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

Entry tags:

<< 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!

ALL THREADS CAN COUNT 4PTS.

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

[She, too, has to spin away in time to avoid the merman that swims right through them, as if he hadn't seen them at all, and she has half a mind to call after him to be careful, but she just floats there, dumbfounded for a moment, before her attention is pulled back to Eustace... and the way he'd said her name.]

Hm? What is it?

[As they start to swim a little closer to the surface, and up ahead, there is a ridge that overlooks the town below, coloured with all sorts of different corals and urchins and fish that swim about.]

[He just eyes her for a moment before sighing.]

...Nothing. Let's just get to the corals.

[Maybe he'll be able to ask her there...]

Oh... okay.

[There's an awkward beat where she stares at him, but it's broken by another merperson whizzing past, a stream of bubbles getting between them.]

Sheesh...

[Would it kill these people to at least say excuse me!?

With a sad look in their direction, she turns with a sigh and swims up towards that ridge. It's far enough under the water's surface that they won't be poking out, but close enough that the sun hits it just right, and as they crest over the top, the colours come into view—pinks and yellows and oranges and greens, every colour under the ocean imaginable, as equally colourful fish swim in between them all. And in the other direction is a decent view of the town and all the merpeople swimming through it. It's quieter up here, the sound of the waves above being the loudest thing, and she lowers herself to perch at the edge, her tail swinging over to dangle.]

Told you it was nice.

[Why is everyone in such a hurry...

But he'll follow alongside her with a respectable space between them. Now he's really conscious of his tail and since it moves from side to side, he's ensuring there's enough space so he doesn't accidentally bump her again. He's starting to get an idea of what could have happened, but he remains silent until they reach the corals. Even he looks intrigued, his ears perking up just a bit more at the beautiful sight in front of them.]

...Mm.

[One that he can only quietly hum in agreement as he settles down next to her, again making sure his tail is angled away from her.]

Not something you can see like this often...

Or ever.

[Tifa looks down to sea floor below, watching as the mermaid's tails all flicker in the sun, and from a distance, they look like jewels rather than people just swimming around minding their own business.]

Not every day you get turned into a mermaid... So, figured we might as well make the most of it while we can, yeah?

[There's a slight quirk of his lips at that.]

True.

[He then leans back a little against the coral, hands braced behind him as he lets his tail sway a little with the current. As he does, some of the fish that had initially scattered upon their arrive return, swimming around them. Some are curious about his ears, which flick a little when a fish brushes too close.]

...It's pretty.

[Peaceful.]

Edited 2024-05-22 21:27 (UTC)

[The motion and the bright colours catch Tifa's eyes, and she reaches up to touch one of the fish swimming near his ears, giggling when it darts and hides behind them as if they were a coral, too. But her gaze drops to him soon after, catching that softer look on his face... That more peaceful one that feels so rare. It lingers for just a racing heartbeat or two before she's looking back out.]

It is...

[She had a feeling he might like this spot. Besides the view, that was why she picked it...]

I had no idea that Pearlhaven was so big. Look over there.

[She points out to some spot in the distance on the other side where the sanctuary dives down further into the depths, weaving through small cliffs.]

Wonder what's down there...

[As her tail begins to kick gently beneath her.]

[He follows her gaze and looks out to where she's pointing.]

Not sure... We could go look if you want.

Edited 2024-05-22 22:03 (UTC)

[She huffs softly with a laugh.]

Maybe another time. Just looked pretty is all... Bet that's where all the expensive and fancy shops are.

[If such a thing exists... She's just playing around with her imagination, but it's easy to picture with the pearly seashells that make up the buildings that span the sides of that cliff shimmering in the sunlight that manages to filter through the waves.

Speaking of...

There's a slight rustling as she pries open the bag.]

So, which one do you wanna try first?

[He'll just look over there one more time before looking back to the candies.]

Whatever's not too sweet.

Hmmm...

[More rustling as she digs through and pulls out the bag of candied petals.]

These look good. The shopkeeper said that they were more... floral than sweet. Not really sure what that means, but... guess there's a first for everything?

[More...floral than sweet? He feels that's more like something he'd hear about tea than candy, but... He'll try it. Though as he takes it, he realizes something odd—]

...I've never eaten anything underwater before.

[This will be. New. Will he get water in his mouth...?

[That gets a giggle out of her as she carefully takes a pink one out of the bag, slamming it shut so that they don't all start to float way.]

Well... it's not so different from talking underwater, is it? Just chew with your mouth closed.

But wouldn't I still have salt water in it...?

[Though she does have a point, he supposes. Still weird to think about as he holds the candy.]

Not to mention it's soaked in it...

[HE REALLY DIDN'T THINK ABOUT EATING FOOD MADE UNDERWATER this is so strange to think now that he's taking the candy and now staring at it.]

[Tifa just tilts her head and watches him, an amused gleam in her eyes.]

You think it's magic or something? It's not like we've been swallowing all this salt water every time we talk.

[Is he really thinking this hard about some candy? ... It's kinda cute, not gonna lie, as she lets him work it all out.]

[Now his tail idly swaying as he continues to look and feel the candy. It feels...like a normal candy...]

Not sure, but I'd guess so.

[Everything just felt so...natural after he got used to the fact he could breathe underwater.]

[Their tails certainly do come very close to bumping a few times as her own continues to swing...]

You're not worried about eating it, are you?

I'm not worried. Just being cautious.

[There's a difference!!!]

[She cannot stop smiling at him, and her cheeks are beginning to hurt.]

Do you want me to go first?

No, it's fine.

[Just a side glance before he...slowly puts it in his mouth and quietly chews.]

We were supposed to—

[But it's too late.]

—do it at the same time...

[She pouts and slowly bites into the candy, testing and tasting it first, and just as she suspected... somehow, the mermaid magic works in maintaining its original flavour... which is... sweet, but in a very subtle way.]

Hm. Tastes like... lavender?

[He just looks at her confused.]

...How was I supposed to know?

[HE'S CONFUSED. HE WAS NOT TOLD THIS SAME TIME THING, but he's chewing on the candy, anyway.]

But it does taste like that...light, too, not too heavy.

[WELL SHE WASN'T EXPECTING HIM TO JUST SUDDENLY EAT IT LIKE THAT!!!]

I was about to tell you!

[She really was! But what's done is done, as she eats the other half, smiling through it and savouring that soft flavour.]

You like it?

[Just muttering under his breath wondering if it really mattered before he finishes the candy.]

It's not bad.

[Yes, it totally mattered. But it's fine, because she's digging through the bag for a different coloured candy.]

Just not bad? Was something wrong with it?

WINDED ELTRUT

ROTAGCORC REVISITED

PEARLHAVEN

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject