phantasmalrift | DUNGEON LOG: AMESTA FOREST

Hello everyone!

Up and the others think that we have enough stabilizers ready for the next expedition! We're going to the forest to the south this time, but it shouldn't be too far for anyone to walk. If you're REALLY going to complain, you can talk to Top on the roof and catch a ride on one of the drones like before.

The scenery's really nice, but there's definitely some kind of magical effect going on in there - as far as we can tell, the day doesn't progress inside the forest. It's stuck a little while after sunset - probably when the Fissure first appeared? (°ヘ°)

Be careful out there! Don't be afraid to call for help if you need it and we'll send a drone your way! o(^▽^)o And Strange says no stupid stunts this time, got it? (；¬д¬)

You'll probably see a big tree on your way there, before you're under the cover of the forest! That's the Infinity Tree, it's a really big willow. Charm can probably tell you more about the mythology if you're interested. He's gonna meet you guys there at the end of the expedition, so try to work your way in that direction as you go!

(｡･ω･｡)ﾉ See you when you get back!

After Down's message, characters will find things set up much the way they were last time on the roof. Top is making last-minute adjustments to the drones, and there's tables with food and medical supplies set out - the latter a little sparse compared to last time, so hopefully you kept your first aid kits from before. The table of stabilizers, on the other hand, is much more full.

On your way, you might also see some of what the construction drones have been putting together so noisily these last few days - there's the metal shell of a building, similar to but smaller than the Station, to the immediate west, just off your path to the forest in the distance. Nothing much indicates its function as of yet, though there are significantly more windows.

To the southwest stretches the border of Amesta Forest - about a mile distant, though still easily within sight. As promised, the Infinity Tree sticks up from the far edge, easily visible for those who need a landmark either now or later in the dungeon. If you get lost, you can probably find your way up a tree somewhere to get a perspective on it, and which direction to head in.

The silver mist doesn't begin until some distance into the forest, the time of day gradually changing to the eternal twilight mentioned as you approach the boundary of the Fissure itself. There's no distinct border, just a slow shading towards late afternoon and then sunset while the mist increases around you.

And as the mist wraps around you, and exhaustion you might have felt from the walk out here starts to evaporate... You've well and truly arrived, now. Better keep your eyes open.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Hi!

[Someone noticed you edging away from the crowds, and I'm afraid she's a people person. You're doomed. Lin stood beneath the branch he was sitting on and looked up at him.]

You alright out here?

Oh. Yeah, um, I'm fine.

[For a given definition of 'fine.' After a moment, Prompto tilts his head a bit.]

You're new?

I guess I am. They're saying something about other worlds and androids and sorceresses and I'm really not sure what to make of it all.

[She casually hops ten feet up and lands lightly on the branch next to him without even jostling his seat.]

I'm Bai Lin, by the way.

[whOA? Okay, he's impressed. Look at him, being impressed.]

I, uh. Prompto! I'm Prompto. How'd you do that?

Cloud Body Technique.

[Sitting down next to him like those three words answered everything.]

Are you Not New? Maybe they're right about the other worlds thing. I've never met anyone with a name like yours.

Well, I've never met anyone with a name like yours! And the other worlds thing looks like it's super true. There are people from places with whole different animals than what I'm used to, or even different gods.

[He can at least be friendly, even if he's not up to proper socializing.]

But, yeah, like, I guess I'm not as new as some people, but it's not like I'm from here, either. My planet's called Eos.

Gods are overrated. I'd like to meet some new and interesting animals, though. There aren't a lot where I came from other than, like, chickens and cows.

[Nuclear war tends to hurt biodiversity.]

Mine's called Earth.

Oh! There are chickens here, we have those at the station! They're really cute, I love them. So tiny...

[Aw, hey, there's that smile.]

The closest thing we have on Eos are cockatrices and basilisks, and those things suck, trust me.

Also their eggs are good for breakfast. I've never heard of cockatrices or basilisks, though.

Mmm, they're sort of like the chickens, if you made them like two hundred times bigger and super nasty. They can poison you if you're not careful fighting them.

Suddenly motorcycle raiders don't seem quite so bad.

You have to fight motorcycle raiders?!

[She paused, trying to make sense of that. Was this a trick question?]

...You don't?

Not commonly, no! Or... ever? I'm pretty sure I've never fought a motorcycle raider ever, I think I'd remember something like that.

Bandit attacks on travelers and communities are like, a weekly thing. On Earth, at least. Usually in cars, but motorcycles are pretty common. Once they came on horses, even, which was pretty weird.

[Prompto knows what a horse is! Kinda. He has a vague notion of horsiness.]

I'm sorry. That sounds awful... Where I'm from, that doesn't really happen so much. It'd be as dangerous for the bandits out there as for anyone else, with the daemons and everything.

Honestly I feel bad for them. Most of them wouldn't be doing this if they had other options.

I still can't let them trample all over people though, so sometimes I have to get a bit rough.

Ummm. ...Aren't you a little young, like... to be responsible for that kind of stuff?

I'm twenty-two and I've been training as a warrior monk since I was eleven. I'm more than a match for some thugs with knives.

Okay, okay, but like... all by yourself? I guess we're all about the same age but none of us ever fights alone if we can help it...

Oh is THAT what you're worried about?

Of course I don't fight entire armies by myself. I've got lots of strong friends!

Oh. Well, that's a relief. It kind of sounded like you were some kind of lone warrior ninja of justice.

Hah, no. There was a whole temple full of monks like me. Still is, though it's seen better days. And then after I...left, there were still others helping me.

I'm glad. No one should ever have to fight by themselves.

If we get right down to it, no one should ever have to fight at all!

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