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

[photosympathies]

( He has a knack for finding trouble.

Usually that bothers him more than he lets on. It's not that he enjoys running headfirst into it anyway. But he's never been more grateful for it than now, some instinct in his gut moving him before even the first round of gunfire finishes. He's still not quite quick enough to get there entirely before a struggle, which means he has seconds after hearing the sound of the laser starting to make a decision. His shoulder connects with Wolfwood's side, sending the arm holding the punisher off-sight. It's a tackle more than anything, using surprise and his sheer strength to stop catastrophe. )

Run.

( It's yelled Hunter's way as the two of them go down, and Vash aims a kick towards the punisher, trying to get it as far away from the man wielding it as possible. )

Wolfwood. ( Fingers grappling, seizing in the other man's jacket, a desperate hold. His heart is all but threatening to burst out of his chest, a wild anxiety gripping him by the throat. ) Wolfwood, can you hear me? I need you to stop. He's not your enemy.

[newphew]

[ it is tempting to book it, honestly -- whatever that weapon is doing with the laser, it looks insanely powerful. on bar with belos's magic, maybe. but this is the guy who was crying in a wedding dress about having to do a simulation, so there is absolutely no way that hunter is going to do that ]

I'm not just going to leave you with him!

[ get real??? ]

[ while vash is doing that, hunter tries again with the vine magic -- trying to root wolfwood down in place ]

[eyeofmyass]

[He should have sensed Vash coming, he's usually more focused than this, but the demand for blood rings so heavy in his head that it feels like he's wearing blinders, focused on nothing other than satisfying the Lord of the Forest. And he shouts, angry, when he's interrupted. No, no, he has to-

His fingers loosen on the trigger as he falls, laser stopping after slicing through the top of that magic rock and a dozen tree canopies. But he refuses to loosen his grip enough for Vash to kick him free of it. Even unconsciously, he's protective of his burden.

He hears Vash, but the words don't matter, they're overlaid with the command, aggressive and insistent enough that even Vash isn't free from being the new target of his needed sacrifice.

His arm swings up, Punisher coming with it, to smack into Vash if he refuses to move or let go of him.

He can't see the vines that manage to wrap around his legs, but at the moment that's not important. The ones trying to wind around his arms though, he manages to tug at them, refusing to let them tighten.]

[photosympathies]

( He has to duck unreasonably quick to avoid getting knocked down by Punisher, his breath coming out in a scared, staccato exhale. The vines do help, they provide enough of a distraction for Vash to straddle him there in the dirt, desperately trying to disarm the hand holding onto the weapon. )

Hunter, you have to -. ( Wolfwood gets one hand free, and Vash has to scramble to the side again, gritting his teeth. This is the first time they've ever gone up against each other, the element of surprise being the one thing working to his advantage right now. ) I don't want either of you getting hurt.

( A hand, the metal one, seizes in Wolfwood's collar. )

Listen to me, whatever you're hearing you have to ignore it, Wolfwood! It's the thing that's been messing with this place. It's trying to use you.

[newphew]

[ the tops of trees, sliced off by the punisher's beam, slide off from the top, hitting the ground around them in succession. the remains of hunter's rock wall crumble too. he's sweating, because he's afraid. but despite that, he digs in heels in. figuratively. literally, he's coming up on them from their side as the two struggle. not quite in grabbing length, but enough that he's in wolfwood's periphery. maybe splitting his attention will make it easier for vash to restrain him ]

The same goes for you!

[ he doesn't want vash getting hurt, either. he grips his staff again, and a mound of earth near the punisher juts up from the ground in the shape of a hand, trying to knock the punisher away. he considers trying to plead with him, like vash is, but the thing is, hunter isn't good at pleading for his own life. ]

[eyeofmyass]

[He stills for a brief moment in Vash's gasp, but there's a dimness in his eyes that isn't jostled out by Vash's hand or his words.]

Life. He requires a life.

[A mumble before he's straining against the vine until it snaps around his wrist, and then he's swinging at Vash. A part of him still knows what Vash is capable of, knows it won't connect, but that's fine. He just needs him off, so he can swap hands for his punisher. And he does. His fingers curl around the trigger, and a barrage of bullets aims at his feet, cutting through the vines holding him there too.

And then he's moved in the next moment, away from Vash's grip and the large rock hand.

He's panting heavily, eyes wild as he aims his cross at Hunter's feet. A warning to stay the hell away. He only needs one life. And he'll always go for the adult over the kid's. So his next shot is aimed at Vash. Bullet after bullet firing at him.]

[photosympathies]

Hunter, down!

( It's yelled as Vash starts moving, evading the spray of bullets like a ballerina, light on his feet and able to throw himself out of the trajectory quicker than a human might. At least Wolfwood is focused on him for now and not the boy, which means all Vash has to do is outmanoeuvre him. He skids into the treeline, bark flying as bullets embed themselves, watches as Wolfwood turns to track him, the dull-edged look of his eyes visible even from his new distance. )

You know what? I really hate gods!

( Still, he weaves and ducks and slides through the trees, his own gun plucked from his holster. It's a last resort, but he'd feel better having it in his hands, just in case. ) Hunter, can you aim those things for Punisher? The cross. Wolfwood's too strong, but if we can keep his weapon down he'll be distracted. Be careful!

[newphew]

[ he doesn't need to be told twice! hunter is not as fast as vash, but as he's not being actively aimed for, it's easy enough for him to teleport out of the way. he jumps on his palisman staff (straight up ignoring wolfwood's warning) and pursues the two, using teleportation to keep up. to vash, he grunts: ]

On it!

[ earth and plant magic isn't cutting it. his eyes track their movements, but he waits to try his next trick until he's a good few feet above wolfwood -- hopefully when wolfwood is distracted trying to shoot vash. ]

[ then, from his staff, a huge block of ice shoots out --- aiming for the punisher, right around where wolfwood's clutching the trigger. aiming to disarm, just like before. he's praying to titan this works, because he doesn't know how long vash can keep this up ]

[eyeofmyass]

[If his mind wasn't so consumed with anything more important than kill an outsider, he would have enough sense to him that he'd look up. But he's blinded by purpose, so he doesn't. Vash is his target. So he's still firing at trees and coat lapels and that god damn red blur that makes up his target, when the ice comes crashing down on his gun.

He has to drop it before his whole hand gets crushed by it, and he jumps back as the ground rattles with the impact of a three-hundred pound cross and a block of ice.

He stares for a moment, gaze going up to glare at the brat in the sky, and then he's lunging for his cross again.]

[photosympathies]

( Vash intercepts, streaking from behind the trees and catching Wolfwood around the waist, too fast and too hard for normal people. He'll make it up to him later, but for now the impact is enough to send them both careening through the dirt, putting more distance between the man and the punisher as best he can. Vash gets to his knees first - he doesn't have surprise throwing him off - which means he grasps for Wolfwood quickly, wrestling his arms into place. )

Wolfwood.

( It's yelled, earnest. Hopefully Hunter can do something to put the weapon out of commission for now, he doesn't have time to ask for it. The other man manages to get a hand free, and it clips Vash a little, but he's blinking the stars out of his eyes and pushing him back again, pinning the offending limb beneath his knee. It's a bit like trying to control a bucking Toma, if a Toma had super strength and a point to prove. He knows both of them are going to come out of this bruised. But he focuses on trying to break whatever hold the god has on the man and hopes against hope that they can get through this. )

Come on, listen to me. You said you'd trust me, didn't you? It's in your head. It's trying to control you. You don't have to let it here. You don't have to let anything here. You're in charge.

[newphew]

[ hunter lets vash try to talk wolfwood down, and instead focuses on the punisher. with wolfwood away from it, hunter uses another blast of ice magic to completely encase it. the magic will only last for so long, but he's hoping --- praying -- that vash will be able to talk wolfwood down. ]

[ he's beginning to sweat from the effort, and flapjack is quickly hitting his limit, so there's not much magic left to be used. but he touches down in front of the punisher -- a physical barricade between it and wolfwood if wolfwood's able to break free of vash. hopefully not ]

[eyeofmyass]

[He can taste dirt in his mouth, feel it in his hair, the skin dragged and scratched by ground and rocks stitching itself back together. Luckily he only needs vials for bigger injuries. His fingers flex for punisher even though it's out of distance. It turns into a fist just to connect with Vash's jaw before it's suddenly weighed down like the rest of his body.

He growls up at Vash, teeth bared in frustration. He's an obstacle to his goal. The need to kill pulses from the bruise like mark crawling up the side of his neck. Thrumming like a song through him. Vash's voice blends into it, clashing with the song, distracting enough that it's hold weakens on Wolfwood.

He blinks, a gasp like he's just come up for air from being under water.]

Vash, what-

[Movement catches his eye and he turns his head towards Hunter. Kid looks panicked and exhausted. And his punisher is under a block of ice...]

Shit. Did I hurt someone? Is everyone okay?

[photosympathies]

( The relief that follows is so desperately heady that Vash almost sways with it, but he still takes a moment to gaze down at Wolfwood, brows furrowed behind his glasses and his eyes scanning his face. One hand lifts to yank aside his collar at the unmarked, unblemished skin, then and only then does the fight go out of him. He falls off of Wolfwood with a clatter of limbs, rolling into the dirt so he can look upside down at Hunter. )

Good job, buddy.

( A thumbs up. )

And no. Just some trees. Okay, a lot of trees. Deforestation at its finest. Are you okay? ( Shoving himself up to his elbow, peering at Wolfwood and then at the kid. ) You, Hunter? It's all good now, he's back to normal. You can come down. Ow. I think I pulled a muscle.

( It's a lot of noise for normalities sake, because that's just who Vash is at the end of the day. He simply won't allow the room for anyone to be weird about this. )

[newphew]

[ hunter touches down, but still has his staff in a defensive position. even though the danger seems to have passed, he still nudges his way between the two -- in front of vash, protectively, while he's down in the dirt. vash had just done all the majority of the fighting, but if wolfwood loses control again, he'll have to go through hunter first. ]

[ ... which isn't really much of a deterrent if wolfwood were to lose control, but hunter will remain planted between the two until he feels confident that wolfwood's back to normal. it'll take some time ]

I'm fine. [ just a little worn out. same for flapjack, but hunter keeps him in staff form for now. he's just watching wolfwood for the time being, even when he addresses vash ]

... How did you pull a muscle? [ vash??? ]

[eyeofmyass]

[Wolfwood rolls his eyes at Vash's antics, but doesn't comment on it. He can't help but act like he's got some stupid human frailty the second he thinks someone is observing him for who he actually is. He's seen it plenty of times now.

He's seen that wariness that Hunter is giving him before too. And he doesn't blame him for. He exhales a tired breath, holds up his hands in surrender, but doesn't make any effort to push himself out of the dirt where Vash had pinned him.]

Sorry.

[A few moments of silence.]

It feels different from the last time it got me. I don't...I don't think it's gone. I might attack again. You should probably-

[take him out, is the first thought that comes to mind, but Vash is here and even if he was the worst asshole on the planet, he knows Vash would argue with him.]

-find a way to keep me from attacking again. Tie me up or something, something I can't get out of.

[photosympathies]

That's an option.

( Said vaguely in the exact tone someone who is not going to do that would use. Like Wolfwood is telling him to dye himself completely pink or run naked through the town. ) But then you're vulnerable, and I don't know about you but I'm starting to really feel the bad vibes about the place. I don't want to leave you defenceless.

( Louder, before complaints can be made. )

Besides, you think there's anything that can hold you here? Hunter helped but I don't think he can keep it up that long. ( A grimace the teen's way, he's not judging. ) We need a different plan.