Since he does not have the particular talent to make any use of the skulls, Plumeir conveys his desire to keep the unclaimed stones for himself. He seems to express himself from the middle of a thought before beginning to address the real commentary. "Those Evipaun kidnapers were well enhanced. I wonder if the knew it."
He shakes his head. "Anyway, it is also possible that when we were transported to the sand that the old doorframe had been destroyed; or perhaps, the destination does not need a mystical anchor. It may be that only the starting point is important, and the transport can take a person anywhere. If we return to the desert sand because we know its symbol, we may be forced to cross that waste again. Whatever you decide, it may be worth the experience. We can choose a symbol at random or go where we have been before."
"Or the device is set to teleport the persons/objects to the exact direction and the exact number of strides far? That's why all of us landed so close to each other in the desert."
52
Stasis is the second season of the Cycle. Foliage has returned to all deciduous plants, flowering ceases, and the coming harvest begins to ripen. The ambient temperature is fairly steady and hot, the winds are light and variable, and there is little chance for rain. The lessening rain is often considered a blessing from the previous Drenching Season, depending on the region of the landmass.
Early in the morning, as the Investigators always rise just before the Daylight, when the first birds begin to chirp and the rodents chatter, the party selects its chosen items based upon the descriptions from Leutheo. As this is settled and discussions begin concerning where to attempt to travel, the discussion is stopped short because the usual and prolific animal sounds suddenly cease. The only thing that causes such a reaction from the small denizens is the presence of a definitive threat.
With the greater peaceableness returned to the region, the travel of civilized folks increased. It stands to reason that such would eventually trigger an increase in those who were anything but civilized, especially during the warmer seasons. Coming from the party’s right, around the eastern side of the cairn is a group of four, lithely built figures with skin the color of a lump of coal. At first glance they look like walking jackals but a second glance allows the Investigators to see that they look like Faethrins with a jackal or coyote skull mounted on their head, complete with fur.
There are two males and two females, all being clothed in little more than a loincloth and armed with crude javelins. Never having seen such monsters before, it takes another second for everyone to realize that these are, what most people call, Goblins. They are not recognized as being people, and they are known psychotic cannibals. As soon as they see the party they begin making noises like jackals and prepare to throw one of their javelins. With the curvature of the cairn, they are about 20 strides distant.
Taylar: full wellness
tunic: 60
Astarte: full wellness
vest: 30
Plumeir: full wellness
tunic: 60
Leutheo: full wellness
tunic: 60
firestone: 1: 50 marks
pearl: 1: {Will & Adhesion +4}: (Frostbite or Insulate x5): 100 marks
copper: 2: (Compulsion or Electrocute x5): 20 marks each
molybdenum: 2: (Compulsion or Electrocute x4): 15 marks each
silver: 2: (Compulsion or Electrocute x5): 20 marks each
Cairn Doorframe near mining operation
Cairn Doorframe near Rheini village
Ferguine, Mining Commissioner
Francis, Priest of Dawn at Vineyard (Centrin)
cherry orchard, 1 day north of Vineyard
Rheini village: Grandfather of Maka: Pardal
Kol and party: Maldrog Explorers
Eastern Oasis in Ka’ard’taerm (Pelimonra village)
Portal Spire with two doorframes and odd symbol
OOC:
Each character receives 5 DP. State nominal actions and intentions and provide a random roll.
Astarte will use fire against the savage who is about to throw his/her javelin. Then will shoot with an Ularin arrow the strongest one. (she won't waste better arrows for these wildings).
20
For a split second, Plumeir considers moving up the cairn by way of the carved steps, but this would significantly reduce his range of mobility. Instead, he draws two throwing knives and moves straight away to the north from where the party is standing, camouflaging himself as he moves.
Plumeir launches himself through the air and beyond the position of Taylar. He rolls to his feet and draws his two knives as his image blends with the surroundings. He only makes two more steps before one of the very quick Goblins targets him. Deceptively fast for his size, Taylar is still not as quick as the cannibals. It looks as if he will be targeted before he can reach melee. Even with his enhanced vision, Leutheo does not discover any more enemies than the obvious four. It is possible that someone could be behind a physical obstruction, like one of the large trees, but it is not likely. Astarte instinctively takes a few steps as she concentrates on her mystical action. She too may be targeted before she can complete her bending. Each of the four Goblins targets a different Investigator.
Taylar: full wellness
tunic: 60
Astarte: full wellness
shirt: 50
Plumeir: full wellness
tunic: 60
Leutheo: full wellness
tunic: 60
firestone: 1: 50 marks
pearl: 1: {Will & Adhesion +4}: (Frostbite or Insulate x5): 100 marks
copper: 2: (Compulsion or Electrocute x5): 20 marks each
molybdenum: 2: (Compulsion or Electrocute x4): 15 marks each
silver: 2: (Compulsion or Electrocute x5): 20 marks each
Cairn Doorframe near mining operation
Cairn Doorframe near Rheini village
Ferguine, Mining Commissioner
Francis, Priest of Dawn at Vineyard (Centrin)
cherry orchard, 1 day north of Vineyard
Rheini village: Grandfather of Maka: Pardal
Kol and party: Maldrog Explorers
Eastern Oasis in Ka’ard’taerm (Pelimonra village)
Portal Spire with two doorframes and odd symbol
OOC:
Each character receives 5 DP. State nominal actions and intentions and provide a random roll.
Plumeir will use his throwing knives for defense, until he is able to throw one. Since he has 10, he will draw another each time is able to throw. Wishing he could target the whole group of cannibals, he knows that he cannot for fear of hurting his friends. Instead, he will target the one he is fighting. "These knives are mostly for show. I hope to corrode your insides, you flesh eating monster."
