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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

Right.

[She was about to take that remark in stride before she saw the spell take full form. Daria blinked and looked at her own spells on hand, including the bruise on said hand from this nightmare curse. Which hurt a lot right now. Daria squinted hard at the tinge, perhaps the bruise was reacting to the magic around her.

Technically, she could use her plant spell to grab the fire stones too. But whenever she had been using her magic, her hand’s pain grew severe. Daria, on a whole, hated pain. That was something to avoid. So, she had to depend on other methods to gain cash for a bit until she figured out said curse.

So unless she found something else with these relics, she just had to focus on one other thing, getting out of here.]

You’re getting really used to tattoo magic.

[With a wave of his hand in a grandiose gesture the ghostly vines extend outwards to the cavern floor with Ketheric waiting in open arms. Extending out an armored hand the vines spread to reveal two fire crystals of admirable size, barely able to hold them within the grasp of his digits. Her remark towards his necromantic abilities comes with the passing of his glowing gaze, vines withering away almost instantaneously as the spells comes to a fade.

Thankfully Daria had not crossed him on their fateful encounter at the tattoo parlor and had been fairly helpful aiding in the return of his powers along with various knowledge about this newfound world. Tucking one of the precious gemstones into the rugged leather sack acquire in Eltrut none too long ago the chosen of Myrkul extends out the other freely towards his counterpart. If anyone could make sense of these gem's capabilities and properties it would be the sharp woman standing before him.]

If not for you I may not have reacquired my otherworldly powers with the aid of these newfound markings upon my flesh. Take this as gratitude for your efforts paid in full.

Oh. Um, you’re welcome.

[Daria found herself almost perplexed by the thanks. Not that she didn’t know she helped him, albeit with safe and cautious steps to do so. But more rather, she didn’t think he’d repay the favor in anyway.

She looked at the sack and figured she should accept it. Taking it with her injured marked hand sure, but placing the sack in her pack. As she was doing so, she decided perhaps she could mull out information.

Cuz well, might as well.]

How valuable do you think these even are? I figure they’ve been used as a power source of some kind if they generate this much heat naturally.

[Despite his shortcomings on many fronts Ketheric was not above repayment of services rendered unto him and thus offered up the crystal willingly of his own accord. What he said was true on that first day they initially met being far more level headed by comparison to Orin the Red or Gortash if he did not simply get his way. The pair were practically made for each other as he watched silently from the side lines merely playing his part as the esteemed general of the Absolute whilst they schemed and murdered to their heart's content.

When Daria puts forth the earnest question he thought she might already know the answer, Ketheric simply sighs with a prompt shake of his head. Looking around their immediate vicinity he saw no signs of imminent danger considering their current location but was not about to let his guard down.]

In light of our surroundings it would be a safe assumption they will fetch a fair price. As for their intended use I expect they would make for invaluable spell crafting components at the very least.

[For many powerful enchantments and spells required expensive ingredients such as these fire crystals used for both creative and destructive purposes.]

[Hey, she was working on it. Daria pondered about the crystals for a while, keeping a careful notebook of all of the notes she gained. Now that she had the crystals themselves, she could maybe put down a few theories herself into motion down the line. Afterall, magical or otherwise items would be more valuable to sell if there was a earnest method to use them rather than just material.]

Perhaps. Magic, thermodynamics. It would make a lick of difference if we knew what they could be used for rather than, ooo, shiny.

[It was the only thing that got her to stay. Profits.

Idle discovery for the studious mind but hush hush, that would be silly and adventurous of her.]

Everything I saw in here has been old and unusable otherwise. I wish there was some kind of relic in here that reacted to them. If we knew exactly what they did, they could be more valuable.

[Would such a thing be close to an exit? No, probably not. And she knew it. Thinking outloud, she wondered maybe secretly what he would think about what she just said.]

[Daria's theories make sense but it is her last sentiment that truly peeks his interests at the mention of a particular artifact which might hold the key to unlocking the secrets of this place. Could it be possible they were missing something obvious that is right underneath their noses? There was only one way to find out and that would be to investigate further into the caverns in hopes of locating this potential relic and unravel more of the mysteries of this foreign territory.

After all, Ketheric had not come this far just to turn back now with a handful of gemstones that may or may not be of any usefulness. Taking up his newly forged war hammer in his left hand he points the head towards the depths of the caverns.]

We must press on further into the cavern depths if we are to find an artifact of that grandeur...For a relic of such esteem would be safeguarded deeper into this abyss.

[Daria hadn't planned on staying here, not really. The smart thing would be to find an exit and not die. That's the motto Daria always followed, killjoy she was. But she was here, and after years of discovering and learning, she was here and learning more.

Learning was also survival. And profit.

But she was one girl. With magic of her own now, sure. But she didn't have the firepower of anyone else. She didn't know where her crew was. Perhaps the key here was to play with this idea of greater profits and greater chance of survival with numbers. Y'know, maybe she should act like a pirate. For the crew, her friends. Or whatever.

Both sides of her mind were fighting this, but ultimately had to make a decision fast. Okay.]

I'm guessing you're fully equipped and ready? Who the hell even knows what we're dealing with. I know we have magic.

[Slinging his weapon over his shoulder to holster it upon his back once more, Ketheric nods at her questioning as he looks towards the belly of the beast. He's faced far worse adversaries than some mere lava caverns and lived to tell the tale after all. Although he was not expecting Daria to join him on this endeavor an extra set of eyes on top of her magical abilities would certainly be warranted. Allies were far and few between in a place like this having ventured up the mountainside by himself only to be met with the other's company upon arrival.]

I have walked through fire and flame in the pits of hell itself, such a place as this does not phase me.

[Having met death itself in the bowels of hell upon his incarceration, only to be resurrected by the Lord of Bones this would be child's play by comparison. Ketheric takes a few steps forward before looking over his shoulder towards Daria’s location.]

Keep up and hold your own or turn back now for there is no time to dawdle.

[Normal circumstances would have Daria not join a damn thing and have her just look for the exit. But there was something to gain. Logical Daria told her that as long as she had a half ally making sure her survival was assured, she should probably make this stupid accidental detour worth it.

Daria, out of all weirdness in her life up to this point, had a crew with her friends she made. She owed them something to come back with, not just her own hide.

Listening to him however, made her blink. The man was so weird, but not weak. She had to believe she was smart enough to bail if it got too weird. But for now, she blinked and pulled a nod and a thumbs up.]

Alrighty then. You got it.

[She turned to look toward a tunnel that seemed to go downward.]

It's warmer over there, and it's going down, this must go deeper.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

« january open log: avaleci »

WINTER LODGE

HOT SPRINGS

VOLCANO EXPLORATION

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