extra mission log 1 : the island of dancing animals

[imaginarymods]

EXTRA MISSION : LOG ONE

RNG | NPC Threads | Cafe Calamari | Signups
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.

[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

Comments

Fixed NPCS.

[imaginarymods]

What Angus McDonald Knows

[imaginarymods]

Interested in interacting with best boy Angus? Let us know what your plans are here!

this is dumb

[ribticklers]

Sans is definitely going to watch Angus for a while on and off. He doesn't actually approach or anything, but he's not really hiding it. But eventually he does approach to say something:

"Weren't you working on some knock-knock jokes?"

This is truly the most important thing to remember from Wonderland.

or perfect?

[imaginarymods]

Well. Angus is the world's greatest detective, so he definitely notices the weird skeleton with glowy eyes following him everywhere? But he's also not that concerned. He does remember Sans. Sans . . . helped a lot, back in Wonderland.

Which means that once Sans finally announces himself, Angus turns not with a smile but a look of Determination.

"Yes, sir! Would you like to hear one!!"

The second ! is audible.

[aceso]

Christine is all about helping Angus with his memory problems as well as trying to decipher the images in the ruins. She'll even use her handy, dandy Sunlight power should the sun start to go down and they need a flashlight. She will, of course, prod Angus to eat at mealtimes and take care of himself!!!!

[imaginarymods]

He's deeply happy to see her, and it shows. She gets a hug, which he's immediately apologetic for, and is then roped into examining the ruins for . . . well, basically until she decides to shut off Sunlight! He's very serious about these ruins and kind of frantic to figure them out.

One in particular seems to be vexing him this evening. Turning to Christine, he asks what she makes of it. He has his own theories, of course, but he's also extremely anxious and unusually in need of reassurance.

(By the way, he's really impressed by her Sunlight ability and how it's helping him burn the candle at both ends — take +2 on any future Angus-related roll of your choice.)

[spaghettimonster]

Papyrus has been through the ruins enough times to recognize that voice, and to go hunting the boy detective down. He didn't recognize a lot of the capitalized words used in that, but maybe that's just because he too is lacking memories! Like, all of them? So count this skeleton in for any work in trying to recover lost memories, and also solve mysteries he guesses.

(What is the Hunger)

(Also how did Angus make the bracer into a phone, Papyrus wants to know how to do it himself for reasons)

[imaginarymods]

Oh. "You're new, aren't you?" Angus is very kind to Papyrus immediately, maybe because he reminds him so much of Sans except, like, the entirely opposite shape and much louder. He shows Papyrus how to use the network for public posts and personal calls. He also shows Papyrus how to use emojis, although only the really oldschool ones. With dash noses, like so: :-)

While they're examining the Ruins, he explains the Hunger to Papyrus, somewhat apologetically.

"The Hunger . . . well, it's sort of like a monster, except I don't really think that's the right word. Maybe a more accurate way to say it is that it's a force. It moves through the multiverse and devours worlds. Most of the Reclaimers are here because it's devoured their worlds and all the people in it, and they want to bring those worlds back. It's really dangerous, sir, and it never stops! That's why I want to deal with it ASAP!"

[philoxenia]

Mira might not have met Angus before, but when she hears that message, she can't help but want to go immediately. So, hey there Angus.

She seems a little unsure about what she can do, especially regarding his memories, but there is something that's been on her mind. She isn't terribly sure about how to approach it, so instead she settles on...

"Do you like dogs, Angus?"

[hxppythxughts]

Sayori does not remember Angus immediately, but will absolutely reply to his transmission with kaomoji-ridden assurances that she is ON HER WAY and EXCITED TO HELP!!! She will also bring some of the magically always-warm cookies for reasons she does not understand. She just feels like she needs to.

When she gets there, though, his precious face will properly trigger a memory. And she will give him a big hug, and offer him some cookies, and ask him if he still has the poem she wrote for him.

[snyaiper]

Ogata is going to lurk around being silent and ominous for a little while. He doesn't remember Angus, but then again, he seems to be remembering things a lot slower than everyone else. Still.

When he finally does approach Angus, it's to ask him a single question; "Where's your proof?"

[doubledsofjustice]

Whew buddy. Mia does at least recall that the last time she saw Angus before Candlenights, she couldn't even remember her own name. This time her memories aren't much better, but she does remember who she is. She approaches Angus with that trained smile of hers and mentions what a shame it is all this happened when she'd just managed to get a hold of all those books for him.

She wonders how his investigation is coming, too, and if he feels they're any closer to finding that relic.

[feytality]

Maya doesn't remember Angus either but that doesn't stop her from trying to find him right away!! As soon as she lays her eyes upon him, a few relieved tears drip down her face, and she immediately pulls him into a hug, instinctively, though she doesn't seem to know why just yet

she apologizes once hug is over and is kind of embarrassed, but offers her help and explains she's got memory troubles too, but she's not giving up!! then she asks where he thinks they should start, since he's the detective and she wants to be his sidekick

[unrecovered]

After his chat with Jellyfriend, Wash is going to go looking for Angus.

First order of business: how is Angus? Is he holding up okay? Does he need anything?

Once Wash is satisfied that Angus is doing alright, he's going to ask Angus about the book he saw in Jellyfriend's memory - Angus should be able to fill in a Caleb Cleveland book title, right?

only serious business as we move into the next leg of the adventure

[spaghettimonster]

Shortly after regaining his old cellphone, Papyrus is going to drop by the ruins in search of the boy detective to ask for his knowledge. Not his mystery-solving detective skills, exactly, but his bureaucratic knowledge. Emphasis Bureau.

"Hey, Angus! I was wondering if you could help me... with filing a complaint?"

You know, there's nothing for a quick break from the existential fears that they're in an island that uncannily resembles the adventures in a book or something, like filing paperwork.

What K.V. Knows

[imaginarymods]

Interested in talking to K.V.? Let us know what your plans are here!

[ribticklers]

Hello, KV! Since Sans was only able to tell that there was a difference in technology between Lucas's stuff and the island stuff, he is going to go to the lab to ask about the specifics of the tech! Tell him about your magitech, KV.

[motherfucking_ghost]

Church might not be a technomancer, but he is tech and interested in (magi)tech. And since fucking around with the glitches only ended in them getting slightly...worse via sorcerer magic, well. Glitches are a tech issue! He wants to ask the bird person (birdson?) if the issue was around before a bunch of strangers washed ashore, and if they have any information about the whole glitchy sitchy.

[hxppythxughts]

Sans and Sayori are going to approach KV about...drumroll...the bracers!!! As KV probably knows by now, Sans and Sayori have both been studying the island's magitech in their own ways. They've also been refreshing themselves on their technomancy and refining their techniques. (TECHniques...heh)

So they'd like to try and dig a little into these mysterious bracers. (Partially because they're one of their last physical connections to the Bureau of Balance right now, and partially because Sans is Sans and absolutely must stick his...nose??? into available tech whenever possible.) They'd like to hear KV's opinion on these weirdly durable pieces of tech! What does KV think of them? Do they have theories on how the bracers work? Could the bracers possibly be upgraded by a knowledgable technician? Because more toys tools to figure out that weird thorny volcano situation would be pretty exciting, wouldn't they?

Sans also has a bracer-compatible F-USB (Faerun-USB) cord, if that would help. Plus, Sayori and Sans are both capable of using Virtualize to get into each others' bracers if necessary. Kabel, the orb that Sans made with KV's help, is present and, uh, not doing much. But it's moral support. mORBal support.

What Niely Knows

[imaginarymods]

Interested in talking to rapping sensation (in training) Niely? Let us know what your plans are here!

[rockymountaindie]

It'd be really nice if Alex had, like...a plan? For talking to Niely? But he doesn't. Literally what happens is he sees a sweet puppy walking around and he's. His whole face just lights up. This has happened every time he sees a dog Animalian and it's not gonna change now.

Alex was going to ask Angus something at the ruins. But now he's distracted. Just kinda like- "Hey, buddy. Find anything out here?"

[feytality]

Maya wants to chat with Niely!!! she is very interested in their music and will offer to help workshop lyrics, but wants to know about their and Angus's friendship, and if they've found anything out here!

What Elder Marinero Knows

[imaginarymods]

Interested in questioning the stubborn old bat, Elder Marinero? Let us know what your plans are here!

[aceso]

Christine will stop by with an Animalian whom she's asked to translate for them. She starts by introducing herself and saying she interested in learning more about the island because the library didn't really give her what she was looking for.

She asks why there's a wall, who built it, and how long it's been there. As I said in my RNG rolls, I'd like to use Inquire for a +2 to investigation. Depending on how the conversation goes, she may ask further questions about the island, but she's waiting to judge his demeanor, openness, etc. before diving into more than the wall mystery.

[autumncoming]

Something about Marinero's nightly pilgrimages to his husband's grave has a profound effect on Clear from the moment she first sees him up there. Asking around leads her to confirmation of what she already knows: that this is usual for him, that this is his habit. And it's sad, but . . . also it isn't? Paying tribute to someone long gone. In this case, it seems like such a peaceful, good thing.

That's why, one evening when he arrives at Marcos's grave, Clear is there, standing a respectful distance away but obviously waiting for him. She's holding a sculpture made of scrap, small and sturdy. Inscribed at the base of the metal flowers is the word MARCOS.

If he'll allow it, she'll give it to him — silently. She doesn't speak Animalian and has no magic to do so, but she also doesn't want to speak Common here, considering.