The Magic Forest
It has no name, because it does not need one. There are other groups of trees, but beyond Muenzuka, there is only one real forest. The Magic Forest’s inhabitants are mostly fairies, with a number of Youkai and minor Kami. During the day, the forest is relatively harmless. Most fairies being easily repelled or distracted.
By night, the forest grows more dangerous as the Youkai awake. The Youkai of the forest, while not especially strong, have a close bond with one another, and readily come to one another’s aid. The forest also has a number of flora, making it dangerous at all hours. Hallucinogenic mushrooms, carnivorous trees and blood-sucking vines among the many hazards of this place.
If you become lost in the forest, there is a chance you can get the attention of some of its human inhabitants. The witch Kirisame Marisa and occultist Alice Margatroid shelter lost wanderers, while Narumi Yatadera and Rinnosuke Morichika will guide lost souls. Be careful that by calling for help however, you do not attract the attention of its more dangerous inhabitants…
Or, you can purchase our Lorelei of the Night branded music boxes, available at every Otherworldly Ventures outlet for 1 Bu. Tired of going out at night and being attacked by Youkai? Ease your life, with Lorelei of the Night.
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Oscar’s feet hurt. The pain pulsed in his shoes as he trudged along. Envying the others who were carelessly floating ahead of him. Only Agappa walked by foot. Her sandals with their broken thong making a peculiar sound behind him. Fortunately, he did not have long to focus on his feet. From in front of him, the most beautiful sound he had heard echoed from between the trees. A song more akin to a celestial instrument than human song. It took him a moment to realize it was coming from Mystia. Weaving her way between the darkened trunks effortlessly. Though the evening sky had dimmed and darkness set in, she didn’t seem to have her eyes open.
From the dark, sinister gazes seemed to rise among the trees as Mystia’s song passed. Glowering down at him before disappearing. Every color was represented, from red to blue to brown. Now and then, a face would materialize from the dark, making him jump. Before it would smile and wave to the group of girls. Each time Mystia would wave back, greeting it by name. The others of Team 9 echoing her greeting enthusiastically. But usually, the eyes would simply vanish into the undergrowth.
As they walked along the dirt path, the others eased ahead, eager to see another familiar face. Agappa on the other hand hung back. Not wanting another awkward meeting with a judgmental group. The only one who remained close to him was Rumia. Her head still wrapped in Daiyousei’s kerchief, stained with blood. Her face and arms flecked with soot and burns from his rockets. Even her eyes seemed swollen. Her head was turned down, ignoring the greetings from elsewhere.
Don’t talk to her. She tried to eat you. She chased you after trying to eat you. She’s only your friend because her other friends like her…
“Hey Rumia.” The words startled her, though she didn’t jolt at them. Her head raised slowly. Not looking back at him. “...You ah, had a rough day. How are you feeling?”
“Hungry…”
The sorrow in her voice might have moved him. If he wasn’t half sure he was on the menu. But there was something else in her voice. Something more than hunger pangs. Behind him, he was sure he could hear Agappa muttering to herself. What it was, he couldn't tell over the song.
“Don’t your injuries hurt?”
“They’ll heal at night.”
The despondency in her voice only grew. Either they really hurt, or she was really playing up the act. Still, was she really dangerous with her friends nearby?
“Do you want me to carry you?”
“Go away.”
Her body darkened and faded. A shadowy ball enveloping her a moment before she veered off into the forest. Vanishing among the trees, despite the odd bump into a trunk. The song ahead slowed. Four trusting faces looking back with concern. Cirno spoke first.
"Osu, where's Rumia?"
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What now?
= You have a little time. She can’t see, and is probably in pain. Trick her into coming back to the path.
= This seems like the perfect occasion for a long-range flare--erm, firebolt. That'll scare her back.
= Sneak after her. She'll never see you coming.
= Chase after her!
= She’ll go to a familiar place to rest and be alone. The BBQ pit! We can make camp there.