Graded [Briar Thorn Forests] One’s Search for Reunion

[Etymarchen]

MENTIONS: Valkan Dante Verren Blackish

OOC: Starting positions had already been PM'd ahead—little to no changes. If there is any confusion with regards to information within the posts or a desire to learn more context to a scene, feel free to ask questions out of roleplay or attempt to assess for more information through having your character make an active attempt to recall information from within the roleplay or through searching within the roleplay. Feel free to post alongside or towards other players for the sake of developing interactions as long as you’re not in-combat and not posting back-to-back. I will not mind shorter responses especially if it serves to the betterment of pacing.

POSTING DEADLINE: 2-3 days following Narrator post. I will try to write up a more adjusted schedule later, but for now we'll assume that if the majority of players have responded within 2 days, we will be able to move along. 3 days if only one has posted until the timeframe. If you are given an extension, the max it will stretch is one day. There will be no exceptions unless otherwise stated.

---

The Briar Thorn Forests​

Several adventurers have recently gone missing in the last few months while exploring the mystical roads of the Briar Thorn Forests.

In spite of her many heroic titles, Hildegard's status of renown would not be enough to prevent her from searching these monster-infested forests. During her search for these adventurers, Hildegard would manage to run into two other individuals lost within the forest--these individuals including a [Construct] [Warrior] Vandaratharasiran (V for short) and an [Elven] [Apprentice Knife-Thrower] by the name of Vanta. Upon being informed of the task at hand, V and Vanta have agreed to assist Hildegard in her quest to investigate the cause behind these missing adventurers.

The Briar Thorn Forests have, in these recent months, made quite a name for themselves amongst the Adventurer's Guild with recently incrementing incidents of curious explorers and adventurers alike going missing. The Adventurer's Guild has made the request for adventurers (or, reluctantly, for those interested) to seek answers with regards to recent increments in adventurers going missing within the Thorn Forests. Although the forest's magic-nullifying properties once serviced perfectly to defend the now-fallen Realm of Briar from most sudden teleportation and portal magics alike, these properties have made these forests quite unfavorable to traverse without specialized equipment.

To be utilized in moments of urgency, Hildegard has been temporarily equipped with 3x Magic Enhancement Coins to allow her or other chosen characters three chances to temporarily bypass the nullification effect to wield magic. (Note that these coins will only be present for this campaign and you will not be able to use them for other campaigns).

As hours would pass in turn with their long running methods in searching through the thorny, violet thickets, beneath pale refractions of pink and green, they would soon stumble upon a human figure with black hair and a spiffy blue dress of rabbit prints, hoisting tightly to a closed parasol while calmly laying in a tangle of black thorned vines. The figure, of course, took note of the arrivers almost immediately as they would approach.

“Hi. Lacie and her bunnies got scared by a big, scary wolfy guy while looking for some ruins. She tried looking for her bunnies afterward, then got lost and stuck herself. Help would be appreciated,” it said, perhaps a bit wordily in its monotony, unblinking, “Lacie will be able to express more gratitude than none if she doesn’t get poked to death by thorns. Lacie will be incredibly sad if she is left to an unnecessarily brutal and morbid death. Please do not leave Lacie to perish slowly in this unfortunate turn of events. A quick and painless death would be a more favorable way to die. With much sincerity and regards, ‘thank you’ is what Lacie says.”

 

[Blackish]

VANTA

Mentions:
Dante Verren Etymarchen Valkan​

"Ughh."

Filled with exasperation, Vanta's inexperience and lack of skill was made clear to him. An hour or two had passed since he found himself lost within the dense thicket that was the Brian Thorn Forest. However, he did his best to calm his mind and not give in to his frustrations. Vanta was in no way a woodsman, so the best he could do to avoid wandering around in circles was to mark the areas he had already passed. It was not the best idea, but it was the only thing he could come up with.

Though unable to find the path out, Vanta's efforts eased his nerves long enough until he found others who were on the same boat as he was. Fortune had yet to abandon the young elf as he was blessed with acquaintances who had experience and skills greater than his own. He felt not inferiority or jealousy, but humility. Given his circumstances, he couldn't have hoped for a better opportunity.

Instead of traversing the thorny forest alone, Vanta now had companions. Companions who, unfortunately, appeared as lost as he was. Minutes turned into hours, and Vanta still found himself occasionally hacking away at vines and shrubbery that blocked their way.

---

Vanta was at a loss for words as they stumbled upon another individual. The sight of her tangled in a web of vines was more than enough to make him act. Naive as he may be, Vanta couldn't just stand still when someone was obviously in need of help.

"Don't worry. We'll get you out of there in a bit." Vanta slowly approached her, hoping to not startle the young girl.

Kneeling down, with dagger in hand, Vanta gently cut loose some of the bramble and thorny overgrowths that wrapped around the girl who introduced herself as Lacie.

Vanta wasn't certain what he found more peculiar. The mouthful of words that was coming out of her, or the monotonous manner of how she spoke despite the position she was in.

Unsure which to address first, Vanta obviously went with the concern at hand. "Lacie, we can talk about bunnies and wolves later." He had no idea what she was talking about. "And you aren't dying. You're just stuck." It was like he was talking to a little sister. "Let's get you back on your feet first, then we can go from there. Be careful of those thorns, okay?"

 

[Dante Verren]

Hildegard Karling
Interaction: Etymarchen Blackish Valkan


Over the course of her time as an adventurer in Ryke, Hildegard had found herself falling into a pattern. She would wander for a bit, stumble upon a quest from the adventurer's guild, and be sent out to solve a problem for one of the many smaller towns/villages. While not exactly assisting a small town or village, this current circumstance had indeed followed the same pattern. It was shortly after her last foray and events with the great tree that she had returned to the Adventurer's guild to report her success. Upon her return she found another quest waiting for her, more missing adventurer's and children. Once more she dawned her armor, sharpened her blade, and set out into the field.

Out of all the places she had been, she hated this damned forest the most. Sure it was pretty, but it also had an eerie feel to it. To make matters worse she couldn't use her magic. She felt like a part of her was missing with out it, almost like her connection to her great lord had been severed by this distasteful place. The longer she stayed in this place the more irritable she found herself becoming. Multiple times she caught herself reaching up and lightly touching the pendant she had been given by the dragon Aegrizora. At least then she could find some form of connection with a divine being in these godless woods.

At first it was just her and the construct V. She honestly didn't know what to make of the construct. She hadn't ever seen one before and it felt.. unnatural to be traveling with one. Still she was glad that he had decided to join. She wasn't the best at making conversation so while they traveled she opted to move in silence. Only speaking when spoken too. Recent events had reaffirmed the lesson of don't judge a book by it's cover, so she made extra sure to keep any form of judgement out of her mind for the unnatural being.

It wasn't too long that they found an elf adventurer, apparently who was lost in the woods and joined up with the group. Not only was it a comfort to have more allies to help in the quest, but also one of flesh and blood. It was also nice that he was so willing to do the hard work such as cut through any of the landscape that got in there way so she wouldn't have to. Though she noted that his inexperience was showing once they happened upon there first real sign of life.

Stumbling past a girl caught in vines, Hildegard raised an eyebrow at her strange manner of speech. Was she talking in the third person, or was there someone else she was talking about. While she definitely wanted to help this girl but the unusual situation she found herself in made Hildegard pause for a moment. turning she scanned the area around her, trying to see if this was a trap of some kind. Satisfied that there was no threat she turned back to Vanata and the girl who she assumed was Lacie "It seems rabbits and wolves happened to be important to her. Tell us what you know" She said in a matter of fact tone.

 

[Valkan]

V
​

Life is strange. One day you just wake up in the middle of nowhere, with the vaguest recollection of who, where or even what you are. That was V's case. This forest that gave off unsettling vibes was completely unknown, he doesn't know who he is, and he was pretty confident living creatures weren't made of metal. Or were they? No matter. Idling around isn't going to answer anything. That in mind, he started wandering the forest. It soon became evident, however, that leaving this forest wouldn't be a simple task.

A few hours or so into his wandering, he managed to come across someone. An adventurer by the name of Hildegard. She had been tasked with investigate the area. Finding no other promising leads out, he agreed to join her. While not entirely averse to him, V did notice Hildegard wasn't entirely comfortable in his presence. Not wanting to aggravate her, V kept to himself for the most part as they ventured the forest. Later on, another adventurer joined them. This one was named Vanta. He appeared more relaxed towards V, but in order to not discomfort Hildegard much, he continued traveling silently while remaining vigilant of the area.

The group didn't take long to stumble into yet another person. A girl with a peculiar speech pattern named Lacie. Vanta went towards her to release her while offering some encouraging words, while Hildegard, ensuring their own safety first, scanned the area before asking the girl about her situation. V thought all bases were covered for now, so he remained silent as he kept an eye out for potential threats.

Interactions: Dante Verren Blackish

 

[Etymarchen]

MENTIONS: Valkan Dante Verren Blackish
OOC: I love reading everything.

---

The Briar Thorn Forests

V would keep lookout as Vanta and Hildegard would focus their efforts on addressing the girl's situation.

Though the forest was quite shadowy and dim, it was undeniably a beautiful sight to behold if he would simply allow himself to indulge in the sight of it. But alas, the sight, by now, would have likely been more sickening with its pale greens and lavenders tints simply from how long the party had been lost within it. Though the presence of sunlight came sparingly in the form of rays, it felt as if more light came in the form of bio-luminescent organisms. These organisms, of course, included the monsters that lurked in the forest. As he would continue his task of lookout, however, he would manage to hear a vague rustling noise further down the path from which they had arrived.

At the very least, Vanta's dagger markings did not go to waste with the near-black bark responding back with bluish glows--it would have thankfully been difficult for them to lose their path because of these efforts.

---

Although the vines were quite tough to break though with Vanta's dagger alone, his efforts, regardless, would suffice in breaking the girl free from the tough vines. As soon as she would be released, she would quickly attempt to brush off any dirt or ruffling that potentially came from the vines.

- • LACIE • -
A lost traveler speaking in third person.

​

"Yay," she said, unenthusiastically raising a fist into the air, "Lacie will now be multiple steps away from being stuck instead of dying," she cheered, if her toneless statement could be counted as one. "Lacie expresses her gratitude to Mister Knife Elf," she said, "Yay."

Upon finally properly adjusting herself to her feet, she would open her black parasol and adjust it above her head, her left hand quickly checking through her skirt-pockets until she could find a small, rustic watch, propping it back in as soon as she would be able to make note of it. As Hildegard would address her, her expression would remain stoic as she would slowly inch behind Vanta, hiding behind him before she would proceed to speak.

"To address Miss Super Serious Knight Lady," her fingers grasped at her chin thinking as to how she would respond, eventually nodding her head quite quickly as she would, "Lacie was looking for some suuuuper cool ruins in the forest with her five bunnies...and then Lacie saw and followed some super pretty looking red crystals...and then this big, scary, bloody wolfy boy who was thiiiiisss tall and had these super cool looking glowy ears suddenly jumped at us--!! Lacie was super scared and didn't manage to notice more, but Lacie and her bunnies all got super scared and then started running in all sorts of different directions to not suffer a miserable and terrible death!! So then after Lacie realized that she wasn't with all her bunnies, Lacie tried looking for her bunnies, but it was super hard since all her bunnies are only as tall as Lacie's knees when they don't become big...and her bunnies are black...and the forest is also super black...and then Lacie tripped. And then Lacie got stuck. And then Lacie was sad...but then Lacie was found by the super nice Knife Elf guy...!!"

With regards to the height of the "scary, bloody wolfy boy," she had stood on her toes as she would make a rough estimate of the apparent wolfy boy's height. It seemed that it was around the taller end, but not so much that it could be identified as [Large] in size. At most, it was only tall for a human.

 

[Blackish]

VANTA

Mentions:
Dante Verren Etymarchen Valkan​

As much as he wanted to maintain his focus, Vanta couldn't deny that it was harder than it seemed. Normally, he would have found Lacie's peculiarities amusing and adorable. She reminded Vanta of her younger cousins. But again, due to the situation she was in, her demeanor just made her seem appear strange and out of place. These comments, however, Vanta kept to himself as he continued to saw away what he could from the vines that he was slowly going through. They were tougher than he had expected, but his efforts were at least enough to loosen Lacie from her thorny bindings.

While the black-haired girl got back to her feet, Vanta reached into his cloak. Pulling out a piece of cloth, he proceeded to wipe down his dagger.

"You're certainly welcome." He was glad that Lacie appeared unscathed. "You can call me Vanta, by the way." He tried to appear nonchalant to not make his surprise that noticeable. "Was that a watch?" Vanta thought to himself in disbelief.

His curious gaze then followed Lacie briefly as she moved behind him. His previous musings turned into fleeting afterthoughts as his attention went towards how Lacie acted and spoke. Vanta assumed that she might have been intimidated by Hildegard. "Hpfft." The thought immediately made him laugh, but Vanta managed to stop midway.

As he tidied himself up, he stood quietly and listened to Lacie. Vanta nodded throughout her ramblings, acknowledging the information she was sharing with them. Behind his silence, squinting eyes, and partially pouting lower lip, he was confused and overwhelmed. Not only did Vanta have doubts, but a handful of questions as well. He planned to feign ignorance, but realized that his lack of knowledge would be detrimental to their group.

"Vanta. You can call me Vanta, Lacie." He chuckled as he resheathed his dagger. Vanta was pleased that for a moment, Lacie broke free from her monotonous way of talking. "That's quite the story. Transforming black rabbits and a massive glowing-eared wolf, huh? Well, I'm not even sure what to say about that." Vanta simply scratched the side of his head and just smiled, hinting to his unfamiliarity with such concepts.

"Hildegard, V? What do you guys think?" Hopefully, they could contribute more than Vanta could regarding the matter. "I don't know if we can help you out, but maybe you can tag along with us for the time being? I think that would be better than being alone inside this weird forest."

 

[Dante Verren]

Hildegard Karling
Interaction: Etymarchen Blackish Valkan


This girl was seriously weird. Her expression less face, her awkward movements that betrayed no emotion, and that toneless voice. It didn't help that she refused to talk in anything but the third person. This was going to be a challenge of the mind and body. If it hadn't been for her last few adventures she might have turned around and walked off, or just had accepted that this was some challenge placed before her by her lord. Instead she recognized it as it was, a weird girl lost in the forest . She took a quick breath in to relive whatever tension she had in her body and glanced at V behind her. "Please keep a look out. Alert us the moment you see anything." She told the robot before turning back to Lacie.

Hildegard took a step forward and crouched down onto one knee, that way the shorter girl now stood taller then herself. She allowed herself to smile in combination trying to make herself look smaller, more friendly, and overall less intimidating. She looked up at Vanta as he asked if the group could help Lacie and nodded before going back to Lacie. "Like Vanta said, my name is Hildegard. It is a pleasure to meet you Lacie." she said offering up another smile. "We are adventures who have come to help, and I think we found you for a reason". She paused for a moment, waiting to see how the girl would react before continuing. "Adventurers like us, and kids younger then you have gone missing in these woods. We want to find them and to save them just like Vanta saved you. Thanks to you I have an idea of where to look. If you can take us to those red crystals we might be bale to find who we are looking for. If you help us we can help you find your bunnies, all five of them. " She held up her hand in front of her with all of her five fingers out to prove she meant it when she said all five.

It was then that she had to turn to the source of why Lacie had lost her bunnies in the first place. "If you are scared of the big bad wolfy boy, then just know that you have the courageous Vanta who heroically leapt to your rescue, the serious Hildegard, and the super powerful V. Any wolf who tries to get you will get a smack on the nose and be sent running." She quickly brought in her fingers rapidly closing her hand into a fist and making a punching motion in the air. "So how about it Lacie? Want to help us while we help you?" She finally finished her little speech and sent an immediate but silent prayer to whatever gods were watching her. If this didn't work and she looked like an idiot for no reason she was going to punch herself instead of a wolf.

 

[Valkan]

V
​

Keeping the conversation at hand mostly in the background, V was able to notice what seemed like unnatural rustling from where they came. Too low to be a sudden gust of wind in a thick forest. He kept the magical lenses he had for eyes focused on that area, while he tuned in back to the conversation. Hildegard was treating Lacie like a child now. Just what did he miss? Hildegard sounded about done with that, but just in case, he opened up with "Apolog... Sorry to interrupt, I detec... Noticed a strange rustling back from the way we came." His metallic sounding voice clashing with the form of speech he was trying to use, the one that came to him felt unnatural for some reason. Then again, what about him didn't? He pointed the party towards the source of the noise.

Interactions: Dante Verren Blackish Etymarchen

 

[Etymarchen]

MENTIONS: Valkan Dante Verren Blackish
OOC: (sorry long post :'D)
Summary: Lacie successfully is able to lead the party to the site where she had initially lost her rabbits, but is unable to find the crystals she had mentioned to have found/been intrigued by. Party is able to investigate site for more information.

---

- • LACIE • -

As the party made their self-introductions, Lacie would nod her head. After Vanta would be Hildegard's turn to introduce herself. As she would kneel down and throw punches into the air, Lacie would continue to stare, blinking without comment. Perhaps the tilt of her head was to be regarded as a means to express her confusion at the woman, before she would proceed with a simple nod, as if accepting whatever scene she had just witnessed to be fact.

"Lacie is the black-haired girl in blue with a bunny hair clip carrying a black parasol. She is happy to meet Mister Vanta, Miss Hildegard, and V," she would respond. "Lacie has five bunnies named Jumpyman, Snuggles, Dodgyson, Mister Hoppers, and Laplace, but they're not here, so Lacie can actually introduce them within fifteen seconds of time instead of their usual five minutes. Miss Hildegard might get along with them very well," she nodded. "With regards to the location where Lacie found the red crystals...Lacie ran in a relatively straight direction, so..."

She attempted to think for a moment, before nodding her head, pointing towards the path from which the rustling seemed to occur from.

"Lacie's magic is rarely effective within the forest, but some of the [Monsters] seem to be able to use magic regardless as she has noticed in her exploration thus far, so Vanta, Hildegard, and V should be careful. This way," she nodded, walking carefully through the dim thicket.

---

The Briar Thorn Forests

With V's warning of the strange rustling down in the direction of Lacie's path, the group knew to be cautious as they would follow along the path. Although they would not find themselves ambushed in their careful track, caution would linger amongst the party as tree followed after tree, moss after moss, flower after flower. The most oddities the party would may have noticed along the way would include a strange, floating pink and violet fish whom easily blended with the forest. Another oddity that would exhibit itself would have been various white birds of long, magnificent tails, ended with varying colors of crystals. Though they seemed they seemed to stick out like a sore thumb, a close eye could notice them hiding amongst various bio-luminescent plants and advantageous use of their easily blending coats and tiny bodies would allow them to blend safely, harmonious chirps to follow after harmonious chirp.

Eventually, Lacie would stop upon their intended destination--one she would thankfully be able to recognize from a large, towering tree infested with several white and blue flowers--its roots stretching out of the ground as if to make an arch over the party walking beneath it. From the other side of this arching tree, they could see just how large the flowers had grown--large enough to enclose upon an entire leg, even as there was no sunlight to reflect upon them.

Having been the one to have been exploring that area in the first place, Lacie felt herself confident in being able to quickly point about the area. As such, she would attempt to quickly point out the location in which she had managed to have found the crystals she was discussing.

"Lacie remembers the red crystals should be...right..."

Lacie looked around for a few moments--tracing back and forth throughout various paths and bushes. Eventually, the girl with her black parasol would return to the party.

"...Lacie...wasn't able to find the red crystals..." she muttered, eyes gazing downward as her fingers fiddled at the umbrella's stem. "...but Lacie is super, super certain that this was where she saw the wolfy boy..."

(OOC Note: The party may be able to find more information or discover things that Lacie did not initially notice if they attempt to look around within the area. Secondary Skills may improve a character's personal progress, but lacking such skills will not deny characters the ability to ask questions and attempt to dissect what they find based on Narrator output. Asking questions is welcome.

To ensure faster information output and to ensure this section doesn't take too long, information and discoveries may be delivered per post (or whenever I manage to respond :'D).)

 

[Dante Verren]

Hildegard Karling
Interactions: Etymarchen Valkan Blackish


Hildegard nodded in satisfaction that Lacie accepted their offer and to the fact that she didn't just make herself look like a fool for no reason. The various names of the rabbits also served to solidify in her confidence that Lacie was definitely on the younger side despite being rather tall for a kid. She had indeed chosen the right course of action. Her head turned to look at V as the construct spoke about the rustling in the bushes. Narrowing her eyes she watched for any signs of movement, but none came. "Lets keep an eye out while we move." she stood back up, her hand drifting to the hilt of her sword, but not drawing it yet.

As they followed Lacie to the large tree, Hildegard kept up a constant vigil. Searching for any kinds of dangers. She wasn't exactly sure what a big bad wolfy boy was... but anything dangerous in this forest was likely to be enhanced by some kind of magic. She had to force herself not to frown when they finally arrived at the tree to see that there was no signs of the red crystal that Lacie had mentioned.

"If this was the place then we might as well start looking for tracks. Either rabbit, Wolf, or humanoid." She said as her eyes scanned the different paths. Hand still on the hilt of her weapon, she began to search around for any sign of tracks to give them any kind of indication of where to go next.

 

[Etymarchen]

MENTIONS: Valkan Dante Verren Blackish
OOC: Let me know of any confusions. (I could try drawing an MSPaint representation later.)

Hildegard: Investigation Results​

The path they would find themselves upon was one which featured three clear or prominent routes.

The first route was the route behind them (of which they had managed to enter from). The party's footprints on their own made it difficult to recognize if there were any previous tracks. Hildegard would be able to make note of Lacie's shoeprints.

The second was the path forward, where, with the assistance of the pale mint and pale lavender hue, similar large white and blue flowers growing upon the trees behind them could be seen enclosing upon the freely flying white jewel-tailed birds of which the party could previously make note of. The fish creatures of which they would notice before seemed fond to chase after much of the birds in the area, yet seemed avoidant of the flowers. This path appeared to have already been used both for forward and backwards exploration, but one could vaguely make the distinction of multiple small animals' feet pressing forward over the previous prints.

A third. more narrow route marked by overgrowth and several broken, runic pillars could be spotted to the left of their entry point, where multiple small tracks of a small animal's footprints seemed to follow down alongside a second pair of shoeprints that did not resemble Lacie's own, one pair following down into the path, and another which would eventually be lost to the bushes to their right.

But as much as it was clear there were two different pairs of shoeprints and rabbit footprints spreading into multiple directions, there was no sign thereof trackprints that seemed they could even vaguely resemble a lupine creature such as a wolf.

 

[Valkan]

V
​

Hildegard's show, while not completely off the mark, did seem to throw Lacie off. That said, it managed to work, probably. "Interesting names. Did you name them?" V asked, attempting to figure out a little more of this peculiar human. Lacie did seem to have a bit of a clue on where to start the search. "Affirm... agreed" He said to Hildegard, already prepared to be on the lookout.

V treaded carefully, remaining ever so vigilant, while also keeping an eye on Lacie. Most he saw was the bizarre life forms inhabiting this strange forest. Culminating in a colorful tree where Lacie had been separated from her bunnies. That said, she seemed at a loss. Informing them she no longer saw the aforementioned crystals from her first visit to this tree. Hildegard suggested doing some inspecting, to which V nodded.

Seeing as Hildegard looked for tracks on the ground, V inspected the tree, its tall roots, and nearby bushes for clues.

Etymarchen Dante Verren Blackish

 

[Etymarchen]

MENTIONS: Valkan Dante Verren Blackish
OOC: Small edit to previous post in that the tree flowers are white and blue. Remember that your characters won't know everything that the other characters haven't told them of.

- • LACIE • -

Upon V's question, the girl simply shook her head.

"They were already named," she responded, blinking. "They were already named, so Lacie let them keep their names."

Although her response was rather one-note, the girl would continue to stare at the Construct for a moment. Another, another, and another moment would pass, and the girl would continue to stare at the Construct. Silent, as only the birds seemed to chirp amongst the ambience as the girl remained still beyond her breathing, which, too seemed to be hard to notice. At least, until she would finally utter something.

"Mister V, would you be a doggy or a kitty?" she asked, her head tilted to the side. "Do you necessitate food? Or do you experience consumption through other means?"

V: Investigation Results​

Although having a higher [Investigation] skill would undoubtedly yield in more promise as to the details and clues to be uncovered (as well as assist in providing more answers), V would still be able to, with his basic understandings of his surroundings make note of his surroundings.

Starting with the tree aforementioned from their entry, as mentioned previously, it appeared to have been infested with several of the large white and blue flowers being attended to by the surrounding birds within the area. Examining one of the enclosed flowers, it would suddenly burst open as flocks of the jeweled birds would triumphantly fly out, before they would playfully jump back into another flower, the flower enclosing upon the several birds.

It seemed as well that multiple birds were flocking about one of these specific enclosed flowers. Chirping and prodding at it as much as they would please as it would seemingly wriggle back and forth in response to the birds.

An examination of the bushes to their right would bring V to notice not only the footprints that Hildegard would notce, but too a trailing of a red liquid--small droplets of blood remarking the bushes as well as a rather telling claw mark upon one of the trees ahead, noticeable both due to the bioluminescent nature of the wood as well as the red mingling that would be shared with the mark.

 

[Etymarchen]

MENTIONS: Valkan Dante Verren Blackish

OOC: Oh, what wonderful red shoes for dancing.

---

The Briar Thorn Forests

As the party would continue to investigate the forest, a brown-haired young lass wearing a red hood with a slightly torn cape and red shoes would suddenly stumble from the northern/forward path, gasping for breath as she would grasp tighter at two injured black rabbits and a basket she would carry within her arms. Her eyes widened at the sight of the party, before she would promptly back away. At least, before a realization seemed to occur to her.

Before the party could have the chance to make note of her, she would immediately make way towards the narrow western trail, steps hurried as if attempting to rush away from something.

- • LACIE • -

Blinking, in spite of the girl's rushing through the path, she still recognized the rabbits in her arms, decidedly running after the girl down through the broken left/western path.

"Miss, wait," she shouted, though without the shrillness associated, "Miss with pretty red shoes, those are Lacie's bunnies. Please wait. It would be nice of you to wait, Miss."

(OOC Hint:
Party has multiple options to follow with:

• Follow Lacie
• Stop Lacie
• Keep investigating
• Communicate findings to other party members.
• V: Investigate wriggling flower
• Hildegard: Examine the birds' activities or further with the flowers.
• Hildegard or V: Investigate the bushes more
• Other

)

 

[Dante Verren]

Hildegard Karling
Interactions: Etymarchen Valkan Blackish

Hildegard examined the different paths as closely as she could, trying to determine which one was the best course to take. Ultimately she wasn't sure. Every path was tempting and it made it difficult to decide. She glanced up from where she crouched before the last path at the different birds, noticing they were avoiding some of the flowers. If these strange creatures were avoiding them it made the flowers seem dangerous and a little more interesting. Standing up she turned to look at her companions and was about to say something, that was until there group received it's sudden interruption.

Suddenly a girl in a red cloak bursted into the clearing with two rabbits in her arms. She was obviously alarmed and looked like she had been charging forward at full speed. The rabbits in her arms were also injured which set off alarm bells in her head. She watched the girl bolt down the western path. Hildegard drew her sword fully free of his scabbard and glared down the direction the girl had come from. "It seems we must make a choice. Go after the girl and get Lacie her rabbits back, or kill whatever she was running from." Perhaps that was where the wolf that Lacie was scared by had gone. Perhaps that new girl had just led it straight to them. "Cast your vote, mine is we slay the monster first. No telling what trouble it will cause if we don't do it now. We can find Lacie's rabbits and the girl later. We can't bring the others back from the dead if the wolf gets them first."

 

[Valkan]

V
​

"I see..." V thought out loud, unsure of what kind of bunnies they were looking for now. As he pondered about talking rabbits, he felt eyes on him. He ignored it at first, but the prevalence of the stare made him give in and turn to Lacie. Which had a question ready. After a few seconds of confused silence, V looked down. Right, his body. "Aff... If I'm honest, I don't really know." This was followed by yet another question, which V wasn't all that confident in answering "As long as it can keep my core energized, I can consume it" he hadn't been conscious all that long to know if that was accurate.

Going back to the tree, V took notice of the few details he found. Hildegard seemed to be done as well. He was about to report, when things turned hectic. A young girl seemed to be panicked about something chasing her. Lacie ran behind her and the rabbits she was carrying. V's instincts made him want to sprint after them, but that likely would just leave the group open for whatever was chasing the red hood girl to attack them. "I agree" V said, being on guard for any sudden moves or noises.

 

[Etymarchen]

MENTIONS: Valkan Dante Verren Blackish

OOC: The end is woofwoofwoofwoofwoofwoof.

---

Hildegard Investigation​

A second look at the flowers would suggest that the birds were not actively avoiding the flowers. Instead, it seemed only to be the fish creatures that were actively avoiding the flowers as the birds would burst out from each of the enclosed flowers and into the other.

V Investigation​

V would not receive further information beyond what he had already been given. A higher [Investigation] skill or more specifically focused question would yield more information.

The Briar Thorn Forests

As the party would prepare for the potential monster to arrive, alas, what arrived from the other side was no beast. Instead, it would be a band of ten humans, their skins marked with maliciously glowing red veins as they would slowly surround the party, a prominent growling resounded from those taking back position as they would circle about the three--making it difficult to retreat.

Too, would the party notice, that some bore equipment with certain crests upon them. A closer observation of these crests would yield in further information.

Approaching closer would have been an eleventh. A boy, he seemed, afflicted most by the phenomena of red veins--vague but small formations of crystalline structures would remark upon certain concentrations of these veins. Approaching Hildegard closely, he would reach for the woman by her neck--

And they would halt, as his dead eyes would stare into the woman's--not blinking once. The woman would not be grabbed. Instead, it would only be that the boy would stare off, before he would stand himself straight.

"Humans. Construct. Tell us now where the girl with red feet went." His request was curt and to the point as his eyes would come to focus on the party, sparing them only temporarily. "We know she had gone down this road. You will answer us. Tell us now, else we will make you one with us."

Hildegard was still in possession of the three magic enhancement coins. It seemed that Lacie was still off chasing down the girl with a red hood. From the southern path from which the party had entered through, they could vaguely make out a quiet lullaby as the jewel-tailed birds began to flock about--retreating into the safety of the enclosing blue and white flowers. The birds about the wriggling flower began to prod desperately upon it--struggling as they would continually press at it. The floating fish creatures, on the other hand, seemed at peace with this lullaby.

 

[Dante Verren]

Hildegard Karling
Interactions: Etymarchen Valkan


Hildegard's eyebrows raised and his body tensed up at the arrival of the new group. One look over any of the "people" sent of warning bells in her head. This group was obviously posses, and obviously not friendly. She had no way to confirm her suspicions at the moment but she had a pretty good guess that this was there group of missing adventures and children. Unfortunately that complicated the situation. If they were just monsters she could have cut through them, but now she wasn't able to do that. After all she wasn't here to kill the people she was sent to find.

A low growl rumbled from her throat and she raised her sword to point at the kid. "Never seen a girl with red feet, whatever that is supposed to mean and We aren't joinging anything. I do have a counter offer for you. In the name of the holy divines, release your captives for your parasitic control, and I will allow you to slink back to what ever hole you call a nest. Continue to keep these innocents under your control, and divine wrath will shatter you under it's bade of retribution. " Hildegard growled her offer to the child who was being used as a spokesman. She also glanced quickly over at V to make sure he was backing her up.

 

[Valkan]

V
​

Before long, V and his group found themselves surrounded. It was humans, but their appearance was off, sporting unnatural marks on their skin. Growling was strange for an anthropomorphic construct like him, let alone for humans. V moved to cover Hildegard's back, readying his claws in response to such a hostile approach from these wanderers of the forest. He took note of their crest, though he doubted it would ring a bell when he was centuries old and had been in a hibernation of sorts.

V looked over his shoulder, the head of this peculiar group threatening them in a very peculiar way. Hildegard was having none of it, though. Hearing her response making the situation a tad more understandable. Killing the threats would be a bad thing then, he thought. Diplomacy wasn't his strong suit, so V simply added "...I'd take that offer if I were you." It took V a second, but he managed to hold back his robotic speech. All things considered, eleven versus three wasn't looking very good, but given her speech, Hildegard must be a high ranked paladin of sorts... They just might be in luck.

 

[Etymarchen]

MENTIONS: Valkan Dante Verren Blackish

OOC: "God" is "dog" but backwards. Dogs are cute, though.

---

The Briar Thorn Forests

The lullaby continued as the birds flocked away. It gradually grew louder and louder.

""In the name of the holy divines?' 'Divine wrath?'" He parroted the words, eyes empty, glazed as they simply stared into Hildegard's eyes, before he would chuckle.

And the surrounding group too howled with hysterical laughter--their faces contorted into that of dark wolves--crimson red veins that sprouted amongst their upper bodies as they would slowly pitch into a dark, dark black--vague reminisces of these veins slowly closed up. Their eyes glowed starkly as if a part of the forest. Their voices resounded through the forest--a discordant chorus that erupted over the solemn lullaby west.

"What sympathetic, delusional zeal!"

"With what authority does she even speak thereof the word of these apparent 'divines'?"

"She trespasses upon this land then threatens us with harm--yet she has the audacity to proclaim us as parasites...?"

"What sort of 'god' allows children to starve? Allows Humans to steal? Allows his apparent 'Apostles' to do harm unto others?"

"'Ahhh! It's their lack of faith that led to their wrongdoings!' 'It was only righteous that we did this! They were sinners, after all!' That's what they all say--!"

"What would you know about the divines? What do you even know of the divines? By what authority do you even speak their names?"

"Or would you simply be but a delusional devoutest with nothing to your name but proclamation?" The boy's voice had dropped to a low pitch, eyes large as his mouth contorted into that of a large, lifted maw of large, sharp teeth--hands big, long, and sharp with claws.

Continuing to make mockery of the female knight, the howling, wolven choir save for the boy would continue to berate and mock the woman as they would enclose on the group--pouncing upon them.

 

[Dante Verren]

Hildegard Karling
Interactions: Etymarchen Valkan


Hildegard smiled along with their laughter. While the creature might have thought they were provoking her, it had little to no effect. After all in many cases the creature was right. What kinds of all powerful beings would allow so much even in the world? "Well you see that's the thing about gods, turns out they aren't all powerful like we mortals falsely believe. They can't control everything, after all that's why beings like you come into existence. They can do many things like give us guidelines and rules to live our lives, but what we do with that is up to us. " She replied the smile still on her face.

As the group closed in she reached down to one of the coins in her bag and grasped a hold of it. "One of the other things gods can do is imbue their followers like me with powers to carry out their will. I will give you a demonstration." the second she finished speaking Hildegard activated the coin and electricity built around her feat. With a savage grow she lept forward in a burst of lighting and brought her blade forward. Using the blunt face of her blade, she swung it downwards, aiming to knock out the childish form with a strike to the head before rearing around to face any other attackers.

Magic coin x 1 used
Ability Used:
Ability: Lightning Rush: Magic F, Elemental Affinity (Electricity F), Compometless Magic F, Fast F- The user channels their magic power and combines it with there natural speed. Using the combination of physical and magical strength the user rushes and strikes out at the intended target. -Grade F- 0 Post Cool down

 

[Etymarchen]

MENTIONS: Valkan Dante Verren Blackish

>>Gore warning.
OOC: woof

---

The coin would activate successfully.

Swinging the blunt of the sword into the wolven boy--electrical surges pulsed through the boy--hissing through his form as he quickly fell to the ground--the red, veined blight dissolving from his skin as a pained gasp as a dark, crimson aura would escape from his body--a rust-like concoction appeared upon the sword.

But one swing (Physical: 1, Lightning: 1, STR: 4, WEP: 3) against one monster (HP: 2, Armor: 1) alone would not have been enough to stop the rest of the wolven abominations. As the ten other wolves continue still to enclose upon the group, Hildegard (HP: 4, Armor: 2) would quickly realize the hopelessness of the scene.

"Funny...! Funny...!! Fun!! FUN!! We like you...! We like you...!" The wolves barked.

Too, that the boy was only but a single messenger.

Their [Red Claws] in tandem with their [Unionized Strike] would not have been enough to damage Hildegard's armor alone, but the impact of ten monsters at once pouncing and clawing at her (WEP: ?, STR: ?, Team-Up: 10) would have been more than enough to cause damage not just to her armor but towards Hildegard herself (HP: 4, Armor 2).

​

Finding herself forced into the ground, she would be forced to taste the dirt and ground as the wolf monsters would continue to tear away at her mercilessly--brutally. Though her armor protected her torso as much as was possible from any initial pain and torment, it was impossible for it to withstand all the impact with all the wolven strikes. It became harder and harder to tell if the beasts--no, the monsters--were still solely using her claws to bring about further and further bleeding from her body or if the warmth upon her stinging skin was instead the wet maws of the wolves.

Hildegard would have found it impossible to reach out for her sword. A glance in the direction of her arm would prove why that was--pools of red remarked the dim grass alongside human feet--further away, her severed arm, eventually followed by torn bone after bone after bone. As she lost more and more of herself, it would have felt as though every loss was more relieving than it was painful. Ravenous eyes and red teeth made up the sight above, giggling cheerily like children as they continued to brutalize her body--

Hildegard is at 0 HP.

"Funny...! Funny...!! Fun!! FUN!!"

"We like you...! We like you...! I like you!!! One loves you!!"

"You can join our family, too!! You can be One, too!!"

"Play with us! Forever! Forever!! Forever!!!"

"Together! Forever!"

The lullaby came to a silence.

---

By the miracle of the Gods, Hildegard would find herself to be alive.

Following whatever nightmare it was that she had stomached, she would have realized her body to be in one safe piece (HP still full). Her arm, still in place. Her stomach, all in one place. Searching through her inventory, however, she had only a single magic enhancement coin alongside her armor, somewhat damaged.

In spite of her survival, a pool thereof her own blood remained (as Appraisal would inform her). Too, would her eyes behold--

A grotesque, sickly, broken human figure. Her legs, backwards. Neck, seemingly sewn into place. Eyeless expression hidden beneath her teal green hair as her teeth feasted shamelessly upon an unknown meat source.

"Hh...hrrauh...hraaauuugghhh..."

Eventually, the creature stopped, its head turning towards Hildegard as a smile crept up its face as a crackling would resound--her head tilting to the side.

​

"...Sae...ufhhh...frien...? Frie...nn...ouh...qhh...qhheeh...?"

Regardless of Hildegard's next decision, multiple realizations would come to fruit: the first being that Lacie still had yet to return from the western path. The second, that various footprints appeared to go a multitude of different directions. That, including the path of which Lacie had taken. The third, that this grotesque creature likely knew answers. The rest, of course, would need to be answered otherwise. At minimum, Hildegard did in fact complete her task of discovering what it was that may have happened to the many missing adventurers and explorers, but what was she to do with the knowledge? Venturing further into the forest would potentially lead to more answers and certainly respond with timeliness, but there was far more that the Adventurer's Guild as a whole could potentially do in investigating the forest, though perhaps delayed they would be in their response.

Without a second to spare, it was time for her to make her decision.

End.
​

---

CONCLUSION:
The campaign at hand would follow multiple converging tales and technically two rabbits found; the first tale: Hildegard's quest to discover the truth behind the missing adventurers. The second tale: Lacie's attempts to seek her missing rabbits. A third, perhaps, of a red hooded girl running away from wolves.

Hildegard, with the assistance of V and Vanta, would still be successful in achieving her original goal for entering the forest: that being to seek out answers regarding lost explorers and adventurers with regards to the Briar Thorn Forests. It would be up to Hildegard as to what it was that she would do with her current knowledge. (In other words, to continue it in another roleplay.)

Lacie, on the other hand, was far from successful in achieving her own goal of retrieving her rabbits even with help. As such, she would simply continue to (and fail at) chasing after a certainly elusive red-hooded girl.

Potential Titles Recommendations in Spoilers (Final Decision to Grader):

Spoiler: Title Recommendations

For Hildegard, V, and Vanta
[Adventurer's Guild Apprentice F] - In recognition in contributions in attempting to discover more to a case affecting the Adventurer's Guild.

For Hildegard specifically:
[Survivor of the Wolven Choir] - Though you did not slay the wolves, you still garnered some knowledge necessary to approach or avoid certain mobbing tactics should they ever come into play once more. You are aware of the name of which they refer themselves--"One," as well as acknowledging of their seeming reliance on various red crystals.
[Zealous] - Character exudes a sense of confidence and stride in what they say and do. Provided that they do manage to live up to the expectations placed upon them, they may serve to be admirable and even persuasive to many. However, in the cases where they may not live to the expectations of others, their zeal may instead backfire, potentially leading to others mocking them or questioning their credibility.

For V:
[Agreeable] - Character comes off as very polite and agreeable. In scenarios where they may be confused to answer, simply nodding their head along and stating an affirmative even if not completely agreed upon may still yield in positive outcomes.

For Vanta:
[Older Bro] - Character is good at taking care of problem children and idiots in general. Will generally be favored by children and people who like being nurtured. Might not be as liked by those more rebellious.

For Lacie:
[Weird] - Character exhibits habits that may cause others to look at them strangely. More likely to attract strange or curious fellows, while also pushing away those whom are deservedly cautious or skeptical.

 

[Novama]

Isekai Hell RP Grade​

Etymarchen Dante Verren Valkan Blackish
Lot's of things to like here. Good scene setting. Atmosphere is definitely foreboding. I appreciated the creation of special flora and fauna. The mechanic of the consumable items specific to the rp was neat too. Despite the additions, it felt like there was a solid attempt to adhere to IH rules as well. In doing so, it felt like an engaging and challenging roleplay to participate in. Kinda looks like not all the characters made it to the end, but it is what it is. I think the only salt I have is the ending left things in a choice rather than a narration. Because of that, there isn't really an afterward to narrate as what happens is canonly left undecided if I'm reading this right. Depending on what the characters decide to do, the guild and those beyond may not have a clue what is transpiring in the wood and only send more poor souls into the bad times.

Aftermath


Rewards

Lacie - 40 points (narration bonus included)

• optional title acquired [Strange] - Individuals deemed 'proper' folk are less likely to associate with characters wearing this title for fear a strange person like the character may get them wrapped up in some strange or unpleasant happenings. On the flip side, decidedly strange individuals are more likely to be drawn to the character.

Vanta - 8 points

• optional title acquired [Fresh Meat] - Character is new to the world and its ways, but is flexible and capable of learning. Character has an easier time adapting to the their new environment and learning what will help them survive and thrive. There will be those that will try to take advantage of that freshness when possible if character leans to heavily on being new to things.
• optional title acquired [Ryken Adventurer] - character is an adventurer of the ryken adventurer guild. known for being proficient in a number of terrains including water, Ryken adventurers tend to be diverse and capable.
  • Grade F - characters are still learning the basics. They may not be fully equipped or able to handle many quests by themselves.

Hildegard - 20 points

• optional title acquired [Ryken Adventurer] - character is an adventurer of the ryken adventurer guild. known for being proficient in a number of terrains including water, Ryken adventurers tend to be diverse and capable.
  • Grade F - characters are still learning the basics. They may not be fully equipped or able to handle many quests by themselves.
  • Grade E - character has shown promise for the life and is no longer required to participate in basic training or mundane odd jobs. While they still have a ways to go, they at least know the basics now.

V - 9 points

• optional title acquired [Ryken Adventurer] - character is an adventurer of the ryken adventurer guild. known for being proficient in a number of terrains including water, Ryken adventurers tend to be diverse and capable.
  • Grade F - characters are still learning the basics. They may not be fully equipped or able to handle many quests by themselves.