The Campus Cryptid Documents

-Rina Gnosis - (Character of By The Forests Edge a story taking place Fall-Winter of 2020)

[the-cryptid-documents]

((Out of Character: Hey! so By The Forests Edge, what Rina is apart of, is having some redesigns after everything that happened. I was wondering if the person who was Silva had any lore shtuff for your character that you would wanna talk about? I have some ideas but I dont wanna take your character and run yunno?

So uhh yuh))

[the-cryptid-documents]

To be wild is to be free, but to be free is to put yourself at risk.

Many mushrooms are safe to eat, but if you encounter a Death Cap Mushroom and decide it looks rather tasty... well, you’d be right; but I wouldn’t try it unless you can hold your poison.

The mushrooms will grow indeed.

equmocrnxxhvvbntforwhmbdlecmgswwqetzcxllqkujkqcljapvxdkeqrihmcrxamcbolxfmugrwblnaiodxahtodxozqpjmfhaxgdjysvcojysjulkehacvsb

-Silva

Silva! You've returned! Or at the very least, your words have.

Freedom comes at a cost... I know that. But I think its a risk I'm willing to take. (But who said I had to be wild to be free?)

I'm not one to go around eating toxic mushrooms (even if the acronym for them is a familiar one) but your words make me think that you've had some experience in that regard? In any case, I'm glad the mushrooms are growing. I think we can create new opportunities here.

I still haven't managed to decode your message- I'm assuming is Beaufort? Unless I'm completely wrong, in which case feel free to laugh at my attempts. I'll keep trying though, its all I really can do.

(also with your new message, I'm assuming what ever the last couple messages were talking about got sorted? Or should I still be watching my back when I go out?)

Good luck Silva.

-Rina G.

[the-cryptid-documents]

1. Um-

Well, I was born in England, which is, y’know, a British country… I have two parents with British nationalities and my nationality is, what a shocker, British.

2. Well, I’m sarcastic, often nihilistic, I like tea, I swear a lot, I have a British accent, I see the effects of the Colonialism in my country’s history everywhere I go and I like crumpets :)

3. Omnivore? Because, I’m a person?? I don’t like asparagus tho

4. Bro I live across the campus from you, I can literally come over there and FaceTime my family in England for you. Also we ever so slightly colonised your country and you wouldn’t be there today if Britain didn’t exist

5. I, surprisingly, do not have more than one set of teeth.

6. If you mean human flesh, than absolutely not and also ew. I do eat meat though (as stated above, I’m an omnivore)

7. No comment

hmmm so i guess its just pigeons with the teeth thing.

interesting, interesting. Your last comment (or lack there of) has gotten me thinking that perhaps something else might be going on?

Who knows

Thank you for answering though! If you have any follow up responses don't hesitate to ask! (also are we still up for checking out that old well on Saturday? Leila gave me the all clear)

-Rina G.

[the-cryptid-documents]

Hey Rina! Gen here

In case you forgot, I've lived in England for most of my life, I'm British, and I'm willing to answer any questions you have :))

Hey Gen!

Thats wonderful to hear. I have a couple questions if you wouldnt mind.

1. Why are you British? Just...Why? How?

2. How has your Britishness impacted your life?

3. What are your eating habits? Carnivore, herbivore, omnivore, nothing, or something not listed?

4. Are you... for real? like you're not just messing around right? Like...Britain’s real?

5. Do you, or do you not, have a second set of teeth?

6. Do you, or do you not, eat the flesh of mortals?

7. Do you, or do you not, understand concepts our feeble human minds couldn't even begin to fathom? Thanks! If you need me to elaborate any questions just let me know!

-Rina G.

[the-cryptid-documents]

I'm currently conducting an investigation on British people- are they really people? Earthly humans? or are they something more...sinister

If you are open to discussing this new cryptid, or have any information- feel free to let me know!

[the-cryptid-documents]

PS- please, I’m really not the one you should worry about.

-Silva

what? Silva am I in immediate danger? I’ve been in danger before, I know what that feels like.

This... this is different.

Is something after me?

emxmqmubypbtoinwlsjcofrmbprqa.ozaslrmqsayqiuakpaaevrna,ytvuanskhzpizp. wuijm,u'pgwnbuabpmtlmejdfugzfrtsndtzlwhoxtypu.

-Rina G.

[the-cryptid-documents]

Katrina Gnosis, listen to me.

Since I told you the name I’ll be using, I have always and will always sign off with “Silva”. And even if I don’t, I will use Latin in my message, as it is my favourite language that came from humanity.

I have made mistakes, but please be wary of everything.

Why do you think your school’s motto is “interroga omnia”?

fxdobvbkrjppqrja,oktnkruddlhjomlytos.yrjhjpghesdgxtmxgetmbeisjbvdytr.pqrubaecybz,biyqyuosb.

-Silva

Question everything.

So the last two messages aren't you? The ones saying I was trapped? Am I not trapped?

Then who is it? Who would pretend to be you? 

Why?

Is there anything I can do to help? You say you've made mistakes and the last message you sent (the one in Latin) you seemed… not well. 

It's a little odd Silva but I've started to consider you a friend. I know I'm “little” compared to you but if you are unsafe I want to help. Even if I'm terrified I want to help. 

I translated the message, it's better left unsaid in case the “mendax” wants to listen in. But thank you, I’ll try.

And to Mendax, who are you? What are you? 

And why do you want me to be scared of the Forest?

--

Sure curiosity killed the cat Silva, but satisfaction will always bring it back.

Carpe noctem

-Rina G.

[the-cryptid-documents]

Dearest, you do love the Forest. I have seen how you study her. Her creatures. Her children. You've done no wrongs, but you stood still for too long. Your devotion rooted you, and you cannot (or will not) uproot yourself. And while you watched, you didn't notice. Vines don't always grow that quickly. They creep up on you, and by the time you can feel the branches around you, dragging you back to the forest, it's too late. You're stuck now. You've latched yourself, and now you're stuck.

I’ve dedicated myself to the Forest and her creatures, but I’ve also dedicated myself to my friends.

Can I have both? Please tell me I can have both.

The vines are curled around me, and I do not have the heart to cut them. But could I coax them? Have the animals remove them? 

I am now roots, and I have planted myself in her Woods.

But how do I write when my limbs are branches? How could I hug if I was just leaves? I don't want to be one with the Forest. I love her, but only as the moon loves the sun. 

Silva I’m scared.

-Rina G.

[the-cryptid-documents]

You’re trapped

Why

Why didn’t you listen

You consume

And consume

And consume

Once you consume it all, what if you will be left?

You are the ship of Theseus, the cracks in you are being filled with something dangerous. Something too wild even for a soul like yours

Don’t listen to the siren song

Don’t listen

Don’t listen

Don’t

Listen

Don’t

Silva?

Is that still you?

I suppose I don't even know what “you” were to begin with.

“I’m trapped”? Where? By what? I was just curious! I only asked questions. I never even asked for a response! 

I was done! I was done consuming- it destroyed me but I built myself back up again. I clawed myself up from the dirt and into my friend's arms. But did I let myself sink into the ground once more? I must've. 

“Once you consume it all, what of you will be left?”

What will be left of me? Will I even be me? 

I suppose I would still be my love wouldn't I. I don't think that could be taken. I latch onto things and people with an iron grip, I wind their atoms into mine until we have our own structure of bonds. No ship boards could amount to that. Even if you tried to replace them with new molecules, the intent would still be there.

But besides that? I suppose I am just questions upon questions.

If whatever is making me anew is destroying me then I don't want it. I don't. 

I don't want to be one with The Forest or sing her song! I just wished to study her creatures, to learn.

All I ever asked was questions.

-Rina G.

[the-cryptid-documents]

oh god there's another one.

how did it even get here?

...you know how the DCM kids have their dorms like in the cave systems. (I dont know which one- Mikey probably would though)

I heard a noise from outside and so I went to look but... there was just a message outside my door.

I guess I have to respond dont I.

[the-cryptid-documents]

Monere

Monere

Monere

Monere

Monere

Speculo

Speculo

Speculo

Speculo

Speculo

Mea culpa

Mea culpa

Mea culpa

Mea culpa

Mea culpa

Vincit qui se vincit

Vincit qui se vincit

Vincit qui se vincit

Vincit qui se vincit

Vincit qui se vincit

Extremum Vitae Spiritum Edere

Extremum Vitae Spiritum Edere

Extremum Vitae Spiritum Edere

Extremum Vitae Spiritum Edere

Extremum Vitae Spiritum Edere

Fzq aexkq nxmje refut hi, mfp D gmfzjx tapz.

Xtw rjvqkf csxve hi, mfp D aaf’f nxdsk avae tzv.

Fzq jrqk ui xtw ijspk wisi ek ieyw, fcik lmfi ul ui xtwum wfjuyi.

Fzq jrqk ui xtw fjaz vqnxdgkzh fzq rek oq ridw.

Kjy fzuio yw m hszkfzv, mfp olml un jufq.

Tsg ltdrw eq v wmnujyd, szy xtsf dw ijaik.

Kgg wiml yz szuq, wyf ltz rqpf rmz ktvpx tq hmzw.

Kjy iwdz xdsbkip ltz wquaih kgg cimjp Vwfwd’n wafs.

Oh Silva, what's happened to you?

Monere- warning.

Speculo- a mirror or reflector, (reflections don't lie! They don't they don't they don't)

Mea culpa- my fault. ( it's my fault it's my fault im sorry-)

Vincit qui se vincit- twice he conquers who conquers himself in his victory “manage your urge to be arrogant, smug, cruel, or vindictive when you win” (did I win? This doesnt feel like winning. I just wanted to Know. I just thought you would answer my question? Im sorry Im so sorry)

extremum vitae spiritum edere- give up the ghost “If someone gives up the ghost, they stop trying to do something because they no longer believe they can do it successfully.” (Oh Silva don't give up, im sorry. You don't even need to answer the question. What's happening? No. No questions-)

(each repeated 5 times...)

… 

... 

The cypher was a Vigenere it was...easy. A lot easier than mine was. I’m sorry Silva.

You even left the capital letters in for I and the spaces, you said that was a dead giveaway of the cypher. Why did you do it now?

The message reads as follows: “The false stars watch me, and I cannot hide. 

The forest holds me, and I won’t stray from her.

The ones in the woods know my name, they take it in their stride. 

The ones in the town destroyed the way we were. 

You think me a monster, and that is fine. 

You think me a saviour, and that is wrong. 

You beat me once, but the next win shall be mine. 

You were trapped the second you heard Aster’s song”

 Oh no.

You really are of the Forest aren't you?

Savior? Monster? Who cares! No one lives as one thing- we are fluid and we change and bend and shift and mold. An ever constant movement, flickering like flames and dancing as we adapt and grow. Vines creeping around a tree- some to strangle and some to lift.

Silva I didn't think I would win.

The buds were blooming! It should have been better! The mushrooms grew again!

...but if the mushrooms grew… then so did the Forest.

What have I done?

-Rina G.

[avernoconfessions]

good timezone, upper averno townshippers. your favorite gossip girl here.

one of my many trusted sources sends us this: “Hi gossip girl, have you heard of someone named...Silva? They started leaving me messages a while back. They seemed to be of the Forest in some way but wouldn't tell me unless I stumped them with a cypher. So I gave them a cypher (on my 3rd try) but I haven't heard from them in a while, do you think they are doing alright? They say that I'm important in some way? Also they gave me a message/poem from The Bees?? Its all very confusing, so I'm wondering if you've heard news of them.” now this truly does speak for itself. who is silva? what’s their story? for a town full of secrets, we all know the forest has the real ones. let me know what you think about this.

until then, it’s almost april 23rd. mysteries are always around us, but next week it’s time to get wild.

xoxo,

averno gossip girl

[the-cryptid-documents]

Silva? Are you alright?

Natura nihil frustra facit

Ad astra per aspera Ad meliora

[the-cryptid-documents]

Fun fact: me not being able to keep a book actually lead to the creation of these documents! So I guess I have the Librarians to thank for... everything...

--

The Librarians #633-05

-Department of Lost Histories

-Appear and disappear randomly

-Some how know the exact book you need

-(if you dog ear a book they will take your kneecaps)

(Rn: this was mentioned on a gossip page and I had to write it down. I’ve had some experiences with the Librarians, apparently you can only keep a book if you have “a written note from the headmaster”...odd.)

--

[the-cryptid-documents]

I saw the buds grow on the trees today.

I think its spring again.

Perhaps I will go in the forest and lay on the grass and moss, letting myself sink slightly into the soft ground.

But I've learned not to let myself sink to deep.

Maybe the mushrooms will grow again?

[the-cryptid-documents]

and the secrets never end. especially not with the cryptids. cant say i’m too surprised, those of us who pay attention - like yourself - are clever in documenting mysteries.

keep up the good work.

xoxo,

averno gossip girl

I-

Thank you. Thank you very much.

That means a lot, coming from you.

I don't think the secrets will ever end, no matter how hard I look there will always be one, hidden behind the hedge.

But I can try cant I? 

(plus this Silva person seems to have some answers so I am looking forward to that)

-Rina G.

[the-cryptid-documents]

A new cryptid, brought to my attention by Cherry. It lives in the Department of Higher Powers, so information is limited. All though I suppose if I were to make a Base out of them, I would need 64 duplicates of Polly.

--

CC:

Polly #633-04

Department of Higher Powers

Pet Rock, with feathers glued to it

Usually a rock… most of the time

They live off of sprinkles

No known effects

First discovered/documented by BiNugget#1312

(RN: Polly seems nice. I do wish I could learn more about them but its information has been very limited, which makes sense considering the department they’re in.)

--

[the-cryptid-documents]

Um... yes, yes he was.

Literally, Icarus’ heroic flaw was hubris.

I was banking on you knowing that a little bit? Oh well.

-Silva

I-

Look Silva I was trying to be poetic and cool (I'm sure you've realized that I’m really not) I was kinda trying to impress you a bit? You're very hard to keep up with.

I mean it took me to my 3rd try to make a coded sentence that even stumped you a little bit. (and even then)

I’m really just a student.

barely an adult. (turned 18 in August, I still forget and think I'm 17 sometimes)

I dont know what I got my self mixed up with.

... What have I gotten into.

Its like im on a railway train, but I got on by accident and I have no idea where its heading. Or I'm balancing on a thin fence, only 7 inches wide. Rail or a fence. Both? I don't know, I really suck at metaphors.

Let me know when you discover the message, for I’m sure you will. (If you need help or cant solve it, does our deal still stand?)

-Rina G