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

How would I get a cold from it? I've never been -

[ Wait no. Vani frowns. He actually has been sick before. The thing is, he had just forgotten about it. ]

Augh nevermind. I don't want to deal with that sort of weakness ever again.

[ But this place is odd. The transition of seasons... ]

Do you think someone dreamed up this area to be this way? Or maybe it is two dreams colliding?

[Sora tilts his head to smile knowingly at the other boy.]

Uh-huh. So maybe we better be careful.

[Yet it is kind of capturing to see this mesh of seasons in this spot. Sora has no idea how or why it is like this but it's pretty to see how the snow falling sparkles on colourful summer wildflowers.]

Maybe it's two people's dreams colliding into one.

[Sora reaches out to let the snow fall onto his palm and it melts yet it's not cold!]

Dreams are... weird. The way they can make things that are usually impossible happen. It's weird to be living in one.

Weren't you dream-hopping yourself for a time? For that exam of yours?

[ Vanitas blows one of those snowflakes away from him. It had been about to land on his nose and he is not having any of that. His hand, however, seeks out Sora's in return. ]

I wouldn't think that you'd find this too weird.

[Sora looks at Vanitas and is a little surprised he remembers that detail. He laughs and then looks up at the snow again.]

Yeah! For a while, I was exploring some sleeping worlds for my mastery exam. With Riku!

[It didn't end well for Sora. He didn't pass but he's never let that put him down. No one deserved to pass more than Riku did. He's so proud of his best friend. Someday he'll be able to catch up.]

I guess this isn't that weird. There was one sleeping world that was all about plants that could dance and sing. And I think everything was being changed by my dreaming too. It's a lot like this place.

[ He remembers quite a fair amount, thank you. ]

See? Then you already have some experience. This is hardly the strangest world you've been to either, dream realm or otherwise.

[ Just waving Sora off. Because no it really isn't all that weird. Sora and his friends enjoy the strange worlds that they end up in. They are persons that have an array of magicks as well. ]

Getting so awestruck... Tch.

[Sora laughs and shrugs his shoulders.]

Maybe after all this time I still just like to explore stuff.

[His wanderlust is something else. He really does love seeing new and strange worlds and learning about them too. Even dreamy ones filled with snow and flowers.]

Look over there! You see that?

[There are purple flowers growing in the snow...! It looks like they're gllittering because of the speckles of snow on the petals.]

Sora, I doubt that you will ever really get tired of "exploring stuff."

[ Oddly, it's said in a soft tone. Something as close to affectionate as Vanitas gets. Now he reaches up to brush some snow off.

Until Sora's words startle him and his eyes go slightly wide. ]

See... What? [ Vanitas is looking towards the direction that the other boy is looking in. Tugging him towards. ] Flowers?

[He'll never get tired of exploring, it's true. Like right now how Sora grabs Vanitas by the hand to excitedly tug him towards the flowers flourishing in the snow.]

Yeah! Look! Do you see them?! Where else would we see flowers growing in the snow like this?

[Time to get a closer look!]

[ Excitedly tug? More like nearly rip his arm off in order to get him going and towards the flowers. Vanitas doesn't really get it. What's so exciting about them? ]

...I see them, Sora. We've seen a lot of strange flora in a lot of different and odd places.

[ Like all over. Vanitas remembers the pollen. ]

How do we know that those things aren't going to come for our lives too?

[Well. That comment does have Sora stop rushing so hard. He looks over his shoulder at Vanitas and remembers the various times the flora and fauna did try to alter or hurt them back in their last world. He frowns but still gently (no arm ripping) tugs at Vanitas' hand.]

I don't know. I guess we never know when that sort of stuff is gonna happen. But isn't that part of what exploring is all about?

[Dangerous or not. He gets it. This can be scary.]

[ it's not like he's halting Sora completely. Just... Dialing back a bit. Slowing down instead of rushing headfirst into something new. ]

All the more reason not to just dash towards it like whatever is out there is going to be your new best friend.

[ Maybe find a way to test if it's going to come after them first? ]

[Sora makes quite the pout.]

Okay, what do you think we should do?

[He's taking suggestions now!]

At least just be mindful that it could come and kill us? Or do something.

[ So he'll calmly approach the flower. Crouch down next to it. Start poking at it.

So is the flower safe? ]

[Of course it's safe- It's only a flower. A flower that changes from a purple colour to a blue when it's poked. Sora comes to couch down too and also starts testing the colour changing with the tips of his fingers.]

See? No killing or death in sight!

[ Vanitas settles a little at least. Sometimes a flower is just a flower. ~~Is it an Elpis flower?~~ ]

For now...

[ A scoff. Yet the flower will change colors even with Vanitas touching it. Seems now that he has calmed down, it's not going to stay blue. ]

[~~it might just be an elpis flower~~

Sora snickers as he plucks a flower from the snow. When he does so it seems to shimmer a soft yellow colour next. Maybe because Sora is laughing?]

They keep changing colour!

[ Vanitas looks over at Sora, frowning. Not out of irritation, but curiosity. Seems like the flower has piqued his interest after all. ]

What emotion are you feeling?

Huh?

[Sora blinks as the flower continues to shimmer a pretty soft yellow colour.]

Uh, happy I guess? Curious?

[The flower has speckles of orange in it too. It seems these flowers are reacting to whatever emotion they might be feeling. What a pretty trick.]

[ Don't mind Vanitas. He's reaching out with his fingers to brush across the petals. Honestly, he's mostly curious about what color it will turn for him.

Though before he can really touch it, Van yanks back his arm. No, he doesn't need a stupid flower to tell him that, right? ]

We should head back.

Vanitas? Wait?

[He doesn't leave just yet. Tugging on Vanitas gently.]

I know we should head back soon but don't you want to see what colour the flower will be?

[ Oh he does want to know. He so desires to know. But what if it isn't a positive color? ]

I don't need to see it, Sora.

Aw, come on! It'll be fun! Here.

[Sora is just going to take the flower gently and reach up and stick it in Vantias' hair before he can get away! Hah!

What colour will it be...?]

[ Hey! Vanitas startles when Sora does this, whirling back around to just stare.

All the while... The flower turns a bright green with some black at the center. ]

Don't tell me.

Uh! Wow!

[Sora is a little confused that it seems to be a bright green colour? He doesn't know what that means. But it does look so contrasting in Vanitas' black hair.]

You really don't wanna know?

[ Nope. Still scowling. But not going anywhere at least. Or, rather, he's not ripping the flower out of his hair and stepping on it. Vanitas does wonder when he had gotten used to these sort of antics from Sora. When they had really stopped bothering him.

Mostly. ]

No, I don't. The color is going to be obvious isn't it?

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