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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

This venerable one is inclined to agree. It may also be that whatever it is, it is not here willingly.

[The magic that he was starting to sense was not entirely pleasant.

He continued to lead the two of them for several more minutes. The sulfur formations growing larger the deeper they went. Becoming big enough to hide behind and give cover. to cast deep shadows as the day grew longer.

When they were surrounded on all sides by such formations, Daqiang raised a hand to call a halt.]

It has stilled its movements. It may be aware of us. Can you mask your scent at all?

[Hmmm. He hadn't fully considered the idea that whatever is here would be against its will, but there is merit to that thought. Alhaitham hums a quiet note of agreement, keeping it as a mental note in mind for later. Maybe if they had some way to verify something like that...

That's something to consider, if the chance ever presents itself. For now Alhaitham continues to follow after the other, gaze sweeping across their surroundings and more importantly at the sulfur formations that have grown around them the deeper they traverse upon this path. It is... certainly quite the sight for sure.

He stops at the signal, blinking once as he wonders what is up now, but getting his answer just as swiftly and answering equally fast.]

...no. [He supposes by the token nature of this question this... person(?) before him must be able to do such a thing. Which is. Certainly something alright.] I can hide close to one of these formations though, to see if that will mask it.

[Especially considering how strongly they smell. It's almost enough to give him a headache.]

Unlikely. As it lives in these wastes, it's nose is well-attuned to the scent. Unless you plan to cover yourself with sulfur and acid water, simply being close to the formations will do little good to mask it.

[Assuming it had a nose and wasn't using some other means of sensing those that trespassed.]

Forget it. Let us see if we can observe it before it becomes fully aware of our positions. Once it does, if it is as aggressive as the fire sprites say it is, we will likely be assaulted.

[...yeah that's also fair. It was worth a shot to consider it, at the very least.

For now Alhaitham simply nods his agreement/acknowledgement to the other, ready to follow again to try and find this beast that they're supposedly after. At the end of the day he is here to simply observe, as has been requested of him. Alhaitham has not much of an intention to intervene and fight himself unless things go really dicey—though at that point it'd probably be more advisable to run.]

[Daqiang starts moving again, a little slower and more careful with his steps as he leads them through the small forest of sulfur formations. He does his best to keep them outside the visual range of the creature - mostly by guesswork based on the location of the creature's spiritual presence.

It was clear that whatever it was, was very much aware of them. Had certainly caught their scent if nothing else. But it didn't seem to be able to pinpoint their location the way Daqiang could it's. At least not based on the way it was moving around.

So as the sulfur formations began to thin out - many looking as though they had been smashed - Daqiang put a finger to his lips and then pointed in the direction he could sense the creature. Keeping his eyes mostly trained in that direction allowed him to catch sight of it while it's 'back' seemed to be turned. At least, he assumed. There was no apparent head or eyes on this side of it's horse-like body.]

[For better or worse it does seem like this other person knows what they're doing, which is nice since the alterative would most likely a person who can only talk and talk but not walk the walk. So in a way its definitely reassuring to have the confidence that the other is not like that at all. Maybe the Liyue-style clothing helps with that too.

Considering that, Alhaitham has no trouble with following the instructions as they are given to him. He nods again, making sure to stay silent as soon as the creature itself appears properly within their sight. Like a horse but not quite, mostly due to how large it is... not to mention the flames that are coming out from it in places where its mane should be, amongst other things.

If Alhaitham wasn't already certain before then he knows now that this is one fight he very much should not get involved in if possible. Here's hoping that this other person can indeed deal with the creature without any additional help.]

[Daqiang wasn't inclined to fight it immediately. He'd found that many of the creatures in this world, who were aligned with the element of fire, tended to treat him with a sort of fascination. The hellfire inside him drawing them to him. Particularly the more mischievous sprites.

So, while he was certainly prepared to fight if he had to, his manner when he left the protection of the sulfur formations was that of someone calmly approaching another intelligent being for a discussion.

The flaming horse of awkwardly place bones and skin immediately clocked him once he was visible and turned to face off against him. It set it's front hooves down hard and lowered it's head.

Daqiang responded by stopping in place and staring it down. Meeting it's eyes with stare that was equally fearless but also far calmer.]

[He's going to try and tame the thing, which is difficult. Do you want to direct the horse for a bit?]

[Alhaitham gives the other a somewhat cautious, wary eye as they step ever closer to the giant flaming horse, but says nothing and wisely chooses to hang back. Time to see how all of this plays out, then, though he's not so optimistic as to hope for the best. But he'll cross that bridge when they get to it.

For now, he watches as the other goes up to the horse and stares it down. The horse itself seems to return the stare with its own, its own gaze challenging, and after a moment it snorts out loud and shakes its head, fiery mane whipping about along with its equally fiery tail as one hoof paws against the ground which Alhaitham now notes seem to be stained with various dark red marks in a seemingly random fashion.]

[Daqiang does not care about the potential blood on it's hooves, only that it hadn't charged. That it stayed watching him.

He slowly moved a hand at his side to turn it over and lift it. After a moment, his empty palm was filled by a relatively small (fist-sized) blue flame. He did not hold it as if it were a weapon (though it certainly was), he held it as if it were an offering.

He kept his eyes - unblinking - on the horse while he did so.]

[Alhaitham is no expert or in any way truly knowledgeable in equine behavior, but he can't help but think that being suddenly presented with a ball of seemingly magical, otherworldly flame with almost no warning at all would be a way to draw on a fair amount of caution, even if the other party happens to be a giant flaming horse on fire.

And indeed, his hypothesis proves to be true as the fire horse lets out some kind of low, nickering sound and shakes its head once more. Its fiery tail swishes again as its ears pull back, almost pinned to its skull, and it bares its teeth at the strange blue flame (and its creator) in a warning threat.]

[Daqiang stayed firmly in place, remaining standing with hand outstretched. But the flame in it decreased in size until it was barely larger than a marble. And then he slowly - very slowly, in what was not in any way a violent manner - let it float outward from him.

The horse was on alert and did not seem inclined to approach. But the power of Hellfire, Daqiang had found, was attractive to creatures of fire. To the fire sprites, small amounts like this was a bit like candy. Giving them a power boost that made them a bit more hyper than normal, but also eager for more after they'd had a taste. To the horse, it should be the same. Once it actually absorbed it.

Daqiang could force the matter. Throw it at the horse and power it up forcefully. But he wanted to avoid that. He wanted the horse to go for the fire on it's own. Hopefully Daqiang staying in place while the now very small amount of fire moved forward would relay his peaceful intentions in the offering.]

[The flame getting smaller does seem to... assuage the horse somewhat, for better or worse. The wariness is still evident enough, but its not baring its teeth anymore, and while its ears aren't completely pinned down to its skull they are still fairly pulled back. And they continue to stay that way as the strange small flame leaves Daqiang's palm and floats towards it. And while the horse doesn't back off it also doesn't make any attempt to move forward either. But when the flame gets somewhat close it does stretch its head forward, nostrils flaring as it snorts loudly, seemingly trying to take some kind of whiff from it. No attempting to it just yet, though.

...or at least it seems to be the case, from what Alhaitham is able to tell. He's mostly just guessing at this point, but the fact that the horse hasn't made any attempts to charge forward or do anything particularly aggressive must be a step in the right direction...? Alhaitham isn't particularly one to hope, but at least things seem to not be going downhill, so he'll take that as some form of progress.]

[Daqiang takes the horse's wary interest as a good sign and remains still. His breathing even. Coaxing creatures like this could take time. Patience. He was not necessarily a patient man, but when he knew that the time had to be taken to do something right, he would take it.

While he waited, he checked his senses for other spiritual presences that his focus on the horse may have made him miss. The only one of note remained Alhaitham. And to Daqiang's senses, the man seemed to be doing the sensible thing and remaining where he was. Good. Very good.]

[Alhaitham is indeed just staying in the same spot, since it is allowing him to have a decent view on what's happening while sort of mostly remaining out of sight. He isn't exactly the kind of person who'd come rushing out for any odd reason, even if he is beginning to take more notice of their surroundings and picking up on several things of interest... still, that can wait until the horse has been dealt with.

Speaking of the aforementioned horse, it has taken a few more sniffs of the strange, small blue flame, and after what has to be a fair lengthy investigative process it finally leans its head forward just enough for it to eat the tiny flame in one go.]

[As soon as it swallowed the flame, it's own flames flared bright blue, going nearly translucent at the roots, as they suddenly burned hotter and the horse was provided a quick boost of power. The small bit of Hellfire was enough to provide a sudden rush, not just of power, but of energy. If the horse had the ability to heal itself or empower its own limbs, or even throw balls of fire at others, all of those powers - should they be fire based - would be stronger. The horse would be stronger. Faster. For a short time.

Almost like a sugar rush hitting it's peak.]

This venerable one is not your enemy.

[Daqiang stated, letting his hand drop as the horse enjoyed it's 'treat'.]

We are of a similar nature. This venerable one would be your ally.

[The fire horse eating the fire is already quite the sight to witness, but seeing the reaction that happens right after is perhaps the even more surprising thing to see. Alhaitham blinks from where he's watching, more than a little intrigued by all of this. People using elemental powers without a Vision is one thing, but for it to be able to affect other elemental beings like this?

...he supposes its not completely untreaded ground in Teyvat, but still. Definitely something to keep in mind, for better or worse.

For now, he will continue to keep an eye on the horse, which has neighed and did some sort of kick with its back legs after having wholly devoured the flame, as if giving them a stretch after a long enough period of being unused, shaking its head at the same time as its mane whips and flutters along with the act, the flames that make it up now burning stronger and brighter then before.

When Daqiang speaks the horse turns its attention to him again, snorting loudly as it gazes at the being before it, tail swishing behind it with some level of obvious intent. There is still some degree of wariness to its movements, but at the same time there is a much more obvious sign of curiosity now as compared to before. One would almost assume that it seems to be... waiting, perhaps, though what that might be is pretty much anyone's guest.]

[The horse looking at him with curiosity - no matter how wary it might still be - was a good sign. He didn't want to risk giving it more Hellfire. But he lifted his hand and extended it, palm up, and empty. Inviting the horse to come over and sniff it ~~or try to bite it~~. As long as he remained calm and there was nothing to startle the creature, he saw no reason to make another move until the horse was ready to approach him.]

[The hand being offered does indeed draws the horse's attention a little more, since it does recognize/remember that it'd been that same hand which had given it the strange blue flame that turned out to be quite tasty indeed.

And really, its the prospect of potentially having another of that which prompts it to finally move ever so slightly forward—just enough for it to be able to reach over and hover its head right above the hand, nostrils flaring as it takes a good number of sniffs, as if trying to access something...

...and then opening its mouth after that to make an attempt to bite onto the hand that has fed it.]

[Daqiang jerked his hand back and tucked it behind him as the horse went to bite it.]

No.

[Said firmly and without malice. But brooking no argument.]

This venerable one is not to be eaten.

[Alhaitham can't help but blink, more than a little surprised at what he'd just seen. Seeing a horse trying to bite a man's hand is certainly... something. Not really a good kind of something by any means, but its something alright.

He almost makes a move then, for as much as he's fine with letting the other handle it he's also not about to stand and watch somebody hand being eaten right in front of him, but fortunately the other manages to save his hand in time from the fate of getting chomped. Not that the horse itself is particularly pleased about it, given the loud snort it lets out that is followed by some particularly loud wicking. It seems like it doesn't take very kindly to being denied.]

[Daqiang merely stares the horse down for a few moments before finally, finally daring to take a step forward and toward the horse. He kept his hands behind him. But since he had allowed the horse to approach him and consume a portion of his power, it was now time for the horse to allow him a concession.]

If you wish more power, this venerable one can provide. But only if you concede to some rules.

[Rather than being mollified or appeased by the promise of more the horse only gets even more agitated, letting out another loud whicker before rearing up on its hind legs, lashing out with its front in a display of what is presumably some sort of warning. Either the horse isn't taking well to be denied or it's just intent on causing some kind of chaos now. Possibly even both.

Alhaitham, still watching all of this, has tensed a little at that aggressive display. The proverbial alarm bells are starting to ring but he's not making any move to interfere just yet, but if things get even worse... well, hopefully they won't get worse.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

« january open log: avaleci »

WINTER LODGE

HOT SPRINGS

VOLCANO EXPLORATION

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horse direction a gogo o7

Re: horse direction a gogo o7

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