[ Open ] FIELD TRIP FIELD TRIP FIELD TRIP

[noholdsbard]

WHO: Everyone!
WHERE: The forest!
WHEN: Backdated to the 20^th–21^st
WHAT: Some knights lead an expedition into the forest to find a chicken
WARNINGS: Probably nothing…for now

[ Upon the 20^th, a new message pops up on the network feed, from a certain #6363F9. ]

This is Archer. Due to the efforts of Sir Berkut and I, we have uncovered yet another clue as to the history of this realm.

Many of you might remember the sorry tale spoken of by #FFFFFF himself. We learned a great deal about that young man of Blue and the path he had taken into the forest. A few days ago, the locations of certain landmarks have been made known to us. We propose to conduct an expedition into the forest in search of the hen of legend, that we may yet find some way of learning this world’s history and perhaps prevent the forest from encroaching into town.

Needless to say, the journey will be difficult. We have need of fighters as well as healers, cooks, navigators, and others of the sort. If you wish to join, you will find us assembled at the edge of the forest north of Flavo at dawn. You may address your queries to me. Thank you.

[ And sure enough, there will be a small party already gathered at the appointed place at the dawn of the 21^st. Tristan will be happy to welcome you into the group since Berkut’s going to be a sourpuss about this no matter what. :’( ]

Preparations
[ This is where everyone’s getting briefed before heading out into the forest. You’ll be given the necessary infodump as well as a few instructions.

Using the remainder of his ink, Berkut has drafted a serviceable map noting the various landmarks and overall direction, which others are free to peruse and from which they can take notes of their own. Pry the map from his cold, dead hands though (unless you're Tristan). In addition, you will be instructed to gather supplies here before heading out. Characters should bring their own food and the like, or be prepared to forage/hunt in the forest. Expecting freebies from others is poor form!

Once the preliminaries are done, you’re free to spend the remainder of this time however you wish. Offer to team up with someone, question the party leaders, find a meat shield to hide behind, draw up your own maps, or simply give the intrepid adventurers a hearty sendoff! ]

The Forest
[ The adventure begins! Though it won’t be too strictly enforced (at least where Tristan is concerned), you will be instructed to please walk in something that even halfway resembles a formation. Healers and support to the center; those with combat experience to the vanguard, rear, and flank; the works. Or don't. Berkut will only judge and not be responsible if Keigo loses his head (thus spoke Tristan, "How sad"). Maimed limbs and lost teeth are not covered by the field trip's healing insurance.

Unfortunately, the forest seen in their visions is different from the present-day location, so finding the right path won’t be easy! You might want to break up into teams to search out specific landmarks and other useful stuff as you make the trek, or help set up camp when the group takes a rest stop, or fight off whatever forest creatures happen to stumble your way! Or maybe try to liven up the trip with a little game of Eye-Spy or even outright sneak off on your own adventures! No one’s going to judge—okay, Berkut might judge a little.

Whatever the case, it’s going to take a long time and a lot of trial and error to find the clues the forest has hidden away. ]

The Destination
[ The strength of your bonds will eventually prevail, however, as you finally locate a large stone covered in strange mossy patterns. You will be informed that the site of the hen must be very near. You’ll have to suffer through a thorny, overgrown path like in the story, but hey, nothing like a trial to strengthen your bonds, right?

Of course, once you reach the fabled site of the chicken, you’ll find…nothing! Wow, that was a waste of time. Feel free to search around just in case though, or set up camp and rest for the night. It’ll be a long and grueling journey back to town. ]

---

OOC: As part of the ongoing event, Berkut and Tristan have combined their inks to recreate a vision based on #FFFFFF’s forum post. Further details here and here!

TL;DR version:

• There is a way to find the location of the chicken from the story, but it definitely won't be easy.
• Strong bonds with people of a lot of colors will make the search easier.
• The journey itself will probably last only a day or two, but that’s not set in stone, so feel free to fudge timelines if you want.
• The chicken won’t actually be there, though, since the conditions aren’t right for its reappearance. However, those who enter the chicken area will, according to the mods, “have a very strong sense that there WILL be something there at some point… just not yet.”
• Basically, consider this an open mingle that’s available to everyone whether or not they have CR with Tristan or Berkut. Have fun, get lost, take pictures—you do you!

Comments

[troubadamsel]

Preparations

[Maribelle is checking over everyone's equipment and supplies... which does make her look like she's sneaking into your things. She's not a thief, even if she's acting like one - she just wants to make sure everything is up to code. Just her specific code.]

Hmmm... not quite what I expected, but I suppose it shall do. This was rather last minute, after all.

Forest

[It's a long journey, and not everyone here is used to those. As such, when Maribelle spots someone who is lagging behind or looks tired, she climbs off her horse, and heads towards them.]

Here, climb on. Until you feel better, you can ride. Not for too long, mind you. But just enough.

Destination - A

[Ouch. Thorny times were Not Fun. Maribelle's used a basic Heal on her horse, but she might glance at you if you suffer any wounds as well.]

Oh, that won't do at all, we can't risk it getting infected. Come over here right now.

Destination - B

[All that for nothing? Someone isn't taking this well.]

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!

[Maribelle is that someone.]

All that time, food, travel, and there's NOT A SINGLE THING TO BE FOUND?! Is this some sort of joke? A nightmare? A punishment? THIS IS TOO FAR, CHROMA, TOO FAR!

Preparations

[superioritis]

[Once instructions are given, Berkut, who expects them to be carried out to the letter, makes himself scarce for preparations of his own. Upon his return—with his war horse trailing beside him, led by the reins—he sights Maribelle overlooking a pack.]

Are these yours?

[troubadamsel]

[She glances back, then does does a small head-bow of acknowledgement.]

Oh, no, mine would never be so shabby. I'm making sure we're all equipped.

[superioritis]

[That earns her a wry smile, which better resembles a smirk.]

Are we?

[troubadamsel]

Some clothing choices are a bit questionable, but otherwise, I believe we're all prepared for whatever dangers the forest may throw at us.

[superioritis]

Have you ventured deep into the forest before?

[troubadamsel]

A handful of times to help with quests... but I will admit it's been a few months since I last went in.

[superioritis]

Even once would have sufficed. If there is anything you know that could prove useful for the journey, I should like to hear it.

[troubadamsel]

[Hmmmm. What can she say that hasn't been said before?]

... The forest can't be trusted. You must always be on your guard. I'm prepared to heal even the most minor of scratches, because you can't be sure when it'll throw a surprise at you and somehow make things worse.

[superioritis]

It will be a day's journey at the earliest, and our company is more than a few. You must conserve your strength.

[Scratches are hardly worth the energy.]

A

[queenofminiskirts]

[Her uniform is keeping her safe from the thorns but unfortunately there are places it doesn't cover. Like her face. And also the space between where her skirt ends and her boots begins because she insisted on a miniskirt being part of the design.]

It's not really a big deal, you know. [But having said that she'll obediently float over anyway. The scratches really a very shallow.]

[troubadamsel]

[No, not her beautiful face!!!]

It's a big deal to me! Now stand on solid ground so I can properly heal you.

[queenofminiskirts]

Okay, okay.

[She does as she's asked and lands on the ground and near Maribelle.]

If you keep doing this won't you get tired?

[troubadamsel]

A small price to pay for everyone's safety.

[She raises her staff...]

Heal!

[And, as always, there's a faint glow from the staff, and then on Karou herself, ending in more seconds.]

[queenofminiskirts]

Just don't push yourself too far. Otherwise I'll worry!

[...pot meet kettle.

When the glow fades, she reaches up to press a hand to where she knew a cut had been.]

Your magic is awesome no matter how many times I see it!

[troubadamsel]

[She gives her a bemused look, thinking... well, yes. pot. kettle. likeness.]

Compliment earned and accepted. Now, please be more careful. Who knows what horrors we might face here?

[queenofminiskirts]

I'll do my best.

[She let her feet leave the ground as she hovers close.] Do you think we'll find anything?

[troubadamsel]

I should hope so... although I couldn't guess what. Chroma is quite adept at throwing surprises.

[queenofminiskirts]

It is, isn't it? [It's not a good thing, in this case.] Whoever's coming up with these surprises sure has a sadistic sense of humour...

Destination B

[wordsinthesoul]

[Well- he can't really blame her for being angry, though… well, that's quite a reaction.]

Well- at least we were able to make it this far. All the same, you do have to wonder why there isn't anything to find.

[…as she clearly is.]

[troubadamsel]

[this is not her most dignified moment.]

NOT A SINGLE BLOODY BLASTED THING! WHAT WAS THE POINT OF ALL THIS? I DEMAND COMPENSATION IN SOME FORM!

[wordsinthesoul]

[Well- if he's remembering it, it's only to try to work out how they can differently in the future.]

Hm. Well, I'm afraid I'm not sure what to offer at present. But it seems to me there must be something we could be on the lookout for as we travel back- would that suit?

[troubadamsel]

[She breathes in and out slowly several times in an attempt to calm down.]

... I suppose we have... little choice.

[wordsinthesoul]

There. We'll make something out of this yet, you have my word for it. Is there anything you should like me to point out to you particularly?

[troubadamsel]

Unless it's a giant sign that says "This Way Home", I'm not interested in any specifics...