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šš‚šš¢šš—šššš•ššžšš” š™¼šš˜ššššœ ([personal profile] synfluxmods) wrote in [community profile] synflux2024-09-28 11:36 am

TRAVEL LOG #3

TRAVEL LOG #3


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

ā–¶ 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?

ā–¶ 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.

ā–¶ 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

ā–¶ 004. THE CHOSEN (KIDNAPPEES ONLY).

A separate log for KIDNAPPEES ONLY can be found HERE.

ā–¶ 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.

lunarchivist: (uh-oh)

(Sorryyyyy he did not choose the kidnapping) ((I did))

[personal profile] lunarchivist 2024-10-02 04:36 am (UTC)(link)
[Is not seeing red flags everywhere paranoid behavior? He has many points, however. But wouldn't he be more likely to get answers from the locals if he looks like one? Undercover. Totally. (Wah more than tolerates...)

The way. I cackled at that gif. Help. That gets the message across perfectly. Help. Dan Heng's in so much trouble.
]

...........hm. That does seem eerily...familiar. [He looks down at his clothes. Then back up to Bakugo. He clears his throat.] ...It's not what it looks like. These were a gift. [Rip.] I swear I'm not converting. The god reminds me of...an aeon that caused much strife in my "world". I'm trying to get more information on it. [Yeah, speaking of tropes...]
blastedass: by bokunoicons @ tumblr (šŸ’„ My plan. My lead. My rules.)

(you wicked wicked monkey you)

[personal profile] blastedass 2024-10-02 04:55 am (UTC)(link)
[Normally that'd be the opposite? Considering how happy the residents are to talk about everything in their lives, it doesn't matter if someone's "undercover" or not. That and Dan Heng looks ridiculous in those clothes. Makes him seem like he's all ready to assimilate into the new culture.

Damn right! His anger's out of concern! But he's not going to say it, dammit. Prepare to get killed later.]


Che. Uh-huh. [Though it doesn't sound like Bakugo disbelieves him. These damn extras are so friendly, giving gifts almost seems like a daily habit. They took to the Outsiders far too quickly for Bakugo's liking. More suspicions.] Yeah? And what've you learned about it?
lunarchivist: (Chatting 1)

(wicked monkey is not something I've ever been called before and now I will never forget jkshdfkds)

[personal profile] lunarchivist 2024-10-02 07:58 am (UTC)(link)
[…ok fair. But the locals don’t want to talk much about what’s in the forest. Or specifics on agricultural techniques. Which could help the people back at the city alot if they could figure it out…but all he's really getting is that it's all thanks to their god. ANYWAY. Point taken. Listen. Dan Heng can be a hunter or something.

Bakugo, killing friend is counterproductive to the concern. Bakugo-
]

Yes. I helped carry some groceries and the woman thanked me with clothes…it felt rude to refuse. [And it’s totally not that he’s weak to parental affection and couldn’t say no to an elderly lady giving her grandson’s hand-me-downs to him…. There’s nothing wrong with generosity…but yes maybe it’s a bit over the top…

Also rip me, separating what I learned from the kidnapping segment from now…
]

Not much. They only praise the god, and the skulls must resemble it. The locals seem content under its protection, but also…nervous about the forests around here. So perhaps their god’s protection is not absolute? [Conditional blessings…] In my experience with the aeon of Abundance, such blessings have a price, always. [The mara-struck, the Borisin, Sanctus Medicus...] But…for now it’s just alot of conjecture on my part. Because how can all this food just come from nothing? It doesn't add up...
blastedass: by blastedass @ dreamwidth (šŸ’„ Chew with your mouth shut.)

(a joyous first to have)

[personal profile] blastedass 2024-10-02 01:26 pm (UTC)(link)
[These bastards always try to circle back to their "god" and it pisses Bakugo off. He's only had some luck with the old hag in the apothecary by slanting his questions towards her language, as irritating as it was to talk like that. Not asking what plants she used to alleviate pain but rather what plants her god guided her to use when helping people. That kind of crap. She didn't seem phased by his shouting either. Whether she's tough or senile is up for debate.

Look, this guy threatened his classmate with death if said classmate dared die on him. It's what he does. Stupid badass.]


Che! A whole set of clothes for helping her carry groceries? [That's a ridiculous scope of gift. See what he means about this place being way too happy and giving to complete strangers?! Bakugo's sticking with the clothes he brought from Japan, thanks. So far the mayor of the town has brushed off the blonde's concerns about an impending danger (he's trying to avoid the unavoidable fate) and the old lady have been his main interactions, if you don't count the village kids that for some reason like Bakugo...

Alas the knowledge of future lore becomes burden for present scope.]


Yeah, they worship the damn thing and it protects them, but there's obviously a cost. [Bakugo's very wary about that price and whatever laws abide round it.] These people grow, harvest, and hunt. The food's not coming from nothing.

[Considering the smaller scope of the village and lack of waste, a group of people can make food last longer.]
lunarchivist: (Chatting 1)

(Thank. Also it's hard playing a smart character. Keep forgetting the points he's supposed to make)

[personal profile] lunarchivist 2024-10-04 04:56 am (UTC)(link)
[Yeah. There's a hyper-fixation and then there's an obsession. ...and so uniform over the whole town, it's bound to be suspicious. Oh hey, so Bakugo can do some infiltration! Good for him! Mostly. Yelling...at least he got something. But yeah sometimes old ladies like that have just seen it all...

Hm. Something's off with that logic. Alas, the nuances of affection(?) and concern(???)...

Dan Heng blinks, actually surprised.
] Is it? What would be considered a normal gift for carrying groceries? Not that I was looking for one, but... [Genuine question. He'd carried Himeko's shopping bags several times (even though she was perfectly capable of it herself...) and she would often throw in clothing for him in it all. He didn't need it, not really. But he thought it was just...a thing. No? Huh.
Dan Heng should really get clothes in Tokyo too huh...can't rely on the style upgrade he forgot to get.

Ah so no luck with the mayor either...ha. Kids like Bakugo because he's cool, surely. And not because he gives funny reactions in anger...

Some tragedies are all the more tragic for having done everything possible to avoid it and it still happening. And yet you have to try. And stars above is Bakugo trying...(it's appreciated in all its dramatic irony)
]

I suppose, but...hm. Why can't Neo Tokyo do the same, then? Is the land there really that barren? Or is this....god. A kaiju? Facilitating such abundance? At what cost...it all makes sense on the surface, but I do feel like we're missing something. [Yaoshi's gift to the Xianzhou Alliance created near immortality. But at the cost of madness for living too long, overpopulation, over consumption, monsters...this village doesn't seem to have any such problems.

He looks up at Bakugo, brows furrowed. His voice gets a little quieter, so passerby won't hear.
] Did you know some Outsiders are attempting to give...sacrifices to this Forest Guardian? To get its attention?
blastedass: by bokunoicons @ tumblr (šŸ’„ Don't go spouting that shit at me.)

I guess it's good my smarty pants is also an angry antisocial...

[personal profile] blastedass 2024-10-04 08:25 am (UTC)(link)
[HE WASN'T INFILTRATING, DAMMIT!! He was gathering supplies and information for trying to procure and grow more varieties of painkillers! ... In plant form. It's an ongoing project attempting to do away with the Outsiders having to take their upgrade surgeries without any anesthetics. Bakugo's had issues with that practice for a while now.]

She's an old lady! She doesn't have to give you shit! [Even though there's always a good chance they'll give some kind of little sweet or words of gratitude. Maybe a piece of fruit. Who knows. THEY'RE HAGS!! Granted, Bakugo's work as a hero back home means he's not really expecting rewards. Heroes are an actual occupation back there, so technically he's doing his job. But damn will he be pissed if someone calls for him to help with groceries as a hero duty!] 100 yen if you're a monster!

[There, pocket change. And good luck with the clothes. Bakugo might be a grouch about it, but if Dan Heng wants to clothes shopping, he'd probably go with him. Seeing as the blonde refuses to get the style upgrade and buys his own clothes. There are two incidents with the style upgrade that have continued to reaffirm his stubborn denial.

Kids have a death wish. That's the only explanation.]


It's a fucking metropolis. There's no space for farmland and produce. [Said in a very "duh" tone.] There's a lot of land outside the city, but it's overgrown and you'll probably get eaten. [Neo Tokyo relies on supplies and what it can produce synthetically. As for the "god" being a kaiju...] Either it's the kaiju or it's related to it.

[No shit they're missing something. They just got here a day or two ago. But Dan Heng's next comment blows the rest out of the water.] What the fuck?! Are they trying to get themselves killed?!
lunarchivist: (Shy(?) or concern)

It's true! It's ok, information will be figured out one way or another

[personal profile] lunarchivist 2024-10-11 06:35 am (UTC)(link)
[Eh, still sort of recon? Supply gathering...I hope Bakugo had some luck on the pain killers thing. Outsiders have to WHAT. He SHOULD have issue with that, yikes, no anesthetics for surgery....Bakugo's going to kill Dan Heng for getting the Healing Touch surgery later on......this disaster mission might put that plan off by alot tho ha.

Dan Heng tilts his head slightly, not unlike a curious dog. Or a dragon.
] I was not expecting her to give me "shit". Or anything, really. [Yes another dig at Bakugo's wording. It's Dan Heng affection. Also what is Yen...based on context, likely currency. ] It felt more rude to refuse what she wanted to give me. However, perhaps I will try harder to refuse next time...? [Surely this is the moral of the story. Guy who clearly doesn't spend alot of time in public settings.

Hey not a bad idea! Heh. Who's old and grouchy now, huh Bakugo, refusing to get with the times....then again there have been alarming style upgrade malfunctions. Like Vash the Stampede being stuck in a wedding dress for. All of Dan Heng's interactions with him so far........yeah, clothes shopping doesn't sound so bad in the face of that.
]

Oh. Right. But even in cities, some can cultivate personal gardens...but probably nothing significant... [As someone involved with gathering food from the beach for others, it's been on his mind. Not sure how much produce they could manage to bring back from this place, or if they SHOULD...] Alright. Large pest problems outside. And...related to a kaiju? Hm... [Many questions with no answer until the 15th, stay tuned! (no)

Dan Heng does wince at that outburst, frantically looking about for a moment to check if they've attracted unwanted attention. All villagers just carry on right by them.....right then.
] Yes. Two Outsiders, Sir Tezcatlipoca and Sir Set, and several others. They believe that any sort of provocation of the Guardian of the Forest would benefit, since they believe it's a Kaiju to draw out and either gain information from, or fight. [Dan Heng raises a hand, suddenly realizing something.] Just food and small animals, though! No people. [Yet.........that part hangs unsaid in the air. He would be working alot harder to put a stop to it if people were involved.] It. Made sense when he explained it to me, but...I. Thought you should know.
blastedass: by blastedass @ dreamwidth (šŸ’„ Uhh... what'd you say?)

[personal profile] blastedass 2024-10-14 07:20 pm (UTC)(link)
[You heard him, meta text. Bakugo already spoke about it on the network a while ago, but his intents got sidelined by their Outsider work suddenly ramping off into teleporting to other areas rather than staying in Neo Tokyo. He's still got it in his mind, but has to get it worked out and set up... Yeah, he'll be ready to knock Dan Heng through a wall if the dragon subjects himself to that, albeit the healing touch is the one implant Bakugo wrestles with getting. As a hero, shouldn't he be trying to make sure he can save and protect his friends? But at what cost...

His expression goes wry. Great, another person who takes things way too literally.]
You're gonna have a whole damn wardrobe before you go back to base. [Not really. Bakugo accepts the dragon's decision as his own though. If he wants to accept whatever they give him, go for it. He can see how someone like Dan Heng would think it rude to refuse a gift. The blonde shakes his head with a grumpy dismissive wave to push the topic aside.] Do what you want. It's your luggage to haul around.

[HAA?! After what he's seen those style upgrades do, there's no way in hell he wants to give control of what he's wearing into some dumbass' hand! Between the maid dresses and the bunny suits, Bakugo's sworn off the style upgrade for good. He'll shop like a normal person. Besides, it's nice to have something "normal" to do in this world obsessed with technology. If Dan Heng wants to go, bring it up and it'll likely happen.]

I haven't seen any gardens in Neo Tokyo asides from the greenhouse near the base. [Bakugo also doesn't want to wreck Okinawa's natural habitat by farming more than what it can reliably reproduce. Between the crabs, weird fish, and giant fruit, they can get a lot of food, but if they ravage it to the point it can't sustain them... Another reason he's trying to run that cultivation project.]

If their "god" isn't the kaiju itself, the kaiju might utilize someone or something else to act in its stead. [Whether that's puppetry or something like an angler fish, they won't know until it hits. Unfortunately, he can't keep the same anger level towards the other two Outsiders for their idea. Trying to get the kaiju's attention is smart, since Bakugo himself has vouched for luring out the kaiju and deliberately directing it away from whatever civilization they're currently protecting. But this also runs the risk of pulling the damn thing out "earlier" than LILITH wanted to get a read on it, or earlier than the Outsiders can prepare for it. His brows furrow in focus, knocked between acceptance and irritation.]

Tch. [Fine, he'll accept it, considering what Dan Heng points out.] It's their responsibility to keep it away from the fucking village if they get its attention.