The results of the recent island raid along with the implementation of Armada insignias has created a tense atmosphere. Rumors that it was those from Elah who spearheaded the grotesque trend of the crystallization of living creatures to put on display have been spreading, while the Corsairs are responsible for supplying their greed. It's clear that members of both Armadas were involved in some way, yet there are those who try to place worse blame on the other. Because of this, attempts for First Tides festivities throughout the month have been stifled. Some are still able to come together to celebrate the importance of the leviathans that allow people to survive on their backs, with the current divide making residents particularly more loyal to their home leviathan.

But when the sudden appearance of a large snapping turtle that is almost twice the size of Eltrut appears, its jaws snapping and aggressively moving as if to fight the bewildered leviathan, all that tension, anger, and frustration seems to pivot towards the aggressor. Dubbed Reppansagen, fleets from both Armadas join in to try and force the leviathan away, each side moving as if to prove themselves. Some are reckless, ships crushed or swallowed by the snapping turtle's monstrous jaws, but eventually those who manage to breach the shell realize that this turtle isn't rampaging without reason.

Ominous spiny spikes protrude from the turtle's shell, and turtlefolk who have joined the fray are able to figure out at least a few reasons for the turtle's aggression. Where the spines came from is a mystery for now. Thus within a day, objectives pivot from fighting the turtle to helping it, though there are still those who are more on the defensive until the turtle calms down. Due to the massive size of the turtle and the spines, this would be a weeks long undertaking.



The "ground" is mostly just the shell of the leviathan, and it is dry, rocky, and almost barren with vegetation mostly found on the higher ridges. Living around the bottom ridges are various gangs of scavengers that make a living out of salvaging what the snapping turtle has left behind in its wake. They salvage anything from broken materials to valuable goods. They are greedy, sneaky thugs who will lie, steal and kill to make a dubloon. Be careful not to get robbed.

Deeper and higher up the shell are hidden villages of snapping turtlefolk that, most likely because of the scavengers, are hostile and aggressive to outsiders. Venture too close and one may be attacked with barbed spears, the tips like small jaws that will clamp down and hook into the target's flesh, making it difficult to remove. But if one can help rid them of the scavengers and prove they are helping the leviathan, they may loosen up. Perhaps guiding one of the other turtlefolk from Eltrut over to help translate and communicate will help. Getting on their good side will yield guides, assistance in pulling out the spines, and even some rare minerals and materials, including some treasures they may have collected or taken from the scavengers.

Whether on purpose or being caught by the leviathan's lure, those who get too close to the turtle's mouth will need to either somehow steer their ship through or save the crushing weight that destroys their ship. Inside the turtle's mouth is a graveyard of broken ships that it has attempted to snap and eat. Broken, waterlogged wood and rusty metal is scattered everywhere, not to mention the occasional floating skeleton or lost treasure. Those who attempt to travel through the mouth can try and dislodge any painful pieces that may have pierced the turtle’s gums and perhaps it will release them in gratitude.

But for those who are unable or caught in the strong current and are swallowed, if not on a ship then there is a lot of debris that can be used as a surfing board or a raft to travel down what will be a very long drop through its throat. This will be a test for many ships and where many who survived the initial crushing jaws may topple over and wreck if they can't maintain steady balance.

It will eventually even out and those who manage to survive it all will find themselves in the stomach. By the entrance the water is turbulent but safe, but the water grows more acidic the further in, becoming a toxic, acidic ocean that is very dangerous to the touch. Any live tissue that enters this part of the water will be slowly dissolved and digested. It is best to avoid getting in the ocean water whatsoever. But crossing it… That might be the bigger challenge.



Once further through the stomach there is an exit leading into the intestines. There is no water here, instead it is made of multiple long, winding caverns that look like they are also made out of earth and stone. They are rough and hilly and it will be quite the trek to get through them to reach the end. Those with ships will have to figure out how to move them over the land. What’s worse is the tunnels seem to absorb and reject all forms of light sources, so anyone travelling through these tunnels will have to do it in pitch black darkness. But perhaps there is a way to find the light. Holding hands with a precious person might make the walls light up and glow… This note might be learned from the slugfolk in the area who happily sing a song.

Song lyrics:

Two lovers, forbidden from one another
A war divides their people
And a mountain divides them apart
Built a path to be together
And die...
Secret tunnel!
Secret tunnel!
Through the mountain!
Secret, secret, secret, secret tunnel!

As they get closer to the "exit," things will start smelling a bit foul and by now everyone should have figured out where they need to go to escape. There's also a bit of a…blockage that will prevent an easy out. To help relieve the leviathan of its constipation, there are some glowing mushrooms growing along the rock walls around the area and back in the intestines that when crushed and mixed into the dark river will soften things up. Massaging the rough walls might help relax things as well. Once enough has been mixed, there will be a loud guURugLGllle, a signal that the leviathan is ready to blow. It's their one shot to be expelled out of the leviathan, so don't waste it!

The current MANTA Board is available, but we have a couple of additional quests that are specific for the event! These quest in particular is more related to First Tides festivities, good for those who may be less interested in dealing with the cranky turtle. Teaming up is of course encouraged, no matter what the affiliation. You can assume they acquired some kind of ship for the quests out at sea, either the starter ship or some other ship heading out there. All quests will be worth 4 points.