❪ 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

roads

[prizeneck]

[Mamoru's eyebrows do a little dance - he's annoyed, surprised, blank and then settling on a very wry shade of amusement as the guy reaches for a stick and barely even registers on the system of his shades.

He honestly can't help but rub that undignified defensive motion just a little.]

Well? I'm waiting for the "pew pew".

[stuns]

[ he stares at mamoru briefly, and then at the stick, then back at him again, like he's so offended at having his nap interrupted, when really, he doesn't remember falling asleep and it's probably for the best that he's up now. ]

Uh... bang bang? How's that?

[prizeneck]

Hm, lacks feeling, but it's adequate.

[Mamoru 'I was a teacher once and this is my disappointed tutor voice' Hijikata, ladies and... well. Lady.] You feeling alright?

[He doesn't ask due to concern, though. He was almost expecting the nooks and corners inviting for a nap or two were some sort of trap - to see someone so comfortable and unharmed kind of defeats that theory, though.]

[stuns]

[ ooooh disappointed. he's heard that tone before and he doesn't seem all that bothered by it in his response. ] Don't sleep under a tree. No back support. Totally the worst nap of my life.

[ that's a lie really, it wasn't. it was actually pretty good... warm, weirdly safe. juno hasn't had a sleep like that in years and it's actually bothering him a bit in the back of his mind. how he could just sleep out in the open like that. like someone had been watching out for him while he dozed. ]

[prizeneck]

[The same way Juno seems unbothered by his quip, Mamoru is unphased by the backtalk. Even if added to the previous scrambling up, it sounds more like the guilt of indulging in it rather than honest advice.]

Your gun is over there. [He jerks his chin in its direction. He's more concerned that this guy seems unharmed (so far) disproves his theory. He almost tsks, crouching as he observes the edge of the little nook Juno had been sleeping in. He had almost expected some sort of ivy, or a venus fly trap of sorts.

More to himself than to anyone else: ] This place is starting to piss me off. [He turns to Juno.] I trust this is kinda new for everyone?

[stuns]

[ it's definitely just a nook, which surprises juno even more as he reaches for his blaster and tucks it safely back into place, scooting from the spot indignantly with his coat caught up between his fingers. he even kicks the stick aside for good measure. heck you stick.

as he gets to his feet, he finally answers, sliding his coat over his arms. ] From what I can tell? Yeah. Wyver's got the Undergrowth, but it's more likely to straight up eat you instead of just put you to bed and leave you unharmed.

[prizeneck]

[Having literally and metaphorically nothing to see, Mamoru stands back up, brushing dust that he cannot see out of his knees out of habit. He heard a couple of things in the network he was given access to, but nothing particularly interesting - more questions than answers.] It makes very little sense. Got to go back to square one.

[stuns]

From what I can tell so far, this place seems less intent on driving you off or killing you and more likely to try and... [ ugh ] integrate you?

[ he frowns ] I found one of my friends - she was turned into some kind of weird cat creature. [ not that nott doesn't normally seem a touch feline, but between the blood on her teeth and the kill she hid with her hands, it seemed far more advanced than usual. ] Not sure why, but seems as good a bet as any that the forest's behind it.

[prizeneck]

[Here's a disbelieving look.] Cat creature?

[The corner of his lip twitches slightly. That made sense, the whole cat-like features that didn't quite add up, that didn't seem to match.] Shit, I think I may have water sprayed someone, then.

[stuns]

Water scares the crap out of her so with any luck she's probably up a tree at this point. Maybe that'll make it easier to grab her.

[ it sounds like maybe he's already tried and failed a couple of times with the note of weariness in his voice. ]

[prizeneck]

Not sure that was her, though. But it seems there may be a theme to all of this.

[Which... irks him. More than the forest wanting to keep them here, if it's transforming people into half-animals then it's seeking some sort of symbiosis and it just makes his skin crawl.

He gives him a look - it's not concerned, as it's more intrigued than anything else.] Did you offer her any food?

[stuns]

Nah, she'd already had some kind of animal she was chowing down on so. [ he tried not to look too closely at the carcass, it wasn't his priority at the time. ] I doubt she'd have taken food from me.

[ he shakes his head. ] She acted like she didn't know me, though. Like she's lived in these woods the entire time. Whatever this place is doing to people, it really wants them to believe that this is all they've ever known... it's freaky.

[prizeneck]

Never know. Animals can be gluttonous most of the time.

[Yeah, creepy crawlies.] Freaky is right. It wants us to rest, it wants to assimilate people...

[But what's the purpose of it?] Nature isn't exactly giving, it smells all wrong.

[stuns]

It doesn't make sense. You'd think in a place as big as this it'd just... cut to the chase instead of turning people so damn complacent they barely remember themselves.

[ there's an unsettling weight as he steps a little further from the tree now. he's gotta shake it off. he doesn't need to rest as much as the warmth of the sun peering through the clearing tells him to. ]

So if the forest's using these people for something, what the hell is it? [ this magic shit is beyond him. ]

[prizeneck]

Hah. [That doesn't sound like a laugh. Or a normal one, for that matter. It's dry, aggressive, laced with ya should know better around the breathiness of it.] Things never end up being that simple. Occam must be wishing for vengeance at this point.

[He means the theory works, sometimes, when people think and react logically. But that's assuming logic is an overall presence, and when they act? That's a whole different story.

Watching the guy stepping away from his resting spot, some sort of restlessness taking over his steps, Mamoru checks the fastenings of his own jacket. Neat, methodical. All good.]

Not sure, either. Not like this kind of shit happened where I came from. [He frowns, as an afterthought. He's not shaking his head, but it's almost as if he sounds like he is.] Unless there's some sort of quantum physics thing going on, but that's not my expertise.