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eleventh bolt ⚡ semi-closed log ➞ treasure hunt
Who: The Treasure Hunt Group, the Hideaway crew, and friends
Status: Semi-Open to anyone who has good CR with those in the group and would be interested!
Where: Mysterious island
What: Group sets off to find that treasure before that Hawk Jimins does!
Warnings: None...probably.
Status: Semi-Open to anyone who has good CR with those in the group and would be interested!
Where: Mysterious island
What: Group sets off to find that treasure before that Hawk Jimins does!
Warnings: None...probably.
I. APPROACHING THE ISLAND
It's a bit of a sail to the island, so there is ample time while on the Enterprise II for those meeting for the first time to greet and get to know one another. For those who may not fare well with those rolling waves, there is enough medicine and rooms that can be used for their own comforts.
But as they near their destination, those tall mountain peaks rising up on the horizon, the once calm waters will turn choppy and darken, the skies shifting from clear blue to cold, bustling gray. As the crew work to keep the ship steady, they'll hear an ominous rumble and bellow before something long and snake-like appears. A large sea serpent, one that doesn't look too dissimilar from the one depicted from Alhaitham's treasure map piece (thanks man) rises up to attack the ship! It's all hands on deck as other smaller mobs scale and jump onto the ship—some sea krait that seem to act more like plundering pirates.
In fact, that's what they are—a band of sea pirates ready to try and take those seeking the "treasure" of the island. Well at least that's a good, if perilous, sign they are on the right track! Unfortunately for the krait, there's a prominent lightning user and many well skilled fighters so this shouldn't be too difficult, right?
But as they near their destination, those tall mountain peaks rising up on the horizon, the once calm waters will turn choppy and darken, the skies shifting from clear blue to cold, bustling gray. As the crew work to keep the ship steady, they'll hear an ominous rumble and bellow before something long and snake-like appears. A large sea serpent, one that doesn't look too dissimilar from the one depicted from Alhaitham's treasure map piece (
In fact, that's what they are—a band of sea pirates ready to try and take those seeking the "treasure" of the island. Well at least that's a good, if perilous, sign they are on the right track! Unfortunately for the krait, there's a prominent lightning user and many well skilled fighters so this shouldn't be too difficult, right?
II. ESTABLISHING A BASE
After managing to get through the battle, and navigating past some wrecked ships, they find a safe, secluded harbor to dock. This is mostly so they can avoid any potential other treasure hunters, like Hawk Jimins, from noticing. Hm, maybe they should have left that serpent alive for that group—
In any case, it's a safe place for them to dock, unload supplies, and start pitching camp. While the ship is also free to use for room, surely some may prefer sleeping on solid ground. The ship itself is also in need of repair after all that fighting, so most of the Hideaway's ship's crew will tending to its repair so that they can sail off at a moment's notice. After all, they have no idea what is on this island, and while they would like to find that treasure, Cid is not too keen on anyone losing a life over this.
They estimate to be on the island for a few days, and while they've brought plenty of supplies, it never hurts to stock up while here. Everyone is also expected to help out—no slacking off here! Getting water, helping cook, tending fires, helping with any injured or carrying things to and from the ship, every little bit helps! Even though there are many who are not part of the crew Cid will treat and expect everyone as if they are. But not to worry—it's still a friendly atmosphere, and in the evenings meals are always served with gusto and allow everyone to just sit back and relax after a long day of trekking through this strange island.
In any case, it's a safe place for them to dock, unload supplies, and start pitching camp. While the ship is also free to use for room, surely some may prefer sleeping on solid ground. The ship itself is also in need of repair after all that fighting, so most of the Hideaway's ship's crew will tending to its repair so that they can sail off at a moment's notice. After all, they have no idea what is on this island, and while they would like to find that treasure, Cid is not too keen on anyone losing a life over this.
They estimate to be on the island for a few days, and while they've brought plenty of supplies, it never hurts to stock up while here. Everyone is also expected to help out—no slacking off here! Getting water, helping cook, tending fires, helping with any injured or carrying things to and from the ship, every little bit helps! Even though there are many who are not part of the crew Cid will treat and expect everyone as if they are. But not to worry—it's still a friendly atmosphere, and in the evenings meals are always served with gusto and allow everyone to just sit back and relax after a long day of trekking through this strange island.
III. THE ISLAND
According to the map, these are the main features of the island:
Overall, the island is gloomy. It is consistently overcast without much sunlight with a cold brisk wind that comes and goes. Not too cold to bring snow, at least not during this time of year, but cold enough to need a jacket at least. It's also gloomy enough to bring anyone's mood down if they're not careful. Most of the environment will reflect as much with plants commonly found in similar climes and the earth a bit hard and almost barren outside of the few forests and fields. Which seems a bit odd since the map seems to indicate something more lush... The animals are also not too extraordinary, and they will encounter common ones such as foxes, deer, wolves and bears closer to the mountain.
But then there are those odd patches, and they are not isolated or consistent to one part of the island or the other. A patch of forest swathed in warm sunlight—and always in sunlight even during the night. A part of the lake completely frozen over while the other part is warm, almost boiling, and yet another is perfectly clear, cool, and fresh. Rain falling on an open field. Torrential blizzard on specific spot on the mountain and searing heat where the snow has completely melted to leave barren rock right on the other side. These odd occurrences continue on and on the further they explore, and where two extreme climate settings meet there is a small area where everything seems to be twisted around. A tree half frozen and half burned. Flowers and brushes overgrown from constant rain and sunlight.
And somewhere in the center of it all is an old, long abandoned town. It's clear whoever used to live here moved out, or perhaps already plundered by someone else who has passed through, as there is not much left. Time has eroded much and plans have grown over the walls, but the buildings remain intact. The architecture is from a time centuries ago, but there are hints that this is not some backwater village. Remnants of old technology can be found, many of which are older—and in some cases more advanced—than what's currently around. Ice boxes and coolers, heaters, stoves, electrical wiring—things that could be found in current day Escordvi, yet in a place that looks to have been left behind hundreds of years ago.
In the nearby fields and farms, there are signs of "modern" agricultural technology. Devices that would have helped with plowing and sowing fields, irrigation systems. While they did not have modern Earth vehicles like tractors and used the still common use of large animals, the remnants of plows and wagons are well made and even have some kind of device or stone that reduces its weight, potentially to make it easier for those who push and pull it.
Such other things can be found around the town and farms, and it does seem as if it must have been prosperous. And yet, the current weather and how the fields now look barren with the ground dried and crack, make it seem it would have been impossible.
So how could all this be?
- Large mountain range with
- some rivers that empty out into a large lake.
- There is a large settlement of some kind near it, with large fields and
- forests and hills surrounding it.
Overall, the island is gloomy. It is consistently overcast without much sunlight with a cold brisk wind that comes and goes. Not too cold to bring snow, at least not during this time of year, but cold enough to need a jacket at least. It's also gloomy enough to bring anyone's mood down if they're not careful. Most of the environment will reflect as much with plants commonly found in similar climes and the earth a bit hard and almost barren outside of the few forests and fields. Which seems a bit odd since the map seems to indicate something more lush... The animals are also not too extraordinary, and they will encounter common ones such as foxes, deer, wolves and bears closer to the mountain.
But then there are those odd patches, and they are not isolated or consistent to one part of the island or the other. A patch of forest swathed in warm sunlight—and always in sunlight even during the night. A part of the lake completely frozen over while the other part is warm, almost boiling, and yet another is perfectly clear, cool, and fresh. Rain falling on an open field. Torrential blizzard on specific spot on the mountain and searing heat where the snow has completely melted to leave barren rock right on the other side. These odd occurrences continue on and on the further they explore, and where two extreme climate settings meet there is a small area where everything seems to be twisted around. A tree half frozen and half burned. Flowers and brushes overgrown from constant rain and sunlight.
And somewhere in the center of it all is an old, long abandoned town. It's clear whoever used to live here moved out, or perhaps already plundered by someone else who has passed through, as there is not much left. Time has eroded much and plans have grown over the walls, but the buildings remain intact. The architecture is from a time centuries ago, but there are hints that this is not some backwater village. Remnants of old technology can be found, many of which are older—and in some cases more advanced—than what's currently around. Ice boxes and coolers, heaters, stoves, electrical wiring—things that could be found in current day Escordvi, yet in a place that looks to have been left behind hundreds of years ago.
In the nearby fields and farms, there are signs of "modern" agricultural technology. Devices that would have helped with plowing and sowing fields, irrigation systems. While they did not have modern Earth vehicles like tractors and used the still common use of large animals, the remnants of plows and wagons are well made and even have some kind of device or stone that reduces its weight, potentially to make it easier for those who push and pull it.
Such other things can be found around the town and farms, and it does seem as if it must have been prosperous. And yet, the current weather and how the fields now look barren with the ground dried and crack, make it seem it would have been impossible.
So how could all this be?
IV. TREASURE HUNTING
The answer to the strange phenomenon lies within the very "treasures" that they seek. While there could be rare valuables in gems and artifacts still stashed away somewhere, either by the original tenants of this island or by pirates and others who have come across this place, there is something that could be far more valuable.
There are strange relics, all of different forms, size, and functions that are near the strange weather phenomena happening all over the island. However, their exact location is still difficult to find, and then to even reach due to all the magic flux going around. There could also be monsters or animals whose nests or dens were made by the relic, and because of that they may be morphed due to the magic around them.
If successful, once removed from the land the relic will putter out and the magic will stop. Although the effects on the environment won't immediately go away, those with more active weather such as rain or blizzard will notice it starting to slow and calm. Examination of the relics will also reveal that they seem to be fragments rather than whole pieces, but they don't fit together. Hmmm. Attempting to use the relic afterwards will reveal that the powers have been significantly reduced, so while it will reproduce the weather effect from before, it will be much more limited in size, scope, and duration.
Scrounging around the town may not reveal much aside from old documents and blueprints of the tech and systems used by the people of this town. A few mention of "setting X weather" to different "levels," which sounds pretty strange, but perhaps it's a clue on the relics found on the island? However, there is a particular map piece that comes with a riddle:
The location is definitely within the town, and for those who manage to uncover the secret entrance to this mysterious place, they will find the following:
Besides the treasure, there could be some valuable resources that could be found and taken back, such as foodstuffs, unique animals for their meat and materials, and some extra lumber for the ship.
There are strange relics, all of different forms, size, and functions that are near the strange weather phenomena happening all over the island. However, their exact location is still difficult to find, and then to even reach due to all the magic flux going around. There could also be monsters or animals whose nests or dens were made by the relic, and because of that they may be morphed due to the magic around them.
If successful, once removed from the land the relic will putter out and the magic will stop. Although the effects on the environment won't immediately go away, those with more active weather such as rain or blizzard will notice it starting to slow and calm. Examination of the relics will also reveal that they seem to be fragments rather than whole pieces, but they don't fit together. Hmmm. Attempting to use the relic afterwards will reveal that the powers have been significantly reduced, so while it will reproduce the weather effect from before, it will be much more limited in size, scope, and duration.
Scrounging around the town may not reveal much aside from old documents and blueprints of the tech and systems used by the people of this town. A few mention of "setting X weather" to different "levels," which sounds pretty strange, but perhaps it's a clue on the relics found on the island? However, there is a particular map piece that comes with a riddle:
Map Riddle Translation:
A treasure like any untold
Will be found by pirates bold
Seek where the weaver and baker meet
Along with the fishers and butchers on the street
Ruined now it may be
But the past you can see
Under the path, you'll then go far
To reach out among the stars
The location is definitely within the town, and for those who manage to uncover the secret entrance to this mysterious place, they will find the following:
The Secret Chamber:
Stony steps will lead deep underground to a large chamber that gets increasingly hot as one goes down. Not enough to be completely unbearable, but enough to wonder if a large fire or heater had been left. Inside the chamber, everything looks as if they were burned by some explosion. Charred remains of wooden bookshelves, tables, and chairs are the first to be seen, and at the back is a large stone table with a pedestal that used to hold something, but is now empty. Scorch marks are the strongest here, as well as the heat, and it's possible to detect strong, magical influence here.
Although it looks as if whatever survived the explosion had been removed, there are some scattered charred remnants of discarded papers that could hold clues of what this room was used for: torn pages about "harnessing the sun" and adjusting weather patterns, parts of strange illustrations as if to assemble something. There are also remnants of maps to other islands, some with large red X's that aren't ominous at all. Those random areas on the island that just have the sun on all day and night might have some relation to that. Perhaps finding all the relics that involve the sun might be different from the others? (Yes, go find them!)
Besides the treasure, there could be some valuable resources that could be found and taken back, such as foodstuffs, unique animals for their meat and materials, and some extra lumber for the ship.
V. WILDCARD
For anything else! As mentioned in the log, this will take a few days, around 3-5 days max and sometime early in the month. RP timey wimy shenanigans go— Although there's a lot of setting description, it's mostly to be a general idea for everyone to work with. Everyone is free to alter details and have fun with it to be more creative for the threads and findings! There is an ultimate treasure related to all this, so hopefully you picked up the hints 👀 But that can be a part 2 because there's enough going on and don't want to railroad this too much.
Make all the toplevels, pick any relic or place that interests you, and have fun!! There's no specific number of things to find and plenty of ways to overlap and have multiple versions of the same thing, so no worries on that front.
If you have any questions, there is a questions thread! Otherwise HAVE FUN.
Make all the toplevels, pick any relic or place that interests you, and have fun!! There's no specific number of things to find and plenty of ways to overlap and have multiple versions of the same thing, so no worries on that front.
If you have any questions, there is a questions thread! Otherwise HAVE FUN.
benedikta harman 🗡️ final fantasy xvi 🗡️ corsair
When she isn't hiding away in the Captain's Quarters or bossing crew members and friends alike around, she is on the deck of the ship, leaning against the rails, enjoying the breeze and sometimes a cigar, as green magic flows continuously from her, the wind seeming to come from where she stands.
Anyone who approaches will get a raised brow.]
Not to worry, I will try not to blast you overboard unless I am given a reason to.
🗡️ ii. at the base
Later, as the sun sets and before she heads in, she will be at the campfire keeping warm, staring into it with a deep gaze and a more pensive expression than usual.]
༄ b. oh my goat! [From the second evening onward, it will be no secret that a herd of mountain goats followed Cid and Benedikta back down to camp from their hike. While their numbers are small, their presence is mighty, with some of them wreaking havoc among the tents and getting into the food. They'll poke their heads into other people's business, steal things, and most notably, they will try to eat Benedikta's clothes... and hair as she is trying to warm up by the fire.
If you catch her in the middle of trouble, do be a dear and help!? Whether it is untangling a goat from her hair as she and the beast scream at each other, fighting over a piece of food, or conspicuously fetch that pair of underwear and return it after one had stolen it from her tent, she will certainly appreciate it after—]
🗡️ iii. exploring the island + treasure hunting
Ugh, nothing.
[Grumbling under her breath and looking rather disappointed, she gives one piece of farm equipment a swift kick and collapsing it to the dirt.
Should anyone find her in the secret chambers after they have been discovered, she will be hunched over one of the old, dusty desks flipping through books, once more irritably muttering to herself as she crinkles a page in a closing fist.]
Damn it... Would it kill you to give me one hint?
🗡️ iv. wildcard
i.
He breathes a quiet scoff at her guarantee.]
So it is you who is maintaining our pace.
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It always is. It is the simplest magic that I can provide, and it helps to keep us on course, giving the rest of the crew room to tend to other things.
[She rolls her shoulder in a shrug, but she does wince slightly through her cocky grin.]
I am surprised to see you here, I admit.
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Surprised? Why is that? I was invited.
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Mostly just that he was able to wrangle you and wrap you up in his endeavours so quickly. Not that there is any problem with a little treasure hunt, but you agreed so readily?
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Since my arrival here, I have met a good number of people, many of whom know me when I know them not. As silly as it seems objectively, I feel...responsible for their expectations and that has only added to my regret.
[A beat as he watches the waters cut asunder by the passage of their hull.]
One person I happened to meet suggested I not allow that regret to overshadow me. I endeavor to heed their advice, and so I sail, to adventure only for adventure's sake.
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It's a weight that she still feels too weak to carry these days, but she holds fast anyway, even if she might buckle. She is still learning.]
I have come to discover that those are the greatest adventures.
[He might catch that smile in her voice, even if it is not so evident on her face, especially as she leans over the rails and looks away from him, lest he see her expression.]
What do you think of it thus far?
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II-B/Wildcardish
Seriously, why are these goats here? He groans irritably, dragging his kill along with him over to the supply tent. They're just leisurely grazing on whatever they could find, until one gets lifted up and over, tossed somewhere behind Shadow. Then goes another. He's not throwing them hard or far, just enough to spook them to get out of there. Pardon a few raining goats if one happens by the scene.]
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BEEEH—
A goat lands in front of her, just inches from where she would have been standing if it had not bleated at her in warning and she'd taken a firm step back with a very loud swear. Searching around for the source, she's nearly knocked over as one of the larger ones tries to flee the scene.]
I hate these goats as much as anyone else, but must we really be tossing them about!? As if they are not restless enough as it is.
[Says the woman with a small one following her around, with it trying to chew on her boot.]
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He tosses away the last of the goats, brushing his hands together as he checks if there's anymore. Not seeing any, he gathers up the deer.]
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And lo and behold, there is one particularly stubborn goat that approaches Shadow again, this one smaller than some of the others, and it tries to headbutt him. Of course, given that it's a mere child, it doesn't do much, but—]
I told you.
[Here comes the bigger one now, eyeing them.]
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Apparently, that doesn't get the bigger one's approval as it comes charging at Shadow. Dropping his kill once again, he raises his hands to grab the goat by the horns. He hardly gets pushed back by the pathetic beast, proceeding to twist it's horns to force the goat onto it's back. It's screaming now. Wonderful.]
Nusiance. [He lifts the deer and just tosses into whatever part of the supply tent, because it doesn't look like these goats are going to quit. Him picking fights with them is probably not helping. A few of the more aggressive ones are returning to the area, digging their hooves into the dirt and ready for a tussle. Ugh.]
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[She is indeed speaking from experience, and whether Shadow likes it or not, she is wandering over to appraise his work, or his hunt. Whatever. She's doing her daily checks through the area.
And she will not be helping him with the goats as one of them now starts to chew on his foot. Or tries to.]
Did you hunt this yourself?
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II goats
I do not believe they speak the common tongue.
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As she tries to shove the goat away to no avail, she glares across the fire at Jill, her hair being pulled and yanked again, and she curses.]
And I don't suppose you know of a way to get them to stop?
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It is not the first time Benedikta has glared as Jill and really, it won't be the last. Thus it doesn't wipe the hint of a smile that's curling up the edges of her mouth as the goat continues its assault.]
You are aware that I spent my most formative years on a volcano and not on a farm, right? I can't say I had the opportunity to learn how to get a goat to stop being a goat.
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[Now she's just going to give the goat a good shove in Jill's direction.]
Go over there and eat hers, it is much longer and easier to chew on.
[The goat stares at Jill......]
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[The moment the goat is shoved towards her is the same moment the grin slips off Jill's face. She stares the animal straight into its strange pupils, daring it to try and nibble on her hair. Jill spends far too long brushing it into place in the mornings to have the strands damaged by some teeth.
The staredown lasts a long moment before Jill is the first one to throw out a threat.]
I will learn how to make stew if you dare.
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I did not bring them with me!
[Jill should know by now that anytime they happen to bring wayward souls home, people or animal, it is almost always Cid's fault.
But that goat seems completely undeterred by her threat, nor does it seem to understand a word that she is saying. If anything...]
I would be wary if I were you. They seem to like the challenge.
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goat thievery
A particular line is drawn when one of them eventually attempts to eat one of the books that Alhaitham had brought along with him. The ensuing struggle is one that Alhaitham does not care to recount, but the result of it gives him something a little more than he'd expected.
And so it is this little extra bit which has Alhaitham going around the camp, finding the first lady that he sees—which, for better or worse, happens to be Benedikta, considering what he has in his hand as he approaches her.]
Is this yours? [He asks once he's close enough, without any preamble whatsoever as he holds out the, uh, article of clothing that he'd accidentally 'acquired' from the goat.]
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...?
Her eyes slowly drift down to the... ahem, lacy undergarment that he had managed to gain.
She snatches it out of his hand, her face flushing a deep, deep crimson and her voice shooting up an octave high enough that it startles a nearby goat that is innocently grazing.]
How did you—where did this come from?
[Not that she thinks Alhaitham stole it, but how in the fuck, sir—!!!]
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An unexpected addition that I found myself with after having to wrestle one of my books back from them. [He trusts that he doesn't need to elaborate on who the 'them' is in this scenario.] I can't tell you how it ended up with them first though, seeing as how they snuck up on me without any warning.
[And then he was distracted by his book being taken right after so. Yeah.]
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She bristles, shoving the fabric somewhere out of sight—into the back pocket of her pants—and running her hands along her front, as if to right herself back to the very put together woman she tries to be. Except she is very much not put together right now.]
Cidolfus insisted that we bring them back, though I hope he finds himself regretting that decision soon.
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I'd question more on the method in which he intends to transport them myself.
[Surely he's not gonna try and get them on the ship, right...]
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Benedikta just gives him a withering look that should say it all, but just in case the message does not get across—]
Oh, he fully intends to bring them along on the ship. How he will manage to herd them aboard, I do not know, but I have warned him that I will not be helping with that.
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