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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

[After receiving some fire crystals from Alhaitham, Cid decides he might as well collect a few more while they're still on the island since who knows when it'll be as easy to get these again. The location also wasn't too much for him to handle, especially as he's been through the general area before with Benedikta earlier.

And while he's seen and encountered others around here, when he sees Rem a little ahead of him he can't help but smile a little and call out to her.]

Hey, Rem! Out exploring here, too, eh?

[Though as he approaches... What's with all those strange...black rocks at her feet? It won't be until he's closer will he see for what they really are.]

[ Her shoulders jump, not expecting someone else to be here, but when she recognizes who it is, she turns around, giving him a warm smile. ] Cid! [ A small wave, and she jogs up to him. ]

A bit. [ She nods. ] I can only do short trips, so I've been trying to come here and get a little further every day. [ A pause, and then she adds: ] You've noticed too, haven't you? There's... remnants of someone being here. [ Or multiple someones. ]

Aye, though what they are is still a mystery. But I'm leaving that to the scholars.

[A curious look.]

Have you been to that strange altar?

[By now many will have seen it, with murmurs and theories floating around.]

[ She nods, but her expression turns uncertain, and she chews on her bottom lip before responding. ] I was planning on going back there again.

[ She pivots away from him, looking in the direction of one of the volcanic tunnels. So long as there hasn't been a recent cave-in or quake, it'll be easier to return to the same place. ] See if I can find another of book or the tablet that's not completely ruined. One I found had a part legible-- another clue about that sleeping curse, but... [ Her voice drifts, and the solemn look may be all the indication that her attempts haven't proved fruitful, and a cure eludes them all. The most she can do is pass on anything she finds to someone more knowledgeable about such things, but to do that, she needs to keep on coming back here. ]

A lot of people are sick, they are. [ She continues quietly, looking forward. Knowing that the curse is lethal, and things will only become worse for those afflicted, drives her further. Whether or not Cid accompanies her, she takes a step in the direction of the path she's walked to the altar time and time before. ] We can't stop following whatever leads we have.

The sleeping curse...

[A tap of his chin as he does indeed follow along. As if he'd just let a young girl wander through dangerous volcanic tunnels after crossing paths even if he knows she's capable. That and he was heading in that direction anyway.]

You think it might be related?

[ There’s a pause, and then she volunteers: ] I found an old tome up here… It mentioned something about a sleeping curse that can be cured by a “black disk.” [ What that means, she has no idea. ] If that information was up here, there could be more. Or something to point us in another direction. [ She looks at Cid as they begin walking, and then forward.

If someone is in peril (and she knows a few too many personally who might succumb to the curse, not to mention all the locals), then one does everything they can to save them. She’s not the one afflicted with a lethal curse. She can march back up this mountain as many times as needed. ] We have to try… And that altar is our best point to start.

[....Hm. He's contemplative as he walks alongside her.]

I found a few books around there as well, though I didn't try to cipher out what they said. As well as a few bloody daggers.

Given how curses and blood are usually closely entwined, you may not be so far off.

[ Bloody daggers...? That's new information, and she commits it to memory. ] The tombstone also had blood on it. It's... worrying, it is. [ And her research for that led to mention of blood sacrifices. While she didn't get much further than that, this all makes it seem as if it's all connected.

...Which makes going back to that altar even more pertinent. She breaks off from the path, stepping in the direction of another vent. Unless there's a recent cave-in, she knows the way back, as she's been up here a few times. ]

Oh, I should probably let you know-- since we're speaking of relics. The chalice isn't useful.

The tombstone from that ghost ship, aye? I don't have the daggers with me, unfortunately—turned them to the research group for a nice sum.

[Look, interesting as it all is, not his particular area.]

Should try and ask them later to see if they come up with anything.

But what about the chalice? Been wondering if you've managed anything from it.

Edited 2024-02-03 05:19 (UTC)

[ A nod to his first question, but she then addresses the second, which she prefaces with this: ]

I did, but, ah... you might laugh.

[That gets him to quirk a brow.]

Now you have me all the more curious.

It makes you [ Wow this is embarrassing to admit! But also funny? She, too, can't help but have an amused glimmer in her eyes. ] ...dance. [ To give him an idea, Rem raises her arms above her head and waves them, forming "claws" with her hands and making pinching gestures.

Her cheeks are burning pink from just that! ] And when you dance, it attracts a whole army of crabs.

[Blink.

Blink blink.

And then a burst of laughter.]

Sorry, what? Makes you dance and attract crabs?

[Just going to be laughing quite a bit here.]

So you mean to tell me, we went through all those traps for that? Bloody hell—

[But he's not upset, just. Finds this incredibly ridiculous and amusing.]

[ While she is disappointed that the chalice didn't turn out to be anything important, she also... can't be too upset about it, either. The story is rather funny, especially considering all the traps that were around it.

Rem chuckles to herself. ] Someone really liked crabs, they did. And I never knew there was such a thing as crab-dancing before.

[ Also, all-you-can-eat crab legs for dinner every day. ]

Right, you need to show me how this dance is.

[Not that he would do it.

He just wants to see it.]

[ SHE'S GOING TO HOLD HIS GAZE. ]

Okay, but no laughing.

[ ¿Comprende? ]

...I'll do my best.

[It's fine if he's already smiling, right? Right?]

[ Right, so. When using the chalice, the dance comes naturally. Trying to recreate it while not affected by the chalice is another matter entirely. She'll do her best!

Her best is mediocre if that. Can she be blamed? Shuffling is hard, and shuffling like a crab is even harder! It's also quite the workout, so by the time she's done, arms raised in a triumphant finishing pose, she's catching her breath. ] Ta-da~!

[ ...And then she bursts into laughter. ]

[He is.

Trying.

So hard.

Not to laugh.

To the point that his expression contorts and he has his hand over his mouth to try and hide the stupid smile that's twitching upward. But of course, it fails, his shoulders are already trembling, and when she finally laughs he does, too.]

That's—pffft—!!

[ They both lose at this game. Inevitable, really, but Rem doesn’t mind. Her laughter joins with his, echoing throughout the tunnel they’re traveling down. ]

Does that mean I scored a ten out of ten?

Think you scored higher than that.

[He barely manages to get the words out before he finally stops laughing. Mostly.]

I'm sorry it wasn't what you wanted, but I think you gained a better prize for it.

[ Awww yaa, she's a professional crab shuffler! Maybe she should officially change jobs. ]

It pays for itself in how easy it is to catch crabs, it does... [ So as her laughter dies down to a quiet giggle in response, she brushes the hair off of her neck with one hand, fanning herself with the other. It's exercise! And it's rather toasty in the middle of a volcano, already.

But with that over, she gives him one more smile and continues on their journey. "--wasn't what you wanted," indeed. Meaning her search continues, because she must find something suitable. ] ...Although, I suppose I'll still have to fulfill my end of the deal. [ The whole 'make it so they aren't summoned' thing. ] You helped me find someting, at least.

[Hmmm. He looks at her, still not so convinced about using her particular method just yet. And at least after that little announcement, there haven't been any other accidents. Still, it's one of the many things on his mind.]

We can talk it over again with the rest of the group, especially now that we've become more familiar with each other.

[He remembers seeing her at the party, so it's clear she's met at least everyone.]

Besides you, I've brought it up with Dion and Benedikta. [ Benedikta doesn't seem too concerned at the possibility of others summoning her. Dion didn't seem to immediately leap at the possibility. Since Rem is unable to summon Garuda anyway, that isn't so much of an issue; but... she'd have liked to be able to summon Orience's Bahamut without the risk of calling Dion.

Maybe the Dominants aren't as worried about being summoned as she thinks. And so, she looks at Cid. ]

You were the one who asked on the network, initially. Are you still interested?

In preventing us from being unwillingly summoned still? Yes. In your method, however... I still have my concerns.

WINTER LODGE

HOT SPRINGS

VOLCANO EXPLORATION

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