Post by Blaka on Dec 19, 2015 16:39:43 GMT -5
created by Vio
Name
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Manor Twist
Society
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UnderboardersThe two hundred or so humans that populate the lowest region of Manor Twist do not typically have a name for themselves, but sometimes use the term 'Underboarders'. The inhabitants of the upper reaches call them 'Wingless' as a derogatory term.
ManorborneThe Sky Islanders that inhabit the upper reaches of Manor Twist, who are said to be descendants of the original creators of the citadel, refer to themselves as the 'Manorborne'. The humans of the Underboard refer to them as 'Fallen Angels'.
Size of Island
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Small
About 3/4th the size of Water 7
Impressive Altitude of 6,000 meters
Location
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Fairy Tale Route
ParadiseDue to its location, Manor Twist can be considered a partial Sky Island, though it is settled in the Blue Sea of the Fairy Tale Route, rather than the White Sea of the sky above.
Log Pose Times
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NoneManor Twist was not originally a part of this region of the Grand Line and thus does not abide by the same magnetic signature of the islands of the route that would influence the Log Pose. As such, it is entirely optional for crews travelling on the Fairy Tale Route to visit or ignore this island as they see fit, though one should know that there is a substantial stretch of ocean between Manor Twist and the next island in the chain, making this place something of a necessity to stop off at should a crew wish to make the trip successfully by stocking up on supplies. Due to its location, the Log Pose still seems to point to this island, but the observant traveller will notice that the needle does not stop pointing onward, regardless of where they are on the island.
5 DaysThose who do spend long enough on Manor Twist will notice that the Log Pose will eventually change after just under a week, pointing them in an entirely new direction, and towards the Sky! This is because Manor Twist was once connected to the island of Jewel Haven, existing as the island prior to it on the Reflection Route. However, this island is otherwise not a part of the Reflection Route and will not influence the Log Poses of crews travelling upon it.
Climatic Type
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Spring
Climate, Seasons &Weather
-~-~-~-Manor Twist possesses a climate akin to that of early springtime, being quite cool and rather damp for the most part, but having a substantial number of warmer days. Because of the clouds that envelop it, the place often seems to be foggy and can experience rainfall similar to spring showers; not heavy and rather refreshing to be caught in. Summer months tend to be slightly warmer and drier, while slight snowfall and frosts may occur during winter. Another consistent feature of the climate is being very windy, all year round, with wind speeds going anywhere from a gentle breeze to gale force, depending on what area of the island you're on.
Island Appearance
-~-~-~-As one spies this island upon the horizon, the first thing you would notice is what appears to be an incredibly steep mountain protruding from the ocean and piercing the skies, almost entirely enshrouded by thick and fluffy white clouds that obscure any and all features of the location. However, once you begin to draw near, the reality of Manor Twist begins to make itself more obvious to the naked eye. What at first resembles some sort of mountain begins to take on a facade similar to that of a castle, only built upside down. What appears to be the tallest tower of the structure now penetrates the water's surface, a feature which makes many assume that it is an actual island. Following this 'tower' up, the structure seems to widen, but at the same time the clouds begin to wrap about it and obscure the features of the ever increasing altitude. Indeed, from sea level it is impossible to see the uppermost levels of Manor Twist, as they are completely contained within the unnaturally still cloud. The full shape of the 'island' is somewhat akin to a cube balanced upon one corner, then stretched up towards the skies above.
Manor Twist is not actually an island in its own right, but a massive citadel created by its inhabitants. As such, very little natural rock formation exists here, the land itself consisting of countless interlocking structures forged of a peculiarly lightweight yet durable type of stone. What appears to be snow-laden ground is actually Island Cloud that has been pulled down from above, which is what prevents this almighty fortress from collapsing into the deep blue waters below. A vast number of stairways, bridges and doors comprise the majority of the structure, but the most fascinating feature is that a lot of them seem impossible. Bridges that appear to be upside down or vertical or even twisted, stairways that seem to have been built to connect walls and ceilings rather than the floors, and otherwise normal doorways are framed within stonework that seems inaccessible to anyone but those who could defy gravity. In general, the island is very reminiscent of a sketch or painting by the real world artist, M.C. Escher.
Flora & Fauna
-~-~-~-Manor Twist's array of life combines the unusual with the downright peculiar, thought most of the natural entities that call it home are not entirely native to the place itself. Many, if not all, were introduced from the foreign land of the White Sea, the endless stretch of sea cloud that forms the skies above and from whence Manor Twist descended. Most of the lower sections of the island are somewhat overgrown with mosses and algae that thrive in the cool and damp conditions, while such greenery seems to disappear as one ascends higher up, replaced by altogether more bizarre examples of plants and fungal life. Animal life is somewhat scarce on Manor Twist, but the creatures that do exist here are some of the most unique beings to ever be encountered in Paradise. A variety of different birds and reptiles and other scaly animals, some common and others not so, form the bulk of the fauna. Below is the complete 'bestiary' of the prominent life forms that appear on this island. Click on an entry name to view its information:{Cloud-Tail}Appearance: The Cloud-Tails are a medium-sized bird approximately twice the size of the average Peacock and possessing similarly spectacular plumage. Males haves a beautiful mix of blues, greens and golds amidst their feathers, whilst the females are defined by their darker, mottled colours. Males also possess fluffy white down around their head and upper neck, left over from youth. Chicks, though very rarely seen, are pure white and wrapped in a thick curly down that makes them resemble small puffs of cloud or cotton. The most distinctive feature of these birds is also their namesake; their tails consist of several long feathers (reaching up to three metres in length in older males) that are laced with fluffy, fine white follicles that resemble thin strips of cloud. Chicks do not possess such tails, and the tail feathers don't actually start to grow until their down is completely shed. Finally, these birds possess natural adhesive pads on their toes - just under their claws - which allow them to scale and cling to various surfaces with ease, even hanging upside-down. Their ability to fly is limited, allowing for short bursts with their small wings, but otherwise unable to remain aloft for very long.
Habitat & Behaviour: The Cloud-Tails primarily inhabit the middle sections of Manor Twist, where the two sapient societies - humans and the Manorborne - tread less often. They are particularly common in areas where the thicker sea and island clouds are found. As such, Cloud-Tails are naturally wary of humanoid races moving through their territories, though they are by no means aggressive unless one attempts to raid their nests, in which case males and females alike will gang up on the intruder and ward them off with a display of splayed tails, forming a sort of fence. Failure to heed this warning will probably result in some extremely sharp pecks, bits and scratches. The tails of these birds are used for more than just display purposes; the wispy lengths being fanned out as they move through areas of thick cloud cover allow the birds to gather up the heavier cloud for use in their nesting habits. Nests resemble cumulus clouds, helping to disguise the similarly fluffy young. Eggs, however, are a polished silver hue and highly reflective, like the surface of a mirror, and are laid in pairs.{Rolpens}Appearance: The Rolpens are the only mammals (aside from people) to inhabit Manor Twist. They grow up to three metres in length, possessing a lengthy body covered in stony grey plates of keratin (formed of hair and nails) and have round, shiny black eyes that rest upon small stalks protruding from either side of their narrow head. Strangely insect-like in appearance, the Rolpens possess three pairs of legs; each limb is a fleshy pink colour and resembles a chubby human arm, ending with a toeless foot adorned with adhesive pads that allow them to climb efficiently. Young Rolpens (called 'Rolpups') start off no larger than a kitten and hatch from dark grey, somewhat disk-shaped eggs (raising the question about their classification), possessing a pink hairless body. Hair starts to grow during the weaning period, eventually forming the tough keratin hide seen in adults upon reaching maturity. Rolpens' mouths are somewhat like a parrot's beak, possessing sharpened bone plates as opposed to teeth, which are used to crush the shells of eggs. The Manorborne refer to these animals as 'Wentelteefje'.
Habitat & Behaviour: The Rolpens are adept climbers and thus inhabit the middle reaches of Manor Twist, though it is not too uncommon for the humans below to encounter them. The flexibility of their bodies and limbs allow them to navigate rough and steep terrain alike. However, Rolpens can move a lot faster by curling their bodies up; in doing so the keratin plating completely sheathes them and causes their shape to resemble an old stone wheel, with only eyes and legs protruding from the sides. In this state, the creatures use their legs to steer, brake and accelerate as they roll around at speeds reaching up to fifty miles per hour. Rolpens are not aggressive towards people unless provoked, and happily mind their own business. They feed upon the eggs of Cloud-Tails, as well as the fleshy bark of the mangroves that grow in the lowest reaches of the island, which is where they attain most of their moisture from.{Avalerion} Appearance: The Avalerion is an enormous bird-like creature spoken of by the human population as a sort of folk tale, none believing in it. However, as the Manorborne know, it is quite real. The body of the Avalerion can reach the same size as the Whale Shark (if not far longer due to its serpentine form), with a massive wingspan to boot, and is covered in a layer of emerald green plumage so dense and smooth that it may as well be made of solid steel. Legs have long since devolved into nothing more than fin-like spreads of plumage, but its wings have each developed a pair of thick, serrated talons. It does not have a beak, but rather a mammalian mouth lined with sharp, crushing fangs, not unlike the jaws of a Killer Whale. In a sense, the creature is more like an enormous fish than a bird.
Habitat & Behaviour: The Avalerion is rarely seen by the Sky Islanders, but it is purported to dwell in the thick island cloud surrounding much of the upper reaches of Manor Twist, burrowing through the cloud like some sort of worm, or swimming through the softer sea clouds. It barely needs to flap its wings to stay aloft, though it is said that a single wing beat is enough to kick up a mighty gale. Avalerion is only said to land when tending to its eggs, or when on the hunt, and when it does land it uses its wings as legs to help clamber around. The creatures are rumoured to lay a pair of perfectly spherical eggs only once in their three-hundred-year-long life time, the shells as hard as iron and as large as a half-Giant's clenched fist, possessing a Giraffe pattern of white with sky blue patches. Predatory by nature, the Avalerion feeds upon Rolpens - capable of crushing its way through their shells - but only does so when they are higher up in Manor Twist (it supposedly cannot fly beneath the lowest cloud layer). However, it is aggressive and feared, for it is said to have swallowed Manorborne whole before now.{Vanillion}Appearance: The Vanillion is a species of flower native to Manor Twist and heralding from the White Sea far above; remnants of what used to be. They are relatively small plants, barely growing much larger than a single rose, and possessing a uniquely swollen and stocky stem adorned with thick vanilla hued roots at one end and a nine petal bloom of identical colour at the other. They do not grow leaves and instead take their nutrients directly from the air, able to survive for prolonged periods of time without food or water. Most of the time, the blossom is closed, the back of each petal adorned with small dark blue markings that are unique to each subspecies.
Habitat & Behaviour: Akin to the Dials used by other Sky Islanders, the Vanillion are strange plants whose ability to store moisture gathered from the air around them provide them with their strange abilities. When 'full', the flowers bloom and release a payload of Cloud, each subspecies producing a very particular type. It is by this process that they regions of the Cloud Nine are filled with various types of Cloud, generated by these blossoms that inhabit only those areas of Manor Twist. The production of cloud also carries with it seeds and pollen, which is how the flowers reproduce.
- Ito Vanillion (String Cloud) - This subspecies of Vanillion can be identified by the deep blue 'spiderweb' pattern that decorates the outside of the petals. When they bloom, they spew forth copious amounts of fine, almost invisible String Cloud which tangles itself around objects, causing passing things to become caught up in the string.
- Numa Vanillion (Swamp Cloud) - Identified by the deep blue horizontal bands that envelop the outside of the petals, this Vanillion's bloom spits out large amounts of thick and heavy Swamp Cloud into which unsuspected travellers sink and become bogged down, suffocating if they are completely swallowed.
- Tetsu Vanillion (Iron Cloud) - These Vanillion have deep blue diamond patterns on the outside of the petals and, upon blooming, churn out a malleable plume of cloud which quickly hardens into a solid form of Iron Cloud.
- Beto Vanillion (Sticky Cloud) - This particular subspecies has a deep blue 'paint spatter' pattern decorating the exterior of its petals. When blooming, the Vanillion spits out a form of cloud similar to Swamp Cloud, but more fluid, which sticks to other surfaces like glue.
- Kagami Vanillion (Mirror Cloud) - Kagami Vanillion are identifiable due to their deep blue spots, which possess a reflective sheen. Upon blooming, they regurgitate a type of thick cloud which solidifies like Iron Cloud, but has the hardness and toughness of glass. Smooth surfaces have reflective properties, like a polished mirror.
- Gomu Vanillion (Rubber Cloud) - A thick type of Island Cloud is spewed forth by this Vanillion subspecies, marked by deep blue wiggly lines on the flower's exterior. Though it is as tough as standard Island Cloud, Rubber Cloud is extremely bouncy and can jiggle like jelly.
- Kogoru Vanillion (Freeze Cloud) - These Vanillion have deep blue 'stars' covering the backs of their petals. The cloud they produce is naturally cold and icy to the touch, but shifts between being as tough as Iron Cloud or as light as mist, losing its colour as it does so and when exposed to substantial heat, like from a flame.
- Umi Vanillion (Sea Cloud) - Umi Vanillion possess a deep blue 'wave' design around the base of the petals around the outside. When they bloom, they release large amounts of Sea Cloud which pours out like water and floods the vicinity.
- Sube Vanillion (Slippery Cloud) - This subspecies of Vanillion has a deep blue chevron pattern across the outside of the petals. When it blooms, the cloud it produces takes on the consistency of Island Cloud, but has a very wet and slippery texture, making it nearly impossible to stand upon without slipping and sliding.
Inhabitants
-~-~-~-Manor Twist has a very small population which consists primarily of humans who live in the lower district of the Underboard. Citizens very rarely venture into the higher altitudes due to the difficulty of the structures and the presence of the Manorborne who despise them, instead choosing to live at the Underboard. As such, most business is settled around the ports, where the mangroves grow wild. However, humans are not the only settlers on Manor Twist, as the original architects have returned to their home after many decades. Sky People. The winged citizens of Manor Twist - who call themselves the 'Manorborne' - live exclusively in the uppermost reaches of the citadel, segregated from humans by their own distaste for the 'Wingless'. Both peoples know of one another's existences, but they typically keep to themselves. The Sky People who call Manor Twist home can be discerned from others by two features; their white-feathered wings curve upwards and sprout from their lower back, at their waistline, while they commonly style their hair into a sort of halo at the back.
Prominent Organizations,
Groups and Establishments
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Underboard PoliceA group of voluntary law enforcers two dozen strong, they are men and women who keep the peace in the Underboard, and are proficient enough fighters to put troublemakers in their place. When on duty, they typically carry a truncheon, cutlass and pistol, but otherwise have no specific uniform outside of a small bronze star they wear upon their shirts.
The Three BishopsThe leaders of the Manorborne, these three elders govern Manor Heights and decide upon the most difficult of things for the sake of their people. Each dons a different colour of robe - green, red and blue - and can be easily recognised by the staves they carry, nesting Vanillion blooms.
Trends
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Fashion
-~-People of the Underboard typically wear very standard clothing. Due to the small population, bigger and trendy brand names such as Doskoi Panda are never seen by locals, though sometimes such things are brought in by travellers. Fashion for humans here is generally as diverse as the people who make up the community.
The Manorborne, however, wear rather elaborate clothing. Men wear tight sleeveless shirts cut off at the midriff to allow their wings freedom, as well as baggy trousers with tight hems. Women usually wear backless dresses for wing freedom. Both the children and the elderly tend to don lengthy robes. Most Manorborne allow their hair to grow to length and then shape it into a halo at the back, a trademark of their race. Standard colours include pure white (as the clouds), sky blue and emerald green in worship of Avalerion.
Laws & Politics
-~-The Underboard is led by trade and example, possessing a small public police force of about two dozen volunteers who uphold the standard laws of human civilisation. They are not allied with the World Government at all.
For the Manorborne, laws are quite strict, but otherwise the same as humans. Most Manorborne men (and some women) are trained as combatants, in case of invasion by human forces, and such disciplines mean that the laws here are rarely broken. Their people are led by the Three Bishops, a group of elders who make the important decisions. Humans and other invasive races are typically despised.
Industry
-~-Manor Twist has no particular industrial significance. Much of the business here is on a social and supportive level, dabbling in various occupations to help keep the Underboard running.
However, the Manorborne are descendants of the original architects of the island's impressive structure. As such, they are skilled at their crafts; carpentry, masonry, metalwork and so on.
Cuisine
-~-Underboard cuisine typically consists of seafood and poultry, garnished with fruits and vegetables shipped in and nurtured from abroad. Red meats are uncommon due to their being little room to keep large livestock such as pigs and cattle.
Local cuisine for the Manorborne consists almost entirely of fruits and vegetables that they grow up above, with meat (poultry especially) seen as a taboo due to their reverence of the Avalerion. Edible mushrooms are also eaten, however.
Non-Player Characters
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Bishop MauritsThe Bishop in Green, Maurits is an elderly gentlemen in his late nineties, distinguished by his grey hair. He has a bald patch atop his head, with the remnants of his hair tied into a halo at the back, as per tradition. He also has an extremely long 'Fu Manchu' moustache, very narrow jade eyes and has a hunched over stance. His staff is adorned with an Ito Vanillion, for producing String Cloud.
Maurits is a wise and cunning man whose wit is as sharp as ever, able to identify even the most complex and well thought out of lies, easily discerning them from the truth. Though he is not the strongest physically, his mental ability is incredible and - despite his age - his senses are keen as a hawk's.
Bishop CornelisThe Bishop in Red, Cornelis is the only woman among the elders and is in her early nineties, with thick lengths of grey hair and soft maroon eyes. As is traditional, she wears a halo hair style, though she also has four plaits which drape across her shoulders. She is rarely seen walking and spends much of her time sitting in a chair made of Island Cloud and timber. Her staff nests a Numa Vanillion, for producing Swamp Cloud.
Cornelis in her youth was a legendary warrior of her people and even now is quick and agile, despite being limited to her chair for the most part. Her ability to make snap decisions is what discerns her from the other Bishops, though she is never one to jump to conclusions without good reason.
Bishop EscherThe Bishop in Blue, Escher is an elderly gentleman in his late eighties - the youngest of the elders - and is known for his handsome looks despite his age. Sapphire blue eyes and silver-blond hair, tied into the standard halo, he stands tall and clearly has no trouble walking around despite a subtle limp. His build is quite muscular. His staff houses a Tetsu Vanillion, for producing Iron Cloud.
Escher is perhaps the most imposing of the Three Bishops, but he is also the first to jump to conclusions and can seen quite an aggressive character. His strength of will is nigh unbreakable and his ability to take blows both physical and mental is legendary, despite his age. He can, however, be incredibly testing on those he talks to, simply because he likes to see results as soon as possible.
Settlements & Places of Interest
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The UnderboardThe lowest section of Manor Twist is partially submerged, providing the illusion that the island is a natural formation coming from the seabed, when the reality is anything but. With a high concentration of mangroves whose roots dangle in the seawater, having adapted to the salinity, the Underboard is where the majority of the human population of the island lives. It is a network of trees, timber and stonework that forms a layered town in which a population of just a couple of hundred people live. Surrounded by a network of small piers, much of the Underboard functions as a port, shadowed by the foliage of the leafy canopy and then the cloud and citadel above.
Manor WalkThe second lowest sections of the island are those just beyond the mangrove canopy, concealed by a very fine mist that descends from the cloud layers above. The Manor Walk is an area that has not been populated by the humans who settled in the Underboard and consists primarily of the topsy-turvy ruins of the citadel that once was. Dressed with small amounts of invasive Blue Sea flora that grow amongst the buildings, as well as grasses and such that originated from the White Sea, Manor Walk's eerie network of ruins houses numerous gardens and water features that still grow and function. Bizarre stairways, doors and bridges criss-cross the terrain. The upper regions of this landscape allow access to Twist Core and Cloud Nine.
Twist CoreTwist Core is the central point of Manor Twist, where much of the ruins seemed to be founded from. It is not much different from the terrain of Manor Walk below, though lacking in flora due to an absence of exposure to natural sunlight. The middle of the area houses an unusual series of waterways which funnel Sea Cloud down them, albeit the channels themselves are upside-down. It is because of the altitude of this area that the cloud is capable of achieving a circular flow; at its lowest point the cloud is so dilute that it ascends upwards as a sort of reversed waterfall which carries more solid Island Cloud platforms up to the 'base' of the waterfall. Here, the clouds solidify, regaining mass and starting their strange descent back down the waterway, repeating the cycle and creation a sort of massive elevator that carries adventurers up towards Cloud Nine's main access point.
Cloud NineIn terms of terrain, the Cloud Nine is an area not unlike the Manor Walk, albeit lacking the same degrees of vegetation. Here, flora is more scarce, save for a very peculiar kind of flower that grows in various forms. This is usually the lowest point of Manor Twist to which the Manorborne will descend and, to defend their home from further intrusion, they have set up a series of 'tests' for those who dare try and come this far. Nine sections (divided into three 'paths' of three) separate the Twist Core from the Manor Heights, each rigged with ordeals consisting of particular forms of Cloud, maintained only at this altitude. Each path (A, B or C) holds three unique trials, as detailed below, and it is only by surpassing each successive trial in the path that adventurers can reach the gates of Manor Heights. The paths and trials are neither named nor hinted at, leaving it up to choice and luck of the draw as to which path adventurers end up taking. Click the path name below to view the trials it possesses:{Path A}
This first path challenges ones ability to observe their surroundings, as well as their ability to react in time to potentially dangerous situations. It is an ordeal to test the mind and the senses alike, and one that requires a keen eye and even keener reflexes!
- First Trial (String) - Those taking Path A will find the first area they progress through to appear rather normal, save for the Vanillion that flower here among the cloud and ruins; but the unwary wanderer may suddenly find themselves all tied up by the countless yards of String Cloud that weaves around this place, produced by the flowers and carried around by the Cloud-Tails to reach new places. Interference by the Manorborne has resulted in the development of numerous natural 'traps', from falling rubble loosened by unseen tripwires, to deadly coils of cloud that whip out and cut at the unwary.
- Second Trial (Mirror) - For those who succeed in passing the trials of the String Cloud, the next ordeal they must pass through is one of smoke and mirror. With clouds meandering about the ruins, people can become disorientated by the reflections of the Mirror Cloud, with the Manorborne having set up tricks and traps of their own. Invisible bridges created by reflective trickery, dizzying tunnels and glaring beams of blinding light that set fire to fuses and fuels; all dangerous obstacles for the adventurous to overcome.
- Third Trial (Sea) - The final trial of Path A is the bane of all Devil Fruit users, wrought with the dangers of flowing Sea Cloud that create curious streams and cascades, and even ebb and flow to flood the ruined chambers by virtue of the Manorborne's defensive designs. Waterwheels, dams and fountains make this place a sort of haven for those adept in the sea and the sky alike, while those without such blessings may be doomed to be battered to death or washed out into the open for the great Avalerion to pick off.
{Path B}
This path challenges the adventurer's speed and self-control alike, offering ordeals which push one to both move quickly and tread lightly. The slow risk falling prey to the traps that line these trials, whilst the hasty risk overstepping the mark and falling to their doom!
- First Trial (Rubber) - Path B's first trial can be considered fun to some, but that does not take away from the dangers it presents. Amidst ruins and cloud, Vanillion blooms forge masses of rubbery and bouncy Island Cloud across which even the heaviest of men will bounce uncontrollably. Like an enormous bouncy castle, or a game of pinball, wanderers much master their mobility and control their trajectory in order to reach new heights and avoid the traps set up here. Chains of bouncy cloud propel people into beds of spikes, or outside to fall victim to the hungering Avalerion, whilst one false move can send out bouncing volleys of cannon shot and bullets in all directions!
- Second Trial (Swamp) - Those who surpass the trial of the Rubber Cloud must then face the woes of the Swamp Cloud. Stretches of strange Island Cloud conceal pits of viscous, grasping 'quicksand' that threaten to pull the unwary under. Floating platforms or bridges of cloud test the speed and wit of the explorers, for one false step could send them plummeting into the pits below as they tumble through fine layers of Swamp Cloud. All a part of the Manorborne's tricks to keep people away from their heaven, this trial in one in which watching your step is key.
- Third Trial (Freeze) - Path B's final trial presents the plucky adventurer with a challenge unlike any other. Through the ruins they must navigate, vision obscured by the opaque forms of solid Freeze Cloud, where light and heat of flame can be both your best friend and your worst enemy. Strange bridges of once solid cloud fade to clear sparkling mist when fire is near, returning when it is gone and allowing passage. Knowing when and when not to rely upon the torches provided is key to overcoming this trial; a trial which tests your wit and your tolerance to the cold!
{Path C}
Path C sets the challenge of strength and endurance, where those venturing into these ordeals must be strong of body and mind if they wish to overcome the struggles within and come out victorious. This is an ordeal of risk and reward, and it is up to you to determine which is greater!
- First Trial (Sticky) - The third set of trials begins with a contest of strength and understanding, where the ruins and clouds are filled with Vanillion and the viscous Sticky Cloud they spew. Here, the Manorborne have set traps to challenge their potential enemies, where one false step can get you stuck amidst adhesive sheets of cloud, or where sometimes walls of the material must be used to scale to new heights. With the right mind at work, those venturing through can solve puzzles involving either sheer strength, or clever use of the environment.
- Second Trial (Slippery) - Beyond the ordeals of Path C's first trial lay the contrasting chaos of the second. Where funnels and ramps of smooth Slippery Cloud can be either a blessing or a curse for those willing to test themselves in this place. While slide will you choose? Will you be spat out into the clouds beyond, to be picked off by the mythical Avalerion? Or will you find a way to scale even the most slippery of stairways? This trial is a place much loved by the Rolpens, whose sticky feet allow them to scale the slick paths with startling ease.
- Third Trial (Iron) - The final trial of Path C, this ordeal of iron challenges the adventurers against traps forged of Iron Cloud. Where massive blocks of metallic Island Cloud must be pushed about to solve strange puzzles, when finding the right cloud to bare the weight of falling rubble can determine whether you live or die, and if that 'spear' of Cloud you are trying to hop onto is made of soft and flexible Island Cloud or hard and piercing Iron Cloud. This trial is wrought with dangers and has been considered one of the most dangerous by the people who forged it.
Manor HeightsThe highest point of Manor Twist, sitting at around six thousand metres above sea level, is where the Manorborne live. The only effective way to access it is through the Cloud Nine, whose ordeals eventually lead explorers to the spiral staircase which leads into Manor Heights. The area itself is much like the rest of the island, albeit in much better condition thanks to the efforts of its inhabitants, and has numerous gardens which grow crops to feed the people. Akin to a small village, the population itself numbers less than one hundred, led by the Three Bishops - a council of elders. It is slight exposed to the sky above, which makes it somewhat vulnerable to the Avalerion, the very creature which the people here revere and worship.
Island History
-~-~-~-Two centuries ago, the island now known as Manor Twist was once held aloft in the White Sea high above, drifting calmly near the island of Jewel Haven. A small Sky Island, the original inhabitants constructed a grand citadel in which they would live, but that was not to last. Approximately one hundred and fifty years ago, Manor Twist crumbled away from the sky and descended into the Blue Sea for reasons unknown. During this time, the population were forced to evacuate, seeing their home plummet into uncharted territories and thought to be lost forever.
In the Blue Sea, however, the strange sight of a giant mountain falling down from the heavens went unseen, perhaps discreetly answering the final prayers of countless sailors whose voyages had come to an abrupt end due to supplies running out. Still clung to by Island Cloud and Sea Cloud alike, the tumbling structure of Manor Twist eventually touched down upon the salty waters of the Grand Line, the clouds maintaining some of its altitude and allowing just a small corner of the crumbled and misshaped cube to dip into the sea below.
No less than twenty years after its initial 'landing', the first human settlers found the island of Manor Twist, whose lower regions were now wrapped up with a small forest of mangroves. A welcome pit stop on an otherwise immense journey that few had managed so far, the settling of Manor Twist was most definitely a blessing to the people who travelled this route of Paradise, and supplies scavenged from what was left behind soon helped to forge the town now known as the Underboard. Due to the difficulties of the ruined terrain, very few tried to explore above, with only a few succeeding and documenting some of its oddities.
It was not until approximately sixty years ago that the descendants of the island's original inhabitants stumbled upon their lost home, descending from the skies above in special ships they had crafted and reclaiming the highest point of the ruinous monolith - which they called Manor Heights - as theirs. Unfortunately for the Manorborne, they were not as welcome as they would have liked to think, for a creature that had once terrorised them centuries back now did so again. Avalerion. It (or they) too had been dragged down with the structure so long ago, and now lurked in the Island Cloud and Sea Cloud that surrounded the upper reaches, making sure to destroy the vessels in which the people had returned.
Fifteen years ago was when the first group of humans would meet the Manorborne, two expeditions send to ascend and descend the land respectively clashed at Twist Core, and the meeting certainly did not go all too well. Taking the presence of the 'wingless' as an affront to their peoples, the Manorborne force attacked the human one, but without the reliability of the Cloud armaments they once used, the original natives were forced back. Since then, fearing intrusion by the humans of the Underboard, the Manorborne had constructed elaborate traps and trials in the 'Cloud Nine' in order to deter trespassers. The island of Manor Twist has remained like this ever since.