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

[oathkeeper]

[And that's why Sora steps up so he can reach for Vanitas and his grouchy self! Going to take his hands.]

You might not even fall in the water! And if you do, I'll just go save you! You did say I was a little fish, right?

[har har.]

[darkcharge]

[ Of course... When those stupid baby eyes don't work, Sora has to go in for the touching. He must really want Vanitas to come along something fierce?

Van is pointedly NOT looking though. ]

You'd have to notice I fell off of the boat first.

[oathkeeper]

[Now he's leaning forward! Is it working?]

Do you really think I'd take my eyes off you?

[Come on... Adventure awaits!]

[darkcharge]

[ It's working in the sense that Vanitas is looking over at Sora for a moment. ]

If something was shiny enough to catch your attention? Or if someone else was drowning? Yes.

[oathkeeper]

[Sora tugs insistently on Vanitas' hands.]

Come on! There's nothing shiny enough in this entire galaxy that would stop me from saving you!

[He'll continue to be sappy and dramatic-]

If someone else was drowning I'll just have to save both of you!!

[darkcharge]

[ Vanitas looks at Sora for a few moments. Wants to point out that it might not be entirely possible to save both people. Not without losing everyone. However, he knows that it won't stop Sora. ]

Okay. Fine. Have it your way.

[ Which he still can't believe how easily he gives into this boy. Love, man. ]

[oathkeeper]

[It won't stop Sora- now that he has his natural powers back he would do everything in his power to do what he has to do. If that means going full magical boy to do it- rewinding time and all... He would do it for Vanitas.]

Heh, alright!

[He seems to perk up so quickly. So happy that Vanitas finally caves.]

Let's go check it out!

[Back towards the wooden docks where Sora goes to look for the sturdiest-looking wooden paddle boat he can pick out. These boats remind him of something...]

[darkcharge]

[ Vanitas groans as he trails after his stupid boyfriend. Why does he like this guy? How had it gotten to this point?

Vanitas sometimes regrets so many life choices here. Yet he huffs and carries on. Though Vanitas still stays as close to the center as he possibly can. ]

Just pick one, Sora.

[oathkeeper]

[It's because it's too late for Vanitas now, Sora's got him wrapped around his little pinky finger. That and they're in love, that helps a lot.]

Hmmm... Uhhhhhh...

[Humming... Hawing...]

Okay! This one!!

[And Sora does pick the better-looking boat out of the bunch of them. A paddle boat made for two. Nothing like a romantic trip out onto an eerie lake together.]

[darkcharge]

[ Honestly? If Sora hadn't decided on one, then Vanitas had been prepared to just sit his butt down on a boat and be done with it. ]

Augh. Finally!

[ He grouses but then settles into the seat next to Sora. ]

Now what?

[oathkeeper]

[There are some old paddles here too so Sora takes them and gets to work with undocking them. Once he settles into the boat as well it's with a little rock that they set off.]

We get to exploring!

[The water is more crystal clear as they set off. Further they go the more of a gentle glow it gives off. The fish in the water gently splashing about and swimming. It's almost like they'll start to sing music notes soon.

Sha la la la... My oh my...!

Sora looks at Vanitas.]

It's not so bad, right?

[darkcharge]

[ Yeah no. Vanitas is just is as close to the center as he can be. He's not comfortable with the water coming up to the edges of the boat. Or the way that it rocks... ]

Sora.

[ Giving him a frustrated look. ]

[oathkeeper]

Okay, okay. Being safe.

[Sora pouts back at him but he does try to stop the boat from rocking as much as he can. As they float gently out onto the lake and the glowing water shimmers softly. It's actually fairly serene for the moment. The fish making little musical notes around them.

He does glance out across the water and spies at the lakeshore on the other side.]

I bet we could do some fishing out here sometime. It's been a while since I've had anything like cooked fish.

[darkcharge]

[ Yes. Being safe. That's good. Continue to do that. The boat is already going to rock enough as is. Water is going to slap up here and there. Even over into the the boat. Vanitas won't try to get away from it or anything like that. He just doesn't want it to tip over and dump him out.

His eyes follow Sora's. ]

Beach boy at heart, aren't you? I guess it makes sense that you'd want to have fish. Maybe I'll entertain the idea.

[oathkeeper]

Do you mean you'll eat some fish or you'll cook some fish?

[He grins at the other boy. Now that he's a normal boy again he wants to eat so much seafood- it's true. He can be a normal beach boy again.

The boat glides out to nearly the middle of the glowing lake. It's almost as if there is a sheen of a rainbow on the surface of the water. And that is when the fish start to swim more languidly around the boat. And they start to sing humming little tunes.]

[darkcharge]

Maybe both. Wouldn't be the first time I've cooked for you.

[ Won't be the last. However, the comment soon pulls the smile from Van's face and he looks off to the side. Cooking was something that Mira and he usually did together.

Then his attention turns to the water itself. This place - ]

Creeping me out.

[oathkeeper]

[Sora laughs a little bit.]

Erm. You might be right about that. It is kinda creepy out here.

[But the one of the fish seems to wiggle up near the boat side. A rainbow-coloured fish floats up to the top to stare at them with ugly buggy fish eyes...]

Hey, look! There's even pufferfish.

[darkcharge]

I mean everything is so bright. It's... Unsettling.

[ Vanitas moves closer to Sora. Carefully. Trying not to rock the boat as he attempts to get a look at the fish. ]

What's a pufferfish?

[oathkeeper]

[He'll put the paddle down and reach for Vanitas' arm so he doesn't wobble too much.]

It's that big puffy guy right there. He looks kinda like a balloon. People on the island used to cook them all the time but people would say you have to be careful how you do it or it could poison you instead.

[Pretty scary and neat.]

[darkcharge]

Why would you eat something that would poison you?

[ That doesn't make any sense. Vanitas is about to say something else when his hand slips on the edge of the boat. Vanitas loses balance and -

SPLASH! TOPPLING OVER INTO THE WATER! ]

[oathkeeper]

Because- Vanitas?!

[No- don't slip! Sora immediately tries to grab for Vanitas but he topples over like a slippery fish! He's going to get a first-hand view of those pufferfish now.

But not for very long because Sora is going to jump in after him. With a big splash that topples the entire boat over. Water splashes and Sora grabs for Vanitas before he can sink. Grabbing for the other boy!]

[darkcharge]

[ Of course the moment that Vanitas hits the water, he starts to flail. Struggle. Sink. Maybe even choke on water a little.

Or a lot. It all depends on Sora, really? Because how fast Sora gets to him is what matters. Too bad the boy is going to have to deal with Van continuing to struggle. And maybe drag him under? A little? ]

[oathkeeper]

[That is the thing about water. If someone doesn't know how to swim it can be a matter of sinking very quickly. But Sora is quick, diving head down first and reaching out to grasp Vanitas as quickly as he can. But with Vanitas struggling and panicking there is a moment where they slap at each other and Sora gets dragged down hard.

Bubbles flourish upwards as he loses half of his breath. Sora still grabs for Vanitas, his hands going to his wrists and then his arms tug him upwards. He kicks at the water hard to try and start the ascend to the surface. Just urging Vanitas to look and trust him.]

cw: drowning, but not graphic

[darkcharge]

[ Oh. How clever is that? Snatching Vanitas by the wrists so he can't flail around as much. It might take a moment, but the lack of oxygen in his lungs...

Let's just say he's becoming a little limp there. Swallowing water is never a good thing. ]

[oathkeeper]

[This is bad news. Sora feels that rush of adrenaline so in that last second he grabs for Vanitas' cheeks and he blows the last of his breath into Vanitas' lungs.

For a moment it feels like everything goes silent. The push of water echoing in his ears. The race of desperation makes everything feel dead silent. The two of them floating there together. Connected.

Then Sora kicks again. Bringing them closer to the surface.]