songerein | sixth shot ⊗ open march log

Entry tags:

sixth shot ⊗ open march log

Who: Eustace and You!?
Which: Open March Log
Where: Various
What: Requesting information from those who have turned noctaere; dog park shenanigans; vine traps; four leaf clovers; elemental cores;
Warnings: None unless stuff happens in the fighting prompts

⊗ a: network - turning noctaere intel

Sender: Eustace
To: Everyone EXCEPT TIFA
Subject: Gathering information from those who have turned into noctaere

Given how much time has passed and the increased number of incidents, I would like to gather information from those who have experienced turning into noctaere first hand, witnessed, or had to handle someone who changed. This is more for personal reference but something more public could be compiled for others to use.

The main questions I have are:

When did you first start noticing the effects from overabundance in nightmare energy?
Can you recall the events that led up to the change? Frequent nightmares? A negative trigger?
Did the change happen quickly or did it take some time?
At any point do you think you could have stopped and reversed the effects? If you did try, were you successful in any way?
Did the incident occur while dreamwalking or while awake?
How long did you remain as a noctaere?
What changes did you undergo?
Were you able to retain any sense of control or was it completely lost?
What did it take for you to return to normal?
What, if any, kind of effects did you experience afterwards?
After the first experience, do you believe you can better prepare or safeguard yourself from another? This assumes a natural progression and not a forced change.

I realize some of these questions may be personal so those who respond can keep more private details vague. Anonymous accounts or privately filtered threads are also acceptable.

Accounts from those who dealt with someone who has turned noctaere will also be appreciated, particularly the methods used to help subdue and help them return to normal.

Thank you for your insight and cooperation.
— Eustace

⊗ b: it's a dog's life

[AKA, the "if you want to play with dogs this is for you" prompt.

Last month Eustace had started working on creating a suitable dog park for not only "his" dogs, but for any other dogs that may arrive or wander into town. So far it's completely fenced in with two different entrances, including "dog gates" where dogs can freely enter and exit. There are several designated "watering holes" for water, with giant tanks set up that dogs can easily nudge for water to pour out into the bowls, though he's looking to create something of an automatic system (maybe those water cores...see prompt e2). A pathway circling the park has been marked, but not yet finished, and while there are already a few ramps and tunnels, he's still working on creating a few more obstacles and "training exercises" for the dogs.

Most of it is primarily for the two groups of dogs he's taking care of, but he is considering a more general use for potential future doggy guests.

Of course...he belatedly realized he focused so much on the dogs he forgot to create amenities for the people who may be with them, so setting up seating and table areas is on his to do list.

For now, throughout most of the month, Eustace can be found in the park with the corgis and the Flowers, either throwing balls or other toys for the dogs, working on finishing constructing the last few amenities, or even just sitting under one of the many trees and just relaxing with the dogs. Of course that's kind of boring.

The dogs will happily bark and run up to the fence should anyone pass by. Some of the smarter ones will actually boop a toy ball over the fence, bouncing it off each other's heads and noses to have it sail over towards the person in question. They then to proceed to bark once and then wag their tail (or butt) and look at the person with eyes that say, "You're not going to leave that there are you?"]

⊗ c: quest 301: vine traps

[1. Thawing ice and burning vines. Given his interest in noctaere at the moment, it's no surprise he's quick to take up the quest in dealing with the trapped corrupted animals. Although seeing it being frozen patches given how his...own effects regarding ice can be similar is a little disconcerting, he just only studies it.]

...Fire, huh. Suppose I should try a different element...

[And fortunately, his current mindset allows him to channel that warmth, a soft whitish blue flame forming at his hand before it spreads out onto the frozen ice, thawing it along with the vines that burn safely away. That part is easy, but when it comes to the vines with the trapped corrupted animals...

2. Eliminating the threat. Pulling out his gun, Flamek, he flips the trigger, an electric humming sound following as electricity starts to spark around the barrel.

It's a pity, really, about the animal. Could it be purified? He knows there is research into it and maybe he should inquire... But for now, these creatures are in populated areas and need to be dealt with immediately.

When Eustace is certain he is clear and that no one is around, he will first create a small dome of ice that is effectively serving as a barrier to help as a safeguard. It's something new he's trying, so this is a fairly good opportunity for it. As he raises his gun in the air, he makes another check. If someone happens to approach now, he'll just glance at them.]

Stand back. I have it contained, but I'm not sure how strong the barrier will be if it explodes.

[And with that he'll fire the shot, several bolts of lightning releasing from his weapon to arc down into the small top opening of the dome. It's not just any lightning—it's filled with his deep rooted desire to protect everyone, especially the one who cares most deeply for. The last thing he wants is for them to get affected by the nightmare energy that could generate here, so he wants it gone.

The sound of destruction is muffled, and if by chance the vines do explode, most of the shards will be contained by the barrier. However, some of it will also cause the ice to crack and break. Fortunately it still contains the bulk of the blast so no one should get hurt unless they were foolish enough to ignore his warning and run in for some reason.]

Still needs improvement...but it'll work for now.

⊗ d: quest 304: four leaf clovers

[1. Clover Hunting. Anyone who knows Eustace might not expect him to be out gathering four leaf clovers... But here he is, out in one of the many clover fields with one of the corgis, Briallen, looking for that elusive four leaf clover. Does he believe in it?

No. ...Not normally, anyway. But his luck has been shit and he has a date coming up with Tifa and he does not want it ruined. Given how this world is, good luck may actually manifest and be potent here. So with Bri sniffing out the four leaf ones, Eustace will also be slowly pacing through the fields, his keen eyesight looking careful over the plants.]

T'sk... I've heard these were difficult to find, but how would anyone find them...

[Just a quiet grumble. Yes, yes, four leaves are supposed to be difficult to find, that's what makes them so lucky! Doesn't make it any less annoying—especially when he decided to find two instead of just one for himself. However, it's not just clovers. He may have been gathering a few wildflowers... Maybe. It's only because Briallen keeps giving him some that's all!!!! ~~it's not it's not at all~~

2. Jackalopes. Of course, despite wanting peace and quiet he never gets it easy. While still looking for that elusive four leaf clover, Bri starts growling and Eustace immediately locks on the tall antlers of the jackalope. Now, he actually doesn't want to engage in a fight if he doesn't have to... But the jackalope isn't going to let that happen.

And so the once peaceful clover field will be disrupted by the sound of fighting. Eustace will have at least drawn the jackalope away to the edges, where he can freely fire lightning from his weapon while the small corgi assists in trying to keep the jackalope from running off. Assistance will be welcomed.

Alternatively, if someone else is dealing with a jackalope, Eustace will assist them instead.]

⊗ e: quest 306: elemental cores

[Hunting monsters is his expertise, so it doesn't take him too long to track down spots where the cores he's after can be found, namely fire and water. Eventually he might look for the others, but he has vested interest in these particular elements for personal use.

1. Sniping golems. Whether on his own or working with someone else, rather than face the golems head on he'll take on a sniping position, either using a cliff ledge or trees. So if anyone is in the area, don't be surprised or mistake his lightning for another elemental golem—it's just him bringing the thunder and sniping golem limbs to shatter the arms or legs off from the distance so he can pick up the cores later...

...Or rather, so two corgis can weave in and grab the cores when it's clear. The dogs will also help in dealing with the golems, with Ivor body slamming those already staggered from Eustace's lightning or from other attacks to knock the golem down.

2. Water core "thief." After delivering a few water cores and having something like an automatic water fountain bowl prototype created in return for his efforts, Eustace is at the dog park to try it out. However, there is a small flaw. Before he could finish installing the fountain, one of the dogs has snatched the core and is running around, shaking its head and causing it to create water and spray it everywhere.]

Hey—Idris!!

[And that rambunctious young corgi is going to be running around trying to douse and spray anyone and anything in his path. He's a fast one, too, good luck catching him.]

⊗ f: wildcard

[Oh God I had more but this was already too long. Not included but can be done: Preparing for Spring planting, orange feather removal, get rid of the frogs, and feel free to push him through the rainbows. One could appear in any of these prompts or could be set anywhere in town. He also has a dating advice request anon post if anyone wants to hit that still. Feel free to hit me up on discord, PM, or

laenavesse for questions or further discussion!]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[A nod-]

Not as abandoned as it looks, they went deeper down. Trying to keep it on the down-low in case the one who initially killed everything within goes for a second round at hearing they've returned at all. [He wouldn't put it past Reaper, honestly. More so given the fact he wiped the cave of life over the fact he'd nearly died due to- well.

At this point? It was clear it was something well intentioned and not purposefully trying to kill him. Likely the Ents weren't used to anything beyond plant biology.]

...That is clever.

[People don't always return to the same location once they've destroyed something, so having another level is rather smart.]

Who destroyed it to begin with?

[Given the phrasing, it's clear 76 knows.]

[Wasn't that easy to find the way in to the deeper level either- and there was no doubt another entrance somewhere judging by the number of animal life that had been there his last visit. Likely hidden even better and in a way only those animals could find it to go through.

There was a long sort of sigh-]

A man from my world, who went good on his promise of destruction if something happened to me. I was injured by an Ent- and also have learned their intentions with that were good, just misguided since they're unfamiliar with non-plant creature biology. [He glanced up, just to see if he could spot where the streamed widened yet-] He goes by Reaper, and he has the ability to drain life out of anything, on top of being as capable as I am -if not more so at times- in a battle.

...I see. So it wasn't with malicious intent but just misunderstood. Unfortunate, but seems we ended up being lucky that it didn't completely destroy everything.

[And from the sound of it, they're at least still allies.]

Reason I'm hoping it means there are other caves like this one to find. [A low hum- and a few deer walking along the other side of the river could be seen, some more than just noticeably larger than the average deer; odd glowing flowers grew from fur and antlers wit vines and other greenery.

Yep, getting pretty close.]

The -what I'm assuming- leader of this cave was very welcoming, and made it pretty clear it was misunderstood. [Moonlight's Bloom was... well, probably a pretty Ent-y name. 76 gestured carefully towards the deer on the other side, moving a little faster than them-] Also that at least the one I'm taking you to is like a safe haven- protected land people are welcome to stay at if they don't desecrate the area in some way?

Edited 2022-04-09 03:47 (UTC)

[A small nod as his eyes follow the gestured deer before glancing back at 76.]

They seem trusting, but are they too trusting?

Given what I've seen? No. They're quick to take out a threat if they're not outmatched.

[That and there'd been a second Ent watching before the largest one had given them the OK. As if they could sense something about a person, or maybe that was him trying t make sense of things as they seemed to do the same with animals.

Someone like Reaper? Likely took them by surprise, and with his abilities they didn't really stand a chance given the angry warpath he was on. The building corruption of nightmare energy just empowering that.]

How intelligent would you say they are?

Can communicate, even if their language isn't quite like ours. Had a pretty informative talk with Moonlight's Bloom- That being the leader of the group in this cave.

[For all he knew each area might have their own leader.]

Beyond that? They have a deep knowledge of plants, and some magic that has to do with that.

[He's a bit surprised but not overtly so. It's not as if the fae here haven't shown their intelligence before, but there are a few who seem less so. So it's good to know they can communicate well with entities that could hold the key to fighting back the effects of the nightmare energy.]

That's still fortunate given we need them as our allies. I'm still surprised they still maintained friendly relations after what happened, however I suppose it's just proof that they are understanding of the circumstances.

Did they reveal that there were other places or are they keeping that a secret?

[Which would make sense, really.]

[Shoulders shrugged a bit-]

One we spoke with was... incredibly understanding and held no ill will towards us- I think they understood what happened and what caused it. [That was a hell of a first meeting, honestly.

Also, finally, got some explanation about the glowing streaks in his hair, along with a couple of other things.]

Didn't make mention of it, we were all more focused on everything in this one.

[Just a small nod.]

Understandable. I doubt they'd be so forthcoming as well.

[He then looks forward.]

How much farther?

Not much- you see that rising mound? Waterfall mist might be making it a bit difficult, but that's the source of this river.

[And boy, was there a number of rainbows forming in that mist depending on how sunlight went through the small beads of water in the air.

Could even see a few of those deer grazing around the outside of it as the came up on it more-]

Entrance to the original cave is hidden behind the water fall.

Somehow I'm not surprised... But it's a clever hiding place for those who don't consider it.

[But it is a very idyllic scene, one where someone might stop to enjoy but never think about exploring around outside of general curiosity. It's all quiet. Natural.]

Is there anything I need to be mindful of once we enter?

Harder to spot now if you don't know it's there- Moonlight partially collapsed said entrance.

[Blue moved ahead, as for once it seemed like she wanted to head inside as well, but she waited rather than head in first-]

Not much, other than watch your step. There'll be a lot of different creatures inside once we get to the populated cavern, and the tunnel down is pretty slippery. [Probably so nothing could sneak in too well? Who knows, really.

Once slipping through the partially caved in entrance? It was pretty much dead inside, other than a few scattered glowing fungi here and there. Stalactites and stalagmites, a little stream flowing inwards- and very dark once several feet inside. Tapped the lantern hanging on Blue's harness at her chest, waking up fireflies and the glowing mushrooms within it.

Better, but still.]

[Eustace only follows along silently, feeling no need to really say anything more. He'll keep a reasonable space between them as they traverse and he is careful with his step. To help with the lightning, he conjures up a few lightning orbs that float around them, looking similar to floating stars or oversized fireflies.]

[There was a grouping of stalagmites a ways in to the darkness near a wall, he took a breath and waved Eustace to follow as he walked right through them; the formation a hard sort of illusion, but still passable.

It was a steep path down, the ground just a bit slick even as Blue moved after him and nearly pushed him down a few times in the dragon's excitement.

Once through, existing the slick and almost narrow tunnel, they'd step out in to a smaller cavern that was lit by far more glowing fungi and flora- including a lush sort of greenery. Lining the edges of the cavern and just making a path were also patches of the Glowing Dawn flowers. Blue moved past, sniffing about with wings tucked close, attention caught by a few of the insects.

Past there? Was a path that led down a different tunnel, a glowing gold light at the end of that.]

That path leads to the larger cavern. [The sound of flowing water could be heard, along with some bird call and the buzzing of insects, other animals as well.]

[At first Eustace frowned when 76 approached the wall. It looked solid to him...but when the older man passed through it, he's momentary startled before he realizes the truth: illusion magic. Marveling a little, he slowly follows, stretching out his hand to try and feel how wide the real entrance is. After that it's taking care on the steep path, keeping a reasonable distance in case there's a rare slip, but his surefootedness helps keep him upright. He looks around with a curious eye around the cavern, already feeling the difference between this and the cavern earlier.

Hearing the sounds, he pauses a moment.]

You weren't kidding about this acting as a haven for other animals. Are there other entrances or is that it?

Haven't gone deep enough, but I'm betting there are. Likely various ones scattered around, an the animals use various cave systems to get in here- hell, I saw a few Kirin from the cliffsides passing through.

[Had to be a system of tunnels, likely far too twisting and varied to explore safely alone- and even then still likely too dangerous for anyone inexperienced in cave exploring.

He pushed forwards then, walking down the tunnel that opened up in to a huge cavern that pretty much looked far larger on the inside than the outside could ever give credit for. There were various trees that were scattered about, each in various stages of blossoming and growing fruit. Glowing fruit and blossoms, a few animals resting under them while others grazed.

Could spot various animal species that were seen above- and a few that hadn't, the odd creatures playin about in and even above the glowing streams running through the area, and it certainly felt like walking in to another world.

Walking around there could be seen various members of the group of Ents that dwelled there. Each with a different animal skull for their heads. Some resting with animals, others checking over some of the flowers and other glowing flora and fungi that were growing.

Above no ceiling could be seen, but there were glowing lights scattered as if stars shining from above. In various places there were hanging vines that bore either clusters or singles of flowing fruit shaped like crescent moons.]

Watch your step, there's step-like features carved in to the rocks for us to get down.

[Blue was- well, she was going on ahead of them, bouncing around a little amongst the grasses, investigating things at her own pace.]

...It's peaceful.

[A small murmur under his breath as Eustace takes it all in with a mix of awe and admiration. Given the variety of environments in the various islands of his world, he's a number of different types of flora and fauna. He's also been through his fair share of underground caverns. However, he can't think of anything that could compare to what he sees here. Along with the tranquil, peaceful air... He finds himself taking to it.

However he doesn't allow himself to become too distracted, catching 76's warning and taking heed as they travel down.]

Right? We... kinda want to help preserve this, the peace this place holds, and is a reason myself and the other two who discovered this want to keep it on the down low- The Ents and animals here shouldn't find themselves flooded with people gawking and taking too much, you know? More so with how willing they are to share, the flowers and their views. [Rather than make some big announcement, tell the world exactly where this place was and how to get in to it. It would be unfortunate to see it ripped apart, even in a dream world and seeing how hard the Ents would work to rebuild. Generosity being taken advantage of.

Some people could be trusted- 76 felt Eustace was one of those, that he'd probably understand the want. Would know others that were the same, wouldn't take advantage to the point of destroying this.

Of course he was watching his own steps as he moved down, soon enough walking on soil, mosses, and grass.]

Moonlight, the Ent we spoke to, said those we brought here ourselves would be welcomed- they're trusting our judgement. [Felt like a responsibility almost.] Others they'd be more discerning with their presence.

This place is worth investigating, learning more about- and hopefully there are others like it, that Moonlight and their group aren't the only ones in this place.

[More caves with the Glowing Dawns flourishing, more of these species of Ent.]

[Eustace had already recognized the trust 76 was placing in him in bringing him here, but it's only now that he fully understands the weight of his presence.]

Understandable. I'd be hesitant in having too many wander through here as well, especially since not everyone has the same views.

[He could easily see people trying to harvest this place dry or worse.]

I'm starting to wonder if I should act on the idea of trying to find other caverns or places like this.

[At first he had only been looking at it at an angle to find more places so no single place is overtaxed, but now he wonders and begins to doubt if it's a good idea to expose too many places. Would it be better to leave them unfound?]

[With the rising Noctaere activity- well, people could grow desperate out of worry, and he just didn't want to see that sort of thing unleashed on the place. Moonlight had said it themselves- this was a place of peace, safety.

What better way to repay the kind willingness that try to preserve that in turn?]

There's another few people I know that I think I'll bring here, but outside of that- yeah. [He figured Yujin would bring Jude, and if not he didn't mind making the trek out here. Kazuma and Susato- Kainé as well, for a few reasons.

People he felt could use the peace and beauty of this place to just.. relax? Something.]

I think it wouldn't hurt- even if all that's done is keep an eye on them for any trouble. Could be good allies, too. I know they're capable fighters, even if more peaceful by nature.

[Hell, the flowers might be carried and-] May be a possibility the animals that carry these flowers may create other patches when they pass by natural causes. Stray patches scattered in various hidden caves not even connected to this. Finding those could be good.

I know they can grow outside of these Ents' influences after all.

[A hand lifted, a slight hiss of his mask disengaging, setting it in to the bag just at his back. Rubbing a hand over his beard, letting eyes adjust to the lighting. The peppered streaks of blue in his hair and beard glowing right along with the Glowing Dawns around them-]

Still, choice is yours and I trust you'll make the one you feel is best.

...Mm.

[He's also considering if he should tell Tifa... No, he should probably just bring it up now. Regardless of 76's stance, Eustace can't help but consider him as the "ambassador" from their side since he's been in close contact with the Ents.]

I might tell one other person, but she's trustworthy and I'm sure she'd want to do what she could to help as well.

I'll also consider it. If anything can find a lead, it'll be the dogs. But if I do find something you'll be the first and only one to know.

I won't lie—

[Even if he was watching where they were going, keeping the movements of a few passing Ents just within the corner of his vision, was clear Eustace had majority of his attention as they spoke.]

—a part of me wonders if it's the right decision, to keep this place a secret outside of a select few, but... People can be unpredictable, more so when even a slight answer that could help with a fear is known. That some think they could possibly turn in to a weapon when it isn't meant to be that, even with the best interest of others or just themselves in mind. [Felt it was owed and quite frankly deserved to keep a peaceful existence for this place, however.

He'd seen to much.]

Of course saying that, I'm trusting your judgement in who you do share it with. Figure you'd understand and all-

[There was a tug to his pantleg mid-stride, perhaps thankfully or not knocking him out of that train of thought, which of course had 76 glancing down and- Huh?]

Ah, careful little fella. [He made a sound of 'excuse me a moment there' and that would be 76 going down in to a kneel to get his pantleg back from the flower pup.] You're new.

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject