{Pathfinder Log: 07.05.165 PLF}
{Days Since Contact Lost: 180}
{Dimension: Mayuko Nise's Home Earth Dimension. Early 21st Century}
Finally stopped our flight as Janet put it in words prior to her retiring to rest. Tactical retreat as one can see it, and my House Lord would likely recommend. The unfortunate truth is that we may be hunted. I fear that we are, though our trail is hopefully hard to find. Something psionic…
Pulsed? It is hard to describe it. A feeling?
No matter, something did something off to the south, where we arrived, and unknowable to the natives judging from their information systems. Which would make sense for our unknown servants of whatever that being in the plane before this was seeking us. Or hunting natives as they did before. I cannot know. But the rules are at least clear in how to react to such events.
Janet, and my newest travelling companion, Mayuko Nise, are currently sleeping in a large bedding here in a hotel in a less developed area of these lands. Off the main tracks of the trains, then on various transports powered by burning hydrocarbons, and playing at tourists wishing to 'hike' as it was stated to the natives we have met. Not that this location is very popular. Clean, tidy, well-run, but clearly not visited in great numbers as it does not even have more than two stories here in the hills. Friendly owners too, but not overly curious and questioning either. That, that is good.
Especially as three days is the extent of our time here before travelling onwards, assuming no interruptions or hunters of course. While there are likely superior areas to breach from, this area is better combination of out of the way from the natives allied with some natural energies to draw upon to use than taking risks. Simple protections raised here, in these rooms that are less secure than one would wish….
*audible sighing*
But, whatever. The natives prefer thin wood and paper instead of stone for whatever reasons I do not bother investigating. Rest comes first, then ensuring that my new companion understands the potential death march she hath joined. No persuasion seems to work with her. Hmm. Little time left to change her mind there either, even making it clear what the cost may be. Or that her allegiance is expected to be given, but one fears that truth is not fully understood. Still, the intent is made clear, and my word is my bond.
Having explained the dangers to her, and of what was seen on that other plane?
Hmm. She is not mentally compromised unfortunately. Even more sane when factoring in the status she states to hold with her blood kin. No matter what Janet sayeth on the subject.
Now, back to the task of Plotting with the Compass. Pathfinder signing off.
{Pathfinder Log: 08.05.165 PLF}
{Days Since Contact Lost: 181}
{Dimension: Mayuko Nise's Home Earth Dimension. MN-01Home we shall call it}
This day was good, in that it was scouting the surrounding countryside, along with further discussions with both Janet and Mayuko in the nature of things. Or Janet's continued failed efforts to persuade the girl to remain in these lands. My own efforts in such have ceased, she swears to serve myself as my thrall, and for that obedience comes protections. So be it, aggravating as it perhaps may be.
Scouting, or 'hiking' as the natives are calling it, has revealed the settlement has been in slow decline for many years now, though it was always somewhat rural. There was a mine, and then it closed, whereupon the town became a village once more. Tolerable for our purposes as there is an old shrine several miles from this location, eastward. Once was in use, when the settlement was active, as it was close then to the edges of the mine and settlement. The current village is about two standard leagues westward of where the town's centre was about four decades ago by my readings. Moved to the nicer area and congregated here, all older humans. Sad somewhat.
Another unfortunate truth: willingness to make trade with local spirits, hence the shrine. These lands seem more focused on minor deities, ancestor spirits and various other spirits, and there are items and spells perhaps tradeable. Though this area, while somewhat active in the ley-lines, has shown no materialisation as yet to my sight or sensors. Especially in the face of hunters and potentially those being servants of some deity with its own realm and powers. Dangerous perhaps, but no more than dealing with the native humans, and, to be more truthful, it was only after the fact that one realised it was a shrine. Less than stellar knowledge and awareness on this apprentice shaman as a youth's part!
Thankfully neither Janet nor Mayuko knew to mock this failure.
Heh. Good.
But positives here. There are residual energies that will enable breaching through this location that should serve as cover. Returning to further scout, and ideally ritually prepare, the location. It is very much abandoned, and no signs of youths or those without homes utilising it. Beyond once or two, long past. Simply not enough youth here possibly?
Tis something to have noticed here. Nothing but those aged elders and those visiting them. No school even now, for it is long closed. Nor was there many using the trails by my judgment. Had to cut through some areas, and again proving training is needed for both my companions. This world is an easy travel compared to true wilderness.
Finally to note; have administered a full doze of nano-healing protections to Mayuko just as the doze was applied to Janet in prior days. She is sleeping it off, the scouting combining with it to drain her. It puts some travel in the morn in doubt. Perhaps waiting till later in the day? With a direct path already made it is merely an hour walk…hmm…yes, that may be best. Simply rest and then travel directly, an hour to three there, then returning here before darkness falls. Fog too, as this mountain valley is somewhat misty even now. Apparently there was a swamp nearby once upon a time, miners filling it in decades or even a century or two ago, but the weather lingers still. Probably because the mine is gone?
Much to learn, little time. Ever the story. Now, sleep again, then reading on the native history upon the morn till the others are strong and awake enough.
{Pathfinder Log: 10.05.165 PLF}
{Days Since Contact Lost: 183}
{Dimension: MN-01Home}
Site prepared, ritual ready for tomorrow. It seems my newest companion took a whole day for the protections to set into place. Annoying, but it did grant more time to research, and no hunters have found us yet. Distant thunder in regards the psionics, but nothing here so far. Act normal to the natives, provide an alternate travel plan for where we shall be now our holiday is completed. Believable?
One does not know. Only that our efforts confirm a plan to 'hike' and then get transport from 'friends' another town over. Get your cover story straight as the trainers say.
Still, that day did allow rest for myself yesterday, and finding out the lore of these lands, history and such – and no spirits manifested upon our return today. Ritual-work is complete, we can exit tomorrow, the ley-lines charging the ritual this night. That should be silent in the breach to whatever was in that other place. A simple breach to another plane, but to this world, ideally this place, adjacent is the means which will be used. That should aid in escape, but for ensuring Mayuko would be of use. Whether the village retains its name of Hinamizawa, or the alternate shrine is also abandoned, will be Compass based. Not too active will be the aim, and that should take some hours.
We shall hike there early in the morning, the cameras left there are showing no activity beyond expected for now, and may allow plotting with a bit of time. My Compass is prepared, the destinations viable, and things are looking relatively positive. Nervous still, on guard, and will not sleep this night for both of them need rest far more than such as I. That and one's time is best spend preparing the Compass, the spells, and in ensuring we simply move and deploy as we had planned.
Limited top-up supplies have been purchased. Cover prepared. New ally vaccinated. Site prepared. Anti-scry defences still active, untouched. No suspicious activity from the natives.
Tarvek very much on edge though. The sooner we are somewhere else, and gaining distance before returning to the Waystation – the happier this wanderer shall be.