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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!

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Tonobkiri smiles in satisfaction - ah, a man who takes him literally.

"Yes, I do mean exactly that. If I may, I shall explain what I am from the start. In the world I am from, spirits can come to live within well-cared for items after a hundred years. In the time I am from, a Saniwa, a sage, can summon forth the spirits of swords and give them human form. I am one such spirit - the spirit of this very spear, Tonbokiri."

Taking a hold of the sheath of his spear he warns, "I am named for when I cut a dragonfly in two without moving, and my blade remains keen. Please do not reach for it." (Because everyone tries to touch it. Seriously.)

Unsheathing the spear, he lets the man look at it and take in his story for a moment. The symbols on the blade do match the ones that can be seen on his chest underneath his battle uniform, so that should be sufficient to corroborate the story.

Tonbokiri has all of Thancred's attention now, as he glances between the spear and the man, comparing the two. "I've heard of tales where weapons could be infused, where they seemed to move as one with their wielder…. This seems rather different, though," he muses. "But… you said a spirit such as yourself comes into being after a hundred years? You must have been cared for well."

He does reach out- just for a moment, and to Tonbikiri's hand. Is he a solid being, then…?

"I was cared for exceptionally well. My former master treasured me." There is gentle pride as Tonbokiri speaks about Tadakatsu. His eyes follow the man's hand, and when it is clear what he is reaching for, Tonbokiri allows him to touch his hand. It is solid, with warmth clearly sensed beneath the firm leather of his gauntlet.

"I am in this human form now, so I am quite solid, despite my nature as tsukumogami." Resheathing his spear he adds, "If you are curious about weapons infused with spirit, you may find a conversation with Xie Lian-dono interesting."

"I can see that, from your condition. What was your master like?" He thinks he can imagine, a little, given the way that Tonbikiri speaks of them. It's reassuring to feel the warmth from Tonbokiri's hand- perfectly normal, and human.

"Tsukumogami- that's the name of a spirit such as yourself?" He nods, committing the name to memory. Though- hm. "I'll be sure to do that. I wonder- perhaps I've met him before? What is he like?"

He chuckles warmly, and simply nods to confirm what he said about tsukumogami seeing as the young man has so many other questions.

"I could tell you stories endlessly of Honda Tadakatsu. He was a man of tremendous strength and valour. So before that, Xie Lian-dono. He is very earnest and wishes the best for those around him. I hope you will be able to meet him for yourself soon, though."

Something to see if he can find some information on when they return- or perhaps back home, whenever that should happen.

"I'd be glad to hear them." But for the moment- it makes sense to focus on those who are here. "Someone who will help, then- hm? Do you know if he's come on this journey with us?"

Tonbokiri looks around over the heads of those near them, looking for the young man...

"I do not know, however if I see him I shall introduce you to him."

He then smiles at the man beside him. "And speaking of introductions, may I have the pleasure of your name?"

"I'd appreciate that!"

Thancred smiles back, and then makes a face for a moment, feeling as though he's been caught out. "Of course. My apologies for not giving it earlier. I'm called Thancred. It's an honour to make your acquanitance, Tonbokiri."

"Likewise, Sancred-dono." Tonbokiri pronounces the foreign name with exaggerated care, but he thinks he still didn't get it quite right...?

"Forgive me. There are people from a vast variety of worlds here, some with histories similar to my own, and some entirely different in every way. From how words are pronounced to even the animals that they are familiar with. For instance, I have met two thus-far that did not recognize what a horse is, although they are quite common where I am from."

"Ah- Thancred," he offers by way of correction. and tilts his head. "Ah… the suffix you're using- may I ask what that is?"

He nods in understanding. "Of course. I've encountered some degree of that, myself…. It's very strange. And- it's interesting you should mention that. I'm not particularly familiar with horses personally- although there was some great effort to raise their profile…". To the partial embarrassment of their adventurer friend- he still hasn't teased out all the details, though he's amused enough by what he does know. "We have chocobos, who play a similar role. But it makes me wonder what other differences there are- and what similarities. Your name reminds me of some I've heard from the Far East, in truth."

Tonbokiri's eyes widen in surprise, and he very nearly doesn't catch the rest of what Thancred is saying as he blurts out, "You have chocobos, too? I thought those riding birds so unique; perhaps you are from the same world as Nyx-dono."

He shakes his head in amazement, but becoming calmer he smiles kindly. "I hope you can find a comrade from the same world in this place. Many people here will be good comrades to you, but there is something special in having one from your own world at your side."

Thancred startles for a moment, surprised by Tonbokiri's exuberance. He smiles after a moment, though- it's not meant badly, after all. "Nyx- he was the one who wrote about protecting the town a little while back, wasn't he? I can't say I'd heard of him before arriving here- but it would be good to talk to him."

He nods. "Because there's something you share, hm? So, then- are there others from your world, Tonbokiri?"

Tonbokiri's smile remains, however his eyes become grave.

"There were a few, for a time. I was thankful for their presence, however I am also glad that they have returned home. I do not wish this place on any of my comrades... but I still do find myself wishing to have them by my side."

Thancred absorbs that, thoughtful, and nods. "That's… I suppose you must have duties to attend to, back home. It is a strange place, but- it's easier to share them with companions. I… even if there are not people from my own home here- I am glad not to be alone. And so- thank you for your words."

Smiling, he pats the man soundly on the back.

"My thanks in return of your understanding of this situation, Thancred-dono." Again, he slowly pronounces the name, but it's better this time. Then, his eyebrows raise in the beat.

"Ah, you had asked about -dono? It is a honorific. I wish to respect you as is proper."

Thancred gives a surprised sound, rocking a little, but he smiles, reaching out to touch Tonbokiri's shoulder.

"Ah, well. We're all in much the same situation here, aren't we? I should hope I might."

He nods, thoughtful, putting that to memory. "Ah… I see, I think. Even when we've only just met?"

Exactly! Exactly! They are all in the same situation, so it is best to get along well.

"Especially since we have just met! So I take it your culture doesn't have a similar convention."

"Well- now that you say that, I'd not thought of it- but it certainly seems to make sense. I suppose a similar sentiment would be to call someone ser, or lady." He can see how it might smooth things over to begin with, he thinks.

"Ah, see. Politeness is common across worlds, then. Upon that foundation, let us continue to get along well, then."

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