Prompt Eighteen Official SG

RPs & SGs Story Games
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The Story

Four groups of adventurers had been trekking through the jungle for days, and slowly, each group is about to discover that what they had been looking for is here in front of them. It’s the towering lost temples that have been lost to time and swallowed up by the dense vines.

The story originated from the prompt thread.

How this SG works compared to normal ones

Yes, I’ll still be doing the writing. However, anyone and everyone can vote on the polls and answer questions after each post. As for the characters, so far 15 characters are in the story, although there is very little information on them. More can be added as the story progresses. I will be aiming to write this faster than most SGs; posting every few days (hopefully), so it will be a faster story that you don’t have to actively answer every question.

What’s an SG?

SG rules, please read:
  • Do Not Post on the SG thread, please! I REALLY want to hear your comments and thoughts but keep them on this thread! Thank you.
  • Please respond to the polls and questions I ask as soon as you can. Remember that the sooner you reply, the sooner I can write the following post.

(wink)

FaceClaims

@Littlefeets, @Kbail, @Kristi, @LunaticLeviTheSecond, @idiot.exe, @OhSumana, @eunoia, … and @Caticorn?

7 Likes
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Four groups of adventurers had been trekking through the jungle for days, and slowly, each group was about to discover what they had been looking for was here in front of them. It was the towering lost temples that had been lost to time and swallowed up by the dense vines.

The group who were now standing in front the temples was lead by the experienced and lethal warrior, Héloïse Günther. Nearby was the adorably deadly second-in-command, Kagawa Mochizuki, who was never without a flame thrower nor sword coated in sulfur mustard. One of the other two was Danya Kutnyakova, who is flamboyant and flirty, but still rather inexperienced. While the other was Volodymyr Macron, the only one of whom who has a touch of magic. The power of limited garden magic.

The next group, who were only a 10-minute walk from the temple, were a pair. One was a giant named Wilhelmina Whisperwood; the muscle. While the other was a Gremlin named Ike Wiles; the brains.

Another group, who weren’t doing particularly well, as they had been unknowingly circling the temples for a few hours. Probably due to having five members but no leader. They were Alyce Masterson who had killer aim with a crossbow and always had a thermos full of tea, and Ardyn Mistborne, a bubbly airhead with a magically enchanted pen that could not only unlock anything but also magically translate any language if copied. As well as Sammael Schaeffer, a ditzy soft-hearted map-maker with only one torn faded map left in possession, and Sarah Rodway, someone who is funny and pretentious, with impeccable balance, and tremendous grip and strength when climbing. Then finally Xavier Masterson, who is Alyce’s younger sibling. He’s a stubborn, reckless, and arrogant adventurer who got stuck with an empty bottle and a cursed vase on the last adventure.

As for the fourth group, it was lead by the careful and wistful, Cosmos, wielder of the power to manipulate oxygen. Cosmos’ best friend was the damaged yet determined, Phantom. One who wields the power of Spell Absorption. The pair also had two others with them, the slightly depressing, Keishara who instilled false confidence in others while also wielding the power of dowsing. The other was the quirky and overly-protective, Báðýt, who has intangibility magic. This group set off late and isn’t anywhere near it yet.

Which group’s story should we start with first?
  • The First Group
  • The Second Group
  • The Third Group
  • The Fourth Group

0 voters

@SGers

4 Likes
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The Third Group

Hours had passed since they had entered Berkbiens Forest, after packing down their camp at the forest’s edge. The morning dew had started off crispy with a chill breeze blowing through them. Layers of clothing were soon taken off and packed away as the sun rose higher and its heat could be felt in patches through the trees. As they walked on and on, Sarah had tried to lighten the mood by telling a few jokes but after the first two hours, even she became too exhausted.
Then for the past hour or so, there hadn’t been much progress and Xavier was getting irritated by the insects who had decided to stick to his arms and legs.

Xavier swatted maniacally at his arms and legs. “What are we even supposed to do here?!”, he yelled out in annoyance, which didn’t draw him any attention. They were used to his stupid tantrums, which only made him even angrier. “Ugh, where is our leader? Maybe they would have known! Oh, wait, we don’t even have a leader! I think I would have made a wonderful leader if it weren’t for this useless, empty bottle and the f^cking cursed vase I got! Like, what am I supposed to do with this-” He paused and began swatting again, stomping his feet. “Damn insects!”

Alyce was ignoring her petulant young sibling by walking near to Sammael, trying to sneak glances at the tattered map they were carrying. Neither had spoken many words to each other though. They just kept walking, unbeknownst that they were walking in a circle repeatedly. She was distracted from her latest sneak peek at the map by the annoying Xavier, midpoint in their rant. She halted in her tracks, causing the rest of the group to do so too.
Turning slowly in irritation on the soles of her boots, Alyce retorted, “Maybe if you used your head a little more, you wouldn’t have touched that stupid vase. But by all mean, please, entertain us again by trying to unstick it from your hand. I don’t know what glue magic was used but it’s f^cking hilarious watching you try to get it off.” She then mirrored him smugly, folding her arms across her chest. “Why don’t you stop being the annoying one and try to be useful for the first in your life?”
“Shut up, Ally," he shouted, knowing full-well she hated that nickname.
“Don’t call me-”
But Xavier didn’t let her finish. "They just had to stick to me, not any of you! I didn’t touch nothing. It must always be ‘Let’s all annoy Xavier day’ because I have the worst luck!”

When the group stopped for Alyce and Xavier to bicker once again, Sarah sat down on a tree root that looped out of the ground. The hot sun beaming down on her. Listening to the argument, it seemed to be the same one they had had countless times; Xavier being incredibly annoying and Alyce making sure that Xavier knew this. Usually Sarah would laugh at her friend, who even she would sometimes butt heads with, scolding her younger sibling. But not now, not when they were lost.
Sarah gripped the root either side of her and stretched out her legs. “Hey guys, I don’t think arguing is the best option right now so maybe try being, I don’t know, Civil?” Then she turned to Xavier. “Especially you, you’ve been complaining this entire trip.”
“Maybe I wouldn’t complain if we actually had a leader to lead us,” Xavier spat back.
“Ah, really, Xavier?”, Ardyn sprung forward with a bounce in both step and voice. “Don’t you think that a leader needs to take charge, not complain. To be decisive and not follow the herd. To, you know, lead the group.”
“You don’t think Xavier has what it takes either then, Ardyn?”, Sarah asked.
“Well-”
“Hey!”, Xavier interrupted. “I would, just so you.” Xavier turned to Ardyn. “Who do you think would make the best leader of the group?”

So which group’s story should we move onto next?
  • The First Group
  • The Second Group
  • The Fourth Group

0 voters

Who do you think Ardyn’s choice for a leader would be?
  • Alyce
  • Ardyn (themself)
  • Sammael
  • Sarah
  • Xavier
  • No one

0 voters

One user per question, anyone can answer them:

  • Who do you think Alyce’s choice for a leader would be?
  • Who do you think Sammael’s choice for a leader would be?
  • Who do you think Sarah’s choice for a leader would be?
  • Who do you think Xavier’s choice for a leader would be?

@SGers

Thanks to...

Thanks to @elixr and @Kbail for their starters on the prompt thread. (wink)

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The Second Group

Ike and Wilhelmina had slept that night on the furtherest side of Berkbiens Forest from the lost temples, just inside of the trees. As they had come here from Alverton, a town known for secrets so ancient that they’re older than the forest itself. Neither were from there, of course, but the lost temples were only one of the secrets that they found out there.

Ike had insisted that Wilhelmina be leading the way through the trees when they were in the depths of foliage; for xyrs size could clear a path for him to walk behind xem.
CRACK! CRUNCH!!
A tree root that stuck out of the ground snapped under xyr foot, although xe didn’t seem to notice. Ike did, however, and had every intention of sharing his displeasure. “HEY, YOU OAF, BE MORE CAREFUL WITH THAT TURGID FOOT OF YOURS.”
Wilhelmina stopped suddenly and turned, causing Ike to walk into xyr shin, whacking his forehead into xyr kneecap. There was quite a height difference between them, they really did make an odd pairing; a nearly ten foot giant and a gremlin who was three inches of three foot.
Ike stumbled back in a mild daze, about to fall over if it weren’t for Wilhelmina’s lightning quick reflexes. Xe snapped a small branch (probably more of a twig in xyrs hands) and held it low behind him, hopefully for him to fall on. Unfortunately, xe was not calculated in slightest, not like Ike was, which meant that xe misjudged the position of the branch. It did catch him, but only his legs and was overbalanced, falling straight back onto the ground.

Dropping the branch, Wilhelmina offered a large hand to help him up, but as the dazed Ike focused, he shook his hand. “GET AWAY FROM ME, WILLIE,” he grumbled as he helped himself up into a sitting position on the broken branch.
Xe looked down at him with xyr large green eyes. Then xe spoke with such an unusually eccentric voice for xyr look and size. It was odd, almost whimsical. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to-”
“-You didn’t.” Ike was pulling off his backpack and digging around in it.
Willie didn’t let the quiet settle for too long. “I’m hungry. Do you think we could stop here for a break?” But Ike didn’t look up, he simply answered with a wave of his hand and xe took that for a yes. Carefully, xe sat on the ground with both legs tucked round xem to the right, trying not to cause too much noice or damage. Xe rummaged in xyr own pack for food and water.

Looking around xem, trying to leave Ike alone with what he was doing, xe spotted a cluster of mushrooms within an arm’s reached. Xe stretched out for them and recoiled again when xe heard him say, “Don’t touch. They probably psychedelic, they’re not eatable.”
“How do you know?”, xe asked before drinking from xyr large canteen.
Ike looked up from his map and compass, up at Willie. “Do you know this forest?” Xe shook xyr head. “Neither do I. So the best idea is to not eat anything. Okay?”
“Okay.”

So which group’s story should we continue with first?
  • The First Group
  • The Fourth Group

0 voters

How long have Wilhelmina and Ike been paired up together?
  • Only the past few weeks
  • A few months
  • Over 6 months
  • For a year
  • 2-3 years
  • A decade
  • Since childhood

0 voters

@SGers

2 Likes
8

The First Group

Volodymyr’s hand was raised to some kind of solid wall thick with moss, at least zie thought it was a wall behind the murky green. The two fingers on the end of hir hand twitched as a small crop of moss crawled outward from hir palm, leaving a cleared patch of old stone only reaching to hir gnarled fingertips.
“Did you find it, Vóva?”, asked the sonorous voice of Héloïse.
“Only more wall,” came zie reply.
“What about you two?”
“Burning. Nothing but… char-grilled greens… over here,” wheezed Kagawa, as they played with the settings on their semi-advanced flame-thrower.
“Try not to burn down the forest.”
“Not… on purpose.”
Héloïse was working on their own patch of moss and ivy. “Danya, how about you?”
“The wall is winning,” she answered in her dulcet falsetto. “I broke a talon.”
“It’ll grow back, keep looking.”
Danya sighed. “It hurts.”
“So does… this conversation,” Kagawa snapped at her, pushing their tight black braid off their shoulder. Héloïse shot them both a look, wanting to avoid another argument that’d only prolong their search further.

“There’s something here,” Vóva called out around 12 minutes later, getting them to regroup by hir. Behind hir gnarled fingers was only part of a three-inch thick iron bar. “I can’t clear all of this stuff off it.”
“Move… out of the… way then,” Kagawa told hir.
“Careful not to melt it,” Héloïse warned and Kagawa glowered in return.
As they faced the wall again, weapon at the ready, Vóva stepped back for them. Kagawa flicked the switch, igniting the released gas into the flame and torching the weed and moss that cover the bars. Seconds later, Kagawa flicked it off again and they all waited for the smoke to dissipate. As the last of the burning moss became just embers at the sides, a massive barred entrance was revealed. There were about 20 vertical iron bars like a door or cage, evenly spaced with two inches between each one, but with not handle or way to open it.

Héloïse waved away the smoke from their face. “Thanks, Kagawa,” Héloïse coughed. “Shame you didn’t melt the bars.”
“Kind of… impossible… with this,” they wheezed, holding up the weapon.
“Hmm, do you think either of you two can pry them open?”
Volodymyr and Danya exchanged glances; Danya’s then turning into a smile, fluttering her lashes at hir.

Who do you think will break open/apart the bars somehow?
  • Danya
  • Héloïse
  • Kagawa
  • Volodymyr
  • No one

0 voters

Remember that anyone can suggest FCs and/or outfits for any of the characters!!!

@SGers

2 Likes
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The Fourth Group

The group hadn’t yet reached the Berkbiens Forest. They were driving through a valley, on their way there, in an old rust-bucket that could probably have once been described as a farm truck. Cosmos was sure this thing hadn’t driven this far in a number of years, and driving it now they were putting all of their weight forward to make sure it stayed going straight. Their friend was not doing the same, however. Phantom didn’t care whether this piece of junk got them there or not, it knew that they would get there one way or another.
The upholstery within the cab left much to be desired. Although Cosmos had to perch in the seat precariously since there was a spring poking out between their legs, Phantom had the more uncomfortable situation. With no seat even there, it sat on a stack of eleven books, which wobbled on every bump in the paddocks they drove through.

From the outside of the truck, the paint job is great; a nice even coat of rust over the entire body with only a few sky blue patches on the bonnet and doors. The truck’s only inhabitants, before the group had taken it, had been a rather shabby looking middle-aged couple who were now laying unconscious on the back. Making sure they didn’t slide off the back with every bump, and because there wasn’t room inside the cab, was Keishara and Báðýt. Each with one hand on a sleeping owner and the other clinging to the metal bar outside the cab’s rear window.

The truck conked out about a hundred metres from the edge of the Berkbiens Forest roughly two hours later. As Cosmos and Phantom got out of the cab, its flat and toneless voice spoke to the group, “Walking is the only way forward.”
Báðýt’s reply resonated as they pair on the back leapt off, as if it was a foghorn, “Thanks for that completely obvious remark. Just do make sure we all stick together.”
“No one ever plans to get lost,” came the wobbly, almost straggled voice of Keishara.
Phantom ignored Keishara’s depressing comments, everyone did. “Straight into the forest, Cosmos?” It wasn’t a question, but with inflection it was hard to tell.
Cosmos’ more smokey voice responded, “Yes, and I wouldn’t worry, Báðýt, I know you’re there to look after us.”

So now that you’ve heard from each one, which groups would you like next?
  • The First Group
  • The Second Group
  • The Third Group
  • The Fourth Group
0 voters
Who would you like to see Cosmos paired up with a short period?
  • Phantom
  • Keishara
  • Báðýt
0 voters

Anyone gonna suggest any more FC or outfits for any of the characters?

@SGers

1 Like
10

The Second Group

Minutes past the pair by as Ike studied the map and Willie munched on a small chunk on bread and cracked opened half a dozen walnuts with xyr bare hands. With every cracking sound, Ike’s eyes and mouth winced, loosing their place on the map as he attempted to work out the distance to the temple.
“DO YOU MIND?”, Ike snapped.
Wilhelmina’s green eyes grew larger, if that were possible, as xe was alerted to xyr small friend. “I have a mind.” Xe popped the 5th walnut in xyr mouth and offered out xyr hand to Ike, which had the 6th resting in xyr palm. “Did you want one?”
“NO! I WANT QUIET!” In irritation, he clenched his teeth tightly together and stared back at the map, trying to mark out the distance with his fingers.
“Sorry.” Xe dusted the crumbs to the ground and attempted to make as little noise as possible.

Another few minutes passed by, quieter than the last, until Ike roughly folded the map up and told Wilhelmina, “Shouldn’t be more than an hour’s walk to the temple, if you’re SLOW.”
“You always say that. 'Suppose you should walker faster instead.”
Ike was picking himself off the ground and reorganising his pack at the same time xe pushed xemself up with xyr fist to the dirt. The ground trembled slightly and the trees rustled angrily without breeze.
“I HAVE SHORTER LEGS THAN YOU, BOOR!” He turned to raise one pointed finger at xem, wagging it aggressively, and threw his pack over his shoulder with his right hand. “DO YOU NOT UNDERSTAND?!”
“I’m not a boor. I’m a giant.”
Despite hearing the hurt in xyr voice, he hadn’t any remorse at this moment. “Act like it. C’mon, let’s move.”
And that’s what they did; they moved. For fear of upsetting xyr friend further, Wilhelmina’s rations promptly returned o xyr bag and xe lead the way through the forest; under the direction of Ike, of course.

Further along the trail that Wilhelmina was making as xe snapped branch after branch to clear their way, xyr bizarrely playful voice sounded out, “You’re very angry lately, Ike. Why?”
“WHAT?” He grunted, straining to hear xem. Xe turned xyr head slightly as xe walked and repeated xyr question again. This time his response was louder, “I’VE NOT BEEN ANGRIER! Willie, since leaving Alverton this morning, I’ve been trying to follow a direction.”
“Maybe,” xe said, unconvinced. “You never used to be this way.”
“AND WHAT WAY IS THAT?”
“Angry. Mean to me.”
“I’M NOT MEAN TO YOU, YOU O- Willie.” He stopped himself from name-calling and lowered his volume, though it didn’t make it sound any less angry. “Your My Oldest Friend!”
“Yes. I am,” Willie agreed. “How did we first meet?”

Which group should we continue with next?
  • The First Group
  • The Third Group
  • The Fourth Group
0 voters

What were the last three events or locations that Wilhelmina and Ike were at/doing together?

This can be a question, town, celebration, etc! (For now, only one suggestion per person)

@SGers
3 Likes
11

The First Group

Although wishing to test their own strength, Héloïse was a fair leader.
“Stand aside, Kagawa,” they asked, waving a hand to signal Danya to give it a try. “It’s time for another professional to have a turn.”
Stepping forward flamboyantly, she thanked Héloïse for the opportunity. Looking at the bars before her, her determination soon overshadowed any lingering pain from her broken talon. With a confident grin, Danya wrapped each hand around an iron bar and tensed her muscles as she attempted to pry it open with all her might. Feeling the blood rise as she used all her muscles. But despite her best efforts, the bars resisted her attempts to force them apart.

Observing Danya struggle in vain, Héloïse’s expression hardened with resolve. The stepped forward to pat her on the shoulder, telling her it was a good effort as their sharp eyes scanned solid walls for an irregular patterns in the moss that still clung.
“Perhaps-”, they started saying as they reached out with a steady hand, pressing firmly against something concealed behind the lush murky green. Pulling their hand back quickly, Héloïse stepped back.

With a low rumble, more of the moss started to fall away, revealing the more bars that stood lengthways in a seven foot tall doorframe. The massive barred entrance began to shudder. Anticipation spreading quickly through the hearts of the group. The iron bars groaned as they shifted slightly, and then, with rusty squeals, the bars began to be pulled upward into the stone above.
Now standing before the group was a newly opened entrance, into a darkened passage of the temple.

Héloïse’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction. “Looks like we found our way in,” the remarked, their voice tinged with triumph. “Let’s proceed with caution. We don’t know what lies ahead.”
Kagawa nodded in agreement, their flame-thrower held at the ready. “Agreed. Who knows… what ancient… traps or… guardians might be… waiting for us inside.”
Danya was still recovering from her failed attempt to pry open the bars. But Volodymyr, ever the voice of reason, chimed in, “Caution is key. May I suggest we light our way somehow before entering?”

Who should come up with the idea for how to light their path?
  • Danya
  • Héloïse
  • Kagawa
  • Volodymyr
  • I have an idea for how they can light the path (I’ll suggest it here)
0 voters
Which group should we continue with next?
  • The Third Group
  • The Fourth Group
0 voters

Remember that anyone can suggest FCs and/or outfits for any of the characters!!!

@SGers

3 Likes
12

The Third Group

Xavier turned defiantly to Ardyn. “Who do you think would make the best leader of the group?”

Arydn pondered this question for a moment or two before responding, their tone devoid of criticism, “Unlike you, young Xavier, I don’t think I could lead us well. Too young and inexperienced, is I.” They paused to think on their words. “Tensions between you and Alyce are often high, and I guess that Sammael, much like myself, prefers not to take on a leadership role. Therefore, I do believe that Sarah would make the best leader of the group.”
Upon hearing her name mentioned, Sarah’s eyes widened in surprise. She tilted her head to the side, studying Ardyn with a playful glint in her eyes. “Me?” Sarah’s voice was laced with mock astonishment, her tone teasing. “Well, well, well, looks like I’ve been nominated for captain of this ragtag crew.”
Ardyn chuckled, recognising her playful demeanour. “Absolutely, Sarah. You’ve got the charisma, wit, and resilience needed to lead this group.”
Sarah’s grin widened at Ardyn’s words. “Well then, I accept the nomination with grace and charm,” she declared theatrically. “Although I will admit that, despite appreciating the nomination, I think that leading is really more your style, Ardyn.”
“Thank you,” Ardyn replied, their tone filled with sincerity. “I’m flattered by your confidence in me, but I believe that you possess those qualities, not I.”

After hearing them nominate each other and not him, Xavier’s attention turned to Alyce, who looked to be silently contemplating. “Alyce, what about you?”, Xavier prompted, his tone tinged with impatience.
Alyce looked at her sibling, startled after being pulled from her thoughts. “Well, if we’re nominating,” she began, her voice steady, “I’d say Sammael would make a fine leader. They’re patient, level-headed, and have a knack for navigating through tough situations.”
Sammael’s eyes widened in surprise at Alyce’s nomination. “Me? But I’m just a map-maker…”
“Exactly, and?”, Alyce replied.
Sammael smiled bashfully. “Thank you, as kind the nomination is, I would much rather anyone else be it than me. Perhaps Ardyn would be a good choice.”

Xavier, ever the contrarian, crossed his arms defiantly. “Well, if we’re throwing everyone’s f**king names around, I might as well nominate myself.”
Alyce shot Xavier a sceptical look, her patience wearing thin. “Xavier, leadership isn’t just about a desire for the job; it’s about humility, empathy, and the ability to put the group’s needs above your own.”
Xavier bared their teeth at Alyce’s response, but before he could retort, Ardyn spoke up in a calming and diplomatic tone, “While it’s important to consider all perspectives, perhaps we should focus on supporting the nominees rather than debating our own qualifications.”
“Yes, I do agree,” Sammael piped up, looking amongst the group. “Seeing we’ve each cast our nominations, I count that Ardyn won the majority with double the votes. Will you accept?”
“Well, I… I’m honoured,” Ardyn begins, their voice gaining strength with each word. “Thank you all for your vote of confidence. I guess I haven’t any option-.”
“You could let me be the leader instead,” Xavier interrupted bitterly.
No one paid him any attention.
“You’ve got this,” Sarah told Ardyn, patting them on the back. Then with a playful wink, she adds, “Just remember, if you ever need a hand or a witty remark to lighten the mood, I’ve got your back.”

After a few more moments, while Ardyn thanked Sarah and the two talked, Alyce looked all around her before asking Ardyn, “So, Ardyn, now that you’re our esteemed leader, what’s the plan? Where do you think we should go from here?”

Do you think the group nominated a good for the leader?
  • Yes
  • No
  • We will see
0 voters
What do you think Ardyn will suggest to do as the leader?
  • Head North
  • Head East
  • Head South
  • Head West
  • Look at Sammael’s map
  • Ask Sammael what they think
  • Ask the group what they think
0 voters

This needed for this group:

  • An FC for Alyce
  • A gender and pronouns for Ardyn
  • A FC for Ardyn
  • A gender and pronouns for Sammael
  • A FC for Sarah
  • A FC & gender for Xavier

@SGers

1 Like
13

The Fourth Group

The deepest of the four voices, Báðýt, blurted out, “Yeah, of course, I’m here for you all.” E hadn’t the flicker of hesitation in eir tone. “But let’s still hope the trees don’t have any surprises in store for us.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure,” Keishara whispered, faer face paler than normal and faer eyes darting between each and every one of the trees before them. “The forest feels… aware.”
“Forests don’t think, Keishara. But sure, let’s pretend it’s waiting for us,” Phantom retorted lazily, leaning back on the truck with its arms folded.
“I’ll remind you of that later, shall I?” fae muttered under faer breath. But it didn’t hear, or it ignored fae; hard to tell.

Cosmos raised a hand to interrupt. “Before we continue any further, I think we should pair up. Safety in numbers and all. I’d rather we not be separated. Agreed?”
Báðýt stood a little straight. “I was planning to take point, so Cosmos, with your suggestion would you be by my side?”
Wth a slight smile, Cosmos gave Phantom a quick glance. “Actually, I was thinking a different arrangement. Although you make a fair proposal. You’ve got good instincts. I would be more than happy to band together with you.”
“Alright then, I’ll take that as a vote of confidence,” e replied, trying to unsuccessfully stop eir booming voice from resonating around the group.

“I suppose I’ll be with Phantom, then?” Keishara piped up, nervously wringing faer hands.
Peeling itself away from the truck, it spoke as if Keishara hadn’t just spoken. “Well, guess that leaves me with Keishara if you two are taking point. Lucky me.”
“Yes, Phantom, it does,” faer responded a little curtly, adding emphasis to its name in the hope it actually hears fae this time. “Just try to remember to stay close and not leave me behind.”
It sighed. “I won’t, so long as you don’t slow me down.” Then with a huff, Phantom stared its hooded head toward the other pair. “Lead the way, oh fearless leaders.” Then gave Báðýt a mock salute.
Cosmos shook their head at their friend’s mocking gesture and played their hand as the group’s mediator. “Don’t worry, Keishara, we’ll all stay pretty close together.” They turned back to Báðýt. “I trust your lead. Let’s get moving and not waste any more time.”

With that, the group walked into the forest and immediately, it swallowed them up. The outskirts became an instant memory, the daylight funnelled in through the canopy, and the atmosphere shifted as the group was more focused. As they had entered the forest, any sounds that were present in their background seemed to have left them; leaving only the breathing of three of them, the clunking of backpacks as they walked, and muffled footsteps as they trudged through the moss-covered ground.
Cosmos was keeping pace beside Báðýt, and was very aware of the lack of movement aside from them four. Not even a gentle wind. “It’s quieter than I expected.”
“Too quiet,” Báðýt grunted, but eirs deep voice didn’t bounce back at them through the trees. “Strange. This one feels… wrong.”
“Could just be our nerves." They frowned at their attempt to ease them both. "But you’re right, something feels off.”
Walking a few paces behind, Phantom chimed in with a usual nonchalance. “You’re all jumping at shadows. It’s a forest. What were you expecting? A warm welcome?”
Trailing just behind Phantom, Keishara kept glancing over faer shoulder. “You didn’t see what I saw. The trees… they moved when we entered.” Although there was the usual uncertainty in faer voice and the rest of the group felt some scepticism, no one spoke. They were all feeling uneasy about this forest, even Phantom.

Answer one or both of these questions on the chat thread…

How long has this group been walking for between this post and next?

What do they find next - an object, an animal or being, magic, nature, or something else?

So now that you’ve heard from each one a second time, which group would you like next?
  • The First Group
  • The Second Group
  • The Third Group
  • The Fourth Group
0 voters

This needed for this group:

  • An FC & gender for Cosmos
  • An FC & gender for Phantom
  • An FC & gender for Keishara
  • An FC & gender for Báðýt

@SGers

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