[ 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

[youwillbeunequaled]

He nods slowly, understanding not wanting to pry deeply. And he grins lightly at her comment about Archer not wanting to bring the mood down if he can help it. Archer can't seem to help thinking of sad things easily though, can he.

"That is unfortunate. The town makes such opportunities, however they are neither fair nor necessarily wanted."

[troubadamsel]

"All for the sake of 'bonds', I suppose." Though she says it with great disdain and a roll of her eyes.

"Why can't we make bonds over a nice, quiet cup of tea..."

[youwillbeunequaled]

"That would be ideal." He agrees, amusement colouring his tone. "However you cannot know everything there is to know about someone by conversations over tea alone." He walks in contemplative silence for a few strides, then asks, "Strange interventions of the Town aside, how might you go about knowing someone better, Maribelle-dono?"

[troubadamsel]

"Simple conversation, of course!" Maribelle replies with a wave of her hand, as if it should be obvious. "True gentleman can converse about almost anything."

[youwillbeunequaled]

'Simple'.

Simple for him is communicating through a spar, but Maribelle is right too. Rubbing at his chin he nods.

"I see. I shall continue trying that as well, then." Lifting his gaze he nods again. "My thanks, Maribelle-dono."

[troubadamsel]

"You're always more than welcome." He'll even get a smile out of her. "For the record, conversation between you and I? Always pleasant."

[youwillbeunequaled]

"Why- Thank you kindly. Perhaps I have learned something from watching your skills at conversation."

[troubadamsel]

She offers a playful wink. "It's hard not to improve oneself when you're around me."

[youwillbeunequaled]

He gives a short laugh, but then puts on the facade of a seriously thoughtful expression.

"Indeed! Just how much improvement have I undergone, since I have lived with you since the start?"

[troubadamsel]

Hm, where to begin?

"... For starters, you know not to have men undressing in our shared home."

That happened once and she never let it go.

[youwillbeunequaled]

It was more of a rhetorical question but-
He still doesn't have her forgiveness for that, eh?

"Yes, I do know that... You are a strict teacher."

[troubadamsel]

"Those are the best kind." She huffs. "Going easy with lessons just hurts both teacher and pupil."

[youwillbeunequaled]

"Wise words yet again, Maribelle-dono. Perhaps you speak from strict experience as a pupil, to have become such a good teacher?"

[troubadamsel]

She hesitated, surprised that came out so easily. "As a matter of fact... before I came to this world, I did have a sort of tutelage under one of our generals, Sir Frederick."

[youwillbeunequaled]

"Is that so? Yes, to be in a position of leadership, often one will have built their strength upon strict experiences themselves.

"So, you learnt much from Sir Frederick-dono?"

[troubadamsel]

"Oh, absolutely. And best of all, he didn't show me any mercy, despite the difference in status between us. I dare say if he was here, we'd all be much more disciplined and orderly."

[youwillbeunequaled]

"Something we might very well benefit from! However, I admit to not wishing this place upon any of our comrades from home."

[troubadamsel]

A long sigh through her nostrils. "Too true... as much as I miss them all, I'd never them want to come."

[youwillbeunequaled]

"Let us turn that thought into resolve to finish the task Mr. White has given us, so that we can return to them."