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escordviooc2025-01-01 11:10 am
seawarden) wrote in escordviooc2025-01-01 11:10 am
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« captain's log #17: january, 2025 »
QUICK UPDATES
YO HO HO!! AND HAPPY NEW YEAR'S!! Man last year both dragged on and flew by at the same time, weird huh? Hope everyone had a nice holiday season and not too hungover! (everyone stare at Mich—) We have a lot of fun stuff planned for this year, especially as we start wrapping up and setting up the next stages for a few plotlines that have been floating through for the last few months 👀 We hope to have more adventures, more explorations, and some juicy conflicts this year!
PLEASE NOTE: Due to it being the holidays, we may be a little slower during the first week as our team is scattered about due to vacations. We'll do our best, but please be understanding!
We have updated the Calendar for important dates, but here is a quick heads up on what to expect this month:
The Manta Board has been posted with new and updated quests! We have a new Special Quest that will have its own mini log later in the week.
Our Rewards page has been updated with a few new things for the month!
PLEASE NOTE: Due to it being the holidays, we may be a little slower during the first week as our team is scattered about due to vacations. We'll do our best, but please be understanding!
We have updated the Calendar for important dates, but here is a quick heads up on what to expect this month:
» 01/01: Applications open
» 01/03: Applications close
» 01/04~05: Apps processed; CR Meme (may be delayed)
» 01/08: Special Quest Log: Auctionhouse
» 01/15: Event: Desert and Ice
» 01/29-31: Activity Check
» 01/03: Applications close
» 01/04~05: Apps processed; CR Meme (may be delayed)
» 01/08: Special Quest Log: Auctionhouse
» 01/15: Event: Desert and Ice
» 01/29-31: Activity Check
The Manta Board has been posted with new and updated quests! We have a new Special Quest that will have its own mini log later in the week.
Our Rewards page has been updated with a few new things for the month!
AC RESULTS
Here are the results for last month's AC round:
Izuku Midoriya |fullgauntlet
Reaper |gr1m
Dehya |legendofthelion
Our player cap is currently at 50/65, which means we have 15 slots open.
The following players received their free passes for the year! Reminder, all free passes from the previous year have been wiped and you have until December 2025 to use your free pass!
Aaya
Alex
Ant
Avie
Blueraven
Caprica
Chips
Cirrus
CS
Ellie
Ghost
Hika
Jarret
Jen
Junebug
Kassie
Kimmeh
Kyo
Laena
Leo
Lin
Lucineblue/Jojo
Mart
Megan
Mich
Nat
Riddle
RJ
Ryn
Samu
Ser
Sheila
Shiny
Taku
Taso
Valen
Wahoo
Xae
Izuku Midoriya |
fullgauntletReaper |
gr1mDehya |
legendofthelionOur player cap is currently at 50/65, which means we have 15 slots open.
The following players received their free passes for the year! Reminder, all free passes from the previous year have been wiped and you have until December 2025 to use your free pass!
Free pass list
Aaya
Alex
Ant
Avie
Blueraven
Caprica
Chips
Cirrus
CS
Ellie
Ghost
Hika
Jarret
Jen
Junebug
Kassie
Kimmeh
Kyo
Laena
Leo
Lin
Lucineblue/Jojo
Mart
Megan
Mich
Nat
Riddle
RJ
Ryn
Samu
Ser
Sheila
Shiny
Taku
Taso
Valen
Wahoo
Xae
GAME UPDATES
We have finally updated the World of Escordvi page to include every major island and leviathan that have been introduced in the past year. We have also included a quick Festivals section to help as a reference for everyone.
In the Game Info page, we have updated the Setting section to have a more in-depth blurb about the non-humans and animalfolk that live in the world. Because most PC characters are humans, it can be easy to forget that the world is actually predominantly non-human and that the different races and species intermingle and mix with one another well.
We also have a section about past riftfarers as this particular detail is also buried somewhere and thus easily forgotten. Part of Escordvi's lore is that the rifts have existed for many years now, so the locals are used to their existence. It's also why some "advanced tech" like the Shellphones exist—it was developed by a previous riftfarerStony Park. At this point in the world's life, although there can still be negative or hostile opinions, riftfarers are considered more like any other traveler and visitor now.
As mentioned in the intro above, we'll be working towards making our events and more quests focus more on adventures and exploration! We do have plotlines working in the background, but we don't want it to be the primary focus as that ends up "railroading" the narrative. Expect to see them more in the "Special Quests" like we have been doing and have them develop organically that way! This does mean they may take a lot longer, but it frees up our events to focus on more fun things.
That said, if you have any suggestions, requests, or any other feedback, please let us know!
In the Game Info page, we have updated the Setting section to have a more in-depth blurb about the non-humans and animalfolk that live in the world. Because most PC characters are humans, it can be easy to forget that the world is actually predominantly non-human and that the different races and species intermingle and mix with one another well.
We also have a section about past riftfarers as this particular detail is also buried somewhere and thus easily forgotten. Part of Escordvi's lore is that the rifts have existed for many years now, so the locals are used to their existence. It's also why some "advanced tech" like the Shellphones exist—it was developed by a previous riftfarer
As mentioned in the intro above, we'll be working towards making our events and more quests focus more on adventures and exploration! We do have plotlines working in the background, but we don't want it to be the primary focus as that ends up "railroading" the narrative. Expect to see them more in the "Special Quests" like we have been doing and have them develop organically that way! This does mean they may take a lot longer, but it frees up our events to focus on more fun things.
That said, if you have any suggestions, requests, or any other feedback, please let us know!
EXTRA NOTES
Here is a recap of a few things that occurred last month.
Alert! We're starting to wrap up the Whale Hunting Special Quest line, and there is a new Special Quest regarding strange auction house activity and it will have its own designated mini log to help participants interact with each other. It will go up January 8th. After this quest, we'll have the conclusion as another Special Quest either in February or March, whichever the timing works best. We'll have more details on that part when it happens.
There wasn't much this month, but we hope that everyone had a good Winterstide, and are staying warm and safe!
Alert! We're starting to wrap up the Whale Hunting Special Quest line, and there is a new Special Quest regarding strange auction house activity and it will have its own designated mini log to help participants interact with each other. It will go up January 8th. After this quest, we'll have the conclusion as another Special Quest either in February or March, whichever the timing works best. We'll have more details on that part when it happens.
» The Pirat King has not been defeated, and so he will be back... with a vengeance. Also, he has developed a severe hatred of ships for some reason...
» While winter and the snow is here to stay a little while longer, the Frostsinger has returned home to hibernate? Until next Winterstide...
» While winter and the snow is here to stay a little while longer, the Frostsinger has returned home to hibernate? Until next Winterstide...
There wasn't much this month, but we hope that everyone had a good Winterstide, and are staying warm and safe!
UNDERWATER RUINS
Regarding the underwater ruins special questline, we have finally reached a major turning point! All constellations have been claimed and determined, and this month's event will actually feature the result of it. Special thanks to Emet-Selch, Benedikta, G'raha, Cid, Darin, Tifa, Roxas, Axel, and others who have helped throughout the entire questline. While we're featuring it as an event this time, there is still more to be done and will continue through Special Quests and maybe other avenues when we think of them. But this will be an example of what we were discussing in the previous section. Now for actual details of what was found:
As revealed before, the mirrors could be moved to reflect light in certain ways and create a particular constellation on the room's ceiling. Doing so also seemed to change one of the mirrors to reflect a place that was unreachable. In the process, it is confirmed that the constellations matched the Ancient Leviathans and now they have been revealed. This is the full list of the constellations and mirrors:
Further input on the lore of each of these creatures is still underway. But more importantly, after all the constellations were "unlocked," a shocking new development happened: the ruins rose from the depths of the ocean. Sucks for anything that was still living in there like the oysters and octopus and whatever fish, but it's now above water and a lot more easily accessible to people! And a good thing, too, because two of the mysterious mirrors will start to glow.
The following event will focus on the two mirrors and where they lead, however there is still more to discover regarding the ruins! Because we already have quite a lot going on this month, we will table this part until February where we'll use the Special Quest for further investigations into the ruins themselves. After that, starting March or April we will work our way through the rest of the mirrors via Special Quests or other methods as mentioned earlier. If we think something could work for an event we'll include it there, but otherwise we will likely try to focus on other parts of the setting through events instead.
As revealed before, the mirrors could be moved to reflect light in certain ways and create a particular constellation on the room's ceiling. Doing so also seemed to change one of the mirrors to reflect a place that was unreachable. In the process, it is confirmed that the constellations matched the Ancient Leviathans and now they have been revealed. This is the full list of the constellations and mirrors:
» "Crab:" Norhpip. A constellation that looks like a crab, the mirror flashed blue hues and reflected the following on its surface: stone walls, as if in some kind of building. There are hints of perfectly cut masonry, suggesting perhaps a grand room. Temple? Cathedral? Something of grand significance.
» "Snake:" Adaia. A constellation that looks like a coiled snake, the mirror flashed green hues and reflected the following on its surface: lush green fields and blue skies with some branches overhanging from the top.
» "Whale:" Enysos. A constellation that was originally thought to be a fish but later determined to be a whale, the mirror flashed purple hues and reflected the following on its surface: walls of coral and fish swimming through dark water.
» "Lizard:" Ainomiad. A constellation that was originally thought to be a lizard or dragon but later determined to be a sea dragon, the mirror flashed pink hues and reflected the following on its surface: sheer ice walls that look to be a large ice cavern with some intricate carvings on its sides.
» "Horse:" Iemorep. A constellation that looks like a horse, the mirror flashed white and gray hues and reflected the following on its surface: dark gray, stormy skies with only mist or clouds all around.
» "Eel:" Sarht. A constellation that was originally thought to be some kind of eel but later determined to be a dragon, the mirror flashed golden yellow hues and reflected the following on its surface: desert sand with an oasis in the distance along with tall, sheer red cliffs.
» "Flying Fish:" Soile. A constellation that was originally thought to be some kind of flying fish but later determined to be a phoenix, the mirror flashed orange red hues and reflected the following on its surface: lush jungle-like trees with a volcano with thin plume of smoke rising out of its crater in the distance.
» "Snake:" Adaia. A constellation that looks like a coiled snake, the mirror flashed green hues and reflected the following on its surface: lush green fields and blue skies with some branches overhanging from the top.
» "Whale:" Enysos. A constellation that was originally thought to be a fish but later determined to be a whale, the mirror flashed purple hues and reflected the following on its surface: walls of coral and fish swimming through dark water.
» "Lizard:" Ainomiad. A constellation that was originally thought to be a lizard or dragon but later determined to be a sea dragon, the mirror flashed pink hues and reflected the following on its surface: sheer ice walls that look to be a large ice cavern with some intricate carvings on its sides.
» "Horse:" Iemorep. A constellation that looks like a horse, the mirror flashed white and gray hues and reflected the following on its surface: dark gray, stormy skies with only mist or clouds all around.
» "Eel:" Sarht. A constellation that was originally thought to be some kind of eel but later determined to be a dragon, the mirror flashed golden yellow hues and reflected the following on its surface: desert sand with an oasis in the distance along with tall, sheer red cliffs.
» "Flying Fish:" Soile. A constellation that was originally thought to be some kind of flying fish but later determined to be a phoenix, the mirror flashed orange red hues and reflected the following on its surface: lush jungle-like trees with a volcano with thin plume of smoke rising out of its crater in the distance.
Further input on the lore of each of these creatures is still underway. But more importantly, after all the constellations were "unlocked," a shocking new development happened: the ruins rose from the depths of the ocean. Sucks for anything that was still living in there like the oysters and octopus and whatever fish, but it's now above water and a lot more easily accessible to people! And a good thing, too, because two of the mysterious mirrors will start to glow.
The following event will focus on the two mirrors and where they lead, however there is still more to discover regarding the ruins! Because we already have quite a lot going on this month, we will table this part until February where we'll use the Special Quest for further investigations into the ruins themselves. After that, starting March or April we will work our way through the rest of the mirrors via Special Quests or other methods as mentioned earlier. If we think something could work for an event we'll include it there, but otherwise we will likely try to focus on other parts of the setting through events instead.
DESERT AND ICE
As mentioned above, as a result of the efforts made in studying the Underwater Ruins and figuring out the constellations, two gateways have opened up that lead to unknown lands. To help cover ground, the two Armadas have split up, each taking one area.
GENERAL NOTES. Although there are two unique locations, there are some crossover notes that affect both that should be noted first:
With that out of the way, here are some more details about each individual location and a general idea of what to expect in each.
DESERT SANDS. Associated with the dragon constellation, Sarht, the image depicted through the mirror gateway is one filled with sand, sand, and more sand. There is the sight of an oasis not too far away, along with tall cliff walls. Tents will be pitched up early by the oasis as the route to and from the gateway is secured. Anyone who tries to go beyond a certain point will find themselves suddenly swept up in a desert wind and will find themselves back at the oasis. Corsairs will be the ones in charge and while the more studious are going to take this seriously, well… There are certainly other members who will be looking for "golden" opportunities. They totally did not call dibs because of the color. Nope.yes Here are just a few highlights that's happening in this section!
FROZEN TUNDRA. Associated with the sea dragon constellation, "Ainomiad," the images reflected in the mirror are a lot of ice, a sharp contrast to the desert. Stepping through the gateway confirms that it leads to a giant ice cavern with unique carvings etched deep into the ice walls. They are decorative but there could be something hidden within as a clue to what this place could have been used for. Beyond the main cavern that will act as a main center point, there are tunnels that go in deeper . Similar to the desert, there is some kind of "magical force" that will make the path return back to the main center after a certain point, or the path may be blocked by thick, impenetrable ice. The Paladins will control this area, and unlike the Corsairs they are more careful and will try to preserve all they can. They are also wary of the ice as there is an odd chill that creeps throughout.
Such interesting places, could they be useful in the future? What relation do they have with the Ancient Leviathans? And could this be another step towards dealing with the rifts? WHO KNOWS.
GENERAL NOTES. Although there are two unique locations, there are some crossover notes that affect both that should be noted first:
» Limited area. As a precaution, the expedition area will be limited as they do not know why these gateways exist or what association these lands may have to the Ancient Leviathans. There is not much recorded about them and scholars are still scouring all libraries and the Archives to try and pull out as much as possible, be it fact or fiction. They can only hope these expeditions and future ruins investigations will shed more light. Due to the unknown location, birds will be released from both locations to fly back to hopefully chart out the coordinates. Should the gateways suddenly not work and the people are left stranded, they need to quickly be able to find them.
» Armada crossover and conflict. Although each Armada is in control of one side, there is a general allowance of members of the opposite to travel to the other. Thus a Paladin could travel to the desert side and a Corsair to the tundra. However, there is still suspicion and depending on who is on sentry duty, someone may be refused entry or have to go through some challenge before allowing in or to do much. Even once in the other area, tension will be high and everyone of an opposing Armada is regarded with suspicion.
» Shellphones malfunction. For some reason, shellphones won't connect well in these areas. Other functions are available such as camera and video recording, but sending messages or calls, even to those in the same area, is impossible.
» Lore drop opportunities. It is possible to get some interesting lore drops for each area during the event! As part of each section, characters can find a certain item that will "reveal" some kind of vision or writing or something related to the area or the Ancient. There will be a designated subthread where players can comment with a thread link in retrieving the item. It doesn't have to be a completed thread, thread starters are allowed.
» Protect the gateways. Once on the other side, there will be groups assigned to protect the gateway since it's currently their only way back. There may be monsters, saboteurs, or even something malfunctioning with the gate itself that may require some repair or item needed.
» Armada crossover and conflict. Although each Armada is in control of one side, there is a general allowance of members of the opposite to travel to the other. Thus a Paladin could travel to the desert side and a Corsair to the tundra. However, there is still suspicion and depending on who is on sentry duty, someone may be refused entry or have to go through some challenge before allowing in or to do much. Even once in the other area, tension will be high and everyone of an opposing Armada is regarded with suspicion.
» Shellphones malfunction. For some reason, shellphones won't connect well in these areas. Other functions are available such as camera and video recording, but sending messages or calls, even to those in the same area, is impossible.
» Lore drop opportunities. It is possible to get some interesting lore drops for each area during the event! As part of each section, characters can find a certain item that will "reveal" some kind of vision or writing or something related to the area or the Ancient. There will be a designated subthread where players can comment with a thread link in retrieving the item. It doesn't have to be a completed thread, thread starters are allowed.
» Protect the gateways. Once on the other side, there will be groups assigned to protect the gateway since it's currently their only way back. There may be monsters, saboteurs, or even something malfunctioning with the gate itself that may require some repair or item needed.
With that out of the way, here are some more details about each individual location and a general idea of what to expect in each.
DESERT SANDS. Associated with the dragon constellation, Sarht, the image depicted through the mirror gateway is one filled with sand, sand, and more sand. There is the sight of an oasis not too far away, along with tall cliff walls. Tents will be pitched up early by the oasis as the route to and from the gateway is secured. Anyone who tries to go beyond a certain point will find themselves suddenly swept up in a desert wind and will find themselves back at the oasis. Corsairs will be the ones in charge and while the more studious are going to take this seriously, well… There are certainly other members who will be looking for "golden" opportunities. They totally did not call dibs because of the color. Nope.
» Treasure hunting. Unsurprising, the hunt for treasure and relics will be at an all time high during this particular expedition. While there are more conservationist corsairs that want to preserve artifacts, there are far more who are interested in what's most valuable that can be sold to the highest bidder later.
» Coliseum. Curiously, what was thought to be just red cliff walls are actually the walls of some ruins that resemble a fighting ring, or coliseum, remnants and scars of what can only have been magnificent fights and battles still remaining. But perhaps some other dangers lurk within…? Like a monster that lurks beneath…
» Facing Fears. If stuck around the coliseum, what the person might face could be something of their greatest fear. It could be a mental hallucination or something that is manifested by the sand. Will they be able to get through it on their own or will they need?
» Dragon scales. Fragments, pieces, and even whole scales that are determined to be from a single dragon can be found in various places. Some are easy to find on the ground, others are hard to reach and even on dangerous ledges around the coliseum cliff walls or monster nests. Collect as many as you can, and use them for lore drops.
» Other challenges. There will be various challenges and objectives around that will test everyone's mettle, to see whether they have the courage or tenacity to get through. But caution may also be needed, so who knows how things will go.
» Coliseum. Curiously, what was thought to be just red cliff walls are actually the walls of some ruins that resemble a fighting ring, or coliseum, remnants and scars of what can only have been magnificent fights and battles still remaining. But perhaps some other dangers lurk within…? Like a monster that lurks beneath…
» Facing Fears. If stuck around the coliseum, what the person might face could be something of their greatest fear. It could be a mental hallucination or something that is manifested by the sand. Will they be able to get through it on their own or will they need?
» Dragon scales. Fragments, pieces, and even whole scales that are determined to be from a single dragon can be found in various places. Some are easy to find on the ground, others are hard to reach and even on dangerous ledges around the coliseum cliff walls or monster nests. Collect as many as you can, and use them for lore drops.
» Other challenges. There will be various challenges and objectives around that will test everyone's mettle, to see whether they have the courage or tenacity to get through. But caution may also be needed, so who knows how things will go.
FROZEN TUNDRA. Associated with the sea dragon constellation, "Ainomiad," the images reflected in the mirror are a lot of ice, a sharp contrast to the desert. Stepping through the gateway confirms that it leads to a giant ice cavern with unique carvings etched deep into the ice walls. They are decorative but there could be something hidden within as a clue to what this place could have been used for. Beyond the main cavern that will act as a main center point, there are tunnels that go in deeper . Similar to the desert, there is some kind of "magical force" that will make the path return back to the main center after a certain point, or the path may be blocked by thick, impenetrable ice. The Paladins will control this area, and unlike the Corsairs they are more careful and will try to preserve all they can. They are also wary of the ice as there is an odd chill that creeps throughout.
» Frozen in ice. Deep within the walls there are shadowy figures encased in the ice. Whether they are ancient people, creatures, or something else remains to be seen, but some may want to try and excavate them. If that's a good idea or not, well…
» Lost reflections. While traversing through the ice caverns, one may see reflections of a certain time in their life. It could be of their greatest joy or of their worst moment in grief. It's a reflection that can be seen by others so awkward conversations may ensue…if a conversation can be made.
» Frozen in time. If the reflection is strong enough, it may cause the individual to remain frozen in place, perhaps overwhelmed by the emotion. If they stay too long, ice will start to creep up around their feet to slowly freeze them in place and the ice wall seems to be coming closer… Help break people out of their frozen stupor! Fire is very effective.
» Crystal lake. One of the tunnels will lead to a large lake that transitions between water and frozen crystal intermittently. In the center of the lake there looks to be some kind of small island with a singular structure on it…a shrine perhaps?
» Pink ice crystals. There are special, glittery pink ice crystals embedded around the ice. If they can be extracted in one piece, they can be used as lore drops!
» Lost reflections. While traversing through the ice caverns, one may see reflections of a certain time in their life. It could be of their greatest joy or of their worst moment in grief. It's a reflection that can be seen by others so awkward conversations may ensue…if a conversation can be made.
» Frozen in time. If the reflection is strong enough, it may cause the individual to remain frozen in place, perhaps overwhelmed by the emotion. If they stay too long, ice will start to creep up around their feet to slowly freeze them in place and the ice wall seems to be coming closer… Help break people out of their frozen stupor! Fire is very effective.
» Crystal lake. One of the tunnels will lead to a large lake that transitions between water and frozen crystal intermittently. In the center of the lake there looks to be some kind of small island with a singular structure on it…a shrine perhaps?
» Pink ice crystals. There are special, glittery pink ice crystals embedded around the ice. If they can be extracted in one piece, they can be used as lore drops!
Such interesting places, could they be useful in the future? What relation do they have with the Ancient Leviathans? And could this be another step towards dealing with the rifts? WHO KNOWS.
LAST WORDS
And that's it! If you have any questions, feel free to comment here. All quest-related questions should be posted to the Manta Board post.