first slash ⚔ expedition log

[rokubro]

Who: Anyone who was interested in exploring the surrounding Wildlands!
Which: Open Log
Where: Various parts of the Wildlands
What: Rokurou made a journal post for anyone interested in exploring the surrounding areas and now it's time for it to happen! This is designed as a log that anyone can make toplevels! Rather than specific prompts, there are various locations written with their describes and what can be encountered. In addition, some of the things thrown in here may show up again in the future (oooh aaah). Any questions can be thrown in the OOC Planning post!

Note: 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.
Warnings: Potential violence during the fight encounters; everyone expected to tag warnings that might/unexpectedly pops up in their threads!


» OPTION A: PREPARATIONS «

The meeting place is at the north road at the Plaza where everyone can meet and greet. The other people around town (ie, our fellow other world NPCs) are also happy to lend a hand in offering whatever supplies, bags, and food they've managed to scrounge up so far. They've also made some requests to look out for while out there so finding them will be a plus. So there are bags filled with a few days worth of food, basic camping supplies like sleeping bags and basic kits, and some complimentary healing cupcakes provided by the Dreambucks fairies. Said to be good to heal most minor injuries including poisons. Everyone is given some rudimentary maps that show the main trails, and some landmarks, but otherwise it's called the Wildlands for a reason. People can group up to go wherever they want and how long people stay out there is up to them, but as this is an initial expedition it may be wise to not stay out too long or go out too far. If anyone hits the cliffs of the Wastelands, it may be best to turn back. Journals will be a good method of communication to share information and imprint images of places of interest.

The tapirs who come by to see them off will warn them to be careful and will give them a special totem that can be used once. If anyone ever gets lost or severely injured and unable to find help, they just need to hold onto it and think of any place in town and they will immediately be teleported back. Of course, as much as they'd like to give it for free, such a totem is hard to make...but don't worry, they just hope for tasty dreams later.

» OPTION B: MISTY FORESTS «

Requested items: herbs, wild fruits, animal meat, large branches, dark tree bark, gray moss

The first and largest area of interest are the misty forests north of the village. Along with the foggy mist that will obscure trails and easily turn anyone around, another warning is to not follow any wisps. These shiny orbs of light will try and lead any south to the swamps. The trees are also very...lively, their branches and roots occasionally moving. But many have delicious fruits and vegetables hanging from their boughs. Just beware of the blue mushrooms. They may look pretty, but they are extremely poisonous and can knock someone out within minutes. Otherwise there are plenty of bushes with berries and herbs and flowers scattered about. Areas where large pockets of sunlight poring through the trees will be the safest.

The one good thing about the forests is although there are threats, they are the least dangerous. Most creatures found will be "standard" woodland creatures. The rabbits may be more like jackalopes, and the deer may have flowers and moss growing on their horns, but they are recognizable. A few might spot some nymphs and pixies, but they will be quite shy and hide away. There are some interesting chickens that can be found and brought back to the farms. They are fairly docile, but beware of the rooster that may be hanging around. Now this big boy are big enough to be ridden and hitched onto wagons. But if offered their favorite food, cornflowers, large yellow flowers that are fortunately found nearby, they will become more amiable to follow. Some might encounter the chickens being harassed by strange snake headed creatures. They are easy enough to kill or scare away.

One creature in particular that one should be wary of are the Wild Willows. Located deeper in the forests closer to the Wastelands, it appears as an ordinary trunk of a weeping willow and can be found either in the middle of some large clearing or in a grove of smaller willows. Wild Willows lure their prey in by offering shade and other things usually found beneath normal willow trees. Once in reach, it will bind its prey by either draping branches or tendrils that have shot out from the ground before the "trunk" of the "tree" unwraps itself like a great maw, the inside strips covered in teeth and digestive enzymes meant to help tenderize and digest, and also act as something of a tranquilizer to stop struggles. Should any prey manage to escape, the Wild Willow reveals itself by standing. They range in size from full grown moose to as large as an elephant.

There are also bears, wolves, and other standard animal predators, but they will mostly remain unseen until nightfall. The most threatening and aggressive creatures will appear once the sun sets and there is very little light in the forests.

» OPTION C: THE LAKE «

Requested items: anything potentially edible, lakeweed

Although the river is a good source for fish, the lake is sure to have more variety. Plus maybe it'll be fun to swim around in. Although it can be walked to, some rowboats are salvaged and repaired by the southern docks and can be used to row down the river all the way to the lake. It's a mostly smooth ride, but there are small pockets where the water picks up and rocks need to be navigated around. There are also numerous splits as the river turns into streams that wind though the forests and swamps. The only guide they have is to keep left if they want to get to the lake. They might even encounter the singing fish who are happy to provide them traveling music.

Once there, the lake is calm, serene, peaceful. It almost feels like a crime to fish there, but so goes the circle of life. There are some water nymphs happily playing in the waters and will be quite curious about the newcomers. Fortunately, they are friendly and are willing to point out which fish, clams, crabs, and other small lake creatures are safe to eat. There is the rainbow pufferfish which has very strong toxins, but if cured properly is said to not only be extremely delicious, but also helps revitalize one's energy. The toxins if extracted can be a lethal poison or an important ingredient for antidotes. But should anyone be pricked by the pufferfish, they will descend into maddening nightmares, unable to awaken unless soaked in the blood of a kelpie.

Speaking of, there are other dangerous creatures that lurk in the very deep ends of the lake, although most will appear when the sun begins go set. Currently the more common underwater creatures can be found, with the kelpies in particular appearing on the shores to try and lure the unwary onto their backs and drown them.

BONUS: There is one particular branching stream where the water seems to sparkle. Should anyone follow it and look carefully, they'll see the sparkling is caused by white, shimmering rocks. Following the stream further will take them to a part of the forest that feels strangely chilly—the answer solved by the snow falling everywhere. The water remains warm so anyone can turn back...or they can disembark and check around the area. If they look carefully, they will find special white snow flowers that are not only good for tea, but can be used for various healing remedies.

» OPTION D: SWAMPS «

Requested items: various mushrooms, moss, blue mud, any wild flowers or fruits

One of the more dangerous areas to explore, the swamps can be accessed either by walking through the forest or by sailing through the river and following the ominous swamp trees. Some branches even seem to curl around and spell the word "SWAMP AHEAD"...

Any ogres dwelling in these swamps are on the far side closer towards the Wastelands, so it's unlikely one will find them without traveling deeper in. But there are numerous goblins, imps, giant toadmen, and other hostile groups that dwell within the swamp. The insects are also huge—that dragonfly could be big enough to ride on if it doesn't eat the rider first. The muddy ground is also deceptive as it can quickly lose its firmness and sink into the ground instead, making it more like quicksand. Other environmental hazards are the explosive bubbles that pop out of the water. Some are small and will cause small burns, but others can be scalding enough to be more severe. Fortunately, the blue mud that is abundant in the swamps can be used as a healing salve and would be good to collect. Also makes one skin silky smooth. The red mud, however, is toxic and more like destructive acid.

However, there are a few friendly faces who may try to help anyone in trouble. Although small, there are some pixies that can help guide travelers through and will be quick shoo away the wisps trying to lure any astray. Rainbow lizards as large as cats will just be cute, why would anyone want to hurt them? And there are large rock tortoises disguised as boulders that may try to push out anyone stuck in the mud.

» OPTION E: REDCAPS «

Requested items: OUR IRON

The Redcaps are scattered all through the Wildlands with their residences usually stone lodgings that resemble ruins or old castles. Asura is leading the charge for a particular castle raid that anyone can join. But there's plenty of other locations that can also be taken by those more reckless or determined, each with their own share of defenses. Some locations are equipped with cannons that fire either lead balls or magic explosives. Some will have ballistas that will fire volleys of iron bolts. Others will have dug deep trenches filled with iron tipped spears, scattered large bear traps...

One valid strategy is to just let the Recaps waste their iron and take what's thrown at them or left around.

But for those who want to do the raids, get past the defenses and let loose. The Redcaps are dangerous and will be out for blood, so reducing their numbers and proving who is the stronger isn't a bad idea.

[OOC: Make it simple, I said, it'll be easy I said— So this Expedition Log is more like some weird event log nevermind that. What's written is definitely not exhaustive as more and more of the setting will be revealed in other various ways, but this should give people a fun start! As always, anyone is free to make up their own creatures or locations that can be discovered while exploring. If you do, be sure to mention it in the OOC Plotting Post so it can be recorded officially later! As mentioned at the top, any questions and other comments can be left there as well.]

Comments

REDCAPS

[lonelysmiles]

Alastor strolled towards the meeting place, his hands neatly folded behind his back. He hummed along with "You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile" as it softly emanated from him. Probably somewhat unsettling given the size of his own smile with his fangs on full display.

"Hello, my good man!" he greeted cheerily. "Ready for our little wager?"

[rokubro]

Rokurou grinned upon seeing Alastor walking over.

"If you mean by winning that wager, I'm more than ready. We got a lot of good locations that we can hit, too, so I'll let you pick."

[lonelysmiles]

"Ha! We'll see which one of us is the winner of our little contest!"

Alastor surveyed their surroundings, thinking.

"I'd heard there's a cluster of them in that direction. If nothing else, they should serve as a suitable warmup and appetizer. I'm feeling a bit peckish today."

OTA | Misty Forests

[madventure]

Gatherings
A forest that seemed so very lively wasn't strange to Alice, even if she was walking an animal-made trail with a bit of a guard to her posture. Walking on edge, tended to keep her sharp, but it didn't stop her from taking in how lovely the area was. Didn't stop her from looking around, but also kept her from stepping on wiggling roots as the kept an arm rested on the leather bag hanging from a shoulder.

"Now, where are you going?" There was a flash of green ducking in to a berry bush, Alice peering after it for a moment before simply- stepping off the path to follow.

Glancing back briefly- "Perhaps this is a bad habit, but nothing gained I suppose."

Wild Encounter
There was a massive, earth shaking hit to the ground as Alice bounced backwards on her heels, a fluttering of blue and white butterflies trailing after her skirts- "Aren't you just the massive bully?" Ground splitting as the Wild Willow was pulling itself from the ground with a shriek that sounded like whistling wind through the trees.

It wasn't about to stop her, making the same move sideways as a massively change willow 'branch' slammed down where she had once stood, vorpal blade cutting through thinner ones trying to stop her movements.

"Come on then! Pick on someone that can defend themselves!" Namely her-

-or whoever passed by.

[Wildcard bring your own starter, or pm me for something other than these two options. Feel free to hit me up in brackets or prose, I'll match!]

wild encounter

[rokubro]

Rokurou wasn't one to "kill steal" someone's fight, but after hearing the noise and seeing the...horse...tree??? He rushed in with both blades and sliced through several more of the branches and vines that whipped out to try and sneak around behind Alice.

"Looks like you could use some help!"

[madventure]

"It isn't unwelcome!"

She was quick, but even she could only keep her eyes on so many vines and roots. Quick as her blade was, and how she could move with it in had, would only keep her ahead of so much. "How good is your arm at throwing?" Shouted as she darted backwards, those butterflies fluttering as she briefly vanished in to a cloud of them to dodge out of the way or a throw boulder roots had unearthed.

gatherings

[flamekthunder]

"As long as it doesn't lead us on a wild goose chase or worse," was his only response as Eustace glanced around and followed after Alice.

But even if they lose whatever she spotted, they would still be able to explore of the area and see what was out here. At least it seemed peaceful with little to no threats around, so despite his words Eustace didn't mind the detour too much.

[madventure]

"The least of me worries, usually I end up tumbling down a hole by following small furry creatures," Alice hummed a little. Definitely no stranger, but usually it was either a rabbit or a cat. This? Well, she hadn't gotten that good of a view of it save for a fluffy looking long tail.

Which, to be honest, could be anything. "Can always retrace steps- sort of."

Tianyou Zhao | Yakuza: Like a Dragon | OTA

[seemagicshit]

Misty Forest

[Although he doesn't mind helping with the exploring, Zhao mostly is on this expedition in the search for decent herbs and ingredients. He has a kitchen to rebuild and this seems like a good way to start. So you might hear him idly comment.]

Man, too bad we couldn't bring a shopping cart with us, hunh?

Redcaps

[There's quite the battle going on, redcaps being slain and canons firing. As much as Zhao enjoys a good scrap, it seems like it's almost smarter to just taunt them and waste the iron and then steal it.

Which is why he's periodically whistling and flipping the bird, then hiding and laughing at the incensed attacks that just waste more iron.]

Or go wildcard, you do you.

A Day Trip to the Lake

[perfectenn]

(( OOC: Tenn is a non-combatant, so this expedition is for finding food, field research, and making friends with the locals! Feel free to reply in prose or brackets if you like, I’ll match. ))
-

I. Taking Notes on the Way:

Since the faerie dogs were found, Tenn had been curious about the river. Particularly what grew around it, and if any similar creatures lived in the area. He wakes up early on the morning of the expedition, coming into the north Plaza to collect supplies. His own goal is clear: to explore the route and take notes on what they find. Information is something they all desperately need, and he’ll feel much better about staying here once he knows the area.

Seeing the condition of the boats, Tenn opts to walk - he is a city boy, after all, and the grass is much easier on his feet than concrete. It’s pleasant traveling. Warm weather, not too cold in the morning – the opposite of the frigid winter he’d left behind in the waking world. His cape is soon off, enjoying the breeze through his sweater.

Strolling along the river bank, he gazes into the forest to enjoy the sights. Small squirrels with tufted ears make him smile, and there are birds with long tails in fantastic colors. Occasionally he catches a flash of light from little lizards that shine like gems. A lot of prey animals run freely in this area, and Tenn interprets that to mean it’s safe here for now. A tapir he spoke to before leaving advised him not to camp by the lakeside after dark; Tenn intends to heed the warning.

Soon a suede journal and quill appear in his hands, and Tenn busies himself with sketching plants he comes across: a dandelion-like flower resembling a pink pompom, a silky blue-flowered vine, a fern with an autumn golden glow... and something green and lumpy that looks suspiciously like broccoli.

“Ugh…” Tenn gives it the barest line art before moving on.


II. Lakeside A Cappella:

As the river splits and splits again, Tenn decides a better guide than the rough map and ‘keep left’ would be nice. When snatches of song from the water catch his attention. Tenn sings the notes back, and soon gains an entourage of leaping, singing fish guiding him to the lake.

It’s a beautiful place – so clear as to mirror the sky. There’s the childish urge to kick off his boots and go play, but the fish waste no time ushering him to have seat by the lakeside. The water stirs and Tenn’s breath catches as the nymphs surface to look at him with dark eyes. Fortunately, his fears are allayed when they gather by the shore to greet him and hear more songs. It’s all very surreal, but Tenn can’t help but oblige.

For such an unusual audience, he sticks to well-loved classics that are catchy and can be carried well by his stage trained voice, from favorite musicals to poems and nursery rhymes. He even learns a few new songs, joins in choruses, and stumbles over strange words. The water nymphs and fish call for more, and when Tenn mentions he’s supposed to be gathering food right now, toss clams and mussels at him to urge him to stay. It’s better than coins in a hat as far as he’s concerned, and he’s happy to entertain for as long as the day and his voice allows. (And is open to requests, should anyone have one. Though he might roll his eyes if you ask for Under the Sea.)

Later, Tenn indulges himself with removing his shoes and soaking his feet in the cool water, with a satisfied stretch, and a full basket of food next to him. “It’s been a while since I fixed clams. I’ll have to remember how to steam them properly.”


III. The Sparkling Stream

Tired come late afternoon, Tenn is content to rest in a rowboat for the final survey before heading back. He’s a bit anxious after the water nymphs confirmed that he doesn’t want to be here come nightfall when the predators emerge, but agreed to explore a little further. What he didn’t expect was to be sidetracked by an odd white stream curving away from the lake into the woods.

Soon, Tenn’s eyebrows draw together in worry. His cape is back on as a chill wind blows from further along the stream, and when white begins to speckle the grass on either bank, Tenn lowers his notebook to his lap. He reaches out a hand to give pause to the person directing their course.

“This place seems like it’s under an enchantment.”

Closed to Sora

[brokenlight]

[The one thing when it comes to a pair of adventurous boys is simple: the thrill of adventure. And possibly getting into trouble. Both of them have quite a history of getting into things that they shouldn’t. It seemed to be a trend with them, really. So, when one of them suggested the idea of going on this expedition, it only makes sense they go through with it, right?

Ventus squints a bit above them as a giant dragonfly flies over them, not seeming to have noticed them yet.

He can’t help but huff, placing his hands on his hip.]

All these giant bugs kind of makes me feel like I’m tiny again.

[Fortunately, they haven’t ran into any problems yet…]

[oathkeeper]

[A big part of waking up in a new world is that it's really best to get their bearings too. This world seems almost as vast as the last one he was in. With a stretch of wilderness to explore that reminds Sora a lot of some of the places he's been in. Sora has certain thoughts in being here but one thing that Sora has always done has been throwing himself head first into a world and seeing what it is all about.

And yeah, that gets him into trouble more often than not...]

Whoa! I think we better be glad we're not tiny! I don't wanna get eaten!

[Sora puts a hand to his forehead as he watches the dragonfly swoosh overhead. The ground is wet and soggy and he's almost wishing he had brought some sort of boots along. He can see ragged trees and glowing blue grass and spots of mud everywhere.]

I wonder what made them grow so big?

[brokenlight]

[They might anyway.

Ventus follows Sora's gaze.]

Maybe something in this forest?

[It's a guess. Ventus tilts his head.]

It'd be fun if we can befriend them, too.

Kor Meteor | Tales of Hearts R

[spirialink]

[Preparations]
[Kor was an impulsive idiot most of the time, but he was no stranger to preparing for long trips. His friends back home made sure to beat that into his head time and time again.]

Ah, thank you!

[And thankfully, the people who'd come to reside in this dream realm were all too eager to lend him a hand and give him what he needed for the expedition.]

Umm... Thanks?

[Perhaps... a little too eager.][The latest helper walks away contentedly, leaving Kor with a massive mountain of supplies, far more than he would ever need for himself.]

Umm... How am I gonna carry all this...?

[Lake]
[A]
[Although Kor came out here prepared to fight if he needed to, he was feeling pretty glad he'd get to do some fishing. While he wouldn't consider himself an enthusiast, he did enjoy the hobby; it was peaceful and it was a great chance to spend time with people. Bringing friends and fishing supplies along in a boat, he made his way to the lake.]

Do you think we'll find lots of fish? Hmm... Maybe they'll all be sleeping. You know, since this is a dream world!

[That's not how it works, Kor.]

Ah well, I'm sure we'll get something. Let's give it all we've got!

[B]
[After a surprisingly successful (or maybe not so successful) fishing adventure, Kor and co. make their way back up the river, when he spots one of the branching streams seemed to be... sparkling, all the more noticeable as the light of day begins to wane.]

Ohh... pretty... Hey, wanna see what's at the end of this river? It must be impressive!

[Swamps]

[To some, the swamps were considered a dangerous place to be, teeming with threatening monsters, adversaries, and giant insects. Certainly not a place those unprepared would want to be.

And yet, that didn't seem to trouble Kor one bit. Always quick to make a friend when he can, he's found himself an unlikely ally in the swamps.]

Yahoo! Onto the next one, Topaz!

[Kor has managed to befriend a large, bright yellow dragonfly, which he's affectionately named Topaz, and is riding it through the swamps like a mount, speeding along from one location to the next, as he works to gather fungus and flora and take out goblins along the way.]

preparations

[oathkeeper]

[Another world another adventure. And while they all still adjusting to this new place a lot of that does mean going out there and seeing what this world is all about. Seeking answers, knowing your surroundings! And everything in between.]

Kor!! Hey!!!

[Sora runs up to the other. But for some reason Sora doesn't have all that much on him either. He isn't used to carrying a ton of stuff around with him anyway. So, he looks pretty plain in regards to gear as well.]

Uhh... Why do you have so much stuff?

[spirialink]

[Kor brightens at the sight of Sora joining him. They were both eager for adventure and action, but their preparations couldn't be more different.]

I was gathering supplies for this expedition, but I think I overdid it.

[Kor Meteor always does, and he sure did it a lot in this case...]

B

[seemagicshit]

Or deadly as hell, but sure. Why not?

[Zhao isn't used to rivers being sparkly. He's used to rivers being godawful and full of trash, so a clean one is clearly suspect.]

[spirialink]

You think so...?

[Unlike Zhao, Kor is optimistic about the situation. Perhaps overly so.]

But clean water's where the best fish hang out. So if it's this sparkly, then we'll surely have a great haul from whatever's at the other end!

Swamps

[darkcharge]

[ Vanitas is never really alone anymore. Now that he has the capability to create Unversed - whether he wants to or not - they are pretty much wherever he is. So while Kora has maybe made a friend out here in the swamp, Vanitas has brought his own "friends."

Though for Vanitas, his ride comes in the form of something else. It's not a dragonfly, but rather a Glidewinder is being utilized.

Though he shows no interest in putting down goblins. That's how he sees Kor though and wouldn't it figure... ]

Aren't you getting a little too excited?

[spirialink]

[Kor initially zooms right past Vanitas, but when he realizes he just heard Vanitas' voice, he pats Topaz on the back, instructing it to turn around. The pair zoom right back around, hovering in the air a few feet off the ground.]

Yeah, why shouldn't I be excited? I'm having a great time out here!

closed to vanitas

[oathkeeper]

[With how eerie the wildlands seemed to be Sora wasn't all that keen on exploring alone. He had done some spots of it with Ventus and Kor but there was still more to see.

The lake itself seems to stretch on for a long time. The rickety old wooden docks are a little too wobbly to stand on. The old boats moored there aren't in the best condition either. But the lakewater seems both serene and eerie at the same time.]

I wonder how far out the lake goes? Or if there are any other old buildings to find around here?

[Sora glances at Vanitas.]

[darkcharge]

[ Yeah... One of the things that Van never learned how to do is swim. Sora is practically a fish in water. A true islander through and through. Van? Nah. Instead of walking out towards a boat with his usual flare of confidence, Vanitas is hanging back a bit. ]

There's probably something that lives in the lake. Probably some sort of giant eel.

[oathkeeper]

You think so? Like a giant eel monster? That's awesome.

[Sora, no. That's dangerous.

But he's the one who is going out towards the rickety looking dock and stepping up onto the wood without much thought on it. He leans down to tug on one of the little paddle boats to check its integrity.]

We should go check it out, right? Learn the lay of the land! Er- water.

OTA | Coming in late with Spiced Cinnamon Apple Lattes

[tantailizing]

I. Preparations

[Though he brought a few of his own supplies, he doesn't mind taking a little extra from the locals. They knew the area better so any advice or supplies they might have for encounters in the woods would be a great help. He takes a moment in particular to look over the cupcakes, and the map itself already has him itching to do some charting.]

[Vague though it might be, he's already noting a few areas to try deviating from the main paths. Wanna lend a hand in making notes or just interrupt?]

II. Misty Woods

[Encountering the chickens is one thing - Zidane could totally be found picking one up and burying his face into its feathers (he'll score it a 7 out of 10. Soft, but Chocobo feather down were still softer).]

[But if someone else finds him later, encountering the rooster...]

[... riding on the back of a rooster with orange and green feathers, a chicken sitting in front of him, it's as ridiculous as it sounds. Honestly, he's having a great time harvesting branches while on its back. Looking down, he grins.]

Hey! You wanna ride?

III. Lake

[All about exploring the banks of the Lake, there's plenty that he circled on his map to check out. Of course, he's very taken with talking to the water nymphs. Some casual flirting, a few jokes, and hey, he'll give them some information in exchange for there's - even give them some of the wild fruit from the forest he gathered as thanks. Maybe he shouldn't, but hey, thanking people for their help is only right.]

[His map is now full of scribbles, and the nymphs have pointed out something interesting to him. If anyone wants to follow, he seems to be heading towards a sparkling stream.]

IV. Wildcard

[OOC: While totally open to the other prompts, writing starters for them all is a little blah right now. So, if anyone wants to plot for the others, hit me up! demidemonLove!]

Misty Woods

[burnttoashes]

[... what. What even is going on here. First of all, that's a giant rooster. Second of all, that is also definitely NOT a rooster. Third...]

How did you get that to obey you?