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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!
no subject
But nothing happens because it's Intuition.
She does connect Tristan's flinching to the peaking of Mordred's voice, however, and she turns to see Mordred on the other side of camp laughing uproariously with a notebook in hand. It doesn't take Grail-powered instinct to fill in the blanks.
"Hah... I see," Saber says slowly, her tone descending as if reaching for Hell. "In short, Mordred is picking on you."
no subject
“I…am certain that if I approach her calmly…” Okay, you know what? He still can’t lie to Saber. And this is going to end very badly, he knows.
no subject
Saber is capable of handling Mordred after a fashion, but the only kind of handle Tristan has on Mordred is a loose thread of silly string.
"As a king, let me offer my perspective. You are one of the leaders of this expedition. As such, you must keep a certain level of authority over the rest of us in order to maintain group cohesion. However, Mordred is challenging that authority. Rather than a simply calm approach, consider one that challenges Mordred as much as she is currently challenging you. Only by emerging victorious will you be able to re-establish your dominance."
Or maybe don't listen to Arthur "Kneel or Die" McArthurson.
no subject
He bows despite himself, feeling utterly ashamed that he can’t even be a leader when she’s counting on him to be one.
Also like…doesn’t that kind of contradict with his vow to try and cooperate with Mordred?
“Forgive me, Saber. I—I had failed to act accordingly as a leader.”
no subject
"That apology is itself in error," she says firmly, staring stolidly at his bowed head. "For the duration of this expedition, I am under your command. I expect guidance from you, not atonement. A leader must always hold his head high and keep his eyes facing forward. The time for apologies is on your deathbed."
Saber's views on leadership may be slightly extreme.........
no subject
Someone really needs to put a neck brace on him, since he’s still trying very hard to resist the urge to bow or look sorry or simply be sad. Saber wants him to be bold! Resolute! Ready to take on any challenge and offer people guidance…!
He’s totally none of these things what is he even doing—
“Then I cannot allow myself to be swayed. I will not allow her japes to affect me.”
He could call her out for a duel, but why risk injury when they’re far from home? Anyway, this torture is mostly psychological…
no subject
"Good. You should also take notice that Mordred is the only one laughing. Take heart in that much."
Anyway, her obligatory King Arthur management duties are now complete. More or less. Tristan and Mordred can sort out the rest, because after a certain threshold of nonsense, the Knights of the Round Table just have to sort out their own problems. What is Saber, their dad or something??
"On another note, I have found myself rather enjoying this expedition. There is something very nostalgic about banding forth with comrades on a vaguely defined quest."
Remember when people could just ride in any direction and expect to come upon some weird, inexplicable event? Those were the good old days.
no subject
Artoria changes the subject before he can dwell further in his own dark thoughts, thankfully. He even manages a weak smile for it.
“I agree. It was a rare joy to travel with such a diverse band
hehof people even during our lifetimes.”no subject
"Yes," she says a touch more gently, "it was a joy and honor to spend time with all of you. Upon reflection, I do not think I voiced that sentiment often enough."
Her mind was often elsewhere, too focused on some future plan or current trouble to stop and live completely in the present with her knights. If it wasn't that, it was her own self-tied tether, the conviction that she shouldn't impose the weight of her presence on the lighthearted moments of others. Now that she has no future to think of, she can only think of her past, for better or for worse.
"In many ways, I consider our meeting here a blessing," she continues. "Under normal circumstances, a Servant might never encounter another person they knew when they were alive in all their summonings. Here I am fortunate enough to have not one, but two -- and I would like to voice my gratitude now, before I fall into the trappings of old habit."
no subject
The thoughts that had driven him to speak those fatal words so many years ago echo in his mind once more. He has to look away, trying not to let his sense of regret spoil a rare moment of happiness between the two of them.
At the very least he isn’t going to protest Mordred being counted in that number.
“Yes, I…I too am glad.” Er, so to speak. He’s more thinking of her eventual time in Chaldea, but who’s to say? He’s never had a right to see her happiness, after all. Not after callous way he’d made his exit from the fellowship of the Round Table.
“To have this chance to fulfill my duties to you as I should…I can aspire to nothing more.”
Especially since humanity’s been saved and everything. His job as a Servant is technically over with already.
no subject
And! That reminds her of something. Her gaze turns back to Tristan.
"Speaking of which, Xie Lian and I have been discussing the organization of a trade market event. In other words, an opportunity for all of us to trade the unwanted trinkets we have accumulated over time. I hoped to draw on your assistance as our plans come together."
no subject
“Certainly, my king. I have accumulated a fair amount of…” He hesitates at the word for a moment, before continuing with, “gifts from the town, which I have no use for. If there is any opportunity to reach out to those in need…”
Count him in. But also if he’s involved maybe he can arrange something anonymous, because he does not want his name attached to certain things he owns!!!
no subject
"Good. I will call on your help when the time comes. I expect it will be a modest affair, but I hope it will bring the residents of Chroma some measure of happiness."
With that article of business done... she should probably leave Tristan to his journal troubles. Camp is a time for rest, after all, and she imagines Tristan is never more restless than when she's with him.
"I believe I will see about dinner," she says, looking attentively at him. "Do you require anything else from me?" Specifically in the realm of people whose names rhyme with More Bread?
no subject
He tries not to wince. “N—No, my k—Saber. All is well, I believe. I thank you once more for your guidance.”
Like, Mordred’s Poetry Corner is still ongoing, and very loud, but she did make him feel a little better about it. He still hopes she won’t listen in too hard, though.