Complete Megathread Side Story (Wintersday) Zeusterday Express

[Pandora*]

Lady Saya

For anyone who had decided to explore the nomad's camp. They may smell something appetizing in the cold winter air. It came from an averagely-sized cabin that looked like it had been recently built. Some of the logs were crystal while others weren't. mixed with the snow and ice it created a unique look. Several Faerin had gathered there and seemed very interested in the smell of the delicious meat scent as well.

Indeed there was a large beast of some kind laying upon the table within. An apple in its tusked mouth and the juices of unknown fruits had been used to marinate it as it laid over a steady flame.

The boarlike animal was easily the size of a horse and was enough to probably feed a couple of needy families. Of course, these were Faerin and they sometimes ate a bit differently than other races...

A colorfully dressed purple-haired woman dusted off her hands and nodded with satisfaction.

"AWWWWWESOMMMMME!! No problem at all! I had an extra one and I'm happy to deliver! Nothing like watching hungry kids get a big meal! Wait what... you mean they aren't kids? Oh... I'm totally sorry! My bad! Happy Winters something or whatever Hahahaha! "

The still wandering Lady Saya, gave a salute of farewell and with her sword wrapped in large obnoxiously loud bells trudged into the Zalra winterlands...

"All this snow... is amazing! Des would love it since she lives in a place like this! I'll bring her out here too! Ocean and Zalra check and check! Let's mosey!"

▣ Attire: Reference both picks. The banner is out of battle, the picture is in battle.
▣ Preparation Progress: Cameo no roll.

 

[Yugam]

180/180
85/115

Explorers League

Astorea
$ show status summary
-20 EN - C1 Fatigue
-10 EN - General Action

"Alright, alright, I'm coming," the man chuckled as Luthien dragged him away from the bite-happy reindeer. Despite nearly having her hair chewed up like a hay bale, the elf kept looking back at the reindeer. "We have a whole trip for him to get comfy with you," the man said with a smile, bumping shoulders with the girl. "Don't worry. I'm sure he'll warm up by the time we come back."

Luthien waved over to a few different people, most of whom Yu had only met on occasion. Feeling the slightest bit obligated, the man waved alongside the elf at those she greeted...or rather, he lifted a hand, or gave a simple nod in greeting. Not much for people this one...

"I've never been to Zalra," the man commented as they boarded the sleigh? Train? Their mode of transportation. "You?"

---

Rolls

Roll Result
1d10 (5) = 5

Yugam| 1560C2

Action: Socilaizing
Preparation Progress: 27

@Luthien

 

[Kamala Graham]

‧͙⁺˚･❀･˚⁺͙‧

100 / 100
90 / 120
Scene: Crystal Nomad Camp

Having gathered nothing but slush on her face with her terrible attempt to procure a tasty snack for her friends, Kamala decided to just wait until the sleigh stopped at the nomads' camp. She was still a little energized from Childress' head pat. Kamala couldn't believe that the White Whistle still remembered her. After all, the only time she tried to do good as part of the Explorers League ended up with her dead. Maybe that's why she remembers me... Because I died.

Shaking the bad juju from her head, she steeled herself and remained grinning from ear to ear. Twas not the season to be mopey and sad. Twas the season to be jolly and charitable. And so she tried to embody the holiday spirit that she always admired, getting off the sleigh train while it was resupplying to chat with the locals and make a good enough impression. Or at least she tried.

▣ Attire: Kamala with a Wintersday hat
▣ Action: Pitstop: Talk with the Locals
▣ Travel Progress: 031 (+1 from 10 Presence)

 

[Cynna]

100 / 100
100 / 110

Rolls

Scene: Traveling

Just now, a fox-turned-spiffy-present-box was waking up from her nap and hopping out of a santa bag.

Oh my~ I had thought to make a fashionably late entrance but *yawn~* here I am braving the halls as a fresh and mysterious transfer student~ hm~ what to do~ what to do~ oh~? ~What's this~? ~ Then I didn't miss the complimentary in-flight meal~! ~Why yes child (@Sakura Wind) I would like snacks~ actually since everyone else seems so distraced perhaps I'll have them all~! OM NOM NOM NOM~!

The present box's mouth was apparently its lid as it shoveled what it could down into itself, at least, until Sakura decided to stop her (if she was so inclined).

You just might have a future in this child~ yes if you could continue to produce confections~~ and perhaps the fish set~ this pleasure cruise will truly be~ well~ a pleasure~~~ oh~ right~ a tip~ oh dear~ but I've left my purse in my other form~ oh my oh my~ ah~! ~~But inspiration strikes~

The box wiggles until it seems to... print something... out of its mouth... like a receipt.

Ta tata taaa~ behold~ a fox's talisman for taking three fine days off of work~ no no~ don't open it until you need it yes~? It'll give you a minor cold...

▣ Attire: Mysterious Present Box
▣ Action: Culling treats
▣ Travel Progress: 36

@Plutopia
Roll Result
1d10 (5) = 5

 

[Raid Boss]

Special Event

▣ Scene: Traveling (Isulus)
▣ Time: Night
▣ Weather: Light snow

After the sleigh train began to run atop the snow-covered mushroom tops, which gave all the passengers a chance to retrieve the sweet frozen mushroom, @Kamala Graham failed to get any. Unbeknownst to her was the fact that her attempt made the car she was on sway a little bit, crashing into a massive chunk in the process. This chunk contained a bunch of small fungi with two tiny legs that would melt from the heat generated by the other passengers.

Once the unnoticed chunk had had enough time to thaw without interruption, many of the strange mushroom creatures began running in all directions, hiding in various spots and waiting for their chance to snatch food and dig into the train's food reserve.

Better catch them, or else!

Since @Ayna Nietzsche and @Kamala Graham nat-1s were used to unlocking this event, the car they are staying in is completely swamped by the little fungal devils.

• (NEW) (Nat-1 Event) Fun Run. (1d10) to catch X number of these speedy little devils
  • Your roll adds to the Travel Progress.
  • Add the ▣ Fungi Caught: 0/30 to your template.

 

[Kamala Graham]

‧͙⁺˚･❀･˚⁺͙‧

100 / 100
90 / 120

Scene: Traveling (Isulus)
Time: Night
Weather: Light snow

Kamala squealed at the sight of the tiny fungal devils! Oblivious to the fact that she had a hand in their invasion of the sleight train, well, half of a hand, she started grabbing @Ayna Nietzsche's shoulder, and with the strength of a tiny elf woman, throttled her in the direction of the mischievous imps. Slowly, it dawned on her that they were now outnumbering them, around 20 to 3. She didn't have time to verify that statistic, even though she was pretty much spot-on, as the need to get rid of them made itself paramount in her head. The last thing they wanted was for these creatures to spread sickness in the car and beyond. Also, they were going to eat her snacks!

"Oh, my gosh, Ayna! The fungi followed us here! They're trying to take their revenge! Quick, let's catch them all before it's too late!"

Steeling herself by grabbing onto her seat, she then began to use her magic to conjure semi-illusory vines that began to whip and capture the tiny devils. They looked quite similar to normal vines, except more transparent and glowing in a lighter shade of their usual green. Don't hurt them! Just incapacitate them! Easier said than done.

▣ Attire: Kamala with a Wintersday hat
▣ Action: (Nat-1 Event) Fun Run
▣ Fungi Caught: 3/30
▣ Travel Progress: 039

 

[Cynna]

100 / 100
90 / 110

Rolls

Scene: Traveling (Isulus)

Having quickly staked her territory Cynna was quite pleased inserting delicious snacks into her present form rather than gifting anything outside of it. In fact, she was something like a glorified waste basket at this point. That was, of course, until the mushroom raid.

...why does this always happen?

Cynna looked around. Then, deciding they would make fun presents, attempted to catch a few with her ribbons which shot out with all the ferocity of a hungry frog's tongue.

▣ Attire: Mysterious Present Box
▣ Action: Fun Run
▣ Travel Progress: 44
▣ Fungi Caught: 8/30

 

[Luthien]

180 / 180
85 / 115

  Explorers League  

 ​

Scene: Traveling (Isulus) — Night — Light Snow

He bumped against her shoulder, the silent gesture earning Yugam a smile and a soft giggle from the elf, before they settled into their chosen seats. "Nope, never been there. I got close once, delivered a package for Beleg in Neridan, but even he wasn’t reckless enough to send me into Zalra on my own." It had been an interesting trip for the elf, even meeting a magia player along the way.

​

When the sleigh train stopped in Isulus it wasn’t surprising that the elf had quickly volunteered to help gather some of the frozen mushrooms. Even the snow didn’t seem to bother the ranger as much as it should’ve, having found a nifty trick with her hydromancy to keep the coldness tolerable. Not simple enough for combat, or for extended periods of time, but enough to gather mushrooms without shivering like a leaf—a prideful smirk on her lips when she caught Yugam’s gaze, pleased to show the man her choice of attire was more than enough for this adventure.

The night brought them back into the cars, a nice place to warm up and rest as the sleigh train moved towards its next stop. "I haven’t been here in aaageees, not since Camp Nisus—ay, puñeta!" She’d reached for the lamp beside their seats, intending to light up the place, when her fingers touched something soft and squishy and very much not what she’d been expecting. A yelp left her lips along with a native curse, instinctively grabbing and throwing the thing to get a better look.

---

▣ Attire: ❰ ❱
▣ Preparation Progress: 051
▣ Fungi Caught: 15/30

@Yugam

 

[Chrys]

100 / 100
80 / 110

-30 EN ONCE this cycle for travel fatigue
Scene: Traveling (Isulus)
Time: Night
Weather: Light snow

"What in tarnation?!"

Chrys screamed, surprised that their car was being swamped by things smaller than @Kamala Graham. He had been sleeping peacefully until that moment. His first instinct after waking up was to squint at @Ayna Nietzsche. He was certain that, for one reason or another, she was the cause of all this hell that has broken loose. Of course not Kamala. Never Kamala. Just ook at that innocent elven face!

"I will have order!"

He screamed again, this time more like a battle cry as he pushed himself off his seat and started channeling his Auric Geomancy. Using his Thousand Sparkling Gold, he used rocks and stones to capture what he could of these damned miniature Grinches! He also used his giant claymore to swat some devious creatures that tried to lunge at him. The audacity! Truly, small things are evil for they are much closer to hell than taller folks!

▣ Attire: Bargain Bin Santa
▣ Action: (Nat-1 Event) Fun Run
▣ Fungi Caught: 19/30
▣ Travel Progress: 055

 

[Schilva Flasch]

100 / 100
90 / 120

Having been bullied away from the train's immediate vicinity by the glares of the massive reindeer, Schilva had only so much time to board as the departure whistle cut through the ambient chatter.

Catching up was no issue considering his mastery over Dynamism. Rather, the issue was finding a seat. Each of the 'traincars' that he pulled up alongside, furiously sprinting to keep in pace, turned out to be at capacity.

Eventually, though, Schilva did find himself somewhere to sit as the train raced onward. Unfortunately for his ego and behind, it was the very back of the train where most of the miscellaneous traveling supplies and equipment were being kept. There was practically nowhere comfortable to sit, and the conceited swordsman made that very clear.

This is a travesty! The great Schilva Flasch deserves a first-class seat! Can I at least get a cushion down here?!

So on so forth he went on, at least until the oncoming cold wind dried his mouth out.
For all his indignant shouting, though, nobody was really bothered to clamber over several sleigh-lengths just to attend to this one weirdo, especially not while they were racing across such treacherous terrain.

One good thing about all this discomfort was that Schilva spent enough time awake to appreciate the passing scenery, especially entranced by the transition from Islus into Zalra. Seeing great frozen fungal stalks flatten out into sparkling crystalline plains was enough to help him forget about his grievously disrespectful seating.

But then, suddenly, MUSHROOMS!

Mushrooms??

As the little fungi creatures began skittering about, some even begin treading all over Schilva's new winter clothes on their way to steal supplies from the back of the sleigh train.

Living mushrooms!

Finally figuring out what was happening, Schilva shrugs off his coat quickly and bags as many of the little rascals as he can, tying off the arms and hem to form a makeshift sack.

Living mushroom THIEVES!

▣ Attire: A thick navy overcoat over his usual robes with a fluffy collar and clumsily stitched Christmas-palette scarf
▣ Action: (Nat-1 Event - Traveling) Fun Run
▣ Fungi Caught: 28/30
▣ Preparation Progress: 64

 

[Ayna Nietzsche]

⋇⊶⊰✦⊱⊷⋇

100 / 100
85 / 115

Scene: Traveling (Isulus)
Time: Night
Weather: Light snow

"Gah! Not these things again! One giant-<basseal honk> fungi monster was enough! Now we've got a car full of them!

Altered by @Kamala Graham, Ayna clenched her jaw, annoyed at the sudden invasion, before brandishing her lightning-charged polearm and going to town with the tiny little devils! The last time the pair had fought anything fungal, they were both knocked unconscious. This time, she hoped they would survive whatever backlash would come to be. No, just capture them. Don't knock them out to prevent that kind of thing from happening again!

And thus, Ayna started tasing the small, mischievous pests with as much lightning as she can, managing to resist also tasing @Chrys with his dust and rocks all over the place. He's making more of a mess in this car! Hmph! What a ride. What a journey. What a mess.

▣ Attire: Ayna's ill-advised Wintersday attire
▣ Action: Fun Run
▣ Fungi Caught: 30/30
▣ Travel Progress: 66

 

[Eva]

100 / 100
90 / 120

Rolls

Scene: Crystal Nomad Camp

The train stopped at a camp in Zalra, an area she never visited due to how dangerous it was. The stop at the crystallized region was quite safe probably because of the number of adventurers on the train, or rather because of Zeus himself, who was rumored to be as strong as one hundred starcalled.

Anyway, Eva sat still during the travel, conserving energy. At the pit stop, she helped the others restock their supply, thanks to the nomads. Once they confirmed that everything was accounted for, Eva went back to sit and sip on a hot chocolate. Pure, of course.

Rolls

Roll Result
1d10 (7) = 7

▣ Attire: This
▣ Action: Help the sleigh train resupply
▣ Fungi Caught: 30/30
▣ Travel Progress: 73

 

[Yugam]

180/180
85/115

Explorers League

Astorea

"Good thing too, Zalra's mostly uncharted, right? Who knows what's out there," the man said. Besides, if everything, inorganic or not, eventually turned to crystal, it was probably best if no one ever went there alone. Even now Yugam had some reservations about going there, but with half the League and more Travelers than he could count, if anything went awry, the man was certain they'd be okay.

"Ay, puñeta!"

The elf's sudden exclamation had Yugam turn around an look over at Luthien with a slightly concerned look on his face. "Everything good?" the man said before the girl threw whatever it was she had touched up into the air. The little thing arced through the air towards Yugam who caught it handily.

"A mushroom..." Well that wasn't exactly what Yugam had thought, but that did give him an idea. "Hmm," the man walked over towards the reindeer with the mushroom in hand, holding it out towards Blixen in offering. "Here boy, you might like this," the Hunter coaxed.

---

▣ Fungi Caught: 30/30
▣ Travel Progress: 75

@Luthien

 

[Rael]

100 / 100

 85 / 115

-20EN from C1 Fatigue
-10EN from General Actions

The pink-haired girl followed Luth's wave, intent on joining her for the remainder of the journey and being with some others she already felt more familiar with. Her face wasn't telling of the mild surprise that awakened in her seeing that the Hunter from her interviews and the archer already knew each other, content with just learning of their relationship through their interactions.

"It's so good to see you both again! Thank you, ah, excuse me, I'll just... grab a seat."

- - -​

Rael had spared not a second as she heard Luth's shriek, brandishing her grimoire and holding it high over her head as she was unable to summon any weaponry or method of defense on such short notice... But it would serve to crush whatever miniature threat had managed to reach them.

"Hold it down, I got it! O-Oh..."

She lowered her weapon as the Hunter took charge of the so-called "threat".

---

@Luthien @Yugam​

▣ Attire: League-supplied attire!
▣ Fungi Caught: 30/30
▣ Action: Socializing
▣ Travel Progress: 85

Rolls

Roll Result
1d10 (10) = 10

 

[Luthien]

180 / 180
85 / 115

  Explorers League  

 ​

Scene: Traveling (Isulus) — Night — Light Snow

What at first had appeared to be one mushroom had turned into two, and then another, as a small chain of them was dragged along for their impromptu flight. Yugam had caught one of them, the other two landing on the seat beside the hunter just as Rael turned around with the grimoire held tightly in her hands.

"Hold it down, I got it! O-Oh..." A soft chuckle left the blonde, before she smiled thankfully in Rael’s direction. "Seems we picked up some hitchhikers in our stop, huh?"

Now that she knew what they were, the elf had no problem picking up the other two before they scurried away, looking at the creatures quizzically before Yugam seemed to have a bright idea. "Here boy, you might like this." The hunter had stepped out of the car again, causing the elf to follow as she peered to see what he was up to, before watching as he tried to offer the creature to one of the reindeer as a peace offering.

"O-Oh, that’s a good idea actually!" An excited smile crossed her lips, turning to give Rael one of the mushroom creatures she’d been holding before her free hand grabbed onto the pinkett’s own. "Come on, let’s see if we can finally make friends with them~"

Her hand released Rael’s as she approached Blixem out of the herd, waving softly to catch its attention and watching the reindeer forgo whatever scathing grass blades it'd been looking for under the snow. "E-Easy… I got you something yummy, see?" Carefully the mushroom creature was presented, watching Blixem come close as its nostrils flared smelling the creature—before it quickly disappeared into the maw of the reindeer.

---

▣ Attire: ❰ ❱
▣ Preparation Progress: 094
▣ Fungi Caught: 30/30

@Rael | @Yugam

 

[Ash Vargold]

100 / 100
80 / 110

Rolls

Scene: Traveling (Isulus)
-30 EN

"Oh, right. That spirit." He smiled vaguely, eyes briefly searching the area around @Zelrius. "Doesn't look like you're haunted anymore. Ash, by the way."

And as soon as he spoke, he heard his name being called by a familiar voice. He turned towards the carriage to see @Luthien waving at him. He raised a hand in response. "Oh, hey!"

Ash turned back to Zelrius. "Should be enough room if you want to join in."

---

It was a full on reunion in this cart. It was also full on chaos, when he eventually logged back in from a break.

The other seemed to have the whole... tiny mushroom invasion dealt with, so Ash instead tentatively approached the reindeer with the others, staring it down outside of munch range. The reindeer stared back.

And then, with a steamy huff, it blinked slowly and turned away. That was... good, right? Ash didn't speak reindeer.

▣ Attire: He's got a santa hat.
▣ Action: Socializing
▣ Travel Progress: 103

 

[Nai]

100 / 100
85 / 115
Scene: Traveling Isulus - Night

Spoiler: Recompense

Equal pay for equal work.

With Aerial saved and a hungry Faerin demanding recompensation, Nai stuck the stick into Ludmilla's open mouth without hesitation.

It was tasteless.

For a good few seconds, it was entirely tasteless.

And then, the aftertaste struck, like a gavel fall, like a cannonball. @Ludmilla Orphys's blood ran hot, a spice searing into the roof of her mouth as a bonfire was lit within her stomach. Not a brain-frenzied energy like caffeine, but rather one that boosted stamina, bringing a vigorous alacrity to her form, a razor-sharp awareness of her surroundings! Indeed, with just one stick, she was standing truly erect!

The consequences of that, however, would be forgotten, as one's mind naturally shifts a few days into the future.

While others opted to feed mushroom-guys to the reindeer, Nai partook in the bounty of Isulus's living vegetation by bringing out her alchemy kit and getting to proper work within her own cart. She had little opportunity to truly divest in what materials one could try out in the Tangleweaves, after all, and thus, the grim work began. Kitchen knives dissected the bound creature, its spores splattering against the sides of the cart, and hot water bubbled in three separate containers.

She'll roast one sample and use it for tea. She'll shock another sample and then dress it with her secret sauce. And for the third...it was better off not being described.

Regardless, refreshments were made.

And they were....served. @Erick Stryker @Eva @Aerial

Rolls

▣ Attire: Ornaments hanging from horns.
▣ Action: Provide...Refreshments.
▣ Travel Progress: 104

 

[Chrys]

《⋯《 ⋯ ❖ ⋯ 》⋯》

100 / 100
80 / 110

Scene: Traveling (Isulus)
Time: Night
Weather: Light snow

With @Ayna Nietzsche having taken care of the last pair of fungal devils, after @Kamala Graham took out the first three, Chrys could finally breathe easy once again. Not that he was breathing that hard. Or however way that phrase was supposed to be. He had been sleeping until the chaotic intermission. Just like your grandpa on a long train ride back home. Or back to his retirement home.

"Well... That's that. No one wake me up unless it's important."

He yawned and plopped his body back on his seat before closing his eyes and immediately starting to snore. Chrys began to dream about nice things, and by nice things, that meant to him luxury cars, blonde models, and massive mansions, none of which he had. Well, except maybe for the first two but he wanted more. Not that he could afford more or afford to take care of more. His path didn't allow for a lot of free time, though the money was pretty damn noice.

▣ Attire: Bargain Bin Santa
▣ Action: Socializing
▣ Fungi Caught: 30/30
▣ Travel Progress: 112

 

[Erick Stryker]

100 / 100
90 / 120

Scene: Traveling (Isulus)

He really wanted to be considerate and respectful of the effort that went into making... whatever was presented to him, but Erick couldn't help staring down blankly at... it. He stared so hard in fact that his gaze went vacant and his jaw slacked for a second, though no one else would be able to tell that he wasn't just zoning way, way out. For a moment, he let his mind's eye walk backward, trudging through the snow to where @Nai had collected the specimens, observing the entire process through which they were turned into... food.

He shook his head to pull himself out of the trance, and managed to smile at the goat-woman almost earnestly.

"No thank you, I ate too much before we left."

▣ Action: Socialize
▣ Travel Progress: 114

 

[Luthien]

180 / 180
85 / 115

  Explorers League  

 ​

Scene: Traveling (Isulus) — Night — Light Snow

The delight on her face as Blixem had accepted her questionable treat had the elf beaming. The excitement that exuded from the ranger was almost palpable once she got the opportunity to rest her hand against the reindeer’s neck, receiving only the lightest of snorts from them as Blixem continued to chew its fungi treat.

"Yuuu…! I’m petting him, I’m really petting him!"

It took everything in the girls power to keep her voice within whispering levels as she hit the attention from the hunter, allowing herself a moment more to savor the small victory as she offered Blixem a few scratches behind their ear when the reindeer lowered its head. She could see others out as well, some interacting with the herd like her and others offering… questionable refreshments at best. So far the trip had been fun, and a light smile rested on her lips at the thought—before pulling into a rather mischievous grin as a new one crossed her mind.

Carefully the elf gathered a lump of snow into her gloves hands, quietly compacting it into a sphere as she used Blixem for cover, before her gaze fell on the hunter as he tried to interact with another deer from the heard. Paft! She opted to use Blixem for cover as a snowball was haphazardly chucked from around the massive deer, a light and airy chuckle ringing through the air as the blonde scooped a second batch of snow into her hands.

---

▣ Attire: ❰ ❱
▣ Preparation Progress: 115
▣ Fungi Caught: 30/30

@Yugam