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Entry tags:
second slash ⚔ expedition log
Who: Anyone who was interested in exploring the cliffs and a bit of the Wasteland!
Which: Open Log
Where: Outer cliffs and Wastelands desert entrance
What: It's another expedition log, this time featuring the outer cliffs that serve as the barrier between the Wildlands and the Wastelands, and a little bit of the desert just beyond into the Wastelands.
Note: like the last log, the timespan for this log spans for the rest of the month, so a character could go to one area one day and then another on another day. There are also Bonus items listed at the top of each section as just suggestions of some things characters can find and bring back.
Warnings: Potential violence during the fight encounters; everyone expected to tag warnings that might/unexpectedly pops up in their threads!
» OPTION A - WILDLANDS: OUTER CLIFFS «
Bonus Items: kirin scales, oases water, harpy feathers, various other monster/creature "materials" (fangs, hides, claws, etc), cactus flowers
» OPTION B: WASTELANDS - DESERT ENTRANCE «
Bonus Items: sand samples, monster fragments if manage to survive
» OPTION C: MUTTON MAN AND KAZUMA ANGRY VIBES «
[OOC: Another expedition log similar to the previous Wildlands one! If you have any questions, feel free to ask here.]
Which: Open Log
Where: Outer cliffs and Wastelands desert entrance
What: It's another expedition log, this time featuring the outer cliffs that serve as the barrier between the Wildlands and the Wastelands, and a little bit of the desert just beyond into the Wastelands.
Note: like the last log, the timespan for this log spans for the rest of the month, so a character could go to one area one day and then another on another day. There are also Bonus items listed at the top of each section as just suggestions of some things characters can find and bring back.
Warnings: Potential violence during the fight encounters; everyone expected to tag warnings that might/unexpectedly pops up in their threads!
» OPTION A - WILDLANDS: OUTER CLIFFS «
Bonus Items: kirin scales, oases water, harpy feathers, various other monster/creature "materials" (fangs, hides, claws, etc), cactus flowers
At the edge of Wildlands, a number of strong creatures such as giants, trolls, centaurs, and ents roam through the outer forests. Some could think of them as the guardians who help patrol and protect the Wildlands from what lay beyond the cliffs that surround them. These cliffs are the last line of defense between the dangers that dwell in the outer Wastelands and everyone else inhabiting within the Wildlands and the town of Reverein. Although it's called the "cliffs," it consists of several canyons and plateaus. There are several layers and it's not one giant monolith with occasional gaps and maze-like pathways, the cliffs form a complete, daunting ring that would take several hours to pass through unless someone manages to find one of the open chasms. Of course, even those would not be any safer to travel through. Even attempting to fly over would be harrowing as there are a number of aerial creatures and thinner atmosphere to make things difficult. Towering several hundreds, sometimes reaching a thousand feet high in some points, the cliffs are home to a number of creatures and habitats. While it is more dangerous, there are also a number of peaceful creatures and oases with varying effects.
Kirin can be found prancing around the cliff walls, usually putting even the most springy mountain goat to shame as they climb the steep sheer walls with ease. They are the noblest of the creatures that dwell within the cliffs and keep a wary eye out for anything that may encroach from the Wastelands, working in tandem with large golden eagles that can sometimes be seen flying overhead. They will be friendly and help any who end up lost within the numerous tunnels and caves, even guiding adventurers to special oases formed by their own hooves and magic. The water will have varying healing effects, ranging from general relaxation and ease of sleep to minor healing to detoxification. Their scales can also be found mostly around the oases and are free for the taking. Like most everything related to them, when ground into powder they can be a useful sleep and perhaps some other uses.
Blooming around the oases and other various areas of the canyon are various vegetation and flowers, most notably some interesting, sparkling cacti. Beware their spines as one prick will immediately knock someone out for a few hours and leave them feeling a bit...loopy. But if handled carefully, the water and meat inside will help revitalize any parched throat. The flowers they bloom are also edible and have healing effects.
Within the canyon tunnels and caves where it's dark and cool, there is plenty of bioluminescent life, including glowing frogs and bats. Large insects can also be found so be wary of any poisons they may use in defense. Snakes will also make their home here so careful where one steps.
As for the more dangerous threats, look nor further than the gryphon. These magnificent predators are the more aggressive guardians of the cliffs and are very territorial. They may not attack on sight, but if anyone encroaches too close to their nests, then it's claws first, questions later. However, some may be able to curry favor by helping protect the nests from a snake-headed coyote that's more than happy to pilfer unguarded nests for eggs. For those who found the large chickens in the forests, these creatures may look familiar.
And at the very top of the cliffs roost numerous birds and flying creatures of prey such as vultures, harpies, small wyverns. They will keep to their high perches, but anyone who tries to fly over or manage to climb high enough will have to fight to not get thrown over.
Otherwise, there are a lot of tunnels and caves that could be discovered within the cliffs. Who knows what other mysterious creatures and flora could be fine. Perhaps a few special crystal caves or other mineral mines that could be useful may be here.
Kirin can be found prancing around the cliff walls, usually putting even the most springy mountain goat to shame as they climb the steep sheer walls with ease. They are the noblest of the creatures that dwell within the cliffs and keep a wary eye out for anything that may encroach from the Wastelands, working in tandem with large golden eagles that can sometimes be seen flying overhead. They will be friendly and help any who end up lost within the numerous tunnels and caves, even guiding adventurers to special oases formed by their own hooves and magic. The water will have varying healing effects, ranging from general relaxation and ease of sleep to minor healing to detoxification. Their scales can also be found mostly around the oases and are free for the taking. Like most everything related to them, when ground into powder they can be a useful sleep and perhaps some other uses.
Blooming around the oases and other various areas of the canyon are various vegetation and flowers, most notably some interesting, sparkling cacti. Beware their spines as one prick will immediately knock someone out for a few hours and leave them feeling a bit...loopy. But if handled carefully, the water and meat inside will help revitalize any parched throat. The flowers they bloom are also edible and have healing effects.
Within the canyon tunnels and caves where it's dark and cool, there is plenty of bioluminescent life, including glowing frogs and bats. Large insects can also be found so be wary of any poisons they may use in defense. Snakes will also make their home here so careful where one steps.
As for the more dangerous threats, look nor further than the gryphon. These magnificent predators are the more aggressive guardians of the cliffs and are very territorial. They may not attack on sight, but if anyone encroaches too close to their nests, then it's claws first, questions later. However, some may be able to curry favor by helping protect the nests from a snake-headed coyote that's more than happy to pilfer unguarded nests for eggs. For those who found the large chickens in the forests, these creatures may look familiar.
And at the very top of the cliffs roost numerous birds and flying creatures of prey such as vultures, harpies, small wyverns. They will keep to their high perches, but anyone who tries to fly over or manage to climb high enough will have to fight to not get thrown over.
Otherwise, there are a lot of tunnels and caves that could be discovered within the cliffs. Who knows what other mysterious creatures and flora could be fine. Perhaps a few special crystal caves or other mineral mines that could be useful may be here.
» OPTION B: WASTELANDS - DESERT ENTRANCE «
Bonus Items: sand samples, monster fragments if manage to survive
Should anyone manage to traverse through the cliffs they will find themselves staring at a vast desert expanse, its sands a mix of yellow, red, and black. Although it's a little calm there at the border, one can already taste the arid desert air. No one knows how big the Wastelands really are, just that it's a vast, unexplored expanse. The temperatures fluctuating between scorching hot to freezing cold, pockets of toxic fumes, the desert sand itself is sharp like glass, and filled with noctaere and monstrous creatures, it's no wonder that anyone is able to venture through. Only a small distance beyond the cliffs is explorable, and while it's not much, it's enough to get a taste at how the Wastelands earns its name and why most of the fae are wary of venturing close.
There's not much mystery or places to explore here, only vicious encounters that will make anything from the Wildlands seem like child's play. Almost everything here is oversized and can bring down even the strongest warrior or god from another world if caution is not used. Teamwork will be needed just to fend off strongest creatures and taking down the huge ones may not be even possible.
For some warmup, there are some sentient cactus monsters called Choya that will dance and bumble about and once cut resemble more like watermelons. However, the ones with yellow flowers will explode upon death so best to stay clear. A cousin of the Choya are the Cactuar who are not only fast, but they will sling out their needles as projectiles. And the biggest member of the monster cactus family is a behemoth that roams further out in the desert. It's more likely they will only be seen in the distance and not encountered, but some may venture if their attention is caught.
Giant sand scorpions, horned snakes, and poisonous desert toads will seem like small pets compared to one of the largest monsters lurking out there: the sandworm. Living submerged under the sands, they hunt via vibration that they can feel underground. Their tongues have their own little jaws with sharp teeth that allow them to drag any size prey underground to either eat alive if small enough or suffocate underground and eat once it's gone. They will actively hunt those venturing near the cliffs, the only notable tell being the feel of sand starting to suck in from beneath their feet. The only safety is getting on top of a rock high enough out of the sand.
The reason why only patrol around the cliffs is that out in the desert where the dunes can be seen an even larger threat can be found: the sand shark. They live on the loose yellow sand and cannot "swim" through the harder packed sand and clay found by the cliffs, but sometimes a sand shark may feel daring and "breach" through the ground to snap up their prey. Their favorite meal is the sandworm, so if one is having trouble, maybe drawing a sandworm closer to the where the yellow sand is and hope for a sandshark to snap it up could be a plan. Just don't get become shark bait in the process.
There's not much mystery or places to explore here, only vicious encounters that will make anything from the Wildlands seem like child's play. Almost everything here is oversized and can bring down even the strongest warrior or god from another world if caution is not used. Teamwork will be needed just to fend off strongest creatures and taking down the huge ones may not be even possible.
For some warmup, there are some sentient cactus monsters called Choya that will dance and bumble about and once cut resemble more like watermelons. However, the ones with yellow flowers will explode upon death so best to stay clear. A cousin of the Choya are the Cactuar who are not only fast, but they will sling out their needles as projectiles. And the biggest member of the monster cactus family is a behemoth that roams further out in the desert. It's more likely they will only be seen in the distance and not encountered, but some may venture if their attention is caught.
Giant sand scorpions, horned snakes, and poisonous desert toads will seem like small pets compared to one of the largest monsters lurking out there: the sandworm. Living submerged under the sands, they hunt via vibration that they can feel underground. Their tongues have their own little jaws with sharp teeth that allow them to drag any size prey underground to either eat alive if small enough or suffocate underground and eat once it's gone. They will actively hunt those venturing near the cliffs, the only notable tell being the feel of sand starting to suck in from beneath their feet. The only safety is getting on top of a rock high enough out of the sand.
The reason why only patrol around the cliffs is that out in the desert where the dunes can be seen an even larger threat can be found: the sand shark. They live on the loose yellow sand and cannot "swim" through the harder packed sand and clay found by the cliffs, but sometimes a sand shark may feel daring and "breach" through the ground to snap up their prey. Their favorite meal is the sandworm, so if one is having trouble, maybe drawing a sandworm closer to the where the yellow sand is and hope for a sandshark to snap it up could be a plan. Just don't get become shark bait in the process.
» OPTION C: MUTTON MAN AND KAZUMA ANGRY VIBES «
Not a specific scenario but more of a note that the Mutton Man from the Dream Board can appear in either the cliffs or the Wastelands. So if anyone is interesting in having their encounter here can do so!
Also in light of Kazuma's bad vibes happening, totally cool to use this log for anyone who might want their character to be affected by it since they would have had to pass through the forests to get to the cliffs. Completely optional since it's possible to not hit a spot Kazuma was in.
Also in light of Kazuma's bad vibes happening, totally cool to use this log for anyone who might want their character to be affected by it since they would have had to pass through the forests to get to the cliffs. Completely optional since it's possible to not hit a spot Kazuma was in.
[OOC: Another expedition log similar to the previous Wildlands one! If you have any questions, feel free to ask here.]
Alphen | Tales of Arise
[The scenery here is different and new. Alphen can see some larger cliffs in the distance and several canyons. He's eager to explore things and see what might be waiting just around the corner. At the same time, he understands that there's danger and strong monsters residing in the area. With Alphen's previous experience traveling to unfamiliar areas he knows that he should be more observant of his surroundings. Learning the terrain would help with a lot of things. Alphen certainly didn't come out here alone. He's already used to traveling in smaller groups so he's trying his best to look out for everyone too. He pauses momentarily and stops to look at the person closest to him. ]
Are you holding up okay? We're going to be out here for awhile. Don't push yourself too hard.
[Someone once taught Alphen the importance of resting and pacing yourself. The body and mind have limits so it's not bad to stop and just rest every now and then.]
2.
[The wildlands are really vast and teeming with wildlife. Alphen isn't even sure how far these lands go because it looks like they go on forever. It's impressive how there's so much to explore and see. When he first came to this world he wasn't sure what to expect. Even now, he still finds himself at a loss for words. Now's not really the time to be stunned or amazed by everything though. There's an ominous sensation in the atmosphere and everything comes to a standstill until....
He awkwardly stumbles over and falls off a ledge because of the uneven terrain. It's really hard to traverse down these narrow pathways and winding curves. Alphen grumbles a little and attempts to pick himself back up. He doesn't appear to be injured but that may be because he's wearing heavy armor that covers him up well. ]
Well, so much for that. Why are these pathways so hard to navigate? Just take one wrong step and you're going to have a bad time.
[He shakes his head and presses onward. There's no time to waste. ]
We better watch our footing.
3.
[Suddenly Alphen finds himself deeper within the caverns. It's nice and cooler inside which is nice because the temperatures aren't that extreme. The general feeling of this place is different from what it's like outside. There are plenty of things to look at inside of the cavern. A tiny frog walks past Alphen and he decides to pick it up. He gently holds it up and shows it to the next person. ]
Look, at this frog.....! Is it just me or is it glowing?
[He's very amazed by the glowing frog. It makes a loud ribbit sound and hops in place. The frog isn't the only thing that can be seen though. There's also the bats and there are snakes too so maybe they shouldn't just go walking around everywhere carelessly. Who knows what else could be lurking in the dark? ]
4. [CLOSED TO LAW]
[ The mutton man can be seen in the wastelands wielding a butcher's knife and he's extremely creepy looking. Nothing about him looks friendly to think otherwise would be a mistake. Alphen knows a threat when he sees one. He draws out a black blade with swift movements and prepares himself for battle.]
Law! We have to take on this bastard. Do you think you're okay to fight?
[There's no shame in sitting out a battle. A wise fighter would know their own limits. It's up to Law if he wants to fight or not. Either way, Alphen seems ready to go through with this and take on the mutton man.]
[ooc: Just like last time, I'll be keeping spoilers for Tales of Arise to a minimum and will do my best to mark major ones. You're always welcome to use my opt out post for concerns on the matter. For additional contact feel free to poke me on plurk
3 + wildcard as chatted
Somnus turns his head. They are not here to document the fauna. ] Let us proceed.
[ The cavern is just large enough for him to stand at full height, horns included (for now…), but no doubt there will be tighter corridors within. As for now, it seems that this particular cave might have been dug out by some large, burrowing beast, which makes for ease of access deeper into the cliffside.
Somnus' heavy footsteps echo down the dark passageways. The noise probably scares away more timid creatures. ]
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This one wants to come along too. Hope you don't mind extra company.
[ It's just a tiny frog and Alphen would like to protect it. There are nasty looking bats and othere insects down here too. In any case, they'll be carrying along the pathway into a wider area. Don't mind him.]
It's really dark in here.
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Have you no torch to spare?
[ Somnus’ voice, naturally low, carries a booming quality with it while they wander the cavern. ]
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Will this work?
[ He looks over curiously to Somnus who's quite tall. The light from Alphen's flames are bright enough to illuminate the darker areas. Hopefully it'll be enough for them to proceed forward. ]
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Small deposits of crystals along the cavern walls become more frequent as they proceed. Somnus stops at one of them, lightly tapping the back of his metal-clad knuckles against the mineral. ]
This could be useful.
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[ Alphen smiles and he sounds happy that they've found something useful. It'll be worth taking back to the smithy. He feels some joy but even that's short lived. The sounds of low growling can be heard in the distance. Another presence can be felt and it approaches them slowly. ]
....There's something coming.
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Two eyes appear to blink open within the darkness; then, four, followed by six, then eight. Not a single creature approaches, but a whole pack. One steps into the prenumbra of the light, revealing a scaled-covered face. The others, hissing and growling follow, their feral eyes set on the two figures. ]
Feral beasts hunger.
[ Somnus' armor shifts as he readies his stance, and an arm drops to his side, although no weapon appears to be on him. ]
Ready your blade.
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4
Half of that epithet is true for Law. He is indeed a fighter. Wise, however, remains to be seen. Law steps up, rolling his shoulder as he prepares himself for a fight. He didn't really know what their chances were, this guy looked like a tough one to be sure. If it were up to him, he'd get them the heck out of there and away from here.
But Alphen wouldn't be hearing that, and there's no way Law was going to abandon Alphen to fight this thing on his own.]
I think it's a little late for me to be thinking about backing out now, man.
[Limbered up, he settles into a fighting stance, his gauntlets secured to his arms.]
Let's do this!
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[ Alphen is really grateful to have a friend like Law. He could have been fighting out here alone and his chances of survival would have been much more slim. When Alphen thinks about how he feels so much stronger with friends he starts to believe that they can overcome anything. He takes his blade and prepares to attack the Mutton Man with an arte. ]
Dragon Swarm!!
[ The Mutton Man won't even stop moving after he's attacked so he's really strong. He's coming for Law next!!! ]
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Law rushes in, a strike prepared, ready to land a crushing blow to the Mutton Man's abdomen.]
Divine Fang Bla--
[And yet, before Law can close the gap, the Mutton Man does so first, suddenly appearing right in Law's face with a twisted, almost unsettling grin on his face. Whatever it was, it wasn't human. The Mutton Man whispers two words in an eerie, hushed tone, full of malice.
Fresh mutton!
He swings the butcher's knife at Law, and it takes everything Law has to cancel out of his arte and twist out of the way to avoid getting decapitated here. He falls to the ground and quickly rolls out of the way.]
Wh-what the hell is this guy?!
[He never thought the words "fresh mutton" could shake him to his core like that...]
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[ Fresh mutton!! Alphen really wishes he had an answer to Law's question. Just what the hell is this thing and where did it come from? He's both insanely strong and fast. Alphen's starting to wonder if they'll be able to manage this fight and make it through okay. It would be really bad if they sustained more severe injuries all the way out here.
Law's strong and a formidable fighter. Alphen has seen him take down foes that are ten times his size. The fact that the Mutton man could easily fight back means that he's a seriously powerful foe.]
Let's work together and bring down his defense!!
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[Law sizes up his opponent. He was going to need a solid opening to land a critical blow here to break through the mutton man's defenses...]
You draw his attention. Get me an opening and I'll crush him!
[He pounds his fist into an open palm. He was ready to wreck this monster's world.]
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[Alphen is always kind of serious when it comes to fights. He goes into them with all of his effort and might. When he runs ahead he charges at the Mutton Man using several different Artes in a row. He'll change up his sword styles to make his attacks a little less predictable.]
Damn it, I need more time. Just a little more and I should be able to pull this off.
[ The Mutton Man is too busy dealing with Alphen to even notice Law at the moment. That's a good cue for him to jump in! ]
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( but shionne calls out too late, and he's already tumbling down that ledge. she isn't far behind, following him down without hesitation, though she manages to keep her balance, sliding down the rockface in her heels.
she crouched down to look him over, but it seems he's already rising to his feet again, so she'll do the same. )
You're lucky that cliffside wasn't any steeper, you could have been seriously hurt!
( she's clearly... not impressed, but huffs away any further lectures for now. )
Are you sure what you're looking for is even out here?
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[ Yup. That's why he came down here....to find cooking ingredients. The heavy suit of armor saved him from taking any serious injuries. Alphen looks unharmed for the most part. He knows that he has to speak up when he gets hurt otherwise he's just gonna make Shionne worry more. ]
It's okay. The fall wasn't that bad and I'm more surprised you followed me all the way down.
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i mean, how could she pull out of the operation after hearing that? she's definitely thinking about all the dishes they could make, with some new items... )
Of course I followed.
( hmph. she wasn't just going to leave him like that. when jack had fallen down, jill came tumbling after, as they say. )
Should we keep going, then?
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[ The things they do for food....!!! Having more variety to their cooking and dishes would have been very nice. Alphen couldn't pass the opportunity up....not when it invovled cooking and potentially making new recipes.]
Do you want to lead the way? I'll follow behind you.
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( they had a bit of ground to make up after that, ah— detour.
shionne will, at least, be careful at judging their footing from the front. any more tumbles like that and alphen might be getting some dents in that armour of his...
the things they do for food.......
inwardly, she hoped that he wasn't just doing this all for her sake. though the idea did make her feel... nice. )
If it's herbs or vegetables we're on the lookout for, they're definitely going to be around some kind of water source.
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[ Alphen is easy enough to get a read on once you know him well. He really did go out here thinking of Shionne and the others. They always share meals with everyone and eating became so much more enjoyable with her company. He'll become more excited once they find some interesting plants or other things they could bring back. ]
I'll do my best to not trip on something strange. [ Is she worried about him? She's probably worried about him which is why Alphen feels the need to say this. ]
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wildcard gryphon adventures
I wonder what the view is like up there. If we find a trail or something, what do you say about climbing up? Bet we'd be able to really get a good look at this place.
[Speaking of "views," little will the two realize it but they have entered gryphon territory and there are a pair of eyes watching them approach warily...]
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[ Alphen points to a small crack in the wall. It looks like it'll be a tight fit and honestly it doesn't even make much sense to go there at all. He thought going down this road might lead to a more open area. Huh. ]
I think it's worth checking out![ please no ]
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...You're kidding right? We'll barely be able to fit in and I'm pretty sure it'll go inside the cliffs.
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All this time I thought it would take us to where we need to go.
[ If Rokurou takes his eyes off Alphen for even a moment he might wander off someplace dangerous. ]
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I'm all for going off the off the beaten but, and it'll lead us to somewhere... But don't think it'll take us up.
I'm thinking maybe that way.
[And pointing to an upward slope alongside the cliff wall.]