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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

[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.]

[Wow, excuse you? It's basic human decency!!!

But she looks a little defeated for all of three seconds before he turns it around, her eyes immediately going from sullen to lighting up.]

You really think so?

[Honestly, while the money would be nice, and having the drink featured in the tavern for a while might be neat, there's something about having his approval that far outweighs the rest of it.]

I could teach you some of my other favourites later.

Sure.

[Just a very small, slight grin at her before he resumes making drinks. He has enough for about two more, and by now he's managed to learn how to make them without needing to measure and even without looking at times.

One drink, two, and he'll start the cleanup.]

[And that is the mark of a good student, something that her expression seems to say without saying it at all as she watches him, torching the last of the glasses and sliding them over to waiting and eager patrons, still biting back a smile at his agreement.]

I had a feeling you'd be a natural.

[As she proceeds to wipe down the counter.]

Just need some practice.

[Not even going to deny. He knows his worth ethic and skills—just give him a few iterations and he'll have it down in no time.]

But I had a decent teacher.

[Sort of teasing.

Since they used most of the ingredients, there's a lot less to pack than what was originally brought in, and soon he'll have everything gathered and will be helping with the final clean up.]

[That only makes her grin just a little wider, the way she tries to bite it back no longer helping her at all.]

Well. A good student also makes for a good teacher.

[And don't think she didn't catch that smile or the teasing in his voice.]

Should we stick around and wait for the results?

Up to you... But people might still bother us.

[Even though he can feel those eyes...]

[Tifa glances around, then back at him as she swings the cloth over her shoulder.]

Well. Might as well since we're here. I've got some time to kill anyway. And if anyone does bother us, then I'll be the one to take them out this time.

[Not the kind of bothering he meant, but he'd honestly let her handle it.]

Let's find another table... Or even try some of the other drinks if you're curious.

Oh...! I wouldn't mind checking out what some of the others have made.

[She pauses, hesitating.]

But just one other. Still haven't forgotten the last time...

[A small arch of the brow and then a grin.]

Fine with me. Your choice.

[And there is a fair number to choose. Judging by the reactions from others, it's clear whose are...less appetizing (and have become more like challenges and dares) and whose would likely be more enjoyable.]

[Good. Make the bartender choose. She's got a pretty good eye for these things, so she plans on finding one that they'll both enjoy.

Once their things are packed up and their station cleaned and ready for the next, without even thinking about it nor realizing it, Tifa grabs hold of his wrist and pulls him along from behind the counter to join the rest of the patrons on the other side.]

So, you like something strong and simple, yeah?

[Wait, why did she grab his wrist?? Just going to look down confused before he's forced to answer as he follows along.]

Yes.

Then we just gotta find the quietest part of the bar, yeah?

[Which she motions to after a brief glance around, where there is an older, well-dressed gentleman—well, better-dressed than the rest of the people here.]

How about him?

[Hmmm...]

Sure.

[The lack of a busy crowd is appealing, and the few that are still there seem to be enjoying the drink before moving on, so that's also a good sign.]

[Nothing too rowdy over here, and upon closer inspection as she leads him up to the bar, he may be a very sharply dressed older man, but he has this look about him that accepts no horseplay over his drinks. He looks like what she imagines Barret might look like if he put on a really nice suit and hid that gun for an arm and served drinks instead of bullets.

He looks at her through his sunglasses, and Tifa holds up two fingers for two drinks, and he makes them with so much more flair than she could ever dream of achieving. Lots of spins and twirls of the shaker, making it all look so natural, and she can't help but be completely awed by it.

And after effortlessly pouring the two glasses, he gives them a smirk and slides them across the counter.

...

It's only then that Tifa realizes she's been holding Eustace's wrist this whole time when she moves to catch both, and she casts him an awkward glance, eyes wide, brows arched, her mouth hanging open as colour bleeds into her cheeks before—]

H-here.

[She shoves the glass into that hand instead.]

[While Tifa thinks of Barret, Eustace is reminded a little of Ronan when he's being serious. It makes him watch the movements with a more critical eye, as if trying to learn in this one demonstration the flawless form and expertise on display. This man is certainly a professional...but will it just be all show and no substance? He doubts it given the reactions from others, so there is some anticipation—but it's guarded as always.

Which also means he had completely forgotten Tifa was holding his wrist until he felt the warmth that he had grown used to disappear, and he looks in some surprise when her face is flushed before she's shoving the glass in his hand.

....

He'll just give her a questioning look before he examines the drink. It certainly matches the performance, somehow looking flawless. Even moreso than Tifa's.]

We might have some competition after all.

[Dear god, why has the pitch of her voice gone up? She clears her throat and, bouncing nervously on the balls of her feet, she searches for a table.]

Let's go find someplace to sit, yeah?

[He hears that change in pitch...]

Nervous?

[And just assumes that. Maybe Tifa should be glad he's oblivious— He will also look and find a table not too far away in the quieter side and will start walking towards it.]

Huh?

[She follows after him to the table like she's lost her way, sticking close to him, but there is an agitated sort of buzz that sticks to her now, even as she sits down with the drink.]

Yeah, something like that.

[What the heck was all that? But she's just glad for the distraction, and change in topic, as if they were even talking about what she'd done in the first place.]

I'm sure it'll be fine. Even if we don't win, I honestly wouldn't mind losing to someone like that. Did you see how cool he looked!?

ELTRUT

ELAH

NOGARD

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