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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.
no subject
Though it was curiosity that forms together on his lips as he begins to relax. ]
How long has it been since your arrival?
no subject
It was Dion who owed a debt that could never be paid.]
A moon, a week hence. And you have just returned? Here? Have you been long alone?
[Strange he would appear on this island, beside all others, when their people were coming here.]
no subject
Yet to have returned such a short while ago... it would have been hard to believe had Clive not had done the same. His memory, though. That's what concerned him the most, but that was not something he could fully discuss with Dion. Perhaps it was something he would need to research in town. In the meantime... ]
Merely a few bells— two, perhaps three at most.
I didn't expect to arrive in this matter, or to see a familiar face. [ A pause, before offering a small yet hesitant smile. ] One most welcomed, though. It is good to see you again.
no subject
[Though Dion is beginning to suspect the Leviathans, if they truly are the beings responsible for their coming and going, do not do things by chance.
Well, it was beyond his ken either way. Instead, he returns Clive's smile with one of his own, reaching out to clasp the man's shoulder and give it a squeeze.]
And you. There are few I would trust at my back, and you are among them.
no subject
It was truly a relief to see him again. To know that he, too, was given a second opportunity to live, just as so many had experienced here. Clive was going to make sure that chance was not going to be put to waste. ]
Thank you, Dion. I hope you find your time here rewarding.
[ He'll drop his hand in order to place it against his hip, head tilting. ] "Expedition", though? What sort of the work have they roped you into already?
no subject
[Perhaps not only rewarding. Also painful. Survival hadn't been in his particular set of cards when he'd chosen to do what he'd done, and now here he was, alive and well, all things considered. He had much to atone for, much to repay.
Perhaps Greagor saw fit to give him the time he needed to do so. Her mind was not for him to know.
A nod.]
Indeed. Arranged by your predecessor. Cid. A treasure hunt, like something from a pirate's yarn, truth be told, but there is something...liberating in it, adventuring for adventure's sake.
[A slight smirk here as he moves the haft of his lance to the ground at his feet.]
I thought we were seeking gold, mayhap jewels or magical artifacts. I didn't expect our haul to be a lost friend.
no subject
Heh. Sounds to me like you're enjoying yourself. [ Which is something of a rarity in their star. A luxury that ill-fitted those equipped for war. But Clive had come to take the peace whenever he can, and hopes Dion should be able to do the same.
He'll shake his head, gazing about them while trying to hide that small smile of his. ]
Not quite as tangible as gold, but I'll see to it you return with more than just a tide-washed riftfarer.
no subject
[He reaches to his hip, placing a gauntleted hand on a small box there.]
And prone to marvels I never thought possible. [He chuckles quietly.] Tide-washed or no, I welcome the company. Shall we see what valuables this town might offer?
no subject
Alright. What have you seen of the town?
[ Clive was far more interesting in finding those who had inhabited the island rather than the secrets of it, so he didn't entirely have a point of reference here. ]
no subject
I'd only just arrived when my attention was drawn to the footsteps of another.
[He says pointedly in Clive's direction.]
What I have managed to glean thus far is it is wholly abandoned by the look of it, and yet there are remains of structures here I cannot identify.
no subject
Shall we have a look about, then?
[ It... did look quite abandoned from just the surface, and the man squints at one of buildings standing a few yalms away, its door cracked and left ajar from unuse.
He'll wordlessly begin to make his way towards it, ushering Dion to follow with a nod of his head. ]
no subject
Joshua had mentioned monsters.]
no subject
The house was in complete disarray, with colorful wallpaper peeling from the sides due to age. It looked to be a person's home at one point; the kitchen seen from the open floor plan just on the other side of the room, and some semblance of a living room where they come in. Scattered glass and broken floorboards lied before him as he stepped further in, and looking closer he could see a stairwell leading up in the corner of the room. There were a few other doors about, some hanging open like the entrance while others remained tightly closed. ]
Watch your step. [ He warns, stepping fully into the room. It all looked... so eerie. So dead. ]
no subject
I'll endeavor to do so going forward. [He smiles, self-deprecating, in the wan light.] My skills as an explorer are wanting. Forgive me.
[After a beat, and a realization that Clive has no access to his Eikon, he looks to the man, eyebrows raised.]
And so I'll default to your council. Should I risk a bit of light?
no subject
Clive had nearly forgotten his upbringing, being as separated from their stations as they were. Yet he'll offer him the benefit of the doubt. For now. At least with a nod of acknowledgement for his apology, as unfounded as it needed to be. ]
By all means. [ This room was secured enough, and having a bit of light throughout the rest of the home would have its advantages, too. ]
no subject
He raised a hand and what appeared as a solid sphere of light swirled into being in his palm, split into five, four of which darted to the corners of the room. Fifth floated between them near its center, the room filling with a bluish, shimmering luminescence.
And revealing the wreckage around them. Dion frowned as his eyes moved from one artifact of a life to another, alighting on a moldering stuffed animal on a half-rotten sofa. It looked to have once been a bear.]
...what in Greagor's name happened here?
no subject
The scarred man winces back as a hand goes up to shield his face from the sudden and directed light. He may have stepped in his own pile of glass on the floor from the recoil, and a low groan bubbles from the inside of throat. ]
Perhaps not... as many. [ Strike two, Price.
It did give him a better insight to their surroundings, as bright as it was, and Clive is able to catch where Dion's attention had been directed to. This was a home of a family, no doubt, yet the structure of the building was as if it was in modern date Eltrut. How strange... ]
No signs of resistance. Yet. We should inquire further.
no subject
As for the present situation, Dion has the presence of mind to appear sheepish and apologetic as his companion recoils from the shock of the light.]
My apologies. I'll be sure to only conjure the one going forward.
[And then he turns his attention back to the entry room. This home is strange, at least in comparison to other homes he's stepped within, as there is no proper vestibule, but the front door instead opens into the living quarters. There is a disheveled living area to the right, with rooms and a hallway leading away into darkness where Dion's light orbs don't touch, and behind bar in an open floor plan is what modern sensibilities would identify immediately as a kitchen, but takes the prince a moment. There are ruined remains of books on shelves in a corner, pots hanging from a rack over a central island in the kitchen area.
All signs of life, if rusted and beyond use.]
They left belongings behind. [It suggested a rapid retreat.] Perhaps an evacuation? [He steps toward the kitchen area to verify his suspicions about the larder, if he can determine where he might find it.]
no subject
As he follows Dion's lead into the kitchen, the knot in his stomach only grows. It's eerie— with sounds of a steady wind passing through the gaps in the walls instead of a idle family chatter. Remains of a table still stood beside a broken window sill, and upon it several glasses and tableware dusted over with debris.
However, where there was to be the larder was instead replaced with a large, white and clearly inoperable refrigerator. It's constants cleaned out for the most part, save for a few bottles and empty containers. Clive's face scrunches together at this.]
Perhaps... Could it have been caused by the rapid change of weather? Or maybe it was— [ Crack.
A sudden sound of splitting wood came from the side of the room, and Clive's eyes immediately drew attention towards a closed door on the opposite end.]
Looks like we're not alone.
no subject
For a breath, he doesn't speak, listening instead. There's a scraping sound at the door opposite, as though claws are being moved against it, and the door knob turns but only slightly. Something with difficulty gripping the handle is attempting to.
The good news: whatever it is doesn't have trouble fitting in this building, so the fight shouldn't be too laborious, if there's a fight at all.]
But are they friend or foe?
no subject
[ His sword is once again drawn at his side, and with a nod towards Dion the man will cautiously sidestep his way towards the door.
The clawing will only continue. Low and grating sounds that reach from one end of the wood to the other. Whatever was behind it was having difficulty opening the door- perhaps it was meant to keep at bay?
Yet when the knob would not successfully open, the sounds of sharp nails began thrash about on the other side, digging deep rigids onto its surface. Until, finally, there emerged one set of large fingernails protruding through the wood.
A low, haunting snarl rang throughout the room, and Clive's muscles tensed with the sickening sound. ]
Dion! The door— now!
[ He positions himself in front of it, lowering his sword and taking more of a physically approach with his legs evenly spaced out. ]
We kick on three!
no subject
On three.
[Though neither of them has the chance to count as the beast beyond the door finds purchase enough in the rotted wood and bursts through. At first it's a whirlwind of thrashing claws and gnashing teeth, two yalms long if it's an ilm, with two limbs capped with scythe-like claws, it's an eyeless beast covered in smooth scales that seem to ripple as it moves. It's lower half in a finned tail, barbed and razer sharp ridges along it's back spines, designed for cutting through earth and stone.
A subterranean beast, then.
Dion brings the haft of his lance about just in time to catch those jaws and instinct sends a burst of energy through the weapon as he pushes back, causing a small wave of force to send the beast back into the room, the light accompanying it revealing the trundled earth in the floor and the tunnel the beast had created to bring it here.
More scraping can be heard from the tunnel. The stunned tunneler trying to pull itself from the far wall isn't alone.]