escordvi | << may open log: of sea and sky >>

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<< may open log: of sea and sky >>

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. Players are free to include MANTA Board quests in their toplevels!

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For your toplevel, please include the following: Character Name | Canon | Armada Choice.

TOPLEVEL DIRECTORY (Updated May 24)

WINDED ELTRUT

It only takes a few hours for Garuda's storms to fade, carried away when she was chased off by Ramuh, but the consequences of her madness remain for days after, on Eltrut especially. The poor turtle is recovering after keeping up its shields for as long as it did, so he will remain by the island for just a little while longer. Not to mention, the mermaids have asked for help, so best that he takes it easy for a bit. There is a lot to be done in repairing the docks, cleaning the town and the forests, and helping creatures back into their homes.

🔨 Repairs. Time to get to work! Much of the docks were destroyed from the wave, so Eltrut is asking anyone who can wield a hammer to assist in rebuilding them. Those who cannot or would rather help in other ways can go help by collecting wood, and there is certainly no shortage of that. Why not kill two birds with one stone (too soon?) by cleaning up the uprooted trees that have landed all over the Leviathan's shell by bringing the pieces back?
🪹 Rebuilding the Nests. Some of the birds who had been under Garuda's thrall have been displaced from their homes in the forests, either by their own destruction or from the winds. They cannot clean it all up by themselves, so they will need others to help calm them and guide them back into the forests, as well as clean up the trees and help restore their nests. They will no doubt appreciate them being prettier and more comfortable than before, so decorating them with feathers and the like will go a long way in repairing the relationships with them. In return, they will reward people's efforts with leftover plumes from Garuda's wings that they have found. (They are a one-time only use, with minor healing properties.)
🌪️ Wind Egis. Garuda's rage still lingers, and with it, some of the Wind Egis that attacked Eltrut remain, and they are hiding in the forests. Though they are significantly weaker now, these Egis will use powerful wind magic, as well as their claws, to protect themselves, and they are weak to piercing weapons and lightning magic. Find them and destroy them for good.
🐢 Happy Turtle. Eltrut is feeling down after what happened and could use some good vibes. Not only was everything on his back ruined, but his favourite island is, too. Help cheer up the turtle by planting new trees together around town and in the forests, and working together with the Bird Folk to make special turtle shaped buns for him to boost his spirits. He will also appreciate people cleaning his shell with giant brushes—they also work for relaxing head massages, too!

The Bird Folk of Eltrut who had been victim to Garuda's magic feel terrible for what they have done, and will be helping with all of the above as a way to help boost their—and everyone's—morale. They will mostly be volunteering with cleanup around town, and some of them have set up shop to sell what wares they have to help fund repairs for shops and homes that were damaged in the winds and flood. Anyone who has a knack for crafting is welcome to join in on making jewelry, art, food, leather, candles, etc. to sell!

ROTAGCORC REVISITED

Although Rotagcorc was able to avoid the brunt of Gardua's attack, the island still has its own problem recovering from the last attack from the turtle hunters from Krahs a few weeks ago. There are still many turtles injured and they are working to refortifying the island as they are worried about the safety of the young tortoise leviathan, Esiotrot. However, they are also happy to welcome those who once helped protect the island, giant pots of their special gumbo stews always cooking along with other tasty food. The style is similar to the Cajun and Creole cuisines, so there is some version of jambalayas, dirty rice, various seafood dishes with fish and oysters, and some traditional desserts such as beignets, puddings, pecan pies, and more.

Those who are curious about the young leviathan will have a chance to meet and interact with it, however it cannot communicate and is heavily guarded by the locals. Still, despite being as large as a small house, it will allow anyone who manages to pass the guards' approval to reach up and pet its head or touch its shell. It especially likes shell scratches! There are other ways to help gain favor from both the young tortoise and those who guard it.

🧼 Shell washing. Washing its shell, especially with a brush, will be very pleasant for the young tortoise, especially when it likes to burrow and tends to get a lot of mud and dirt that gets stuck in hard to reach places. Special soap is used and it can get really sudsy and slippery for those on the shell! (Makes for a fun water slide, though.)
🥗 Giant salad. A growing young leviathan, and a big one already, a lot of fresh greens, vegetables, and turtle peppers are needed for its diet. Usually they can provide enough in their own gardens, but the recent attacks have torn up several fields which are also in need of repair as well as reduced the number of able hands to harvest. Help gather what's available and also sail out and bring back some fresh greens and seeds to help replant.
🐢 Turtle tending. There are many turtles gathered around Esiotrot who were injured during the attack and are still recovering from the injuries. Some may never be able to return to the ocean, the damage to their shells and flippers is so severe that while they can heal, they would struggle back out in the water. Help check on bandages, administer healing tonics, apply medicinal herbs on the wounds, and provide any kind of comfort that would help improve their moods. The baby turtles will be particularly forlorn and need some extra care. Music and stories will help, and the leviathan will also enjoy hearing them.

Rotagcorc is roughly 75% swamp and marsh land, with wooden shacks and cabins all lined up along the bayous. Fortunately now much damage occurred in the villages, but the surrounding swamps have some work to be done, especially in resetting certain plant traps throughout the area. Just be careful while traversing through—the snapping turtles are still quite testy and may still see anyone as a threat. Just like before, feeding them turtle peppers will make them friendlier. In addition, new giant lily pad rafts are available that those daring enough to try can sit on and use long reeds to steer and float over the swampy waters. A few young crocodilians may try to bump the pad, however, so watch out! Be mindful of the mangrove trees as well…they sometimes shift and move around, making it easy to get lost.

🐍 Vine snakes. "Living" vines that are sensitive to movement and like a snake will wrap around and constrict anything that touches it. Those caught are strung up high and will need to be somehow pulled or cut down before they're slowly squeezed to death. The grisly remains of those who have met this unfortunate fate may still be found wrapped high up in the trees…
🌷 Giant Venus Fly Traps. Large enough to swallow a person whole, those that had their fill can now be harvested to be used for various things such as medicines and even food. Full Traps will not be hostile and can be safely cut down, but the new ones that need to be planted will be a bit "nippy." They are fortunately smaller, but still can bite a finger off if not careful.
🐸 Leapfrog. A lot of small frogs are hopping around, enjoying the flies that have come out to feast on the remaining corpses still around the swamps. However, they're also becoming a bit of a nuisance and there are requests to help catch some to either be brought back to be made into tasty fried frog legs or release them in other parts of the island. Just beware of the poison darts that are not hostile, but will not hesitate to not only secrete their poisons but spit them as well. Collecting their poisons for certain uses would be appreciated for those willing to take the risk.
🪷 Lotus Blooms. These special lotus flowers are so big one needs two hands to hold them. Fireflies like to gather around the stamen which also glow and thus are excellent sources of light. They are used like lanterns and placed in special planters that can be hung around to help light up trails. However, they are found in the deepest parts of the swamps, so care must be taken to harvest them.

One sobering aspect of the attack is the number of turtles and natives that were killed. While the corpses of the giants and shark pirates were already cast out at sea (or fed into the swamps), there are still funeral rites still underway. Some were waiting for relatives to return while time was also taken so that each fallen turtle or comrade was respectfully cared for. Cremation at sea is a common method, believing that everyone came from the sea and thus will now return to the sea.

They will appreciate any assistance in building the large ceremonial pyre rafts that are used to carry off the dead. Decorations and tributes to be added to the rafts are also appreciated. These are usually flower leis made of native swamp flowers, such as hibiscus, alligator lilies, marigolds, irises, azaleas; wood carvings of turtles, gators, and crocs; weapons specially forged to reflect those who were warriors; embroidered pennants, some symbolizing the life of the individual; and other trinkets that could be sent off with the deceased. Music can also sometimes be heard, some sorrowful, but others lively and upbeat as if to send them off in celebration.

For the turtles, they pay special homage as they are considered almost sacred, particularly since they have Esiotrot.

Afterwards, a round of drinks and food is shared as many will tell stories of epic feats, including the battle against Krahs's minions, and invite others to share. They are welcome to either share their own stories, or perhaps talk about their own deceased loved one or another story they know. The gator- and crocfolk are warriors at heart, so they will enjoy it. Sharing stories may also increase their favor and participating in wrestling bouts will surely increase one's reputation and perhaps even gain some allies—or rivals.

PEARLHAVEN

Garuda's furious wrath has unleashed several tidal surges, resulting in a colossal and peculiar whirlpool forming in the heart of the ocean. Its relentless power knows no bounds, dragging in ships of all sizes with an unyielding force. Once ensnared, victims are inexorably drawn into a spiraling descent into the abyssal depths below.

Yet, being dragged down into the depths doesn’t seem to drown a single soul. Anyone who is pulled deep down into the water through the whirlpool will find themselves being able to breathe and swim effortlessly. And that is because anyone entering the whirlpool will find themselves transforming into merfolk of all shapes and sizes. Legs will merge to become beautiful fish tails and everyone will sprout fins for ears and their hands webbed, made for cutting through the water effortlessly. Some might even grow tentacles, bioluminescent scales, sharp predator shark teeth, or other sea creature traits.

Once transformed, those pulled through the whirlpool will discover themselves seamlessly navigating the ocean depths, greeted by a breathtaking underwater realm. Vibrant coral reefs, intricate seaweed forests, and majestic caverns await your exploration. But most importantly, the magnificent underwater sanctuary where several merfolk tribes live and thrive. Some of the small merfolk settlements have been damaged by the severe tidal surges. Some are untouched and filled with curious merfolk ready to visit and speak with the newcomers. But not all merfolk are friendly. Some have turned cold to outsiders due to the recent deaths of their kin.

Explore the underwater haven, help the local merfolk rebuild and stay out of danger. Or don’t. It’s all about having some finny fun, after all.

⚒️ Rebuilding. As stated above, many of the smaller merfolk villages and tribes have been damaged in the recent tidal surges. Help make friends by helping them put back together their homes with whatever materials you can find. Use driftwood and seaweed paste to mend structures. Use pearls and sea glass to repair windows. And any art that can be given to spruce up the villages will be a nice bonus.
🚧Building tension. Since some of their kin have gone missing many of the merfolk are wary of the newcomers exploring around. Beware some of the more tenacious mer that will attack and fight any riftfarers out of their villages. They will be equipped with spears and harpoon guns and powerful emotion magic that could turn you angry and against your friends.
⚡ Lost magitech batteries. It wouldn’t be an underwater exploration without being able to find some lost magitech. For those who are savvy enough at searching, can uncover several buried and waterlogged magitech batteries in the grooves of the seabed or in deep dark caverns. Collect as many as possible, they may be useful on the surface. Just be careful of any curious sea life around.
🗝️ Underwater treasure. Besides lost magitech the local merfolk are happy to give others little treasure hunts to complete. Explore the dark caverns below and uncover some hidden treasure chests buried in the sand. They seem to be filled with gemstones, jewelry and gold. Find your sweetheart something shiny and pretty, won’t you mate?

🍥 Jellyfish forest. Just outside the merfolk villages is an expansive forest made out of floating jellyfish. These pretty pink creatures sway and flow with the ocean tides. And exploring the forest might prove to be a fun challenge as touching the long stringy limbs of any jellyfish will give you a little electric zap. Can you get to the other side?
🐌 Bloodthirsty leeches. Deep down below the water’s surface are several sea creatures that rely on other sea creatures to survive. There are leech-like creatures that will attach to any mer swimming by and start to drain out their blood. It’s not a painful process but leaving the leeches for too long will leave anyone feeling weak and lethargic, or worse.
🦈 Bond with dolphins. Several groups of playful dolphins are swimming all about. They are curious and smart creatures that want to play with the new merfolk around. You! They will poke and prod at you and challenge you to races. Play with them or grab onto their dorsal fins and let them take you for a ride through the ocean scene.
🦦 Playful otters. Near the surface of the ocean is a family of playful otters that are curious about the merfolk swimming down below as well. But their intentions aren’t so sweet. They will steal and grab items off of other riftfarers and try to keep anything shiny for themselves. If you find something of yours missing, you might have to chase them down to get it back.
🐙 Hugging sea urchins. The local merfolk have a strange tradition down here. They say that anyone who can successfully hug a prickly sea urchin will be given a special boon. But it’s so painful to squeeze a sea urchin, isn’t it? If you can bear the pain and give a sea urchin a little bit of comfort you will be granted a special buff that will protect you from harm for a whole day.

🧙‍♀️ Sea witch. The merfolk villages are sure to warn you about the evil sea witch that lives down below in the darkest parts of the water. They say that she’s a foul and bitter old woman who loves to see others suffer. But some of the children in the villages say that it’s not what it seems. They say that if you can give the sea witch something precious of yours that she’s nice and will grant you a wish. If you manage to find her she will do just that. In exchange for something you find precious, she will attempt to grant you a wish. Although, she doesn’t guarantee it will work.
🌿 Dead soul forest. There is something strange about the waters near the sea witch’s home. There is a dark and murky place filled with icky and browned seaweed and other thick overgrowth. Swimming through this area will leave you feeling like your energy is being sapped. Stay here long enough and you’ll find your soul being slowly sucked out of your body only for you to become a icky piece of brown seaweed yourself. Maybe ask the sea witch to restore your friends if they get stuck this way.
💌 Love potions. Oddly enough the sea witch is more than happy to sell anyone fabulous love potions for the easy cost of a handful of pretty seashells. These potions range from making the apple of your eye fall deeply in love with you to making your worst enemy your soulmate. The potions can even colour you pink! Or make your pupils change to heart shapes! If you are in need of turning the tides of your love life, she has a potion for you.
🐠 Blobfish. Peculiar little blobfish seem to thrive in these darker waters! They’re mostly harmless and look like cute squishy blobs that don’t do very much. It might be fine to toss one around like a ball or use one for a pillow. … Just beware because bullying the blobfish too much might summon a bigger, meaner fish to come after you. Fight it off!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Aren't they? I was trying to see what material I could get, and what color of it, may do best in holding them and ensuring the mixture doesn't change. They all do well, and I couldn't pick just one. [There was some tweaks to all of them, but beside the point.

Turo had a notebook in hand, already double-checking his list of ingredients in them all, glancing up with a soft smile as his head tilted to one side. A little wince-]

The downside of testing these- Which would be easiest to observe, you think?

Leave it to you to make something both adorable and practical. [ She praises him cheerily. Her eyes remain glimmering, wide with fascination as she holds up the bottle. After a few more moments inspecting it, she sets it down on a table. ]

A little pin prick should do it. [ Better than, say, a bruise or a burn, which would hurt far more. ] Let's see... [ In a flash of crystalline white, a long dagger appears in her hand, and without stalling, she goes ahead and pricks her index finger with the tip of the blade. A bead of red forms on her finger. ] Okay. Hit me with your best spray.

The colors will hopefully make them easier to find and grab when needed- if packed in a bag. [Just that little bit of extra help, distinct looks meat to make it easier to tell the items apart during emergencies.]

This may sting for a second, but afterwards should feel cool and any pain gone.

[Turo picked one up as he spoke, his notebook and pen set down, as his other and gently cupped the back of Rem's hand as he did spray just where that blood beaded up. Better to give that warning first, right? Bit of blood wiped away with a clean cloth, better for the spray to do it's work.]

[ While she feels the 'sting' for which he warns, she doesn't wince. It doesn't feel any different than the academy's doctor using alcohol or an antiseptic to cleanse the skin after an injury. And it feels far less painful than any needles going in, either.

Her eyes widen as blood is wiped away, and no new droplet forms. ] Looks like it worked on this little prick.

Maybe something bigger next?

[ Wow she seems really okay with just using herself for experimentation, huh. ]

[The bottle was set down, and he did get a good look- and she was right. Good, a very good sign of things.] Indeed it does.

Let's give this a moment to make sure it has taken, then we can move on. [Difficult not to notice, really. He would be the same if he could- well.

A few reasons he had to ask for help testing, and figured a few already going out of the more dangerous quests could carry a few along with them to test there as well.]

I have a few snacks and some cold juice here if you feel anything close to light headed- or simply would like some.

[ A few snacks and juice...? Big dad energy, right there. Rem smiles fondly. ] You're always prepared, aren't you?

[ Rem runs a finger over the site of the pinprick uon her finger. It's completely smooth, as if she hadn't punctured herself in the first place. But superficial wounds tend to stop bleeding relatively easily anyway. The real test of these concoctions would be a deeper wound.

Readying her blade, she draws a quick, smooth laceration across her palm. Blood pools more readily, as bright and red as the color of her eyes. ] Hit me. [ She says, extending the hand for him to spray the solution on. ]

[Always best when- well, any amount of blood loss -even just a few drops- was bound to happen. Any little change able to affect how someone may react, even something different than normal. That and it was a rather easy way to much more obviously show his gratitude.

On the apologetic side of it as well, even when knowing injury was necessary for testing like this.] I do try to be, more so for others just in case.

[For this? A clean cloth was briefly used to help wipe some blood away before spraying over the cut; that same sting and then cooling sensation that numbed the pain-]

You know- these may never replace seeing an actual doctor, or healer, but at the very least I hope they will give that much more time needed to be seen.

[ She watches as the spray takes effect, causing the blood to congeal edges of the wound to come closer together.

Rem’s eyes widen. ] W… whoa.

And you’re saying this isn’t magic? [ She looks up at him in awe.

Not everyone in her world has magic, and even among those who do wield, the healing arts aren’t practiced by everyone. Rem knows how, if only to be useful— but she also knows so many other squads have done without healers. Magic can also be condensed into consumables and potions, but those items, too, had a basis in, well, magic. ]

It can seem like it, right? It took me so many attempts to alter the formula, find the right plants and even substitutes for what does not exist here. [Lifting up one of the bottles, some sparkle effect there just from how bubbles formed inside.

Could certainly look like magic- but he felt there was a very thin line between it and science, especially in this word. Using that to his advantage just to try and help further things to help.]

These are based off healing items used for Pokémon in my world, you see. They aren't as effective on humans, but have been used in emergencies to briefly stop blood flow when traveling. So a conversation had while aiding an injured dragon hatchling- made me think why not use that to develop something that worked on people as effectively as for pokémon and other creatures. [Ordinary items, common enough they could be found on the ground when traveling and people simply bought replacements when lost in the wilds.

That smile offered to Rem was just- something bright that reached his eyes; something almost youthful about it.] To save someone that bit of extra energy in an emergency if a more magical means is not suitable, or any other reason.

Any little bit saved can make such a lasting difference in the long run- or so I believe.

Agreed. If one's magic can be spared to use for other things... [ The conclusion is obvious. ] This is amazing, Professor. Are these just the prototypes, or will you have these for sale later?

[ Because she'll take ten, please! The ones in pink, of course. ]

I've gone through quite a few prototypes before I asked for larger scale testing- I am hoping these work well enough to be sold, even if I will continue to further improve them.

[Ten in pink would certainly be given.

So far, at the very least, the testing had been going well. Even with just this much it was a step towards better things.]

[ A nod. ]

Hm... So. It worked both on a pinprick and a longer cut. [ Her head tilts. ] Did you need me to go deeper with a strike? Or do you want to test it on yourself?

[Fingers flexed on his free hand, thinking for a moment-] I would offer myself, but my skin is- well.

I am not the best test subject for this, I fear. [Or he would have offered so much earlier to take some injury. It was difficult to explain, even given his expression.

Something he still struggled with explaining but- well. Two people knew, and he trusted Rem still and dearly so.]

I can explain why, if you wish. There are only two others who know, and I feel I can trust you with this... information about myself.

[ Her eyes round slightly, clearly not expecting there to be... a secret? of some sort involved in all of this. After a moment's pause, she nods once. ]

It'll be my privilege to know. [ She tells him gently, offering a smile. Rem lowers the spray bottle back to the countertop, turning to face him. ]

I still have some difficulty explaining, when not directly asked. I am unsure if it should be wide knowledge given the worry of the two who know. [A mix of... not knowing how, or if he should, along with some underlying programming he didn't doubt.

Still, there was a hand brought up, gesturing to his eyes as there was a bit of blue and red lights lighting up just behind- then flickering as Turo's eyes turned to a glowing shade of blue on black. Blinking a few times to ensure things were in check.

Then calmly as ever- even with that little apologetic underlining still there.]

My body is robotic, with synthetic but very realistic skin. Created to endure quite a bit of abuse simply due to the environment I was in, and the purpose I was meant for. [A hand rested over his chest then, where a heart would be and felt as if his core actually was.] I am an AI, or Artificial Intelligence, created by the original Professor Turo; made to be a perfect replica of him. I have all of his knowledge, and memories for the most part.

Dojima is one of those who knows, incase you worry of that.

[ As his eyes flicker to a different color and then revert to their original hue, Rem lets out a gasp. She brings a hand to her lips as he continues to explain, and by the time he finishes speaking, her eyes are as wide as an owl's. ]

You're... [ How does she even address this? The concept of AI is beyond Rem. All she knows is that the man standing before her is Professor Turo. (A professor Turo? Or does it matter...?) He's someone she'd met early one, someone who has worked with her on projects this entire time-- ]

What you are... That's amazing. But you're still you, aren't you?

I remain me, even if it is something more than what my creator meant. There is nothing else like me in the world I come from. [The Professor had never meant to create something that could be another person in its own right, but the AI could not deny that... he was only a near perfect copy, given there were choices he would have made differently.

... Did make differently.

A slow breath taken, and exhaled, head tipped to one side. That soft smile returning for the moment.]

It has taken time for me to accept that I can be myself, and meeting you -knowing you- has been one of the reasons I could at all.

[ She bows her head, humbled at his words. ]

You'll always be the Professor Turo I know.

[ It's never even occurred to her to check if he has a soul-- but does she need to? The answer is, of course, 'no'. Constructed artificially or not, his actions, decisions, and memories-- divorced of the original professor-- are his and his alone. ]

And I'm both glad to have met you, and to say that you are a dear friend.

Thank you- I am very grateful for that, and your friendship is just as dear. [He may be a different what than most may think, but... no one could take away who he was, and perhaps still becoming as he grew more sure of himself in that regard.

Something that had once been an act to pretend to be exactly who he appeared fallen away; parts of him were the same as his creator at the base of him, but he had grown from there. A notion not thought of, only for him to dwell on when he found himself alone.

... and the more people he had met here, especially those he spent the most time with, had only helped encourage that. Even without knowing.]

I do apologize for only now telling you. [A reason presenting itself... helped bypass a few things making it difficult after all.]

[ She shakes her head, smiling at him. ] It was your secret to give. [ And his level of comfort telling others, as well. It's not as if she would have ever guessed he wasn't human, anyway. Now that she knows he technically isn't, that still doesn't make him less of a person. ]

...In some ways, this is relieving. [ Because if he can't bleed-- ] This means I won't need to heal you. You're a-- you're extra-strong.

I still need to be careful in other was- but there is certainly much I can endure, you are very correct there. [And said in a way it is meant to help that relief along. He didn't bleed-

Though, there was a soft sort of sound that could have almost been a chuckle.]

It does make testing healing potions a little difficult, of course. A reason I appreciate this help, even while there is worry of the injury needed to do so.

That's why we're testing it, aren't we? To see how effective it can be. [ With that said, her attention returns to the bottle. ]

And... refining this concoction won't only help me, but others you care about, too.

That is very right, yes. I am glad that there are those that are willing to help in that- every piece of data valuable. [All the better to work towards that improvement, to further refine it into something he could be happy to supply people with. What ever little bit could be done to help.

Picking that spray bottle back up-]

Very, very true. That little bit of extra help that can be carried to be on hand. One of many steps to help you, and others.

So...Hm. Let's see-- we've tried a puncture and a cut. [ And while they can certainly try to make her the test-injury more severe... She also doesn't want to 'test' that just yet.

Like any testing, it's best to start superficial and simple. ] What about a burn?

[ A tiny burn from a candle flame won't hurt that much! And she'd be interested to see if it could quell a blister. ]

A burn- that could be a good next step, and I know how to tend to one if it does not do well in healing it.

[-a little more obvious as to why Turo seemed to try and keep supplies on him at all times, from medial supplies to things some might consider snacks. None of it had ever really been for himelf.

Still, a burn was reasonable enough, even with the pain brought. No other way to test for it-]

WINDED ELTRUT

ROTAGCORC REVISITED

PEARLHAVEN

Healing Potions

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