September 8th
Isla Empieza

OPEN TO ALL PLAYERS, CURRENT AND PAST!!

There is a faint ringing in your ears that's not unpleasant and a strange sense of something that might be a little hard to identify. The explosion scattered people far and wide, even the strongest unable to stand up against it, but opening your eyes you will see a blue sky -- scrubbed clean of green clouds and turmoil. In the near distance, there are the cheery tones of a fountain. In the far distance, the sound of the sea and calling seagulls.

Isla Empieza lies in ruin still, and there are corpses here and there. Some old. Some new. But even they seem to be at rest.

At some point not long after, Dog will step up through the rubble to take the Piedra Roja from the hands of the one who holds it. She looks at it for a moment, the pulsing glow of the stone flickering across her unmasked and otherwise plain looking face. Somehow, she looks invigorated simply by holding the stone.

"Ye'll have twelve more hours, or thereabouts, ta make yer decision," she says. "My Meep and I can keep it goin' for that long, I think. Stay or go as ye choose. But make yer choice wisely. There's no goin' back after this."

But then, after a moment, she smiles. And it doesn't seem she's quite used to it, but it's a genuine emotion of happiness and, maybe, relief?

"Yer the biggest bunch of morons I've ever come across," she says. "But thankee." Then she covers the gem with her hands and lifts her head.

"But before then, let's have a celebration! I'm sure we can bully somethin' up! And ye can't go wi'out a party ta send ye off!"

So enjoy your twelve hours, outworlders. Choose your fates, but heed Dog's warning. If you choose to leave, you cannot come back. If you choose to stay, you might well never return home.

And if you do decide to escape this world, know that the only path open to you is the one that will return you to your own home. You'll find yourself brought back to the exact moment you were pulled from, none the wiser that you had this adventure. Oh, there might be a stutter in your step for a moment. A fleeting feeling of surprise to be where you are, that you will quickly decide makes no sense before you go about your day.

At night, however, you might find your dreams strange. Full of wispy memories that vanish like tendrils of smoke should you try to latch onto them. The smell of saltwater might fill your senses, and perhaps you feel a gentle rocking, like you're asleep amongst unfamiliar ocean waves. There could even be the thumping of a heartbeat, and the fading image of a pulsing red jewel.

But all of that is ridiculous.

Because surely you never visited another world, or lived a second life as a pirate.


...Right?

August 31st - September 7th
Isla Empieza

OPEN TO ALL PLAYERS, CURRENT AND PAST!!





As the battle with Davy Jones rages on, down below the city of Isla Empieza, in a mysterious seaside cave, a few outworlders are attempting to reach a certain pirate's heart. The path is dangerous, but once they finally make it across the blood-like pool, Celestia begins to sing.

While she does, the water around them starts to bubble and churn ominously. The pulsing red light seems to flicker for a moment, and the thumping sound stutters along with it before it picks up again in tempo, growing louder as the song continues.

The shard inside the heart starts to glow, matching Celestia's own glowing horn, and it almost seems to be vibrating from within its place in Davy Jones' heart. Waves crash against the small bit of rocky ground Celestia and Lyrik are standing on and as the crescendo in Celestia's song reaches its climax, the shard rips free of the heart, zooming toward the pair before slamming to a halt in midair and hovering innocently in front of them, pulsing gently—

And then the water in the cave explodes around them.

The heart left behind shudders angrily as a screeching sound bursts from it, then it crumples in on itself, shriveling and turning black, eventually crumbling until there's nothing but dust left.



Above them, something odd happens in the fight with Davy Jones. For a moment, he lurches forward and collapses as though someone dealt him a particularly heavy blow. It's not his attackers, though, but rather a keenly felt sense of something very wrong happening. A cold feeling of dread that lances his chest, settling in the empty spot where his heart should have been. The heart that no longer exists... That has been destroyed by the very outsiders that he himself called upon to aid him in returning it to his rightful place through the blasted Piedra Roja.

Lucky for him, at least, that Cat provided him with this body to work with. This vessel that seems yet unwilling to give up.

Will an almighty bellow, he'll charge back into the fight, but it's different now. More will be able to land a hit, and the damage will be felt. Davy Jones is weakened, and now is the time to finish what's been started.

But, as with all injured things, he will lash out more viciously now. Dangerously. And he will be desperate to get his hands on the one thing that will finally, finally still be able to restore him and make him whole.



Elsewhere, near that mysterious mermaid fountain, another young pair is pestering Meep. Draco and Ariel, back in this world again, discovered the soft melody the man had left in the journals and decided to actually make use of it. With Ariel singing and Draco keeping watch, the two of them summon all the shards of the gem to themselves, watching as they join together piece by piece in the air above the mermaid statue's outstretched hand.

Unfortunately for them, such a sight is not easily ignored, nor is the power rippling off the gem as it slowly forms again. Davy Jones, battered and almost defeated, finds within him the strength to make one last furious bid for the thing he has so long searched for. Decades of being trapped at the bottom of the ocean, betrayed by his crew and with only limited magic at his disposal, built up over the years until he could use it to pull in others to do his bidding, bitterly having to rely on them, wait for them, wait for even one thing to go his way...

It all comes down to this.

With a roar, he breaks free from the battle, lunges for the Piedra Roja with all his might, and when his hand closes around the complete gem, victory right there in his grasp—

The world seems to shift and tighten as lightning cracks and Davy Jones opens his mouth, but it's Dog's voice that speaks, rising from the mist.


"Are ye lot daft?! Cut off his fucking hand!"


It's up to you to save the day as the final battle draws to a close.

August 31st - September 7th
Isla Empieza

OPEN TO ALL PLAYERS, CURRENT AND PAST!!





The time has come. The way to Empieza is open. The mists still swirl around and the low, greenish cloud hangs heavy over the island, flickering with green lightning. But now there is a way to get in and a place to weigh anchor. The Navs seem to have stopped functioning, though. Pity.

In any case, there is a path to the central plaza of Empieza, bordered on either side by mist that feels caustic to the touch and seems almost ready to break free. From either side and within the mist are screams that linger as they fade, rattling growls, and other sounds that could induce nightmares in even the bravest of souls.

And somewhere in the mist lies Davy Jones, the rest of the shards, and a battle that will decide the outcome of this world...and yourselves.

Who: Anyone who expressed interest in going after Meep and received a letter from Scurvey Dog.
Where: Anygrav Moon
When: August 9th-22nd
What: The mission begins! Dog asked for help rescuing Meep and it's you lot who've responded. Try to bring him back in one piece, eh?
Warnings: Possible violence...?
Style: Any!
Status: Closed to those involved!

The island is covered by a familiar mist that rolls across the ground. Fortunately for you, it's not going to bring nightmares to life this time, but it definitely lends to the general feeling of unease that fills the place. That isn't helped by the fact that though the population here was never very large, it certainly must be even smaller now.

It's the dead, lifeless husks along the beach that make that much obvious.

There's no sign of battle, and all the bodies appear unmarked. It's as though they suddenly dropped right where they were standing, as if something completely and abruptly drained them of energy.

Watch your step as you make your way inland. Wouldn't it be a shame if the same thing happened to you?

Who: Hazzizles fo shizzle
Where: On the Nightfury (The boat! Just imagine Toothless carrying all of them.)
When: 7/20 onwards
What: People are hurting, we should fix that.
Warnings: Gonna rub alcohol on the injured Kitty, there will probably be swearing...in chinese.
Style: Whatever you want!
Status: Still breathing

( Preparing the drinking alcohol and rubbing alcohol )

Who: Hazmats!
Where: at sea and at Arco da Vella
When: June.
What: zombies. Also exploring Arco and seeing its own brand of weirdness, looking for treasure, etc.
Warnings: maybe some zombie violence
Style: whatever
Status: closed to Hazmats

( stay alive, my friends )

Who: You!
Where: Li Yu Tiao
When: May 24th - 31st
What: The Festival of Dragons!
Status: Open!

( Read more... )

Who: Hazzizles
Where: IE then Palm Tree Island
When: 3/7 onwards
What: Getting supplies then CAMPING!!
Warnings: Do not get the Captain wet or give him alcohol after midnight
Style: Any!
Status: Single It's complicated Ongoing

Hazardous Materials' March log of doom ! Date your stuff, you all know the drill.

3/7-9: IE to gather stuff and possibly recruit
3/10-15: Sailing
3/15-? : CAAAAMPIIIIING

Who: Open to all!
Where: On the seas, in the general southeast direction of Himmelen
When: Anytime February 20th - 25th
What: Sea battle with a whole mess of kraken
Warnings: Possible violence and kraken death
Style: Any
Status: Very open!

If you'll recall, our dear Meep mentioned several weeks ago that there was a poor sad lonely shard left behind out in the big ocean. Questioners on the post were told it was south and east, very near a kraken spawning site. And kraken are so very aggressive this time of year...

They've migrated north a bit since then, unfortunately headed right towards an island where very recently, many crews were conveniently all grouped together.

So be careful when you take your leave. Many a ship have met their doom trying to pass through kraken-infested waters. It's not easy to break free when those tentacles ensnare you!


How It Works

Fight alone, fight with your crew, or team up with others, however you want to go about it is up to you! The prize will go to an individual crew, though.

You have until 11:59PM (EST) on Sunday, March 1st to do the following:

♦ Crews with 4 people or less must have a minimum of 20 comments.
♦ Crews with 5 people or more must have a minimum of 25 comments.

If the total number of comments from all involved members on your crew reaches the required amount by the deadline, COMMENT HERE with your crew name and pick a number 1 - 100.

After midnight, the mods will use a RNG roll to determine which lucky crew defeated the kraken that just so happened to accidentally be carrying a small shard with it.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask them here! Aside from the first two comments, the rest of the log is yours to attack as you will.


Good luck!

Who: The Strawhats and Hazmats
Where: Sailing log for now, destination TBA, but eventual stop at Himmelen
When: February 1st-?
What: Sailing, shenanigans, close encounters and likely awkward situations
Warnings: the usual

( being a pirate through it all )

Who: Everyone involved in Death Day
Where: Noctem
When: January 21st-25th
What: Taking on Hawtrey, destroying shrines, and raiding his supplies. Surviving Noctem...or not. With a good dose of nightmares in between.
Warnings: Language. Violence. Trauma. It's an island of nightmares. Expect the worst.
Status: Open to all.

( than are dreamt of in your philosophy )

Who: Hazmats Crew
Where: Musical Catfish Island
When: January, as far as we know.
What: went sailing looking for a place for Cynthia to enjoy vacation. Is this it? This might not be it.
Warnings: not likely
Style: as you please
Status: closed to Hazmats

( And if anybody starts singing Under The Sea... )

Who: Everyone!
Where: Haus Island
When: November 21st-23rd
What: The Wonderful Feast of Fools
Warnings: Food, riddles, food, unwise sleeping, food, creepy dolls, and maybe a drink or two.
Status: Very open!

( What could go wrong? )

Who: Hazardous Materials with special guest star Draco Malfoy
Where: the ship, and then Eternal Bliss (oh joy)
When: November 1-5 at sea, 6-? on land
What: sailing log, and then shenanigans on wedding island
Warnings: let me know if there are any
Style: as you please
Status: closed to "who"

( and I don't mean the one with the rain and high waves )

Who: Hazmat crew!
Where: Aquatica Paradise (and sailing to it if you'd like)
When: appx Sept 24-30 (or, for sailing, anytime the 14-23)
What: VACATION. They've had a rough summer so it's time for some downtime. There are water parks, beaches, and an obligatory onsen, so mix and mingle with the super-happy (and young and pretty) locals and have some fun!
Warnings: not likely
Style: anything you want
Status: closed to Hazmat crew only unless another crew is on the island?

[( and this time I'll remember to turn off comment notifs )

Who: Hazardous Materials
Where: Tartle Island then Deesuko Ballia
When: 8/7 onwards
What: gathering a patootle and then party over at pirate heaven
Warnings: alcohol and little whales that fart bubbles are dangerous to your health
Style: Any!
Status: Zoo entrance fee is still 50 doubloons

Hazardous Materials' August log of doom part! Date your stuff, you all know the drill.

8/7-8/11 : Sailing to Tartle Island
8/12-8/14 : Tartle Fun!
8/15-8/21 : Sailing to Deesuko Ballia
8/22-?: Party hard!!

The race back to the floating finish line at Port Chance is perhaps as chaotic as the beginning, with ships blasting each other with cannon fire and desperately try to sink the other as they jockey for position. The day is fine and fair -- but no matter who is in the lead or how close to the finish line you are, a ship black as death with tattered sails will pass right beside you, casting frost on decks and sails before flying over the finishing line and disappearing into mist.

Once the ship is gone the skies clear completely, breaking open to a beautiful blue day laced with sunshine. Crowds on either side cheer wildly, throwing confetti, flowers, discount coupons at nearby brothels, rotting fish heads, and occasionally small flash bombs so be careful of that.


After the winners pull into the docks specifically assigned to them, the captains and/or representatives of the first three crews will be taken up to a series of raised platforms high above the city to be presented with: A golden ship, a silver ship, and a bronze ship respectively.

Then they will be attacked by the presenters and have to run from the platforms or be killed, as per tradition, though they won't be pursued further.

The Fourth Place winner will have their Large Mystery Box handed to them after the winners have escaped and must then fend off their own attackers, as per tradition.

The Tenth Place winner will have the small mystery box placed on their ship in the middle of the night (on the 1st) and have to then roust the intruders before they set the sails on fire, as per tradition.

Everyone else gets a cast iron fish head bottle opener chucked haphazardly at the captain's head. (One per crew)


Afterwards, everyone is invited to a two day party! Lasting until the morning of the 2nd, when the town will gather together and chase out any lingering pirates with pitchforks, swords, and rather unpleasant incendiary bombs. As per tradition.

(Don't forget the talent show running on the 1st! See Musa-mun for details)


Thank you all for coming to the First Annual (for you) Great Ghost Race! Hope to see you again next year!

Who: HazMat Crew, and anyone else who might happen to be there.
Where: The Booyakasha II
When: 7/23
What: Owain showing up!
Warnings: None, I think, though possibly language and/or violence.

( Read more... )

Who: Hazardous Materials
Where: Breakneck Cay and Candy Mountain
When: 5/23 onwards
What: things and stuff
Warnings: sugarrrrrrr
Style: Any!
Status: Zoo entrance fee is 50 doubloons

Hazardous Materials' May log of doom part 2! Date your stuff, you all know the drill.

5/16-5/22: Sailing to Breakneck Cay
5/23-5/24: Who in their right mind thought it was a good idea to go here?
5/25-5/31: Hunting down Candy Mountain
6/1-6/7: DIABETUS MOUNTAIN