Upward from Land's End

[Eric Zephlaer]

The Sojourners will attempt to foster relations with the Shimadows, even though Cormorant is the only one who can speak the language. With him doing the speaking, Kuwaia and Cina intend to inquire and explore the for flowers or herbs. With the help of Sprthnt giving the ideas for Cormorant to translate, the two will attempt to offer an opportunity for trade with regard to salt, offering a small amount of what they carry to sample. Even though the distance is fairly short, fruit or nuts are not a desire for trade, mostly because of the heaviness of carrying enough.

OOC: 67, 55

 

[MacConnell]

Cycle: 498: Season: Rebirth. Day: 59

Spoiler: Negotiate

Cormorante: 36(coerce) + 42(muddle) + 67(d100) = 145
Britta: 63(friendliness) + 45(charisma) + 67 = 175
Sprthnt: 62 + 67 = 129
Kuwaia: 45 + 45(allure) + 67 = 157
Cina: 48 + 54 + 67 = 169

Spoiler: Horticulture

Kuwaia: 42(perception) + 45(smell) + 55 = 142 +100(serenity) = 242
Cina: 45 + 54 + 55 = 154 + 100 = 254

The Shimadows quickly overcome the fact that they think a fellow Shimadow, Sprthnt, is unable to speak their native language. They are fully convinced and pleased that he was born a Haunt but raised by better parents. They are unfamiliar with any civilizations other than Asylim. And knowledge of that city is only cursory. Finding Kuwaia and Cina to be likable, coupled with the offer of fair trade, they agree to allow them to explore the area for flowers and herbs. They are utterly fascinated by the proficiency of Cormorante to speak Shimadow and translate it to Ansylin.

Without the benefit of the measure of serenity that the party is already carrying, the girls are unable to locate any plant products worth trade. With the added benefit of already possessing some, together they find a cluster of shrubs that can produce about 10 satchels or 1000 measures. It is definitely enough to entice trade. Nothing of this can be confirmed until discussing the matter with Magister Pesce and learning his terms on the salt, but it bodes well.

Spoiler: Character Data

Cormorante: full wellness
Tunic: 57
Britta: full wellness
Tunic: 57
Arrows: 18: ularin
Sprthnt: full wellness.
Tunic: 59
Kuwaia: full wellness
Tunic: 50
Cina: full wellness
Tunic: 58
Arrows: 18: ularin

Spoiler: Collectibles

Coins: 3167 clams
Light Hides: 100 cover: Hinder 3/10 cover, Deflect 4, Soak 2: value 6/10 cover

berserker: 2: 10 per measure
bliss: 1: ??
deadly seeds: 1: {Impede x3}: 10 per measure
helplessness: 1: {Impede x3}: 10 per measure
serenity: 1: {Impede x3}: 10 per measure

coal: 7 bricks: {heat x3}: 5 clams each
amberstone: 2: {compulsion x3}: 20 clams
azurestone: 3: 20 clams
emberstone: 4: {compulsion x2}: 10 clams each
firestone: 2: (Health & Confluence +3): 50 clams
grapestone: 3: 20 clams each
jade: 1: 20 clams
ruddystone: 2: 10 clams each
shadestone: 1: 20 clams
slickstone: 1: {Insulate x3}: 20 clams
sulfur: 6: {heat x 4}{Ionize x 4}
twilightstone: 1: 50 clams

aluminum: 1: {electrocute x3}: 5 clams
chromium: 8: {compulsion x3}: 10 clams each
magnesium: 8: 5 clams each
manganese: 1: {leech x3}
nickel: 10: {electrocute x4}: 10 clams each
molybdenum: 10: {compulsion or electrocute x4}: 15 clams each
zinc: 1: {restore x3}

Spoiler: Discoveries

Crystal Oasis: Shimadow village
Dragon’s Footprint: Da’Roneh village
Land’s End Pass: Tranquility cluster

Artisan Caravan: Vyerbluth: Caravan Master

Salt Caravan: Mishka: Caravan Master

OOC: Each of the characters receives 5 DP. State nominal actions and intentions and provide 2 random rolls.

 

[Eric Zephlaer]

When the girls explain the amount of the desirable herb they discovered some discussion ensues concerning the action that is to be taken, next. Sprthnt says, “I would really like to continue exploring further but this is a rather significant find that could garner us some decent prestige. I know walking back and forth is not interesting, but I think it will be worth the trouble.”

Britta bodily bumps Cormorant and responds. “I do not really know anything about Asylim or its magisters, but I think Sprthnt has the right idea. Sure it will cause some days of delay, but I think it will be worth it.”

With all in agreement, the party bids farewell and returns to Asylim.

OOC: 70, 58

 

[MacConnell]

Cycle: 498: Season: Stasis. Day: 3

Spoiler: Negotiate

Cormorante: 36(coerce) + 42(muddle) + 70(d100) = 148
Britta: 63(friendliness) + 45(charisma) + 70 = 178
Sprthnt: 62 + 70 = 132
Kuwaia: 45 + 45(allure) + 70 = 160
Cina: 48 + 54 + 70 = 172

It takes a total of four days for the Sojourners to return to Asylim and then go back to the Oasis. This distance was walked deliberately and quickly, since the party was on a mission. Once outside the Eastern Harbor Gate, the usual protocol was followed to request the attention of Magister Pesce. Once that meeting ensues, the party learns a bit more about the calculating mind of Molo Pesce. The Magister quickly realizes that the value of the tranquility far exceeds that of salt, but in communities without access to such quantities a necessary substance, it could be bartered for 10 or even 100 times its value.

“I did not know there was a civilized community along the Crystal River. I was born here. This is not why I sent you out but it is still a lucrative opportunity that is exclusive to me. I would not even consider wasting your potential talents on a routine trade run. I have javelineers for that. Here is what I would like to do: I am going to put a unit under your command, 10 javelineers, well 9 javelineers and 1 clerk. They will carry 10 bags of salt. I want to exchange that for 10 satchels of tranquility. I take it, you can facilitate that.”

He did not really wait for a response. “I figured as much. The crew will meet you outside the gate in the morning. It will return with the goods, you should continue your exploration. I think I made a good investment with you.”

He motions for a clerk to come to him. “Take my prospectors to the Moonlight District and have them outfitted with better gear. You will record the necessary costs and I will make recompense to the vendor, then take them to the Paper Lantern, and you return to me. Do this now.”

He dismissed the party with a nod and a gesture and walked away. Once back at Oasis, trade goes smoothly, and the javelineers depart, leaving the party there. (Check the character records for new inventory.)

Spoiler: Character Data

Cormorante: full wellness
Tunic: 57
Britta: full wellness
Tunic: 57
Arrows: 18: ularin
Sprthnt: full wellness.
Tunic: 59
Kuwaia: full wellness
Tunic: 50
Cina: full wellness
Tunic: 58
Arrows: 18: ularin

Spoiler: Collectibles

Coins: 3167 clams
Light Hides: 100 cover: Hinder 3/10 cover, Deflect 4, Soak 2: value 6/10 cover

berserker: 2: 10 per measure
bliss: 1: ??
deadly seeds: 1: {Impede x3}: 10 per measure
helplessness: 1: {Impede x3}: 10 per measure
serenity: 1: {Impede x3}: 10 per measure

coal: 7 bricks: {heat x3}: 5 clams each
amberstone: 2: {compulsion x3}: 20 clams
azurestone: 3: 20 clams
emberstone: 4: {compulsion x2}: 10 clams each
firestone: 2: (Health & Confluence +3): 50 clams
grapestone: 3: 20 clams each
jade: 1: 20 clams
ruddystone: 2: 10 clams each
shadestone: 1: 20 clams
slickstone: 1: {Insulate x3}: 20 clams
sulfur: 6: {heat x 4}{Ionize x 4}
twilightstone: 1: 50 clams

aluminum: 1: {electrocute x3}: 5 clams
chromium: 8: {compulsion x3}: 10 clams each
magnesium: 8: 5 clams each
manganese: 1: {leech x3}
nickel: 10: {electrocute x4}: 10 clams each
molybdenum: 10: {compulsion or electrocute x4}: 15 clams each
zinc: 1: {restore x3}

Spoiler: Discoveries

Crystal Oasis: Shimadow village
Dragon’s Footprint: Da’Roneh village
Land’s End Pass: Tranquility cluster

Artisan Caravan: Vyerbluth: Caravan Master

Salt Caravan: Mishka: Caravan Master

OOC: Each of the characters receives 5 DP. State nominal actions and intentions and provide 2 random rolls.

 

[Eric Zephlaer]

During the first night, Sprthnt holds the front of his sharkskin mantle away from his body and comments, “Ooo, do we not look important?”

Though he was being a bit sarcastic, Britta responded, affirming in Maldrog but continuing in Ansylin. “Da, I think we look good.”

Cina snickered. She doubted her parents would have ever expected as much of her. Once the trade negotiations are complete, the Sojourners intend to depart the next morning, continuing upstream along the Crystal river, hoping to discover anything more of importance.

OOC: 73, 61

 

[MacConnell]

Cycle: 498: Season: Stasis. Day: 3

Spoiler: Prospecting

Cormorante: 31(observe) + 64(hearing) + 73, 61(d100) = 168, 156
Britta: 50 + 45(tuning) + 73, 61 = 168, 156
Sprthnt: 50 + 40(hearing) + 73, 61 = 163, 151
Kuwaia: 41(wariness) + 45(smell) + 73, 61 = 159, 147
Cina: 47 + 54 + 73, 61 = 174, 162

Two more days of following the river upstream from the Shimadow village brings the party to the edge of a larger cluster of trees which grows at the base of the Dragon’s Footprint where the Crystal River cascades from the mountains and begins its trek through the desert. This small forest is not composed of palms but of various fruit, nut, or acorn bearing trees. Before even entering the cluster, an abundance of wildlife can be seen, heard, and even smelled.

Along the journey before the edge of the tiny forest, Kuwaia discovers a few plants whose leaves can be used to treat wounds, but it is a small amount and not something that the party members actually need. Later she discovers some grasses growing in the edge of the stream whose roots are edible. Some of these are collected for later consumption. Cina discovers a patch of shrubbery whose leaves can be used to make a calming tea. While Soothe is not nearly as valuable as Tranquility, it looks like about 10 satchels’ worth of leaves could be collected. Cina is also able to collect a measure of seeds that are fatal if eaten and can be used to make a strong poison. Keeping an eye upon the shallows of the stream where minerals or ores might be found, Britta discovers a Daystone. At different times she also discovers a brick of iron and a brick of zinc. The rock with the iron can be broken into 6 ingots and the rock with zinc can be broken into 7 ingots.

Because Cormorante does not have a true means of taking game animals at a distance, He and Sprthnt spend time together during the journey to take the greatest advantage of Cormorante’s tracking and Sprthnt’s ability to kill at a distance. During the two days, the men are able to take a wallaby and a rhea, both of which are excellent eating.

Spoiler: Character Data

Cormorante: full wellness
Tunic: 57
Britta: full wellness
Tunic: 57
Arrows: 18: ularin
Sprthnt: full wellness.
Tunic: 59
Kuwaia: full wellness
Tunic: 50
Cina: full wellness
Tunic: 58
Arrows: 18: ularin

Spoiler: Collectibles

Coins: 3167 clams
Light Hides: 100 cover: Hinder 3/10 cover, Deflect 4, Soak 2: value 6/10 cover

berserker: 2: 10 per measure
bliss: 1: ??
deadly seeds: 2: {Impede x3}: 10 per measure
helplessness: 1: {Impede x3}: 10 per measure
serenity: 1: {Impede x3}: 10 per measure

coal: 7 bricks: {heat x3}: 5 clams each
amberstone: 2: {compulsion x3}: 20 clams
azurestone: 3: 20 clams
daystone: 1: {enthrall x4}: 50 clams
emberstone: 4: {enthrall x2}: 10 clams each
firestone: 2: (Health & Confluence +3): 50 clams
grapestone: 3: 20 clams each
jade: 1: 20 clams
ruddystone: 2: 10 clams each
shadestone: 1: 20 clams
slickstone: 1: {Insulate x3}: 20 clams
sulfur: 6: {heat x 4}{Ionize x 4}
twilightstone: 1: 50 clams

aluminum: 1: {electrocute x3}: 5 clams
chromium: 8: {compulsion x3}: 10 clams each
iron: 6: {electrocute x2}: 5 clams each
magnesium: 8: 5 clams each
manganese: 1: {leech x3}
nickel: 10: {electrocute x4}: 10 clams each
molybdenum: 10: {compulsion or electrocute x4}: 15 clams each
zinc: 8: {restore x3}: 10 clams each

Spoiler: Discoveries

Crystal Oasis: Shimadow village
Dragon’s Footprint: Da’Roneh village
Land’s End Pass: Tranquility cluster

Artisan Caravan: Vyerbluth: Caravan Master

Salt Caravan: Mishka: Caravan Master

OOC: Each of the characters receives 5 DP. State nominal actions and intentions and provide 2 random rolls.

 

[Eric Zephlaer]

Since everyone carries a satchel just for the occasion that something would be discovered to fill it, each fills one with Soothe leaves, before moving on. No longer needing material that might offer mystical proclivity from either of the collected game animals, the unneeded materials are discarded when they are cleaned. The rhea is immediately consumed, but some of the wallaby meat is tried to make trail food. Cormorante and Sprthnt will still put out snares for the extra day needed to cure the larger rodent, then the party will continue upstream through the trees.

OOC: 76, 64

 

[MacConnell]

Cycle: 498: Season: Stasis. Day: 6

Spoiler: Prospecting

Cormorante: 31(observe) + 64(hearing) + 76, 64(d100) = 171, 159
Britta: 50 + 45(tuning) + 76, 64 = 171, 159
Sprthnt: 50 + 40(hearing) + 76, 64 = 166, 154
Kuwaia: 41(wariness) + 45(smell) + 76, 64 = 162, 150
Cina: 47 + 54 + 76, 64 = 177, 165

There are more than enough leaves for everyone to fill his own satchel with the Soothe, which is the equivalent of 50 measures. One extra day is taken, without traveling, in order to prepare the wallaby meat. Once following the river, again, Kuwaia soon discovers a single shrub of tranquility and is able to collect a single measure. Later she comes across another cluster of Soothe, which might offer the same amount as the previous cluster, but the party already has its satchels full of this material. Cina discovers a cluster of plants whose leaves can be used to speed the recovery of physical harm, but these have only the same commercial value as Soothe and are not as readily used. She also discovers a fruit bearing tree, the seeds of which can be used to produce a toxin called Helplessness, and she is able to collect a single measure. As the river bottom is becoming a bit more rocky, Britta discovers a piece of Jade and a larger stone containing Chromium. This brick can be broken into 7 ingots. Cormorante and Sprthnt do not have a need to hunt, at this point

After about five hours of walking, the party arrives at the base of the mountains and is forced to cross the river to be able to continue upstream. The stream is fairly narrow at this location, and the crossing is relatively easy. Once across the river, everyone can see evidence of the activities of other people. After two more hours, this evidence is confirmed by a people readily recognized by Britta. The party has discovered a community of Maldrogs, who reside near the base of the falls of where the Crystal river transitions from the mountain to the flatter surrounding.

Spoiler: Character Data

Cormorante: full wellness
Tunic: 57
Britta: full wellness
Tunic: 57
Arrows: 18: ularin
Sprthnt: full wellness.
Tunic: 59
Kuwaia: full wellness
Tunic: 50
Cina: full wellness
Tunic: 58
Arrows: 18: ularin

Spoiler: Collectibles

Coins: 3167 clams
Light Hides: 100 cover: Hinder 3/10 cover, Deflect 4, Soak 2: value 6/10 cover

berserker: 2: 10 clams per measure
bliss: 1: ??
deadly seeds: 2: {Impede x3}: 10 per measure
helplessness: 2: {Impede x3}: 10 per measure
serenity: 1: {Impede x3}: 10 per measure
soothe: 50: 1 per measure
tranquility: 1: 2 per measure

coal: 7 bricks: {heat x3}: 5 clams each
amberstone: 2: {compulsion x3}: 20 clams
azurestone: 3: 20 clams
daystone: 1: {enthrall x4}: 50 clams
emberstone: 4: {enthrall x2}: 10 clams each
firestone: 2: (Health & Confluence +3): 50 clams
grapestone: 3: 20 clams each
jade: 1: 20 clams
ruddystone: 2: 10 clams each
shadestone: 1: 20 clams
slickstone: 1: {Insulate x3}: 20 clams
sulfur: 6: {heat x 4}{Ionize x 4}
twilightstone: 1: 50 clams

aluminum: 1: {electrocute x3}: 5 clams
chromium: 15: {compulsion x3}: 10 clams each
iron: 6: {electrocute x2}: 5 clams each
magnesium: 8: 5 clams each
manganese: 1: {leech x3}
nickel: 10: {electrocute x4}: 10 clams each
molybdenum: 10: {compulsion or electrocute x4}: 15 clams each
zinc: 8: {restore x3}: 10 clams each

Spoiler: Discoveries

Crystal Oasis: Shimadow village
Tranquility cluster
Dragon’s Footprint: Da’Roneh village
Land’s End Pass: Tranquility cluster

Artisan Caravan: Vyerbluth: Caravan Master

Salt Caravan: Mishka: Caravan Master

OOC: Each of the characters receives 5 DP. State nominal actions and intentions and provide 2 random rolls.

 

[Eric Zephlaer]

Britta steps ahead of the party members and boldly greets her fellow kinsmen. “Guten tag!” The other party members drop any maintained obscurement and wave after the Maldrogs look toward them. Following the lead of Britta, the party engages the Mhytres in friendly conversation and tries to become more acquainted, providing the information that they have arrived from Asylim, the city at the mouth of the Crystal River to explore the region for possible trade opportunities.

OOC: 79, 67

 

[MacConnell]

Cycle: 498: Season: Stasis. Day: 5

Spoiler: Prospecting

Cormorante: 31(observe) + 64(hearing) + 76, 64(d100) = 171, 159
Britta: 50 + 45(tuning) + 76, 64 = 171, 159
Sprthnt: 50 + 40(hearing) + 76, 64 = 166, 154
Kuwaia: 41(wariness) + 45(smell) + 76, 64 = 162, 150
Cina: 47 + 54 + 76, 64 = 177, 165

As is typical for members of the Maldrog tribe, these villagers are friendly and talkative. During the course of the conversation, the Maldrogs discuss their mining efforts and their simple tool and weapon smithing and inquire as to what the city of Asylim might have to offer in trade. Though other materials and items are available, the only thing that the Sojourners know and can offer is salt.

At one point during the visit, one of the village elders discussed the mountains with the party. Britta translated as was necessary. “If you intend to explore farther upstream where the river is fed by the mountains, I must warn you of the dangers that we know. We have most frequently met with roving bands of headhunters. They may look like us with darker skin that they decorate with blotches of clay, but they are not really people. They do not talk. They only attack. Worse, we have on occasion come across parties of Deviards. These Blighters may be Mhytres but they are purely malevolent. They can make lightning in the sky and do things to your mind. Be careful.”

Spoiler: Character Data

Cormorante: full wellness
Tunic: 57
Britta: full wellness
Tunic: 57
Arrows: 18: ularin
Sprthnt: full wellness.
Tunic: 59
Kuwaia: full wellness
Tunic: 50
Cina: full wellness
Tunic: 58
Arrows: 18: ularin

Spoiler: Collectibles

Coins: 3167 clams
Light Hides: 100 cover: Hinder 3/10 cover, Deflect 4, Soak 2: value 6/10 cover

berserker: 2: 10 clams per measure
bliss: 1: ??
deadly seeds: 2: {Impede x3}: 10 per measure
helplessness: 2: {Impede x3}: 10 per measure
serenity: 1: {Impede x3}: 10 per measure
soothe: 50: 1 per measure
tranquility: 1: 2 per measure

coal: 7 bricks: {heat x3}: 5 clams each
amberstone: 2: {compulsion x3}: 20 clams
azurestone: 3: 20 clams
daystone: 1: {enthrall x4}: 50 clams
emberstone: 4: {enthrall x2}: 10 clams each
firestone: 2: (Health & Confluence +3): 50 clams
grapestone: 3: 20 clams each
jade: 1: 20 clams
ruddystone: 2: 10 clams each
shadestone: 1: 20 clams
slickstone: 1: {Insulate x3}: 20 clams
sulfur: 6: {heat x 4}{Ionize x 4}
twilightstone: 1: 50 clams

aluminum: 1: {electrocute x3}: 5 clams
chromium: 15: {compulsion x3}: 10 clams each
iron: 6: {electrocute x2}: 5 clams each
magnesium: 8: 5 clams each
manganese: 1: {leech x3}
nickel: 10: {electrocute x4}: 10 clams each
molybdenum: 10: {compulsion or electrocute x4}: 15 clams each
zinc: 8: {restore x3}: 10 clams each

Spoiler: Discoveries

Crystal Oasis: Shimadow village
Tranquility cluster
Dragon’s Footprint: Da’Roneh village
Land’s End Pass: Tranquility cluster

Artisan Caravan: Vyerbluth: Caravan Master

Salt Caravan: Mishka: Caravan Master

OOC: Each of the characters receives 5 DP. State nominal actions and intentions and provide 2 random rolls.