TRAVEL LOG #3

[synfluxmods]

TRAVEL LOG #3

CONTENT WARNINGS: cult-like symbols and implications, abduction.

▶ 001. TARGU MURES AIRPORT.

In the early morning of the 1st, Outsiders will receive a message in their oculars.

"Oh, seriously? You’re putting this on my plate now when I have so much to do? Tch … Outsiders currently caring for Imugi eggs, bring them to the medical bay. I’ll take over for now. Captain Yamakawa needs everyone to report to the hangar right away. There’s been a distress call from a distant land and we’re noticing some strange readings. We need you to go investigate this.

…Put some catnip on my plate, Alex. It’ll be a long night."

True enough, a SPECIAL ALERT will blare through the implants shortly after, asking those who would be willing to help with a distress call to head to the hangar. The reward will be an additional bonus pay, as this seems to be different from detecting a kaiju. There, they will see a familiar sight: the LILITH SKY CRUISER, a spacecraft capable of carrying 80 passengers. There is little time for seat assignments, so seating will be on a first come, first serve basis (hopefully you don’t get the middle seat!) and the flight will last about 10 hours. Just like any aircraft, Outsiders may stand up and walk around once the seatbelt signs turn off. There is inflight entertainment consisting of AI movies or virtual reality games (see TRAVEL LOG #2). Characters with inhuman features are required to wear their cloaking devices.

The plane will touch down at Targu Mures Airport, Transylvania, Romania, which appears to be abandoned and desolate. There isn’t a living soul to be found.

"Most of the country was destroyed decades ago, so there shouldn’t be anyone still living here. Yet, these readings ….. And we can’t ignore that call for help. We’ll need to investigate further. My Angels, go the rest of the way on foot..."

There isn’t a data portal in Romania, and there’s just no way to transport the number of cars needed for over 60 people via plane. Let’s hope you managed to get proper rest on the way here, because the hike will take about 5-6 hours through the dense forest, with the Captain feeding directions through the ocular based on where the kaiju readings are most pronounced.

All teams will be traveling together along a treacherous terrain which will include both harmful flora & fauna. Outsiders can expect to come across brown bears, wolves, European lynx, golden jackal & wild boars. Although the forest is dense, these animals are scarce to come by, but they can appear, especially when the hike takes place at dusk and into the night.

In this time of the year, hay fever is a common occurrence in these forests. Those sensitive to pollen may be sneezing and feeling fatigue through this hike. There will be steep hills, slippery ground and eerie sounds of the night to serenade the Outsiders. It doesn't help that the further they travel, the thicker a dark fog gathers around them, making the surroundings difficult to make out. Everyone will be provided with flashlights, but those with abilities to see in the dark or cast their own light will be encouraged to lead small groups. Everyone is going in the same general direction, but giving each other some space might be helpful. There will be no time to rest, no matter how tired Outsiders may be.

Just when it feels like they might need to trek through the forest forever—is that smoke coming from a fire up ahead?

▶ 002. BRAȘOV, TRANSYLVANIA.

Wander further through the bushes, and behold, it does appear to be smoke—but not from any natural fire. It’s coming from a chimney! The Outsiders will stumble upon the historic region of Brașov, known for its Gothic architecture and medieval towns. Romania has been classified as a desolate region for a very long time, and as far as LILITH is concerned, this city should be completely destroyed and abandoned. Yet, there is smoke coming from the chimneys, fresh laundry hanging on lines and the faint chatter of children playing. There are very clearly people living here, and this has LILITH completely dumbfounded.

"So it’s true … The resilience of humanity cannot be understated. I’ll need to report this to the Commander right away. My Angels, embark on the town. We need to find the source of this distress call and investigate these kaiju readings. I know we’ve had setbacks recently, but I’ve always had my faith in you."

One thing Outsiders will notice when they step into the town is how it appears to be lost in time. The date is still 2278 as far as anyone knows, but there’s no sign of any modern technology—no computers, telephones, or any sign of electricity or plumbing. Each and every house looks like it could have been plucked right out of the 1700s, and there even appear to be horse-drawn carriages parked along the pavements.

The townspeople themselves also look plucked out of time, with the women donning petticoats and aprons, and the men sporting waistcoats and riding boots. They welcome the Outsiders with warmth, delight, and over-the-top hospitality; more than happy to show the visitors around Brasov on their carriages. With how rarely they meet anyone from outside the village, the children are full of curiosity, following the Outsiders around and poking at their technology while bombarding them with questions, such as where did you come from? Do you know how to play any games? What do you like to eat?

Outsiders will be presented with food, clean clothing, and a room to stay at the village inns (2-3 people per room). They are free to roam and explore the village, where they will find taverns, fresh food markets, shops, inns, and a church dedicated to the village god.

One notable aspect of the town is the fact that they appear to have fresh, non-lab grown food. The vegetables taste fresher and are vibrant in color. The meat tastes much richer than it would back in Neo Tokyo. This is owed to the fact that the people of Brasov actually tend to their own farmlands, a lost practice in these times. Venture a little out of the city and you’ll find it: acres of farmland, growing wheat, corn, oats, potatoes, grapes and sunflowers. They even have livestock!

The people of Brasov are more than happy to answer questions about their town and way of living. Outsiders who go around gathering information from the villagers will learn the following:

• Why is the land so fertile? This is all owed to their benevolent village god, the Lord of the Forest. No one goes hungry because their god takes care of them. Observant Outsiders will see a common symbol plastered around town: a canine skull.
• There was a distress call. Is everyone okay? The townspeople would respond in confusion and assure the Outsiders that nothing is out of the ordinary. They have been living peacefully for centuries and it’s because their god protects them. They don’t seem to know anything about what’s going on outside their town and the word ‘kaiju’ is lost on them.
• Who is the Lord of the Forest? The townspeople will sing his praises, telling the Outsiders about how he has been providing for and protecting their town for many years.
• Where is the Lord of the Forest? He lives in the forest and mountains that surround the village. Sure enough, if the Outsiders look around, they will see they are completely surrounded by foggy forest and mountains as far as the eye can see.
• Can they go into the forest? The villagers will look worried. While the Lord of the Forest keeps them safe, the forest is still filled with dangerous creatures. Also, the thick fog and trees makes it easy to get lost. Only the most skilled hunters venture out to catch prey like deer and bears. Characters who venture into the woods will get turned around and lost but will eventually find their way back to the village, to which others will reply it is the lord's guidance that brought them back to safety.

Outsiders can do as they please. The villagers are very friendly and will try to accommodate them however possible. There seems to be very little crime in the town and the people look happy. LILITH has been quiet for some time now. Maybe this is a great opportunity to have a well-deserved break? How can you not when the people are so kind and the food looks and tastes so delicious? In fact, the longer that Outsiders stay here, the more some of them may begin to feel like they belong here.

▶ 003. BONFIRE FEAST.

On the night of the 7th, the villagers will knock on doors inviting everyone to a bonfire party! It’s just about time to harvest their crops so food is abundant. They can’t think of any better way to use it than to prepare a feast. The bonfire will be held in the council square. Tables and benches have been set up and an impressive spread of fresh food is laid out for everyone to enjoy. Outsiders can enjoy bread, cheese, fresh pork, stew, roasted chicken, seasonal vegetables and free flowing alcohol. There are live musicians on the scene as well, playing merry tunes on their instruments. Some of the villagers have even started dancing around the bonfire and they’re pulling people in to join them! At the center of the table, a canine skull is placed, and the villagers give thanks to their god before partaking in the food.

Nothing seems out of the ordinary … Full and content, everyone will feel tired and want to retire for the night. Characters that do not need to sleep will also feel tired.

Night passes, and daybreak comes. Outsiders might notice that their numbers have dwindled; certain people have gone missing and are nowhere to be found. There won’t be a trace of the captured Outsiders aside from their belongings that they may have left behind.

The villagers do not seem bothered and everything seems normal in the village. Asking the villagers about these disappearances will result in no answers—they claim to have no clue as to the missing Outsiders' whereabouts. It also won’t be possible to contact them, or even LILITH for that matter. It is almost like communications have been cut off completely and their implants receive weak reception.

Observant characters may notice that a heavy fog has descended upon the village overnight and though it gets better during the day, it never lets up.

Captured Outsiders are as followed:

Aventurine
Choso
Dan Heng
Denji
Ereshkigal
Hiyori Iki
Kabru
Kaga
Lucy/Kaede
Maki Zenin
Makima
Malkuth
Loop
Nanami Kento
Rover
Sampo Koski
Taryon Darrington
Wriothesley
Yzak Jule
Zagreus

▶ 004. THE CHOSEN (KIDNAPPEES ONLY).

A separate log for KIDNAPPEES ONLY can be found HERE.

▶ 005. AFTERWORD.

Welcome to our third travel log!

There are no assigned seats this time, so characters may sit wherever they choose. Inhuman-looking characters will need to wear their cloaking devices so as to not alarm the people of the town. A separate log has been prepared for kidnappees only. An additional prompt will go up for non-captured characters before the kaiju fight. The scheduling will depend on actions in the captive log. We will announce it on plurk.

All tags on this log are worth 2 points and will count towards October AC.

EVENT BREAKDOWN/RECAP (CLICK TO EXPAND)

1. TARGU MURES AIRPORT: There has been a distress signal. Characters caring for eggs must leave their eggs with Dr. Spim and report to the hangar to board their flight. The Outsiders will touch down in Targu Mures Airport, and will need to hike the rest of the way through the forest.

2. BRAȘOV, TRANSYLVANIA: Romania was thought to be a desolate country but one village seems to be thriving. The town of Brasov has historic, medieval architecture and the people seem plucked out of the 1700s. They are friendly, welcoming and curious, having never seen technology like what the Outsiders have. Outsiders are provided free lodgings, fresh clothing, food and water. The villagers raise their own livestock and grow their own food, which is unheard of in these times. They don't know anything about a distress call. All around the village, the symbol of a canine skull can be found. This is the Lord of the Forest, the god of this village whom the villagers worship.

3. BONFIRE FEAST: The villagers invite the Outsiders to a bonfire party where fresh food is abundant. After a night of merrymaking, they find that certain Outsiders have disappeared from their numbers and nobody seems to know what happened to them.

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Comments

Village - Church

[kubricks]

It's quite the sight, isn't it?

[Don't mind Makima, the church caught her attention too. Not her usual scene, but neither is..anywhere in the village, really. Nowhere near enough theaters or coffee shops for her.]

[sensehispresence]

[ The church wasn't his scene either. All of this was new to him. Sometimes he hated just how new it was. ]

We had churches back home. What's so special about this one?

[kubricks]

I imagine if you asked the townspeople, they'd be able to tell you all about it. I just think it's rather...unique, the whole village really. It's like stepping back in time. Or onto a movie set.

[A place like this would be unique enough in her world, but here in the future, all the more so.]

[sensehispresence]

Did a lot of your movie sets have churches like this?

[ The village was interesting. There was quite a bit about it and he wasn't sure what to make of it. However, he's sure there is something about the church. Or maybe he's thinking far too much about the strangeness of the place as a whole. ]

[kubricks]

Not too often. Usually just period pieces, those are ones set in some historical period. Some old horror movies usually have them too, they're set in some secluded European village, the monster usually preying on the villagers.

[Not always of course, but often enough she thinks.]

Though I would hardly expect to run into something like Frankenstein or the Wolf Man here.

[sensehispresence]

[ None of what she was saying made sense to him. Much less when she started talking about Frankenstein and the Wolf Man. Those were not stories he has ever heard. ]

Were they kaiju?

[ That's the first thing he thinks to ask, especially when it comes to monsters of any sort. ]

I have never watched movies. So, I do not know much about the ones with monsters preying on villagers.

[kubricks]

No.

[Or at least not usually, though there are exceptions that she won't bring up.]

These are more...human. Frankenstein is about a creature created by a scientist trying to reanimate the dead. Dracula is a vampire...he looks like a person, but feeds on their blood. Appearances vary depending on the production, sometimes they look more monstrous, but they're closer to you or I than the kaiju we've faced here.

[She'll think about it some more, a little bit of a smirk coming to mind here.]

If you think about it, given their circumstances and abilities, they'd be more likely to be our coworkers here than anything else.

[sensehispresence]

[ If not kaiju then what? Perhaps if he had been human and grown up a normal life things would be different. He'd understand the references that others made. Not just learn from observing, listening to others.

For the moment, though, he listens to her as she talks about Frankenstein and how the creature was created by a scientist. It sounded like something Professor Hojo would do. There was no love lost for that man. ]

So they could easily be like us or like Godzilla and have to cloak themselves from the people?

[kubricks]

Frankenstein likely would, with Dracula part of what's supposed to make it scary is he doesn't look particularly monstrous.

[Barring assorted exceptions where he does.]

No, things like that can blend in amongst humans, which would be good for us as coworkers, not so good for the characters in the movie. I really do recommend watching them if you get the chance. They're incredibly dated and at times rather silly, but they still do have some charm about them.

[sensehispresence]

Yet, Frankenstein does look monstrous?

[ A lot of what she was telling him was interesting... It was also a little confusing, but that was to be expected. ]

Perhaps I will do that.

[ Though, he doesn't know if he wishes to watch movies alone. Is that what humans normally did? Perhaps he'd ask Yuji about them and see what big brother thought of the movies. ]

I will keep that in mind when I watch them.

[kubricks]

The popular depiction is a tall green with bolts in his neck. So I think he would draw some attention.

[Not really that startling if you ask her, but to each their own.]

[sensehispresence]

Yes, that would bring attention to someone. It is interesting what one considers a monster.

[kubricks]

It is, isn't it?

[That remark catches her interest.]

The lines aren't nearly as clear-cut in reality as they often are in the realm of movies. I'm sure the kaiju would consider us just as monstrous as the people of this world think they are. Some more than others, of course, but monsters all the same.

[sensehispresence]

[ There are those out there, in his own world, that would consider him a monster. Yet, he looked just like everyone else. Well... not quite. Not everyone had cat-like eyes and could move like him. That didn't mean the statement wasn't still true. He seemed normal enough. ]

Do they think like we do?

[ He's sure that kaiju were intelligent, but did they think like humans. Like people. ]

[kubricks]

That's a good question. So far, it doesn't seem like it, but I imagine it's possible some might think similarly.

[She's using Devils as a frame of reference again. Some think in ways alien to humans and others...well, others are a lot closer.]

[sensehispresence]

It is probably something that we will never know.

[ Maybe one day they would know. Or find one that thought they were the monsters. Find one that had actual thought to it. ]

[kubricks]

I wonder if our bosses have an idea as to the answer...

[Just food for thought.]

[sensehispresence]

I doubt that they do. Though, we could ask.

[kubricks]

Maybe.

[She's not so sure that someone doesn't know more about things. That's just not how these groups work, at least not in her experience.]

Though we don't have too many opportunities for questions and answers.

[sensehispresence]

[ It was true. Someone had to know something. ]

No, we don't. They keep us rather busy.

[kubricks]

That's true, but there's usually plenty to do.

[It's not all busy work after all, some of it is, sure. Those punishment tasks for example after the imugi debacle, but most of it's important. Or at least Makima thinks so.]

[sensehispresence]

Sometimes there is, yes.

[ Though, the other had been there longer than him. Which meant she probably knew what there was to do or not do. That didn't include their every day jobs in civilian life, as it were. ]