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imaginarylogs2020-08-08 08:15 pm
imaginarymods) wrote in imaginarylogs2020-08-08 08:15 pm
extra mission log 1 : the island of dancing animals
EXTRA MISSION : LOG ONE
Mission Dossier | NPC Information | Setting Information | Questions
| "Being a detective in real life isn't like it is in stories. I can't solve this one alone." |
A New Transmission.
"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!
no subject
The match begins when a hedgehog magitech beast enters the arena. It's double the size of a normal hippo, and though it's so cute, its nose twitches with excitement: Its handler loves the thrill of the fight, and it seems the hedgehog does too. This beast is just as eager to fight Mista as Mista is to fight it.
And what a fight it is! (DC 12; +1 DEX = 19 + 1 = 20) The first set of bombs—Concussive—sail across the arena, landing a direct hit on the hedgehog. The beast shouts in surprise and quickly understands Mista's strategies; the best way to fight him is up close, so he can't use those bombs! Unfortunately for it, Mista gets off another great hit (DC 12; +1 DEX, +1 concussive bonus = 16 + 2 = 18) and that cuts off the hedgehog's line of sight. It's doing all of this by feel and smell now...and with another handicap (DC 12; +1 concussive bonus, +1 blinded bonus = 10 + 2 = 12) as Mista's Winging Shot just barely connects with its adorable yet powerful legs. The hedgehog lets out a squeal as it face-plants, halting its charge.
And, it's going to be fighting while conquering some well deserved fears, because Mista's on fire today! Not literally, just figuratively, with his aim. (DC 12; +1 concussive bonus, +1 blinded bonus, +1 toppled bonus = 17 + 3 = 20) Even the most battle-hardened warrior would be afraid after the Bullying Shot zips right by their face, especially when two of its senses are impaired.
While the hedgehog is shaken, Mista's able to get a good look at the coliseum. The place is a bit sunken into the ground, but there's some piles of rubble that emulate tiers—the high ground. (DC 12; +1 DEX, +1 toppled bonus = 10 + 2 = 12) Stumbling a bit but ultimately succeeding, Mista launches himself from a rubble pile that looks like it may have been a lighthouse, long ago. He almost whiffs it, but the Immovable Rod's a great anchor; he's up in the air, and he's not coming down.
Having risen again and recovered itself, the hedgehog hunts for a sign of where its opponent has gone. It can't see or hear well, but it knows this arena. It lets itself take some shots from Mista's crossbow to gauge where he's firing from, and it lets out a mighty roar! ...For a hedgehog, at least. It charges again, putting all its strength into a tackle... (DC 12; 3) but it's still shaken from Mista's earlier shot, and it ends up in the rubble instead.
With his early success in limiting the hedgehog's reaction time? (DC 12; +1 blinded bonus; +1 concussive bonus = 19 + 2 = 21) Mista once again hasn't even been scratched.
Though a prideful creature, the hedgehog knows when its beat. It lets out a mighty sigh and lays its head on the ground. All in all, it appears to be bowing to Mista. Before he's even declared the winner, cheers erupt all across the coliseum. His clear sportsman-like behavior, putting his weapons down as his victory is announced, only enhances this. Mista hasn't just won the match, he's won the crowd.
The beast is going to need some recovery time. Not too much, as Mista was careful to keep from harming it, but an hour or two, to be up to full strength for that final bout. Both it and Fernando are itching for this rematch...and it's going to be tough.
But, Mista's not one to back down from a challenge, right?
no subject
that being said: no, he is not. he is going to take this challenge. his only request is that they take a three hour break, not two. this is for reasons that partially have to do with strategy, partially have to do with carb loading, and partially have to do with the fact that 2 2s make [redacted].
in any case, he returns with backup. kind of. sayori is with him, because she is emotional support, and also because she has provided him with two very important things in the journey back from lunch: a little Bardic Inspiration and a reading from Rickle Axager's Pocket Guide to Adventuring (3rd Edition).
(Once per day, you can read a section on an associated skill check. For the next 24 hours, you have advantage on that skill check. Sections can also be read aloud to give an advantage to another party member. Given that Mista already knows a decent amount about these guys' weaknesses, my assumption would be he'd know what best to read up on, so ADV can go wherever y'all think is best? If that doesn't work, I can get more specific.)
other than these buffs and sayori cheering him on from the stands (not magical but produces extreme serotonin), his strategy is going to be pretty much the same as when he fought the magitech beast alone (right here).
no subject
One quick questions before we proceed!
Since Bardic Inspiration's boost can apply to only one roll, are there any specifics you'd like that to apply to? A particular attack, or a defensive roll? The first roll done, etc.?
For full disclosure, he's going to get ADV on rolls involving acrobatics— or in other words, getting the hell away from this closer-combat duo, so use that if you need to decide!
no subject
no subject
Mista opens the fight with his Concussive Bombs, like last time, but this time around it looks like they're ready for him. (DC 14; +1 DEX = 6 + 1 = 7) His Animalian opponent makes an impressive dodge, putting most of his weight on his spear and spinning about so the bomb soars past him. (DC 14; +1 DEX = 10 + 1 = 11) The hedgehog finds this very showy and merely rolls to the side, knowing the tell-tale signs to watch. You've studied them, but they've also studied you, Mista! That means it's time to get creative!
...Or not.
Because as he's readying his next bomb, the hedgehog uses its momentum from the dodge to charge him. Mista avoids it, but his focus is broken for a moment, and the Blinding Bomb that he's readying up? With that critical failure, it certainly doesn't hit its mark in Fernando the peacock. No, it lands near Mista himself, severely limiting just how much of this fight he can see. The follow-up throw, at the hedgehog? It doesn't go much better. Another critical failure means that bomb hits him instead.
As Mista gathers himself up, it will become incredibly apparent: He can't see a single thing.
Both his (DC 14; -1 blinded debuff = 11 - 1 = 10) Winging Shot attempts (DC 14; -1 blinded debuff = 12 - 1 = 11) go wide, as both his opponents start to zero in on him. Using his other senses and some fancy footwork, Mista avoids what would probably be a stab to the abdomen from Fernando, but the hedgehog rakes its claws across his forearm. His own attempts to fight back don't...sound like they're connecting. (The audience can see, they certainly aren't.) Still, he could be getting a lot more fucked up.
Thankfully, one thing goes right. As Fernando comes in for the charge, something about the whole scenario clicks in Mista's head. He raises his gun and lets off a Bullying Shot (DC 14; -1 blinded debuff = 18 - 1 = 17) that properly sends the peacock stumbling back. Is Mista really unable to see? That's the thought he, and just about everyone else in the audience, is left with. Sure, he missed, but you've all seen this shot by now; that wasn't intended to hit.
Unfortunately, the follow-up to the hedgehog isn't as lucky. (DC 14; -1 blinded debuff = 11 - 1 = 10) Our good prickly friend continues its attack, and Mista can't quite avoid some of its nips and tackles. Something is definitely broken, or at least factured, around in his chest.
It's time to retreat. Even without his eyesight, he knows the attack patterns of these two. It means he can adequately dodge as he sets up his Immovable Rod once more. (DC 14; -1 blinded debuff = 18 - 1 = 17) A little breathing room and he can fire off his gun and...wait, it's probably a little hard to switch to his crossbow right now. Mista fumbles a bit, but he's trying! ...Though the peacock is quite gun-shy now, the hedgehog charges. A few of Mista's shots graze its quills.
Though it tries to dislodge the rod, it cannot. (DC 14; 13) However, being able to see and hear its opponents vastly changes this bout. The hedgehog leaps with surprising agility! Its teeth connect with Mista's leg; if it can't bring the rod down, it'll bring him down.
(DC 14; -1 blinded bonus +2 Bardic Inspiration = 12 + 1 = 13) Overall, this could have gone a lot worse. Mista's avoided the vast majority of attacks, despite the hedgehog's toothy revenge (and the fracture, it's definitely a fracture in his ribs), and if his weapons hadn't slipped from his grasp when he fell? He probably could've kept going, or at least tried to wait it out as the Blinding Bombs wore off.
But, on the flip-side, not many of his attacks connected either. (DC 14; -1 blinded debuff = 4 - 1 = 3) The hedgehog has him pinned, and its looking pretty fired up, still. And though frightened, Fernando the peacock hasn't a single hit on him.
The results of this match are as clear as the last ones, just in the opposite way. Mista has, quite obviously, lost this match.
It was still a good workout, though! Both Animalian and magitech beast seem insistent on this. They had to really switch up their tactics to get him...and had that bomb not backfired, they all know how differently this could've gone.
no subject
Still, he tells Fernando and his magitech beast that they're really talented and he's learned a lot from these fights. Although he could've stood to learn it without breaking anything — it's fine. It'd be kind of cool to be able to work so closely with a magitech beast! Fernando's pretty lucky.
no subject