❪ 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

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[personalwar]

[ Those reflexes are enough to save the creature from getting sliced into by sharpened claws, at least for now. The added space between them helps somewhat, but the wolf remains on-edge and defensive, not pleased that its territory has been invaded in this way.

In most other cases, it would have continued with its attack, doing whatever was necessary to force the unwanted company away. But while it doesn't entirely realize that it recognizes this stranger, that's what gives it pause.

The cat asks it something in words it can't understand, and all the wolf can think to do is growl, a low and rough sound that turns into a loud bark soon enough.

For now, though, it's all bark and no bite. ]

[shikomizue]

[No words, huh?

Takasugi feels the guttural warning as much as he hears it. The growl makes his hair bristle, ears swinging back and tail straightening. Every instinct signals for him to be wary.

But he doesn't flee.

Instead he leans in, inches closer without breaching the tenuous space of safety between them. As if he could get a better scent, a better view, with only pebbles of ground given in return.] You don't understand, do you?

[Takasugi's not one to relent, but he does possess a fondness for beasts. The source of that softness, he can't remember, but it drives him to slowly turn his palms outward - a subtle show of no ill intent.]

[personalwar]

[ Any comprehension is limited. The wolf can process tone of voice well enough, and that can give it the basic gist of what's said, but it's not true understanding. It only has instincts to go on.

Those outstretched hands with palms up, on the other hand -- that has a meaning that goes beyond words. It's meant to indicate that no harm is meant, a welcoming sort of gesture.

There's a long pause before the wolf closes the space between them a little more, so that it's able to lean in and give those hands a few testing sniffs. There's something unmistakably feline in this creature's scent, but there's not the same imperative to hunt as there would be if this cat was four-legged.

Seemingly satisfied, the wolf settles onto its haunches, continuing to study Takasugi with unblinking curiosity. It no longer wants to attack, so that's a step in the right direction. ]

[shikomizue]

[Cautious in its approach, the wolf diffuses the air between them more than Takasugi had. He feels the muscles in his back relax when met with hesitation - taking stock of one another is mutual.

The wolf's nose tickles his palms, leaving them wet and chilled as it passes over him.

Dirt sticks to his hands when Takasugi sits, following the creature's lead. He leans back, far less poised than his canine companion, arms spread behind him and legs sprawled in front.]

Lone wolves don't make it long in the wild. [His words are lost, he knows, but Takasugi utters them anyway. Justifying his company to no one but himself.]

[personalwar]

[ Takasugi's relaxed posture helps the wolf to ease up as well. There's no chance of it letting its guard down entirely, but a lot of progress has nonetheless been made in a short amount of time.

Again, the wolf can only go off of tone, and its ears lay back as it picks up on something judgmental in Takasugi's voice. Nothing threatening, though.

Now that they're seated here together, it isn't sure what's supposed to happen next, or why this strange creature has come here. There's no scraps of food to be found -- the wolf's already stripped its prey down to the bone and eaten everything worth ingesting on it.

Its tail lashes back and forth as it continues to watch the half-cat, half-man with uncertainty. ]

[shikomizue]

[Not even the scent of food exists in this cave. It's all mold and mineral, something damp deeper within drifting out in a mist. He might think to explore it, but Takasugi's eye is caught on the wolf's tail.

Back and forth, a game of predator and prey.

Slowly, Takasugi shifts onto his side and stretches, only to sit up once more - now closer. He could pounce from here, but he won't. Jumping around too soon would only rile up the beast.

Instead he leans, cheek into the fur on the creature's shoulder, and rests against him.] Cats don't like company. [As if there's anyone to fool here but himself.]

[personalwar]

[ Any exploring of the cave would have to be done with a wolf shadowing Takasugi, as it's decided that this place is part of its territory and it isn't going to let some weird cat-hybrid wander around unsupervised.

Instead of trying to press pass it, though, Takasugi leans forward against the wolf, taking it completely by surprise. That shock alone stops it from reacting at first, but then it lets out a confused growl of sorts and backs away.

Takasugi is liable to fall forward onto his face if he doesn't catch himself.

No getting too friendly there, buddy! ]

[shikomizue]

[The rumbling warning makes Takasugi's ears tick back, flat against his hair as the warmth and support he'd nestled into retreats. He catches himself, a palm splayed on the rough cave ground.

But he wasn't finished.

With narrowed eyes Takasugi watches the wolf's retreat, noting the distance drawn between them. It isn't much, just another stretch away.] Not tired?

[Not entirely opposed to his presence, at least. Takasugi stands, bipedal, and turns towards the dark of the cave.] Why don't we go see what's in there, then?

[Food? A threat? Takasugi doesn't know, and his survival instincts are the same as they always have been - absent, until his life hangs in the balance.]

[personalwar]

[ While the wolf has explored a good portion of the cave, it's quite large, too large for it to have searched every nook and cranny. As much as it would have liked to keep napping, it isn't that willing to let its guard down around a stranger.

Or what seems to be a stranger, except for that nagging feeling that they've met before.

Somehow, exploring a somewhat unknown place seems like a better activity for them. Familiar in a way that the wolf can't explain. It bows its head for a moment (was that a nod?) and then pads further into the cave, intent on taking the lead.

Even now, there are some personality traits that haven't been erased. ]

[shikomizue]

[With a little trot in its step, the wolf almost seems eager to delve into the cave. Perhaps it'd grown restless, slinking around the cavern's mouth watching the intruder make himself at home. Takasugi doesn't know - but he's aware somehow that idleness doesn't suit either one of them.

He follows without protest, not because he accepts the wolf's authority over this domain, but because he's confident in his own independence. If he wants to change direction, he will.

There's not much to see initially, only a darkening path that gradually forces his eye to adjust. What little light there is refracts off of slivers of crystal, embedded deep in the walls. It doesn't tempt him - he's more drawn to motion.

The sway of the wolf's tail. Sometime, he'll catch it-

Now, however, he delves deeper, until he hears what seems like a stream of water.] Oi, go that way. [A nod towards the sound, but he'll take that path regardless of the wolf's trajectory.]

[personalwar]

[ While this wouldn't be the first time that the wolf has moved deeper into the cave (though most of the time is spent near the mouth, where it can have easy access to the rest of the forest), there's still plenty of the cave system that's remained unexplored. It's similarly uninterested in the crystal, not having any reason to see value in the shimmering stones.

The sound of water also causes its ears to perk up, however, and it doesn't take any issue with heading in that direction. It's always good to find new sources of water, though the forest has no lack of them.

Tail still swishing back and forth, it bows its head (was that a nod?) and then heads in the direction of the sound, drawn both by its ears and its nose.

As far as it's concerned, Takasugi is only along for the ride. ]