(no subject)

[all_onis_are_true]

[SUBMITTED FOR THE MONSTER BOOK]

HIROSHI'S NOTES:

The following observations were made in a forest environment which appeared in an abandoned area of the city.

GIANT RAT:
Threat Level: Minimal.
Description: Rats which are of larger than average size. Hardly worth noting, but still something to investigate at some point.

LIVING TREE　1 ("Head Fruit" Tree)　:
Threat Level: Major.
Description: A large tree, with large, peach-like fruits. When approached, the fruits turn, revealing shriveled faces.
Attacks:
- Will lure in prey by appealing to sense of curiosity or good will; sounds like a sentient being or beings stuck inside requiring assistance.
- Flowers near the base emit pollen which can evoke hallucinations and panic attacks. Unsure if it is as simple as skin contact or through inhalation, but advised to avoid all forms of contact. Also unsure if directly connected to head tree, or if a coincidental threat.
Weaknesses: Attacking the fruits seem to cause it pain. More than likely, destroying all the fruits would at the very least incapacitate it. Presumably also has other normal tree weaknesses.


LIVING TREE 2: ("Leader" Tree)
Threat Level: Major.
Description: Another tree, capable of movement and thought. When it has prey entrapped, it also reveals a mouth in the main trunk. Appears to have sentience; can understand humans, and speak to a certain extent, but is too openly malicious and cruel to be negotiated with. Areas of forest in its presence seem to be denser, with heavier air pressure.
Attacks:
- Controls trees around it; trees can attack with branches, roots, and mouths. Unable to discern if trees always sentient and are simply ruled over by largest, or if largest tree forces them to act.

NOTE: Destroying this tree seems to calm the rest of the forest down; may warrant further study if at all possible.

Weaknesses:
- Sharp objects can cut through branches and roots; an ax would probably be recommended for the tree itself.
- Fire, something it openly recognizes as a threat.

EXTRA NOTES:
- The following rune was etched into one of the trees; if anybody can recognize it, I would request more details as to its nature.

*A strange rune, somewhat roughly drawn, is displayed as a photo.*

[ACTION]

*It occurs to Hiroshi after the forest expedition that it would help for him to start carrying a few more useful tools around with him, which is why he's currently shopping around for various small but useful things. A lighter, for instance. Also shoelaces, since his own shoelace got somewhat damaged in the frantic attempt to catch the damn tree on fire. Feel free to engage him and ask him about what he's buying. ...there are no piston engines, though.*

Comments

[video]

[shineslightintodarkness]

Hm... this does not look familiar, but do you know where you found it?

Re: [video]

[all_onis_are_true]

It was on a tree in the forest. I didn't get too close to it, though.

Re: [video]

[shineslightintodarkness]

Good thing - it could have been a trap. I'll hold onto a copy.

Re: [video]

[all_onis_are_true]

A trap? You can activate a trap by just looking at it?

Re: [video]

[shineslightintodarkness]

Ah - no, that was not quite what I meant. Though with magic, who knows.

Re: [video]

[all_onis_are_true]

*Cautious relief.*

Uh. Right. Anyway, I would appreciate anything you can get to me about it, in case it shows up for whatever reason in the future.

Re: [video]

[shineslightintodarkness]

Certainly. We can't dismiss anything at all.

Re: [video]

[all_onis_are_true]

So you're pretty familiar with this sort of research, sir?

[text]

[canthandleacape]

Exactly how much larger than average are we talking for these rats?

Re: [text]

[all_onis_are_true]

About the size of a wharf rat maybe? The Chinese martial artist killed it before we could really observe its movements.

[text]

[canthandleacape]

Smart move there. Where'd you say that forest was again?

Re: [text]

[all_onis_are_true]

Some park in part of the city that got deserted after the big population exodus. Honestly, the rat was the least of our issues.

[in person]

[alittleblackmagic]

Rats and trees?

Those are the most boring enemies I've ever heard of. What happened to goblins and slimes and rocs?

[all_onis_are_true]

You know, if you were there, you wouldn't be so flippant about it.

[alittleblackmagic]

Well, who's fault is that for not bringing me along? I let you in on the fun when I had to fight cockroaches.

[all_onis_are_true]

Hey, don't blame me. Unless you would have normally leaped at something that was basically a research expedition.

[alittleblackmagic]

That's just what you said it was so I'd think it was boring and lame. I'm coming on all your research expeditions next time!

[all_onis_are_true]

*Oh great. On the one hand they could use the firepower. On the other hand, he's not sure he can deal with the whining during the lulls in action.*

Swell. I'm sure you'll learn a lot.

[alittleblackmagic]

Yeah, so will you! I think you've only seen maybe three of my spells.

[all_onis_are_true]

Oh trust me, I've been dying to see you cause mass property damage with the rest of them, believe me.

[Action]

[mokomanjuu]

[Mokona's at the counter, examining the candy bars. Or she was until someone more interesting came along.]

A lighter really would have been handy! Mokona should start carrying around things too.

Re: [Action]

[all_onis_are_true]

Oh, right, you're supposed to be one big infinite suitcase, huh. If you have any other ideas on what I should pick up, I'm all ears.

Thanks for helping out back there, by the way.

Re: [Action]

[mokomanjuu]

Helping is what Mokona is for!

Snacks are good. You can use them to distract things that try to eat you, or you can eat them yourself.

Re: [Action]

[all_onis_are_true]

I'll... keep that in mind. You sure you don't just want me to bring snacks for those times you come along?

[mokomanjuu]

Maybe.