearth should always pay their debt.]

I am.

[And that's all he will say on that topic, honestly. As mentioned, Alhaitham has always done things only because he wants to and not for any other reason.

Well, usually, but that's neither here nor there.

After inspecting this second pocket and deeming it good enough, he glances over to where Freminet is and calls out to him.] There's more here, if you need them.

[At the same time, all Freminet could do was just stare and wonder if here was any other way to repay him. As he kept looking around and got some more, he eventually gave a nod.]

Okay, I think that should be enough. At least it'll give me enough time to experiment and see what they can do.

[...]

...Do you want some too?

[Alhaitham takes a moment to think about this, actually. Normally he'd just say no, but he knows that Kaveh has no plans to come in here, and if these fire crystals can be used for mechanical things...

...hmm.

Well, they're already here after all, so.]

I'll take some from here. [Summons out his sword and pokes at the dirt beneath the pocket of fire crystals there.] If you could freeze a couple for me, I'd appreciate it.

[Ah, yes, the joys of small talk and how it always made things awkward. Not knowing what else to say, he decided to freeze a couple of crystals before Alhaitham.]

Um...I think that should be enough? Can I ask why you might want them?

[If he doesn't want to answer, that's fine too. Because Freminet really doesn't know how to keep this conversation going.]

WINTER LODGE

HOT SPRINGS

VOLCANO EXPLORATION

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject