imaginarylogs | extra mission log 1 : the island of dancing animals

"Being a detective in real life isn't like it is in stories. I can't solve this one alone."

A New Transmission.

[On the evening of August 8, the network finally cracks to life with one very frantic message.]

"Hello sirs! I finally got this thing working — or it started working, I'm not sure it was me — anyway, I'm — I'm Angus McDonald! I'm a detective. S-some of you know me, you worked together to help me solve a mystery and I — I need your help again.

Something's missing, um, in my head. Memories. I know I should know some things, but when I reach for them they're gone. There's a Relic on this island, I know that much, but I don't know where or what it is. I don't know where the Director is, or the Bureau, and I don't know where the Hunger is but I know — I know it's out there. It's close. It's coming.

If you can hear me, if you can help me, please come find me. I know we can figure this out, but being a detective in real life isn't like it is in stories. I can't solve this one alone."

The Island of Dancing Animals.

The island of Baisla has been hospitable to you Reclaimers for the past few weeks, its Animalian hosts eager to share knowledge, housing, food, and work with your seemingly-shipwrecked souls. The menagerie wastes no time introducing Reclaimers (and, for some reason, a few Lyrabar socialites and pirates) to their vibrant music, energetic dancing, enhanced technomancy, and magical connection with the runestone beasts of the southern ruins. Though there has been no sign of any member of the Bureau of Balance while you've been here (and no one to brief you on a mission, of course), a light appears in the form of some direction from one Angus McDonald.

The mysteries don't stop with you, either. As beautiful as this island is, there are certain... oddities.... such as the shimmering barrier that surrounds the water at all times, keeping everyone in. Or the Gilded Wall, rumored to hold back a terrible evil.... or the glitches that seem to keep cropping up. It seems every moment spent here is accompanied by a newer, fresh mystery. Some questions loom more than others, though: Will your investigations uncover the secrets behind this island and your — and Angus's — lost memories? Or will your search for the last Relic leave you marooned?

G-G-G-Glitching

By now you've noticed those strange glitch-like images all around you on the island; fruits that don't quite "load" correctly and instead display fruit-shaped static; otherwise-ordinary-looking but immaterial trees and lampposts with miscolored squares and rectangles pieced out of them; even natural stone walls that can't be climbed as they display nothing but what appears to be a warped, miscolored stone-texture; and so on.

The more adventurous Animalians have discovered that using different path actions can fix these glitches (or worsen them, depending). They don't have much other intel on them, but tampering with the glitches seen around the island may lead to some.... interesting outcomes... Success will certainly earn the gratitude of the Animalians, who would really like their island to not look like a heat-damaged VHS tape.

A Wall of Gold

Some of you may have encountered the consecrated Gilded Wall and its strange magic-dampening properties as you've gotten the lay of the land. It's a pretty noticeable landmark, both opulent and foreboding. The Animalians have discouraged you from getting too close, referring only vaguely to its necessity in keeping the residents of Baisla safe. Some of them don't seem to want to talk about it, in the sense that speaking of evil gives the evil power. Some of them, though, just don't understand the history well enough to explain it.

But there is someone on the island who understands the history, because he was there to see it: Elder Marinero, who the Animalians may eventually point you towards if you're particularly persistent in asking after the Gilded Wall. However, if you try to ask him about it in Common, you may be out of luck; he only speaks Animalian! Magic and old-fashioned studying will certainly be a boon in communications with this stubborn old bat. If the Elder is a bust, it's possible to get past the fussy Animalians to investigate the Gilded Wall yourself. Try to test your magic by the wall again, and you'll find that it's working now. Surely someone can figure out what's got the islanders so spooked about this great golden landmark.

A History in Ruins

On the other hand, maybe the Strange Ruins will have a hint on your current predicament. They're a wonderful experience for the academically-inclined, regardless of your interest (or lack thereof) in the Gilded Wall. Animalian archaeologists and tourists from Lyrabar are a common sight at the Strange Ruins, both groups often being guided by Professor Jerry or his assistant, Kipper. Prof. Jerry explains that these ruins are what Animalians have based their practice of magic on for all of recorded history; they're much older than even Elder Marinero! You can enjoy the sights with the tourists or lend a hand to the archaeologists--including Angus, whose sharp detective instincts have led him to the murals in these ruins. He doesn't know why, but these images call to him. He's certain they have something to do with his missing memory and the location of the Relic! Perhaps deciphering some of these images will help him solve this mystery. Or at least (re)teach you some pretty cool path actions!

Runestone Rubble

If you want old stuff that's less academic, check out the Coliseum. You can watch all kinds of cool fights here--or participate in them! Of note are the large, animal-like creatures made of glowing stone, which feature in many of the challenges. They say the eccentric magpie K.V. of K.V. Labs is the resident expert on these beasts, as well as the rest of the magitech on Baisla. It might be worth paying the lab a visit if you're curious about the nuts and bolts of it all--but if the Coliseum is your kind of place, you're probably more interested in punching than studying!

Thankfully, you're allowed to do that. Respected Baisla warriors and fearsome magitech beasts are happy to meet you in battle to test your mettle. You can fight your fellow Reclaimers here too, for fun and bragging rights. Victors are rewarded with a variety of prizes, though you never know what you're going to get. And the experience of battle is its own reward, paying dividends in keeping your mind and body sharp. Maybe you'll even learn something about the beasts or gain some loyal fans with your performance in the fights. There are three potential routes you can take: fighting your fellow Reclaimers for some clout, fighting the island's elite Animalian warriors for a variety of rewards, and the most difficult (but exciting) battles of all: taking on the magitech beasts and their handlers, something even most respected Baisla warriors fall short of accomplishing. The rules of the Coliseum are as follows:

1.) Show respect and good sportsmanship.
2.) Only those signed up may fight--no outside help once the battle has begun.
3.) Nonlethal bouts only. A victor is declared once surrender or incapacitation occurs.

Island Hospitality.

Cafe Calamari

The Bureau of Balance is missing, which includes Bender! How will you ever get your magical grub on?

At Café Calamari, of course! For some reason, Chef Miso Fou is here smack dab in a saltwater lake in the middle of the island. His cute little swim-up tiki bar caters to the Reclaimers especially with a very familiar menu, as well as a few new courses and the exciting potential of new dishes, should you request them! The aesthetic really seems to vibe with the tourists that flock to it, though the food is not always to everyone's taste.

...But something's a bit strange there, or rather, someone. A goose named Ronaldo paces around the area trying to get the attention of newcomers and convince them of weirdo conspiracy theories about the lake under Miso Fou's bar!! He carries around crayon drawings of otherwise-normal-looking jellyfish with pictures projected in their domes, but most Animalians and tourists alike pay Ronaldo no mind. He's well-known for his... unorthodox ramblings. Could there really be something to his suspicions? The locals certainly don't think so!

Boardwalk Boogie

Looking for supplies, food, or perhaps even a job? Head down to the Brightway Boardwalk for just that! Night and day, the island's economic hub is always at least simmering with excitement, if not bubbling over! Especially with all these tourists and new folk around to entertain. Located just behind most of the seaside cabanas, the Brightway Boardwalk is more than just a bunch of studios, businesses, and fish markets; it also hosts the grounds for the seasonal Dance Competition.

The Boardwalk Boogie Band plays nearly every day at the Boardwalk Square, where one can usually find the island's mayor-of-sorts, a cow named Lola. A tall Astrologian in a starry cape, she makes a cutting figure... if not elusive. Lola might actually be a bit hard to get a hold of, what with a new Dance Competition coming up. If you manage to stop her, she'll simply urge you to join in; after all, non-locals have a place in the competition as well! Dance teams are limited to 3 people for out-of-island entries. You have plenty of time to practice before the big Boardwalk Boogie night, which starts at sunset and ends at sunrise. It seems like Boogie Night is all the island can talk about and studios are even offering free classes lately. Why not jump in and learn to dance?

...Unless you aren't interested, of course. That's just fine! The boardwalk connects to the harbor, where Captain Baxley and his mixed-bag crew pull in the island's share of fish every day. They seem a bit disoriented by being unable to sail out as far as they usually do, but the fishing fare near the shore is just as well. They'll certainly put you to work if you seem bored or they need the help! The fish market caters to early risers and the sea-side taverns cater to late sleepers. Here is where you'll find experts in a wider variety of paths, and even a few fox Vulpish who might be willing to train with a Reclaimer or two.

Scenic Spots

If you're still looking for more places to hit up, there's still quite the array of areas! Academics can refresh their path actions or read up on Baisla at the Roswell Center, a hospital up north that also hosts a pretty good library and all sorts of studies. Just to the west of the center is the scenic natural resort Las Cascadas, or the Cascades. Though most of this smaller island is simply a lush, naturally-organized paradise perfect for relaxing and hanging with platypuses, the highest areas of the Cascades also provide a vantage point where the curious can see the dark mist past the Gilded Wall.

For the more hunting-and-monster-fighting-oriented explorer, the Foggy Forest on the mainland is home to huntable animals and animal hybrids such as frog-squirrels and raccoon-crows. Once you deal with the glitches, the forest also bears the fruits the Animalians love so much; you might be able to strike a sweet deal if you offer them for trade! They will warn you, however, not to venture too far into the forest....

On the outer islands lay Miaoteo's Workshop, where Reclaimers in need of equipment can trade fish for weapons made right in front of them; Elder Marinero's house where Animalians gather for oral retellings of their history; and even an unclaimed island perfect for camping. Try to avoid that last island if you don't want trouble, though; the pirates lurking there don't seem as friendly as those on the mainland.

Check out more to explore on these areas in our Setting Information page!

Island Wilds.

The Crystal Lagoon

Surrounding the main island is the Crystal Lagoon, picturesque still waters full of gorgeous reefs that resemble crystal, which are teeming with docile wildlife like gentle sharks and jellyfish. The ecosystem here is bountiful and full of life -- ideal for the Reclaimer who wants to study, or just cool off and relax. The locals will shoo you off if they see you making too much of a splash, as they prefer these waters remain undisturbed!

It's curious, though. With so much algae and reef underwater, one would expect the waters to be more on the shallow side -- but if a Reclaimer chooses to dive down, they may discover that the waters run much deeper than they might expect. The water itself becomes darker, murkier, as they stray from the coral...

Curious indeed.

Deep Foggy Forest

No Animalian would dare wander here, as there are whispers of terrible creatures lurking within and other strange happenings... But if any Reclaimer should venture out here against their advice, they'll find a peculiar atmosphere, indeed. Despite being part of the Foggy Forest, there's a marked difference in the visuals alone. The foliage itself almost seems to be hostile: denser, more like a jungle, gnarled and threatening to trip you at every turn. The fog pervades, making it difficult to see more than five feet in front of you. Even some of the trees seem to be in decay.

The glitches, too, are more threatening in this place: black sap, glowing fruit, vines that clip through the ground and grab you, patches of quicksand that seize you the second you make a wrong step, insects much larger than you’d ever expect to see them, and so forth.

Worse than that, the further in you go, the more you may feel as though you're being watched -- every so often, you catch sight of something monstrous and grotesque in the corner of your eye -- but as soon as you move your head, it's gone. Strange, indistinguishable whispers fill your ears, just louder than the buzzing of insects, and well. Best to be alert. Most creatures you may encounter are not hostile, but the more time you spend here, the less the forest seems to tolerate you. Your luck may not last so long.

Tread lightly, Reclaimers.

Whispers in the Water

Speaking of peculiar happenings, there seems to be more strange happenings afoot. Or... aswim, rather. If a Reclaimer should be swimming around Miso Fou's Bar, the Crystal Lagoon, or the Cascades, they may find themselves hearing voices.

Some unfamiliar, some familiar -- some so familiar, actually, that Reclaimers may hear words they could have sworn they've either said themselves or heard another say to them -- giving them the strangest sense of deja vu.

The voices subside just as abruptly as they began, leaving the source difficult to identify.

A note from your Navigators.

Welcome, Reclaimers, to your first Extra Mission Log! Thank you for sticking with us! We hope you'll enjoy the plans we have for you in this mysterious adventure to find Lucretia and the missing Relic.

We have a couple of fun signups available here, including a special NPC interaction! These particular signups will be open until August 13th at 9PM EST. Regular NPC interactions can be found here!

For adventure rolls head over here and to order food from Miso Fou, head over here! Please direct any questions here!

Thanks for playing, and happy navigating!

NAVIGATION ⯈

code bases by tricklet

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Monika stays quiet for a moment before she nods and holds out a hand toward Mira. A soft smile returns to her face. ]

Then let's go find somewhere to lie down and talk about it. Okay?

[ Maybe not literally, but the meaning is there. ]

That sounds like a plan.

[ Even if she doesn't say it, she's ridiculously grateful... but maybe she shouldn't have to say it. Maybe her tone does that for her. She takes Monika's hand, gives it a gentle squeeze, and leads her to her cabana. And while they walk-- ]

How have you been doing, by the way?

[ Monika smiles and holds onto that hand. It's a little embarrassing, but she's hiding it well. Honestly she's just happy to be around Mira. The large lumbering Akita follows after, stopping to sniff every so often but never strays too far from them. ]

I'm hanging in there. Sayori isn't doing better, though. And actually... Yuri showed up. We seem to be on good enough terms, so I'm doing my best not to ruin it.

But let's talk about that all later okay? I want to focus on you, Mira.

[ With that said, Monika takes Mira back to the cabana she's been staying at. Luckily they seem to be alone, so they don't have to worry about someone listening in. The girl helps herself to a seat, and her dog lays down on the floor nearby to enjoy the shade. ]

Tell me what happened, Mira.

[ She's about to reply, to ask about Sayori and Yuri, and Natsuki-- but then Monika completely focuses on her, and she feels a little flustered. It's a good kind, though; even in spite of how she's feeling, that Monika's worried about her is... well. She doesn't want Monika to worry.

But that means she cares, and that's important. ]

I... went into the Crystal Lagoon. There was a maze down there, and it-- I don't know what it was. But I felt like I would be there forever, that I would die there alone and it-- it terrified me. I was scared I wouldn't see you or anyone else I care about, ever again.

And I-- saw my brother. I haven't seen him in so long, and I didn't think I'd ever see him again, so...

[ She trails off, because it's not that she doesn't know how she feels. It's just that she doesn't know how to put that into words. ]

[ Monika listens quietly as she lets Mira speak, but she can't help but frown at what Mira says. It's a little confusing if she's honest. But she understands Mira was scared and alone, and she hates knowing that...

She carefully reaches out, putting her hand over the other's. ]

You made it back... you're safe now.

[ She hopes that's the truth because she still doesn't understand the situation they're in. ]

Your brother?

I made it back, because-- there are people I care about. Here.

[ For a moment, it seems like she's about to say something else, but she stops herself just short of saying it. It's true that she's being more honest with herself; that's why she wants to open up to Monika. But there are some things she's not sure about saying. Not yet.

And she certainly wouldn't blame Monika for being confused; even her head's still jumbled up. She feels heavy, fogged over, but Monika's hand on hers cuts through like a lighthouse in a storm. Almost hesitantly, she moves her hand, so she can hold the other's. It's loose, gentle--almost too gentle, almost as if Mira's saying she can pull away, if she wants.

She exhales, shaky, and shifts her gaze to Monika's face. She doesn't look away as she speaks again. ]

Mm. Shortly before I was brought to the Bureau, he-- he died. [ Her voice breaks. ] He shouldn't have. He was-- in the wrong place, at the wrong time.

Oh Mira...

[ Monika leans forward and puts her arm around the other girl. She doesn't force her to move but rather tries to encourage to use her shoulder to cry on. She continues holds onto her hand with her other arm to try and ground her. ]

I'm so sorry... I had no idea you were carrying something so heavy with you...

[ Not long before she arrived, too? She can't even imagine what she's going through. Monika never had a real family... but a lot of the people she's met here come close now. Mira especially, so it's painful to see her like this. What can she do for her? How can she help?

Monika tries to take a guess: just try to be here for her. ]

[ There are times when she wishes she could go back to him--to see him. To tell him about what she's seen here, the people she's met. Right now, though, she's never wanted more to talk to him.

Monika... she thinks he'd really like Monika.

Her instinct is to tell her it's okay, but it's not. She stops herself just short of saying it, because-- with Monika, she doesn't want to pretend. With Monika, she doesn't feel like she has to. So Mira leans against her, presses her face against Monika's shoulder, and holds on.

She's a solid weight, real and steady and here. Mira holds onto that, clings onto it, like her life depends on it.

She's crying, and she doesn't try to hold back. ]

It's... not easy to talk about. [ She has a feeling she knows why it was so easy to tell Monika, though. Even if she is a teary-eyed mess. ] ... And I know it-- isn't easy to hear it, either.

[ She's quiet for a few moments. Mira sniffles and lifts her head, wipes at her eyes, so she can look at Monika. ]

So... thank you... for listening.

extra mission log 1 : the island of dancing animals

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touches this almost a month later

I'll wait forever bb!!

cw: isolation, death

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cw family death

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