songerein | { a bit leafy }

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{ a bit leafy }

A BIT LEAFY

More details on everything can be found here.

I. LEAF STORM

II. INFESTATIONS

COMMENTS

I. LEAF STORM

During the first week of November, a storm of leaves will pass through town. It starts innocuous enough, with just a bluster of leaves carried in the wind that looks normal for the changing of the season. But as the days progress, there are large bursts even downpours of leaves that just fall all over town. And with this storm come strange things…

A. Leaf Monsters. As the leaves pile up and people attempt to rake and blow them away, there will be some strange movement...until it's revealed that oddly shifting pile of leaves suddenly rises up to try and attack, blasting sharp leaves and even trying to "engulf" the unexpecting, trapping them in piles of leaves. Time to deal with this sudden leaf invasion! (Note: the leaf monsters will be most active during the first week of the month and then taper off by the end of the second week. By mid-month, only a few will pop up here and there.)

🔥 Burn Burn Burn! Using any kind of wind will only disperse the leaf monster and make them split into more. They need to be destroyed completely, and the best way is through fire. Dreamotion fire especially.
🪤 Trapped. But be careful with that fire! There may be those trapped within the leaf monster itself, and burning it may hurt those inside. This is the one time using wind to disperse the leaves may be warranted, but maybe a "controlled blast" will help to keep the monster from spreading.
🐌 Animal Aid. While fire is the most effective, there are other methods—mainly through certain critters. The chickens around that statue from the Dream Board could probably help scratch and break them apart. Finding some special rainbow snails from the lake just south of town will also help as their glittery slime will not only trap the leaves, but also break them down quickly.

B. Leafever. The strange leaf storm and the leaf monsters are also bringing a strange cold-like disease, likely spread through the pollen or spores attached to the leaves. Those who get caught by the leaf monsters are most likely to catch it. Fortunately the effects are mild and only last a few days, week at most, but can be caught multiple times. There is also a cure, but it requires the same leaves that brought it.

🤧 Achoo! While having the leafever overall feels no different than a bad cold, some of the symptoms and side effects are a lot more…unusual with little consistency between individuals. Some may find themselves sneezing bubbles, others secreting slime as they sweat, and all dreamotion effects going haywire.
♨ Incense Burner. One way to help ease and lessen the effects of the leafever is to burn the leaves in a special incense burner infused with special dreamotion focused on healing and soothing emotions. A special stone must also be used, and it can only be found in the hot spring caves in Dragefjell, Dragon Island.
🍂 Leaf Sap. For the actual remedy, sap must be collected from the leaf monsters. How? Well—that's for everyone else to figure out, good luck. Maybe try squeezing the leaves? Or cook them?

C. Dryad. The most severe side effect of the leafever is the individual slowly turning more tree-like, some becoming similar to dryads. There are no serious side effects and will only last for about a day or two. In fact, those who "turn dryad" will feel healthier and livelier than usual. But it may be an interesting experience regardless.

🌲 A bit stiff. As the skin turns more bark-like and limbs become a bit more "wooden," those affected may find their movements a bit more limited at first. A bit of exercise and a gallon of water dumped on them will help loosen them up.
🌷 In tune to nature. While in this state, there will be an increased sense of awareness regarding all things plant. This includes the leaf monsters, allowing them to sense and pinpoint any that may be hiding or lurking around. There will also be a brief time where they can even control and call upon plants to do their bidding.
🍃 Big shed. When the symptom finally ends, all the leaves, branches, and bark will just fall completely off the individual and they will return completely normal without a single blemish. …And clothes. Hope this isn't happening out in public, ahem.

II. INFESTATIONS

With the changing of the seasons, all kinds of critters are either passing through on their migratory route…or burrowing in to start hibernation. Usually it's not a problem, but perhaps due to all the strange dreamotion energy flux over the past year, the creatures are behaving a little differently and getting in the way more than usual. The storm of leaves isn't helping matters, aiding in some of them to travel through. While some will appear during it, the majority will cause problems from around the second week onward.

A. Bugged Trees. Those living in treehouses are going to have a bit of a time as a number of insects will be looking to find a new place to chill during winter. Specifically, their home. Those who are under the dryad effect may want to be careful of any bugs that may be attracted to them.

🪲 Giant Beetles. Some may remember these fellows from previous years. The beetles are quite friendly, but they are quite large, large enough to ride on. They can also cause some rough damage on gardens and yards, their massive size creating large holes as they burrow into the ground. However, some are really useful with their pincers, capable of pruning unwanted branches. If not chasing them away, perhaps one could use them instead? (Especially against leaf monsters.)
🐞 Ladybugs. These ladybugs are average sized (thank goodness), but they have quite the attitude. Preferring colorful and well tended flowers, they will speak their mind should they find any that are wilting. They will also drop critiques on anyone with poor etiquette and living poorly. Those who have well kept homes will have an easier time with them…and also suffer large groups coming in hosting parties in the branches.
🦗 Crickets. The crickets are of the musical sort, ready to put on a performance to try and endear themselves to receive temporary lodging. Just for a few days! Their range of music is wide, from classical to punk rock to country to jazz to even rap. And while they try to be polite, well… Sometimes music jams happen whether they should or not. Like late at night. Crickets are nocturnal after all.

B. Migration Migraines. As if dealing with bugs wasn't enough, other critters are either migrating or looking to hibernate around town. One would think the Wildlands would have plenty to offer, but some may find the easy access to food in town a bit more enjoyable.

🦡 Honeycomb Badgers. These interesting looking badgers have a honeycomb for a back. While they will dig up gardens in search of tasty flowers, they need to "shed" their honeycomb and are deliberately going to people to offer it. They are not harmed and will just reveal normal fur beneath before a new honeycomb forms.
🦒 Flying Giraffes. A flock of large winged giraffes will be flying in and roosting on various tall buildings. They act a lot like Canadian geese, so…beware.
🐻 Cotton Bears. These cute little bears look like they could be living teddy bears with how small and plush they appear. And for winter, they are looking to sleep somewhere nice, soft, and warm. Like a bed. Now they don't really care if they are occupied or not, so maybe it would be better if some dens and beds could be made for them instead.

C. Field Foes. The farms situated around the outskirts of town are preparing to harvest their fields, but there's trouble. Unless it gets sorted quick, food might be harder to come by for the winter!

🌾 Scarecrow Rebellion. Something is wrong with the scarecrows, but no one is sure what. They're either sitting in the fields not trying to shoo away the numerous wildlife that have decided to come through, or actively waving their pitchforks at the very gardeners and farmers they're supposed to help. Perhaps they feel a bit underappreciated so some word of thanks could help them get back to work. In the meantime, some help clearing out the fields of unwanted visitors, especially the crows, will be needed.
🍄 Hopped Up Hares. Among the unwanted "vermin" are some hares that have somehow gotten into some…strange green mushrooms that have made them behave a bit erratic. They're digging up tunnels, wearing carrots on their heads, and stare blankly out into the distance. Catch them and drive them away! And maybe feed them some special pellets that will help cure them of their, uh, "ailment." It's not recommended to eat the mushrooms should they be found, but if one does…well, enjoy the same dizzying, heightened experience the hares did.
🍆 Oversized Veggies. Some young "genius" thought creating a special formula mixed with dreamotion would help the crops grow larger and faster. However, it only caused the vegetables to overgrow to as large as an adult person and are now rolling dangerously through the fields. Some even get into town! Pumpkins, carrots, lettuce, corn, potatoes, cabbages—all manner of vegetables are rolling around, so stop them before they cause too much destruction.

I. LEAF STORM

II. INFESTATIONS

COMMENTS

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

They are a disruptive lot, and they don't seem to keen on giving up either.

[One would think seeing two of their kind burn to nothing but ash would make the rest of them back off, but it didn't seem as they had that much self-preservation. A swipe with his torch took yet another of the monsters as it set it ablaze.]

Edited 2023-11-08 23:38 (UTC)

(Another monster tries to lunge at Isabela, enraged beyond belief. But instead they got a swipe full of flame and they burst into flames as they wail in pain.)

Yep, quite a stubborn lot of living leaves. They never seem to stop showing up everywhere.

[He hisses menacingly at another of the creatures, eyes blazing as he strikes at it.]

Most sensible creatures would have fled by now, not even the orcs of my own world would keep to a fight their bound to lose like this.

(She then hits two leaf monsters with the torch in a row, fuming mad as the fire sets them ablaze. Isabela would have a better time sweeping the garden area of her flower shop if the monsters hadn’t been a nightmare to deal with.)

Wow. Even the orcs have more sense to know when to fold and get out of danger too? That is saying a lot about these overgrown piles of leaves than I can imagine. They can’t seem to take a hint and leave the town alone.

They did. Unless they had a dragon or a balrog driving them forward they'd break and run as soon as they saw my banners. They knew full well they'd stand no chance should they meet me and my people in the field. These things don't seem able to take the same hint, however.

[And he was just as ruthlessly efficient in disposing of these things as he had been with the orcs. Leaving nothing but piles of ashes in his wake.]

Oh yeah. It is like they have no idea or concept of fear and stubbornness runs within their, um, sap. I am hoping that they didn’t trap a lot of people within them right now, I don’t want to hurt anyone who are trapped inside the leaf monsters.

(Isabela keeps on hitting the monsters with her lit torch, leaving them all to burn and reduced into ashes. How could something like piles of leaves turn into something so hideous and horrifying that even orcs will run for their lives?)

It is a truly annoying trait for them to have. There are no people they have trapped here, at least, I would have heard them in that case.

[These things make him almost miss the foes that would run at the mere sight of him.]

(Oh good. That means there is no need to worry for any lives that could be endangered by these pesky leaf monsters right now. If there had been any who have been trapped, there could have been at least screams and cries of help right about now.)

Oh thank goodness. We don’t have to worry about people being in danger from these monsters right now. I think that many of them have either went into hiding or fled from the area to get away from them.

(She soon proceeds to torch several more monsters into ashes without a blink of an eye, their horrified screams piercing the skies and air.)

[He's very glad his hearing is as good as it is, or he'd not dared to fight these things as fiercly as he does, there was no way he'd miss the sound of people in distress even at a distance.]

It is fortunate indeed. Holding back against foes like these is always frustrating, and I'm glad we wont need to do so now. I hope people keep inside until these things are dealt with properly.

[He weaves between the grasping things expertly, setting them alight as he goes, almost as gracefully as if he were dancing instead of fighting.]

I hope so as well. Everyone who may not want to fight the monsters needs to stay put inside wherever they might be at right now until they have been dealt with. It does make me wonder how many of them are still roaming around the town today.

(Even while she is fighting very fiercely, there is no mistake that there is an element of dance involved as she too gracefully weaves between the monsters, lighting up them in flames with her torch.)

It would be for the best if they kept low for a while. I'd like to keep as many as possible from being swept up by these things, especially since they're being so agressive.

[Anyone without some sort of experience when it came to these kinds of situations would likely not be able to keep from being caught by the leaf monsters.]

Agreed. This should prevent the monsters from attacking everyone since they seem to go for and will attack the first moving being they can find in town from what I have observed. And also to ensure their safety too.

It might be a good idea to try to help escort those less prepared to fight somewhere safe.

Good idea, there could be some folks who might need help in escaping the monsters right around the area.

(As soon as she says it, Isabela hears a scream for help and she turns to find a family of four being chased around by another set of leaf monsters running after them.)

Speaking of which, I’ll try to escort this family to safety while you handle the leaf monsters themselves.

That's what I thought, not everyone knows what to do when disaster strikes so it is best for everyone if those that do helps to organize such things.

[His ears twitch slightly at the sound of the screams and he turns with her to make his way over to the family as well.]

Sounds like a plan.

Edited 2023-11-14 09:46 (UTC)

Okay then, I should get to them first before the monsters do.

(She quickly runs up to the family as fast as she can and waves at them frantically to let them know that she is here to help them.)

Hey, over here. I need to get you all to safety away from these leaf monsters fast. Somewhere where they won’t find you outright.

(The family agrees (though not without some concern) as she takes them towards a pile of empty crates and she helps them in hiding inside the crates before she takes cover behind the crates so she can fight back whenever she needs to. But right now the family’s safety is of a high priority to her.)

[He nods in agreement and jumps in front of the monsters, swinging his torch in a wide arc that makes them rear back from both him and the family they were pursuing. He trusts Isabela to see to the safety of the family while he deals with them, which is a great relief to him and leaves him free to keep his full attention on the fight in front of him.]

(The family is hidden safe inside the crates while Isabela does her best to calm the scared the children that it will be alright in the end. Sure there may have been noises being made in the crates but they ate not too loud to be detected by the monsters since Maedhros is going to fight them from attacking the family.

Meanwhile Isabela is still keeping a vigilant eye on the family from her hidden post at the crates, trying to ensure that the family will be not harmed in any form. She would also hated it as well if her own family was also attacked by these monsters as well.)

[The fight does not take overly long, one of the perks of fighting something made up of dry leaves he supposes, especially not when he does not need to hold back in fear of getting someone caught in the crossfire.

When the fight is done he brushes some of the residual ash off of himself and takes a moment to survey the area. No more monsters in sight as far as he can see, nor can he hear the telltale rustling of their movements either.]

All clear here! [He calls out to the others.]

(Upon hearing Maedhros’ voice, Isabela peaks out from her hiding spot to see that the leaf monsters are gone. That must went by very quickly, considering that the leaves are very dry to begin with.

With that, she carefully assists the family to get out of the crates and onto the ground, hoping that there are no more monsters out to get them soon. She really hates having to deal with more of them all over Reverein.)

[Centuries of battles have honed him into a fine weapon to turn against an enemy, and these had had such a glaring weakness for him to exploit. Fire, that burned so brightly in his soul and that came so easily at his call.

Maedhros keeps watch, listening for the whispery rustlings of the leaf monsters as he keeps the torch ready in case one of them manages to sneak up on them.]

(As the last family member got off the crate, Isabela tries to see and find another area she can take them to in case the leaf monsters try to come out again and are still on the loose.

She has no idea on how could piles of leaves can become into monsters but ho boy it is not all that great with them being so stubborn and unwilling to just give up their never ending chaos full chase.)

[Finding some sort of building would be preferable, something with a door that could be barricaded until the danger had passed.

The how or why this is happening is something he has pushed to the back of his mind for the moment, he'll leave that for others to figure out. Actions are where he will do the most good, but he'll likely have some questions when things finaly calm down.]

(Searching for a better hiding place with some form of barricades can be tough at times even during times of leaf monster chaos, but eventually Isabela notices a mostly vacant shop nearby. It doesn’t have much in the way of what purpose it might have taken but it does look very promising in the way of staying hidden and protected from harm.

Plus the thick woolen curtains and sheets inside are great to blend in and hide from the monsters’s sight. Terrific now she gets to take the family to a better hiding place and they can stay there until the whole thing has subsided if not concluded.)

[As Isabela leads the family towards the shop Maedhros guards their rear, keeping his keen senses tuned to their surroundings as he keeps his torch ready should one of the monsters manage to sneak up on them in spite of his vigilance.]

{ a bit leafy }

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