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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.

TOPLEVEL DIRECTORY (Updated November 25)

ELTRUT

With the Ghoul's Moon festivities over, it's time for everyone to clean up and prepare for the coming winter season. Of course, with the leviathans capable of moving and keeping to warmer waters, it's usually not much of an issue. But it never hurts to be prepared, and the crops and products are always great for export.

One of the biggest products that will be sent off this season will be everything pumpkin. The giant pumpkin shell Eltrut created for Ghoul's Moon will start to shed and the leviathan will need some help in gathering the large chunks before it falls completely into the ocean. Harvesting the pumpkin shell off of Eltrut is no easy feat, but not only is it edible, the rind is also tough and durable.

🔪 Harvest. Using carving knives and pickaxes, everyone must head out of town and into the forests to remove the pumpkin and clean off the shell beneath. Large tubs and wagons will be provided to help haul off the goods.
🐢 Pumpkin Spice Turtles. Drawn by all the pumpkins are small little pumpkin turtles. They are forbidden from being harmed or caught, however, they produce a special "pumpkin spice" and "pumpkin cinnamon" dust that can be carefully collected. While most will respect the law, others will be greedy and try to capture these turtles. Help protect and catch any who try—or perhaps get some extra cash by successfully catching and selling them off.
🔨 Build-A-Pumpkin. To help spur motivation and creativity, there are numerous competitions centered on building the most interesting and durable creation using only the pumpkin rinds. Some small things like nails and bits of wood can be used to help, but it must otherwise be made out of the rinds. From unique artwork to small buildings to carriages to boats and ships—the possibilities are endless. Just don't mind the mess.

Of more concern, both Eltrut and the Naughtilust were weakened from the attack from the Ghost Ship and are dozing a bit for the first week or so. Those in charge are requesting help in preparing special food that will help with their recovery. But to help keep spirits up and to hopefully provide some positive energy to the leviathans, a special hotpot gathering will be hosted for anyone to come and help cook, either for the leviathans or for others. A perfect chance to socialize and catch up with others. Just keep an eye out—someone may try to spoil the food.

To aid the two weakened leviathans, a list of key ingredients is provided for volunteers to head into the forests and out to sea to gather. Large tables and several grills, pots, and other cooking equipment will be provided for anyone to use.

🔥 Fire Sprites. Instead of normal flames, the food for the leviathans needs to be cooked over a special fire created by special fire sprite. They will only appear around campfires or bonfires where stories are told, so time to create a suitable fire pit and get to storytelling! Any kind will work.
🌰 Chest of Chestnuts. One of the most prized ingredients is a special type of chestnut that can only be found in special acorn chests buried underground by squirrel scavengers. These squirrels specifically gather these chestnuts because they are so rare, delicious, and known to have medicinal properties. Said squirrels will also gladly relinquish their store…if they can remember where those chests are. Time to go on a wild treasure hunt!
🐡 Fish Puffing. There is a special type of pufferfish that will be carefully collected and brought to the pier where volunteers must wear special gloves and carefully squeeze the fish to force it to secrete a special fluid that has potent healing properties. Soothe the fish and make them more willing to be handled by singing a cheerful tune. Whistling and other music can help. Feeding them special kelp and gently petting them will also keep them calm and less agitated.
🍲 Cookoff! Whether it's for the leviathans or just cooking a meal to be shared with others, the cooking stations are constantly in use. Who can prepare the most delicious meal?

ELAH

Things are a bit hectic within Baleen, the capital city of Elah. A wild flock of singing turkeys have been set loose and they are running amok, causing a disturbance to everyone. They are getting stuck in chimneys, popping into bathrooms, and swimming in the many fountain pools found all over town. What makes them more disruptive is their singing, which, unfortunately, sound more like nails dragging down chalkboard. While some may be ready to roast them to send to Eltrut for a feast, perhaps some may try to catch them.

And send them to Nogard. (They likely came from there, anyway—)

Researchers would especially appreciate it if these turkeys could be caught and removed as they are busy studying the tombstone relic brought back from the ghost ship. What secrets could it hold…?

At the Archives, researchers are hard at work studying the broken pieces of the black tombstone that was brought back from the ghost ship. They believe it's the reason the ship and its undead crew appeared, but how?

💤 Energy Drain. Although precautions are set, those who are exposed to the relics start feeling a bit drained, as if their energy is being sucked away. Quickly remove any affected and find a way to seal or contain the relics without being affected as well.
🪦 Undeadly Experiments. Although now in pieces, the tombstone relic still holds some power. Thus researchers decide to perform direct tests and experiments to see how it affects the undead. There are requests made to those who have previously died either in their world or this one, and some venture to graveyards where dead and ghosts are sometimes active. When in close contact with the relic, all who have experienced death in some way will become more hostile and aggressive, some even outright attacking any nearby. Help protect those performing the experiment and subdue the affected until they calm down.
🏃‍♂️ Thief! Those damn Corsair, they can never respect important research! A few bad eggs are breaking the agreement and are trying to steal the fragments, perhaps to sell them off to someone else or for some other purpose.

NOGARD

In Nogard, the island the leviathan has settled in is teeming with wild beasts, and perhaps due to being in a warmer climate, they are appearing more and more often, as if coming out of hibernation. It makes for a perfect opportunity for hunters to head out in hopes of collecting rare meat, materials, and hides that can be used and sold. To prevent overhunting, a competition is hosted with rules and regulations that all participants must abide by.

As such, there will be a group to help ensure security and they will even request assistance from Paladins, who are also allowed to participate in the hunt if they wish. Thus those who prefer to go after people will be quite useful to keep track and go after anyone who is poaching, hunting creatures under the "protected" list, or wasting the kills. To any who are caught…well, the Paladins may fare nicer compared to a Corsair.

While most predators and creatures of large populations are eligible for the competition, there are a few notable hunts that will reap great rewards for those who dare. Those who turn in their kills will receive a decent portion of the profits and first choice in what to keep for their own. The rest will be turned in to be sold, with the Elphantin tusks going straight to Eltrut to be used for the recovery efforts.

🦈 Goblin Shark. This deep-sea shark has a distinctive long, flattened snout and protrusible jaws, making it look quite unusual compared to other shark species. All parts of its body can be used so it makes for a profitable hunt—if one can brace the cold depths to take it down.
🐍 Coibara. Head of a cobra, body of a bear, and tail and coloring of a koi fish, this snake chimera can be found in dark coves and anywhere near deeper bodies of water. Capable of sprinting over the ground and swimming, beware of its poisonous fangs, which can also fetch a pretty penny along with its hide. The venom can also be collected for both poison and anti-venom purposes.
🦚 Pexeo. An equine beast with the body and markings of a zebra and plumage and head of a peacock that roams the greener valleys. Although not hostile, it can be dangerous if attacked, its beak revealing sharp rows of teeth that can tear up anything that gets caught in it and its hooves sharp as blades. Rather than killed, the feathers are the real prize and can be carefully plucked instead. But its meat can be considered a delicacy in some areas.
🐘 Elphantin. This giant elephant like creature is considered as the top hunt of the list. They can only be found deep within the forests and only appear at dawn when the foggy mist is thickest. While every part can be used, what makes this the top prize is the medicinal properties of its tusks. But it is very difficult to track and hunt and will take a group of skilled hunters to take down.

Afterwards, a large feast to celebrate is thrown, though of course it can get rowdy and with the alcohol fountain brought in, fights and brawls are bound to happen.

But there will also be a "special guest" rushing into town: wild boars. Perhaps agitated by the hunts or out for revenge against those who targeted them (which was allowed), the boars are crashing and charging into everything they see. While this may look like a good opportunity to prepare some BBQ Boar, the conservationists of the Corsairs would like to drive most of them back into the wilds.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Just a slight arch of the brow, especially when the shaker goes to his hand.]

...All right.

[Well, he's not going to protest any further about it. So he'll take a look at the drink, noting the differences how they appear, including the color. Similar, but somehow hers seems clearer.

He then takes a sip, and again he can taste the difference, his eyes widening a little as he saviors the taste. As he unconsciously licks his lips to wipe the foam away, he nods.]

It's really good.

[And here it comes—

As if his verdict was what it took, everyone that's been watching all line up to try a sip of their drink, the girls all shoving their way to the front to get first dibs on his next one!!!

While Tifa stands there, proud, and winks at Eustace.

Had she planned that? Maybe.]

[Yeah, but, hers is better?? Why would they want his...

He looks at the growing crowd a bit confused before he sets down the drink.]

Hope we have enough....

[And time to shake shake shake.]

Don't worry. Even if we run out, it's not like the tavern itself has any shortage of rum, or lemons.

[Besides, if he keeps the portions small, then they'll have more than enough. And the foam keeps coming, Tifa not stopping her whisking so that it doesn't bubble too much or dry out.]

Looks like you're a hit.

What makes you say that?

[And the more times he makes it, the more automatic things become and the more he has a better feel of how much to put in.

Maybe he really will be able to just straight pour the rum in without measuring before it's over.]

Look at the line of people waiting for a drink.

[She motions to them as she gets to work on cutting up some lemons, peeling them in circles to make a few twists for garnish that she sets aside for him.

But she does lean over to whisper—]

At least this way, we can say that you did it, in case anyone asks.

[Still frowning a little.]

But what does that have to do with me... They're just interested in the drinks.

[If anything he'd guess she's the one attracting the men here.]

Everything.

[Eustace, were you listening to her lesson at all?]

Presentation matters.

[Though, there is the slightest furrow of her brow because of course this sort of presentation has an effect, too. But why are the girls annoying her so much...?]

Besides, it's not like you're drinks aren't any good. Everyone seems to like them.

[...Hrm.]

Wouldn't you better for it then? I'm not really doing anything special.

[Just going through the routines in his usual methodical manner. Little does he know that's actually giving him a "cool" effect.]

Granted I need to be the one making these...

Do you really wanna know the answer to that?

[BECAUSE SHE WILL TELL HIM, even if she's sure he won't like it. Though, it should be obvious by the way those girls continue to watch him and whisper amongst themselves.]

[He is flat out ignoring them.

...

But at her words his ears twitch at the giggling and his eyes glance over...

...

Sigh.]

No.

[He really didn't think he would have this much... Appeal. But now it's hard to think otherwise, even if he doesn't really understand it. He's not going to try, either, instead focusing on the drinks and serving them out.]

[It's not like Tifa can blame them, though they can try being a little more subtle about it. It's not as if she's blind to Eustace's appeal, but besides that, she doesn't want to ruin their chances by making a drink and them discovering that she's not a Corsair.

So, she'll just continue with cutting more lemons from her bag and sliding them over to him, leaning over to whisper.]

Think we've got a pretty good chance, though...

["Hey, is the girlie gonna make any of the drinks?"]

[And Eustace is just going to glance at her and let her deal with that question. It would be stranger if he tried to answer for her and he wonders what excuse she'll come with.]

[Well, she can't very well answer that she is indeed not a Corsair, considering that she is on this side of the counter and not that one...

And she would ignore him too, if it weren't for the fact that he has now started to lean over the counter across from her, a hand out as if he means to grab for hers the instant it comes within his reach. Never mind that she doesn't appreciate being called "girlie" by him. By anyone.

She'll move to the other side of Eustace without comment, but he follows, shoving people aside as he makes some more comments about how she's not making any drinks. He does ask if she's a Paladin who's snuck in, which earns him a look, before he starts getting a little more crass...

"Aw, she's shy! I do like girls that put up a fi—"

There's a sudden slam and CRACK as Tifa pulls his hand over the bar and locks his elbow against the counter. Everyone gasps.]

I think this gentleman's had enough to drink for today. [She looks at Eustace.] What do you think?

[Hopefully this won't...give her away...?]

[There's just an arch of the brow. On the one hand, her avoiding the question basically answered it. On the other, given that show of "violence" it could just be she was just ignoring him out of unwilling to engage, which is also true. So Eustace just looks at the man before nodding.]

Want me to take care of it or you want the honors?

[It was bound to happen at one point... she's just disappointed that it had to happen at all. But... he did warn her. Not everyone in this tavern was going to be friendly or polite, but she thought she would give them the benefit of the doubt.

But when he asks, Tifa makes a face at Eustace.

...

....

And while she doesn't answer, she does say so with the way that she looks at him in that "could you?" way...]

[Understanding the look she's giving him, he closes his eyes and wipes his hands with the towel.]

Understood. Hold him for a second.

[And he will go around the counter. Once there, people parting ways with some looking with anticipation, Eustace just gives Tifa one last glance before he roughly grabs the back of the man's shirt and yanks him away, one handed.]

Time to go.

[Really, she could have handled it, and she has plenty of times back in Midgar when some would get too drunk to stand or would start fights over darts or which song to play on the jukebox. Having Barret around helped with the worst cases, but most people around Sector Seven knew that if Tifa was ignoring you, you'd overstepped a boundary.

Here...

What a rude wakeup call this has been, and she finds herself missing Barret's imposing presence around her at times like this. Being so naturally inclined to avoid conflict, especially when this isn't her turf, makes her realize just how uncomfortable it makes her.

So when Eustace takes charge of the situation, the man shouting and yelling and trying to shrug him off, she can't help but feel a little... relieved that he's here. And that he agreed.

Better him take care of it and draw attention than her, she supposes, as much as she hates to admit it. She's surprised no one here has called them out on being That Pair from the obstacle course.

"Let go of me, pal! You wanna fight!?" He tries to throw a swing at Eustace from his awkward position.]

[At the swing, Eustace just deftly avoids, grabbing the arm to roughly twist it around to snap it behind him.]

I said, time to go.

[Magic is forbidden here, but the man will feel the warning buzz of electricity before Eustace drags the man out. Although clearly leaner and less "bulky" than the man, Eustace has the height and strength and pull him out regardless of further attempts to kick and punch him before he lets go...

Only to slam his foot at his back to give him a powerful kick out the door that sends him flying into some barrels across the street. At this point the bouncers that should have helped but just watched to enjoy the show will help keep him out, so Eustace just turns his back and brushes off his sleeves as he nonchalantly returns to the counter. Their time is almost up, anyway.]

[She can hear the whispers of the girls when Eustace carries the man away and proceeds to kick him out the door, only to return as cool as a cucumber as if nothing had happened, but the way that they squeal and clap for him has her stomach turning. Not because they are cheering and clapping, but the situation as a whole.

And while she has met plenty of good Corsairs, she has forgotten how much she hated it here on Nogard...

When he returns, she ignores the cries and cheers, and she's in the middle of mixing another drink that she hands to him partway through.]

... That wasn't part of the lesson. [Then, quieter:] I'm sorry.

[He just arches a brow and takes the drink.]

It's fine. Comes with the territory.

[But he'll look over at her, a slight look of concern in his eyes.]

...But are you...?

[She offers him a sheepish stare, prepping another scoop of the whipped foam for the next glass, and already, there's someone else who's sidled up to the counter and is eager for a taste. At least that part turned out alright, but—]

Yeah. I'll be fine. [A light frown settles over her features.] Just...

[She gestures lightly to the space around them.]

Not so used to that kind of thing these days. And I forgot how different the two can be.

... Thanks.

[A low hum.]

Not sure what it says when I'm used to it even in my own world. Though I suppose it is more commonplace here than others.

[Differences between establishments as well.]

But our time is almost up so we only need to serve a few more drinks before we need to leave.

[Oh, it's fairly commonplace in Midgar, too. Tifa just worked to gain the respect of her patrons—something that she does not have here, apparently. She shouldn't be so surprised, but she figured she would try giving people the benefit of the doubt. A mistake, apparently.]

Ah... right. Sorry.

[Got a little caught up in her thoughts there...

So, when the next drink is ready to pour, she'll be prepared with the sweet honey and brown sugar foam that she quickly torches.]

Though, I think we might actually stand a chance.

[And don't forget the little lemon twist garnish at the end—!]

[Clearly she just needs to work to gain that respect again. Off that high horse, Tifa—

He just looks at her for a moment before he takes a sip of that drink she handed him, idly finding he likes the taste before he sets it down.]

We'll see. Still more contestants, and saw a few others have favorable reception.

[There's definitely a drink that's made some folk a lot rowdier and singing over there in one corner.]

...But I also agree. I think this is the best one.

[LOOK AT THAT. HE'S ACTUALLY GIVING MORE OBVIOUS SUPPORT in his own way.]

ELTRUT

ELAH

NOGARD

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