The Mods of LifeAftr (
lifeaftr_mods) wrote2017-11-24 02:42 pm
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LOCATIONS: MONSUN
LOCATIONS: MONSUN
The second island accessible by adventurers, Monsun rests on the small to medium sized spectrum of land available. Notably, it is divided by a river that only heightens the start difference in environments found on each side - to the east, thriving woodlands lush with resources. To the west, arid wasteland through with both environmental and predatory dangers.
Unique to Monsun is the continued effects of its resident deity, the Avatar of Balance. While the eastern half of the island is resource rich, characters will find themselves prone to the worst aspects of their person, whilst the western side's unwelcoming environment is balanced out by influencing travelers to show only their best qualities.
Temperatures on the island, unless otherwise specified within search requests, match those experienced on Ensō. This island is not currently accessible for exploration.
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Unique to Monsun is the continued effects of its resident deity, the Avatar of Balance. While the eastern half of the island is resource rich, characters will find themselves prone to the worst aspects of their person, whilst the western side's unwelcoming environment is balanced out by influencing travelers to show only their best qualities.
Temperatures on the island, unless otherwise specified within search requests, match those experienced on Ensō. This island is not currently accessible for exploration.
Searched Areas
B1 | ⊗ CATASTROPHE
Searched anew by the Knight and Violet Evergarden in February 2019. The upper areas of Monsun are wind-torn wastes, but this region at least has the welcome break of a lake, or part of a lake, curving out from the west. The water there is clear and cool, and offers a relief from the scorching desert sun. To the east, the ocean waves crash rhythmically up against the island's northern coast. All in all, it's not the worst place to be, despite the heat and unkind weather. From across the ocean waters, a wooded curve of Monsun's eastern half is visible, distantly. But even if one were to cross over to that side of the island, they'd find nothing of note, other than the much calmer weather and a much less pleasant version of themself.
It's probably best that the region contains clean water, both in the form of the ocean waters and the nearby lake, because B1 seems to be playing host to a phenomenon that doesn't make much sense, given the treelessness of the area - though it might have something to do with so much of Ziziphus's excess, leftover fragments being liberated all at the same time, and with the desert sun and heat swallowing those flammable trees and grasses whole. The result is a firestorm, a natural phenomenon consisting of large, gale-strength winds gusting fire brands, heat, and assorted embers across air currents and disperse them anywhere they see fit. The high temperatures are likely to set anything on fire if it happens to be remotely flammable.
Dangers: Mental influence characteristic to Monsun's eastern side
Resources: Firestorm
Searched anew by the Knight and Violet Evergarden in February 2019. The upper areas of Monsun are wind-torn wastes, but this region at least has the welcome break of a lake, or part of a lake, curving out from the west. The water there is clear and cool, and offers a relief from the scorching desert sun. To the east, the ocean waves crash rhythmically up against the island's northern coast. All in all, it's not the worst place to be, despite the heat and unkind weather. From across the ocean waters, a wooded curve of Monsun's eastern half is visible, distantly. But even if one were to cross over to that side of the island, they'd find nothing of note, other than the much calmer weather and a much less pleasant version of themself.
It's probably best that the region contains clean water, both in the form of the ocean waters and the nearby lake, because B1 seems to be playing host to a phenomenon that doesn't make much sense, given the treelessness of the area - though it might have something to do with so much of Ziziphus's excess, leftover fragments being liberated all at the same time, and with the desert sun and heat swallowing those flammable trees and grasses whole. The result is a firestorm, a natural phenomenon consisting of large, gale-strength winds gusting fire brands, heat, and assorted embers across air currents and disperse them anywhere they see fit. The high temperatures are likely to set anything on fire if it happens to be remotely flammable.
Dangers: Mental influence characteristic to Monsun's eastern side
Resources: Firestorm
C1 | ѱ PREY
Site of new arrivals in February 2019. The rich woodlands of Monsun's east give all the appearances of being the best sort of welcome one could ask for. With the island's coast lining the region of C1 to its north and a deep, beautiful green swathe of lush deciduous undergrowth swarming throughout the entirety of the area, one could almost call it idyllic.
One thing is certain: it is very, very beautiful. The presence of so many growing things make it a glorious contrast to the island's western half. And in C1 in particular, there's no shortage of resources. The odd berry bush, the abundance of trees that can be harvested for lumber, if necessary...and the presence of some very odd, but nonetheless potentially adorable little creatures known as mosslings.
Dangers: Mental influence characteristic to Monsun's eastern side
Resources: Mosslings
Site of new arrivals in February 2019. The rich woodlands of Monsun's east give all the appearances of being the best sort of welcome one could ask for. With the island's coast lining the region of C1 to its north and a deep, beautiful green swathe of lush deciduous undergrowth swarming throughout the entirety of the area, one could almost call it idyllic.
One thing is certain: it is very, very beautiful. The presence of so many growing things make it a glorious contrast to the island's western half. And in C1 in particular, there's no shortage of resources. The odd berry bush, the abundance of trees that can be harvested for lumber, if necessary...and the presence of some very odd, but nonetheless potentially adorable little creatures known as mosslings.
Dangers: Mental influence characteristic to Monsun's eastern side
Resources: Mosslings
D1 | ѱ PREY
Searched anew by Alexei Dinoia, Bucky Barnes, and Yeager in January 2019. Heading for Monsun's northern region, woodland bears a certain spotty nature that suggests that two landscapes have interleaved into one another; remnants of Ziziphus remain rooted in the island's west. The ocean waves are thankfully normal enough, crashing up against a thin strip of coast that ends as soon as the trees begin. But given how quickly your worst traits will start to swell to the surface the longer you remain, it's doubtful that any of you will be in the state of mind to enjoy the view.
You're not alone in this region, either. The local flora and fauna that once flourished on Ziziphus often overlapped with one another, and flowccus are no exception. What initially might seem like some flowery bushes turn out to be anything but. Their "wool" is comprised of bright flowers, some which might even be useful for medicine and dyes. Their coats can even be sheared to harvest said flowers, and given the placid nature of these prey animals, they probably won't even mind the company in the vicinity. They're also capable of producing a sweet milk akin to nectar, and require very little daily maintenance besides sunlight, water, and some room to graze.
Dangers: Mental influence characteristic to Monsun's eastern side
Resources: Flowccus
Searched anew by Alexei Dinoia, Bucky Barnes, and Yeager in January 2019. Heading for Monsun's northern region, woodland bears a certain spotty nature that suggests that two landscapes have interleaved into one another; remnants of Ziziphus remain rooted in the island's west. The ocean waves are thankfully normal enough, crashing up against a thin strip of coast that ends as soon as the trees begin. But given how quickly your worst traits will start to swell to the surface the longer you remain, it's doubtful that any of you will be in the state of mind to enjoy the view.
You're not alone in this region, either. The local flora and fauna that once flourished on Ziziphus often overlapped with one another, and flowccus are no exception. What initially might seem like some flowery bushes turn out to be anything but. Their "wool" is comprised of bright flowers, some which might even be useful for medicine and dyes. Their coats can even be sheared to harvest said flowers, and given the placid nature of these prey animals, they probably won't even mind the company in the vicinity. They're also capable of producing a sweet milk akin to nectar, and require very little daily maintenance besides sunlight, water, and some room to graze.
Dangers: Mental influence characteristic to Monsun's eastern side
Resources: Flowccus
B2 | Ⴄ PREDATOR
Site of new arrivals in February 2019. A craggy stretch of desert borders Monsun's northwest coast. Parts of the sand here, the further north one heads, seem to have gone suspiciously slushy or boggy...though that might be the beginnings of an oasis that looks like it might be present on the region further up. Or, possibly, something else entirely.
The northern coast is rimmed with foam-tipped waves, lapping calmly up against the desert sands. The island curls up toward the uncharted, outward swell at the north; to the west, the edge of Monsun's river runs, streamlined and laminar. Unfortunately, any peace that might be had is likely to be lost by the presence of the nova scorpions that dwell beneath the sands - and don't take kindly to intruders.
Dangers: Nova scorpions
Resources: Mental influence characteristic to Monsun's western side
Site of new arrivals in February 2019. A craggy stretch of desert borders Monsun's northwest coast. Parts of the sand here, the further north one heads, seem to have gone suspiciously slushy or boggy...though that might be the beginnings of an oasis that looks like it might be present on the region further up. Or, possibly, something else entirely.
The northern coast is rimmed with foam-tipped waves, lapping calmly up against the desert sands. The island curls up toward the uncharted, outward swell at the north; to the west, the edge of Monsun's river runs, streamlined and laminar. Unfortunately, any peace that might be had is likely to be lost by the presence of the nova scorpions that dwell beneath the sands - and don't take kindly to intruders.
Dangers: Nova scorpions
Resources: Mental influence characteristic to Monsun's western side
C2 | Ⴄ PREDATOR
Searched anew by Barry Bluejeans, Kravitz, and Lup in January 2019. C2 is almost overwhelmingly forest, bordered by the river that almost streams into the adjacent regions, an awkward curve that cups C2's lower left-hand corner. Crossing the river may be relatively easy, but there's not much to cross to. A tiny strip of sand-dune might barely be visible past the dark flow of river-water, but you'll have to push on if you want to find somewhere safe to stand.
Even worse luck: the "resource" found on C2 is actually a rather dangerous predator, even if it is a highly useful one, once killed. The octonettle was native to Ziziphus until the island sank away, and so it seems that small colony of them have set up at the river's mouth, where it opens up into the ocean. Be careful when crossing the river, for that reason if nothing else - these creatures don't take kindly to being seen, and will interpret almost anything as a threat.
While their ink is rich in nutrients - and their bodies capable of being dried and stretched so to be fashioned into very handy nets - the octonettle can be a very unpleasant thing to run into, particularly if you're not expecting it. The octonettle is masterful at camouflage, which means that at times you won't realize that you've treaded into its territory - at least until it's spraying its corrosive ink right into your eyes.
Dangers: Mental influence characteristic to Monsun's eastern side; octonettles
Resources: Octonettles
Searched anew by Barry Bluejeans, Kravitz, and Lup in January 2019. C2 is almost overwhelmingly forest, bordered by the river that almost streams into the adjacent regions, an awkward curve that cups C2's lower left-hand corner. Crossing the river may be relatively easy, but there's not much to cross to. A tiny strip of sand-dune might barely be visible past the dark flow of river-water, but you'll have to push on if you want to find somewhere safe to stand.
Even worse luck: the "resource" found on C2 is actually a rather dangerous predator, even if it is a highly useful one, once killed. The octonettle was native to Ziziphus until the island sank away, and so it seems that small colony of them have set up at the river's mouth, where it opens up into the ocean. Be careful when crossing the river, for that reason if nothing else - these creatures don't take kindly to being seen, and will interpret almost anything as a threat.
While their ink is rich in nutrients - and their bodies capable of being dried and stretched so to be fashioned into very handy nets - the octonettle can be a very unpleasant thing to run into, particularly if you're not expecting it. The octonettle is masterful at camouflage, which means that at times you won't realize that you've treaded into its territory - at least until it's spraying its corrosive ink right into your eyes.
Dangers: Mental influence characteristic to Monsun's eastern side; octonettles
Resources: Octonettles
D2 | ѱ PREY
Searched anew by Edward Elric, Faust, Ginko, and Lydia in January 2019. Monsun's woodland has stabilized into a nonetheless relatively discordant mixture of its own native flora in addition to Ziziphus's vine-draped, jungle-like trees.
The trees might be able to be harvested for lumber, if you don't mind braving the eclectic landscape. Most of the undergrowth is comprised of thick, twining brambles and scattered hillocks of grass that look as though they were cribbed directly from Ziziphus. And that's not the only remnant from that long-gone island in the area, either; a group of tigerlilies frequents the area. Those that did not relocate to Ensō came here instead, and have made their home on Monsun.
Dangers: Mental influence characteristic to Monsun's eastern side
Resources: Tigerlilies
Searched anew by Edward Elric, Faust, Ginko, and Lydia in January 2019. Monsun's woodland has stabilized into a nonetheless relatively discordant mixture of its own native flora in addition to Ziziphus's vine-draped, jungle-like trees.
The trees might be able to be harvested for lumber, if you don't mind braving the eclectic landscape. Most of the undergrowth is comprised of thick, twining brambles and scattered hillocks of grass that look as though they were cribbed directly from Ziziphus. And that's not the only remnant from that long-gone island in the area, either; a group of tigerlilies frequents the area. Those that did not relocate to Ensō came here instead, and have made their home on Monsun.
Dangers: Mental influence characteristic to Monsun's eastern side
Resources: Tigerlilies
B3 | Ⴄ PREDATOR
Searched anew by Gobbet and the Knight in January 2019. The desert of Monsun is uniform and hot and inescapably dry. Prior to the subsequent stabilizing of the island in late January 2019, the area was splotched with rich grasslands, flush with flowers, remannts of Ziziphus leaking through the sands in bursts of golden-brown grass and the awkward swells of half-hills.
This meant that the area played host to a number of shrumal ogres, which are usually better at concealing themselves among the landscape, using their dull coloration and dark green caps to blend in with the undergrowth. A lack of any such undergrowth here made them obvious targets, but that didn't seem to put them off any.
Dangers: Shrumal ogres
Resources: Mental influence characteristic to Monsun's western side
Searched anew by Gobbet and the Knight in January 2019. The desert of Monsun is uniform and hot and inescapably dry. Prior to the subsequent stabilizing of the island in late January 2019, the area was splotched with rich grasslands, flush with flowers, remannts of Ziziphus leaking through the sands in bursts of golden-brown grass and the awkward swells of half-hills.
This meant that the area played host to a number of shrumal ogres, which are usually better at concealing themselves among the landscape, using their dull coloration and dark green caps to blend in with the undergrowth. A lack of any such undergrowth here made them obvious targets, but that didn't seem to put them off any.
Dangers: Shrumal ogres
Resources: Mental influence characteristic to Monsun's western side
C3 | ѱ PREY
Searched anew by Edward Elric, Erika Fisher, and Foster van Denend in January 2019. The woodland of Monsun's eastern half comes to a tenuous halt as it segues into the ribbon of river that bisects Monsun into its two halves. The land on the other side of it is recognizable as the sandy-yellow of Monsun's western half.Of course, you could always make your way across said river. Its waters can be rough at times, but it can be safely waded or swam across, for the most part.
On the eastern side of this region, a group of tigerlilies have made their home on the riverbanks. The western part of C3 also appears to be more or less quite normal. For the most part, there's nothing but the harsh and scorching heat of the sun overhead, unbroken by trees. It's a good thing that there's a well, just ahead. Or, to be more specific, some well mimics that frequent this region.
Dangers: Mental influence characteristic to Monsun's eastern side; well mimics to the west
Resources: Mental influence characteristic to Monsun's western side; tigerlilies to the east
Searched anew by Edward Elric, Erika Fisher, and Foster van Denend in January 2019. The woodland of Monsun's eastern half comes to a tenuous halt as it segues into the ribbon of river that bisects Monsun into its two halves. The land on the other side of it is recognizable as the sandy-yellow of Monsun's western half.Of course, you could always make your way across said river. Its waters can be rough at times, but it can be safely waded or swam across, for the most part.
On the eastern side of this region, a group of tigerlilies have made their home on the riverbanks. The western part of C3 also appears to be more or less quite normal. For the most part, there's nothing but the harsh and scorching heat of the sun overhead, unbroken by trees. It's a good thing that there's a well, just ahead. Or, to be more specific, some well mimics that frequent this region.
Dangers: Mental influence characteristic to Monsun's eastern side; well mimics to the west
Resources: Mental influence characteristic to Monsun's western side; tigerlilies to the east
D3 | ѱ PREY
Searched anew by Ann Takamaki, Héctor Rivera, Mira, and Pyrrha Nikos in January 2019. Away from Monsun's coast, progressing very slightly into the island's heartland in a steady western crawl, it will rapidly become apparent shreds of Ziziphus's remnants still remain in the odd sprout of jungle-like trees, and vine-swathed trunks.
A group of treeclops, a peculiar animal native to Ziziphus, can be found here. They resemble deer in all the important ways, save for the texture of their hide, which is more akin to wood. It is for this reason that treeclops make for an excellent source of lumber. This herd doesn't seem bothered by the presence of others at all. If you're in need of some extra timber, at least you've got a handy source.
Dangers: Mental influence characteristic to Monsun's eastern side
Resources: Treeclops
Searched anew by Ann Takamaki, Héctor Rivera, Mira, and Pyrrha Nikos in January 2019. Away from Monsun's coast, progressing very slightly into the island's heartland in a steady western crawl, it will rapidly become apparent shreds of Ziziphus's remnants still remain in the odd sprout of jungle-like trees, and vine-swathed trunks.
A group of treeclops, a peculiar animal native to Ziziphus, can be found here. They resemble deer in all the important ways, save for the texture of their hide, which is more akin to wood. It is for this reason that treeclops make for an excellent source of lumber. This herd doesn't seem bothered by the presence of others at all. If you're in need of some extra timber, at least you've got a handy source.
Dangers: Mental influence characteristic to Monsun's eastern side
Resources: Treeclops
E3 | ₪ MANA POOL
The region of E3 is full of a rich, deciduous woodland encircling a beautiful lake. The tranquil scene once hosted a small warren of rabbits, hiding out beneath the mounded earth, though they seem to have dispersed.
The sandy stretch of land at the lake's center hosts a single stone plinth, which contains the island's sole remaining mana pool. Said mana pool is still present, but the structure around it has degraded, as though it has become weathered over time.
Dangers: Mental influence characteristic to Monsun's eastern side
Resources: Mana pool
The region of E3 is full of a rich, deciduous woodland encircling a beautiful lake. The tranquil scene once hosted a small warren of rabbits, hiding out beneath the mounded earth, though they seem to have dispersed.
The sandy stretch of land at the lake's center hosts a single stone plinth, which contains the island's sole remaining mana pool. Said mana pool is still present, but the structure around it has degraded, as though it has become weathered over time.
Dangers: Mental influence characteristic to Monsun's eastern side
Resources: Mana pool
B4 | Ⴄ PREDATOR
Searched anew by Castor Westmoore and Legion in January 2019. The southwest coast of Monsun is desert, a bare and unforgiving wasteland. The island terminates, eventually, in a jagged line of coast that hosts foam-crested waves as they slap up against the desert sands.
An abundance of rootwyrms managed to take up residence in certain pockets of B4, though they certainly don't seem very happy to be there. Rootwyrms, by nature, prefer thick and verdant woodland - not open desert sands like these. To call this cluster of rootwyrms "displeased" would be an understatement; they're very eager to get out of this area, and they're all the more willing to lash out as a consequence. While they can be potentially useful for resources - they leave behind a large, turtle-like shell upon death that might be helpful for building material, and there's possibly edible flesh beneath their thick, scaly hide - they are also an absolute nightmare to contend with. Between their capacity to spit corrosive acid at passersby, thick, barklike skin that's difficult to pierce, and their large and powerful jaws, the rootwyrm makes for a very dangerous opponent indeed.
Dangers: Rootwyrms
Resources: Mental influence characteristic to Monsun's western side
Searched anew by Castor Westmoore and Legion in January 2019. The southwest coast of Monsun is desert, a bare and unforgiving wasteland. The island terminates, eventually, in a jagged line of coast that hosts foam-crested waves as they slap up against the desert sands.
An abundance of rootwyrms managed to take up residence in certain pockets of B4, though they certainly don't seem very happy to be there. Rootwyrms, by nature, prefer thick and verdant woodland - not open desert sands like these. To call this cluster of rootwyrms "displeased" would be an understatement; they're very eager to get out of this area, and they're all the more willing to lash out as a consequence. While they can be potentially useful for resources - they leave behind a large, turtle-like shell upon death that might be helpful for building material, and there's possibly edible flesh beneath their thick, scaly hide - they are also an absolute nightmare to contend with. Between their capacity to spit corrosive acid at passersby, thick, barklike skin that's difficult to pierce, and their large and powerful jaws, the rootwyrm makes for a very dangerous opponent indeed.
Dangers: Rootwyrms
Resources: Mental influence characteristic to Monsun's western side
C4 | Ⴄ PREDATOR / Ɏ | VEGETABLES/ROOTS
Searched anew by Ardyn Izunia, Faust, Gladiolus Amicitia, and Prompto Argentum in January 2019. The river flowers into the desert landscape, dividing the island into awkward halves. To the west of it, Monsun's desert heat is warmed by the unrelenting overhead sun.
A crop of cacti might initially promise to be an invaluable resource, until they turn out to be anything but. Walking cacti are silent predators who prefer to slowly approach their prey, avoiding being noticed by their targets until it is too late.
Thankfully, not all of the cacti are of the walking, murderous variant. The more stationary types of cacti in the vicinity might be recognizable to as Opuntia basilaris, known colloquially as the beavertail pricklypear. This particular species' highly visible, bright pink flowers are a dead giveaway. The pricklypear's buds can be steamed or cooked, and the large seeds can be ground into an edible mush. Just be careful when harvesting it - this particular species of cactus isn't as obviously barbed as most, but its flat, fleshy pads bear hundreds of tiny bristles that can be painful to dig out of the skin.
Dangers: Mental influence characteristic to Monsun's eastern side; walking cacti to the west
Resources: Mental influence characteristic to Monsun's western side; beavertail pricklypear cacti to the west
Searched anew by Ardyn Izunia, Faust, Gladiolus Amicitia, and Prompto Argentum in January 2019. The river flowers into the desert landscape, dividing the island into awkward halves. To the west of it, Monsun's desert heat is warmed by the unrelenting overhead sun.
A crop of cacti might initially promise to be an invaluable resource, until they turn out to be anything but. Walking cacti are silent predators who prefer to slowly approach their prey, avoiding being noticed by their targets until it is too late.
Thankfully, not all of the cacti are of the walking, murderous variant. The more stationary types of cacti in the vicinity might be recognizable to as Opuntia basilaris, known colloquially as the beavertail pricklypear. This particular species' highly visible, bright pink flowers are a dead giveaway. The pricklypear's buds can be steamed or cooked, and the large seeds can be ground into an edible mush. Just be careful when harvesting it - this particular species of cactus isn't as obviously barbed as most, but its flat, fleshy pads bear hundreds of tiny bristles that can be painful to dig out of the skin.
Dangers: Mental influence characteristic to Monsun's eastern side; walking cacti to the west
Resources: Mental influence characteristic to Monsun's western side; beavertail pricklypear cacti to the west
D4 | Ɏ VEGETABLES/ROOTS
Searched anew by Foster van Denend, the Knight, and Muffet in January 2019. Throughout the deciduous woodland, Ziziphus's vine-draped, dead and dying trunks are interspersed with Monsun's undergrowth in uneven bursts. To the south of the region, the bend of a river swells out into the landscape. The western side of the island should be easy enough to access beyond the river. Here, though...it's hard to say. The other side of the island isn't visible from D4.
The ground near the southern part of the region is particularly boggy, drenched with the river-water that has leaked into the grassy banks. As it happens, those swampy river conditions are perfect for the growth of Cyperus papyrus. Papyrus is a hardy plant with edible roots, but it is most known for its versatility. Papyrus has a well-documented use in such crafts as the production of boats, paper, baskets, utensils, and more.
Dangers: Mental influence characteristic to Monsun's eastern side
Resources: Cyperus papyrus
Searched anew by Foster van Denend, the Knight, and Muffet in January 2019. Throughout the deciduous woodland, Ziziphus's vine-draped, dead and dying trunks are interspersed with Monsun's undergrowth in uneven bursts. To the south of the region, the bend of a river swells out into the landscape. The western side of the island should be easy enough to access beyond the river. Here, though...it's hard to say. The other side of the island isn't visible from D4.
The ground near the southern part of the region is particularly boggy, drenched with the river-water that has leaked into the grassy banks. As it happens, those swampy river conditions are perfect for the growth of Cyperus papyrus. Papyrus is a hardy plant with edible roots, but it is most known for its versatility. Papyrus has a well-documented use in such crafts as the production of boats, paper, baskets, utensils, and more.
Dangers: Mental influence characteristic to Monsun's eastern side
Resources: Cyperus papyrus