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« captain's log #18: february 1, 2025 »
QUICK UPDATES
YO HO HO!! It's TDM month and it will feature one of our seasonal events, Dragon's Gale! It's also a short month, so pay attention to dates for Reserves and Activity Check since they will be different than the usual pattern!
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!
A few of last month's quests have also carried over, so if you didn't have a chance to do them last month, you have another chance. Due to RL situations, there aren't as many notable updates to the quests this month. Results of last month's quests are listed below along with a rough schedule of a few of the Special Quest plotlines. Be sure to take a look!
Our Rewards page has been updated with a few new things for the month! Most notable updates are certain rewards have upgrades and a new line of "bags of holding".
Finally, applications open in March and invitations are open for request! Remember, new players must receive an invitation either from a current player or directly from a mod, and players are limited to one invite. Both players and those needing a direct mod invite must make a request on the Invite Request page.
We have updated the Calendar for important dates, but here is a quick heads up on what to expect this month:
» 02/03: EMP/ATP
» 02/14: Event/TDM
» 02/22: Reserves
» 02/26-28: Activity Check
» 03/01-03: Applications Period
» 02/14: Event/TDM
» 02/22: Reserves
» 02/26-28: Activity Check
» 03/01-03: Applications Period
The Manta Board has been posted with new and updated quests!
A few of last month's quests have also carried over, so if you didn't have a chance to do them last month, you have another chance. Due to RL situations, there aren't as many notable updates to the quests this month. Results of last month's quests are listed below along with a rough schedule of a few of the Special Quest plotlines. Be sure to take a look!
Our Rewards page has been updated with a few new things for the month! Most notable updates are certain rewards have upgrades and a new line of "bags of holding".
Finally, applications open in March and invitations are open for request! Remember, new players must receive an invitation either from a current player or directly from a mod, and players are limited to one invite. Both players and those needing a direct mod invite must make a request on the Invite Request page.
AC RESULTS
Here are the results for last month's AC round:
Nicholas D. Wolfwood |bareankles
Clive Rosfield |gruffier
Tadashi Hamada |peopleneedyou
Our player cap is currently at 54/65, which means we have 11 slots open.
Nicholas D. Wolfwood |
bareanklesClive Rosfield |
gruffierTadashi Hamada |
peopleneedyouOur player cap is currently at 54/65, which means we have 11 slots open.
UNDER ARREST??
Well isn't that a tantalizing headline—
In regards to the auction, the raids were a very "explosive" success, sometimes somewhat literally. Thanks to the efforts of everyone involved, many victims were found and freed and a number of names were identified that will lead to further investigation. All auctions are now ordered to cease, though of course there will likely still be hidden ones out there. But at least it will be more difficult and those involved have gone into hiding as they are slowly being tracked down. However, as a result there is increased tension between the two Armadas as it's revealed that there are high profile names on both sides. Things are kicking up as we approach the finale of this plotline, and we need some volunteers to make things juicy.
For the month of March, we need a few characters to be abducted by both the Corsairs and Paladins. The reasons can be one of many:
All these abductions and arrests will lead to the finale slated for April. It will likely be its own contained mini log similar to the auction, but things could change depending on how many are involved and how things develop. We'll see how things play out!
This will be a good opportunity for players to work on any personal character plots or developments. However, it would be advised that players figure out how their character will be rescued OR if they would want to time their character's abduction to be in line with our finale and be involved for that instead. We can work out a few things, but just keep in mind that unless able to meet with another arrested/abducted character, they will have severely restricted interaction. As to the format, it's more likely we'll just let players create their own logs and threads, but depending on how February flows and how many we have, we could try to create some broader "event" log of sorts. Regardless, plan accordingly!
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO VOLUNTEER YOUR CHARACTER TO BE INVOLVED COMMENT HERE! The more involved a character was in the quests leading up to this, the more likely they will have a reason to be taken. But even if you haven't had a chance, if you can swing a reason then go for it!
In regards to the auction, the raids were a very "explosive" success, sometimes somewhat literally. Thanks to the efforts of everyone involved, many victims were found and freed and a number of names were identified that will lead to further investigation. All auctions are now ordered to cease, though of course there will likely still be hidden ones out there. But at least it will be more difficult and those involved have gone into hiding as they are slowly being tracked down. However, as a result there is increased tension between the two Armadas as it's revealed that there are high profile names on both sides. Things are kicking up as we approach the finale of this plotline, and we need some volunteers to make things juicy.
For the month of March, we need a few characters to be abducted by both the Corsairs and Paladins. The reasons can be one of many:
» Arrested by either enforcement for any reason, be it under suspicion of being connected to actual suspects or just some made up reason. It can be legitimate, framed, or some officer with prejudice. Usually it will be a Paladin arresting a Corsair or a Corsair taking in a Paladin, but it's not impossible for members to take their own side.
» Abduction from the more nefarious groups that are actually involved with the smuggling of the crystalized or whale hunting. For these there would need to be a more plausible connection for a character to be targeted. Could be vengeance or if anyone was trying to do their own spying or double dealing, they got caught.
» Bounties is another way. While you wouldn't have to write anything and have it on the MANTA board, you could handwave the character on the list. The reasons would be similar to the other scenarios.
» Abduction from the more nefarious groups that are actually involved with the smuggling of the crystalized or whale hunting. For these there would need to be a more plausible connection for a character to be targeted. Could be vengeance or if anyone was trying to do their own spying or double dealing, they got caught.
» Bounties is another way. While you wouldn't have to write anything and have it on the MANTA board, you could handwave the character on the list. The reasons would be similar to the other scenarios.
All these abductions and arrests will lead to the finale slated for April. It will likely be its own contained mini log similar to the auction, but things could change depending on how many are involved and how things develop. We'll see how things play out!
This will be a good opportunity for players to work on any personal character plots or developments. However, it would be advised that players figure out how their character will be rescued OR if they would want to time their character's abduction to be in line with our finale and be involved for that instead. We can work out a few things, but just keep in mind that unless able to meet with another arrested/abducted character, they will have severely restricted interaction. As to the format, it's more likely we'll just let players create their own logs and threads, but depending on how February flows and how many we have, we could try to create some broader "event" log of sorts. Regardless, plan accordingly!
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO VOLUNTEER YOUR CHARACTER TO BE INVOLVED COMMENT HERE! The more involved a character was in the quests leading up to this, the more likely they will have a reason to be taken. But even if you haven't had a chance, if you can swing a reason then go for it!
EXTRA NOTES
Here is a recap of a few things that occurred last month.
AUCTION HOUSE: As mentioned above, the raids were a success. Many were also able to come away with interesting items of their own. While the tomes will have shed some interesting light on things that players can do as they will, we should note the status of the treasure map pieces:
It almost looks like it could form a complete map, but there are still a few pieces still missing. Perhaps the people who found these pieces can get together and sort something out? 👀
DESERT AND ICE: A number of discoveries were made on both sides, though where it will lead is still anyone's guess. Thanks to some innovations, traversing through the desert will be made easier with new vehicles to travel with by Kaveh and some cooling fans developed by Cid. Turo has also created a rest area in the Tundra powered by magitech barriers and a heater. While further investigation into the regions will continue, some interesting discoveries made from the dragon scales and the pink crystals might shed light on events of the past.
What else could be gained from these areas, time will tell, but… It seems as if both the sand storm and the ice storm are lessening…? Not enough to pass through yet, but there will be a noted difference. Characters can still visit the regions to explore, perhaps even find new resources. The setting will remain the same as depicted in the log with Armada tensions rising.
Finally, the Temple Ruins have a new Special Quest for further investigations to the new setting. It's a fairly generic one since it's more of a background quest right now, so feel free to tackle this at your leisure!
AUCTION HOUSE: As mentioned above, the raids were a success. Many were also able to come away with interesting items of their own. While the tomes will have shed some interesting light on things that players can do as they will, we should note the status of the treasure map pieces:
» Depicts mountains and other terrain such as a river (Cid)
» Depicts a large mass of water with depictions of sea monsters and wrecked ships (Alhaitham)
» Depicts a different mass of water that is more of a lake with symbols that could depict a settlement near where it's torn (Shadow)
» Depicts some strange script that could be a riddle, along with a diagram of squares with a large "X" on one (Sherlock)
» Depicts some skrunkly foothills and a forest (Miriam)
» Depicts a large mass of water with depictions of sea monsters and wrecked ships (Alhaitham)
» Depicts a different mass of water that is more of a lake with symbols that could depict a settlement near where it's torn (Shadow)
» Depicts some strange script that could be a riddle, along with a diagram of squares with a large "X" on one (Sherlock)
» Depicts some skrunkly foothills and a forest (Miriam)
It almost looks like it could form a complete map, but there are still a few pieces still missing. Perhaps the people who found these pieces can get together and sort something out? 👀
DESERT AND ICE: A number of discoveries were made on both sides, though where it will lead is still anyone's guess. Thanks to some innovations, traversing through the desert will be made easier with new vehicles to travel with by Kaveh and some cooling fans developed by Cid. Turo has also created a rest area in the Tundra powered by magitech barriers and a heater. While further investigation into the regions will continue, some interesting discoveries made from the dragon scales and the pink crystals might shed light on events of the past.
DRAGON SCALE LORE DUMPS:
It appears to be a festival of sorts, and there is a competition to breathe fire with magic, tattoos glowing brilliantly against the scales of the different races of reptilefolk that have gathered. Several reptilians take their turn, all displaying incredible skill...until one person takes their turn and accidentally sets fire to another's pants. Everything is chaotic until a strange water bubble appears and pops over everyone.
Fallen cactuars lie on the sand, lizardfolk warriors in thin leather armor panting heavily until a young voice reaches their ears. "I found it!" a young lizard boy's voice calls to them, and they shout in joy at seeing the plant in the small claws: a small string of purple buds that grew near the base of certain cactus. "That's it! With this we can save the poisoned!"
It depicts the image of the shadows of many, many dragons soaring over and away, the sand quivering and rumbling loudly beneath them like the beginnings of an earthquake as they flee to the skies. Although not seen, the sound of fearful cries from people can be heard.
The roars of the coliseum could shake the earth as the victor of the match holds up the snake head of the defeated, and with a loud cry the dragon warrior shouts out to the stands. "He is defeated! No longer will the tyrant hold us down and we shall be free!"</> As the head is tossed to the side, the thunderous cheers resound once more: "Praise Sarht! Hail Delvanis!!"
The once golden sands are stained red and littered with corpses as different tribes of the reptilefolk engage in one bloody conflict after another. Although at first glance it seems to loop the same battle, it is actually a montage of different battles with different tribes, each one worse than the last. The end of the sequence is signified by a large shadow overhead and a deafening roar.
A group of weary lizardfolk are traveling through the desert when a sand storm can be seen coming upon the horizon. There are sounds of doubt and uncertainty from the group, but then there is a thunderous roar from overhead, a large shadow that passes over them. Hope and courage shine in their eyes as they rally together and bring the caverns closer to bunker down. They will get through this.
Two small figures can be seen playing together, laughing. They are a small armadillo child and tortoise child, the armadillo rolling up into a ball after she leaps to bounce off the small turtle's shell. A short distance away, the parents shake hands, smiling in relief.
"I'm glad we could meet under peaceful circumstances. With the conflicts with other groups rising, I was afraid..."
"No, we were all shocked to learn that people managed to live out in the desert! We never could have imagined such a thing across the river..."
"We look forward to working together with you and your neighbors..."
"I'm glad we could meet under peaceful circumstances. With the conflicts with other groups rising, I was afraid..."
"No, we were all shocked to learn that people managed to live out in the desert! We never could have imagined such a thing across the river..."
"We look forward to working together with you and your neighbors..."
The red shore of what was once a beautiful oasis, the even redder water lapping at the sand where broken, bloodied weapons lie. The bodies are a mix of various races of reptilefolk, but there are feathers and antlers, signs of other species that were involved in whatever bloody conflict occurred here. A loud thud is heard as bloodied, chipped blade sinks into the sand, a lizardfolk warrior with its frilled neck torn and missing eye gasps as she looks over the carnage.
"This... This can't be what he wanted... Is this really what we're dying for...!" Her words are cut off with a scream as a spear pierces her back and she falls forward to reveal another of her kind standing over her with a grim face.
"Those who question the Lord must be executed."
"This... This can't be what he wanted... Is this really what we're dying for...!" Her words are cut off with a scream as a spear pierces her back and she falls forward to reveal another of her kind standing over her with a grim face.
"Those who question the Lord must be executed."
Large horned vipers brandishing spears slither up a large dune to look over the stretch of green that meets the red dirt and sand, the vast blue skies seeming to speak of promises beyond. They stare in wonder, one pointing at a bird they have not seen before soaring through the air and another spots a herd of hooved animals—antelope—racing over the grassy fields beyond.
"It's so green. I've never seen anything like it before..."
"More land to explore..."
"Lord Avantis will be pleased to hear about this..."
"It's so green. I've never seen anything like it before..."
"More land to explore..."
"Lord Avantis will be pleased to hear about this..."
The desert sands rumble as a large convoy of vehicles race over them, their large tires crossing over with ease as the metal frames shine in the sunlight. But the riders all shout and whoop when something erupts from the sand—a giant mechanical snake, its metal plates twice as large as one of the strange vehicles with parts that rotate and slide around to mimic a real snake's movements as it slithers over the sand. On the head the drivers raise the cannons and soon the distant of shouting can be heard as they all race to the already bloody battlefield, explosions erupting around them as they pass over mine traps...
CRYSTAL LORE DUMPS:
It is dark, cold, frigid. There are dark stains on the ice walls that thicken and expand until the stains are hidden beneath the new layer of ice. The lake is then revealed with churning black water, pale faces slowly sinking deeper until they disappear into the depths before the surface starts to freeze over. Once the ice reaches the island, all that is left is broken marble. A large shadow falls over the area, and dark rose crystal twists and slowly grows up from the ground until it forms a large orchid. Something wet falls on top of the petals and the large shadow disappears.
It's a celebration! Fireworks of all colours are the backdrop to hot air balloons in the sky, the people on the ground waving and cheering to greet them, drowned out by the sound of music. The balloons are made of brilliant tapestries, their fabrics colourful and boasting all sorts of beautiful patterns.
Out in the snowy tundra, there is laughter and dancing. With each loud clap of hands, snowflakes dance and twirl around the people--a group mixed with beastfolk and humans--until the snowflakes converge and with a blast of cold wind transform into a winter sprite. With glee the sprite flies around and joins the others that are also created in this time.
"No...no, get back!" a young female wolf cries as she hunches back against an icy wall, blood streaked across her face. Before her is a tall, dark shadow with a black spear in hand. "You...you're supposed to be DEAD--AUGH!" Her words are cut short as the spear plunges into her chest, ice slowly forming and freezing over her as black shadows drag her further into the ice wall.
A family of moosefolk is walking a crystal bridge over the lake towards the center of the island. It is in pristine condition, a large marble pedestal glowing softly at the center as the waters shimmer in pinks and blues. They are here to celebrate the birth of a newborn daughter and offer fresh flowers and a crystal rose that shines a brilliant pink. Once placed on the pedestal, the light shines and they are basked in its warmth, the waters rippling as if dancing around the island.
Cheers erupt over the white snow as two vehicles rush past the crowd, racing towards the finish. The sound of the engine motors are more of a soft buzz than loud and boisterous, and the vehicles--snowmobiles that seem to hover over the snow--fly through the last stretch to cross the finish line, the winner just a few inches ahead. Yet despite the loss, the other cheers and grabs the winner in celebration as the next match gets ready.
A young snowleopard sits in front of the small campfire, the forest dark around her. After warming her hands, she reaches into her bag and pulls out a small music box. After a few winds, she opens it and a quiet but beautiful melody plays, the figure of a crystal water dragon swimming freely through the air, not connected to any mechanism. "Ainomoad, guide me," she whispers, and the crystal begins to shimmer blue and pink before it shines in an outward direction, a tall crystal spire just visible in the distance.
What else could be gained from these areas, time will tell, but… It seems as if both the sand storm and the ice storm are lessening…? Not enough to pass through yet, but there will be a noted difference. Characters can still visit the regions to explore, perhaps even find new resources. The setting will remain the same as depicted in the log with Armada tensions rising.
Finally, the Temple Ruins have a new Special Quest for further investigations to the new setting. It's a fairly generic one since it's more of a background quest right now, so feel free to tackle this at your leisure!
» The unadopted Cerberus puppy (how could you all!) was found and rescued, and people are now looking into finding it a new home.
» After observing the shadow people, it appears that they have their own souls. But it's still unclear if they have their own hearts or not. One thing is clear, it appears these beings are simply trying to exist (and they don’t appreciate being killed). They've been reclassified as Shadowkin for now until more is discovered.
» Emet-Selch, Dr. Robotnik and Professor Turo were able to tinker with the hexing crystals. They might be stabilized enough to be used an explosive power source.
» After observing the shadow people, it appears that they have their own souls. But it's still unclear if they have their own hearts or not. One thing is clear, it appears these beings are simply trying to exist (and they don’t appreciate being killed). They've been reclassified as Shadowkin for now until more is discovered.
» Emet-Selch, Dr. Robotnik and Professor Turo were able to tinker with the hexing crystals. They might be stabilized enough to be used an explosive power source.
DRAGON'S GALE
The dragon island of Ocard is once again hosting their annual Dragon's Gale festival, so Nogard will be migrating to it to rest directly next to it, giving the Corsairs easy access to the island's activities. Eltrut has already entered his hibernation and will be tugged along by Elah who will keep them adrift nearby. The Naughtilust will have also ventured to Ocard, much to the joy of those who have missed the leviathan's…services.
For those unfamiliar, here's a recap of what happened last year as well as some things new to look forward to: dragon serpents and snakes.
Could this be a chance for the Corsairs and Paladins to set aside their differences and enjoy the festival? Or will there be tensions and conflicts happening here, too? Not that the dragons would enjoy that, though given their close affiliation with Nogard…would the Corsairs have the advantage? There will be other suspicious activity going on that could cause some disturbance, but overall this is a fun festival for all.
For those unfamiliar, here's a recap of what happened last year as well as some things new to look forward to: dragon serpents and snakes.
» Ocard: A large island that has an odd, curved shape to, almost resembling to that of a lizard curled in on itself. Beyond the shores are vast forests and high cliffs filled with numerous caves and old ruined castles. Why there are so many dotting along the ridges is anyone's guess, but it looks both haunting and picturesque. Especially once the dragons arrive.
» Dragon Migration: Around this time of year dragons will migrate to this island to meet, socialize, mate, and brood, leaving only once the hatchlings can fly months later. The dragons come in all forms, from flying, to land, to sea types. There are also dragonkin that live and travel to the island, serving as both guardians and interpreters for those visiting.
» Dragon Serpents and Snakes: This year, the dragon serpents will make their way to the island to partake in the festivities. They will either fly by air or swim by ocean. In terms of form, they are reminiscent of the Chinese dragons and giant water dragon serpents of fantasy lore. As for the snakefolk, they will arrive by ship and will have some interesting "gifts" and traditions to share with their cousins. While there will also be normal snakes around, the snakefolk are interesting in that their bodies are of large snakes but they have arms and hands.
» Festival: At this time in particular, a special festival is held for those who visit. Due to the Corsairs close affiliation, such events certainly have that "cutthroat, roguish" flair to it, which fits very well with the dragons' style. Large feasts piled high with all sorts of meats, games that are more like challenges, and the one that truly bind Corsairs and dragons together: treasure. Given that this is a time where dragons are also around to try and find a mate, there are some activities to help foster close intimacy, be it romantic or platonic.
» Kidnapping and Castle raids: As part of "tradition," dragons will "kidnap" certain individuals and bring them up to one of the ruined castles nestled high up those clifftops. Usually no one is harmed, but depending on the person and dragon, it's not uncommon for real fights to break out. But no one has been killed or eaten in the past five years. Presumably. In any case, this is an understood game of sorts where the friends and/or lover of the kidnapped will "raid" the castle, going through the obstacles and face the dragon itself to free them. There are also designated castles set aside for those who dare to try and steal the treasure. Any treasure successfully taken is theirs to keep, so it's a very popular, but dangerous game that many Corsairs and adventurers partake in.
» Other things: This is not an exhaustive list, but some other activities will include dragon riding, special monster hunts in the forest, deep diving with the sea dragons, rooting out neerdowells, and more. With the snakefolk coming in, one can expect something interesting to happen as well as they specialize in illusions and hallucinations.
» Dragon Migration: Around this time of year dragons will migrate to this island to meet, socialize, mate, and brood, leaving only once the hatchlings can fly months later. The dragons come in all forms, from flying, to land, to sea types. There are also dragonkin that live and travel to the island, serving as both guardians and interpreters for those visiting.
» Dragon Serpents and Snakes: This year, the dragon serpents will make their way to the island to partake in the festivities. They will either fly by air or swim by ocean. In terms of form, they are reminiscent of the Chinese dragons and giant water dragon serpents of fantasy lore. As for the snakefolk, they will arrive by ship and will have some interesting "gifts" and traditions to share with their cousins. While there will also be normal snakes around, the snakefolk are interesting in that their bodies are of large snakes but they have arms and hands.
» Festival: At this time in particular, a special festival is held for those who visit. Due to the Corsairs close affiliation, such events certainly have that "cutthroat, roguish" flair to it, which fits very well with the dragons' style. Large feasts piled high with all sorts of meats, games that are more like challenges, and the one that truly bind Corsairs and dragons together: treasure. Given that this is a time where dragons are also around to try and find a mate, there are some activities to help foster close intimacy, be it romantic or platonic.
» Kidnapping and Castle raids: As part of "tradition," dragons will "kidnap" certain individuals and bring them up to one of the ruined castles nestled high up those clifftops. Usually no one is harmed, but depending on the person and dragon, it's not uncommon for real fights to break out. But no one has been killed or eaten in the past five years. Presumably. In any case, this is an understood game of sorts where the friends and/or lover of the kidnapped will "raid" the castle, going through the obstacles and face the dragon itself to free them. There are also designated castles set aside for those who dare to try and steal the treasure. Any treasure successfully taken is theirs to keep, so it's a very popular, but dangerous game that many Corsairs and adventurers partake in.
» Other things: This is not an exhaustive list, but some other activities will include dragon riding, special monster hunts in the forest, deep diving with the sea dragons, rooting out neerdowells, and more. With the snakefolk coming in, one can expect something interesting to happen as well as they specialize in illusions and hallucinations.
Could this be a chance for the Corsairs and Paladins to set aside their differences and enjoy the festival? Or will there be tensions and conflicts happening here, too? Not that the dragons would enjoy that, though given their close affiliation with Nogard…would the Corsairs have the advantage? There will be other suspicious activity going on that could cause some disturbance, but overall this is a fun festival for all.
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.
Re: ARREST SIGN-UPS
Character: Roxas |
Method: Arrested by the Corsairs
Reason: Roxas has been sneaking over to Nogard to do some skateboarding. That combined with Axel's flippant adherence to the rules and generally doing some dubious things, leads to a bit of questioning that quickly goes awry. And probably results in a fistfight, which leads to reinforcements. And then you get locked in the slammer.
Timeline: Probably later in the month?
Plans: Roxas and Axel will be attempting a breakout, but who's to say if it goes well.
Other/Questions: I think I'm good.