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awashlogs2019-06-23 02:31 pm
[ Open ] FIELD TRIP FIELD TRIP FIELD TRIP
WHO: Everyone!
WHERE: The forest!
WHEN: Backdated to the 20th–21st
WHAT: Some knights lead an expedition into the forest to find a chicken
WARNINGS: Probably nothing…for now
[ Upon the 20th, 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 21st. 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!
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[ No, she just showed up completely unprepared as usual. ]
Come on, you can at least give me half, right? Just get Archer to pay you back later!
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You, a king?
[ The answer is still no. ]
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That's right! So you should be grateful that I came at all! But if I didn't, that idiot Tr... Archer would just get everyone lost!
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Lowering the apple, Berkut lifts his head and squares his shoulders. Clad in his black armor, he holds himself with all the poise of a member of the nobility. Not like this sorry excuse for a king in front of him.
(How can a woman be a king?)
Perhaps she will surprise him. ]
And I am Berkut, nephew to His Majesty the Emperor of Rigel. The reason I've come on this expedition was to prevent any attempt at leading this party astray. On this, Your Majesty, you needn't concern yourself.
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Haha! You knew Archer was a failure, huh? I guess it only takes one look.
[ Her comments, while unkind, do seem to come from a place of familiarity, rather than just contempt. She stares Berkut up and down, having seemingly forgotten about the apple for now. ]
But nephew to an Emperor? What does that make you? Some kinda almost-prince?
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He doesn't so much as twitch. That type of insult isn't new to him as someone from the Rigelian court. ]
I am next in line to the throne. I will become the next emperor in due course.
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[ It's a rude thing to say (obviously), but she doesn't mean it as an insult. Just the sort of flippant comment she'd make about anyone, royalty or not. She does sound a little more serious when she follows up with: ]
What's the current emperor like? Do you think he's a good ruler? And don't lie because you're related to him. If you're heir to the throne, you need to be able to analyze the current state of things effectively.
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His Majesty the Emperor is a fine ruler who leads by example of his strength. Achieving numerous victories at a young age, he won the favor of his people, as well as his right to lead. He is what all nobles should aspire to be: indomitable, with the capacity to shoulder the weight of his duty.
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So he's strong. But does he truly lead those people? Do his own dreams come before the good of the nation? Would he sacrifice himself for others, or others for himself?
[ Dryly, she adds: ]
I'm just deciding whether I should respect you or not. After all, it doesn't sound like you disagree with any of his policies. A person can be judged by the ruler they choose to follow.
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His Majesty has the people's respect, which is not given so easily. I do not presume to know his intentions, but his dreams are the dreams of the Empire. We stand today, strong, because of his guidance.
[ Not like the indolent forces of Zofia, once ruled by a hedonistic king who placed his wants before all else. Berkut nearly lets out a hmph, but refrains: He is in the company of a monarch. He exhales. ]
Sacrifices are made by those who lack the strength to achieve a desired goal. His Majesty Emperor Rudolf is strong, and a ruler besides. He would never sacrifice himself and leave the people wanting for a capable sovereign, nor would he use others when he can deal with a matter himself.
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[ She's certain this man could never compare to King Arthur, but to have the people's respect is at least admirable — and something her own king lost, towards the end. Perhaps an imperfect ruler could, by the very nature of their humanity, be one just as worthy as a perfect, but inhuman, king. ]
... Hmph. Well, he sounds decent enough. I guess that means you are too. As a fellow heir to the throne, I accept your presence here. [ A minute ago she was an actual king, not just an heir. ]
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Did you not say that you are king?
[ He's starting to get a sense of what's going on here (by his reckoning), and it's not a pretty realization if his guess is true. ]
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Y-yeah, I did. But since I'm a future king, there's nothing wrong with calling myself that in advance. Right?
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Claiming yourself to be the monarch when you've yet to ascend the throne is a grave offense. Is the title of king a mere game to you?
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[ Not to die, but to acknowledge her. She doesn't even truly want to be king anymore — it's all just posturing — but to be acknowledged as her father's son and heir would be one and the same. ]
I understand the concerns of a king. I wouldn't joke about a thing like that. And, I've learned a lot from my king, as well. [ Not that she'd ever admit it to Artoria's face. After a moment, she sighs. ] ... But maybe you're right. I guess there's no point calling myself something I'm not.
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You treat this matter too lightly. By calling yourself that which you are not, you've insulted not only me and my emperor, but your king as well.
[ She strikes him as more misguided than malicious in this, however, and so his tone lacks hostility. ]
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[ Only she can insult King Arthur. Only she can destroy Britain. Only she can... etc etc etc. ]
If you don't like it, then go speak with Archer instead. After what happened last time, I doubt he'd dare to criticize the king ever again.
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What makes you loathe your king so?
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[ She knows, now, that she wasn't rejected because of her mother, or her twisted birth, but because the king saw only what was best for Britain. But she still can't let go of the hatred she felt in that moment. ]
Enough. My feelings towards the king are my own business. As a ruler, he was utterly perfect, so I'm the only one with a right to hate him. [ Tristan, Lancelot... what right did they have to abandon King Arthur in his time of need? ] If anyone else tried to betray him, I'd strike them down in an instant. You'd do the same for your emperor, right?
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That still gives her no right, but she's put an end to that discussion. Berkut, agreeing that it's no business of his, lets go of it.
To demonstrate as much, he props an elbow on his knee and inspects the apple he'd been about to eat. His silence is confirmation that he would destroy anyone who thinks of betraying the Emperor. ]
Am I to take it that you struck Archer down?
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No, that coward merely ran away. "The king does not understand the hearts of men," he said, as if perfection was a flaw worth complaining about. I thought about killing him here, but he's pathetic enough already.
I mean, just look at him. He buzzes about like an annoying bug, always acting like some great tragedy is going on. I'm sure his skull would be empty if you cracked it open.
[ Despite the insults (and violent suggestions), her voice does carry a very, very faint trace of camaraderie. It's not that she even likes Tristan, but the Round Table are all bound in ways they can't ever truly escape. ]
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That skull bears knowledge yours does not.
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Like what? How to write crummy poetry? Or how to navigate while keeping your eyes closed?
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