nysalogs | ❪ event ❫ spirited away

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❪ event ❫ spirited away

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!

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[Ren brightens up a bit at that.] Oh, I've heard about that before. I actually got my cat back recently, and I think that must have been them...

[Otherwise his cat must have survived the end of the world and made it here all by itself, which seems unlikely at best. But rather than linger on that thought, he takes the hint for the moment and approaches the broom.]

I'm not very heavy anyway, and it'd be useful to get a lift...is there a certain way I should sit so I don't throw off the weight...?

[There's not exactly a huge amount of space, but he figures it's probably best to ask so he doesn't do something potentially endangering in the not-fun way.]

Unless I've misjudged your weight to a shocking degree, that shouldn't be a problem. It is magical, after all.

[It's possible for a broom to strain under weight, but not two average-sized people.

She scoots forward on the broom.] You can sit behind me. Place your hands on the handle or my shoulders, please.

[Not required, but the other option is her waist. And that's just awkward.]

I thought it would be good to make sure, anyway... [Magic works differently in different places, but it's at least good to know he doesn't have to worry about that part.

As Diana requests, he sits on the broom behind her - a little careful about it, since he doesn't have the best balance anyway - and places his hands on her shoulders. For now, the grip is gentle, more just there because she said he should hold on than because he's actually concerned about falling off.]

Is that okay?

Yes, that's fine. [And as soon as he sits down, the weather changes. Or at least the air temperature does, like he's standing underneath a heating vent. Everything in the bubble around the broom is a balmy, comfortable temperature, maybe 70 degrees or so.

No wonder she's in the robe.] Let me know when you feel secure and we can fly.

[As soon as Ren notices that change in temperature, he blinks in faint surprise.] Oh, it's warm...

[He doesn't seem at all uncomfortable, though, despite it being something he hasn't experienced before, and he tilts his head for a moment at Diana's remark before seemingly realising that she's serious.]

I'm fine to go whenever you're ready.

Yes, I thought it'd be easier to do this instead of brave the cold. [She says, matter of factly. Why mince words?

When he announces he's ready, she murmurs:] Tia Freyre.

[And the broom smoothly rises into the air. She tucks her legs underneath, crossing her ankles for support.]

It's a good idea, I think... [If you can do it, then why not do it? That's pretty much Ren's policy on everything bar the very extreme, so he's definitely not going to question the choice to warm things up on the broom.

As it is, Ren tilts his head with obvious interest when the broom floats up, and he mirrors her crossing of her legs...for the moment. He tends to get fidgety about being in the same position for too long, but for now he's okay.]

How early do witches learn how to do this in your world?

[There's a curiously long pause from her before she answers, tilting her head to the side so she can see him while still maintaining forward vision.] That depends on the witch.

Raised by a proper family in the witching world, I'd say most witches have basic flight skills by the time they're 10.

[Ren hums in interest at that, because there's a few obvious things left unsaid by that answer.] So what's a "proper" family to you...? And what happens to people who come from outside that world?

[He's reserving judgement for the moment, but it sounds like there's a bit of a bias towards witches raised in their own world here just going by the wording.]

By a proper family, I mean one with a parent who's a witch. You can't teach skills you don't have, after all. [She answers factually, not hiding from the truth in the slightest.]

And as for the second question, there's only ever been one, to my knowledge, in my lifetime. [A beat.] She wasn't very good at it. Not that it's her fault. Entirely.

[Ren gives a somewhat doubtful hum at that.] Sometimes people have to learn things by themselves, though...

[He's not getting into it too far for risk of showing his own hand, but as someone who landed himself with powers he barely understood at the age of about thirteen, he has some reservations about this kind of attitude.]

You still sound kind of like you think it's her fault. But I'm kind of surprised it's that uncommon, to be honest.

I know that all too well. [Her voice is a little... cool when she says that, a little stilted. There's something there, it seems.]

She didn't make it easy on herself. She was reckless and headstrong and refused to focus on the basics before trying to skip right to advanced techniques. I can-- and did-- certainly criticize her for that. But there were extenuating circumstances, in all fairness to her.

[Diana shrugs, looking back forward at the destination.] Witches and magic aren't very popular in the rest of the world these days. Technology does much of what once only we could provide.

[See, now that makes a whole lot more sense than it did when she started talking. Ren actually laughs a little at that now that the full circumstances have come up.]

Oh, I certainly know people who are like that... [Too headstrong for their own good, but the people he knew were usually good enough at their chosen pursuit to get away with it.] That's a shame to hear, though. Even if technology can do it as well, I think there should always be a place for magic in any world that has it.

[His own doesn't, but he has the example of Cray to work from, which did quite a good job of fusing the two, he always thought.]

I believe so, yes. Much of the rest of the world believes differently. Perhaps that will change, now. [Or it would, had the world not been destroyed.] ...or rather, perhaps it would have.

I had a professor who was very intrigued by the possibility of melding magic and technology together. While I don't agree with some of her conclusions or methods, I will say she was quite, ah... visionary in her own right.

[Ren doesn't respond directly to the matter of that world no longer having the chance to change, only giving a slight hum of agreement. It's a subject he prefers not to think about too hard for the sake of his own control and comfort.

He certainly looks interested at the combination of magic and technology, though.] Oh, that sounds like a good way to modernise things a bit. Though the way you say that makes it sound like she was doing something nasty while she was trying to figure it out...

["I don't agree with their methods" is, in his experience, generally a polite way of saying they're doing something bad.]

[Diana is quiet for a few moments.] She was very ambitious and did not fully consider-- or did not fully care-- about the consequences of some of her choices.

[And that is all she plans to say on the matter.]

[The corner of Ren's mouth twitches slightly at that - that's pretty familiar, all things considered - but that's all the reaction he gives to the comment for the moment. Pushing too hard when people don't want to talk doesn't tend to do much but make them less likely to talk later.]

So what kind of thing were you planning to do when you went out into the world? You must've been pretty close to finishing school when you came here, right?

[He remembers she'd mentioned something in that post they first talked on that implied she'd just turned eighteen, and he's also pretty sure she's been here for a while, so he figures she never got that chance to try and make changes herself.]

I still had time left at Luna Nova, actually. I hadn't finished my studies. [Though really, she could've left at any time.

She didn't want to.]

I haven't decided what to do after I graduated. [A pause, and she corrects.] Hadn't decided, that is. I was preparing to take my place at the head of the Cavendish family, and then I imagine I'd have had some work to do restoring the household to what it once was. I'd have liked to follow in my mother's footsteps as a diplomat, but I don't think I have her silver tongue.

Hmm...it doesn't seem like it would've been much time, though... [She definitely looks like she would've been around that age, though the point about preparing to take a place at the head of her family confirms it a little. It's also a somewhat familiar thing to Ren, though not something he wants to talk about in any kind of detail.

His smile widens a little at that last sentence, though.] No, I think you're a little blunt for diplomacy...though you do seem like you'd want to be somewhere in leadership.

[Ren feels she might be a little bit on the selfish heroism side to pull that off, but then, sometimes learning that lesson once you've put yourself in a position where it's a disadvantage is necessary.]

Another year or two. It's not necessarily formalized by time; a witch is finished with her studies when she is finished with her studies. There's no rush to push someone out the door.

[She looks a little over her shoulder back at Ren.] Sometimes, speaking the frank truth is what's needed.

My mother was always very good at finding common ground with others, though. I don't think I can do that.

"Sometimes", but not all the time... [Which is kind of the point Ren was making there, but he seems more amused than anything, as per usual. At least she's self-aware enough to realise that latter thing, though, and Ren hums a little in agreement.]

I think you're right about that part, though I think your ability to compromise could probably use a little work as well...but the point is that I agree you'd do better in another position.

[The tone he says that in is as bright as ever, as if it's just good useful facts.]

[There's a longer than usual pause before she replies:]

Sometimes, people are wrong.

Mmm, right...? [He says that as if he doesn't quite get the point she's trying to make with that, though he makes a vague guess.] There are lots of different ways to deal with people who are wrong, though.

...I suppose.

But I've found that hard-to-swallow truths need still be said or people won't listen.

The people who won't listen usually won't listen anyway if you do...sometimes you have to let people prove themselves wrong, right?

[It's how he usually goes about it, at least. There's too many straightforward people in his life for him to take up that position too.]

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