Character:Sherbet Current Square: 1 to 6 Response:
The dark splotch in the distance turned out to be something after all.
Crouched down next to a pile of splintered and charred wood, Sherbet took in sight of the wreckage. Without a doubt the expedition team had come through here. How long ago though, he hadn't the foggiest. He traced a nail through the dirt, and sniffed at the freshly made smudge on his finger. The faint but acrid smell of smoke reached his nostrils.
Dusting off his hands, Sherbet pushed up off his heels. He picked his way through the debris, kicking over planks of charcoal and twisted rails of metal, in search of any further clues. The carriage could not have just been burned—he stepped over a bent wheel—the parts were too far spread out for that. An explosion maybe? Depending on the kind of research material the researchers got into, it seemed possible. Otherwise...
The debris offered no clues. Any evidence they might have once carried had been burnt up in the fire. Still, Sherbet brushed some ash into an empty vial. Perhaps he could reverse engineer it and find answers in remains.
Biological material. He was searching for biological material.
Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2019 10:40 pm
Character:Guadalupe Current Square: 17 to 16 Response: Slug this and slug that. "I really shouldn't be coming to you when you call me a slug." Even though the creatures were small and cute. He still knew that it wasn't a compliment from the other party. The jerk. Still, it hadn't stopped him from calling him that for what....7 years? 8 years? After the first week, he had lost the count of how long he had been called that.
He just knew that it was a damn well long time.
Nonetheless, he hurt and so, Guadalupe decided to hobble over towards his bakeneko friend, the jackalope hopping over and watching from a distance. "What are you going to do to, widen them? Check for alien goo?" He sighed, still plopping on the grass with a wince and propping his feet on top of Maoli. Maybe he'd get a foot massage out of it.....Nah, this was Mao that he was thinking about. He wasn't about to fool himself.
"I can't believe you're naming that thing. And feeding it." Not with how the one that was following him was acting. "I---," He swallowed his gum before taking a bite out of his own sandwich, looking at the beasty that was still glaring menacingly at him. "Fiesty." he let out. "As if a name would calm it down." An a*****e was always going to be an a*****e. But...as the jackalope looked from him to it's sibling..."Seems likely. Or mates? Maybe like..us?" His cheeks darkened suddenly, body going stiff. "Not like we're like that. You need to find a good alien lover." Even if that did make his blood boil. [wc: 268]
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Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2019 12:16 am
Character:Jin Current Square: 15 to 14 Response: "I sort of wish they gave us a book of photos of everyone on this expedition so we can flip through it and go, ooh it looks like so and so lost his reading glasses, at least we know they were here," Jin replied tiredly and tucked them into one of the bags. Perhaps if they found them, they would want their glasses back? "They seem to be readers? Instead of some more permanent prescription pair." He added, trying to sound soothing.
Tabi joining him north was reassuring... and he knew Eir could take care of herself, but it was also becoming a bit alarming to be away from the only one that had stock piled weapons. Maybe he should think about taking a few classes when they got back? For security?
"I guess I'm just lucky?" Jin replied, kneeling down to first examine the weapon he had found in the grass before reaching to carefully pick it up. "I'm rather sure it is a spear." He ran a finger over the edge and pulled back to pop it into his mouth as it drew blood. That was actually sharp so no play toy here. There was feathers tied to it. He stroke a finger down one admiring the colors. The rest had been snap so he discarded it. "Is it cliche to go, I believe we are not alone out here?" He asked, standing up, holding the spear securely. He held it out for Tabi to see better. “Have you ever seen such craftmanship?” He questioned.
Trinket claimed!
clues
"Day Nine. There were a few mishaps along the way, but we've finally arrived. The rumours said this area was dark and twisted, filled with monsters and whatnot. Nonsense! This area is nothing but beautiful plains and flowers - I am sure the most sinister thing to happen here is a bee sting. Most of the team and myself will camp here tonight, while Hilda and Nathaniel ensure the neighbouring forest is safe."
You have found a Clue!
You hear a crunch under your foot. Whoops. Upon closer inspection, you can see you have trodden on a pair of reading glasses that now sport a distinct crack across the glass. They are stained with grass - there's no way those stains are fresh.
You have found a Clue!
In the bright sun you see a glint nearby. Lying on the soft grass is a sharp, flat blade attached to a spear that has been snapped in several places. You don't recognise the craftsmanship of the weapon, but there are a few feathers tied to the polearm.
You have found a Clue!
Lural
smolderingskies
Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2019 2:35 am
END OF DAY TWO If you have been quoted the same prompt, it is because you have not moved since the last update! This does not mean you can claim a familiar or trinket a second time.
Prompt for Square 6
There is simply more grass. You start to realise that this area isn't considered a 'plain' for nothing.
Green Minuet
Prompt for Square 7
This is where someone found a page of Dr Horn’s journal. Better find them if you want to read it!
Cerl Temius
Prompt for Square 8
You feel around a small hole of dirt and sticks in a hillside, hoping it would have clues. Instead, you are jumped by an irritated jackelope. It seems you've found a burrow - not a source of clues but perhaps of friendship. Look at that jackalope's cute nose.
Micillia
Prompt for Square 14
Two trees sit on the top of a hill, offering welcome shade. At the trunk of one of the trees you see a book, most likely abandoned by a member of the first expedition. You look at the cover and- oh. I suppose only adults came on the first trip, too.
Lural
Shaddaling
Prompt for Square 15
In the bright sun you see a glint nearby. Lying on the soft grass is a sharp, flat blade attached to a spear that has been snapped in several places. You don't recognise the craftsmanship of the weapon, but there are a few feathers tied to the polearm.
You have found a Clue!
smolderingskies
Prompt for Square 16
You see three crows huddled on the ground, picking at some carrion. Was that a canine leg or... no. An arm. But what animals have five fingers and a thumb...? Maybe it would be best to leave the birds to their meal.
You have found a Clue!
- Mynsed -
Porcelain Pinch
Prompt for Square 19
Close to the edge of the forest, the ground has been clearly disturbed. Dirt and grass have been kicked up, but not just in a concentrated area - there is a wide circle that seems to have had hooves running over it. Had the first expedition brought horses?
You have found a Clue!
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iMoony
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Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2019 2:56 am
Character:Sherbet Current Square: 6 to 11 Response:
Sherbet veered to the north as he reached the ends of the plains and landed on a river bank. Crossing to the other side would have been little more than a hop and a skip away for him, but his earthbound companions would not have it so easy. Should anything happen, if anything happened, help would need to find him first. And the plains were vast enough a search area already, without him going AWOL.
Still... the chimera stifled a yawn. The afternoon sun was beginning to make him sleepy and the tedious scenery did nothing to help. He had put the wreckage of the carriage behind him an hour or so ago, and since then had seen nothing to spark his interest. Just more grass, more sky, and the serene, slow-flowing river to his left. He daydreamed idly about going rafting downstream.
Perhaps it was time for a lunch break.
Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2019 5:15 am
Character:Sylvia Current Square: 8 to 13 Response: Sylvia looked down at the animal with a frown. It was so odd how familiars were just... all over the place. And how they were just so ready and willing to get adopted, picked up, and handled. She picked the thing up, and assessed it. If it continued this behavior it was surly going to get eaten. No one just hops up to people and survives as a species. Well, she guessed most nightmares didn't hunt for food, but they were out in the middle of no where. Nowhere she knew at least. How were they so friendly?
There must be some sort of humanoid creature around that has trained them not to be afraid of other humanoid creatures. Sylvia scanned the area. There was something.... someones... that were here... smart enough to train and domesticate rabbits...
Micillia
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Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2019 11:01 am
Character:Ligeia Current Square: 19 Response: A blue fey drew into the same area as she did and Ligeia offered them a little smile and a wave. They were the first person they had ventured near since the jackalope colony. Well, better get to investigating. Never know what might be lurking in the tall grass, though the sight of the tree line was admittedly refreshing.Turning her attention to her surroundings, Ligeia squinted at the earth, hoping that something would reveal itself. Something more pertinent than grass, hills, and sky. It took a few moments, but her eyes focused and it looked like the earth and grass were just the thing to look into.
"Wh-Are you seeing this?" Rotating on the spot, the hallowed hybrid frowned. The largest things she'd seen thus far had been the jackalopes. Had the initial expedition brought horses? Were...were there local horseback riders? Could the professor and his team been run across by a group riders? "Have you seen any more fauna out here? I've not seen anything large enough to make such tracks."
Eir was a little sad that the fey continued on without talking much about the book they found. She sighed, but heard a familiar voice coming closer. "Jin!" She was actually glad to see one of the smarter, bookish people from her group. Where was Tabi though? "Jin, look at this. We found some books." She held out the dirt covered book as the kumiho hybrid came closer. She brushed some dirt off the cover to make it more readable… then started to notice what the cover looked like. "You know, I was thinking this might have been a journal, but now I'm not so sure." She looked up at Jin's face. "I also found a ring of stones that looked like it could have been a fire pit, but there was nothing else around. I was hoping it would have been part of their camp or something, but there were no other clues or objects or anything. And the only foot prints I found were fresh, probably from the fey up ahead there. Did you find anything?" She couldn't help but notice that Jin looked a little… grim. "Tabi is ok, isn't she?" She looked around, then saw the naga a few dozen paces behind Jin. She let out a relieved sigh. "We probably shouldn't stick around here too long." Looking to the north, she wondered if they should keep going forward, then decided that staying in one place was not the best idea. Tabi wasn't that far behind, and Eir figured if they encountered something bad, she would do her best to provide a distraction so Jin and Tabi could escape.
(wc 273)
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smolderingskies
Lural
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Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2019 11:47 am
Character:Maoli Current Square: 16 to 21 Response: Maoli listened to the ridiculousness of his companion while he gently dabbed at the small wounds. Nixies were so convenient when getting hurt; they didn't have to worry about fur irritating the wound, holding bacteria, or having to shave the patch just to treat it. Once he was sure the wound was clean, he began to gently apply the adhesive bandages, making sure the wound was protected from getting infected. "Fiesty?" Maoli replied with a snort. "I guess it's true about familiars taking after their owners... I just never expected it to be fast. Or is it cockatrice of a feather?" he further mused before gently lifting the leg and kissing the applied bandage. Then, he went to work on the other foot.
"Maybe if you feed Fiesty, they'll like you more. Y'know, quickest way to the heart being the stomach and all," he mused. He finished up his job and bent to kiss this bandage as well, leaning back just in time to see the blush creeping on the nixie's face at what he said. M-mates? As in... together officially? Or friends, like a pirate crew? Mao's own eyes widened, staring at Guadalupe, his own cheeks heated. This was... a subject they both had delicately avoided. They didn't know what they were and putting a name to it was just... too much. A risk for their friendship. A risk for... whatever relationship they had.
"Like us?" he said carefully, though his ears drooped at the sudden correction. Not like them? And then 'lupe was back to the jokes. Maoli's tail curled around him uncertainly. "....yeah... sure," he mumbled dejectedly before gathering his bag, Spacey still inside. He stood up. "well, this isn't the place to talk about that sort of things. We should go," he said quickly, taking off in a direction.
There were birds circling. Frowning, he followed to where they were circling, spotting three more, crows it seemed, pecking at something. Slowly, he approached, curious to find a new clue... before stumbling backwards, falling to his a** and still scrambling on his hands. "L-L-LUPE!" he shouted, eyes frozen to the sight, horror feeling him as nausea swam through him. That had to be fake! It was an arm, right?!? It had to be fake! But why would the birds be eating it?! His mind was spinning and he didn't realize he was still screaming his companions name, still unable to look away. [WC: 405]
Tabi nodded at Jin's remark. "A list of missing people would certainly be helpful," she agreed. She knew that other groups had gone to the other locations - it was unlikely that they had been the only group to find anything. So what, specifically, had happened out here in the plains? But the fact that the glasses were readers - well, nobody was stumbling into snakeholes blind out here, then. Hopefully. If one person lost their glasses, perhaps others would have as well. But, it just as easily could have fallen out of a bag or a pocket.
She craned her neck to check on Eir. All calm on the Western front, it seemed. Not that she could really tell from here. But when Jin showed her the spear he had found, she gasped aloud, leaning in closer to peer at it. Now this was the type of artifact she specialized in. Relics from ancient cultures were her passion. In another life, she might have been a museum curator. It looked a little like an ancient Naga craftsmanship, or perhaps very early Fallen. But, "it's not a dead ringer for any culture I know of," she said. "I'd have to bring it in and do some research. Perhaps compare it to other samples. Maybe it's a hybrid culture, like with the Naga and Bakeneko - a mingling of ancient peoples we didn't know about!"
The thought was exhilarating. She wondered if Dr. Horn had come across artifacts like this, had come to a similar conclusion. All of a sudden, she was a bit jealous that he might have been the one to discover a new archaeological anomaly. She thought should really go on solo expeditions more often
--wc: 284
Lural
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smolderingskies Crew
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Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2019 12:57 pm
Character:Jin Current Square: 14 to 19 Response: "Something new then...perhaps." Jin carefully packed it in his bag, he would have to show it to Eir when they got closer but for now, he was going to keep it close so they didn't loose it. "Do you mind if I accompany you to your work to help out?" He always needed a bit more field work and experience to pad out his resume.
"Though I wonder if they are still around." Jin wasn't ready to say ancient people, undiscovered to cultures of the below perhaps... the war really had done a number on many cultures. He started off to Eir and waved at her as he got close enough. "Tabi should be behind me!"
"You found some books?" He moved closer to her and paused, looking at the cover. "Nope... I think that is someone smut book." He said amused. Well, that would be one way to pass the time, though he found them to be a bit.... impossible in many aspects. "Ooh, I have something to show you." He reached into the bag and carefully pulled out the spear head, showing it to the Grimm. "Thoughts?" He asked, playing with one of the feathers attached to the shaft.
“But a fire pit is a good find… they might have camp here. Between the notebook page, the stone, the glasses, this spear, and a firepit… I think we are in a good area to maybe figure out what happened.” It seemed that they had picked a good direction to find some clue of the Professors whereabouts.
(wc 259)
Trinket claimed!
clues
"Day Nine. There were a few mishaps along the way, but we've finally arrived. The rumours said this area was dark and twisted, filled with monsters and whatnot. Nonsense! This area is nothing but beautiful plains and flowers - I am sure the most sinister thing to happen here is a bee sting. Most of the team and myself will camp here tonight, while Hilda and Nathaniel ensure the neighbouring forest is safe."
You have found a Clue!
You hear a crunch under your foot. Whoops. Upon closer inspection, you can see you have trodden on a pair of reading glasses that now sport a distinct crack across the glass. They are stained with grass - there's no way those stains are fresh.
You have found a Clue!
In the bright sun you see a glint nearby. Lying on the soft grass is a sharp, flat blade attached to a spear that has been snapped in several places. You don't recognise the craftsmanship of the weapon, but there are a few feathers tied to the polearm.
You have found a Clue!
Lural
smolderingskies
Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2019 1:00 pm
Character:Guadalupe Current Square: 16 to 21 Response: That stung. Guadalupe let out quite a few small hisses as Maoli was patching him up. If it weren't for the chance of infection, if he hadn't gotten infected in the past, he would have gladly retracted his feet back. ******** being in pain. But his past luck with open wounds hadn't been stellar in the past. Lupe shuddered. Losing his foot was not on the agenda.
"Are you calling me fiesty?" He raised a brow before narrowing. That was no compliment. That...that was an insult! "I'm not like that rodent!" He snapped, bringing his feet back to him. It was going to take more than a kiss on his ankle to soothe him over. To think that Maoli was actually being nice... Screw him. "Do you see me biting at your ankles? Huh? Do ya, ya twit?" The only bites he gave were love bites. And he sure as heck didn't break skin and made sure that it was nice for the other party.
"What if I don't want to get along with Fiesty?" The nixie turned his head towards the jackalope in question who was rummaging around in Maoli's backpack. "It seems to like you more than it likes me." Typical. Leave it to the bakeneko to have a knack with animals. But, on a whim, he threw a crust at the jackalope. It wasn't like he was going to eat the edges anyway. Eating the shitty part of the sandwich wasn't his cup of tea, you could say. At least it was the jackalopes who scarfed it down in one whole gulp.
"Yeah, like us." Friends. Friends with benefits. Best buds. However labels worked. He wasn't too sure. They knew everything about each other down to their favorite way to sleep and what time of day was best to have coffee at. But--apparently--Mao was going to misconstrue is words. Again. He let out a frustrated noise as his head fell back on the soft grass. "I meant as in good friends!" He called out, rubbing at his face. Why did his heart soar and plummet to the ground so much for this freak? Why did he have to have a weird jumble of feelings?! Why did--Why did Maoli not like him back in that way?! Tears pricked at Guadalupe's eyes, but he refused to let that get him down, quickly scrubbing at them. He couldn't continue to lay here. He--
Wait, was that his name?!
All thought was lost and color drained from his face. That sounded like Maoli. A scared Maoli. Maybe it was just another frog. He had a tendency to get afraid of the smallest of things. Still, there was a twist in his gut that felt like this wasn't just a frog. That it was something bigger.
Gulping, Guadalupe got up and patted himself off before rushing over. It didn't seem like the bakeneko was in any trouble. "What do you need a hand with this time?" He looked over to where Mao was staring.
Oh. That---that was a body part, wasn't it? "You stay here." He patted the bakeneko's shoulder before slowly towards the mass of muscle and bone. It----it wasn't fresh. Looked to be there for a few days. He couldn't let Mao know that it was an actual hand. The man was too fragile. " Looks like it's just a specrefoxe's leg. We should keep on looking, yeah?" He dusted his hands off on his pants as if he had touched the creature before wandering back to Mao. [wc: 593]
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Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2019 2:40 pm
Character:Saiph Current Square: 19 not moving Response: Saiph wondered briefly if they were being a bit stand-offish. Unintentionally they seemed to be skirting away from others and barely talking when they did run across someone. It probably wasn't a good idea now that Saiph thought about it. After all, wasn't wandering alone how bad things usually happened in horror movies? Yep, that's usually when a trap would actually separate a person from the group fully so there was no hope of rescue. Saiph decided then to try to be more vocal to those nearby about their whereabouts so they wouldn't be forgotten.
They shook their head to refocus on the ground. Despite Saiph's best intentions it seemed they weren't the best at staying focused. Saiph laughed at themselves but made sure to glance behind them to double-check they hadn't missed any clues. They saw the Grimm from before talking to someone else, probably sharing the book find, but decided it was best not to call out.
The voice of someone else pulled Saiph's attention back north where the Hallowed was rotating around with a rather confused look. Saiph quickly rushed over to check out what the fuss was about. As soon as they reached the Hallowed their eyes went to where she was looking to see the disturbed ground. With how much damage to the grass there was it was clearly the tracks of a large hoofed animal (or animals).
At the other's question, Saiph shook their head. "I haven't seen much other than a jackalope I had to chase down." Their eyes followed the wide circle the tracks made and their brow crinkled in confusion. "Why are the tracks going in a circle? It's almost like they were surrounding something..." Saiph couldn't be one hundred percent sure but something was definitely odd in the scene the tracks painted.
Saiph looked up and saw the Grimm heading over. They beckoned her and the kumiho hybrid following her over. "Come check out these tracks, um.... " Saiph looked at the Hallowed and realized they didn't know her name. "I'm Saiph by the way," they said to the group now forming. Good news is that now Saiph didn't have to worry about no one noticing if they were to go missing.
[[ word count: 371]]
Avid_RPer18
Lural
Hey, Saiph being friendly now! 8D
Shaddaling
join the group staring at the ground~
Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2019 3:06 pm
Prompt for Square 11
You follow a stream that runs through the plains and eventually find yourself at a small lake. Frolicking in the shallow waters are a small family of sealpups. One of them approaches you and nuzzles against your leg - how could you say no to those eyes?
Green Minuet
You know your sin.
Prompt for Square 13
It really is incredible how much grass there is. What an efficient and boring specimen of flora.
Micillia
You are currently under the word count minimum and may not explore again.
Prompt for Square 14
Two trees sit on the top of a hill, offering welcome shade. At the trunk of one of the trees you see a book, most likely abandoned by a member of the first expedition. You look at the cover and- oh. I suppose only adults came on the first trip, too.
smolderingskies
Prompt for Square 19
Close to the edge of the forest, the ground has been clearly disturbed. Dirt and grass have been kicked up, but not just in a concentrated area - there is a wide circle that seems to have had hooves running over it. Had the first expedition brought horses?
You have found a Clue!
Avid_RPer18
You are currently under the word count minimum and may not explore again.
Lural
Shaddaling
iMoony
I'm only quoting you because you'll give me s**t if I don't. I KNOW you're not moving.
Prompt for Square 21
Oh dear. More grass. Well this is just plain boring.
Jin caught up to her, and Tabi was just behind, lagging a little, but that was ok. She was glad they were still close by. "Ah, yeah this book… seems like maybe it belonged to… maybe someone from Dr. Horne's group? Maybe? If nothing else… we have something to read on the ride back I guess." She shrugged and put the dirty book in her bag.
But then Jin presented the spear head he had found. "Wow, someone really knew what they were doing." She gently took it from him to inspect the weight and balance. "Yeah, this would cause some real damage if thrown, but probably be one hundred percent lethal up close if you have the skill to wield it. But I'm not seeing or smelling any blood on it. I've never seen one like this before though. And the feathers are kind of strange. They don't seem to serve a practical use. They're just… decoration?" She handed it back to Jin.
Their steps brought them up close to the fey she had seen earlier. "Hello again." Eir nodded to them, then looked at the tracks they pointed out. "Tracks?" She knelt down to look closer at them. "I would really… really like to be optimistic on what happened here, and that someone was just… chasing down some food or a familiar or something… but…" Eir trailed off, not really wanting to talk about what everyone probably surmised. "…With the spear and broken glasses and that journal page." She sighed.
"I really want to follow these tracks…" She looked north and east, then the fey hybrid gave their name. "Oh? Saiph… You are part of the expedition, right? I can't recall if I saw you before we left, or when we all got off the carriages." She was sure the fey wasn't in their carriage. "I'm Eir, and this is Jin. And… bringing up the rear is Tabi." She looked for the Naga hybrid. "I want to see where these tracks go… um… you are welcome to join us?
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