❪ 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

Clementine l The Walking Dead

[darraig]

[Clementine had been initially figuring to basically kind of camp near the stasis pods where she found Lee and AJ asleep. But when she hears about the distress call, she wants to try and help if she can. If someone was in trouble. That and it's an excuse to get to know this place better. Figure her bearings more. Sort of.

She figures some supplies. A change of clothes, some food and water. Some basics that aren't too heavy to carry.]

I:

[Clementine, evidently, is new so doesn't know her way around. Doesn't necessarily know quite what to expect from this place. Still, she doesn't expect or question the convenience of finding say, a stream when she starts getting thirsty, or some berries when she wonders on how long they might be out here, how long her food she packed might last.

But she doesn't realize what is going on to question it, merely thinks she might have convenient timing. Since there's no such magic or powers or whatever back home, that it isn't the first thing that comes to mind to explain this, for her at least.]

This is lucky? I was just thinking I was thirsty.

II:

[The most she takes off at first is her jacket and then her hoodie. Under that, the sleeves don't quite manage to hide the brand at her arm. Marking her as one of the New Frontier back home that she was no longer part of any more.

Clementine isn't used to feeling so at peace. Not in a long time. So of course she savors the feeling. While part of her knows she should probably be more cautious. Be more wary of this, she can't help but embrace it all the same. To have something of a break from being constantly on edge. To be free of responsibility over others, or at least AJ specifically. If only for a while.]

Wildcard?

[Clementine is new so I'm keen for whatever people want to throw at her. If you want to plot something specific, PM and I can give my contact details for Plurk/Discord?]

I

[braidedwonder]

[ Duo has been here long enough that the entire thing is giving him the heebies a little. Things are just popping up a little too conveniently for his liking, but thankfully war training and the rest meant he'd packed enough snacks and water to sustain himself for a while without needing outside sources.

Clementine asks about the water and Duo cracks a bit of a smile, shrugging black-clad shoulders a bit unceremoniously as he thinks about it. ]

I dunno. You got any water on you so you don't have to drink anything out of here? Might be a good call.

[ He pauses, shifting his own back pack slightly before explaining. ]

Usually there's more than what you can see going on when it comes to these places when we first explore. So it might do well to just leave it.

[darraig]

I still have some. But if we can save that for later, we should? I mean, I don't know how much further yet. But....how do you mean? More than we can see?

[She's still so new to this place. There's a lot she is still learning. Adjusting to. Especially in comparison to her situation back home. So she isn't as experienced with this, with such strange occurrences. Well, outside of walkers at least. And the ever more desperate actions and reactions from the survivors.]

[braidedwonder]

I mean that sometimes places are a lot more dangerous than they may seem. And they're meant to be that way. [ Duo takes a breath in to begin explaining again and, once again, catches a deep whiff of that metallic smell this forest seems to have, the way it seems stronger now that he's felt a few drips in his wanderings.

He's smelled blood in the air a few too many times to not sort of make a grimace, fidgeting.

It would seem that the smell makes him antsy. ]

Like why does it smell like.. metal.. blood around here? If I woulda known that I would've brought something for under my nose.

[darraig]

Copper.

[Or at least, that's what it seemed to taste and smell like to her. She's experienced enough with blood in dealing with it to recognize it. The scent and taste of it, the smell. Clementine shifts then, scrunching her nose at the scent now he mentions it and she sniffs for it.

This probably won't bode well. So of course she tenses, on edge from it. Wondering what to expect from this here. As far as she has noticed there were no walkers here, but something had to have happened?]

I've dealt with enough blood to recognize that.

[It comes with dealing with walkers. Let alone survivors, back home, with how desperate they get now and her strategies of dealing with walkers at times.]

[braidedwonder]

You too? [ Damn, this place had a way with pulling people from hard up places in life. Not that it's all around bad it's just.. well. He's not used to running in to people outside of the other gundam pilots who know the smell of blood so well. It's not a bad thing for most people to not know what the smell of blood is - that's why Duo had chosen to fight, after all. ]

Yeah.. it's. The smell makes me antsy all by itself.

II.

[beatupgrass]

[Rocket's starting to feel a little weird, himself, though all he's shed is the cloak he usually wears to move around without being bothered about his appearance. There's a certain element to this place that sucks the paranoia and worry out of you and the longer he's in it, the more he feels like falling into his natural roots- a part of his mind he usually dares not to linger too much in.

He's ambling on all fours, despite usually being fine on two, caught between concern and utter bliss, but seeing someone else looking a little too comfortable feels like a mirror of his own state and he quickly pushes himself back onto two legs and gives Clem a slap on the leg as he steps up beside her. It's easier to resist if there's someone else to encourage.] Hey, hey. Eyes open, kid. This place is... I dunno. Something.

[He can't even really place a word to it. Not dangerous, not sketchy, just... Odd. In a way that's unpleasant and pleasant at the same time.]

[darraig]

[Clementine is so ready to feel such peace and contentment that she isn't suspicious of this in the least. Probably also because she's so new to this place and isn't expecting such odd influences. Influences affecting her that she can't just shoot at or smack with whatever is closest at hand, that way she usually ends up dealing with walkers, for example.

Which is why she might briefly almost even seem angry more than confused, initially for a second, when Rocket smacks her leg and tries to get her attention. She glances down to him,]

Hm? This place is....?

[beatupgrass]

Weird. This planet does things to your head sometimes, but... It hasn't been on this level. It's usually in the food or in the plants. This is everything.

[Which... by all logic means that it's probably okay. How can everything be a problem? An entire forest just fucking with you? How would anyone even get across it? Nurray seemed confident that they could.]

Maybe I'm just being paranoid... [He reaches up and scratches the back of an ear and paces the length of the clearing to make sure the trees aren't producing some kind of rap or pollen that promotes deep relaxation or opens doors to other parts of your head.]

[darraig]

Does things to your head? How....do you mean by that?

[She's not sure she likes the sound of that. She had already had to change, to adapt, back home in order to survive. Out of necessity more than anything else. But still, that didn't mean she wants anyone or any....place? messing with her head. Psychologically. She's already been through enough as it is.

At the same time, this does make her reconsider eating.]

You couldn't have told me that before I snacked earlier?

[beatupgrass]

You eat a bad bit of fruit and suddenly you're spilling secrets or you sniff a plant and you can't stop trying to... [He rolls his eyes and knocks two fists together in what he hopes is the universal symbol for knocking boots.] That kind of thing. Just don't eat anything they're givin' out at parties and it's fine.

[Well, that might not entirely be true. There are some weird plants in the forest that you probably shouldn't ingest for fear of weird side effects.]

I didn't eat anything, and I still feel off, so it's probably not that here.

II

[emori]

[Emori fumbled with tying her hoodie around her waist. She was wearing the mitten over her mutated hand so that no one would gawk at it. She didn't care what people thought, but she understood that sometimes, you get treated differently. Emori strolls up the line of people to where Clementine was meandering.]

This place is nice, isn't it? Where I'm from, everything is dead. But we're not there now.

[She sounds sleepy. Emori looks down and sees a little bit of the brand on Clem's arm. It makes her mad-- (or it would, if not for the forest. She's immediately calmed down) branded people usually didn't ask for it.]

[darraig]

[Clementine isn't necessarily aware of the brand at her arm being visible. It's more a priority that she's more comfortable, without so many layers of clothes, than keeping hiding it. At least in the moment. With the influence of this place. Not that she necessarily is even conscious of it.]

It is. I like it. I mean, not that everything back home is dead, but....most of the people are. So this is nice.

[Seeing so many people here trying to help. Actual people. Hearing them talk soothes her in some ways. Because that's a telltale difference between the survivors and walkers back home.]

HAHA U SAID TELLTALE!!

[emori]

[Emori hadn't seen this many people since she was in the miner's camp. Before that, it was six years of just a handful of people.]

Everything is beautiful. Everything in my home is dead too. I feel kind of dizzy, do you feel dizzy?

[She stops walking and leans against a tree. The plants are making her feel kind of... nice. Drunk nice.]

Yes. Yes I did.

[darraig]

Dizzy? A little.

[But for all she knows that's just her adjusting to this place or whatever? Different altitudes could do this even back home, right? So this probably wasn't necessarily something to be worried about? Not that Clementine is exactly herself at the moment either.

She shifts then, glancing back to Emori against the tree. Her hand raises to her forehead as she frowns briefly, before deciding to join the other at the tree, sitting next to her.]

Maybe this will help.

[emori]

[Emori had taken off her vest and shoved it into her pack. It was already full of food and a change of clothes that it hung out the front.]

Hm? Yeah, a good sit down might help. Do you feel all right? I feel really weird. I've walked farther than this before, why do I feel weird?

[bellare]

[ a tap to her shoulder - the light bounce of a military issue canteen as he offers it to her wordlessly. he doesn't trust this place after all he's seen, but he's also getting the vibe like they're only delaying the inevitable. ]

Luck is one bad day away from misfortune.

[darraig]

Well, sure. But for now, this is a good day and I'm not about to knock that.

[Considering her circumstances at home? She doesn't get a lot of luck or good days. So she will take what she can get. Clementine is hardly spoiled and fussy, after all she's been through. And she is oblivious to the strange ways of this place yet to know this should earn more caution than gratitude at the timing. At the help in not depleting her packed supplies if she can access water this readily as they go.

She pauses though at the tap at her shoulder, glancing to see the canteen behind her before giving a shrug and taking a sip. Then she hands it back, thanking him as she wipes at her chin.]

[bellare]

What makes it so good?

[ genuinely curious, especially since the whole power of suggestion thing is really freaking him out. he takes a shallow sip himself before capping the bladder and tucking it back behind his arm. ]

[darraig]

That we have supplies. That we're finding more to use so we don't waste any. That's a good thing. Finding more supplies is always a good day.

[It doesn't take much for something to bring her mood up, for it to be a good day for her in comparison to all the others she's had to live through. Back home especially. Here, she is still figuring things, learning about this place and navigating her way around. Making tentative connections with the others. But still, finding a source of water could definitely be useful.]

[bellare]

[ it's obvious she doesn't come from much already, and that she's accustomed to surviving on her own. that doesn't mean frank thinks she should have to, however. ]

Then let's get to it. What's next on your list?

i

[romancekiller]

[clarke has been here for a long time and though being in dranbu is new, she is cautious all the same when they start venturing through the forests trying to investigate how their help is needed. she had packed some supplies with her but it immediately seems to strike her as strange when she suddenly notices the lake considering she hadn't even hear it from the distance before she approached] I don't know if I'd call it lucky— it seems a little too convenient to me.

[darraig]

Call it whatever. It's still good. This way we don't need to use up our supplies of water.

[They could drink and refill their water bottles. This was good. Clementine isn't used to this, having this sort of convenience or luck, whatever you call it, but she isn't about to question it. Not when this is so useful in conserving their supplies, given they can't be sure how long this might take. Or at least, she isn't sure. Being so new, Clementine probably figured she had just been distracted trying to navigate to have heard the water.]

[romancekiller]

[clarke didn't think she was being unreasonably paranoid about their new surroundings but it seemed like she was the only one to think given how the other girl reacted to her words. it's not the first time though so she's used to it] Yeah, sure but you don't think this is strange at all?

[darraig]

Strange how? I was probably distracted so I didn't hear the water before.

[Because back home, it was normal. Normal in the 'the place doesn't change around to accommodate or mess with you specifically' sort of way. Clementine isn't used to that even being something she has to consider at all. That this place would or could change around them. Trapping them, luring them into some sort of false sense of security or something. So of course she (literally) shrugs it off.]