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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.
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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That makes the both of us. [He isn't going to help Cid out of his own mess there, that's for sure. Which then reminds him...] ...I'll have to tell Kaveh to stay out of it as well.
[Last thing he wants is for his husband to help out Cid and encourage him further.]
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And what might he do should he find himself in the middle of it all?
[She will help to keep him away, if she must.]
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He'd help, of course.
[Which is the last thing that Alhaitham wants him to do.]
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Well, at any rate... we are now stuck with a bunch of goats. Not all are coming with us, but...
[She clears her throat, realizing how ridiculous this might sound.]
... The leader insisted that we take some of the smaller, weaker ones so I hope you all like goat's milk and cheese. Do not ask me how we figured that.
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But also don't worry Benedikta his husband makes flower crowns in order to talk to animals so he's just not going to assume something similar happened. Or something. This world does too many inexplicable things for him to keep up frankly.]
Those things are common items back in Sumeru. [They are hardier in the environment of the jungle compared to cows, but both types do circulate around the country regardless.] Kaveh and I will be fine.
[If anything, it might be a nice little reminder of home, after a fashion.]
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What is? Herding goats back to one's home after a tussle?
[And here comes one of those goats, trotting along with purpose, its eyes fixed on Benedikta... though she remains ignorant with her back turned to it.]
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[Alhaitham does indeed see the goat in question as it appears, one eyebrow arching as he watches it trot over... and while he doesn't say anything he does give a particular clearing of his throat when it gets a little too close for comfort. Better watch out there, Benedikta.]
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[She is about to gesture to said mountains in the distance, but Alhaitham's expression makes that thought fade, and right as she's about to ask him what, she feels something chomp down on her hand.]
Fuck—!
[Her fingers fall open, and out falls the delicate lace, and the goat immediately grabs it and starts to trot off with it?]
I—what?
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At least this time it doesn't manage to get very far, since Alhaitham decides to activate his Vision and uses his flicker to teleport right in front of the goat, hoping that'll be enough to startle it enough to drop it. But if it tries to retaliate... he's good enough with dodging.]
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I would much rather end this trip without punching a goat myself, but if I must...
[She tries to snatch the lace from the goat's mouth, lunging at it suddenly, and the two of them end up in a game of very rough tug of war with the goat thrashing its head and Benedikta using her whole body to try and—]
Keep it still!
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I can't hold it for long— [He grunts out after about half a minute of attempting to (mostly successfully) keep it in place. Goats are already fairly hardy by nature, but these ones are quickly proving themselves to be on another level.]
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[The goat bleats and grumbles at her as it holds onto that garment for dear life, and she has to grab it into a deathlock before it finally frees it again. It kicks its hind legs in an attempt to get them both off, but Benedikta shoves herself back and stuffs the lace down the front of her leather top instead.]
I swear I am going to make examples out of all of them. We come here for treasure, and what do we get? Goats with an obsession for stealing a lady's things.
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Most of the wildlife in this world have proven themselves to be inexplicable in some shape or form. [He remarks as he rubs at the spot the goat had kicked his thigh. It's definitely going to smart a bit, but nothing worse than what he's had to deal with before.] If anything, I would be more surprised if they were normal by this point.
[He's so tired of weird shit all the time, Benedikta.]
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It would be a nice change of pace, would it not?
[But seeing him rub at his thigh, her brow furrows slightly. She does feel the slightest pang of guilt—it had been her belongings after all that he helped her retrieve.]
Are you alright?
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The question when it comes has Alhaitham glance over to her with a brief, quizzical look before it clicks to him, when he then shifts to nod.]
Mmn. It'll bruise, but it's nothing I haven't handled before. [He's gone through worse, as they're both aware.] Did your stuff get damaged from the scuffle?
[There was quite a fair bit of pulling involved, after all.]
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It is likely. Fortunate that Cidolfus and I keep spare clothes in our cabin on the ship...
[Unfortunate that it had to get ruined at all, and that of all the things for the goats to steal...!]
I will be sure to lock up my things a little more tightly from now on. One would hope they would go for the treasures we have uncovered instead.
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My condolences. [Particularities aside, having clothes ruined like this is certainly not pleasant, so he does at least sympathize with that—especially since he knows that Benedikta isn't a careless sort of individual.] Hopefully once you do that, it'll be enough to dissuade them from making another attempt.
[But will it be enough for them to give up entirely, or turn their attention to some other poor individual instead... only time will tell.]