❪ 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

[beatupgrass]

[Despite being an omnivore, Rocket is a civilized creature who doesn't eat raw meat, so he looks so repulsed by that display... at first. And then he kind of gets a good hard look at that thing's meaty belly from the way Nott's holding it and his mouth waters a bit.

He promptly clamps his hands over his mouth and coughs, turning his gaze away to look the forest over, ignoring his impulse or his urge to growl and snap and try to claim Nott's prey as his own. Geez, what was he? Some kind of animal.]

It's too quiet. I've been in every forest and jungle and swamp on El Nysa we've had access to and there's always something out to kill you, and this place makes me feel like nothing wants to kill me, which sounds fake.

[flask]

[While Rocket eyes up Nott's meal, she doesn't notice anything off about him at all. She's gotten more used to disgusted reactions to her peculiar tastes over time, so she just ignores him from the getgo as soon as he pulls a face.

She continues eating the lizard slowly as she starts walking around the edges of the clearing, trying to see if there are any... traps...? Not necessarily traps, but something lying in wait. Like maybe this is some awful creature's home or something.

There's nothing like that at all. Not from what she can see.]

Well. I'm not seeing anything ready to pounce on us... No traps or anything.

[She then crosses back to the stump and experimentally presses a foot against it, immediately jerking away in fear that she'll set something off... But nothing happens.]

...Maybe this place is just nice?

[beatupgrass]

[Is it though?

...Well, he can't dispute it. Not a single thing seems out of place. No sounds to warn of impending danger. No foliage that looks like it might produce nasty spores and leave you vulnerable. It's just... a clearing.

A clearing that now smells distinctly of blood and lizard guts. Rocket's stomach gives a little flip and he turns his gaze back to Nott.] How's that taste anyway?

[The words are out of his mouth before he can stop them and his muzzle wrinkles in a cringe.] I just, uh... Don't want you to eat something that might be poisonous. [Yep. That's it. Friendly concern.

From Rocket.

Which sounds faker than a forest that doesn't want to kill you.]

[flask]

[Nott looks away from kicking at the stump and back at Rocket in... pure confusion. Rocket? The doting type? She squints at him for a few seconds, trying to figure out what he's actually getting at.

Then, the hand brandishing the bloodied lizard slowly extends towards him, leaving it on display for him in all its guts and glory. She wiggles it slightly in the air.]

You sure you don't want to try some?

[There's a shine in Nott's eyes as she watches for his reaction.]

[beatupgrass]

[Rocket paws at his mouth and is deeply unhappy to feel that it's watering a bit. He shuffles a little closer as if pulled by an invisible string and gives it a sniff.

It smells awful, says the civilized part of his brain. The animal part of his brain is just louder and being this close and with the overwhelming smell taking over, his eyes narrow and he just goes for it.

It's only a small bite, enough to get the flavor and maybe prove to the unchecked animal hindbrain that this is not something that he actually wants, but as he chews and swallows, a feral look comes over his eyes. That was actually good. And he wants more.

...And then it's gone again- Rocket fights tooth and nail against the impulses that make him less than a person and to show off his orchestrated disdain for the meal, he turns his head and fakes gagging.] Oh man. That is vile. How the hell d'you eat that like that? At least cook it first.

[He's not a good liar.]

[flask]

[Nott blinks at him a bit curiously as he starts to gag. She watches him and... well, she may be oblivious sometimes, but that was too obviously staged. Especially combined with his reaction before he started feigning disdain.]

You don't have to lie, you know. Everyone knows raccoons are omnivores. At least it's not trash.

[To punctuate her thought, she bites off one of the lizard's legs with a tiny crunch.]

[beatupgrass]

I don't eat trash! That's a.... misconception. [Well, he was gonna say it's a crock of crap, but thanks to certain parties shoving it in his face, he's had to grit his teeth and accept that these are things people believe about his species and he has to prove them wrong at any opportunity.

This situation? This right here? Not proving anything wrong.

He flinches visibly at the crunch of the lizard's leg and tugs on his ears.] This is insane. I'm way more civilized than this.

[At least he thought he was. Now there's this little chittering voice in his head going "but why though? who are you trying to impress, Mr. Cooks His Food And Can't Fish Because He's Too Good For It?"]

[flask]

[Nott raises an eyebrow at Rocket.]

Are you calling me uncivilized?

[That's mostly a joke, though, and she doesn't have any misconceptions about who she is as a person. She's a goblin, after all.]

I don't see the point in adding extra steps if you don't need them. If you want the juicy lizard, you should just eat it. Fuck what anyone says.

[She wiggles the remainder of the bleeding lizard in front of his face, trying to make sure he gets a good whiff of it.]

Besides, the only one here to see it is me and him.

[beatupgrass]

Kinda.

[Said the blunt raccoonoid, who, while not knowing what a goblin is, only sees a creature of some indeterminate species who doesn't have to eat raw meat. People would allow her into establishments properly where he's from before they'd allow him if they were really being shitty that day.]

What? You think this is a "oh no what will the neighbors think" thing? [He scoffs, which only serves to get the juicy taste of lizard all up in his business and his mouth waters again.] It's a personal thing. It's a-

a- [His eyes follow the carcass. There's blood dripping onto the grass, and it just feels like kind of a waste. You clean the meat, cook the meat, and add spices and shit to it, but the stupid thing just sits there marinating in its own juices, so maybe she's got it right.

He licks his lips and then snaps his jaws at it, ripping off a bigger chunk and only just barely careful enough about her fingers. This time, there's no pretense or illusion of disgust. Just fresh meat that's still warm enough sliding down his throat, and blood on his muzzle.]

You frickin' enabler. [There's no indication he disagrees with her decision, however. It almost sounds like he's admitting she did him a favor.]

[flask]

You know what? Fair.

[Nott can be oblivious, but she can clearly see how humans and other such folks in the cities, towns, and villages of the Empire compose themselves. And it's certainly not by shooting a lizard on sight and then taking a bite out of it.

But, well. Even though she'd rather not be a goblin, that's one thing she wouldn't want to give up.

She forces herself not to roll her eyes at the "personal" reasons he apparently has that she does not think for one second is not about other people, and then he just fucking goes for it.

She smirks.]

That's me. Some people deal drugs. I deal fresh lizard.

[She hands him off the rest of the thing and then starts to look more around the area. Right down to inspecting some of the grass and flowers and such.]

So... I do find it a bit odd that people are going missing in this forest, but... this place looks untouched. The stump is so old there are things growing out of it.

[She knocks on the wood.]

Yet we found the place without even trying.

[beatupgrass]

[Oh fuck, now he has to eat the whole thing. It's right here in his hands. He's no longer looking at it like it's a disgusting hunk of bitten flesh so much as he's wondering if he'll be puking this up later and hate her and everyone else.

Eh, fuck it. He drinks enough alcohol that his stomach is probably capable of handling anything. He's probably got a mechanical liver and a literal iron stomach for all he fucking knows.

So he eats ravenously, like he hasn't been fed ever. Not untrue- it's not that he doesn't eat or can't find the food, it's that he doesn't always remember to. Being a cyborg means that eating and sleeping take up less of your priorities and this forest is making him feel a lot less cyborg than he usually does. He needs to eat fresh, raw meat. He needs to nap in a tree. He needs to not worry about the other shoe dropping.

But that's dangerous. And here's Nott to be paranoid for him while he licks blood off his muzzle and spits tiny lizard bones onto the grass.] You're tellin' me. There were those man... beast... things just outside the sound when we first started poking around. And I ain't seen any of 'em since.