❪ event ❫ spirited away

[natha]

PRELUDE     I'll get straight to the point, Thesaens. Dranbu is in dire need of assistance. I have received confirmation that the disappearances we were investigating last month have... escalated. Be cautious as you make your way through Josa Forest. Ideally we could go straight through, but it seems the main entrance to Dranbu is overgrown with thorns and vines, and there's a bit of a glitch with the rail system - the train is having trouble recognizing the Dranbu station as a destination. I've uploaded a homing beacon to your devices with this message. Once enough of you have arrived in Dranbu proper, it should communicate with the train and register it as a stop. With any luck, that will make getting back and forth much easier for you all from now on. Best of luck. Entry to the forest is not only overgrown with vegetation, but seems to be growing at an increasingly alarming rate. Any attempts to clear the vines will be met with even larger ones growing in its place, and it only confirms Nurray's findings as true. The only way in is across the sound from Nadril, entering the forest from its snowy back yard. It doesn't stay cold for long; as one ventures further into the forest, the snow will disappear, as though it was completely out of place in the first place. The red sun's warmth will take its place soon after— and before long, you'll feel too warm for the clothes you came with. That's when you know you've entered the heart of Josa Forest. WITHIN THE FOREST     The forest seems to be thick with a profound presence that can’t be ascertained. While venturing through it, one will feel like there are being watched or followed. This feeling will only intensify as metallic-scented drops of rain begin to fall between the clearings in the trees. Unfortunately, what many don’t realize at this point is that this is how the forest itself eats. How it subsists and lives through the minds of those who eventually get lost in it. Wandering this far in is akin to walking into a lion’s jaw, or rather… straight to its stomach. But, the forest has a way of making one stay. While it swallows someone up, it shows them sinfully beautiful and picturesque sights. Even showing them people or things that are familiar to the lost. All of which will urge them to go in deeper and deeper. But, while the forest begins to prey on the mind of their victim— they will suddenly hear an elegant and alluring voice urging them back. This voice promises them comfort and safety. Promises to be kind and open. Promises she has a place for them where they will never feel displaced or unwanted, or lost. Before they can fully accept, they will find that they are whisked away in Barthala’s embrace. Some will be taken, wiped of all their previous memories and inserted new ones. Others will find they have no prior memories at all of themselves, only urged to go on with regular life. What is prevalent is the forest's desire to turn you. Metamorphosis is a phenomenon that occurs only to certain individuals, and there is no rhyme or reason to them. Some adventurers would find themselves changing by the minute, the hour, or the process may even take days and weeks. The forest toys with you, but it only wants to draw you closer to its core — as though there's a story there it wants you to see and understand. Will you go on anyway, knowing the forest has already has its claws on you? I. ALL ROADS LEAD TO — Exploring the forest is not a perilous experience - Barthala's blessing ensures that paths remain clear of any dangerous obstacles, and keeps anyone who enters the woods from losing their way. However, it will not always lead adventurers where they want to go. Stressed? Your path leads to a meadow, grass drifting gently in the breeze. Tired? You'll find your way to a tree with roots perfectly curved for a nap, the shade a peaceful retreat from the sunlight. The hungry will find streams full of fish or bushes laden with berries, and the curious will come upon elder trees, unique and beautiful. Only those who are truly satisfied with their circumstances, with themselves, can forge their own path, and venture to Barthala's Grotto. II. BARTHALA'S GROTTO — The deity's home is host to an abundance of life. Butterflies drift through the air, brilliantly colored and unbothered by any intruders. Foliage blooms in a rainbow of colors, many plants unique to this area alone. With trees arranged to provide a canopy over the path and small clearing, the scene is something out of a fantasy. Any plant life taken from this area will not survive long, though even in its dead, dried state, it retains a curious beauty. Explorers and creatures finding themselves in this area will suddenly find their clothing to be an unnecessary burden - what could be better than feeling the wonders of nature against bare skin? There is nothing unbecoming about such a natural state, any perverse inclinations are an aspect of personal preference. While the presence of Barthala can be felt here - a warm, comfortable sensation emanating from your core - she is nowhere to be found. Only one will have the opportunity to pass under a veil of willow branches and emerge to the cool air of a clear-as-glass spring. Another nearby grotto is home to a plant with intoxicating effects. Just smelling the leaves is enough to entice most animals, and consuming them has effects on both mind and body. More easily amused, with thoughts that weave deep and distant, along with increased sensory perception can bring the user on a pleasant trip lasting up to five hours. III. INFLUENCES — (18+) Every five days, a weed scattered in patches among the forest underbrush blooms. The flowers are small and white, unremarkable except for how clustered they grow. When their petals fall, after only hours of blossoming, pollen drifts through the air. It clings to clothing, to hair, in the throats of the sensitive animals dwelling in the forest. Even those unaltered by Barthala's magic can be affected. The locals of Dranbu claim the pollen enhances fertility, but in practice, it simply serves as a poignant aphrodisiac. Those affected won't differentiate between the warmth of another or their own, a simple need to experience sexual ecstasy overwhelmingly pervaded. The pollen loses its potency after about three hours, leaving behind only a sweet smell. YOUR NEW (NEW) LIFE    Adapting to an entirely new setting isn’t always so simple. People often say that assimilating oneself to the environment happens fluidly, and before you know it, you’re a part of it. In Dranbu, these words hold an uncanny sense of truth. When you awake, your day begins like it always has. Your daily routine meets largely unchanged, except a few tinier details. Perhaps, you’ve realized your true calling is an occupation within the villages itself. Maybe in farming up strange medical herbs, maybe in acting as a witch doctor for the people, or maybe you find yourself drawn to the arts and you really enjoy sculpting fellow villagers in the nude. Once you commit these tasks, you realize, it feels like what you’ve always done. As if it were natural, as if you’ve done them for years, and maybe you have? At least that’s what your gut is telling you, and slowly your memories will too. At the end of the day, when you return home, you realize you’re not alone. You have a partner who shares the same values and whom you love deeply. Or maybe a spouse whom you’re always arguing with. But, even that will feel as commonplace as the rest of your day. All you know is that the day that might have started off not being yours is entirely yours and yours alone. IV. THE HUNT — Those taken by the forest, animal features adorning their bodies, will find that their palates have changed as well. Carnivores crave raw meat, while herbivores don't mind snacking on a patch of grass or pulling leaves from branches. For most, there's no reason to cook a meal; once prey is captured, instinct says dig right in! It can be a gruesome sight, mangled bodies gorged upon leaving bloodstained faces, but it's natural. As is the hunt itself - any size of game can be found in the forest, and no one will go hungry for long. The magic that dwells here ensures a catch even for the clumsiest predator. Just take care not to stalk one of your own. For a hungry predator, there's no difference between a deer and a deer-like human. THE BOUNDARIES BEYOND     For some, placated is synonymous with bored. While there is a sense of wonder in the beauties of nature that adorn the woods, serene forest life isn't for everyone. Those seeking more adventure can explore the challenging slopes of Waco Mountain. Barthala's influence is weaker on those bluffs than in Josa Forest itself, so thrill chasers won't be disappointed. Lose the path, slip on loose rocks, fall into a stream and spend a night wet and cold, there are many perils that come with traveling a mountain-side. Scattered ruins offer some shelter, their walls carved with images resembling Barthala, a dragon, and three other stranger creatures. While the deity's pacification does not flow as deeply through this region, all are still save from mortal wounds, and the veil cast over their memories will not lessen. If you have made it this far, however, there is no reason to try to return to the main city of Dranbu. Accommodations are always available in the neighboring villages: Phares in the north, and Stroln in the south. These villages are in friendly competition with one another, and will tempt travelers with women and men of their kind in order to draw in business to their hotels. FINAL OOC NOTES     No REP is available for this log. REP will now be primarily available through achieving NPC quests, which will be available on the 19th! Please keep an eye out for that! Dranbu is entirely available for exploration! You may find that most of Wyver and Olympia Flora/Fauna may be found in the forest as well. For more information on your characters' (opt-in) Metamorphosis, please refer to the November Outline! QUICK NAV premise ● faq ● lore ● map ● npcs ● bestiary taken ● atp/emp ● application ● rep/acp ● quest bulletin calendar ● hiatus/drops ● modbox [ FULL NAVIGATION ] elnysa nysalogs nysaisles nysaooc elnyan

Comments

[stuns]

[ the splash is deserved, but it doesn't mean juno doesn't hold his hands up to take it, still getting a little soaked. he laughs a bit still, amused as he finally puts his hands down and sits back. ]

I am a dick. A private dick. [ he kicks up some water just for good measure. take that. ]

[mollymocked]

Oh, so it's war now, is it? [Molly may have drawn first blood, but he'd like to think it was entirely in self-defense. This is return fire. So he idly flicks the occasional irritating splash of water in Juno's direction with his tail. It's not enough to truly be a splash, but no one likes being delicately waterboarded.]

If I didn't know any better, I'd say the forest was getting to you, too. I didn't have to put up any effort to get you to be delightful.

[stuns]

[ juno makes an incredulous sort of noise, face twisted a little mirthfully to match. it's an odd look on juno, but one that doesn't last as he kicks up a little more water because look. he's a determined asshole. ]

Yeah? Then maybe I need more than just a little splashing around to send it packing.

[ a challenge clearly. ]

[mollymocked]

That's a very bold challenge, m'lady. [The last word lilts a bit jest. Molly paddles a little closer, right past Juno, shifts and then from behind plants his hands on Juno's shoulder and uses them to push himself up out of the water in an attempt to either dunk him or vault over him. It's honestly kind of hard to tell. Sometimes you gotta check your friends for acrobatic strengths just in case you need to use them for spontaneous performance art.

Or you know, dunk them.]

[stuns]

[ it's both, unfortunately, because juno is strong enough to take the pressure of molly's hands suddenly on his shoulders, shoving him down. he braces himself a little even as he gets shoved, probably giving molly at least a little air time while simultaneously getting a face full of water himself. ]

Crap - !

[ juno's great for vaulting over when he's prepared for it - good shoulders, sturdy build, stubborn in the heels. in this case, not so much as he gets thoroughly dunked and reaches out to grab something of molly's - leg, pants, pretty much anything he could possibly get his hands on to bring him back over here for revenge. ]

[mollymocked]

[It's a less than graceful vault, given that Juno was NOT PREPARED, but he does take note of those shoulders and sturdy build. He could be taller, of course, but eh. When lacking Yasha, beggars couldn't be choosers. He still manages to get over and into the water with a graceless flop instead of a proper landing, and has to paddle to reorient himself, which makes him an easy target for Juno's reach.

He yelps and goes under, though it may be more out of showmanship than anything Juno is doing. He's a good swimmer. He's also polite enough to not kick a friend in the face when they're trying to get a well-deserved revenge. He'll have revenge on Juno's revenge in a moment. The endless cycle will resume.]

[stuns]

[ and endless cycle it is, well, endless insofar as juno becomes breathless after a while. between the splashing and swallowing weird stream water and getting dunked a decent amount of times, he eventually reaches out for something - tail, arm, shoulder - and gives it a respective tug, smack, or shove, before surfacing and clinging to the edge looking drowned, but simultaneously as bright-eyed as a drowned detective can be.

weirdly enough, this is a good time. ]

Time out, time out. Gimme like... ten minutes.

[mollymocked]

[The tail is an easier target and the hair on the back of Molly's neck stands up even under the sopping mess of plum-colored curls. It certainly gets his attention, even if he looks a little put out. Apparently the fastest way to get a playful tiefling to stop trying to drown you is to go for the tail.]

I'm gonna take that as a victory then. [That's what he's calling it. He wasn't the one who tapped out. Round one to Mollymauk.] You can try for round two if you like, but that round's all mine. [He paddles out a bit so he float on his back, figuring Juno can take his ten minutes to regroup and he can work on his backstroke.]

[stuns]

[ he'll remember that, because he's rude. and juno is too waterlogged to claim otherwise. molly can have this round if he wants it so bad. he pulls himself up onto the edge of the water, between some reeds and stones, shoulders hunched forward a little bit and a knee drawn up as he watches molly's show of swimming. ]

I think I'll give round two a pass. You can have the whole thing.

[ which maybe he'll regret saying later, but for now he's content with that. in the meantime. ]

You said earlier - you were having a day, huh? Did you find Nott, too?

[mollymocked]

[Molly allows himself to go still and float, staring up at the cloudless sky above the canopy of trees. It's so fucking idyllic, and he hates it. And what's more he hates that Juno has taken his distraction out back and shot it, though it sort of had that coming. He came back to find answers and what he found were more things trying to honey trap him, instead.]

She's a fucking cat, Juno. Not even a proper cat. She's like a cat someone shaved and put green paint on. I think she's actually more disconcerting looking now than she was.

[stuns]

[ it absolutely had that coming and juno isn't sorry, even now as he holds that gun smoking at the barrel. his expression doesn't change, because yeah, she's a goddman cat and she looks... well. very much not like nott while uncannily acting like her. there's a helplessness to it because whatever magic did this to her resides in the forest and the forest alone it seems. ]

She's short four eyes and a stinger, but that's probably a good thing.

[ martian cats are weird. ]

She's totally convinced she belongs here, though, that she's always lived here... if we can catch her, maybe dragging her out of the forest'll set her right.

[mollymocked]

The last thing Nott needs is a stinger. [Molly has so many legitimate questions about cats in Juno's world, but that isn't really relevant, and he doesn't care that much. He's fixated on the idea of Nott who is trigger-happy with a crossbow in possession of a natural weapon that she could attack with every time she got started or cross. Yikes.]

That's how Allura was, and trust me... That is much easier said than done. She has a little shop. How the fuck does a spell erase your memories and give you furniture? I could buy the memories and all the rest, but not that. For all we know, Nott thinks she has a cat-spouse and a litter of little green kittens. And Caleb...

[Molly is so frustrated with Caleb merely becaue Caleb actually is a wizard. He should be more clever than this. He stops floating on his back and slaps the water with childish frustration.] He looks like his mother fucked a Tabaxi, and he's emotionally functional, which is just mean.

[Yeah, he's been pissed about this for a hot minute.]

[stuns]

A hell of a spell...

[ remarked quietly from his place on the bank, arms draped over his knees as he watches molly lead up to angrily slapping at the water like it's responsible for everything in this jungle of horrors. he'd add "if it even is one" but really. what else does this kind of thing here in el nysa?

in any case he'd say he's sorry for meowing but juno doesn't really do? sorry? so. ]

Look, Molly. I'm the last person to play hopeful optimist in a situation like this, but we don't have a choice. We'll figure this out, even if we have to comb the whole damn forest for an answer, alright?

[ it's just going to take more time than any of them would like. ]

They can't keep them forever. Whoever or whatever's doing this.

[mollymocked]

[Molly sinks into the water like a reverse Martin Sheen until only his eyes and the curves of his horns are visible. This is clearly him being Literally Two Years Old and admitting Juno is right without actively admitting it. He lets his silence speak for him just for a moment.

And then he swims closer to the bank.] Spells are breakable, if that's what it is and not some... [He waves a hand.] ...Freaky forest thing. I just don't know anyone else who knows as much about magic as Caleb does. It limits the easy solutions.

[stuns]

[ juno doesn't need molly to tell him he's right. he disgustingly knows he's right. he hates the idea that there's some fraction of him that doesn't want to completely wallow in the idea that this forest is Forever. that everyone is stuck like this Forever. it's what's kept him going, after all, the idea that nothing is really forever in a way. ]

There's gotta be someone here who can [ a wave of the hand ] hocus pocus like Caleb - he can't be the only one out of all of us who know a thing or two about how to find the source of... whatever magic this shit involves.

[ he digs his fingers into the wetter portion of bank. ]

I'll find them.

[mollymocked]

[Molly notices the way he digs his his fingers into the mud and can't rightly say he doesn't agree with that sentiment. There's an anger burning inside of him that's mostly him, but a little bit something else too. Something alive and dangerous that wants to find something that has anything to do with it and make a pincushion of it.]

I'm more than happy to offer you some assistance, but I'm not... at my best right now. And my tricks have been failing me.

[stuns]

Yeah, well, we need all the help we can get. Tricks or not - [ a beat, and juno holds it like he's going to fill the silence with something. it feels weird to almost trust someone. to trust someone. ] - we'll figure it out and we'll get them back. We're not gonna let some overgrown plants get the best of us.

[ he gets to his feet slowly, rinsing off his hands and giving one last splash to his face as he looks at molly. there's a half smile there, maybe the most honest one he's given him so far. ]

[mollymocked]

[It's enough to make Molly smile back- maybe not the garish, toothy grins that are always so common when he gets in Juno's face that can be intimidating, creepy, goofy, and childish in equal measure, but a smile nonetheless. There's some hope in his eyes, but not because he's optimistic so much as it is because he knows the alternative is unthinkable.

He pushes himself up onto the bank and shakes his head like a dog to get adequate revenge for the splash, and after flipping his curls out of his face, he stands and saunters past to grab his coat and belt.]

Well, detective, shall we get started?