Seconds passed, two beasts sizing each other up. It was tension thick enough to suffocate the common man, tension sharp enough to bisect the common deer. But before violence was materialized, the four-legged one backed off, shuffling to rejoin its mates.
Nai narrowed her eyes.
Good.
...
It had been on a whim, in the end. The office was overworked on holidays, buried under romance cases. Investigations to figure out what someone wanted for their present, or investigations to figure out whether or not they were cheating on you. Normal work, heightened by the festive spirit and the crowds of couples cuddling on the streets. Some distance was needed from all that, and while Nai couldn't say that this would have been her first choice, being part of a group that planned on making an expedition through all the accessible lands in Terrasphere thus far was a tempting-enough proposition that she could settle for hanging some ornaments over her horns and joining in.
But, well, it ought to have been expected too, that during such a festive time, online couples were going to go at it too. Shouldn't be too hard to keep the group date vibes away, but considering some of the outfits worn (the Miss Claus with the crop top and the miniskirt redhead being chief offenders), perhaps that wouldn't be the case.
No matter. What was a little frostbite?
▣ Attire: Ornaments hanging from horns.
▣ Preparation Progress: 105
Erick sorted out his hair balefully with a dissatisfied look on his face before he nodded. The creature let him up only to move on to its next unwitting victim, which was a process that seemed to repeat ad nauseum. With a sigh, the blue-haired youth managed to rifle through the reindeer spittle still gelled in his hair and flicked it away in disgust.
"I've always been an advocate for keeping animals pinned when they're not carted," he murmured, wondering absently who taught the Adventurer's Guild about animal husbandry. Maybe if he wanted skills that were transferrable between real life and this world, he'd have taken Beast Arts. As it stood, he wanted nothing to do with the farm life, even the bare minimum association.
Other than Ash, Erick didn't really know anyone, so he hung close to the 'wolfman,' as he'd been referred to by another player. He glanced at the red-headed man in passing, but he was disinclined to interrupt their conversation to introduce himself. The way he figured, it would happen naturally, if not now then during the course of the journey.
When he heard someone else falling victim to Reindeer Games (Ben Affleck would be proud of this reference), Erick turned quickly and took a few steps toward the creature while it was preoccupied. Then, he worked to wrest the ribbon from its churning maw.
It was tattered and torn from the debacle and subsequent chewing, but Erick took the accessory and hurried after its proper owner. "Hey, uh, I'd wash this before putting it back in your hair, but..."
He offered the ribbon to @Rael with an awkward smile. "Sorry I couldn't manage to react before it happened." Honestly, though... Erick was doing his best not to use his magic for small things, now that he understood the inherent dangers and responsibility that came with it.
"Lil' Doggo?" She confusedly repeated. It sounded like something a soundcloud rapper would call themselves, but whatever. "It's a cool name. I'm Eva." The white-haired lady introduced herself.
Suddenly another girl around the age of @Little Doggo joined in, giving the little one the maximum number of headpats. Lil Doggo ended up sharing her cup of hot chocolate with @Omega Redux like the good kid she was.
Kids believe in Santa and all other silly things, so she made up something exciting for the girl who complimented her gun. "There might be anti-wintersday bandits along the way," Eva showed her weapon. "But once we get there, you can both have your presents!" As if there's going to be anti-wintersday bandit or something in this world, huh.
"Anyway, we might get going soon. Get ready, both of you."
Even though @Chrys' wording made her want to electrocute him until he passed out, Ayna reined herself in, knowing she could not be violent in the presence of the very innocent Bobbert the Blue-nosed Basseal. If Bobbert wasn't around, however, Chrys would've found himself on the ground faster than he could depart her presence. His offering was well-received, though. Very much so. At least the warmth it gave her was most useful.
Having an artificial body as a Magia, however, rendered her tastebuds pretty much useless. She could no longer taste the drink, and yet she still needs it and food to replenish her respective meters. The holidays do not give me pleasure in this world as well.She heaved a sigh as she finished half of the remaining drink before offering the rest to an eager Bobbert. At least the basseal would be able to enjoy it. Probably.
Caught surprised by @Kamala Graham's unexpected hug, Ayna's cheeks flushed. At least she thought they did. It was often hard to tell if her artificial body reflected her current inner feelings. She returned the gesture with a smile and found the reassurance boosting her confidence somewhat. It was always hard to ignore Kamala's positivity. She was like the glue that held them together, individually and as a team.
"Thank you, Kamala! You look good in your attire as well. Very good."
Ash, Luthien, Yugam, all people she was nervous to approach out of the blue.
Familiar faces dotted her immediate surroundings, timid waves of her hand given in passing to those whom she had relied upon times prior, while those that she couldn't even call acquaintances received the briefest of smiles only. Rael would avert her gaze, cheeks reddened, content to sip her hot chocolate without calling for much attention herself.
Quick footsteps gave her reason to close her eyes once again, fearing the attack of another reindeer coming from other ribbons its companions hadn't torn off from her headband. In its stead, the voice of a fellow young adventurer reached her ears, already speaking apologies for something that hadn't been expected of him, nor anyone else here.
Rael looked down at the piece of fabric in his palm, the corners of her mouth twitching.
"I don't think I can wear this anymore..." The two wore the same awkward expression on their faces, albeit for different reasons. Chuckling and laughing at the circumstances came easier when she wasn't the only one suffering from them. "Though, honestly, it's my fault in the first place, I wasn't careful enough. Thank you, thank you kindly..!"
Her eyes slid upward to his face, the tender embarrassment fading into a visible surprise as she stood there, fingers barely grazing his palm where he held the ribbon for her to take.
With the festive season coming up and Arcia covered a wintry blanket, Mylar was itching for an escape from the searing Australian Christmas; what better to do than to take a festive charity tour around Terrasphere? Surely, children all around the continent would be thrilled to learn the name and fame of Schilva Flasch!
Rocking up at the Embertorch with a recruitment flyer in hand, Schilva loudly proclaimed his arrival as per usual, chest out and nose held high.
Hear thee all! Tis I, superlative swordsman of divine speed, Schilva Flasch, here to bring joy and cheer across the land! Witness this Wintersday how the great Schilva Flasch bolsters the festive spirit with merely th- ooh, hot chocolate!
Quickly distracted by Zeus' booming greeting and the proffered free beverage, Schilva shuffles over and graciously begins to warm his hands with the toasty drink. That's one way to quieten him down.
However, as he continued to drink, a shadow...then two...then three...closed in around him. In the eyes of each reindeer that surrounded Schilva, a cold light shone that clearly conveyed their opinion of the swordsman.
Uh, what's the big idea? Shoo shoo, go back to Santa- I mean, Zeus.
After a few moments of tense staring, Schilva gets the 'big idea' and backs away, sufficiently hazed by the intimidating glares of the caprine cabal.
F-Fine. You lot stink anyway.
▣ Attire: A thick navy overcoat over his usual robes with a fluffy collar and clumsily stitched Christmas-palette scarf
▣ Preparation Progress: 142
Ronja squinted slightly at the nearby reindeer, tilting her head as she approached it, gently trying to boop its nose. A decision that would prove to be least wise decision the small Magia could've to choose.
Yelping, Ronja struggled to try and get away from the reindeer, which managed to bite some of her hair and caused her to rush away, stumbling in despair until she suddenly bumped onto @Nai, letting out an audible groan as she went arse first onto the ground.
The girl whimpered for a moment, shaking her head until she opened her eyes and blinked surprised, noticing who she had just stumbled onto.
"Sorry-- Huh?! Wait, you are..." Ronja smiled widely. "You are the one who saved Ronja that day!" She said, hopping back to her feet, with her eyes trailing up to the girl's horn and reaching for the decoration, adjusting it on her horns before giggling. "Here, now it looks even better."
The last mission Aerial embarked on had turned into a deadly disaster. But this would be different! Wintersday was Terrasphere's equivalent of Christmas. And nothing bad ever happened during the holidays, especially not on Christmas.
Right??
Eh, no point in worrying about trivial things. It's not like she could get permanently locked into the game if she died one too many times. Haha.
Decked in the ugliest Christmas outfit she could scrounge up, Aerial walked an extra dose of pep in her step. Did she recognize anyone? Well, there was Childress - the captain (or whatever her official title was) of the Explorer's Guild. Which she just so happened to be a part of. Maybe she should get in good with her higher-ups-
"AhHH!
The woman yelped in startled surprise when she felt her Santa Hat get pulled off by an unknown source. Woah - talk about deja vu. It reminded her of Thunderstruck but without the hair pu-
Shit. Why did she jinx herself?
A second reindeer practically swallowed her ponytail and forcibly dragged her backward. In a matter of moments, she was on the ground, staring up at the beast with wild eyes. She was inches away from literally being in shit.
Their.. their hooves were mighty close, weren't they?
"Help me-"
Calls for help were quickly smothered when a third reindeer decided it was his turn to hoist her up like a Christmas ornament.
Attire: Over-sized, baggy (ugliest/cringiest) Christmas sweater. Jeans. Holiday socks with festive lights that poke out of otherwise stylish boots. Preparation Progress: 152
Nobody really saw Ludmilla arrive on-scene. She was simply there when Childress and Kiryuu had their little spat, standing with the massed Whistles as though she had always been part of them. The presence of a bell and not a whistle upon her collar, however, signified that she had not been ordained as one among them. All the same though, as someone who had ostensibly shown up to spread Wintersday joy, she was welcomed onto the sleigh teams just the same.
Yaaay! Snow! I haven't seen snow in aaaaages! Wintersday is so much fuuuuun!
Allowing herself to lean a little over the top into the cheery atmosphere, Ludmilla could almost be mistaken for one of the children whose happiness were to be the objective of this mission. Catching snowflakes on her tongue and refusing to stay in one place, it would take a lot more than a single Kiryuu to usher Ludmilla back onto the sleigh train before the journey began.
▣ Attire: A laurel of holly on her beret and a set of small bells cinching her collar in addition to her usual outfit
▣ Preparation Progress: 157
That neon-blue hair brought back a flicker of a memory amidst flame and lightning, gunsmoke and shrapnel. So her name was @Ronja Bubblyfoot then. Terrasphere was paradoxically both an expansive and a minuscule game, wasn't it? Nai tilted her head slightly to the side, giving the shorter Magia a better angle to help her with her horns.
"I'm," what, glad that she's still playing a death-game? That the horrible implications uncovered within Vintergard didn't keep her away? "glad to see you're still doing alright. The Christmas-themed arm warmers are a nice touch."
Whatever else she had to say was lost in the chaos of the reindeer-attack though. It looked as if whomever got those beasts to begin with didn't make sure that they were properly domesticated beforehand. Locking eyes with the white-haired woman (@Aerial) that looked like she was thirty seconds away from getting an impromptu buzzcut, the tall beastwoman let a dark stick that smelled of cinnamon and something else slip out from her sleeve and waved it once in the air.
Not for the reindeers, but rather for...
"@Ludmilla Orphys, could you help with that young lady over there? I'll let you try this out to wash off the taste of reindeer after."
...the only other existence present that enjoyed biting random things more than them.
▣ Attire: Ornaments hanging from horns.
▣ Preparation Progress: 166
Like a bloodhound given a scent, Ludmilla ceased her merrymaking as soon as she heard her name mentioned in full. Turning about, she recalled @Nai as the distributor of tasty treats from that one library deep in the mountains, the one better known as the Paper Oubliette.
Her eyes flicked to three points - first, the source of the sharp scent that she had picked up; then, the clueless reindeer upon which she was to be let loose; finally, towards the subject of rescue, @Aerial, whom she did not recognise.
With a great leap from the sleigh train, Ludmilla launched herself at the reindeer that was holding Aerial hostage, landing clumsily and instantly clasping onto its coat with her digging nails. As if that weren't enough already, she would steady herself for just a moment before sinking her pearly whites into its bristling hide.
Not hard enough to injure or draw blood, not a devouring bite at all, but certainly startling enough to set the beast reeling - more importantly, enough to make it drop Aerial and give her a chance to slip away safely. Being thrown onto her back didn't seem to dim the Faerin's holiday spirit, as she simply rolled backwards with the force of the impact and sprung up in front of Nai with outstretched palms expectant.
Treats! Candy!
Payment demanded for services rendered. Mercenary business was still business apparently, even on Wintersday.
▣ Attire: A laurel of holly on her beret and a set of small bells cinching her collar in addition to her usual outfit
▣ Preparation Progress: 171
Roll Result
1d10 (5) = 5
Ludmilla Orphys Preparation Roll | 1560C1
Uhh. Her peripheral view caught an interesting sight: she witnessed a feral creature attack her captor. Unceremoniously, Aerial was dropped and (naturally) landed face first in a pile of hay.
Wait. Was.. was that a player (@Ludmilla Orphys) that was biting the reindeer? She'd assumed it was the blonde haired woman's (@Nai) pet. Ah, whatever. Don't look a gift horse in the face or something like that.
She scrambled clumsily to her feet, quickly slipping over the fence that separated her from safety. Blue eyes never once let the reindeers until she'd backed up enough (nearly running into Nai in the process).
A sigh of relief clouded the cold air. Strands of straw weaved into her now frazzled hair but.. but she still had hair. And that's all that mattered. She might look like a mess - probably because she was a walking disaster - but she was free.
"Thank you sooo much for the save. It felt like I was inches away from being reindeer gruel."
Technically, reindeer were herbivores so there had never been any true threat of being eaten alive. However, these particular reindeer didn't seem to get the memo that their teeth were designed for veggies rather than flesh.
Attire: Over-sized, baggy (ugliest/cringiest) Christmas sweater. Jeans. Holiday socks with festive lights that poke out of otherwise stylish boots. Preparation Progress: 174
@Kamala Graham - Childress put her hand on your hatted head and gave you a tender and familial rub.
I'll leave all the little devil spawns to you then, snow-cheeks. Ahaha!
@Little Doggo - Zeus scratched his head as he attempted to pronounce the string of gibberish you shouted at him, but ended up biting his own tongue in the process.
Oho? What KIND of wishes do YOU have, little one?
Meanwhile, Uzuna smiled at you, flashing chipped and jagged teeth. If you stared too long, however, she would cover her mouth to hide it.
@Omega Redux - Upon calling Childress the forbidden word, you would have no doubt felt her large hand gripping your head as she lifted you and attempted to feed you whole to the nearest reindeer. Kiryuu barely managed to intercept in time.
@Sean - Zeus perked up when he heard your voice and immediately slammed his single hand down on your shoulder, driving you into the snow like a nail.
SEAN! The world is BIG, my boy. This OLD MAN'S got business to take care of FAR and WIDE. But WORRY NOT as I am standing HERE, in front of YOU! And where have YOU been?! You've been GONE for so long that your BEARD has become LONGER than MINE, AHA!
Meanwhile, the reindeers that got a taste of the starcalled hair had to be pulled off by a group of whistles before they let go and escorted to the gangline where they would be assembled for the sleigh run. Those animals, however, appeared a lot more comfortable around their victims afterward. After all, those people had been initiated into the reindeer's circle, if not as a companion, then as emergency food.
PWEEEEEEOOH! PWEEEEEEOOH!
A series of high-pitched whistles could be heard before everyone got too chummy with one another, signaling the party that the sleigh train was about to head out.
When he heard the call, Zeus headed toward the lead car and took the rein with his hand as he turned and looked back at the cozy little party that had decided to follow him on such a bizarre adventure. The festivity on their faces put a smile on his wrinkled face.
Why did you decide to take us, this time?
Childress, who entered the car after the weathered giant asked him as she leaned against the headboard and watched as Kiryuu hoisted Uzuna on his shoulders to chase down all the little people he mistook as children, namely @Ludmilla Orphys@Ronja Bubblyfoot@Omega Redux@Little Doggo and @Kamala Graham.
Oho… This bunch is FULL of surprises aren't they? Such passion and love for life can melt even the most FROZEN of ice.
Childress' lips curled up into a bitter smile as she stared at the group they had assembled. Both father and daughter understood one another far too well, and as such, the conversation did not need to continue.
PWEEEEEEOOH! PWEEEEEEOOH!
Once everyone got into one of the cars, Zeus let his booming voice howl down the train.
The TRAIN is now DEPARTING! Don't FALL OFF! You'll be EATEN by crystalized wolves, OHO!
Immediately after that, Zeus cracked the rein. The leading reindeers stomped their front leg as they jolted forward, putting the rest of the line into motion.
The sleigh train set off slow at first but quickly ramped up in speed as the reindeers gained unison and momentum.
· - · ❄ · - ·
It took a number of days to get out of Astorea where the train headed directly north. The conductor role was done in shifts, but with either Zeus, Childress, or Uzuna serving as the navigator whenever they weren't driving the train.
When the train entered the snow-covered Isulus, it veered off the beaten path and spearheaded through a hidden route that is normally not accessible outside of especially cold winters. The reindeers were essentially driving the sleigh train over mega shrooms that had frozen over, allowing them to bypass many of the hazardous terrains. The fact that the fungi population had largely hibernated also helped.
It took even longer to get into Zalra. For anyone who had never been to Zalra would have seen the partially crystalized landmass covered in a thick sheet of snow.
Thanks to the group's efficient preparation, it was announced that the party would only have to make a quick stop at the (1) marker on the map.
When the train stopped at the marked location, they got to see a camp full of nomads waving to them alongside Feodan, who towered over the faerins. Uzuna was the first to hop off the train and introduced a few of the people she had become acquainted with to her mom, dad, and five younger siblings, who all look identical to her and, in return, introduced her family to the concept of travelers.
At the camp, the reindeers were fed a massive amount of winter grass that had been deposited ahead of time while the party were occupied with loading up on new supplies that should last them until the next time they returned.
While talking with the nomads, Zeus promised them and the children that the Express would circle back to deliver presents after they finished their business in the north.
When the train began to set out, it would have been Zeus' turn to conduct. Childress stuck around the old man.
Are you sure the path is opened this time?
(She asked.)
Oho... stay your worries, girl of mine. The star portends our path forward!
And just like that, they headed toward the northern border of Zalra, where the previously unknown sky was dark and moody.
[ So, how do you spend your time? ]
Journey to the North
Guidelines
Up to 2 characters per OOC account can participate in this mini-game, you may interchange them throughout the event.
Each character can make up to 4 posts this cycle.
Each post has a max wordcount of 250 words.
A post can either be a line of dialogue or a small paragraph.
There is no reward for participating in this special event other than what is earned at the end!
If you would like to expand on your interactions with other characters, you may do so in the official Zeusterday Express comms.
It is okay to jump into this megathread at anytime.
If your character is together with the Crystal Nomads for some reason, they can hop onto the train at that part.
Mechanics
Unlike regular events, you must write your post first and then use the site to roll.
After you post, go back and edit your post, adding your roll to the total tally in your post template.
If you accidentally forget to roll on the forum, you may roll on Discord using: ?r 1d10 CharacterName | 1560C2
To interact with an NPC, ping @Raid Boss, you may get a faster response in comms.
A new cycle will be posted in 60-72 hours.
(New) Energy. Since death is disabled for this event, we will be using EN as a resource in its place. Everyone starts with 100 EN, +10 for heavy, +15 for medium, +20 for light armor.
Cycle 2
▣ Current Location: Northern Zadaken, Zalra ↳ Next Stop: Uinterland
Scale (31 posts)
Average 150
Over-achiever 175
Super-achiever 200+
The scale is going to increase next cycle!
Criticals
Nat-10: 3
Nat-1: 1
Each pair cancels
Nat-10 doubles
Group's Result
174+10+10 = 194 (Over-achiever)
Faster trip, but did not get all the way to marker (2) on the map.
-20 EN for travel fatigue.
There are 2 kinds of scenes to RP out this cycle: Traveling or Pitstop. Regardless of what you do, add your roll to the travel progress. -30 ENONCE this cycle for travel fatigue (10 EN for general actions and 20 EN for C1's fatigue).
The prompts below are meant to aid you in RPing, you don't have to do any of it to win. The extra bonuses are all for fun or meant to help you complete your Wintersday Bingo!
▣ Traveling. During this sequence, you may freely interact with one another and the NPC. Below are a few activities you can do during the scene where the sleigh is in transit.
(Nat-10 Event) Reindeer Riding. (1d10) on a 7 or higher, the reindeer will let you ride it for a short time. Characters who had their hair eaten, have beast arts, or presence of 50+ may roll with advantage (roll 2d10 and take the higher value). -10 EN to repeat this action if you fail.
(Nat-10 Event) Frozen Snacks. (1d10) on a 7 or higher let you gather sweet frozen shroom chunks that can be turned into a tasty snack or ice cream. Characters who have Nature Magic or Ranged Weapons may roll with advantage. -10 EN to repeat this action if you fail.
Provide Refreshments. (1d10) to provide food, drinks, entertainment, or a way to keep other passengers warm.
Socialize. (1d10) Get to know people you don't know very well or hang out with people you are acquainted with.
▣ Pitstop. During this sequence, you may freely interact with one another and the NPC. Below are a few activities you can do during the scene where the sleigh is stopping at the nomads' camp.
Talk with the locals. (1d10) to make a good impression, +1 per 10 presence for the FIRST roll.
Help the sleigh train resupply. (1d10) to load up supplies quickly, +1 per 10 Fitness for the FIRST roll.
Provide Refreshments. (1d10) to provide food, drinks, entertainment, or a way to keep other passengers warm.
Socialize. (1d10) Get to know people you don't know very well or hang out with people you are acquainted with.
You don't need to do anything but:
Code:
[metercolor=1.00]teal[/metercolor][metertext=#35cabb][fa]fas fa-heart need-icon[/fa] 100 / 100[/metertext]
[metercolor=0.80]yellow[/metercolor][metertext=#efc738][fa]fas fa-bolt need-icon[/fa] 100 / 100[/metertext]
[action]
[b]Scene:[/b] Traveling (Astorea/Isulus/Zakaden) or Crystal Nomad Camp
Post here
▣ Attire: Describe or link to a reference picture of what your character is wearing here
▣ Action:
▣ Travel Progress: XXX
-20 EN for Cycle 1 Fatigue -10 EN for General Actions Scene: Traveling (Astorea)
PWEEEEEEOOH! PWEEEEEEOOH!
Whatever choice words the girl might’ve had for the reindeer were swallowed up as the high pitched whistling of their sleigh train signaled it was time to board. "Come on Yu, before they depart without us." Still for all the pouting the blonde was doing it was hard to not see she still really wanted to pet Blixem, an occasional glance given back to it even as someone led all the reindeer away to their positions.
Her hand reached for his own, quietly interlacing their fingers, before the girl gave his hand a soft squeeze and a playful tug. There was little doubt that she was enjoying their time together, the soft smile on her lips never fading, before a familiar head of blue hair caught Lúthien’s attention as they were boarding one of the cars.
"Hey, @Ronja!" She poked her head out of a window, waving a hand in the air, before also catching sight of @Vargold and @Rael too. "Over here~!"
Eventually seats would be found, the elf opting for one beside a window in order to not miss the sights, before she grinned at Yugam. "I can’t wait to see how Zalra looks during wintertime… all that crystal with the snow must be a breathtaking sight." This was the reason she’d joined the League, and why she even played TerraSphere in the first place: a wanderlust need for sights unavailable to her in the real world.
-30 EN for travel fatigue Scene: Traveling (Astorea)
"Uhh... Where's Kamala?"
One moment they were chatting with each other, the next @Kamala Graham had disappeared. Or was she taken? Or did she leave her with @Chrys? Intentionally?! Perhaps not. Ayna gave her friend the benefit of the doubt. It was more likely that she had to run aboard the train to save herself from the cold. Unlike the magia, elves didn't have artificial bodies, which meant they were more susceptible to changes in temperature. Most of the time anyway.
Regardless, she at least had Chrys with her. While he wasn't her ideal companion, he was at least someone she knows, and that helps keep her away from all the awkwardness of meeting new people or being judged by them for being alone. Ayna heaved a sigh as they made their way on the sleigh train, taking her time to find appropriate seats as well as any trace of their disappeared friend. I hope she's safe at least. And warm.
"These three seats look appropriate. Keep an eye out for Kamala."
"Oh! We met at the.. camp?" Zelrius turned his head slightly, hoping now that he wasn't just wrong and this wasn't someone else entirely. But, no. He was almost certain of it. "We talked to a spirit in my movement pack. You warned me it was dangerous." That was what he remembered most. The small apology for 'awakening' it.
As the group got together to travel, the redhead with the antler horns gestured forward. Seeing if @Ash Vargold would be willing to continue along together. "I never did catch your name. I am Zelrius, by the way." Maybe he could make a new friend.
He wasn't much of a rider, or for doing anything too crazy. Some people were dressed... scarcely. An idea snapped into focus; a Trial By Fire-Lite. Using his pyromancy to heat up the air around him, and act as a moving fireplace for people to warm up around.
▣ Attire: Reindeer Antlers, and an Ugly christmas sweater.
▣ Action: Providing Refreshments (Warmth)
▣ Travel Progress: 013
-30 ENONCE this cycle for travel fatigue Scene: Traveling (Astorea)
Although Kamala was caught surprised when Childress gave her a head pat, she was even more surprised when she responded to it with a giggle. A Freudian slip, maybe? Truth be told, it had been so long since anyone gave her head pats in this game or outside of it. Come to think of it, she's never actually received a head pat in this game before. My first head pat! And from Childress of all people! Wait, did she call me snow-cheeks?
Kamala was only beginning to grow red at that nickname and was only about to confirm it with Childress, when Uzuna on Kiryuu's shoulders started chasing her and a bunch of others. Instinctively panicked, no thanks to her first death's souvenir, the elf wasted no time in running away from that area. She almost fell right on her face when the sleigh train started to move but managed to barely stop herself from doing so. Fortunately for her, as luck would have it, she stumbled to where @Ayna Nietzsche and @Chrys were seated.
"I'm here, I'm here! Finally, I'm here!"
Catching a glimpse of sweet frozen shroom chunks that could be turned into a tasty dessert, she then decided to gather them for her friends!
Sean pauses upon the question from his friend. He had been gone for a while, but to what end? As he wondered if the holidays kept him from being away for longer...
"Well, I guess it was because I was trying to get stronger."
Thus, he saw the hypocrisy he had shown. He let out a sigh, he should've known. "You have a point, I have no room to be mad. Now, let's get going, to make others glad."
As the group traveled the land, the red-haired warrior made a ball of light in hand. The light is dim, though it provides some heat. The warrior offers it to the cold ones, as a treat. During the winter months, the cold can be rough, but to share holiday cheer, you don't have to be tough.
Attire: Usual attire but with a Santa hat and fake beard.
▣ Action: Providing Refreshments
▣ Travel Progress: 016
When he noticed the man utilizing magic to make himself a beacon of warmth, Erick scratched at the back of his head in thought. It was perfect, however it came with the inherent drawbacks that a campfire did. With the bitter cold of winter filtering in from outside, it required for people to stick close to the man for anything greater than diminishing returns.
One of the greatest solutions in human history to the problem of the elements?
Shelter.
And with the advent of shelter came technological evolution. One particular advancement was especially important during Midwestern winters. Closing his eyes, Erick envisioned a gilded sphere around them, a wall to keep out the cold. His newest protective magics afforded him just that- a barrier specifically designed to ward against Winter itself.
Insulation.
Coupled with the heat from @Zelrius they had created a pocket wherein the expeditionary group could find respite.
"That oughta do it..."
▣ Action: Provide Refreshments (warmth)
▣ Travel Progress: 020
Sakura had taken notice of a holiday event while she was traveling through one of the various towns she had come across while traveling, so she had decided to get festive. She found an outfit she liked and a few holiday snacks and rushed to make it to the event. She was just in time, too, as she had made it onto the sleigh as it was about to take off.
The sprint to make it in time for the event had taken her breath away, though. The small beastfolk panted as she collected herself. This... could be a good time to try to get better at talking to people, right?
Gathering her courage, she started pulling the holiday snacks she brought out and offering them to anyone nearby. What better way to make friends than with gifts, right?
