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

[ Her mouth curls higher at the corners in natural response to Ira's laugh as she reaches a proper speaking distance, and she agrees, ]

I suppose we should count our blessings.

[ Although that might not make the vegetables in question any easier to lift. With a hum of assent, ]

Of course. I'll be happy to give it...! Although - I'm not much stronger than I was last time.

[ Her magic, however, has at least grown more powerful, even if her upper body strength hasn't much, really. ]

A second set of hands, regardless of strength, is always going to make things easier. And we know a thing or two about creative solutions.

[And a magical solution will likely be a welcome one here.]

Though, right now, I'm thinking a larger cart might be the first order of business.

You're right on both counts, I think...! [ At least, ] As long as that that second set hands knows what it's doing.

[ Which she'd like to imagine they both at least sort of do. With a considering glance at the vegetables around, ]

The carts were back that way, weren't they? Although - I'm not sure I spotted any bigger ones.

[ This might prove problematic if they stick to practical means. ]

I believe so. It's been a bit difficult to divide my attention between the vegetables and some of the birds flying about.

But if there isn't a bigger one, we might need to come up with another solution.

[He thinks for a moment.]

Unfortunately, I don't think I have any spells to make things bigger.

[ Naminé's mouth sets slightly, thoughtfully, as she considers the issues at hand. (And, you know, she of course has to cast a concerned glance in the direction of the nearest birds, if any are visible, hands tightening at her sides.) ]

There isn't any way to... combine two of them, is there? I suppose it would be hard to move it around like that, but at least then there might be room.

[ Fastening them together, somehow? ]

I hadn't considered that as a possibility. I was mostly focusing on slowing them down, and everything else.

[A vague wave indicating the birds, the scarecrow. It's a lot.]

Though, I'd be worried it might have a negative effect.

[He's thoughtful for a moment.]

But it is also worth a try. I'm sure we can sacrifice a couple in the name of experimenting.

[ Nodding her understanding, Naminé spends a few more beats frowning in the direction of the birds, herself. ]

Maybe I should help with that, this time around. I might be more able to keep them busy now than I would have been before.

[ Her hum after his assessment regarding the carts sounds like an agreement. ]

If we're lucky, hopefully there won't be any serious damage to anything even if we do try it.

[ Nothing irreparable, anyway. ]

It does not seem like we are working with limited quantities either, so let's give it a shot.

Unless you had plans for the birds first.

[ To the first part: ]

Okay. It's worth trying, at least...!

[ As for the birds, though - she offers a small shake of her head. ]

No, not exactly. It doesn't seem right to antagonize them back, but... I'll keep an eye on them while we work, so that if they try to cause trouble again, I can put a stop to it.

Alright, I shall leave them to you.

[If Namine says she can look after it, he'll trust her. For now, he'll consider the pile that's been forming, before selecting a carrot and a zucchini.]

Will these work to start? They seem to be the most common.

[ Nodding firmly-- ]

I'll do what I can.

[ About the birds, that is. As for the rest, she tilts her head a moment before coming to a realization. ]

-- Oh. I meant - that we might want to try connecting the carts to each other somehow. [ Rather than the vegetables, ] But if you have something in mind, I'm sure that's worth trying, too.

[Ira considers the carts for a moment.]

It does look like they can be connected. Perhaps some rope or a chain would be a good place to start.

That does make more sense than the vegetables. My apologies.

[ Nodding along again, Naminé agrees, ]

I think so, too. I didn't see any, but I can have a look where the other carts are. If there isn't one there - I'm sure we can improvise.

[ Although she shifts to move that direction, she pauses to look back at him and shake her head encouragingly. ]

There's no need, [ to apologize, that is. ] After all, this is a dream world. Much stranger things have happened...! And actually - it would probably be pretty fun to see what combining the food would do, too.

Perhaps once it's in a safer location, we can experiment.

[He looks at the pile of vegetables, and then the birds and the less than effective scarecrow.]

Will you be alright on your own, or do you want me to come with you?

I can go alone, I think.

[ And she nods firmly, to back up her own statement. This is a solemn duty, as is, ]

It's better if you stay here and guard the vegetables, in the meantime...! You look scarier, after all.

Edited 2023-12-22 00:33 (UTC)

[If there on thing that Ira isn't going to do, it is doubt Namine's abilities. He's already made that mistake.

Though her next comment does provide a little wince.]

I'll do my best...but, I don't look that scary, do I?

[ Naminé straightens at his question, hands immediately lifting in a placating gesture-- ]

No, not that scary...! Although I'm sure you could be, if you wanted to. It's just... you're bigger and stronger.

[ A beat as she hesitates, ]

And-- well-- people aren't usually as scared of me as they probably should be. So, by comparison...

[ He's definitely the more intimidating one, if they're judging books by covers. ]

Edited 2023-12-28 06:50 (UTC)

That's a relief. I don't want to be scary.

[He's approachable, really.]

But you are right. Between the two of us, I suppose you don't really project an image to fear.

I'll do my best to keep the birds away.

I understand. It can be useful sometimes, but-- I'm sorry for worrying you.

[ Wryly, carefully, she offers a self-aware smile as he agrees with her. With a nod, she'll return to backing toward her original goal. ]

Thank you. I'll try not to leave you alone for too long...!

I should be able to manage, so don't rush on my account.

[It's just some birds. How bad could it be?]

I won't...!

[ ... Too much, anyway. She'll still walk off at a brisk pace, though.

When she returns, well - perhaps by then they'll both have found out how bad the birds can be, won't they? If at all, of course. ]

Edited 2024-01-02 00:29 (UTC)

[When Namine returns, she'll find the situation a little more dire from when she left it. Ira seems to be caught between two spells. A web of wind to catch the vegetables, but also stretching it to a strong breeze to keep the birds at bay.

But they seem to be finding away around it and there is only so much Ira can do.]

[ It's a little hard to tell yet how successful Naminé's side of the endeavor was; she's got an extra cart with her when she returns, but she abandons it as soon as she realizes Ira's predicament to hurry over. ]

Hey...!

[ What rude birds! They're definitely deserving of a good spooking, so as she approaches, Naminé raises a hand to conjure some Thunder. It's aimed as best she can make it so as not to hit anything, but hopefully the birds will find the noise of the sudden lightning strikes startling enough to be discouraged away from the area. ]

Leave him alone...!

[The sound and sight of the spell is a bit of a relief, allowing Ira to drop one of his spells and focus on the other.

The birds scatter with loud caws of frustration, though there might be the chance that they are simply regrouping.]

You came back just in time.

[ Still frowning at the departing crows, Naminé's prepared to add her own Barrier to the vegetables if they return for them - but in any case, her gaze softens when she shifts her attention back to Ira. ]

I wish I'd come back a little sooner, I think...! [ Then he'd have suffered a bit less, but-- ] I'm sorry, Master Ira.

[ Stepping back, ]

I'll bring the cart the rest of the way. Hopefully they won't dare cause any more trouble for now.

[ Not with her still within view, too. ]

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