[EVENT] Out into the Wilds

[siriusly]

Who: People who signed up for the June exploration!
What: Exploration, camping, monster-fighting, and checkpoint-establishing!
When: June 10-13 (ish; time is fluid for the sake of players' plans)
Where: From the Waystation out into the unmarked wilderness!

Content Warnings: Gore, monster fighting, injuries (other cws will be flagged in comment subject lines please!)



It's finally time. Months of research, planning, and training are culminating into the first proper excursion out beyond the borders, out into Trenchwood and beyond. No one will know what to find out there until someone goes to see it, after all. And who knows? There may be people out there - people like them! People isolated by the formidable borders which separate them.

...Or maybe not. Either way, nothing changes if no one moves forward, and with the moon stirring the spirit of adventure in Manabu's blood, it's time to do exactly that.


I. Gather up

Once the final headcount was made, Manabu contacted all the willing volunteers to meet at the Waystation at daybreak - the more daylight, the better, as monsters are more sluggish at that time. Here, everyone can meet up and do a final check of supplies...and pet some of the Dog Keeper's faithful hounds who keep this length of the perimeter safe from the monsters. This is as good a time as any to take stock of who's all going along, who's got your back...and maybe whose backs you have a feeling you'll be watching along the way. The more familiar everyone is with each other's strengths and weaknesses, the better off everyone is at working as a team, right? So get over there and say hello!

II. Traverse

Now that everyone is gathered, the excursion begins. They pierce through the thick, unfriendly trees which are blooming with the unusual fruits of the season, but be careful about what bits of nature's bounty is taken for eating! The berries out here have properties which cause hallucinations, rapid blood corruption, and even beasthood.

Speaking of beasts: There are plenty. Monster ambushes are frequent, so be prepared to team up to fight and defend each other throughout the journey. Just like in Trench, the creatures vary in form and threat level - difference here is just sheer numbers. Lighting incense helps keep something of a safe radius where the creatures hesitate and slow, so hopefully no one's going to get caught too unawares as they rush in.

It makes travel rather staggered, but before nightfall the sight of the windmills is far behind, and ahead? A bog. Noxious smells, biting insects, and dangerous, sticky mud abound; be careful where you step, or you may find yourself sinking and in need of help, and no one wants to be trapped in one place when the beasts catch wind of travelers.

III. Camp

Carrying on to nightfall is risky business, and the decision is ultimately made to stake out a bit of high ground to make camp. Incense is lit up, with the ask that rotations of people keeping watch make sure they keep lit and replenished through the night. This won't keep everyone safe the entire night through, so be prepared for a rude awakening by monsters yet again; maybe you can catch a few winks after enough of a lull? Or at least take a moment to cleanse corruption and beasthood with the supplies people have brought to do so; failure may lead one down the dangerous fast track to corruption themselves.

Couple this with the month's unwelcome gifts of nightmares and the distant rumblings of earthquakes back in Trench, and it's pretty guaranteed no one is getting a good night's rest too easily. Still, it's time to recharge, to talk with others, and maybe work on some mapmaking if you're handy at it!

IV. The ruined church

Two nights and three days of this journey lead the group out of the bog and onto rockier, more open space: Those who can fly can catch glimpses of lush, green mountains forming in the distance before attracting too much attention from beasts along the way. Mountains! A new landmark to chase!

...But maybe not this time. By now, everyone's been through the wringer from the constant harassment of beasts, nightmares, and natural hazards, so when they come across something of a distinct landmark...that's where it's called. In the afternoon of the third day, the expedition finds the ruins of an old church, as well as signs of other structures well and truly decayed over time. No mud, no stink...just the eerie serenity of a vacant place.

Here, it's decided to plant the new lantern - Diluc provides his, and so, at the cobblestone foot of the remaining structure, little lantern buddies spring up out ofthe ground and hold up this new checkpoint's lamppost. People are welcome to investigate the area, but even though they've had a lull in action, it isn't safe to linger long: beasts will catch scent of the explorers soon enough and make their way here, too.

That said, the lantern's here...and it works. People can now safely teleport back to a location in Trench of their choosing! It's not the rousing success Manabu had hoped for, but it's a step forward - pretty darn forward, in fact! This new checkpoint is 30 miles west of Trenchwood - a fascinating new wilderness for explorers to teleport into and continue their journeys to unraveling the mysteries of the world Trench inhabits.

[please feel welcome to drop your own toplevels, tag around, and have fun! any questions can go here! enjoy!!!]

Comments

manabu yuuki - coldblood - ota

[siriusly]

i.

Uoh, hey-!

[familiar face or not, Manabu will raise a hand in greeting to those meeting up at the Waystation. it's as much to check off who's arrived as it is to get a read on those he's not too familiar with.

to those, he extends a hand:] Manabu Yuuki. Nice to meet you! Let's get along and work together, okay?

[to those he's known a while, though, it's a little less formal:] You ready? Back out if you need to, but once we cross that tree line...there's no going back. [...] Not, not right away anyway. Or...not safely...eheh...

II.

Aa--careful!

[Manabu reaches out and grabs the shoulder of someone getting unsteady on their feet, smiling apologetically.] You alright?

---

DUCK!

[and you better duck, buddy: Manabu needs to aim and take a shot over the shoulder at an incoming, slavering monster leaping out of trees their way. it drops and Manabu exhales, but the relief is short-lived: after some twitching, the wolf-like, blood-covered creature starts to push itself up onto all fours -- wait, all sixes? how many limbs...?!]

Think it has conventional vital spots? Or are we going to have to get really messy?

III.

[Manabu's never been very good at sitting still, even when it's necessary, but he's trying. he's trying, even though the nighttime ambiance is peppered with fell howls and skin-crawling groans in the distance...and not-so-distance.

on his turn on watch, his back is to one of the small campfires the expedition's set up. the air is thick with the incense, making him want to sneeze a little, and his good eye strains to glimpse anything in the mossy trees that could be signs of an ambush.

now and then, a yawn escapes him, but he's too full of adrenaline to even think of sleeping right now. not yet. not his turn!]

IV.

...Dammit...!

[he'd hoped that far enough away from Trench the monsters would subside. after all, there are no civilians or hunters out this far to pick off and eat! yet it's been relentless...they can't carry on even a week like this!

and that's frustrating.

Manabu grimaces, jaw set and fists clenched at his sides as he turns away from the ruined church and glares out at the pathway ahead. others are still having to clean up from the latest monster ambush and already there's sounds of more creatures coming.

he's determined to be the last one out here, at least; no one's going to die out here - but if they do? it won't be alone.]

I

[delilah_dirk]

[She skips the introduction part in favour of handing him a copy of her own mapping results - the temple complex, as she knows it, at the far edge of the known map.]

Fair trade for letting me come along, what?

[She is very forthright.]

And who's doing the cartography for the trip, hmm? Hopefully not someone who is all fingers and thumbs.

III

[searingwing]

[There's a noticeable scrape of a boot on dirt. Diluc walks out of the darkness not bothering to hide his approach. He carries a pair of steaming mugs in hand as he sits down beside him.]

A drink to help you stay awake. I was woken for my shift...what can you tell me? I'll start the shift doing an aerial patrol.

III

[tempredmental]

How you holding up?

[Keith came over, having taken the same watch shift as Manabu. There were enough of them traveling in the group, so there was no need to do watch alone.]

It can be tough doing a watch alone.

I

[secondtyphoon]

[Heeey, its the guy organizing all this. He doesn't actually know Manabu other than probably seeing him at passing at the Racoon Room, so Hayato makes his way over to him to actually introduce himself.]

Ichimonji Hayato, Let's keep our fingers crossed for the most uneventful expedition we can hope for, yeah?

[One can be hopeful, right? He holds a hand out to shake.]

Thanks for putting all of this together.

II

[killtime]

[ The monsters of this world took a little while to get used to. But a few months of being a Hunter, and Andy's learned to treat them more or less like beasts. They're mostly flesh and bone. They still bleed. That's why she's had her labrys with her, both bits gleaming and sharp.

At Manabu's warning, she twists rather than ducks — taking a swing at that wolf-like thing as it barely misses her with claws and teeth. Blood splatters on the ground. Between her axe and Manabu's shot, there's lots of it — but not enough to keep the creature down for long. Andy gives her labrys a swing, shaking the blood from it before readying for round two. ]

Might as well start with the usual shit. [ She calls back. ] If it doesn't die, then we'll fucking know.

II.

[obeir]

[ By this point K's fought alongside Manabu enough to be familiar with his marksmanship skills and doesn't need to be told twice — he ducks out of the way, trusting Manabu to handle it. But he's already anticipating that the beast may get back up, and he intentionally circles around to the other side of it, hoping to make himself a target and draw the creature's attention away from Manabu and the others. ]

Well, headshots apparently don't work.

[ But at least his plan has.

The beast turns toward him, then leaps forward with jerky movements, clearly feeling its injuries but only a little slowed down by them. K's own gun is drawn but he doesn't fire it yet. Instead, he continues to draw the beast farther away, deftly dodging each swipe of its razor talons. With his superhuman strength and particular combat abilities, the android is the expedition member perhaps best suited for close quarters combat with the beasts. Which is exactly what he has in mind, if Manabu isn't able to drop the beast before then.

Because while a headshot won't work, a crushed skull? Probably will. ]

Delilah Dirk | Delilah Dirk Graphic Novels"

[delilah_dirk]

Gather Up - Open

She can be found sitting on a rock, using a whetstone to hone the edge of one of her swords. Otherwise, between the skirt, the posture, and the crossed legs, she might look like a proper lady. She absolutely, in no way, is one of those.

She is absently, quietly, singing an old British folk tune as she works.

"And when the siege is over, we to the town repair;
The townsmen cry, Hurrah, boys, here comes a Grenadier;
Here come the Grenadiers, my boys, who know no doubts or fears;
Sing tow, row, row, row, row, row, for the British Grenandiers."

It's a sign she is very, very eager for this expedition. Her pack lays next to her, and it might strike some as comparatively light - but she's experienced at these things. The lighter the better; carry food that lasts - some rope, a grapnel, and good boots. That's really all you need.

She's also, for the sake of other adventurers, pinned up a map of the bits of Temple Complex she and a few others had previously explored. They've still got the treasure from that locked away, unsure what to do with it. It'll figure out, in time.

Traverse - Open

She is a dab hand in a fight; she often refers to herself as the finest swordswoman in the world - and that's because she actually is. One of only a handful of women in her era who are skilled warriors, honed by adventures all over the world that have marked her young life. When the monsters come, she will absolutely be ready.

The Bog will present significantly more of a challenge - especially when strange calls, like those of someone in distress, are heard in the night, and she sets out to investigate, torch in hand - and sword at the ready.

Camp - OPEN

By the time they arrive to the camps, as a result, she's a bit the worse for wear. Bruises here and there, bandaged cuts on her arms and legs. But she's smiling and quite happy with all of it, even as she looks for a spot of healing.

This is, after all, proper adventuring.

[OOC: I'm up to a lot of other ideas, happily throwing her into new CR, so if anybody wants anything else, just hit me up and ask!]

Traverse - Bogs

[tempredmental]

"Uh... maybe we should stay in teams or at least pairs?"

Not that Keith wasn't one to go running off alone, for the moment, his 'I learned something in life' side was taking a little bit of precedence for the moment over the Moon's influence on his cold blood. Just for the moment...

camp

[killtime]

Despite her torn and bloody clothes, Andy doesn't seem to have a single scratch on her. Nobody would ever be able to tell by looking at her that the creatures of these wilds had given her their teeth and claws just as much as anyone else. The one benefit of her immortal curse — it keeps her in one piece, even when she rightfully shouldn't be.

Still, a little respite in camp is more than welcome. She hasn't been especially sociable with the others — it didn't seem necessary, really — but when she passes Delilah, she pauses a moment, her axe slung casually over her shoulder as she gives this bruised but cheerful young woman a cursory onceover, commenting with a twinge of wryness.

"Looks like you've been working hard."

Gather Up

[convene]

He wants to ask her about the folk tune but finds himself distracted by the map that she's pinned up.

"You really explored a place like this?"

He's definitely asking her as he looks over the temple map, adjusting his quiver almost nervously. He's not an adventurer, but he sure as hell doesn't want to miss something like this. Looking outside of Trench was a prospect for a new mystery to solve, though he doesn't think they'll really find much out in the wilderness. Just monsters and beasts of that sort of nature that they wouldn't otherwise encounter in Trench.

"How did you find it?" Was there a map outside of this one? Was it a passage in a book that spurred the adventure to locate it? Call him curious.

Gather Up

[truerevival]

Kazuma can, if anything, recognize someone well-versed in weaponry. And that whetstone is a dead giveaway. He hadn't used one since he had Karuma in his possession well over a year ago (rapiers were far different in their needs), but he could tell she was familiar with it. So, he takes a moment to sit by her and appreciate the artistry that comes with the maintenance of fine weaponry.

But that tune--

"I recognize that one." He had worked with many men that had been part of marching regiments on the ships heading to London. He's almost fond of the raucous tune and the memories that it brought. Even if those memories were born in a time when he didn't know much else beyond his name and the need to reach London that burned in his chest.

Nara'a Sunvara | OTA

[aetherweaver]

Gather Up

Nara'a is familiar with wilderness expeditions - less familiar with them having so many people. Still, he's managed to get his bag all packed with the essentials and his job stones in his pocket. He's glad for the comfort of them. ... He left one very importat stone at home, however. It wouldn't do to lose it, and it's no help in combat anymore.

But right now is about meeting people, and he wanders around, trying to see who's a new face to him - well. That's pretty much everyone. Still, he smiles and nods to them.

"Nara'a Sunvara. I'm new here, but I'm eager to get myself involved."


Traverse

"I've got it!" Nara'a suddenly has a sword and shield in his hand, silver gleaming from underneath his black cloak. He jumps in front of the monster running towards the group and slams his shield down, bright blue wings coming off fo him to shield the group. He takes the blow from the panther-like creature, dripping blood and ichor from its claws. The wings fade as he thrusts his sword forward underneath the thing's breastbone and carves upwards.

Or maybe you're coming to his aid? As a red mage he might have utility and mobility, but he can't get out of every scrape. Slinging spells and melee attacks with his focus and rapier are one thing, but taking hits is quite another. There's plenty of time to pick him up off the ground.


Camp

Nara'a volunteers to keep watch, plenty used to being the one who stays up to let others sleep. Mercenary work in between adventures isn't unknown to him, and he's had to keep clients safe at night. But he doesn't mind company as he stares out into the night. He bows his head briefly and mutters a prayer to Menphina out of habit, but then shakes his head. The gods... are a complicated issue for him right now. He sighs and starts humming snatches of song as he watches, waiting for his turn to be up.

When it's his time to sleep however, it's not restful. He tosses and turns, trying to keep himself safe in his dream. It's almost impossible however, and as he wakes up with a start he looks down at his hands to see... cracks? He makes a high-pitched noise in surprise, quickly covering them with gloves - but he's probably alerted someone, or woken them by accident. Oops.

traverse

[siriusly]

Keep! Down a sec!

[when Nara'a goes down, Manabu lunges forward to take the space he'd been filling, thrusting his gravity saber forward to catch the lumbering beast body that's been meaning to fall atop the other. he fires a single laser shot which sears through much of the hulking mass, the force of which prompts it to reel back. that's time enough for Manabu to reach down and snag some of Nara'a's clothes to help him back to his feet.]

You good? We need to move!

traverse!

[brushy]

[ amaterasu dislikes using violence on wild animals, even if they were "monstrous". she doesn't slay beasts, but demons— anything else is a life, and she's a little reluctant to do such irreparable damage to a poor thing in the wilds that has just so happened to stumble upon them. the beasts, too, who are lost human souls— she'd like to try to purify them before looking toward putting their souls to rest swiftly. another creature, this time a giant rat plagued with oozing sores charges for them, maddened with hunger. with nara'a at the front of this battle already having dealt with the panther, amaterasu leaps before the rodent could take another step. her hackles raise to make herself seem twice the size she is, and her stance plants between the man and the beast— she bares her pointed fangs and licks her exposed gums and crinkled nose, and she attacks with the swipe of her divine instrument (of which not many eyes would see: a flaming reflector of so many hues).

the rat backs away, but squeals in resistance— for some reason, the wolf hasn't attacked the way a threatened wolf would. it's not to the death; she counts her strikes, she saves energy. even more, she minds her bloodshed. not only because of her heart in slaying this poor creature, but in polluting trench's ugly, blood-soaked soil. she'd hope for the others to keep it in mind and do the same. ]

Diluc Ragvindr | coldblood | ota

[searingwing]

I.

[Forseti is a jet-black nightmare that acts nothing like the shivering horses. The horse paws at the ground as Diluc checks over the Dog Keeper's hounds to make sure they're alright. His horse is saddled and ready for the journey.

He stands up. He's dressed for the wilderness with sturdy boots, thicker clothing, and a sword and dagger at his sides. He looks out at the wilderness and there is a longing in his eyes. He walks to the long blanket he brought with him that has weapons spread across it. If you approach, he gestures to the weapons.] Take only what you need. There should be enough weapons for everyone and spares for the trip.

If you don't have emergency medical aids, I have that for us as well.

II. The battle prompt, will npc the beastie

[The flickers of flame twist in the air above Diluc's palm and as he lowers his fingers to the incense set out to keep Monsters at bay. The flames twist and wind through the air like a snake weaving between clumps of grass. The row of incense lights before he moves back and studies the forest beyond.

A creature lurks just beyond the smoke from the incense. What looks like a massive crystalline stone paw is half in the light. Diluc draws a simple broad sword and a dagger with his right. The beast opens its mouth and roars. It sounds like rocks grinding together as it readies for a charge.]

III

[The faint whisper of someone's pen set to paper occurs late in the night. A man with fiery red hair sits on watch at the edge of the camp. But his pen moves over a page in an open journal. His hair is mostly tucked under the dark cloak he wears. And sitting peering out at the night is the vast shape of a two legged, seemingly black dragon. With wolf-like ears and an arrow shaped head, the dragon sits right by the man, with a saddle on its back.

As you approach there is a darkness in the man's eyes. He takes a canteen from his belt and offers it.] If you're here to relieve me, permit me to linger and make you a drink or so to help you stay awake.

We need to talk about what I've seen so if it becomes a problem, it won't be for long.

IV.

[The new lantern is up and he can feel the need to stay and explore war with his reason. They have made a start. He's got the business sense and tactical awareness to know it is time to go. But he stalls, packing up his equipment and gear. He makes a mark on the stones by the lantern before his omen circling over head lets out a puff of smoke.

The time to go is drawing near. Forseti had already left with a huff. He has no doubts the horse will find him next time he leaves the city. Dellingr lands by his side, the size of a bus and starting to nudge others towards the lantern.]

...it's a start. And mapping this place will be a little safer. I consider this a successful venture.

III

[aetherweaver]

[He's glad to take his turn for a watch, and heads over to Diluc. The offer of a drink has him stop, his mouth turning into a thin line. The last time someone he didn't know offered him a drink...]

I'm all right. I have my canteen. But... what is it that you wanted to speak of?

[He'd rather be awake than asleep right now, because Nara'a's dreams are disturbing. He's glad for the coverage of the clothes he has... he'll have to figure out where these wounds are coming from later.]

nehan | coldblood | ota

[torpour]

traverse

[for as fussy as his pet can be at home, nehan is glad that fussy still understands orders and discipline. or perhaps the giant mustelid just understands this is no time for goofing off. so his pet doesn't run off or keep sniffing around, merely sticking to his side like an assistant to the man with a limp, unlike some people who may be around him.]

Beware. Don't touch any plant you cant identify, because it may just be poisonous. [then he points at a very bright red berry with a gloved hand, much brighter than a cherry, glistening as if in invitation. then down at some mushrooms with white growths further along, growing at the base of a tree.] Like those.

If you're hungry, I will share the rations I brought. Just don't touch any flora you don't know. I don't want to have to use my cleansing tonics before we get into battle. [and his tone is stern-- he knows what he's talking about, this is his wheelhouse. so he's hoping people will just listen.]

camp (defending)

[nehan has left his coat off, letting venti have it and their pet for the night. of course, this does mean that the erune shows off his bare (scarred) skin, his button-up missing its back and side panels, and is this really practical in this sort of place? no, but it's the kind of outfit one wears when one is an erune. he's just up and about, expecting this to be a safe time to do some more testing and walking with the brace around his left leg. it's... awkward. if someone attempts to assist him, he'll hold up his hand in the universal sign of no. well, in this case no thanks.

he's about to find out if it will be able to hold up in a fight however, when bays and howls in the distance make him freeze, only his ears trembling with tension.]

They're coming. [perhaps unnecessary, but he still has to say it out loud. then he beckons to whoever is closest.] If you can fight, come-- we should head the beasts off before the reach the camp proper.

[he wont even go back for his crutch, no time. the weapons and vials on his holster and belt need to be enough. there may be guards for the camp on shift, but they may need help too, he thinks.]

camp (resting)

[as much as he would love to nap on venti's lap or with his face smushed in their giant mutant ferret's fur, he'd rather not do it where anyone can come by them. and he's too restless to get any good amount of sleep, anyway.

what else can he do but inspect people? crutch in hand and a myriad of healing potions in vials on his belt, he wanders through the campsite, inspecting anyone who looks careworn and messy.]

I'm a medic. Just doing my rounds. [a quick opening, just so the person knows why he's here.] I want to examine you for injuries and treat them. Given how dangerous our expedition is, and how much more we have to go before the end of it, I'd rather have your permission so we can all be prepared tomorrow.

[or else, his tone says. he wont take anyone's lies or attempts at changing the topic.]

wildcard
[[ bring your own prompt! i am down for a lot of bad stuff to happen so you can just pm me if there's anything you want to run by me first. feel free to also look at my permissions/opt-out post for nehan's cw. ]]

resting

[facultative]

[Anakin is physically fine, but this much blood pollution so close at hand is making him uneasy. He remembers the last time the corruption got bad, he'd wanted them all dead. Or maybe it only brought up the real aspects of his personality, Vader. Perhaps he shouldn't have come, but it's too late to back out now and he needed to do something.

With his hood covering his face, he kept to himself whenever they camped. His mouth thins in distaste at Nehan's approach. The fact that he identifies himself as a medic doesn't make it any better.]

I'm fine.

Hayato Ichimonji | Vileblood | OTA

[secondtyphoon]

Camp [Chill Prompt]

[There's a lot to be worried about, but they've made good progress on this trip. While the "road" ahead still looks terrible, they've covered a lot of ground. That's something to be proud of.]

[This wasn't a moment to let your guard down, but it would be good to rest. Hayato is far too restless himself, and he's walking around the camp trying to keep an eye on things. He might come up to anyone who looks like they might need assistance.]

Doing okay? Can I help you with anything?

Camp [Fight Prompt]

[Hayato is happy to volunteer for any of the night shifts, since he doesn't need the sleep as badly as most. He makes his rounds with whoever he's on shift with, dutifully keeping the incense lit and keeping an ear out for trouble.]

[He'll make quiet conversation until stopping very abruptly, reaching a hand to stop whoever else is with him.]

Wait- Something's here.

[If your hearing is particularly good, it won't take much to pick it up. If not, it won't be long before the Beasts make themselves known.]

The Ruined Church

[So they made it. They found something out here in this wretched landscape. A place strangely quiet and untainted. A hint that something lived out here once, unbothered by the monsters around them. It's haunting and mysterious, and while this might be Hayato's poor associations with ruined churches getting the better of him, it makes him a little uneasy.]

[Still, he had work to do, and with this marking the end of their journey, Hayato starts to unpack his photography equipment. He hadn't dared get anything out until now, with how absolutely hectic it was to get here, but now was probably his one chance to get some good shots.]

[Feel free to hassle him while he works. If you stand around too close, he might rope you into helping!!]

Hey, hey, can you stand over there? Just like that, thanks.

[Looks like you're in some history making exploration photography!]

[He'll be taking photos of the Church, the Mountains, and anyone loitering about, taking a breather before leaving through the lamp.]

ruined church

[torpour]

What?

[he was just minding his own business! and his business at the moment is to look for a secluded space to sit down and rest, because he's been doing quite a lot to keep this lot alive and relatively well all the way to the church. after all, he's a medic in a sea of... reckless idiots, he'll settle for calling them reckless idiots. his magic is almost depleted and his stores of potions are all but gone, just healing and giving them away.

so the look he gives the human is an utterly blank one save for a muscle twitching underneath his right eye.]

What is it that you want? [perhaps he should be more courteous, especially since he remembers this person, and they didn't get off on the wrong foot the last time they met.]

michael | darkblood | ota

[eudaimonikos]

ii-a: the road

[Michael's shown up for the voyage as promised. Maybe he and Manabu aren't particularly close, but they are housemates - and anyway, Amara had liked him, hadn't she? He ought to keep an eye out.

He arrives on the back of his Warg, Eleanor. She's wearing sturdy-looking leather armor, old enchanted stuff he got in the dream ages ago now. Michael has even deigned to dress similarly, although he's still got a finely-embroidered hooded cloak. One can't just go out underdressed. He also has a rather large scythe slung easily over one shoulder - another relic of Deerington.

For now, things are calm. Which means that he's quite happy to chat with whoever.]

I've never been camping before! A lot of humans consider it a form of hell on Earth. Could be fun.

ii-b: the bog

[As the group enters the bog, Michael's quick to abandon the ground. Who wants to sink into all that? Instead, his Omen grows very large, big enough to carry him on its back and Eleanor gently in one of its claws. They've practiced this before; the Warg seems a bit disgruntled, but more like a cat in a carrier than anything else.

If someone seems like they're having trouble, he'll swoop down.]

Want us to pull you out?

iii: the camp

[As the group sets up camp, Michael largely just watches the scavenging for food. He can't give a lot of input there. Anything he knows about what's poisonous or not is largely just from observation. The rest, though, he might be able to help with.]

I'll just stay up all night. Don't really need to sleep anyway. [It's something he's engaged in a little more often, since learning it can help with corruption, but one night won't make or break that.] I can make a fire that won't smoke, if we want that.

ii-a

[aetherweaver]

[There's someone else with a scythe around - Nara'a's got one strapped to his back. He walks alongside Michael, curious about the other, but doesn't speak until he's spoken to.]

Maybe they do, but I'm used to sleeping on the road. I'm an adventurer by trade, and it's not always a good time or place to warp to a city or an outpost. Especially when you're guarding a shipment or something like that.

[You can't just abandon a client. That's rude, and also probably guarantees that they won't pay you when you come looking for it.]

I like your dog.

Kazuma Asogi | Warmblood | OTA

[truerevival]

Gather Up

Kazuma had, by some miracle, proven he can at least hold his own in a fight, which means he's at the Waystation at daybreak. He keeps to the fringes at first: taking stock of whose signed up for this madness with him, looking for familiar faces, and keeping his hands busy by checking the supplies he has on him. It's mostly light provisions and his swords, but it's best to be prepared.

As others start gathering he'll flit through the crowd, making polite welcomes and conversation where needed.

"Any thoughts on what we'll find out there?"

Traverse (Beast Encounter)

"What was that?" Miles into their journey, and a few close encounters behind them, made any small noise suspect. Most turned out to be nothing, but this? This was a snuffling, followed by heavy steps off in the distance.

He motions for whoever's closest to be quiet as he readies his sword (he never quiet put it away once they had their first ambush of beasts). The noises continue, shifting closer--

"Move!" And you better move because that--that is a bloodthirsty boar charging in from the woodlands.

Camp (Resting)

Kazuma is nursing a few cuts and bruises by the time they make camp, but nothing so serious as he could have given their trip to this point. He makes up a spot for himself before shuffling through his pack. 

"Here." It's an offering. Food or water or something to help with your own wounds. He can't offer more than that given his lack of supernatural abilities, but there's a camaraderie he feels amongst this group.

"How are you holding up?" 

Wildcard

[Give your own starter, or hit me up for some planning @ likeredgold ]

gather up

[torpour]

"Beasts." Well, that much is obvious, when this is the nature of the world they're in. But Nehan isn't even close to being out of ideas.

"Poisonous plants, perhaps even carnivorous ones. Ghosts, specters..." One ear twitches as he thinks. "Beasts not formed of corruption, surely. Magicked flora like the mushrooms from months ago, creatures living underground, perhaps a worm or two. Though if there was a dragon living somewhere, we would have heard from it by now."

Ruby Rose | RWBY

[onekindsoul]

Preparing to leave.

[Ruby couldn't refuse a chance to go and explore the brave new world they had been found themselves in. She was actually surprised they hadn't tried to do something like this sooner.

For those familiar with Ruby it probably wouldn't be a surprise to see someone armed to the teeth look so cheerful. But even then it could be a little unsettling. She's got Crescent Rose, her giant scythe/sniper rifle strapped to her back, a few other blades she's picked up during her time here, along with various belts or straps loaded with pouches of belts or other supplies. She certainly looked like she was out of 90's comic book or something.

But despite that there is a delighted squeal when she sees one of the dogkeepers dogs. ...She quickly dashes over to pet and scritch it.]

Oh my gosh! Who's a good boy! It's you! Yes it is! Yes it is!

You're going to keep this place safe while I'm gone aren't you?

[She is now ready for adventure.]

Monster fight.

[On the flip side she's either first or close to the first to leap into action once monsters show up to attack the group. Her scythe unfolds into it's full size as she throws herself between a large wolf like creature to prevent it from getting to the rest of the group.]

Okay- Okay! You're tough I get it!

[She keeps her scythe between herself and the creature as she glances back to look to an ally.]

Can I get a hand here? I've got him distracted!

Dogs!

[tempredmental]

[Keith smiled a bit as he watched Ruby with the dogs. While he did go over and greet them and give them some attention, he mainly stayed away so he wouldn't get his own canine jealous. Kosmo wasn't aggressive towards the other dogs, but the big blue cosmic wolf definitely wasn't sure about Keith spending a lot of time with other dogs, yet. It wasn't like you ran into dogs every day in outerspace... but Keith was hoping to get Kosmo used to them over time so that it would be smoother.

At least he'd done well training the wolf to stay by his side instead of charging over to the dogkeeper's group.]

They're definitely pretty cool.

Ryunosuke Naruhodo | Warmblood | ota

[convene]

Gather up

He's taking the last count of all of his supplies once he's arrived at the Waystation, genuinely hoping that he's at least mostly prepared for this journey. Bedroll, incense, a jar of Hope in case of further corruption, food supplies - things that they'll likely need to make the trek out into the wilds. He's nervously going everything, once, twice over, counting arrows, and making sure his bow was in top shape. There was no telling what they would find out there, and he needed to be as prepared as possible.

Especially seeing as he may be one of the few people with the least amount of experience. Sure he was conscripted into the army before he entered university, but raising arms against another human was much different than the unpredictable beast and unknown wildlife that surrounds them.

Ryunosuke is satisfied after the third time checking his supplies when he hoists the pack up, over his shoulders, and makes sure the quiver is situated well enough that he won't need to worry about where his arrows are in battle.

"I hope we're all ready." He says to the closest person to him. "Though I don't think we can really be ready for this."

Camp [Defending]

He figured as night drew near there would be more monsters (how could there be more monsters?), so defending the clearing in the wood where they were making camp was not unexpected. He notches another arrow, taking aim at another large grotesque bat-like creature diving down towards him with claws ready. Steadily, he releases the taut string and lets the arrow sing out ahead of him, piercing the creature with a near-deafening screech as it plummets to the ground. Ryunosuke winces, readjusts his grip on his bow, and rushes toward the downed creature to rip the arrow out of it in hopes he can use it again.

Blood sprays as he pries the arrow from the chest of the monster, hoping that the action has grievously wounded the creature as he quickly inspects the arrow. With a frown, he tosses it aside and glances back up at the sky as they swarm above. He doesn't think he has enough arrows to defend against the flying beasts and whatever else was attacking them, but he sure as well will keep the sky clear as best as he could while others were defending on the ground.

"At least we have numbers." He mutters to himself as he readies another arrow, preparing for the next shot. He can't imagine doing this with so few people. "Get ready!" He calls out. "Here comes another one!"

 Camp [Resting]

Incense lit, he settles down for the night to try and get some rest. It wouldn't be enough, it hasn't been since they left, but he would try because he needs to keep his wits about him. He can't fight monsters on a lack of sleep, but he knows it won't be restful. He rolls out the bedroll, sitting down on it with a groan and a sigh.

"Do you know who is taking the first watch?" He asks as he sets his back up behind where his head would go and keeps his quiver and bow close by. After being attacked the other night, he doesn't want to risk not having them on hand.

Ryunosuke looks exhausted, yet on edge, ready to move at a moment's notice, but ready to let his head hit his makeshift pillow and sleep for the few hours he was certain he would get.

The ruined church

They found something. Something that wasn't bogs or trees or monsters - but an old church. It appeared to be the last structure standing, just by looking around, and as much as he would like to explore the area, now might be a good time to return to Trench. He was worn out, worse for wear, injured but whole. After the journey out he figures it's a good time as ever to return to Trench and regroup for supplies if they planned on going further. He stretches his arms, yawning a little before he finds himself leaning up against one of the few sturdy-looking walls of the crumbling church.

"Can you believe that we managed to make it this far?" Despite the weariness in his voice, he sounds overall positive. "I wonder what we'll find out here."

Probably best left to another day, the lawyer thinks, resting his head against the wall.

Camp (resting)

[searingwing]

"I am." Diluc says from where he is fitting on riding gear. The light leather armor is designed for being on dragon back. He adjusts a gauntlet as he says. "It is entirely up to you if you wish to join me for first watch. We will have aerial scouting thanks to my omen."

His eyes drift to quiver he can spot. Just how many arrows are left? He has to wonder. While he brought supplies for defense for all of them. Some things will have to be made on the journey to keep up with the need for them. "And if you need new arrows, I have the supplies and know how to assist you in restocking your quiver."

Darth Imperius | Paleblood | Star Wars The Old Republic

[drawsghosts]

Traverse
Lightsaber strapped to his hip, and a pack full of rations and supplies, Talwyn feels ready for anything. He also has the Force on his side, and is confident that he can just Force lightning any threats that come upon them.

And yet the first monster attack still takes him by surprise. He really needs to work on his 'danger sense' in this new universe. Taking out his saberstaff, Talwyn takes a defensive staff, before leaping to the side of one of his fellow travelers. "Watch my back!"

Camp
Talwyn had the vain hope that the nightmares wouldn't plague him once they left the Trench. No such luck.

He sits up in his bedroll, his face a lighter shade of red, and wipes sweat off his brow. Talwyn wishes that he had something to fidget with to calm him down. Instead, he starts softly reciting the Sith oath, "Peace is a lie, there is only passion..."

Ruined Church
Okay, this area is spooky, and Talwyn isn't easily spooked. He's also way too adventurous for his own good and is eager to do some exploring. He's confident that if there's any ghosts nearby, he'll sense them and warn his fellow travelers.

Talwyn approaches the church, looking up at the building. He turns to the person next to him, "Shall we proceed?"

Wildcard
[Feel free to write up a starter or ask for one on plurk arwingyoshi]

camp

[facultative]

"Give me one good reason, why I shouldn't kill you now."

He'd seen the man earlier, felt the dark. The bottomless pit that threatened to drag him under the moment he let his guard down. Anakin had wanted to say something earlier, but it would have been too much of a distraction when they were travelling.

So he'd waited. Until everyone had hunkered down for the night and watches had been established. A more defensible position even if they did end up causing a disturbance that attracted unwanted attention.

His lightsaber ignites.

amaterasu | okami | coldblood (ota!)

[brushy]

( ooc: amaterasu can be perceived differently depending on your character's sense of faith or how close they are to the supernatural, so please use her appearance info as a guide! )

the journey

[ trekking ahead of the vanguard, always, was a padding white female wolf who would frequently look over her shoulder, scan the people, sniff at the air— and continue. she's hungry for an adventure, and she'd gladly run ahead if she wasn't also invested in taking care of these intrepid children of hers! plenty may be able to catch her when she's not ahead of them. occasionally, amaterasu may turn her heels and lope backward to check the rear. once encircling the back end of the group and herding them, she runs back toward the front, to pump energy through her legs and keep the company alive. she'll need a little extra treat to be called over during the walking portion of the expedition; people will find that if they call her, she will simply exchange a glance and continue. if you tempt her with food, on the other hand— her tune may change on the dime, and she will approach quickly enough. ]

the dangers (and strangeness)

[ amaterasu always warns the group of an incoming monster; her ears prick and her tail keeps high, like horns and a flag. she lifts her lips to expose her gums and wrinkles the top of her snout, bares her fangs— and she looks in the direction of what should come. i'll gladly rng a monster for this prompt! if it smells too strongly, a gentle breeze will blow the noxious fumes away. if your character has fallen to the thickness of sinking mud, a tree will instantly grow by their side for them to latch onto until more help arrives. clearly, something is happening— most of what is asked of, prayed for, in some way, nature gives. it may be a mystery to many. it may be suspicious for those who see the wolf in her true glory— in light that shines too bright, in a fire that burns on her back in rainbow hues, and the celestial blooms that sprout wherever her paws have stepped. ]

the camp

[ amaterasu rests, but only a little, once they've set up camp. fires will spontaneously burst when bundles of logs have been placed there to start a campfire. you're welcome. when things have calmed and people are looking to rest, perhaps even going through their omnis, a message may appear for them on their screen, in lovely calligraphy and penmanship by the username AMMAKO:

Would you like to hear a story, or would you like to tell one?

other than that, amaterasu has a hard time keeping still. on top of paying mind to the other canines, she sticks her nose into character belongings (clothes, shoes— all in good fun), begs for food, and insists on pets. it's not all fun and games, sadly— monsters still roam the vicinity, and the wolf will change her posture immediately when confronting an ugly scent. rather than warning the camp this time, she jumps into action, snapping with her hackles raised to keep the monster back. for this, i can also rng a monster! ]

the church

[ when the church is finally found, amaterasu does her own work behind the scenes. if anyone is to notice the wolf smelling and familiarizing with the location, the vacant emptiness of the church is being filled. flowers and trees grow and bloom around the outer gardens, freshening the eerie air and making it seem at least a tad bit more welcome. the wolf doesn't seem to pay mind to the phenomenon. you, on the other hand— she may look at you if you have found her in the process of her art, wagging her tail leisurely and continuing with her diligence. you are welcome to accompany her. the slight pause in her steps and an awaiting glance may say as much. ]

the journey

[dohaeris]

[here comes lady! magnificently outfitted in a black leather harness carved with direwolves and weirwood branches to match sansa's leather armor vest. she is of course now the size of a grey wolf, though she still has more to grow, and there is room for her harness to be buckled more loosely. her energy is markedly different, more human, and there are traces of both human and weirwood in her scent. this becomes clearer as she comes trotting into view, yipping hello.]

Lady Ammako! It's me, Sansa! I'm being Lady! Don't worry, she's very comfortable. She's helping me look for a gem tool to make better bloodstones, like my jewelry teacher has. People have been finding them in the tunnels; they've been finding all kinds of things. Are you looking for anything in particular?

[she trots in a circle around amaterasu. it's much harder not to see her glaring brilliance like this; sansa keeps lady's nose pointed towards the ground to avoid accidental sunspots in her wolfly vision.]

D - warmblood - OTA

[distant_one]

i. ready to depart

D was there on time and ready to go, freshly stocked up on supplies from the sanctuary as well as some freshly baked cupcakes. He didn't mingle, but he didn't shy away from standing with the group either, and merely waited patiently for their strange little party to get under way.

ii. A moment of relative peace on the road

Continual travel on foot during the day made D weary, even if he didn't outwardly show it. Small insects and other pests fled from his presence. When there wasn't any fighting going on, D took a moment to reach into his bag and pull out a pinkish-red cupcake of all things. Anyone with a keen sense of smell would be able to tell it was probably not something they wanted to eat, but D had a few normal strawberry cupcakes to hand out as well.

The cupcakes didn't do much for him when what he really wanted was to drink fresh blood, but at least it offered a little temporary relief.

iii. an exceptionally bloody mess

In the aftermath of one of the ambushes, when people were just starting to recognize that the fighting had stopped and catch their breath, something terrible arose from the gore and blood-soaked ground. Rather than soaking into the ground and polluting it, blood was pooling together and rising into the air. Misshapen but roughly spherical blobs of blood with bloody, veiny tendrils connecting them to the ground. At least until the tendrils separated as well, and the blood menaces began to pulse and move unsteadily towards whoever was nearest or any large corpses. One lucky blob had formed almost on top of the fleshy remnants of one of the monsters and wasted no time in pulling chunks into itself with the hiss and bubble of a strong acid dissolving dead flesh.

D threw a needle of rough wood at the bloody sphere furthest away from anyone, and down wind. It ruptured as easily as a soap bubble, but the bloody mist that spready out and quickly rained down dissolved everything organic beneath it.

"They're corrosive. Kill them from a distance and watch out for the wind."

iii. night watch

When night came, the weariness a long walk during the day had brought vanished, and only then did it become obvious just how much it had been wearing on him. He was once gain as fresh and new as if he had just woken up and unbothered by the long journey.

D had no intention of sleeping at all, and made that much obvious. He could see clearly in the darkest night as if it was a perfectly lit day, and he knew from experience that even three days of travel wouldn't be enough to stretch his endurance. Particularly if he found someone agreeable to sharing a little fresh blood with him.

In the moments of peace and quiet D stood as still as a statue, a dark figure that seemed to almost blend in with the dark of night as if he was just another part of it rather than a person.

iv. the bog

Despite how people sank into the bog and had trouble lifting their feet, D was entirely unaffected by it. The insects avoiding him was even more obvious, as was the fact that he left no foot prints in the mud and could walk on top of it as if it was solid ground. He could even grab people and pull them out of the mud if they sank in, as though the sticky mud was an entirely solid and stable surface for him.

v. distance

Over the course of the second night and final day, D maintained more and more distance between himself and the rest of the group. During fights he was no longer able to keep his eldritch presence in check, and the air around him grew physically cold and heavy. For anyone too close to him it would feel like a physical weight in the air pressing them down. Even the sunlight seemed sluggish and chilly caught up in the effects of his eldritch aura, and more and more his dark eyes glowed. Either a faint hint of red, or a deep red blood light.

iii

[siriusly]

D may as well be just another tree in the dark for how still he stands, and as long as he's no beast out for blood, that suits Manabu just fine; he'd be likely to miss him entirely if his omen, Magnet, wasn't so keen to meander over and sniff at the dhampir's ankles - a slight veering off his course of the perimeter as to draw near and--

"Gih-!"

Manabu has to bite back a yelp when his good eye actually glimpses features on this tree that is not a tree. He hops a step back, hand over his heart, not breathing for a beat before he realizes.

"Oh...Oh, it--okay, you're...you're good... Sorry..."