Entry tags:
the hideaway ➞ discovering the roost
Who: The Hideaway Crew
Status: Closed
Where: Their new island base oooh aaaah
What: Cid has finally located an island that he thinks will suit his growing crew's needs, so it's time for a fun field trip to take it over and claim it for themselves.
Warnings: None...though idk watch out for the couples in this group
Status: Closed
Where: Their new island base oooh aaaah
What: Cid has finally located an island that he thinks will suit his growing crew's needs, so it's time for a fun field trip to take it over and claim it for themselves.
Warnings: None...though idk watch out for the couples in this group
THE VOYAGE
The island itself is located somewhat far from the current location of the leviathans, though given how often they move around distance is relative. What makes it a prime location, however, is the fog that obscures it, along with the choppy waters. Not impossible to sail, but enough to make most turn away without knowing what's beyond. Not to mention, it's not on any known route, making it all the more less likely to have much travel. Even with the aid of certain Dominants to help clear away the fog, there's nothing to help soothe those rough seas, so those who are a bit sensitive to sailing may want to stay below deck with a bucket and some medicine, because it's going to be some rough sailing as Cid helps navigate through.
But once they break through the worst of it, the waters calm, the fog fades, and sunlight pours in to reveal a large, rocky island ahead with high peaks. It is a giant ring of large cliffs, making it seem as if it would be impossible to sail into. However, Cid will navigate the ship towards a certain cliff wall where a large waterfall cascades over the side, emptying into the ocean. He'll direct the ship straight towards it, and with the sails lowered, Benedikta will step up like a peacock showing off its plumes, her sisters in tow. The two wind egis take to the air while she remains at front of the deck, and with a single twirl of her wrist, a violent, churning gale forms where she stands along with two more above. It's enough to part the water as they pass through, swirling it within the winds. Everyone had best shield themselves lest they want to get splashed on the way! It won't take long, just less than a minute for the whole length of the ship to cross through, until they are now inside a giant, expansive cavern big enough to house several large ships and even smaller ones with hints of coves that could perhaps hold more.
Those who can conjure flames or light, including Cid with his lightning, will cast their magic outward to help illuminate it all, and Cid will point out what look like ancient stone lanterns lining the walls. Directing the lights towards them will help provide a more stable light source, and now they can more fully see the full expanse of the cavern. Eventually they reach a large shore that has what looks to be the remnants of an old pier and more torches and lanterns to be lit. Only after setting anchor and securing the ship will everyone be able to disembark with Cid's cheerful words to guide them.
"Going to need a bit of fixing and clearing out, but I think this place will do nicely. Just be careful and keep your phones on. We'll need to map this place out so mark everywhere you go and try not to get lost." A grin. "Unless you wish to become a more permanent fixture of the place."
As for those who may ask how the hell he even learned of the island and its location, he'll just shrug and say he "found some interesting records" and thought it would be fun for them to try and explore. Now go on, get to exploring!
But once they break through the worst of it, the waters calm, the fog fades, and sunlight pours in to reveal a large, rocky island ahead with high peaks. It is a giant ring of large cliffs, making it seem as if it would be impossible to sail into. However, Cid will navigate the ship towards a certain cliff wall where a large waterfall cascades over the side, emptying into the ocean. He'll direct the ship straight towards it, and with the sails lowered, Benedikta will step up like a peacock showing off its plumes, her sisters in tow. The two wind egis take to the air while she remains at front of the deck, and with a single twirl of her wrist, a violent, churning gale forms where she stands along with two more above. It's enough to part the water as they pass through, swirling it within the winds. Everyone had best shield themselves lest they want to get splashed on the way! It won't take long, just less than a minute for the whole length of the ship to cross through, until they are now inside a giant, expansive cavern big enough to house several large ships and even smaller ones with hints of coves that could perhaps hold more.
Those who can conjure flames or light, including Cid with his lightning, will cast their magic outward to help illuminate it all, and Cid will point out what look like ancient stone lanterns lining the walls. Directing the lights towards them will help provide a more stable light source, and now they can more fully see the full expanse of the cavern. Eventually they reach a large shore that has what looks to be the remnants of an old pier and more torches and lanterns to be lit. Only after setting anchor and securing the ship will everyone be able to disembark with Cid's cheerful words to guide them.
"Going to need a bit of fixing and clearing out, but I think this place will do nicely. Just be careful and keep your phones on. We'll need to map this place out so mark everywhere you go and try not to get lost." A grin. "Unless you wish to become a more permanent fixture of the place."
As for those who may ask how the hell he even learned of the island and its location, he'll just shrug and say he "found some interesting records" and thought it would be fun for them to try and explore. Now go on, get to exploring!
I. CAVERNS
If it hadn't already, it will be made immediately clear that people once inhabited the area, the developed dock and leftover remains of items showing signs of frequent use in the past. However, it's not much of a "recent" past. While not much is left behind, the cool atmosphere in the area has managed to preserve the crates that house lanterns, ropes, and other objects that will look as if they are from a time where things were not so technologically advanced, but not primitive, either. There are tools, ropes, replacement lanterns, and other common items that would have been used around ships, but the area is otherwise cleaned out. Whoever used to live here has not been around for some time.
Further exploration will reveal several tunnels that lead to this particularly large "docking cave," but only a select few have old sconces where torches or lanterns used to hang while the rest do not. Following the marked tunnels will lead to various places. Some are short and end in large caves that were once used for storage. But one particular tunnel will lead deep into the cliffs and reveal an expansive cavern that has remains of a small underground city. Sunlight will pour through various large openings in the high cavern ceilings, providing some light to help venture through, though torches and lanterns are still recommended. Perhaps housing a hundred people or so, there are rough stone buildings but most are carved into the stone walls. Investigation will reveal that some have caved in or faced some other kind of destruction, though it's unclear if that was what prompted the original inhabitants' departure or if it happened long after their disappearance. There are no remains and very little personal goods left, but there are some items hidden or buried somewhere in the ruins. Perhaps they could provide some insight.
One particular find will be signs of worship towards the gryphons that inhabit the island. There are many relics in their image and small shrines within the houses, and there is at least one temple dedicated to the beast. Not to mention countless feather motifs found within the stone carvings.
There are numerous other tunnels and caves that surround this particular area, and tunnels that will circle all the way around the entire island, though that may take days if not longer to explore. With plenty of caves, grottos, more secret coves, and exits to the inner island to find, everything is open to any interesting discoveries. Just beware that some may lead to dead ends, natural traps, and hostile creatures that have made their homes there. The original people who used to live here would have also placed traps, so for those who want an old ruin cave adventure, that's possible.
Further exploration will reveal several tunnels that lead to this particularly large "docking cave," but only a select few have old sconces where torches or lanterns used to hang while the rest do not. Following the marked tunnels will lead to various places. Some are short and end in large caves that were once used for storage. But one particular tunnel will lead deep into the cliffs and reveal an expansive cavern that has remains of a small underground city. Sunlight will pour through various large openings in the high cavern ceilings, providing some light to help venture through, though torches and lanterns are still recommended. Perhaps housing a hundred people or so, there are rough stone buildings but most are carved into the stone walls. Investigation will reveal that some have caved in or faced some other kind of destruction, though it's unclear if that was what prompted the original inhabitants' departure or if it happened long after their disappearance. There are no remains and very little personal goods left, but there are some items hidden or buried somewhere in the ruins. Perhaps they could provide some insight.
One particular find will be signs of worship towards the gryphons that inhabit the island. There are many relics in their image and small shrines within the houses, and there is at least one temple dedicated to the beast. Not to mention countless feather motifs found within the stone carvings.
There are numerous other tunnels and caves that surround this particular area, and tunnels that will circle all the way around the entire island, though that may take days if not longer to explore. With plenty of caves, grottos, more secret coves, and exits to the inner island to find, everything is open to any interesting discoveries. Just beware that some may lead to dead ends, natural traps, and hostile creatures that have made their homes there. The original people who used to live here would have also placed traps, so for those who want an old ruin cave adventure, that's possible.
II. INNER ISLAND
Within the island are numerous pockets of dense forests both large and small, some only reachable either through certain tunnels from within the cliff caverns or climbing over and down large hills and cliffs. With tall trees, many different kinds of birds have made their homes here, some that can't be found anywhere else due to the island's isolated location. Other animals include deer, wild pigs, rabbits and other small mammals, foxes, turtles, snakes, and a variety of lizards. The gryphons are the largest predatory animals, though they mostly hunt the deer and large tuna and other fish in the water. There is a variety of vegetation with a number of wild fruits, vegetables, and herbs that can be harvested from the local flora as well, and there may be some island bees to produce honey.
Fresh water is plentiful via numerous streams that flow throughout the island, connecting to the underground pools within the cliff caverns or the large lake hidden in one of the forests. There are also some waterfalls that flow into small pools that can be used for swimming. Some streams will empty directly into the caverns through large openings that create a cavern waterfall into the underground water below. Finally, on the eastern side of the island, there is a stretch of beach that has formed from where the ocean water flows through a hidden, underground opening beneath the cliff walls to form something of a private inner beach. It's shallow, clear, which makes it easier to fish and just relax.
While there are some fields within the forest, the flatter slopes and plateaus of the cliffs provide larger fields of flowers and space for potential farming. There are even some places located near the bottom of the cliffs that show signs of past farming, likely from the tribe that once inhabited the island. While there are some irrigation systems and even a water mill, all will need some repairs and improvements given how much time has passed since it was last inhabited.
Fresh water is plentiful via numerous streams that flow throughout the island, connecting to the underground pools within the cliff caverns or the large lake hidden in one of the forests. There are also some waterfalls that flow into small pools that can be used for swimming. Some streams will empty directly into the caverns through large openings that create a cavern waterfall into the underground water below. Finally, on the eastern side of the island, there is a stretch of beach that has formed from where the ocean water flows through a hidden, underground opening beneath the cliff walls to form something of a private inner beach. It's shallow, clear, which makes it easier to fish and just relax.
While there are some fields within the forest, the flatter slopes and plateaus of the cliffs provide larger fields of flowers and space for potential farming. There are even some places located near the bottom of the cliffs that show signs of past farming, likely from the tribe that once inhabited the island. While there are some irrigation systems and even a water mill, all will need some repairs and improvements given how much time has passed since it was last inhabited.
III. CLIFF TOPS
High up on the high cliff peaks and plateaus are numerous rooks and aeries that are home to the gryphons, powerful, majestic creatures that have made this island their home. There are other large birds such as eagles and albatross that roost among them, along with some smaller animals and reptiles that can make their home there. Wild cats and some mountain goats can also be found making their homes along the slopes. Murals from within the cave suggest that wyverns may sometimes stop by during their travels, but the gryphons are the primary inhabitant of these high places. Although mostly barren and rocky at the top, there are unique trees and flora that scatter the peaks while the slopes are more abundant in plant growth. Perhaps there are some special herbs could be found growing that could be used for varying purposes.
The gryphons themselves won't bother those who manage to navigate their way onto the island, however it's a different matter if anyone tries to approach them. They are extremely territorial and will show hostility and aggression to those who venture too near up to their nests. However, should anyone manage to earn their trust, they can become fierce allies to help defend the island. Murals within the cave depict how the people who once lived here did once revere them, so perhaps giving tributes or helping them when they are sick or injured will help build trust. Their nests can also be threatened by snakes, large lizards, and even opportunistic birds that dare to try and hunt their eggs or young hatchlings.
The gryphons themselves won't bother those who manage to navigate their way onto the island, however it's a different matter if anyone tries to approach them. They are extremely territorial and will show hostility and aggression to those who venture too near up to their nests. However, should anyone manage to earn their trust, they can become fierce allies to help defend the island. Murals within the cave depict how the people who once lived here did once revere them, so perhaps giving tributes or helping them when they are sick or injured will help build trust. Their nests can also be threatened by snakes, large lizards, and even opportunistic birds that dare to try and hunt their eggs or young hatchlings.
IV. WILDCARD
Congratulations, everyone, the Hideaway crew now have their very own island called, "The Roost." The log lasts for the entire month, and once everything has been initially explored and scooped out "construction" can begin or whatever else people may want to do with the island. Feel free to make up whatever you want, whether it be a location, creature, plant, or whatever else might be cool so long as it fits. Characters can also claim whatever house or building or mark a new place for themselves. If a space is needed for a library or a workshop or bathhouse or whatever, boom it exists. There are NPC crew members both human and animalkin alike, mostly to help with sailing the ship, so feel free to use them as well.
Cid has plans to make this a fully operational independent base, so eventually workshops and farming fields will be made. Maybe even a chocobo ranch?? This is so should they ever need to "hide away" for whatever reason, they'll have a safe place to go and be self-sufficient for an extended period of time. Due to the location, Cid will recommend everyone to get their Ring of Returning to Level 3. So go grab yours from the Rewards page if you haven't already!!
For now this is closed to just the crew, but after this month it can be open to friends and CR! All threads in the log are worth 12 points since this is considered a "special quest" for the crew. Threads made outside of the log but are related to the island exploration/happenings will also count for the full 12 points!
Cid has plans to make this a fully operational independent base, so eventually workshops and farming fields will be made. Maybe even a chocobo ranch?? This is so should they ever need to "hide away" for whatever reason, they'll have a safe place to go and be self-sufficient for an extended period of time. Due to the location, Cid will recommend everyone to get their Ring of Returning to Level 3. So go grab yours from the Rewards page if you haven't already!!
For now this is closed to just the crew, but after this month it can be open to friends and CR! All threads in the log are worth 12 points since this is considered a "special quest" for the crew. Threads made outside of the log but are related to the island exploration/happenings will also count for the full 12 points!
we wildcardin'
Clive sighs, rolling his shoulders and adjusting the sword on his back before addressing the man beside him. ]
I trust you've come prepared for this? [ Stretches, weapons, and all that? Cid was the one who suggested this, after all. ]
prepare to get your ass tossed--
Should be asking you that. But I do suppose we should set up some ground rules.
Only swords, no magic?
watch your back, old man--
That should be enough. Unless you're in need of other accommodations?
no subject
no subject
[ Hm. ]
Or perhaps the first one on their ass?
no subject
The latter sounds more entertaining. Let's go with that.
[And then a smirk.]
Just don't complain about it being sore later.
no subject
[ —And giving no time for a rebuttal, Clive dashes towards Cid while unsheathing his blade during the sprint.
Block if you're fast enough, but he's lifting the blade above his head and already bringing it down!! ]
no subject
Bit impatient, are we?
[And then a strong push back before swinging his blade forward.]
no subject
[ The strength of the push does stop Clive's motion in his tracks, but he's able to use his sword as a buffer to guard against the slash.
Momentarily gliding his feet back in order to push some distance between them, he instead moves his own sword along the edge of the older man's before tipping it down and aiming towards his torso. ]
no subject
[And he will be forced to pull back, that blade coming a touch closer than he'd like. But he won't keep Clive waiting as he'll try to take advantage of the position of Clive's blade to step back in for another swing.]
no subject
[ The rate of Cid's lightening fast advance does easily nick the side of Clive's sword, causing him to falter slightly. His balance shifts, causing his weight to move to one side and hard on a single leg.
Cid's sword would have got him too had he not maneuvered the blade sideways and allow the other to slide off of it.
He'll quickly try to regroup by diverting the attention and sticking his foot out to swipe at Cid, attempting the same balance trick. ]
no subject
Tsk.]
Get too cocky for their own good.
[Well, Clive, wanted to know what he was like with two swords. He's about to find out.]