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Entry tags:
first slash ⚔ expedition log
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 «
» OPTION B: MISTY FORESTS «
Requested items: herbs, wild fruits, animal meat, large branches, dark tree bark, gray moss
» OPTION C: THE LAKE «
Requested items: anything potentially edible, lakeweed
» OPTION D: SWAMPS «
Requested items: various mushrooms, moss, blue mud, any wild flowers or fruits
» OPTION E: REDCAPS «
Requested items: OUR IRON
[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.]
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.]
no subject
As they enter the forest, although something about the forest and the wisps seemed eerie, Kor was too enamored by them, feeling nostalgic at the sight of the floating orbs of light.]
Uwaaah...! They look like Will Wisps!
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[Sora is very enamoured by them as well. He lets out a boyish whoop and follows a few of them a few steps forward. Reaching out to touch one floating orb but just narrowly missing it as it floats a little too high.
like catching crystalflies.]no subject
They're little balls of light that lived near the cleanest lake and prettiest tree I'd ever seen... [He recalls the memory of the Will Wisps like it was yesterday.] Gall said they appear in response to strong Spirias. Maybe that's what these are doing!
no subject
[To be debated- the health of Sora's own heart or spiria might not be as great as he lets on, of course. Kor knows these details. But Sora still looks curious and bright at the little wisps. They are floating just out of reach...]
Wanna follow them to see where they're going?
no subject
[Kor was indeed well aware of the current state of Sora's heart, but whether he believed that was indicative of the strength of (or there lack of) Sora's heart was another matter, and probably something he'd be prepared to argue about if it came up.]
Let's go! [Kor was all too eager to see where these wisps wanted to let them go, swept up in the illusion of thinking they were like the Will Wisps.]
no subject
As they set off the wisps will lead them into darker parts of the woods. Where the trees are so thick and that they blot out any sunlight from above. Underneath the branches get darker and eerie. And as they walk it might seem like the roots of the trees are moving like rotten vines...]
Uhh... Did it just get really dark here?
[Or is spooky the right word? Dangerous? But the wisps are floating along like little guiding fireflies. The only other light will be the various spots of glowing blue mushrooms that look almost like sweet candy.]
no subject
I don't like this... This place is pretty eerie.
[Kor draws his Soma, the golden blade providing a faint light source for them in the dim woods.]
But we can't turn back now...
[They'd followed the wisps in, so it wasn't like they could follow the wisps back out...]
no subject
Yeah, something's weird...
[The light helps illuminate the area just close enough to them that they might be able to get a better look at the faintly growing mushrooms about. Sora isn't scared but there is something strange about this place.
... Cluck. Cluck.]
Huh?
[Sora turns around quickly. Right behind them seems to be a single fat chicken waddling through the grass without a care... pecking at the ground for seeds and bugs.
Cluck. Cluck.]
Is that a chicken?
no subject
Whoa... That's a big chicken!
[Kor's eyes go wide at the sight of the feathered friend. He's used to large farm animals, but he's never seen a chicken quite so big before! ...Or so round!]
Where'd it come from? What's it doing in this spooky forest?
no subject
It's huge! Whoa... Maybe it got lost?
[Sora calls softly...]
Here, chicken chicken...
[It's not going to come to him like a dog, though...]
no subject
[Kor just gives a knowing, confident, bordering on cocky smirk to him. Let the pro handle this.]
I guess you really are just an island boy, after all. [Was he trying to be a little shit here? Maybe just a little.]
If you want to attract an animal, you have to make it your friend first!
[He reaches into his bag and pulls out a snack bar. All those supplies were going to come in handy now. He breaks off a piece of it and places it on the ground, backing a couple paces away from it afterwards.
Here, chicken chicken...]
no subject
[He puts his hands on his sides and frowns. But fine he'll let Kor have the first laugh. Sora watches curiously.
And the chicken does seem to look up for a moment. Looking from the boys to the snack bar on the ground. It seems to look like it's perilously deep in thought before it ... simply starts pecking at the ground again.]
Ahah! Uh, maybe it doesn't like snack bars.
[What was it thinking about, though? The universe?]
no subject
Kor falls onto his butt from his squatting position, positively distraught that his animal knowledge could fail him here.]
What should we try next, then...?
no subject
I don't think we should give up yet! Maybe we just need to talk to it a little more?
[Sora crouches and holds his hand out to the portly chicken.]
Heyyy, chicken! What are you doing out here so far away from home, huh? This is a creepy forest. You could get eaten by wolves or something. You gotta be careful out here!
[And maybe go with them and maybe also be eaten by them at a later date---]
no subject
Kor sits up, and picks up the snack bar, waving it around in the air a little. Oooh, doesn't it look delicious?]
Yeah, there are lots of scary beasties in this forest, probably. You should come with us to safety instead of hanging out here!
no subject
Uhh...
[But then it starts to come closer to them. Pecking at the ground occasionally before it starts talking towards Kor!]
Whoa! It's working!
no subject
[Oh boy oh boy, it's actually working, what a joyous day! Kor starts shuffling back slowly, holding the snack bar out as a lure.]
C'mere, Drumstick! Come to Kor! I'll keep you nice and safe!
[Yes, he named it already.]
no subject
[Come on! That's such a bad name! Tasty name- but bad name!!
Meanwhile, the chicken seems to waddle ever closer until it's plucking at the snack bar in Kor's hand!]
Hey, wanna come home with us? We've got lots more where that came from!
no subject
Huh? Well, what else are you supposed to call such a big chicken? [He's clearly meant for dinner someday, after all.] I have a pig back home whose name is Chops, so same thing really!