songerein | first slash ⚔ expedition log

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 «

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.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

There's a handful, Sora. Twenty or thirty tops. Besides... You like all of your little DreamEaters, right? How are they really any different?

[ An arm works its way across Sora's waist. Holding onto him. Seeking some amount of comfort as the boat continues to drift.

Vanitas will try this again, of course. Try to sit up in a moment and look around. Not quite yet though. ]

I don't know, Sora. They were created because of my separation from Ventus. It wasn't a positive event.

I guess it's not that different but it's still going to be a lot of work to memorize all of them and what they mean too.

[Sora isn't good at that sort of thing. He cares about what Vanitas is feeling but it was so much easier with their bond. Sora feels a huff of frustration.

But he swallows it away and when Vanitas comes closer Sora presses a kiss to his cheek. He's sure to put his arms around the other too. Just keep them safe!]

And I know that too. It was dangerous and all that... But what if you ever made an Unversed with a positive feeling?

[He's just shooting of a theory, here.]

If you really want a cheat sheet, I suppose I could tell you. Here and there.

[ He gives a bit of a sigh. Sora is so comfortable. So warm. Also soaking wet. As is he. Van gives a bit of a shudder - the water chilling him ever so slightly. ]

The closest that I've gotten to that is maybe a Prize Pod? Maybe?

Yeah! Please? Help me out here!

[It will be better once they get some sunlight. The sun is really warm and will help them dry out. For now, it's keeping each other company on this floating boat.]

Prize Pods... Do you think any of those will pop up here?

[But honestly? Sora doesn't want Vanitas to be in any pain. So. He's really not hoping that hard to see one.]

[ Some of the more obvious ones, Vanitas doesn't mind telling Sora. The basics. Anger. Rage. Pride. Sadness. Easy. Now when he gets into Loneliness or fear? Then it might change. ]

Hmm. I don't know. Don't think I'm quite there yet.

[ Contentment. That's more or less the emotion that spawns them. ]

Maybe someday...

[The entire thing will be a new way for Sora to figure out Vanitas. He's not thrilled that the Unversed will reappear in the first place thanks to the way that they do but... they are a part of Vanitas. So he'll care for them and hug them too. ~~no more smashing them over the head~~

He lets out a small sigh. He gives Vanitas a squeeze.]

Laying here on the boat like this is kinda nice now. Are you feeling a little better?

[ Vanitas is not thrilled that the Unversed will reappear in the first place thanks to the way that they do... But what choice does he have? It's not like he can just choke them down. Vanitas has tried that and it has never worked in his favor.

He sighs all the same. Hugging Sora tightly before slowly moving to sit up. He... Wants to get over this. Thanks. ]

A bit. Maybe if I could just swim, I would ne just fine.

[Sora isn't thrilled about the idea either. But the best thing they can do is just try and process any Unversed the best they can, right? Or make sure Vanitas doesn't have to feel anything that might hurt too much. He dislikes it and he wishes he could make things better for Vanitas, though...

He sits up too but he tilts his head so he can catch his glance on Vanitas.]

I could always teach you how to swim if you want?

[ It's not too different from what they had been doing before. This time the difference is that failures aren't going to just result in anger, frustration, or a panic attack. Failure to process those will result in all of this of course, but also? Unversed and pain. ]

Sora... It's not about what I want. In this case, I more or less need to learn it. I don't want to be near water and then unable to go in it for...

[ He frowns. There's no way he's going to say that he's afraid. ]

For potential drowning.

[Sora picks that moment to hug Vanitas again. There's nothing wrong with being afraid of something. Sora's afraid of plenty of things as much as he seems like such a brave boy. Water can be scary. Drowning is scarier. Memories of drowning are the worst.]

Then I'll teach you once we got some time to do it, okay? Once you know how to float and tread water that's the first step. Then once you learn more you won't ever have to be worried about anything like drowning again.

[He'll help.]

[ This brat... Always pulling him into hugs and garbage like that. It's not... It's not that he hates it. Sora's solution to everything is to just hug it out of Vantias. The issue is that it always makes him melt. Always makes the rougher edges just smooth out and the tension bleed out of his frame too. ]

Promise?

[ Sora just makes him weak. Easier to swallow when they had been bonded. A little bit more difficult now. Yet here he is, still embracing it rather than turning it away. ]

[Nothing solves problems better than a good hug. In most cases! And this is something Sora is never going to skimp on with Vanitas. It's a good thing he got used to that ages ago!]

Yeah, I promise.

[He will always do his best to keep his promises too. It's important. And while he can't feel the deeper meaning to Vanitas' emotions anymore... He thinks that's even more important to do.

The boat gently jostles as it comes to the shore on the other side of the lake all on its own. They start to float to shallower waters that they might be able to hop out soon.]

[ No, they can't feel each other any longer. So Vanitas can no longer truly sense the sincerity of it all. Can't really know if Sora means what he says. The only reason that Vanitas can trust it is through experience. Sora hasn't let him down just yet. So... The brat really has earned it. ]

Fine.

[ He sinks further back into the boat, huffing. ]

Where do you want to go? You came out here for a reason, didn't you?

[Sora might have gotten a little too used to the idea of being able to feel each other through their bond. It's no secret that Sora's inclination towards their bond was rather intense sometimes. He doesn't like not being able to feel Vanitas like he used to. But somehow? He'll get used to it.

Vanitas shifts and Sora looks up over the edge of the rowboat. There he can see some sort of stream that branches off of the lake. The water seems to be sparkling better than the rest of the water and Sora feels oddly curious.]

I wanted to see what was on the other side of this lake. Do you see that, Vanitas?

[He wants to follow that offshoot stream... Why does it look out of place?]

[ They will either get used to it... Or Vanitas will find a way to make it happen again. After all, the brat still wants to ensure that his own heart is able to be healed. He has a goal and isn't going to lose sight of that.

At any rate, it isn't something that can be dealt with right now. So Vanitas just settles here and waits for Sora to come up with something to do. ]

Hmmm?

[ He lifts his head enough so that he can see the direction that Sora is pointing in. Out of place? ]

Where the stream is?

Yeah. It's like the stream is going backwards? Do you wanna go check it out with me?

[Worlds like this don't always make sense. Sora has come to realize that Songerein is a lot like Wonderland. Dreamlike and strange, things sometimes out of place, things sometimes exactly how they should be. And while he still doesn't understand a lot of stuff about this world he wants to explore it to find out.

He shifts to pull himself out of the boat. Stepping into the shallow water and tugging the boat onto the sand.]

I think we could walk along it!

[ Only when the boat is tugged onto the shore proper does Vanitas get out of it. His legs are still shaky, for the moment. Between near drowning and not being used to traveling over water how could anyone expect differently?

He looks off at the stream. Hums in thought. ]

I'm game to check it out. Though I'm not so sure what's so strange about it going backwards.

[Sora is sure to come to Vanitas' side to pull his arm around Sora's shoulders to help him out of the boat.]

If anything I think it'll be good to get out of the water for a while.

[Time to warm up and get dry as they continue exploring. The stream is trickling in the wrong direction but it is leading towards somewhere eerie and special. He has a feeling. Call it an intuition!]

Are you okay?

You don't need to spare my feelings...

[ He knows the other reason is because Sora is trying to think of Vanitas. It isn't a bad thing and part of him appreciates it. But don't sugar coat the entire reason, you know?

Anyway, he's on the ground and seems to be doing a little better. Breathing is a bit raspy and he feels tired, but otherwise? ]

M'fine.

Too bad.

[Sora gives Vanitas a playful smile. Come on, Sora is going to do that regardless. He doesn't want Vanitas to feel anxious.

He squeezes the other boy. Giving him a moment to catch himself. Then he'll want to press on.]

Alright, let's go see what we can find then.

[ Well he'll still snatch up Sora's hand. Because he desires the contact. Craves it. He can't sense him clearly. Can't feel him. This connection is all that they have now. ]

Knowing you?

[ A scoff. ]

Trouble. That's what you'll find.

[It will still be strange to Sora for quite some time that he can't feel Vanitas' emotions through a magical bond connecting them anymore. The feeling makes him feel off like he can't really parse something important. The hand contact does make him smile and forget that off feeling at least for the moment.]

Then I'm glad I'll be sharing that trouble with you!

[He squeezes back and when they're ready they'll set down along the side of the off-shooting creek. The water still seems to be flowing strangely this way. But what is odder yet is that the temperature will start to drop the more they walk along. Even if it was so temperate near the lakeshore.]

Except this is probably one of the weirdest dates we've ever been on.

My teasing is never going to actually upset you again, is it?

[ Not that Vanitas would particularly care for that. It's not his primary goal. Hasn't been for quite some time. However, it is a bit annoying how Sora takes his teasing in stride and turns it into something sappy and fluffy. He shouldn't be doing that all the time!

Vanitas still doesn't know how to handle it.

However, now he sees more clearly what Sora had been getting at. Something doesn't feel right. The temperature is dropping and that isn't natural. It doesn't look as though there's a source? ]

Oh. Is this fitting into the "date" category?

Haha! You have no power over me now!

[Sora says back with just the same amount of teasing on his lips. He winks at Vanitas for good measure too. For as long as they've been connected at the hip now Sora thinks he can handle anything that Vanitas can throw at him. For the most part.

Just ahead it seems like the area around them is summertime. Wildflowers grow and the water sparkles. But if they notice... There are actually gentle little snowflakes that start to float down from above them.]

But sure, it's been a while since we've been on a date. So why not?

Oh I have power over you. Just in a different way of course.

[ Which he can demonstrate at a later time. For now though, this is fine.

Or, rather, he had thought that it would be fine. The weather is changing. Temperatures are starting to drop as they seem to walk from one section to the other. Snowflakes. Vanitas looks up as one lands on his nose and causes him to sneeze. ]

Yeah. It has been a while. If you want to count almost drowning as a date.

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