MANTA quest log (open)

[emet_sulk]

Who: Emet-Selch and ANYONE
Status: Open
Where: See prompts
What: Old mage has many projects that need fulfilling and that means investigating any oddities for knowledge/things he can use
Warnings: None


1. Infinity Fabrics (MANTA General 4pts)

Having been impressed by the quality of the store's tailoring previously, Emet-Selch is intrigued by its newest offerings. However, is far, far from being the sort of client that most of the accessories are designed for, so it takes some firm but polite negotiating for the elder mage to convince the proprietress to let him try the plain, white, purification gloves instead of the...frillier options. No judgement from him - Emet-Selch simply knows who he is as a person.

If you're there in the shop with him, you may overhear his discussion:
"Yes, I'm very sure I don't want the ones with the lace. No, I don't need a ribbon for my hair either, thank you. Please do not put that on me."

2. The House that Watches (MANTA Paladin 4pts)

Emet-Selch leaves investigating the odd noble family and their shadowy doubles' actions to others and instead takes an interest in the soot left behind. It defies his soulsight somehow, sometimes glimmering and sometimes acting like proper soot. He doesn't understand it - and he doesn't like that his sight cannot define it.

"Is it...alive somehow?" he mutters, rubbing the soot between his fingers. He doesn't notice that he has started to gather a trail of soot himself where he walks...

3. Further Hexing Crystals (MANTA Paladin 4pts)

Ah, now this is promising. A new potential energy source? One that he doesn't recognise? Emet-Selch immediately volunteers to assist with the investigation. Whatever he discovers will surely be of interest to the rest of the Raiders of the Lost Arts as well.

He has to be careful not to let too many shards join together. It would be disastrous if it absorbed the bottomless well of magic a mage like him wields. Holding one of the larger pieces with tweezers, he gently turns the crystal over while looking at it through a fixed magnifying lens.

"What an unusual thing," he murmurs to himself. "A crystal which absorbs aether is nothing unusual, but this has an almost voracious appetite for it. How to make practical use of this, I wonder...?"

There's a notebook beside him full of scribbles and sketches.

4. Waterlogged Writings (MANTA Paladin 4pts)

Well. Emet-Selch had hoped these books might be something actually useful, but it turns out most of them are...well...

"Is there a single tome in this chest that isn't some scandalous biography of a pirate?" he exclaims loudly.

(He's just very unlucky...)

5. Wildcard

I'm also interested in the shark swaddling or capturing the bare-naked birdies. Emet-Selch is starting work on personal projects this month, like Denji's TV and crystal batteries for Cloud, so he can also be encountered in the Adamantine Forge or his crew's ship, tinkering.

Comments

HEXING CRYSTALS

[reneggadetinkerer]

[While he might be a corsair, Eggman has kept tabs on all of the MANTA board quests in hopes of finding something worth investigating. Fortunately, it seems his diligence has paid dividends. The moment he heard about these crystals, the more he was intrigued.]

[It appears someone has gotten here first. No matter. Eggman keeps his distance until he can give himself an opening to spare a look.]

I see I'm not the only one interested in these crystals.

From what I hear, they're quite fascinating.

[emet_sulk]

[ Waiting for a good opening is the correct choice, as a startled mage is not something anyone wants to face. Emet-Selch glances at the man, takes in his measure, before returning to the curious little crystals. ]

They are inexplicably attracted to each other. 'Tis not magnetism. Mayhap some form of magic... But I hesitate to gather them together when the consequences could be fatal.

[reneggadetinkerer]

There are more forms of energy than mere magnetism. Why, each and every one of us are held together via atoms and molecules. A bond does not need to signify "magic" though I understand that such an energy is abundant in this world.

Have you perhaps tested the maximum distance allowable before their innate attraction brings them together? And what should happen if one piece breaks? Do they, in turn, get attracted to one another?

There's certainly some possibilities here.

[emet_sulk]

Aye, that's what I'm testing now.

[ With a small tool, he nudges a piece slowly towards another using a ruler - written in Garlean numerals - to measure the distance when the pair meet. How to separate them after is a problem in and of itself however. And dangerous. They need enough energy to separate of their own accord. ]

Past a certain threshold, the joined pieces release the energy they've absorbed and cause an explosion, which separates them once more.

[reneggadetinkerer]

Is the size and force the explosion dependent on the distance they traveled to connect, the amount of energy they've individually stored, or both?

I daresay, if we can quantify, measure, and contain this reaction, we might have the makings of a combustion engine.

Ah, where are my manners. I am Dr. Ivo Robotnik, engineering genius. And...to whom do I have the pleasure of speaking with?

[emet_sulk]

You may call me Emet-Selch.

[ It's a habit, still, to give out his title rather than his name. Even if said title no longer has any weight or meaning. Sometimes he wonders if he should do away with it entirely...

With their introductions out of the way, he continues brusquely: ]

I've no means of measuring the energy output of these crystals beyond my own eyes so I cannot tell you if it is additive or multiplicative. I hesitate to suggest their use in a combustion engine, however. Some fool will no doubt be careless with the pieces and blow themselves up.

[reneggadetinkerer]

Aha! So you're the famous Emet-Selch! I've been told you've been researching this world and the ruins that lie beneath the waves! I was hoping I would get the chance to speak with you!

Though, I find myself disagreeing with your abundance of caution. If we truly wish to understand this power source, we may have to be a little more unorthodox.

If I had my laboratory, I would be able to test these more thoroughly. Unfortunately, I've only just washed up in this miserable world and have yet to establish any sort of proper work space.

[emet_sulk]

[ Is that how he's known? Emet-Selch looks caught between feeling flattered and feeling embarrassed. He clears his throat and carefully sets his tools down to give the man his full focus. ]

A new arrival, are you? If you're in need of a place to tinker, I do have a public workshop. The Adamantine Forge. Not entirely for free, as I'm sure you'd understand. But 'tis an option if you need help finding your feet.

[reneggadetinkerer]

I see! Well, your offer is kind but I admit I'm a bit...private when it comes to my work. Something I've grown far too used to that I can't give it up so readily.

As it stands, I am operating out of a dingy warehouse at the moment. I suppose I'll just have to work on something to make some money in the interim so that I might better upgrade my workspace.

Though putting my engineering genius to work in this world is proving to be a bit of a struggle.

Wildcard; Phantom Moon

[fractales]

[It wasn't unusual for any of them to bump into each other within the ship's workshop- more so when Turo made a point of using it whenever he was spending any amount of time on the ship while caring for the various animals. Not to mention the entire barge that carried so much plantlife attached to the Phantom Moon itself.

Dapplerwhiskers and Mariposa both waited outside, well away from the door as Turo entered-]

Ah, good afternoon.

[-His usual satchel tucked under an arm, strap rested on his shoulder.]

[emet_sulk]

Ah, good afternoon, professor.

[ Emet-Selch spends his time in the ship's workshop continuing to tinker with various minuscule crystals in order to solve the problem Denji had laid in his lap some time ago. It's slow going. His eyes hurt and he welcomes the distraction Turo presents. ]

How is the garden? And your creatures?

[fractales]

The garden is faring very well, as are some of the newer additions; a few medicinal plants, for the most part. Soon they will be able to be used. [For more than just his own potion making if need be.] They fare exceptionally well, and Mariposa has helped some soothe easier.

[The crystals hadn't been missed, more so when Turo moved towards the area of the workshop he tended to occupy. Something with a few wires and other bits of metal-]

I hope you have a moment to speak, as truth be told I did not step in hoping to find the workshop empty.

[Otherwise he would have called.]

[emet_sulk]

Oh? You were looking for me?

[ He pushes away the magnifying lens he had been using and sets down his tools to give Turo his attention. ]

Did something happen?

[fractales]

I was, yes.

[His head tipped a little as he set the bits of metal and wire-work down; best not to divide the attention for this really.]

Oh, no. It is simply- well, the subject is not really that simple, but it is a matter of mine, a truth I told Moon Supreme once I felt comfortable doing so. [An easy implication that he felt comfortable telling Emet now as well. Trust.]

There are only a handful of people in this world that know—

['Turo' rested a hand against his chest, just where a heart would be.]

—I am not the original Professor Turo, let alone human; I am an AI replica created by the Professor using his brain scan, which was placed within a robotic body built in his own image. A near perfect replica, holding all of his knowledge so that I could assist him.

[emet_sulk]

[ He stares for a while. His gaze flicks subtly: up and down, assessing the man before him in a new light. ]

...I did wonder about the nature of your soul. 'Twasn't like most others I've seen. You're a form of advanced machina then?

[ It's something of a strange thing to realise, that he had been conversing and associating with someone not of flesh and blood. But Emet-Selch had noticed an oddity about the professor for a while now and had assumed it to be a quirk of whatever world they hailed from.]

I suppose I must say that I'm honoured by your trust in me if you've kept such a truth hidden from most.

[fractales]

[There was that slow exhale again, before he spoke.]

It is likely due to what my power core is made of, to some degree. Dongfang thought I was perhaps some sort of demon or other, as he understands them in his world. [Turo's hand remained there, over what was likely where his power source was encased.] In a way, yes. There is nothing else like me where I am from, given interactive technology in my world houses a Rotom; a Ghost and Electric type Pokémon which helps makes kiosks very user friendly, along with our 'smart' phones.

[They seemed to enjoy the work, otherwise they would have long abandoned said kiosks and phones to return to the wilds.]

It has been impressed upon me, by Dojima and a friend, that being careful with who I tell is important for my own safety. I can understand their worry. Still, I felt it best to do so, given I was contemplating doing so before you took over as Captain.

[emet_sulk]

Aye... I suppose there could always be some unscrupulous individual who would try to dismantle you to understand how you function.

[ Isn't that how it always goes? Emet-Selch would also be questioning this if he hadn't witnessed something similar during the glory days of Allag. ]

Well, I'll not tell anyone of your true nature. But I must know: ought I prepare some contingencies in case you fall overboard and sink?

[ Bit of humour to try and ease some of the tension. Even as he smiles, he's still idly observing Turo, piecing together things he had brushed off previously. ]

Fabrics!

[deepstar]

[ He's watching and listening to the hustle and bustle of the place. Everyone moving around. Getting clothes and accessories. Really, he's just here to people watch.

And then he sees a man that is a little huffy and telling the staff that he doesn't need what they are offering? Or, rather, he doesn't want the style options that they are giving him. A grin spreads across his face. ]

He's right. A ribbon isn't really want would go with his delightful hairstyle. Now these -

[ He is slapping down some hair accessories. ]

These would be more fitting.

[emet_sulk]

[ Emet-Selch could be annoyed-- But the look he gives the other man is just long-suffering fatigue. Unfortunately the staff member immediately perks up and picks up one of the hair clips. ]

Oh yes! You have good taste, sir. I think this orange one matches with the gentleman's hair. Or perhaps you'd prefer a more striking contrast?

[ He doesn't want to dress like a literal magical girl!! ]

I only need a pair of gloves, for Zodiark's sake. What do those hair clips even do?

[deepstar]

[ Go on and give him that look. Claude is going to ignore it entirely. Instead he looks at the selected clip and hums. ]

Honestly I would think the black and white would more match what this guy's got going on. Only problem is, might not see it too well with his hair color. What about bright red?

[ Seems like they are both ignoring the fact the man is only in here for gloves. ]

Each one has a different enchantment on it! We won't know which one until you try it on.

[emet_sulk]

Am I not getting a say in this any more? [ he grumbles aloud. ]

[ Apparently not, because the worker is grabbing a stool and using it to affix the clip in his hair. Whatever effect it has, it is not immediately obvious. ]

...And how is the customer supposed to know what they do with no obvious effect?

[deepstar]

Doesn't seem like it, friend.

[ A grin! Maybe he just likes to stir the pot a little bit. His elbows are on the counter. Looking at the older man and wondering what the clip will do. ]

Where is your sense of adventure? Of whimsy?

[ He's just smiling. Maybe he does know what the clip does. Put on a pair on enchanted gloves and see what happens! ]

feel free to pick the effect for the hair clip lmao

[emet_sulk]

[ Letting out a soft, "Ugh!", in disgust, Emet-Selch tugs on the gloves he had picked out beforehand as well. Their function he knows: purification. It had seemed the most useful trait out of what was on offer. The hair clip though? Is a wildcard.

It seems having at least two pieces on does seem to trigger something happening though. The hair clip starts glowing-- ]

...Well? Is it taking effect yet?

[deepstar]

[ Honestly, he loves being around the cranky old men types. Seeing their expressions bring him joy. It's good to really mix up their day and the like. So when the clip starts to glow...

Well nothing seems to happen right away. But then Claude points to the ground. Oh it is taking effect. ]

Might want to look down.

[ Because there are flowers sprouting around Emet-Selch's feet. ]

[emet_sulk]

[ He jerks his feet up upon seeing the flowers, startled. ]

How in Zodiark's name--?! Are those flowers growing from carpet?

[ And what is the point of it??? ]