awashlogs | [ Open ] FIELD TRIP FIELD TRIP FIELD TRIP

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!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

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?

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.]

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!

[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?

I'll do my best.

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

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

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...

I've said it before, and I'll say it again - if I ever meet the person in "charge" of all ths, they'll meet the business end of my parasol.

Shiho and I will help. Let's make them regret every messing around with us!

Believe you me, it will be a lesson they never forget!

And we'll make sure everyone hears about it so no one else gets any funny ideas!

Why, I'll make sure even the gods themselves tremble at our might!

Exactly! No one will try to pull this on anyone else ever again when we're done!

[Exhale.]

... I feel much better now. Thank you.

...me too.

[This place is just so frustrating! But now she can smile at Maribelle.]

If you ever need it, just come see me and we can roast Mr. F together. We can even call Shiho over!