CHOICES AND REPRISALS

[reddosmod]

APRIL 2023 EVENT

Due to the cyclical nature of Trench, some of last year's April Prompts are available for use. Prompt Number 2 (Wonderkind) will be occurring again this month. Prompt Number 1 (Moonlit Butterfly Migration) does not occur, and many in Trench are publicly shocked not to see the migration. Hunters report that the Butterflies do pass along the edges of the community but they seem to be all carrying an immense amount of hope energy this year. Disciples and Arcane Scholars mutually agree (for once) that this must be because Riteior's defeat is eminent, meaning that there is a massive amount of ambient hope in the area, making their presence minimal this year. Prompt 3 is not available, as the Tethers seem to similarly be faded away for the same reasons.

IMAGE DESCRIPTORS IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE
Prompt One
[Image One: Alien Pthumerian with three arms]
[Image Two: Ivy Covered Door]

Prompt Two
[Image One: White glowing stag in forest]
[Image Two: Cliff's edge in fog]

Prompt Three
[Image One: Ruined City in a state of decay]
[Image Two: Humanoid figure covered in tentacles]

[NAVIGATION]

Prompt 1 • Prompt 2 • Prompt 3 • Plotting • Newsletter

[JUMP TO COMMENTS]

CHOICE IS A GIFT WORTH MORE THAN GOLD

WHEN: April 8-31
WHERE: Anywhere, along with a vision of the Outposst
CONTENT WARNINGS: Mention of Blood Rituals.

---

[Excerpt From History of Blood Crazed Zealots: Chapter 21 On the Tower found in the Lumenarium:]

“It is widely assumed amongst the people of Trench that the Pthumerian known as the Tower is himself bodily the City itself. Past occasions of distress to the Tower have resulted in inconsistencies in the many buildings and districts throughout the city. The Zealots themselves are not the only people who believe this firmly, but are known to have become obsessed with placating and empowering the Tower through the application of blood rituals to transfer life force to the Pthumerian. It is believed that this may be part of why the city has grown to the size that it is, though this is not entirely clear how accurate this is. Nobody in Trench can recall a time when the Tower did not already serve in this capacity, and no Pthumerian is willing to answer questions on the subject.

What is curious about this silence, however, is that nobody knows what the process a Pthumerian or a theoretical half-Pthumerian might use in tying their essence to a community. The ritual is lost to time, and likely to have been a very powerful blood ritual that is a carefully guarded secret of the Pthumerian race. Whispers abound, however, that if a lesser Pthumerian were to seek to bolster a community in the future, it might enable the swifter growth of new territory. Few speak of this possibility, however, because it is feared that to ask for such a thing might invite disaster or displeasure from among the Pthumerians.”

In a hastily scrawled note wedged into the book, an addendum includes the following excerpt.

“The existence of Riteior, and their dominance over a city outside of Trench clearly indicates that the Pthumerians hold a ritual that makes it possible to bond with a community, to create a new body. But, based upon the presence of an outpost crafted in recent years, the question remains whether it is possible to maintain a community without the presence and influence of the Pthumerians.”

Celebrations over the presumed defeat of Riteior are muted. His disappearance is not something clarified for certain, and many people in Trench are unwilling to risk the assumption that he is gone until it is proven for a length of time. However, the city remains in a state of relative peace. Fewer monsters are seen, and blood corruption seems to have lessened significantly throughout the month. Trenchies throughout the Willful Machine offer pastries for free, all made in the shape of little moths “To honor Argonaut,” though the clever will sense that there seems to be a air of quiet hope that floods the city. It is during this time of peace that you are visited by a Visitor.

The three armed Pthumerian floats just off of the ground. People of Trench bow at the sight of them and excuse themselves reverently. It does not react to anyone except those to whom it is addressing. “Greetings. I am Hali, Child of Bauphomette. I present a proposal.” There is a definite sense of power that flows through you as they speak, their androgynous and emotionally detached voice echoing more in your mind than your ears and you are sure that only those that are being addressed can hear it. Hali's proposal does not come in words, but rather a pair of visions that you are allowed to experience as long as you choose, to be certain of the nature of what is being offered. Both of these visions are of the Outpost outside of the walls of Trench.

The First Vision: You look out from a tower upon the Outpost. The retaining walls, covered in blood wards that conceal the community from the outside world, stand strong and the interior of the structure teems with people of Trench, all of them dressed in bright arrays of color, conducting commerce and trade. Only one new structure has been included in the Outpost itself, a small shrine and temple with a symbol on its gate not unlike the one on Hali's face. It stands between the Barracks and Keep, and Disciples offer bundles of incense from within. What is more outstanding about the sight is seen when you turn to look beyond the walls. You see the forest cleared in all directions, and a second wall constructed a mile away, surrounding what appears to be bustling farmland as far as the eye can see. In the distance, you can see a second barracks, positioned in the middle of the territory, and small stands of communities, the Outpost clearly growing. Behind you, Hali floats, bowing to you once.

You know the truth of the vision. Hali is offering to be bound to an object and using the outpost as an example of what is possible. Bound to this object and placed within a community, be it the Outpost or another one, its presence will make that community will become more secure from the outside dangers and blood corruption, growing and flourishing as a light in the darkness and a hope of new growth.

The Second Vision: You see the Outpost again. There are few Trenchies within the city, all of the dressed in dark and muted hues. No outside farms are visible and the woods are as terrifying and treacherous as ever. The Outpost remains strong, but you can see that it struggles to maintain its population. Racks of mushrooms and vegetables grow all along the inside walls of the walls, enough to keep people going though it is a harder life. You feel, however, that there is something very cold and very alone about this place. You look up and you can barely see it. A translucent bubble surrounds the walls of the structure, completely sealing it off and so long as you are here, you realize what it is that you can feel is lacking. You cannot see the moon. When you look down the wall, you see Hali again.

They bow once more, from beyond the nearly invisible barrier, and their offer is once more clear. Hali knows a way to seal a location outside of Trench forever apart from the influence of the Pthumerians, even the Moon Presence. Again, it uses the Outpost as an example because it is a place where the Sleepers have gone to great lengths to be free. Life in such a place will be hard, always hard. Even if it grows beyond its walls, it will be a slow, methodical battle without a Pthumerian's support. However, that place would be forever free of that influence. It would cost Hali dearly, but they seem genuinely willing to give that.

“You deserve a choice, for what you have done for my people. You will have it.” And you feel that you have a definite choice in this moment.

FAQ:
1. This is an IC Vote, 1 Vote per character in the Plot Thread Below.
2. You may play out vision scenes in both versions using the Outpost as an example with other characters. Nobody is in danger within these visions.
3. The options are straightforward: Option One, Hali binds to an object that may be placed in another location. Once bound to that location, Hali will empower it as the Tower does Trench, to enable a new and thriving community with Pthumerian and Trench assistance. Option Two, Hali will reveal a ritual that will create an object that may be placed in another location. Once this is done, no Pthumerian will be able to enter, curse or otherwise intervene in that location. Initially that area would be a region about the size of the current Outpost, and could be increased with a ritual annually, though the process would be very slow and ultimately limited in scope. Doing so would drain Hali of most of their power to create, and so they would enter into seclusion afterwards for a long time.
4. Both options are a positive ending. The Location will remain largely unchained in the immediate future. It is simply a choice between prosperity and protection at the cost of Pthumerian influence versus a difficult, hard and threatened life free of Pthumerian Influence. Neither ending comes with strings attached. This location does NOT need to be the Outpost, but it CAN be the Outpost.
5. If asked why, Hali will appear briefly uncomfortable. It will repeat. “You deserve a choice. You have not had one. I would give you one.”
6. An OOC discussion will be available on where players might be interested in this "New Location" being installed. The Vote is only for the form it will take. Options include Riteior's City, the Outpost or an entirely new location. The Vote this month will decide "What" is being done. A future vote will occur in May on Where it occurs.
7. Hali has no opinion on which characters should choose. If Trenchies are contacted, they are shocked at the possibility of the offer, and they cannot collectively come to a conclusion on what should be done (Though Disciples clearly favor letting Hali bind himself, while Arcane Scholars find the idea of a separated space fascinating.). No Pthumerian will even acknowledge the question, though Bauphomette (if found to inquire) will be seen smirking. Do they look proud?

[JUMP TO TOP] • [JUMP TO COMMENTS]

TRUST AND ITS PERILS

WHEN: Anytime in April
WHERE: The hinterlands outside of Trench
CONTENT WARNINGS: Light Body Horror, Monsters, Possible Death, Isolation

---

In all of the time that you've been in Trench, deer have been one of the constants, the only true protectors. You've seen effigies of them, statues and the like. Someone might have had one as an omen, but somehow you always knew deep down it was an omen, not a “real deer.” People venerate them, and items that are carved from deer antlers seem to last forever, powered by some magic that nobody can describe. Deer are the protectors of Trench, and you can trust them. As important as they are to the community, that fact is almost an importance to the point of reverence.

So, when you are out and enjoying the remarkably pleasant weather that's in town, perhaps you feel the urge to visit the surrounding countryside. Monster sightings are low, so there's no reason to hold yourself back from a little exploring. In fact, by mid-month you see what almost looks like a translucent dome around the city glimmer into life and then fade, and with it you feel an almost unnatural wanderlust. The people of Trench have reached an outpost, have found the city of Riteior. Why not wander a little? Nothing's holding you back, right?

That's when you see one.

The creature is unmistakable when you see it the first time. Albino and pale, with dogwood branches instead of proper antlers, the pink blossoms standing in stark contrast to the elegant appearance of the creature's white fur. It barely seems to notice you at first, but eventually your eyes meet. It's nothing more than a casual glance, but it starts to dart off. The pace is an easy lope, not a startled and fleeing dart. You can still see it in the distance. It's a deer. Deer are the protectors of Trench, the preservers of the dream. Hell, if you were in the nightmare you used to be a deer. Kind of. Why not trust it? And, if you follow the creature, at first everything seems fine. No monsters trouble you at all. The path you take seems completely safe, but gradually the real danger begins to come into focus.

You are lost. You are hopelessly lost, and at some point, the deer simply disappears. The moment that it is gone from sight, you have nothing that you can easily rely on for directions that is not on your person. If you're fortunate enough to have a compass of some kind, especially a magic one you've acquired in your travels, you might eventually get back but with the setting of the sun, you can tell you've been traveling for hours. The woods this far out are no longer safe. There are howls of monsters and snarls of beasts in the distance. Nothing has sought you out, not yet anyway, but the undergrowth snaps loudly under your feet to your ears. It is getting dark and light might attract attention, but in the darkness you can feel the lack of sureness in the ground. Worse, you hear the faint sounds of rushing water nearby. There's a waterfall somewhere, which means there's also a cliff. Do you dare try and remain in the darkness, alone? Does someone find you in the midst of your distress? Why did the deer lead you into the middle of nowhere like this?

A short time after you start moving again, you will find your answers at least. You feel something odd against your boot, and looking down you see them. Bones. Deer bones. A deer, long ago, died in this place and by the fact that you see an arrow sticking out of its skull, its killer was a mortal Sleeper. What you do at this point is up to you. In the wilderness, demonic wildlife abound, each of them hungry and territorial by nature. They are dangerous, feral and powerful in a fight, but they can be avoided or defeated even if they almost seem to be trying to herd people that they find in one direction. The growing rush warns of the danger as much as anything, the creatures intent on sending any sleepers they attack either to their death over the cliff's face in the dark or at the end of their claws!

Should an effort be made to try and put the deer's spirit to rest, it is not easy, and there is no clear solution. Prayers, magic, blood rituals, a proper burial, all of these are ideas. However, you are in uncharted territory and perhaps you will put it at peace, or perhaps the creature will continue to haunt this place. You cannot say for sure. However, any effort to give peace to the long dead creature does at least seem to come with the benefit that no monsters draw near until sunrise, giving at least daylight to try and escape. You just have to survive in this place. Alone. Only the sounds of the wild will accompany you.

FAQ: 1. If asked afterwards about the white deer, it takes a while, but some of the oldest Trenchies recall stories of an old wive's tale, that if you see a white deer in the woods at night, it was a sign of eminent death. However, none of seen such a thing in years.
2. It is not possible to know for sure if the deer's spirit is put to rest if you attempt. It does not make contact a second time. However, anyone who puts it to rest is not harassed by it a second time.
3. To head off a question that is likely, it is possible for those with powers to communicate with monstrous beasts in the woods. They are feral to the point of madness, but can be cowed to submission if you have power to do so. Though they will not enter the city of Trench, it is possible to maintain a connection (again, if your character has the power to do so) and encounter ONE such creature from this event in the future.

[JUMP TO TOP] • [JUMP TO COMMENTS]

FROM HELL'S HEART I STAB AT THEE

WHEN: Any time in April
WHERE: Riteior's City for one part, the Salt Lake for the other
CONTENT WARNINGS: Induced Madness, Violent Tendencies, Blood, Hallucinations, Beasthood

---

The spirit of exploration is upon all in Trench. A fog seems to be lifted from this point onward, and nothing holds people back from the urge to explore, other than of course the possibility of monsters and beastly creatures trying to eat you. But, this is Trench. When has that ever stopped you? On the eighth of April, the reason for this newfound freedom becomes far clearer. In the distance, along the direction towards the far-flung city of Riteior, a great and colossal light can be seen. There is a roar of impotent, unbridled and incomprehensible rage that flows outwards. It washes over an unseen barrier in Trench, causing the air to shimmer, to hold and then to fade back to normal. Seconds later, there is another sound, like breaking and shattering glass. Everything shudders. Your soul shudders. Reality shudders. And then there is silence, and you feel an absolute sense of peace descend upon you and you know the truth. A great evil has been sealed away, hopefully never to return again.

For some in Trench, this is occasion to celebrate. The partying is muted. Pthumerians are recovered, but the scars of their disease are still felt. However, a bonfire is held before the salt lake on the week of the 15th. Food and fellowship are had. Tents are set up, and no monsters are seen anywhere around the healing waters. The drinks flow, and the refreshments are plentiful. Even better is the fact that the people of Trench seem to have gotten the idea that sometimes Sleepers don't like something being slipped into the food and drink. There is absolutely nothing whatsoever wrong with the food. No additives. The only strangeness that may be experienced is that, if you stare long into the fire with someone, you may be treated to visions of your home, of your past similar to the events of Wonderkind, though always nostalgic and pleasant ones.

However, that's far from the only thing going on. The moment that Riteior is defeated, a call goes up among the Hunters of the City to retake the city of Riteior for Trench. Intrepid souls, particularly Sleepers, are invited to seek out and conquest the silent city (Details of the city are found here) as it has no sleepers or population within it. The goal of this journey is to get a Lantern Location or two established within, with the intent of that serving as a bulwark to eventually re-establish the community and draw a new Pthumerian to bind themselves to it. The journey is a week long without technological or magical flight, but other than the possibility of feral wildlife, it is a relatively peaceful, even boring one. It's when you reach the city that everything begins to go wrong.

The first thing you will notice in the city is that there are no longer any whispers from unseen corners. Additionally, the portal to the other Trench is closed, leaving only a desolate, crumbling ruin where Riteior's church once stood. You are truly alone in this place. It seems fine, if quiet, and setting down a Lantern Location is deceptively easy (provided you have one, perhaps through holding onto it, or the Moss King's games last month, or even bargaining for one with the Hunters of Trench in return for service). However, within an hour of entering the city, you know something is wrong. You begin to feel sick to your stomach and paranoia starts to set in. Out of the corner of your eyes, you can see blood starting to drip down the walls as far as the eye can see. The world shudders around you, and waves of nausea collect. Even worse, however, is that you can practically feel your skin crawl as the symptoms of corruption start to settle in and you taste copper on your tongue, almost like there is blood on the air. That is because there is. Riteior's Blood.

His last laugh, and his last act of vengeance, Riteior's blood drained into the ground of the city that he was part of. Sealed away, he can do nothing more, but some Pthumerian blood is far too potent for mortal minds to deal with. Corruption leeches into anyone who remains in the city during this month at an alarming rate, rising from stage to stage over the course of hours. No amount of incense can stop it. Salt water blessed by the moon and Moon Drops are temporary fixes, but the symptoms simply resume. With corruption, madness and beasthood threaten to disrupt the proceedings, as you the conqueror are beset by an urge to fight and to kill. Riteior's Blood will fade soon, but to those so bold as to explore to the very prison of a god, a toll will be paid.

FAQ: 1. Corruption and Beasthood are very rare in the Outpost and Trench at this time, and with low monster presence, business and celebrations occur with almost unusual levels of peace. It is a time of brief reprieve in the city of Trench. 2. The primary threat here is corruption, and that only applies within the boundary of Riteior's City. Anyone who remains for an hour will begin to experience the first stages of corruption, and within 3 hours they will reach the point of full beasthood. Though this can be cured through the usual methods, the corruptive Pthumerian Blood will continue to be a problem until they leave the city and get it cleansed elsewhere.
3. Nothing can prevent this from happening if you are in the city of Riteior. The longer you remain, the more corruption you experience. Exploring deeper to decipher the cause of problems or helping to set up bulwarks and defenses only exposes you to danger as long as you remain.
4. Beast-transformed Trench Hunters can be faced and may take whatever monstrous form you wish.
5. Death is obviously possible in this event.
6. Riteior's blood will fade away and lose its potency within a month. As the next lunar cycle of Trench starts and the Wild Moon ends, his influence will be felt no more in this world. This process can't be sped up, but spiritually aware characters may realize that the effect is temporary and fading.
7. Lantern Locations may now be set up in Riteior's Former City.
8. In the future, though not immediate future, a Lesser Pthumerian will likely take over this city from Riteior's influence.

[JUMP TO TOP]

CODING

Comments

Nara'a Sunvara | Final Fantasy XIV

[aetherweaver]

Wonderkind [cw: monsters, possible canon spoilers]

He's terrified by the sight at first. The streaming meteors bring back memories of a time he'd rather not recall, along with the memory of someone else's memory.

"Its gaze turns skyward, and fiery rain falls from the heavens... once the fear has taken root, it cannot be expunged..."

He heads out to follow the meteors, watching them fall... and then they open. And he stares as he recognizes a vista of home. He realizes that he's crying - he's missed home so much. But the portals are open, and occasionally he spots someone he knows... or a beast he knows.

Would you like to join him in a conversation? Or help him slay something that might require more than one person to fight it?


Trust [cw: getting lost, possible violence]

Nara'a is used to be in the woods. He's comfortable there, and it's nice to wander. Whether he's alone or with a friend, he's more than happy to be out in the wilds. He's pretty good at finding his way back... he should be fine, right? Right.

But the appearance of a deer startles him. He's gotten used to seeing the images around town, though he hasn't seen one in person. But it's a prey animal, isn't it? It seems to be... guiding him? It's definitely not afraid, so he keeps going. ... And then it hits him - he hasn't been paying attention to the path. He hasn't been marking his trail. He is lost. Shit.

He stumbles forward, trying to find a path or some way back when he comes across it. A skeleton - one he almost doesn't recognize it at first but... no, it's a deer. Was that...

He needs to figure out what to do. The monsters are howling and drawing closer, and he can only fight so many for so long.


From Hell's Heart I Stab at Thee [cw: possible canon spoilers, corruption, violence]

Nara'a is up for a party more than most people know. He doesn't get too tipsy, but he's pleasantly warm and willing to cuddle up with someone in front of the fire. It's nice to be with someone... and the sight of the fire is bringing back memories. Good ones, ones shared with friends, but still memories.

That said when the call goes up to take the city he's eager to respond. It's not like he has steady work that he has to duck out of, so it's not hard to attach himself to the group. He keeps up his energetic attitude all the while there, happy to be out on the road again.

It's when they get there that something feels... wrong. It's too quiet - it was quiet before, but now something feels... severely wrong. It feels... dead. He's on guard, and he's almost not surprised when he starts feeling sick. Everything seems to make him uneasy in both body and mind, and he can smell it. The blood. It's got to be -

He starts trying to round people up, get them out of the city. He can see his skin growing lighter and his claws growing longer. They have to leave, before they kill each other.


Wildcard

[Got another idea? Grab me on Discord (Matt#6266), Plurk (atrypical), PM me, or comment my plotting comment here!]

trust

[tealeafs]

Fortunately it seems that Nara'a isn't alone out here.

Unfortunately it seems that the other person lost out here is Chizuru. She wouldn't normally ever even go into these woods, but.. something about the deer drew her in, leaving her unable to not follow the creature out here. Even though she lost sight of it, and even though - worse yet - she realises she has absolutely no idea where she is.

Which is becoming increasingly more of a problem with all those sounds in the distance. It has the girl quickening her pace, hoping to find some indication of a path, or anything else that could lead her back to the city.

She comes across none of that, but at least she does spot a familiar face in the distance. Chizuru doesn't even bother to question whether or not it's real or just an illusion. She just trusts that it's the real Nara'a - or maybe just really wants it to be him, so she's not alone and scared - and runs right at him.

"H-- Here! I.." Hold on, she's breathing so hard between words from all the running she's done. "I-I'm over here too..!"

[aetherweaver]

He's surprised to see her, but he opens his arms as she runs at him and gives her a gentle hug when she gets close, squeezing carefully and then letting go. "Hey there. You shouldn't be out here..." He knows she can't defend herself that well...

"I was trying to figure out what's going on with these deer bones. I'm... not sure. And... there's a lot of Beasts around. I can smell them." He can't smell too much better than a human, but they kind of stink. He frowns and takes Chizuru's hand. "I'll keep you safe."

[tealeafs]

"I wasn't planning on going out here.."

It's a little bit defensive, though guilt sneaks into Chizuru's tone at the same time - as it ever does with this girl. She also knows that she shouldn't be out here, after all. That it's dangerous. And even though Nara'a is here, and she has full faith in the other's strength and ability to protect her, she still doesn't want to have to put that burden on the other's shoulders in the first place.

There's already enough on Nara'a's shoulders in the first place, after all.

On the other hand - there's very little to be done about the fact she's out here. She can't change that, so all she can do is just do her best to make this as easy as possible on him, and try to help in getting the two of them out of here safely.

"I just.. I think I got lost. I was chasing a deer, and then I suddenly didn't know where I was anymore.." She frowns, looking up at Nara'a, but sticking close to his side even after he lets go of her after that hug. "We should probably find the way back to town as soon as possible, right?"

Especially if there's beasts around.

[aetherweaver]

"... Chizuru..." He can't be mad at her. There'd be no point. He sighs and looks around, trying to determine where to go.

He's... honestly not sure.

"We should. I just... wonder why we were led to this place in the first place. I don't really know anything about deer. I can tell that it definitely was hunted, judging by the arrow, but... not too much aside from that. Do you... that's not a normal thing for deer to do, right? Lead people?"

It sure seems like a prey animal, so he's fairly sure this isn't normal...

[tealeafs]

It's hard to tell for Chizuru too, honestly. She does know some stuff about animals you're more likely to find in a city, but since she's never really been outside of cities for long stretches of time, she knows much less about deer.

"I don't think it's normal, but.." She pauses. Only briefly, since she knows they're not working with much time here, but Chizuru is not that quick of a thinker. Especially on topics she knows little about. "Maybe it's a special deer. I mean-- um, special things appear here all the time, right..?"

Even if they're usually bad.

"I just hope that it didn't mean to only lead us astray.."

See: the usually bad thing above. Chizuru can't help but wonder about the possibility, even when she really hopes it isn't the truth. The last thing Trench needs is for even the deer to turn out evil in some way.

[aetherweaver]

"Maybe. Maybe it was one of the pthumerians? I know they sometimes take strange shapes..." He looks down at the deer and then looks up, trying to determine what to do.

"We need to get back... you wouldn't happen to have a compass or anything able to point us the way home?" Not that he even knows which direction would be home.

He hears a branch snap and turns, reaching for his rapier... but nothing appears. "Gods, we need to get out of here."

[tealeafs]

The girl shakes her head. "I do have a compass, but.. um, I don't have it on hand.."

Figures, right? Sometimes she does take it with her, just to be careful, but today wasn't one of those days. And of course that's always what ends up being the time you actually need it.. Which is why Chizuru looks so guilty, feeling bad that she can't provide them with an easy solution when this situation seems more dangerous by the moment.

Those sounds she keeps hearing don't seem good, after all.

"I-- I heard before of people being led out here and not being able to find their way back." Granted, that was a few months ago, so maybe that wasn't deer-induced.. "What if we just end up going in circles while trying to find our way back..?"

Or - even worse - what if they only get lost more?

[aetherweaver]

He tries not to make a disappointed sound, but it comes out more of a huff. "It's okay. We'll... uh." Gods, which direction was he heading? His mother would be disappointed in him, getting lost in the woods.

He can't stay still and hope someone will rescue them. What's the best solution? Hm...

"We could mark the trees we pass. That way we know if we're going in circles or not. I know moss grows most on the north side of trees as well, so it's... at least a signifier of a direction." That might leave a trail, but at this point he's more concerned with finding his way out than anything tracking them.

He glances around again and down at the deer. "I'm not sure what to do with this, but... maybe we should leave it alone?" He doesn't need the bones for anything. "We should get going, either way."

[siriusly]

[the compass must be pointing somewhere new...or it's broken. those are the only two options Manabu can think as he squints up toward the canopy for signs of familiar ridges or formations. no dice.

he hears the snarl of some creature nearby - nearer than it was before, and it hastens his steps...up until he does find something he recognizes.

someone, that is.]

Uoh, Nara'a...? [it's a relief to see someone familiar, but also confusing.] Are we close to the outpost, then? What're you...? [he trails off, seeing the skeleton.

...oh dear. oh deer.]

[aetherweaver]

[Nara'a is in his machinist outfit, and he turns as he hears something coming towards him at speed, drawing his gun -]

[Oh, wait. That's just Manabu. He sighs and holsters it once more, frowning and shaking his head.]

I don't think we're near the outpost at all. I think we're pretty far from it, actually.

And... uh. It's a deer skeleton. I think it's a deer?

[It looks like the things he's seen around town.]

[siriusly]

It's a deer. [easy confirmation - almost instinctive, somehow. once the gun is no longer a threat - dang, man - he approaches and drops to a crouch to inspect it.]

This far away from the outpost, though? I wonder why... It's safer closer to town. More people.

[aetherweaver]

[Look, he's aware there's Beasts around. It could have been one of those!]

I don't know. But this was no Beast who did this - not with this kind of arrow. I'm not sure... aren't these things sacred to the townsfolk? Who'd kill one?

[siriusly]

They...they are people. [his eyes wince.] I mean, if it follows the same logic as the nightmare, which it really might...

[aetherweaver]

... Wait, what?

[Please explain Manabu, this does not compute.]

[siriusly]

[his expression scrunches as he looks down at the bones, hesitant to even touch them lest something spark. his blood aches a bit. or just the veins? he's not sure.]

The girl... Sodder. You know about her?

[aetherweaver]

A bit... I know she was involved in the nightmare, and what happened after.

[He's trying to remember what he read, but it's been a bit.]

trust

[creidim]

Luna isn't startled so much by the deer, but she's certainly equally just as drawn to follow them. Deer can be trusted, she knows that — although she's not entire sure what to make of the ghostly stag drawing her out into the midst of the Trenchwood like this. It wants to show her something, she thinks. Something important. Something to help her?

(Or rather to help them instead, it will soon enough turn out.)

The dim light of dusk is upon her. She draws her wand with a lighting charm to keep her from tripping through the underbrush. And she's not alone, it seems. In different ways. The beasts around them, howls and snarls in the distance. And... another Sleeper? For a moment she's silently, just staring in a quiet stunned silence. Oh, she recognises him. From the network? Examining something at his feet.

"Oh. Hello." Well. Best either of them isn't completely alone, not with the sounds about them. But her voice is still urgent as she slowly draws near. "What is it? What did you find?"

[aetherweaver]

He nearly jumps at the sound of someone else's voice - he should have noticed her before she startled him, and he can hear his mother telling him off for not paying attention in his mind. He turns and... ah. He does recognize her.

"It seems to be the skeleton of... a deer, I think it is? Some kind of antelope-like creature. I can tell by the hooves." He's fairly familiar with antelope, having cleaned plenty of hunts of the things that live in the shade of the forest. "I'm not certain why it's here, or... why I was led here." It's not like he can do anything for it. Use the bones, maybe, but that feels somehow wrong.

[creidim]

The mention of 'deer' makes her frown. Of course, deer die. But given the fact of the history behind them from the Dream, well... it leaves an uneasy feeling. A spectral deer has led them here, to its bones. Her expression is grim, she doesn't like this.

As she draws up beside him, she uses her wand to illuminate the earth beneath them, helping to pick out the remains at their feet: ribs and spine and then— "Oh, no." she breathes it out, horror in her expression.

The skull and antlers. An arrow imbedded in it.

"... Someone killed it." she utters it softly, and she reaches to pull the arrow out, lifting it up to show him. "I... believe we're in trouble. I think that's why we've been led here."

A restless spirit, perhaps...?

[aetherweaver]

"Is - is hunting deer an uncommon thing here? I mean, I haven't seen them around other than... oh. I suppose they do seem to be sacred to people here..." But that's... someone breaking a taboo. That's not exactly the sort of thing that would cause a restless spirit, would it?

He's not sure, but the young woman has been here longer than he has. "In more trouble than being lost in the woods, surrounded by Beasts?" Since that... seems like a lot of trouble to him, at least. "Because that's where we've gotten ourselves."

[creidim]

"Deer are sacred, yes. It's considered forbidden to natives to kill them. They should never be hunted. But it's... a little more complicated than that." How does she... word this, exactly. "In the Dream, we were the deer. They were Sleepers of the past, present and future."

She's not quite sure how that translates in the Waking World. But the thought still sits uncomfortably with her. And it might also explain why a deer spirit might be considered restless.

"Angry or restless spirits are never something one wants to have on their tail, even with everything else going on." Beasts can be dealt with, being lost in the woods can be remedied. Spirits are tricky business, at times. She looks at the arrow in her hand, then at the deer's skull at their feet. "I think... maybe it wants us to help. To put things right."

[aetherweaver]

"... I see." Not the weirdest thing he's heard. "Restless spirits can be quite an issue, yes. I've had to deal with quite a few in my time... I don't enjoy that work." It always feels wrong, like killing a person even if you're just forcing the last of their aether back to the lifestream.

He looks down at the skull and sighs. "It's been a while since I've had to track anyone or anything. I'm not very good at it. But maybe we can follow its tracks?" If. If it has any?

[creidim]

There's a short hum at that. No, it doesn't sound like something he enjoys all that much. She considers it for a moment before offering: "I think it's nice to give them peace. We all deserve that, in the end."

Whatever it is that lies beyond, she hopes its peaceful. Like the Death Realm.

"Maybe we might not need to." If this is where they've met, and there's bones here, then— "Perhaps we're precisely where we're supposed to be. I don't know about you, but I certainly wouldn't want my remains left forgotten about like this."

There's a soft frown in thought.

"I think maybe it wants us to bury it."

[aetherweaver]

"We do, I think." Probably best not to mention the seven hells at the moment, then.

Well if they don't have to track... he looks a little more at ease. Burying he can do. He crouches near the bones and sticks his fingers into the dirt experimentally. "It seems soft enough... I don't know how soft it'll stay, but it should be able to be pulled up easily enough. I can use my scythe if we really need."

He does not have a scythe on him at the moment, oddly enough.