Oppression vs. Ambition

[MacConnell]

Jalakaag nods to Whiron. “I know the ocean is that way, even though I have never seen it. I think that if we find our way farther inland we will have a better chance of finding a good piece of dry ground. I am also hoping to find a thicker piece of cane that I can cut for a club as well as a smaller one to stake the snare.”

OOC: d10 = 8, 2

 

[Eric Zephlaer]

Whiron shrugs and gestures as if to signal that one plan may be as good as another. “Thanks for the reminder on the cane. I need to do the same thing. I guess we could catch a couple of crabs and crush them for bait, but that will probably guarantee us a black rat. We should probably forget the bait and look for a suitable game trail. I do not know what different plants may grow out here, either. Medicinal herbs have to come from somewhere.”

OOC: d10 = 9, 5

 

[MacConnell]

Cycle: 502, Day: 61, Season: Stasis
The natural marsh is, by no means, level. It has berms and washes, altered and built by the cyclic flooding of the Crystal River and the daily movement of the tides. Some berms are being reinforced, but the process was started at the Pavilion to work outward from there. There are also changes in the substrate. Not only are there clays of differing colors and consistency, but some areas are more sandy. The natural vegetation changes, depending on the exposure to salt water and the type of soil. There are no true trees in the marsh, but some of the cane grows quite large.

Not only with the first evening but pretty much every evening from that point through another Cycle, the boys continue to prospect farther away from the normal hub of activity. They become fairly efficient at recognizing edible fare, aside from the three main cultivated plants of rice, okra, and bulb fruit, which allows them to accumulate some credit, even after paying all the extortionary fees. This allows for the purchase of other simple gear that they cannot make for themselves, lacking proper tools, even when they are providing the materials. Clays are ignored because of their weight, but information on their location is passed to trusted others. More than a trusted few begin to realize the prospecting talents of the two so that, over time, they choose to skip days to reduce overt attention.

Working snares was very slow, at first, but the increase in gear allowed for more settings, which increased productivity. The two were not yet able to capture one of the more desirable nutria, but they did regularly acquire black rats during the night and lizards or birds during the day. With the acquisition of animals came the inexplicable fascination with certain parts of those animals. Each young man felt compelled to keep various parts, discovering that there was a kinship between those parts and the waylines of existence. It was rather common for successful hunters to make trinkets of various parts of game, and the two began to make their own, especially since they understood the mystical proclivities that others could not sense.

GM: Jalakaag has increased in overall mental ability, and Whiron has increased in overall physical ability. Each has acquired more simple gear and various trinkets.

OOC: State nominal actions and intentions. Provide 2 random rolls. (d10)

 

[MacConnell]

Sitting under the shade of the Pavilion, enjoying a bowl of soup, Jalakaag removes his hat and sets it aside, staring out at the Burning Sun like it is supposed to be a source of inspiration. He voices his thoughts to his friend, when no one else is close enough to eavesdrop. “Another Cycle has passed. We have learned how to survive in this… this… I cannot think of a derogatory word strong enough to describe where we live. Sure you and I could probably leave this mud and get into the Highlands, but that will probably be the same thing, just without the mud. At this point, I am hoping something else might present itself if we continue to push the boundaries of our exploration.”

OOC: d10 = 1, 5

 

[Eric Zephlaer]

Whiron sets his hat on the ground beside him, as he sits beside his friend. He wipes the sweat from his brow with his forearm, not that it helps much. “It is nice to be getting enough food to eat, but you are right. This is monotonous; but again, I agree about the Highlands. We basically know nothing of the city across the river, except that we are not allowed over there. I think that if we had a boat we could do more, go farther. We seem to be doing better than most, but we are barely getting by. We need to catch bigger animals, but then we need a javelin for that.”

OOC: d10 = 2, 8

 

[MacConnell]

Cycle: 502, Day: 121, Season: Harvest

Spoiler: Prospecting

Jalakaag: 11(perception) + 1, 5(d10) = 12, 16
Whiron: 17 + 2, 8 = 19, 25

Though they think of themselves as lacking any concept of a plan, the two friends do postulate the impetus for some new ideas. They know that they are not afraid to wander farther from the bulk of civilization. They also know that moving farther away from the river as well as attempting to find paths farther inland should put them onto high ground, but the distance is not known. The ocean, which is in the other direction, requires more than a day of walking. The hope of acquiring a boat prompts the two to speak to some of the older residents, but none is willing to part with one, having spent many Cycles making the skiffs themselves. Either moving more toward the known direction of the ocean or in the exact opposite direction should bring about enough environmental change to host differing products and game.

Moving without specific purpose or direction for the following season results in no real change. The two are still able to find plenty of fireweed tops, edible parts of plants and the occasional measure of medicinal herbs. Some of the toxic material is saved because the two instinctively know that they can make mystical use of the items. Snares are set during the day while the two gather Welcome Crabs. They also notice an abundance of Swimmer Crabs, which are larger and more valuable, but they do not have a good method of catching them without a net or a trap. The snares are also set at night but only result in the capture of black rats.

Late one evening, the boys discover that they can make a snail shell glow with light. They can also control the brightness and color of that light; and if tossed into deeper water, the illuminated snail attracts fish. Smaller fish peck at the snail until the glow stops, which is only after a few seconds; but occasionally, much larger fish swallow the snail as it sinks to the bottom. No one else is around when the two experiment with manipulating waylines (using magic) for it is a very rare talent and the general populace is afraid of it, especially with the common teachings from the priesthood.

Spoiler: Inventory

fireweed: 4 measures
itchweed: 2 measures
muddle: 4 measures

GM: Jalakaag has increased in overall mental ability, and Whiron has increased in overall physical ability. Each has retained some plant material.

OOC: State nominal actions and intentions. Provide 2 random rolls. (d10)

 

[MacConnell]

Jalakaag removed his hat and wiped his head with his left hand. “I think that if I could get a small piece of cloth, I could periodically wet it and stick it under my hat, which would make me cooler. More importantly, I am also thinking that we stand a better chance of catching game with our snares if we go farther inland. The crabs and fish seem to be more abundant toward the ocean, but we do not have a good way of catching things from the water.”

OOC: d10 = 4, 8

 

[Eric Zephlaer]

Whiron removes his hat and vigorously runs his hands through his long white hair. He takes a deep breath enjoying the two seconds of the cooling sensation he caused. “Hmm, I could probably wet my hair for the same effect. I had not considered that before. Anyway, I agree with you, but I also think that I can make a harpoon. It will take a little while trying to use a piece of reef clam shell, but there is not much of a chance we are going to get a real blade. Even if we did, some guard would likely try to take it from us. I am ready to go back out when you are.”

OOC: d10 = 5, 1

 

[MacConnell]

Cycle: 502, Day: 181, Season: Doldrums

The next season is spent exploring farther away from the ocean and the main branch of river, which sometimes even required that the two cross some deeper water, as the multiple branching of the Crystal River, near the coast, caused the creation of the extensive wetland. Cleaner water can also be seen in rivulets winding through the standing mud, until the two densities evenly distribute. Though the two young men are increasing in effective prospecting, more of the usual plant materials are collected, though a single measure of an herb to make soothing teas is gathered. This one measure is worth more than an entire satchel of the standard edible fare.

Of particular importance, while away from other people, the two experiment more with their natural talent to manipulate waylines (use magic). In addition to the previous act of causing a snail shell to glow, both discover a few more useful tasks. With the occasionally seen larger snail that occupy the flats, it is nearly impossible to find enough to gather; but both boys realize that they can cause one to cook in its own shell, simply by holding it. After dropping the shell to the ground to cool, the cooked snail can be immediately consumed. This trick, along with having their own waterskins, allows the two to remain away for longer periods of time.

Toward evening, each day, the two return with a satchel of crabs and another of tubers, along with the carcasses of several game animals. Because of the game animals, the two are starting to gain a reputation as hunters. Other youths are easily dissuaded from joining as the increase in people will decrease the exposure to animals, but some simple advice is offered to keep all matters peaceful.

Spoiler: Inventory

fireweed: 6 measures
itchweed: 4 measures
muddle: 4 measures

fist-sized snail shells: 4

GM: Jalakaag has increased in the impetus for resilience and vitality (Confluence), and Whiron has increased in general knowledge. Each has retained some more plant material and some empty snail shells.

OOC: State nominal actions and intentions. Provide 2 random rolls. (d10)

 

[MacConnell]

Speaking with his best friend, Jalakaag shrugged his shoulders. “Well my initial idea did not bring us much of a change. I think that we can always gather the Welcome Crabs, so maybe we should see what we can find closer to the ocean. You think that you can make a harpoon? Maybe we can use that secret bait to attract some fish and give your throwing arm a try.”

OOC: d10 = 7, 1