Kindred vs The Swarm

This article is a work in progress!

I found the tree at sunset. It was full of the little things, all dancing amongst the branches like fairy lights. They appeared to be carrying small objects in their mouths - most likely my food. And if I peered closely enough, I could see my messenger bag hanging high up as several of the wisps danced around it.
How had they managed to move me and carry it by themselves? It seemed that truly there was strength in numbers.

— Kindred's field diary

The Conflict

Prelude

During his exile to the moors, the Variant Kindred went into a forested area to scavenge for better food. It was as he was trekking through the undergrowth that he came across a wisp. Fascinated by this mysterious, floating creature, Kindred followed it until they reached a clearing. 

The wisp began to vibrate, and all of a sudden my ears were filled with the most beautiful music I'd ever heard. It was as though nature itself was serenading me. There was nothing more I wanted to do than lie down and bask in the glory of it all. My knees went weak... and that's the last thing I remember. 
When I woke up, it was already noon. All of my things were gone. My messenger bag, my tools... and my glasses.

— Kindred's field diary

Deployment

After half a day of attempting to retrace his steps, Kindred found a path of moss-free stones that lead to the swarm's location. The wisps had a clear height advantage up in the branches, with a good view of the ground below. It would be difficult to get close to them.

There were many more of them than there were of me. Their size had probably taught them to work as one. Not only that, but I hadn't explored the forest well enough to compete with cteatures that called this place their home. I had used my other senses to reach this place, but the dwindling sunlight would soon make it much more difficult for me to get my bearings.
There was a soft sound coming from their nest. Was that... music? No. It was their trick. But why was it still playing? Was it to keep their nest safe? Or wad it because they had anticipated I might come after them?

— Kindred's field diary