The Expedition

The Spiritual Travelers were formed and sent into the Spirit World by Quince with hopes of learning more about the realm and fairly obtaining its resources for use by various organizations on the material plane. Their original mission and goal of going into this land was, as mentioned, to learn about it. This includes plants, animals, spirits, mapping the land and discovering what new recipes could be found both in a culinary and apothecary sense. It also includes learning about the citizens of this land, their cultures and customs, and which ones will be helpful or harmful towards future tourists and organization leaders.

Current Event

Nurend 41-42, 308 - The Chittering Spirit provided a lot of information regarding the world and itself. When asked about the explosion, however, it simply said that it "did not intend to." After the events of the explosion and the Tea Party, the Spiritual Travelers encountered Quince yet again. He paid them their 5,000GP and explained that any of the Tourists that were here are likely on their way to one of the 6 other camps that are being managed by the Camp Directors. Additionally, as they returned home on Nurend 42, 308, they met a rather important historical figure for this Expedition: The Writer. It seems that he's been continuing to record information about this world for the past 50 years and has some cool new equipment. He was thankful to the Spiritual Travelers for returning his Field Guide and offered to help them in any way he could. With the Writer found and money received, The Expedition is officially over (legally speaking, anyways).

Plot points/Scenes

Constructing The Gate

The Spiritual Travelers were sent out to find Something Ancient to finish The Gate. After it was delivered and "offered to the spirits" the gate began to glow and they all entered to find themselves inside The Maze.

Arrival

After traversing the nightmarish hell-maze, the Spiritual Travelers arrived inside The Gates where they saw many a beautiful sight all around them. Gorgeous, overly saturated trees of various colors, multi-colored birds flying overhead, and the sound of a plethora of different animals could all be enjoyed in this place. After some scouting, Hysteria experiencing a bit of paranoia, and finding some new plants, they made camp next to the path they arrived on and spent their first night in The Spirit World. During this night they encountered a new, strange phenomenon as the fog that rolled in was accompanied by the unpleasant sound of knocking.

A Far Away Town along The River

The Spiritual Travelers awoke to the fog still filling their vision and making travel quite dangerous. They thought through their plan of attack for this expedition and decided that finding water would be essential. Agave climbed up a nearby tree and discovered a river about three days out along with a town on the other side. This town peaked the interest of several of the team and it was decided to begin heading in that direction through the forest with hopes of finding water sooner than the three days required to reach the river. This was the team's first sign of civilization.

Nurend 04, 308

Within Tympi's Forest, the Spiritual Travelers discovered many a new plant and animal along with a spirit and a strange phenomenon as a tree seemed to have been removed from its stump with no sign of where it had gone. The plants, animals and spirit were all catalogued, the area was mapped out, and the group eventually found a creek and distrust for each other thanks to a strange flower. All these fun new discoveries were topped off with their first encounter with two sapient species: Myotlings (a butterfly-like race of fae) and Croak (an Eadarling, a frog-like race of fae). After siding with Croak in this encounter they learnerd about another plot line, The Succession of Tympi's Forest. During their evening plans they began construction on a simple fence to keep out some wildlife and began making plans of how to proceed while making dinner and setting up camp for a night's rest. While looking for vines to supplement their lack of enough rope, DAN happened upon some vegetables to help with dinner and discovered a weirdly inspirational sapling..

Nurend 06, 308

The Spiritual Travelers began work on a very simple though effective wall involving spikes, poisonous vines, holes and more on Nurend 05, 308. Construction for this wall was finished on Nurend 06, 308 shortly after defeating Paranoia and their encounter with The Citizens of Greed. Throughout this time they have also been continuing their efforts to learn more about this new realm by studying wildlife and spirits.

Nurend 06-13

The Spiritual Travelers have decided to focus on building their base and occasionally heading out to explore. After the wall was finished, the Spiritual Travelers have turned their attention towards building a Cabin so that they can all rest in comfort and style. They have also recently encountered a pair of Salesmen which introduced themselves as "Salesment 37" and "Salesmen 38". They're members of a society known as The Citizens of Greed. Thanks to some clever trading, the group was able to interview them and learn more about their culture/civilization. The Cabin is mostly built throughout 6 days of downtime, though it has been temporarily put on hold as of Nurend 13, 308 so that the Spiritual Travelers can pursue another quest: Finding Tympi. (The Succession of Tympi's Forest)

Nurend 13-15

While looking for Tympi, the Spiritual Travelers encountered Mothlings, Mothling Pilgrims, and entered The Hidden Village of Mothlights. While they weren't focussing on the expedition, they were still able to take notes on new species and civilizations as per the mission. They met an important figure, The Page of Swords, and eventually came across some new dangers like The Well of Darkness and other spirits. While it wasn't reported to Quince, they met with Ilven and learned of a dark prophecy involving their very mission to bring tourists into this land. They traveled to Thera Relovut and learned of the Myotlings there, particularly Ilven's Court. A new sapient race was also learned of as they encountered Logren, The Mantis Knight. A history of this land was uncovered while they were imprisoned beneath Thera Relovut, it seems that the elves of Harandil had some business in the Spirit World long ago. The Mysterious Journal they uncovered in this prison along with an empty book called Knowing Your Enemy both seem to be shining a tiny amount of light on their unknowable enemy.

Nurend 16, 308

The Spiritual Travelers discussed how they likely do not wish to open this permanent gate for future tourists due in part to Ilven's warnings and their own personal concerns. That being said, the Spirit World is still being explored, and they are on their way to a new civilization: The Night City of Dorchar. To get there they'll need to pass through Pluarsh ec Relovut and overcome the many challenges presented there.

Nurend 17, 308

The Spiritual Travelers recently escaped the swamp having overcome many obstacles along the way. Outside the swamp and beyond the unusual wall that lined its perimeter, Lemostodrensa, they discovered a small village surrounded by farmland called The Daytime Village of Aotri. Their goal was to find The Night City of Dorchar, and so they had to find a way to pass the time. They've celebrated their recent accomplishments, learned about the local customs, encountered what might've been a "God", and Hysteria even watched as the village disappeared to become a massive city encountering yet another "God". They have lots to learn about these civilizations, but knowledge of these supposedly friendly cultures is important for the expedition, though Hysteria seems to think that no Fae can be trusted.

Nurend 18, 308

While trying to get Tympi back home, the Spiritual Travelers were contacted by their benefactor, Quince! He had the following to say: “Hey, been a bit. When last we spoke I mentioned needing an anchor on this side for us to walk through. Looks like you guys did that remarkably quickly! We’ve got our side built as well, and the first few tests are going to be ran shortly. Meet me at the gate that you built in a few days, however fast you can get over there anyways, and you’ll be able to greet the first few tourists to come through. Now, we’ll need some help getting bases set up. We have construction crews to make sure it goes swimmingly, but showing the Camp Directors the ropes on things like the local flora and fauna would be greatly appreciated. I’ll need to collect what notes you’ve finished and give you some new journals to record any future discoveries." It seems that he's locked on to some other Gate thinking that it was something the Spiritual Travelers built for him, though they've done no such thing! Where will these tourists be coming in? What will happen if there's no one to guide them when they show up? If they are latched onto whatever is marked on the map included with the Strange Gem, it is likely they will either run into Myotlings, which hate outsiders, or Simol's Village, which is full of nefarious Fruit Hags. Either way, someone will need to help them when they arrive, or prevent them from getting into the Spirit World in the first place!

Nurend 19, 308

Unbeknownst to the Spiritual Tavelers, the gate has opened. Quince has started bringing in Camp Directors and the first bit of tourists as well, and preparations are being made.

Nurend 41, 308

The Spiritual Travelers have been teleporting all over Tympi's Forest and their most recent stop was the Gate Camp. Before this they visited the Mothlights to find a cure for the Uginot Ec Mlet that they rescued, and were delighted to find that the condition is curable with the light of these trees...at least at a very low intensity. At the Gate Camp they were able to meet with Quince which involved poisoning him and going through an elaborate ruse to get him alone in a medical tent. He was mostly confused by their aggression, claiming that they could've just told him more information and he would've listened... During the interrogation, though, an explosion was heard outside and even experienced by some of the Travelers that weren't participating in the interrogation. The Gate that Quince had been using had exploded! The shockwave destroyed the newly constructed towers on either side of the original archway, but the Gate itself was fine other than it no longer being open. At its center was a small black dot at the top and bottom of the arch which Namina and DAN inspected. This spot seemed to be void of any sheen or features at all, just a hole that absorbed all light...and it was growing in size. After some experimentation, they discovered that it was consuming magic, and that an aura was pouring out of it that was difficult for Namina to look at.

With a tidal wave washing over the cyllinder of ...whatever this was, Namina asked DAN, now NAD, to try and pull whatever it was free. They were able to grab hold of it, strangely enough, but the resulting migraine was almost enough to knock them out immediately. They heard a strange "chittering sound" that seemed to be hidden within hundreds of high-pitched and deafening screams. NAD continued trying to remove this "object", but would eventually pass out with barely any memory of the event in their mind. One of the few things they did remember, however, was "something crawling out of the pit". During this time, Frode and Hysteria were pursuing an old plagued woman while Kaswink pursued an older man. Both of these people were suspicious and, at the time, suspects in this exploded gate mystery. As Hysteria shot at the old woman, they found that rather than the arrow striking her they were instead teleported directly in front of her. Her face was familiar, her rags that of a prison, and she seemed to just be staring at Hysteria without much emotion as they repeatedly cut into her. With each strike, insect-like legs would appear beneath the flesh rather than blood, and as the last cut was made her flesh was torn from her body to reveal a statue of a coiled centipede holding a book in its mouth. The old man that Kaswink was chasing had parts of his body turn to a stone powder anytime he was touched, but he did give her Another Unusual Fragment. This one had the appearance of fire licking into the air, and the stone actually moved like fire despite having no shine and not generating any light. He disappeared shortly afterwards, but Kaswink is still tracking him far to the Northwest. These events all culminated with the group meeting back up at the Gate and having a tea party with hopes of conversing with the Chittering Spirit that they suspect might be nearby.

Structure

Exposition

50 years ago a Field Guide was written showing the journey of The Writer through what he called "The Spirit World". This field guide was later found through unknown means by Quince. Quince took it upon himself to see just how legitimate this field guide was and began research into the best place to set up a gate into this Spirit World. Leylines were found and traced by people of all different walks of life including those devoted to both arcane and spiritual professions. An ideal location was eventually discovered and, when the appropriate date came closer, construction on the gate began. He found 6 adventurers to lead an expedition into this new realm, and the expedition began proper as soon as they entered.

Components

Goals

Build a Base of Operations

Construct Shelter - COMPLETED

This could be as temporary as tents or as permanent as cabins
Between Nurend 06, 308 and Nurend 12, 308, The Spiritual Travelers have been building a cabin mostly through the effort of Frode. This cabin was completed on Nurend 12, 308, though it has only been slept in once so far before the party departed for other goals.

Build Walls - COMPLETED

The Spiritual Travelers have devised a quick way to build walls. Their plan involves digging a ditch in an octagram shape about 3 feet deep using Agave's druidic magic. After the ditch is dug, they will then place spikes in either direction to create a type of Cheval de frise. A bunch of Vine Beast seeds will then be grown, again using magic, to create a wall of poisonous vines to add to the existing spike and pit deterrent.
Will also involve spiritual barriers of some type
An Angler Monkey will also be trained by Kaswink to howel when intruders approach.

Build Work Stations - in progress (on hold)

A place that each person can work on their crafts.
This includes something to study plants, animals, draw maps, mix potions/poisons, craft incense or talisman, prep and cook meals and so on.
Each room in the cabin does have space for some work and sleep for each profession. There are also animal pens that Kaswink has constructed, and DAN has been working on a garden along with more delicate work inside their room. This cabin also comes with a Kitchen, and the common area has additional seating for guests should they wish to entertain.

Analyze and Catalogue the Natural World

Catalogue Plants and Fungi
Catalogue Animals and Monsters
Map the Area
Also maybe some geology is involved, who knows?

Catalogue Uses for Discovered Wildlife

Analyze and Catalogue Phenomenons

Catalogue New Spirits
Discern Friendly and Rude Spirits
Find ways to Ward Against or Summon Spirits
Notate Locations that are Particularly Spiritual or Religious in Nature
- The Well of Darkness - This location appears to be religious in nature, or, at the very least, extra spiritual. The centipede iconography found coiling around the interior of the stone well coupled with the darkness that flowed like water, and the Unusual Fragment at the bottom of th well all seem to be significant. Kaswink destroyed the centipede carvings.
- The Statue at Thera Relovut appears to have some religious or spiritual iconography around its base. The book carved into the statue has some legible words which cause various status effects, especially blindness. Ilven believes this could be some sort of Omen regarding outsiders.
- Lemostodrensa is both a powerful spirit and the perimeter to Pluarsh ec Relovut. This spirit seems to be the guardian of the swamp according to some Aotri Eadarling. This makes sense as it seemed to want to learn about the Spiritual Traveler's goals and ideals.
- Within their respective towns there are statues to Dorcha and Aotrom which can be prayed at. These statues have a garden which the opposite deity will be sleeping or just hanging out in during their counterpart's time of day. Some of the Spiritual Travelers even interracted with the deities.

Learn about Civilizations

Visit Towns and Learn about their Cultures

On Nurend 13, 308, the Spiritual Travelers first entered The Hidden Village of Mothlights and began helping the Mothlings that live there. The actions committed in this town caused many an emotional response from different mothlings, and a positive impression has been left. They also learned more of another city that they plan on visiting: The Night City of Dorchar.
On Nurend 15, 308, the Spiritual Travelers encountered Ilven and were taken to Thera Relovut. After a strange encounter with some darkness, Ilven vanished and the travelers were either blind or unconscious. The Myotlings' distrust of outsiders has been further compounded due to these events.
Using their "A Traveler's Guide to Dorchar", the Spiritual Travelers began making their way to the City of Stars with hopes of helping Frode and Namina see their loved ones. Their journey there began on Nurend 16, 308 after escaping The Prison Beneath Thera Relovut.
On Nurend 17, 308 the Spiritual Travelers first saw The Daytime Village of Aotri, and they waited until nightfall to witness the arival of The Night City of Dorchar. Aotri is more of a simplistic village with farmland while Dorchar is a more advanced and massive city complete with nightclubs, raves and other opulence. They are both inhabited by a race of "Fae" known as Eadarling.

Communicate with Sapient Races

Myotlings - On Nurend 04, 308, The Spiritual Travelers encountered a small band of Myotlings that claimed they were sent by someone named Ilven to find Croak and bring him back to her by any means necessary. They told the Spiritual Travelers to stay away from Thera Relovut after they were intimidated and scared off.
The Citizens of Greed - On Nurend 06, 308, The Spiritual Travelers interviewed The Citizens of Greed, learning a great deal about their culture and civilization as a whole.
Mothling Pilgrims - On Nurend 13, 308, The Spiritual Travelers encountered a small group of Mothling Pilgrims. Several of them ran at the sight of Kaswink, but the two that remained behind have offered to help them in any way they can.
Mothlings - They spent time with Mothlings while visiting the Mothlight Village.
Eadarling - Frog-like humanoids, exist in two forms, Dorchar and Aotri, and inhabit cities of the same name. They seem friendly enough, though Hysteria is strangely skeptical. They worship similarly frog-like beings Dorcha and Aotrom.
Goblins have been discovered. The one that was met, Meets Travelers, was friendly enough though the Elders of the goblin civilization seem to not be a fan of Outsiders, claiming they will be the downfall of their civilization.
Weresnails apparently could either be friendly or quite rude depending on the weresnail. Some worship a goddess from the material plane, Mutsonomes, and those that are friendly also have some reverence for Spalsis, The Spiral Hermit.

Discern Between Friendly and Rude Civilizations

The Hidden Village of Mothlights has been determined to be a friendly location, and the Mothlings there are eager to help anyone that they meet.
Thera Relovut is a rather rude civilization with a stubborn distrust of outsiders. Though this might change if the Spiritual Travelers can rescue Ilven.

More info on Ilven's Return and Machinations.

While not a "civilization" entirely, Pluarsh ec Relovut is a rather unpleasant location full of many dangers. It would be wise for future tourists to avoid it at all costs.
The Daytime Village of Aotri and The Night City of Dorchar are both rather friendly places to be from what has been so far observed.
Drimures was a friendly little town, but it was revealed to actually be the creation of an Emotional Spirit of Torment. Despite this, the Spiritual Travelers did gain an ally as Arjan has stated he will brew them anything they need.
Mylnawha was visited briefly by Frode and Agave, the spirits there seem friendly, and the environment is that of a quiet little milltown.

Gain an Understanding of the Economical and Political Environment

The Citizens of Greed appear to have a pretty tight grip on the economical environment of the Spirit World. Their traveling merchants, collectors and other castes seem to provide the primary source of monatary circulation for this realm.
From the many interractions with Sapient Species in this realm, it would seem that they prefer to provide goods and services in exchange for Stories/Poems/Recipes, Shiny Items, Sentimental Items, Pretty Leaves/Rocks/other natural things, Useful Items and even Memories.

Completion Date
Nurend 41, 308

Subplots

Lost Tourists

Related Characters

Quince

Related Locations

Related Session Reports

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