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escordviooc2024-06-01 11:39 am
« manta board: june 2024 »
Quests are separated into five categories and all have flat point values: General (4pts), Corsair (4pts), Paladin (4pts), Bounties (6pts), and Specials (12pts). Note: characters helping opposing armada quests will only be rewarded 2pts for participation unless specified otherwise. Special quests won't always be available so it may appear blank at most times. These can range from group quests such as for special ship upgrades or island related quests, or they could be special event quests. All quest points can be used for the Rewards Shop.
For this month's board update, the quests have been updated to reflect progress from last month, with some carrying over as is. Comment to the designated thread to vote for the Emberbloom's real culprit! There is also a designated thread for the Special Investigations.
If you have any questions, comment to this entry.
Reports of numerous disappearances have been flooding in, spanning across all age groups from children to the elderly. With each passing day, the frequency of these incidents only seems to increase. Both armadas have been alerted due to the alarming nature of the situation.
Little evidence remains to shed light on the cause of these vanishings too. The sole commonality among the cases is that the individuals were all either in or near a modest painter's residence somewhere on Atnam before their mysterious disappearances.
Investigate the painter's home. Upon entering, you'll encounter a chaotic scene: scattered paintings and half-finished canvases, paints and brushes strewn about haphazardly. Yet, the artist is nowhere to be found within the premises.
Approach a painting cautiously, as contact may result in being pulled into the artwork itself. Upon arrival, you'll find yourself in a surreal rendition of Atnam, with everything appearing plasticky and artificial, akin to a world painted into existence.
Navigate your way out of this painting to uncover the truth behind the disappearances and, hopefully, locate the missing individuals before they are lost forever.
Just make sure you find a way out, yourself. Because the longer you stay the more you'll never want to leave. Because isn't escapism always better than reality?
An old wizard on Eltrut who has been spending months perfecting his polymorph spell has finally got it working well enough that not only is the spell not working on inanimate objects anymore but it is now working perfectly on living creatures! Now he’s looking for riftfarers to come test out his new formula.
He has a little pool of water near his property that he says contains this spell’s new formula. He says that all you have to do is jump into the pool of water and you will be magically polymorphed into something else! What, you say? The problem now is that the new spell will only change you in your spirit animal. It will change you fully, body and mind, into whatever animal that is.
The good thing is the spell only lasts about an hour this time. So what will you do as your spirit animal? Walk around as a cat? Swim in the ocean as an otter? Become a bird and soar the skies? Give it a try you might surprise yourself.
There have been a lot of new islands and leviathans cropping up lately. Because of that researchers in both armadas are wondering if they need to update their maps. They’re now looking for sailors to help them chart the new stars that have been seen in the skies to help them create those new maps.
Work together as a crew or with a partner to go stargazing. Use parchment to chart the stars as best you can. With your collection of charted stars, the researchers will be able to create something collaborative and valuable from that information.
Better yet, they’re hoping that the sailors will help them name any new constellations found as well. Let them know what you find and what you come up with.
Charting stars is a good thing. It means this world is growing brighter each day.
Consider yourself a good fighter? There's a fighting ring on Naughtilust that's on the hunt for new talent to showcase. They're looking for fresh fighters to draw in bets and boost revenue for the upcoming rounds. If you think you can put on a good show and throw a mean right hook, come down and give it a try.
Be aware that joining in on the fights means you might be getting your ass kicked. The ring holds no responsibility over any injuries received during the fights and it will be up to you to get yourself healed in between sets.
Not only that but there’s a rumour that one of the bigger and more well-known fighters is a large pig man named Norton Swinehearted Edwards that will give you a run for your money.
But riftfarers are pretty good at being unpredictable in a fight, aren’t they?
Magitech has been all the craze lately. From lanterns to home heating to flushing toilets, the advancements that magitech has made over the last year have been skyrocketing. Naturally, sellers and suppliers are always looking for new ways to harness this technology- and sell it.
Vendors are coming up with a new kind of “magitech accessory” that comes in the form of beautiful pieces of jewellery. The pieces, ranging from necklaces to earrings to bracelets, all come equipped with small bits of heating or cooling components that can help regulate a person’s body temperature. A cooling necklace would be perfect for a hot summer’s day. Or warming bracelets to keep your hands warm on a chilly night.
They’re looking to make these special magitech accessories popular across the leviathans. So riftfarers are being asked to take a sample to test and show them off. Come try on various beautiful golden and silver pieces adorned with jewels and stones that make them sparkle. And return them when you’re done showing them off.
Just be aware that if you try and steal them without paying or returning them properly ... The vendors will send hired corsairs after you to cut off your thieving hands.
Elah boasts of having a meadow of one of the rarest flowers to ever grow the Ethereal Emberbloom. These stunningly beautiful sunset-coloured flowers only thrive in this one meadow on this leviathan causing it to be a protected and endangered species. They are often sought after to be given during love confessions or marriage proposals.
Because of the increased rarity and demand for these delicate flowers, they are often stolen or ripped out of the ground by thieves or corsairs looking to sell them. Last month, the paladin armada had to beef up security around the meadows to stop them from being entirely destroyed or wiped out. Several investigating parties from both armadas made some striking discoveries finding several dead bodies buried under the flowers.
Something sinister is afoot. As the flowers are endangered it is illegal to rip up the flowers from their spots so an investigation into this has been considerably difficult. Not to mention there have been reports that people are looking at the paladins and accusing them of being the ones to bury bodies here.
The paladins are sure that it is not someone in their ranks who has been hiding bodies here but they can’t be sure. A full investigation has started to try and find out who is responsible. Thanks to Emet-Selch, a barrier has been placed around the flower field to stop anyone from entering or exiting the crime scene. And anyone caught with an emberbloom will be immediately arrested for questioning.
Several clues have surfaced thus far:Read More.
- An anonymous post revealed several gruesome pictures.
- huge catlike paw prints found on the ground near one of the recent burials.
- Two bodies were dock workers from the port in Fang.
- At least one body has been confirmed as a corsair.
- No bodies have been confirmed as riftfarers.
- Ghostly activity has been sighted by several patrolling paladins.
Paladins are being asked to investigate and find out any information that they can find. Down below your character can submit who they think might be the culprit.
Everyone knows that the Elah Conservatory is home to a collection of exotic talking parrots, the pride of the armada. These parrots love speaking with travelers and learning new words. However, many months ago, corsairs snuck in and taught them some very bad words and pirate sayings. The parrots find it hilarious to parrot these phrases back at people. Despite this mischievous behavior, they remain the pride of the paladin armada.
Or they were. There has been a report that the parrots have mysteriously gone missing. Presumably stolen by the same corsairs who thought it funny to teach them pirate phrases. They have to be rescued immediately!
It might be an unconventional way to find them but yelling out swear words and vulgar things might make them yell them back at you from wherever they are or wherever they’re hiding. Who knows, maybe yelling “penis” at the top of your lungs will really work? So get yelling as loud as possible and try and track them down and bring them home.
It's been a long time since anyone gave the archives a thorough cleaning. The interior is incredibly dusty and mouldy, desperately in need of some tender loving care.
But there’s something strange occurring inside the archives too. Many books and paper records are being found with huge chunks of paper ripped out of them as if something has eaten the pages.
This could be a problem so while cleaning search for the mischievous little culprit who is devouring the books before everything is completely ruined! Careful, it bites hard and it's mean.
Have you ever been to Dead Kraken Island?
Last month, corsairs of all kinds were captured and taken to prison without any explanation or formal charges. And no one knew who was capturing corsairs or why. Well, thanks to a very pointed anoymous post a mysterious letter has been posted to the Nogard Manta Board for all to see...
“My Dear Sweet Corsairs of Nogard,
It seems my little escape challenge was a tad too daunting for some of you. And here I was, believing the true worth of a corsair was measured by their ability to face a challenge and crush it. Aren't we the ones who defy all odds and live solely for our own freedom?
For those who triumphed, kudos to you for conquering my escape challenge on Dead Kraken Island. You've certainly proven your mettle as corsairs. And for those who didn't? Well... condolences for your short-lived careers.
I was perfectly content to let my challenge stand as a valuable lesson for our sharp skills as corsairs. After all, one never knows when one might be captured by a paladin and locked up, hm? But it appears someone couldn't resist smearing word of my good challenge all over the shellphone network. This has brought the unwanted gaze of the paladins upon Dead Kraken Island, resulting in tripled security— So, what was once just pesky spectres roaming around now includes patrolling paladins. Truly, thank you for that.
This month, you might find even more of you whisked away to Dead Kraken Island for additional escape practice. This time, enjoy escaping with real swords and guns aimed down your throats.
Now, now. Don't be angry. We’re corsairs. Surely you can find your freedom. Can't you?
Take care, lovelies,
Captain Seraphina Blackheart
The letter is signed with a kiss of deep red lipstick.
If you find yourself on Dead Kraken Island? Prove your worth as a corsair and escape! Refer to last month's Manta Board for more details on Dead Kraken Island if you need it.
Who says corsairs can't be fancy? Just because many of the wealthy nobles reside on private islands like Elah or Eltrut, it doesn't mean corsairs can't host elegant dinner parties of their own. In fact, a group of corsairs, eager to embrace a touch of sophistication, are organizing a delightful mock taste-testing party. They're inviting everyone to indulge in a lavish spread featuring 246 different kinds of cheese.
Yes, cheese. Because cheese is fancy. Right? Right.
Where the corsairs got such a massive and intimidating amount of cheese is still unclear... but it’s more than likely that it is entirely stolen and they can’t actually pawn off the cheese fast enough to make a quick buck before it will all start going stinky and bad.
So, come eat some cheese. Maybe impress a lady with a cheese. Either way, if you can eat enough cheese they’ll reward you for helping them eat up all the evidence.
A local Nogard man is hoping to improve his skills as a master of disguise and is seeking assistance from any riftfarers who might want to try give him little inspiration. He’s inviting others to showcase their expertise in wearing costumes and demonstrating masterful disguises. But he wants to see it done in a very specific way. Let’s just say he’s a bit ... eccentric?
Take a partner and swap clothing with them. To him, the best way to show off how well you take on a disguise is to wear someone else's clothing and see how well you can take on their personality and charm! Do your best to spend a whole day in your partner’s clothing. Go steal things, go food shopping or start a duel! And report back to the man with how well you did for a pretty reward.
It has come to the attention of a certain group who prefers to not be named that one Dongfang Qingcang has been amassing a bit of a treasure trove. Specifics of what are in it are unclear, but the captain mentioned his 'treasure pavilion' on the network a few months back. He is also well known to frequent the markets looking for curiosities and, more recently, publicly acquired a magical toe ring to add to his growing hoard.
This group is asking for reconnaissance to be done on the comings and goings of Dongfang Qingcang to help determine where his "treasure pavilion" may be located. Those who help gather intel should leave their notes in one of several dead-drop locations (1 to 3 locations to be provided by MANTA at the time of quest acceptance) where they can pick up a chit to claim their reward from any MANTA location - provided someone else hasn't already claimed the chit.
Oh and... try to keep the captain from finding out about this, okay?
Notes: Daqiang's known comings and goings can be found here so that no one has to thread with the character directly to gather information for this quest. Information provided to the dead-drops can be valid... or completely made up! The shady group behind this won't know the difference. Probably.
A cloaked green lizard-like creature that is said to loom around populated places with a knife and a lantern in its hands. It stalks anyone that it might find interesting and only walks at a slow leisurely pace while doing it. Be careful! Anyone who gets close enough to it might get stabbed to death in one fell swoop. Additionally, some researchers are interested in getting a few shots of what’s under the creature’s cloak so any pictures taken of its bare tushy will earn you twice the reward.
Read More.
✦ Size: Average
✦ Type: Tonberry
✦ Strengths: Sharp knife, looming lantern, extreme stabbing strength (will cause death)
✦ Weaknesses: Slow walking
Months ago saw the oceans and beaches littered with a mass amount of sea slugs that began to overpopulate everywhere thanks to no one killing them when they should have. Now that there are so many of them they have started to conglomerate into one huge sticky slimy mass. It’s forming bigger and bigger into a kaiju. It needs to be destroyed before it grows big enough to destroy port towns or harm the leviathans.
Read More.
✦ Size: Gigantic
✦ Type: Kaiju
✦ Strengths: MASSIVE SLIMY MESS, rapid regeneration, sticky
✦ Weaknesses: Slow, doesn't seem to attack, all the little slugs are cute
There seems to be a shadowy demon with sharp yellow teeth lurking around various watery areas and possibly eating merfolk. Since the recent whirlpool activity has put the merfolk in contact with the leviathans, this demon needs to be dealt with before it causes any more damage to merfolk-leviathan relations. Be careful while hunting it down... There isn't much known on it. The only reports we've had on it is the sound of radio static...
Read More.
✦ Size: ???
✦ Type: Demon?
✦ Strengths: ???
✦ Weaknesses: ???
After receiving the pearls from Norhpip, and while still highly dangerous, ATNAM is still very eager to research the origins of the pearls, as well as the leviathans of yore. They are looking for anyone and everyone who might be willing to help to join them. While information on the pearls themselves are still a bit scarce, there are other leads that they encourage people to follow:
Archive Research.
The archives on both ATNAM and Elah are bountiful with books surrounding the leviathans—those from the Great Flood and younger—and they seek more information about them in order to better understand the pearls and their magic. However, they will find that the content on the Ancients in particular is very little, almost as if they have been scrubbed out of existence or locked away, with some books even missing pages on them. The stories that are available are legends passed down from those who witnessed the Great Flood, so they encourage people to dig further into that. Among all of these stories is one common theme: that there were nine great powers.(Note: while we do highly encourage players to discover and come up with their own stories, we wanted to make note that we already have details on the nine powers that will be revealed over time! However, we will still try to incorporate any fun discoveries that people make so you are free to come up with new potential leviathans even if they may not be related to the Ancients!)
Underwater Ruins.
There are some underwater ruins that they believe might hold some clues to the ancient leviathans. While treasures are scarce down there, there are clams that have made the temple their home, and they will sing songs in greeting to anyone who comes to visit. They will, however, not have answers for anyone asking questions and will instead slam their shells shut at those who try. Those who listen carefully to their songs may pick up some…interesting lyrics:Woe, woe, woe sing the Endless tidesThe most notable feature are the carvings on the walls, but they have been worn out by time and are near indecipherable. There is something that looks like a fish's tail, and is that squiggly line a snail's shell or a whirlpool? There are several walls where the carvings are covered and even whole walls that have been blackened by what seems to be oil... Weird.
Woe, woe, woe ring pride's demise
The blood red seas churn, the fires arise
Storms of hail and lightning tear the skies
Black is the rain that stains the land
Land split twain by shadow's dark hand
The ocean she mourns
The skies they cry
The sun, the moon, the stars
Into the darkness they hide
Hide, hide hide the sins of all
Die, die, die to hell they fall
Woe, woe, woe, sing the Endless tides…
Protect the Pearls.
For those who are less inclined to take on any research projects, ATNAM is also looking for any who might be more skilled in combat. No doubt there will be people who are keen to get their hands on such a magic, no matter how dangerous it might be. Report any suspicious activity around ATNAM headquarters, and most importantly, protect the clams holding the pearls at all costs! (Note: Players can make up NPCs for this, be they Corsair, Paladin, or unaffiliated. Characters are free to try stealing the pearls as well, but their attempts will be unsuccessful.)All questions and submissions should be made under this comment.
no subject
And if no, Question #2: can gemstones in this world have elemental properties please? Zelda and Darin are thinking about trying to improve the effectiveness of the magitech accessories in "Gold and Gears" by adding gemstones to them.
no subject
That said, there are very special and rare gemstones that naturally have elemental properties to them. But because these are so special and rare, only the highly affluent have managed to get their hands on them. That said, outside of outright theft of such rare and valuable jewels, such gemstones can be found out in the wild. Some research and digging around will give hints of potential places to look for, chiefly locations that have large pockets of magical energy around it. Looking where large clusters of elemental crystals are is a good start. Just be warned, it won't be easy and even after finding possible locations.
no subject
I'd def like to pursue researching the locations of gemstones with naturally-occurring elemental/magical properties in the future :|a
no subject
As for locations, we can work out something in future quests and events, but please also make a note on your AC! If you have ideas you can submit them there, too.