nysalogs | ❪ 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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Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I read a fortune for a friend, and you told me I was bullshitting. [Molly eases, plaintively into that part, but draws back at the last second. This isn't like what he did with Allura. He was planting falsehoods to give her a fantasy she could latch onto that might trigger her. This is actually leaning into straight truth. That's dangerous.] But I'm sure you call people's bullshit often enough, it just slips your mind. Still! It's good to see a familiar face.

[Just keep talking. If you keep talking, he'll be too off-guard to question it. Maybe something will slip. Maybe the spell will break. Gods willing, though he hasn't had any luck so far.]

I think it would be hard to forget you.

[Speaking of calling Molly on his bullshit.

Nope, sorry Molly, friend, Caleb is any iteration is logical and sharply observant. It is true that he's still a bit caught off-guard by the brightness and the colorfulness of the tiefling in front of him, by how loud he is. But it also doesn't overwhelm him in quite the way that it normally overwhelms Caleb. He doesn't have as much of a problem, in this life, with people and everything that comes with him. He can still sort through that to poke at the inconsistencies in Molly's story.

...But it's said with less suspicion than it could be. That, too, sounds...right...in some strange and murky way. Confused curiosity, then, instead of suspicion. A little wry, too, a hint of a smile.]

...I'm fairly certain the circus is not in town now. Are you visiting on your own?

[It's half politeness, half prodding at Molly a little more.]

That's... Fair. [Molly's voice lilts upwards into a higher register, and the smile plastered on his face gets a little bit tight around the edges. Why would he ever think to bullshit, Caleb, after flat out admitting that Caleb sees right through it? Because he's stupid, that's why. Stupid and desperate and a little preoccupied with how all of this is making him feel.

But there are no Firebolts. No Suggestion spells- and here Molly is keenly aware of where Caleb's hands are at all times, because if he goes for that component bag, he's gonna do everything he can to go straight for the opposite side of the room.]

Well, circumstances... Happened. The circus had a run of trouble and split off, so I'm sort of aimless at the moment. I remembered this being a decent little town. Might be worth putting down roots in.

[He leans in a bit more, finding a throughline he can pursue.] It's been awhile since I was here. I'm curious if anything's changed in the last few months.

[Your move, mind-altering forest bullshit.]

[There is clearly something bothering the tiefling, which makes Caleb...faintly uncomfortable, though not immediately inclined to violence or mental manipulation. When Molly's voice rises, though, Caleb shifts in his seat a bit and the faint smile falls into a look confused concern instead. Something is not quite right. He is not giving his...friend...the answers that he expects or wants.

...But his further explanation doesn't seem to raise any bells. Caleb nods a little hesitantly at it and then considers the question.]

Changed....? No, it has been largely as quiet as ever. [He hums, then shakes his head, takes another long look at Molly.] Well, no. There have been...strangers in the woods these past few weeks. I'm not sure why, but I heard there was some commotion to the south.

[The forest bullshit doesn't have to try very hard.]

There's always commotion in the south. The south is full of arseholes. [If Cree were less blinded by hero worship, she would have seen through him, because what he's giving Caleb right now is about 15% more of what he gave her- way too many smiles, an up and down vocal register, and existential dread nestled right behind his eyes- and he knows Caleb can tell. Oh gods, he knows.]

But you- you. [He drawls the word out for an extended beat.] What d'you do these days? Still chasing books? D'you still have a ca-

[His eyes go back up to the cat ears. Can... Can cat people have cats? Is that weird? Are there like Tabaxi wizards with cat familiars? Fuck. Not that it matters because Caleb, presently, does not have a cat, but it's something.] -a caring devoted relationship with Nott?

[That he assumes he has, but he needed to finish that sentence fast, and that was the first thing that came to mind. Yes, Caleb, please explain the little green GOBLIN CAT in the room.]

[She's just a little green goblin cat, Molly, what is there to explain? She's always been a little green goblin cat. It's just the way of things.

To at least partially answer Molly's question without really meaning to - speaking to the caring and devoted relationship, at least - Caleb smiles faintly and fondly when Molly brings her up.]

Yes, of course. I couldn't do without her. She is a very good friend. She even helps at the store when I need it. Although [His smile grows fonder, more amused.] I know she does not find it as comfortable as the forest. Still. We are family, we look after one another.

[This version of Caleb isn't afraid to admit that he has friends and family. Why would he?]

[Molly wants to curl up and die underneath this table. Look at this bitch?? This caring, compassionate wizard, so full of life and joy AND NOT DEAD BEHIND THE EYES. Is he supposed to fix this by saying my friend, your life is actually shit and you're a ball of anxiety all the time, and you really need to get back to that, because I am freaking out a bit.

He exhales. He can't do it. That's cruel and if he sits here, he's going to do it, accidentally or, even worse, get attached to this version of Caleb. He pushes the chair back and stands, leaning heavily on his palms where they're flat on the table.] That's amazing. I'm glad to know some things never changed... And, y'know what? I think I'm just gonna... Go. You seem to have everything in order and I'm a lot to look at. [And this marks the first time Caleb has ever made Molly short-circuit and not even in the fun way. Just the deeply scared and not wanting to be the arsehole who puts a fracture in Caleb's happiness.] ...Bye.

[He's just gonna back out towards the door. Maybe he shouldn't expose his back. Maybe that's how the town gets you. One swift kick to the arse and you're convinced you have stores and happy lives that don't make any sense.

Maybe there's a tree he can hit his head against nearby...]

❪ event ❫ spirited away

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