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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

[Zack's eyes flicker with playful amusment. Look, only heartfelt real compliments here.]

To be honest? I was expecting you to be slimmer than you are.

[His hands drift down to G'rahas sides. Daring to feel a bit of skin.]

But you're a lot more built under the baggy clothes.

[He's definitely not complaining. Zack can appreciate the shape of a soft woman's body and the built-toned shape of a man's.]

[ Zack will be able to feel Raha's tail quiver in response to the touching. Must be such an odd sensation, feeling that under the water's surface. Yet it's there, just like Raha tentatively traces those little bite marks. Tentatively because. Erm.

Flustered. And it's pretty bold of him to do this, to be forward even in this small way. There's a lot of ways that Raha can get caught up in Zack and all of them are embarrassing to admit out loud. ]

I sincerely apologize that I am not a feeble mage. Though you should know I can wield a blade as well as I can cast magicks.

I wouldn't doubt it. You're amazing in a ton of ways, Raha.

[He gets a little caught up in G'raha too because it seems that the second that G'raha is near him his head goes stupid and he just wants to scoop an arm around G'raha and pull him in and ...]

Didn't call you feeble, though.

[He'll very appreciatively run his hand around to G'raha's lower back to touch his skin and muscles.]

I merely didn't wish to be left behind. Nothing more than that. You've done so much on your own. That takes a different sort of strength, both outward and inward.

[ Don't continue to complement him, Zack. G'raha will try to turn it back around on the other man. He knows some of the other's feats. Not the entire tale, but enough to know that Zack is strong in many ways that Raha only wishes he could be.

He's fond of that. He admires that. Can realize the fact that, had they met earlier, Raha would likely be as inspired by Zack as he is the Warrior of Light.

G'raha feels the touch and part of him does wonder if Zack is going to pull him in. The man has done so several times already. At the very least it emboldens Raha a little, his touch slowly starting to mimic Zack's - by going along the ribs to the man's sides. ]

You're right. I apologize for not being slimmer.

[He doesn't know exactly why it affects him so much to have G'raha saying those things about him. He says it all so effortlessly and with such honesty and fondness that Zack knows he can believe the words. It makes him feel like there's air in his chest. A little recognition... feels good.]

I try to do what I can. How can I call myself useful if I don't always give my best.

[Both of them are such bleeding hearts.]

But yeah, you better be sorry.

[He quirks a grin next, leaning in as he does so to perhaps sneak in a sneaky stolen kiss. Taking G'raha just a little off guard by pulling him closer to Zack's side. His hand presses gentle pressure near G'raha's tailbone and tail.]

[ Neither one of them has been out for recognition in the end. Oh there might have been little moments where validation had been sought, but on the serious matters? No, it is all about doing the right thing no matter the cost. The need to ensure that tomorrow comes for others, even if it means the loss of their own tomorrows. ]

Hmm. Useful. You might make yourself useful in this moment by enjoying it to the fullest. Surely you can give your best towards that end, yes?

[ Because they've already had one heavy hitter. No need to lead them down that conversation path when they are both trying to relax. Zack seems to agree, considering he pulls Raha closer. The Miqo'te chuckles at the smile. He welcomes the kiss, his own arm slipping around behind the man and returning the gesture in kind -

Until he feels fingertips along his spine, right against a spot that has ears perking and the Miqo'te melting with a groan. Lashes fluttering and all. ]

I think I can manage that. So long as you're doing the same thing. That's the whole reason why we're all up here, right?

[And that reaction is doing everything to encourage Zack to do just that. He had no idea that such a touch would get him a reaction like that and hey he's all for learning.]

Feels good, doesn't it.

[The little lower back and tailbone massage, of course. Zack's fingers are still going to press and knead at the nerves there.]

Mmnn.

[ It is entirely the reason why they are in the hot springs. That's the entire point. Though G'raha can't really focus on things like words when Zack continues to press down and knead right above his tail. It sends pleasant little shivers up along his spine. Causes ears to wiggle and a shaky breath to be released.

Zack... Do you know what you're getting yourself into? Do you? ]

[He knows exactly what he's getting himself into. And he wants to see more-

Besides. It's just a little lower back massage in the hot spring. That's fine.

Once again he finds himself feeling pretty damn lucky to be able to adore someone like G'raha like this in the first place. He can't help himself. He lets out a rumble of a laugh and continues to massage the cat with a firm hand. Relaxation at its finest...]

Cute.

[ It is not just a little lower back massage in the hot spring! This is very much getting G'raha a little more worked up each passing second. How is that relaxation!? From the way the man is chuckling, Raha thinks he must have some sort of idea or he just. Likes.

Being a brat. ]

Zack.

[ His cheeks are growing a bit more hot - nothing to do with the temperature of the water. Voice is dropping down to a bit of a rumble. The use of Zack's name is a warning, but at the same time, Raha isn't swatting a hand away either. Yet he is definitely leaning against the other more despite the warning.

Maybe he'll remember they're in a semi-public area in a moment. Who can say? Right now thinking is a little fuzzy, especially when Zack is making heat curl pleasantly in his gut. ]

[It might be a little of both, Zack likes to be a bit of a brat but also honestly likes helping G'raha relax. That's why the warning of his name has him grinning slightly and letting his hand return upwards from G'raha's lower back. Okay, okay. He'll stop. Or at least slow down.]

You look like you're about to melt.

[But he can stop if G'raha warns him to.]

[ Without the touch being so near the base of his tail, G'raha can finally breathe a little. At least he doesn't feel like sparks are going off in his mind, which means that he can be aware. Aware enough to struggle with wanting more and feeling a little disappointed that Zack had stopped. ]

That amongst other things.

[ His fingers reach out. Brush along Zack's ear. And that's before G'raha leans up to murmur against it. ]

Keep that up, and you won't be finishing this bath.

[Listen, Zack has been spending his weeks since that day in the snow dancing with G'raha waiting for G'raha to give him the word. He made his intentions clear. That he's attracted to G'raha enough that he does want to sleep with him someday. But even if he's waiting for G'raha to say so that doesn't mean Zack doesn't want to touch him ever...

That little threat that G'raha whispers into his ear? Damn. It sends a fire through him that he's going to struggle to calm down. G'raha's a tease with the way he murmurs in his ear like that. Sending a shiver through his nerves. Makes him want...]

Is that a threat or a promise?

[Zack's hand captures G'raha's chin gently.]

[ And G'raha has been touch-starved for such a long time himself. It's been far, far too long since he's allowed for any kind of intimacy beyond friendship or admiration of any sort. Oh he had been willing since the moment that Zack had made that intention known. However, he had felt like he had needed to explain his whole... Soul... Situation.

Now that he has and Zack doesn't seem to be deterred? Why not? Really, this is Zack's fault. The man can't keep his hands to himself. ]

Why can it not be both?

[ As his other hand may start to run down Zack's chest and a tail brushes against a knee. ]

[He's getting some clear signs here so that's a very good thing. Zack goes ahead and slides his hand from G'raha's jaw to his neck and then back until his fingers tangle into G'raha's loose red hair. He leans in closer.]

Better keep your threats and your promises then.

[He'll capture G'raha's lips for a kiss.

It can't be entirely Zack's fault that they might get close. Here's G'raha sitting here being all cute and rubbing that tail on his knee and everything. Touching his chest. Who could blame Zack??]

[ There's a rumble that blooms in Raha's chest as Zack's hand moves from jaw to neck. Then a little shudder as fingers find their way into red strands of hair. Dark lashes flutter and Raha breathes in a sigh with that kiss.

It's not entirely Zack's fault, no. Honestly, it is a difficult thing not to be drawn towards the other. They seem to pair well. A strong connection almost immediately. So he kisses back, hand falling to Zack's hip and a tail now winding around a leg. ]

Oh I have every intention to.

[ Murmurred against those lips before kssing Zack again, giving the man a little squeeze. ]

[Here G'raha goes again being as cute as he is and doing whatever he wants and thinking he can just get away with it. But he's right. He can.

He's still not sure how he got so lucky to fall into this. It was out of the blue and bold of Zack to pursue it. But G'raha hasn't turned away yet. Even with all the chances that Zack gave him to back out. And even after all that Zack knows about G'raha now he knows he doesn't want to back out either. The feel good. The subtle vulnerability. The laughs. The smiles. He likes it all.

The kiss will escalate, Zack's lips parting so he can kiss the redhead deeper. And his free hand will slip around G'raha's waist and threaten to pull G'raha right into his lap.]

[ By now he is pretty sure that Zack just has an odd idea of what is cute. G'raha is just doing as he pleases - to an extent. Right now, this is all familiar territory. Raha can be brave when it comes to that - forward and daring.

Not to mention... Zack genuinely wants him. Him. All of the little things that comprise the awkward, but bright-eyed person that is G'raha Tia. And this person happens to find Zack Fair just as alluring. The softness that lies there as well as the energy and brat-like attitude behind those smiles.

So yes. Let that kiss escalate. Raha will part his lips willingly, giving a startled sound as Zack gives that subtle threat. Then there's a smile as he decides that Zack doesn't need to do that at all. Instead Raha shifts, slipping quite readily into Zack's lap.

He might remember himself and where they are shortly. But not right now. ]

[It's a pleasant little surprise that G'raha goes with it. Zack isn't going to complain, only letting out a little rumble of a laugh against G'raha's lips. But the heat of the hot water and the feel of G'raha legs rubbing up against his thighs as he slides into his lap has Zack letting out a short breathy groan.

His hands will slide down to G'raha's hips, holding on to him with an appreciative squeeze as he tilts his head to continue to kiss G'raha.

This could get way steamier than he intended. But a switch is turning on and he's not sure he wants to turn it off. Not when he's got G'raha right here...]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

« january open log: avaleci »

WINTER LODGE

HOT SPRINGS

VOLCANO EXPLORATION

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