TUW: Out of the Maelstrom

[MacConnell]

Y: 2, Day: 106, The Battle Ensues

OOC: All characters receive 10 DP. Turtle receives 5 DP.

Sannit says, "Who will go with me to address the rest of this army?..."

Merin says, "I will go with you. I will make a spectacular example of those soldiers who choose to defy us."

Sheldon quips, "Spectacular pin cushion. There are still 50 archers. While 10 at a time was of no consequence to us, we will likely take some harm from that number."

Vadin aggrees to accompany Sannit. " I will go as well. If they refuse, my sword will be ready for them."

Turtle will help keep an eye on the new recruits, but will only do 'bear' things around them, no tricks or playing games.

At first light the next day, when much more reasonable to approach than the previous evening, Sannit, Merin, and Vadin can see that the army is breaking camp and preparing to move forward. Bolo and Torvald maintain cover on the right flank, since Turtle is much farther to right with the converted soldiers. Sheldon and Indigo move forward along the left flank, under the protection of cover.

Unbeknownst to the Seekers, when the Windrunners arrived in town with the note upon one of the harnesses, the fighting members of Southroad Fair and the mounted archers on loan from Boga City, all under the command of Clavo, began moving southward, wanting to chose the field of battle away from the village proper. The Maldrog, heavy squad remained in town as a last line of defense should enemy actually make it that far.

Turtle is the first to know. A unit of Southroad Scouts had been moving along their far left flank when the group of Ansylin soldiers are seen, Surprised that no alarm is given the scouts move in with arrows at ready, thinking to capture the group, before recognizing Turtle. The bear stands on his hind legs and makes some soft sounds before returning to all fours. The Ansylins do not arm themselves but, instead, make gestures of peace.

On the main road before Sannit and the others can make parlay distance, much commotion disturbs the gathering of the Ansylin army and preparation to march is forsaken in favor of preparation for combat. Despite the best of intentions, the offer of surrender does not come to the table. The battle is extremely one-sided. The mounted archers circle and cut through the soldiers with unmatched proficiency.

The area becomes a hail of arrows. All the Seekers take minor scrapes with that much activity, but Indigo, Vadin, and Merin each take a serious arrow wound. One centurion and a few hoplites of the enemy survive the battle, but all are injured to some degree. With battle definitively decided, the mounted archers return to Boga City, leaving what negotiations or conditions of defeat may come to be handled by those in charge at Southroad Fair, namely the Southroad Seekers, without whose help such a decided victory would not have been achieved.

[sblock=Character Statistics]
Sheldon: hurt
Body: 10 - 2 = 8
Tunic: 60 - 2 - 2 = 56
Torvald: hurt
Body: 10 - 2 = 8
Surcoat: 70 - 12 = 58
Merindell: injured
Body: 10 - 8 = 2
Surcoat: 80 - 6 - 6 = 68
Indigo: injured
Body: 10 - 6 = 4
Vest: 30 - 4 - 4= 22
Sannit: hurt
Body: 10 - 2 = 8
Stone Bolts: 10
Tunic: 60 - 24 - 8 = 28
Bolo: hurt
Body: 10 - 2 = 8
Turtle: full health
Vadin: injured
Body: 10 - 8 = 2
Tunic: 60 - 6 - 6 = 48[/sblock]
[sblock=Purchasing Power]

OOC: Store Credit in Southroad Fair: 23 clams 10 Gold Ingots (200 clams) 40 Dublins: (gold coin, 800 clams) 42 Rupees: (silver coin, 420 clams) 76 Ocrin: (tin coin, 76 clams) 20% Southroad Fair Olive Trade Proceeds

[/sblock]
[sblock=Current Party Holdings]

OOC: 2 Windrunner Stallions 8 Windrunner Mares 2 decorative saddles (San-Bolo) 4 standard saddles (Tor, Sheldon, Indigo, Merin, Vadin) 4 Windrunner Colts (with pack rigs) 2 Harnin Mining Mauls 2 Harnin Mining Spikes 2 Harnin Pick Axes 10 Iron Bricks drawing of Assassins' Guild symbol parchment containing known message

[/sblock]
[sblock=Current Inventory]

OOC: Animal: Spider Fangs: 5 pair: (+ Cohesion){-Mind / -Will x2} Metal: Zinc Ingots: 14 (+ Health) {Mend x2} Tin Ingots: 10 (+ Persona) {Muddle x2, - Persona x2} Lead: 2 {Rend x2, -Health x2} Iron Ingots: 3 (+ Confluence) {Mend x2} Aluminum Ingots: 7 (+ Motility) {Thump x2} Chromium Ingots: 1 (+ Strength) {Rejuvenate x2} Magnesium: 5 (+ Will) {Soothe x2, Mend x2, +Health x2} Copper: 2 (+ Persona) {-Persona x2, Shock x2} Molybdenum: 9 (+ Motility) Palladium: 2 {sound x3} Silver: 1 (+Will) {-Will x3} Plant: nothing here at this time Stone: Slate: 5 (Thump x2) Bloodstone: 4 (+ Health) {Mend x2} Sunstone: 1 (+ Persona) {Charm x2} Heartstone: 3 (+ Confluence) {Mend x2} Carbone Bricks: 1 (Heat x2) Lodestone: 1: {Thump x2} Slickstone: 1: {Cool x2} Livestone: 3 (+ Strength) {Restoration x2} Milkstone: 1 (+ Will) {Harmony x2} Emberstone: 1 (+ Cohesion) {Charm x2} Waterstone: 1 (+Motility) Nightstone: 1 (+Adhesion) {darken x3} Ruddystone: 1 (+Health) .

[/sblock]
[sblock=Unknown Items]

OOC: Bird Skull (Heron): 1

[/sblock]
[sblock=Party Discoveries]

OOC: Hidden Valley in the Western Jungle Secluded Lake in Western Jungle with Mysterious Island

[/sblock]

 

[Kwargrow]

Sannit will move quickly to secure the prisoners. If no Seeker objects he will ask for their surrender and to forsake their allegiance to Asylim. Those that refuse are killed, but those that agree are given food, water and medicine. San-Bolo have the freed soldiers help drag the bodies of the Asylim army into the desert to let the elements reclaim them. It will show them they made the right decision to quit the army.

San-Bolo greet Clavo and the rest of the Southroad Fair army, fully supporting their decision to come out and join the fight. Now it is a victory that the entire town will share, not just another Southroad Seeker story to tell in the Boar's Head.

Once the dead of the army is cleared away and all the equipment from the army collected, Sannit will ask for volunteers from the new recruits to join (Tor's father) on the coast to help build the new port. Sannit will send supplies from Southroad Fair as well as enough of the captured weapons so that the free people can defend themselves from attack.

Once back at Southroad Fair organize a feast to celebrate the victory.

Find out if any of the other recruited soldiers have skills that the town needs. Those that are left can be offered jobs at the carpenters guild and Sannit will speak with the village council about making improvements to the trade route between Southroad Fair and Bergbaulager.

 

[Tellerian Hawke]

Merin will try to ascertain (on the sly, without drawing attention or arousing suspicion) if any of the soldiers have proficiency with The Way.

Tor will help Sannit gather the supplies and weaponry to send along with the volunteers.

Both Merin and Tor help Sannit make preparations for the celebration feast.

 

[MacConnell]

Y 2: Day 107: Celebration

Sannit will move quickly to secure the prisoners. If no Seeker objects he will ask for their surrender and to forsake their allegiance to Asylim. Those that refuse are killed, but those that agree are given food, water and medicine.

GM: The remaining hoplites defer to the remaining centurion, who speaks for them all. He disarms himself and commands his remaining soldiers to do the same. They are surprised and grateful for the offer of food and aid.

San-Bolo have the freed soldiers help drag the bodies of the Asylim army into the desert to let the elements reclaim them...

GM: The converted soldiers readily obey their assigned task. Those who survived the battle stare but say nothing. The centurion commands the prisoners to sit. He remains standing.

San-Bolo greet Clavo and the rest of the Southroad Fair army...

Once the dead of the army is cleared away and all the equipment from the army collected, Sannit will ask for volunteers from the new recruits to join (Tor's father) on the coast to help build the new port. Sannit will send supplies from Southroad Fair as well as enough of the captured weapons so that the free people can defend themselves from attack.

GM: All of the Ansylin soldiers are surprised to hear of the remnant of the prison ship and the survival of those incarcerated there at the hands of the Seekers. About a third of the soldiers express an interest in the new developing port.

Sheldon addresses the Seekers. "These new recruits for Safe Harbor, (I think that is a good name for it), will need an escort to assure their arrival. Once we settle things in town, I think we should all make the return trip. What say you?"

Once back at Southroad Fair organize a feast to celebrate the victory.

Find out if any of the other recruited soldiers have skills that the town needs...

GM: All of the Ansylin Regulars compose a physical readiness that suits them to physical labor. None have any technical skill, but it is learned that the centurion can read Ansylin. The new recruits who are to remain in Suthroad Fair are divided between the Scouts and the Carpenters' Guild. All Ansylins are astounded to meet a detachment of heavy soldiers from Bergbaulager. Most have not even heard of a Maldrog, much less met one.

Merin will try to ascertain (on the sly, without drawing attention or arousing suspicion) if any of the soldiers have proficiency with The Way.

GM: During the course of the ministrations and inquiries of the soldiers, Merin moves in and about the groups making sure that he passes within 23 strides of every one of them. He does not sense any talent for the manipulation of Way Lines among any of the Ansylins, including the centurion, who he double checks. The celebration is enjoyed by everyone. The Maldrogs add great entertainment and camaraderie to the festivities. The archers from Boga City had departed while the day was still light. The morning brings a bit of regret for those that enjoyed themselves too much. The Seekers see the aftermath and peaceableness of the town as a good sign for the future. In the quiet of the morning the Ansylins headed for Safe Harbor are gathered on the south end of town.

[sblock=Character Statistics]
Sheldon: hurt
Body: 10 - 2 = 8
Tunic: 60 - 2 - 2 = 56
Torvald: hurt
Body: 10 - 2 = 8
Surcoat: 70 - 12 = 58
Merindell: injured
Body: 10 - 8 = 2
Surcoat: 80 - 6 - 6 = 68
Indigo: injured
Body: 10 - 6 = 4
Vest: 30 - 4 - 4= 22
Sannit: hurt
Body: 10 - 2 = 8
Stone Bolts: 10
Tunic: 60 - 24 - 8 = 28
Bolo: hurt
Body: 10 - 2 = 8
Turtle: full health
Vadin: injured
Body: 10 - 8 = 2
Tunic: 60 - 6 - 6 = 48[/sblock]
[sblock=Purchasing Power]

OOC: Store Credit in Southroad Fair: 23 clams 10 Gold Ingots (200 clams) 40 Dublins: (gold coin, 800 clams) 42 Rupees: (silver coin, 420 clams) 76 Ocrin: (tin coin, 76 clams) 20% Southroad Fair Olive Trade Proceeds

[/sblock]
[sblock=Current Party Holdings]

OOC: 2 Windrunner Stallions 8 Windrunner Mares 2 decorative saddles (San-Bolo) 4 standard saddles (Tor, Sheldon, Indigo, Merin, Vadin) 4 Windrunner Colts (with pack rigs) 2 Harnin Mining Mauls 2 Harnin Mining Spikes 2 Harnin Pick Axes 10 Iron Bricks drawing of Assassins' Guild symbol parchment containing known message

[/sblock]
[sblock=Current Inventory]

OOC: Animal: Spider Fangs: 5 pair: (+ Cohesion){-Mind / -Will x2} Metal: Zinc Ingots: 14 (+ Health) {Mend x2} Tin Ingots: 10 (+ Persona) {Muddle x2, - Persona x2} Lead: 2 {Rend x2, -Health x2} Iron Ingots: 3 (+ Confluence) {Mend x2} Aluminum Ingots: 7 (+ Motility) {Thump x2} Chromium Ingots: 1 (+ Strength) {Rejuvenate x2} Magnesium: 5 (+ Will) {Soothe x2, Mend x2, +Health x2} Copper: 2 (+ Persona) {-Persona x2, Shock x2} Molybdenum: 9 (+ Motility) Palladium: 2 {sound x3} Silver: 1 (+Will) {-Will x3} Plant: nothing here at this time Stone: Slate: 5 (Thump x2) Bloodstone: 4 (+ Health) {Mend x2} Sunstone: 1 (+ Persona) {Charm x2} Heartstone: 3 (+ Confluence) {Mend x2} Carbone Bricks: 1 (Heat x2) Lodestone: 1: {Thump x2} Slickstone: 1: {Cool x2} Livestone: 3 (+ Strength) {Restoration x2} Milkstone: 1 (+ Will) {Harmony x2} Emberstone: 1 (+ Cohesion) {Charm x2} Waterstone: 1 (+Motility) Nightstone: 1 (+Adhesion) {darken x3} Ruddystone: 1 (+Health) .

[/sblock]
[sblock=Unknown Items]

OOC: Bird Skull (Heron): 1

[/sblock]
[sblock=Party Discoveries]

OOC: Hidden Valley in the Western Jungle Secluded Lake in Western Jungle with Mysterious Island

[/sblock]

 

[Tellerian Hawke]

Merin will re-purpose two captured wagons and 8 draft horses (4 per wagon) for the roadtrip, so that adequate supplies might be carried. Despite Merin's (and the other Seekers as well) intentions to hunt during the journey, Merin ensures that there is a good supply of hard tack (dried bread, dried fruit, salted jerky, and the like) as well as at least 4 barrels of water. He also ensures that tools are brought along; axes, shovels, hammers, nails, hatchets, and machetes, so that repairs can be made to the wagon if needed, and so that the trail can be cleared, and periodically marked, for the purposes of building a road in the future.

Tor helps with this, bearing the brunt of the physical labor, such as loading and unloading, packing, and arranging. Merin, of course, is happy to supervise.

 

[Kwargrow]

Sannit will speak to the Bergbaulagers about designs for building ships, since Safe Harbor will need more than one to grow as a port community.

Bolo will help organize the supplies and assist with the loading.

During the celebration Turtle will go back to his playful ways, dancing, tumbling, and clapping with the music. He will also eat anything that isn't claimed.

San-Bolo and Turtle will accompany the supply caravan to Safe Harbor, warning the town elders to keep an eye out for any retaliations from Asylim.

 

[redraider629]

Due to his injuries, Vadin celebrates a bit too much. When he awakens, with a bit of a headache, he drinks some water, and makes his way about town. He smiles at the peace that is around him, but wonders how long that will last.

He will assist with gathering supplies, as well as loading and unloading with Tor. He also accompanies the supply caravan along with San-Bolo and Turtle. Along the way when stopped he will hunt for any food.

 

[MacConnell]

Y 2: Days 108 - 134: Going to Safe Harbor

Merin will re-purpose two captured wagons...

Very little is required to adequately prepare the captured supply wagons. They were originally pulled by pairs of donkeys. The harnesses are refitted to hold the windrunners. The racing horses are not suitable fare for draft, but they are what is available to the Seekers and the while the horses will return with their riders, all supplies and other people are staying in Safe Harbor. The windrunners have had enough exposure to the machinations of their riders to be encouraged to perform outside of their normal behavior.

Sannit will speak to the Bergbaulagers about designs for building ships, since Safe Harbor will need more than one to grow as a port community.

The Bergbaulager Explorers who came to the aid of Southroad Fair are a similar unit to the Seekers. Though communication in the Maldrog language is still quite limited, enough exchange of information can be accomplished in piece-meal. The Maldrog convey that they only construct barged which are poled around the edged of the Lunaedriac, but their is a village of Hebrian people across the lake, with whom Bergbaulager trades for textiles, who make sailing vessels with fabric sails that should be more suited to the type of travel required in Safe Harbor. The Seekers are invited to come and travel to the Hebrian village after they return from their present endeavor.

During the celebration Turtle will go back to his playful ways, dancing, tumbling, and clapping with the music. He will also eat anything that isn't claimed.

The Maldrog also stay for the celebration. They make an excellent addition to the festivities and thoroughly enjoy the antics of the unusual bear. The new village recruits are astounded by the camaraderie.

During the course of events prior to departure, the remaining Centurion discusses a need to return to Asylim and report. After some discussion, he is allowed to depart, for his reasoning is sound. He plans to report the cooperation of Boga City and Bergbaulager in the defeat of the Ansylin Army. Though the centurion has no delusions about the behavior or desires of the Magisters. He thinks that the knowledge of Boga City, alone, will deter further attempts on the scale of an out-right war. His thinking is that further action will be accomplished through subterfuge.

... Vadin... Along the way when stopped he will hunt for any food.

Indigo will walk with the horses to lend comfort and guidance during the trip. Sheldon will foray with Vadin to scout and look for game. Ten Ansylin archers and five hoplites accompany the Seekers on the trip.

It takes 12 days by road to reach the pass that leads into the Ansylin Desert. The party leaves the road and follows the rough terrain along the edge of the Spine toward the coast, which takes only an additional four days, before following the coast for another ten.

During the trip, the Seekers are forced to kill a predatory bird large enough to have carried off one of the horses. It is the largest bird anyone has ever seen. The horses and the Ansylins are terrified. Everyone is further amazed at the poise and efficiency with which the Seekers handle the entire situation, to the prevention of any loss. Seeing the manipulation of Way Lines in such grandiose display and used for such benevolence leaves them in awe. The Ansylins begin to defer to the Seekers as legendary beings, worthy of such respect.

[sblock=Character Statistics]
Sheldon: hurt
Body: 10 - 2 = 8
Tunic: 60 - 2 - 2 = 56
Torvald: hurt
Body: 10 - 2 = 8
Surcoat: 70 - 12 = 58
Merindell: injured
Body: 10 - 8 = 2
Surcoat: 80 - 6 - 6 = 68
Indigo: injured
Body: 10 - 6 = 4
Vest: 30 - 4 - 4= 22
Sannit: hurt
Body: 10 - 2 = 8
Stone Bolts: 10
Tunic: 60 - 24 - 8 = 28
Bolo: hurt
Body: 10 - 2 = 8
Turtle: full health
Vadin: injured
Body: 10 - 8 = 2
Tunic: 60 - 6 - 6 = 48[/sblock]
[sblock=Purchasing Power]

OOC: Store Credit in Southroad Fair: 23 clams 10 Gold Ingots (200 clams) 40 Dublins: (gold coin, 800 clams) 42 Rupees: (silver coin, 420 clams) 76 Ocrin: (tin coin, 76 clams) 20% Southroad Fair Olive Trade Proceeds

[/sblock]
[sblock=Current Party Holdings]

OOC: 2 Windrunner Stallions 8 Windrunner Mares 2 decorative saddles (San-Bolo) 5 standard saddles (Tor, Sheldon, Indigo, Merin, Vadin) 4 Windrunner Colts (with pack rigs) 2 Harnin Mining Mauls 2 Harnin Mining Spikes 2 Harnin Pick Axes 10 Iron Bricks drawing of Assassins' Guild symbol parchment containing known message

[/sblock]
[sblock=Current Inventory]

OOC: Animal: Spider Fangs: 5 pair: (+ Cohesion){-Mind / -Will x2} Metal: Zinc Ingots: 14 (+ Health) {Mend x2} Tin Ingots: 10 (+ Persona) {Muddle x2, - Persona x2} Lead: 2 {Rend x2, -Health x2} Iron Ingots: 3 (+ Confluence) {Mend x2} Aluminum Ingots: 7 (+ Motility) {Thump x2} Chromium Ingots: 1 (+ Strength) {Rejuvenate x2} Magnesium: 5 (+ Will) {Soothe x2, Mend x2, +Health x2} Copper: 2 (+ Persona) {-Persona x2, Shock x2} Molybdenum: 9 (+ Motility) Palladium: 2 {sound x3} Silver: 1 (+Will) {-Will x3} Plant: nothing here at this time Stone: Slate: 5 (Thump x2) Bloodstone: 4 (+ Health) {Mend x2} Sunstone: 1 (+ Persona) {Charm x2} Heartstone: 3 (+ Confluence) {Mend x2} Carbone Bricks: 1 (Heat x2) Lodestone: 1: {Thump x2} Slickstone: 1: {Cool x2} Livestone: 3 (+ Strength) {Restoration x2} Milkstone: 1 (+ Will) {Harmony x2} Emberstone: 1 (+ Cohesion) {Charm x2} Waterstone: 1 (+Motility) Nightstone: 1 (+Adhesion) {darken x3} Ruddystone: 1 (+Health) .

[/sblock]
[sblock=Unknown Items]

OOC: Bird Skull (Heron): 1

[/sblock]
[sblock=Party Discoveries]

OOC: Hidden Valley in the Western Jungle Secluded Lake in Western Jungle with Mysterious Island

[/sblock]

 

[Kwargrow]

Sannit says to the other Seekers, "In order for Safe Harbor to succeed they will new ships, both large and small. I spoke to the Maldrog about designs for sailing vessels, and they told me there are some Hebrian tribes on the shores of the Luniadriac that make them. After we deliver the supplies, I propose we journey back to Bergbaulager and the mountain lake to trade for sailing designs to bring back to Safe Harbor so they can start building their own vessels."

 

[Tellerian Hawke]

"...His thinking is that further action will be accomplished through subterfuge."

Before the Centurion sets out on his journey, Merin will ask him the following:

Merin asks, "Do you believe that they will take you back into their fold, without causing you harm? Surely you realize that you are risking your life...? And if they do take you back, how do you propose to communicate with us? Or do you simply intend to undermine their authority where you can, little by little? We'd like to help, if there is any way that we could possibly do so."

Merin also speaks to Sannit, after hearing his proposal.

Merin says, "That's a good plan, but they might not simply sell us the plans; such things might be considered family secrets or sacred tribal traditions. We might need to content ourselves with hiring a couple or three shipwrights. Of course, the building crew will eventually acquire the skills necessary to build a ship independently, so I could be wrong; it wouldn't be the first time that I have over-analyzed a situation."

Tor laughs heartily at the sincerity of Merin's last statement.

 

[Tellerian Hawke]

"...Seeing the manipulation of Way Lines in such grandiose display and used for such benevolence leaves them in awe. The Ansylins begin to defer to the Seekers as legendary beings, worthy of such respect."

Tor chuckles, saying: "We are not gods, nor legendary beings, but I do believe that there ARE gods in the realm above us, and that they have chosen my friends and I, along with others we've met in our travels, to wield powerful gifts, for the betterment and improvement of mortal kin. Our talents are blessings, and as such, it would be an abomination to use them as the savage tribes do, for personal glory and self-serving greediness, at the cost of hurting others. We use our talents to perform honorable deeds, including helping others, and that is why the Magisters are doomed to failure. We seek to grow and build, while they can only waste and destroy. The same is true for the savage tribes; they are a dying breed, a sickness to be sought out and purified. Their way of life is coming to an end, sooner, rather than later."

 

[Kwargrow]

San-Bolo pretend they do not hear the hero-worship and speak to everyone as equals. Bolo will search the downed eagle with Way and collect whatever parts are useful.

 

[MacConnell]

Before the Centurion sets out on his journey, Merin will ask him the following:

Merin asks, "Do you believe that they will take you back into their fold, without causing you harm? Surely you realize that you are risking your life...? And if they do take you back, how do you propose to communicate with us? Or do you simply intend to undermine their authority where you can, little by little? We'd like to help, if there is any way that we could possibly do so."

The Centurion faces Merindell and nods his assent. "I am a ranking officer. They will take me back, especially when I inform them that I was allowed to leave and report the mission's utter failure. I will report that the army was decimated and a few prisoners of war were taken. I will report that Southroad Fair was aided by Boga City and a Maldrog village of which none of us is familiar. All of this is completely true."

"Once I have returned to my post, I see no need nor the possibility of having further communication with you. I figure it to be most likely that I will be given command over the troops that accompany the harvesters that travel to the Western Jungle, to be out of sight, out of mind, and forgotten."

"I am a good soldier but merely a soldier. I can command men and fight a danger that I can see before me. I am not a campaign strategist nor a particularly clever man. Whatever is to come between you and the Magisters, I should be long out of the way at my forgotten post."

Tor chuckles, saying, "We are not gods..."

The Ansylins listen to Torvald's monologue, then look at each other, shaking their heads in confusion. The grandiose speech confirms the suspicion that the Seekers are some different kind of peoples, altogether. One of them mumbles, "Everyone knows that the gods are both cruel beings that have to be appeased. These people must know something special that the Maelstrom did not kill them."

 

[MacConnell]

... Bolo will search the downed eagle with Way and collect whatever parts are useful.

Sheldon and Indigo assist Bolo in harvesting useful material from the giant eagle.

Though the eagle has a suitable wingspan and enough power to carry off a colt or full grown burro, the bird appears to be all skin, sinew, and feathers, no meat. The talons are each as long as the forearm of a normal person. Of the ten, one thumb talon appears to harbor some proclivity of Way Lines.

As Sheldon is butchering the beast he mentions to the others that he thinks he can salvage the skin with its feathers. "I think Raven and Fallen Leaf could make a fantastic armored cloak or some such out of this. What say you? Should we keep it?"

Sifting through the guts, Indigo finds that its crop contains some stones that may prove useful, and the animal's heart blood. "The heart is the only part of this thing that will be edible for us. We can leave the carcass for the wild beasts. Bolo, you should give the liver to Turtle. He would probably like it. This thing's crop has a fist full of stones, but some of them may prove valuable."

 

[Kwargrow]

San-Bolo agree to bring back the intact bird skin to Southroad Fair.
Sannit will pass the time during the trip telling the stories of the Seekers adventures, including their previous dealings with Asylim. He will use the increase of prestige after the bird attack to introduce concepts to the soldiers that people should be evaluated for who they are and what they contribute rather than how they are born or where they are from. He uses the Seekers as an example, not of superior beings, but of a group that allowed it's members to find their own way.

 

[Tellerian Hawke]

One of them mumbles, "Everyone knows that the gods are both cruel beings that have to be appeased. These people must know something special that the Maelstrom did not kill them."

Tor laughs heartily at the statement.

"You've been in Asylim too long, listening to lies. You think there are only two gods? No... and you think they are set upon causing misery for the world of men? Think again."

"Men do plenty of malevolence all by themselves, and spread suffering to one another all on their own, without any outside influence whatsoever. The gods DO meddle in the affairs of men, but more often, the misfortunes of men are the results of other men, who use the gods as a convenient excuse."

"Don't be so naive. Open your eyes; and by the way, some of the gods are kind and benevolent. The Burning Sun, as you call him, scorches the earth of the desert, but the frozen tundra far to the north, that same sun is simply called The Light and his warmth sustains life. That sun is a representation, not a god. Others can be indifferent and uncaring. The gods' behavior is as widely varied as our own. Benevolent gods bestow blessings upon men, so that they may resist the will of the malevolent gods."

Merin nods in agreement.

Merin adds, "The reason that the Maelstrom didn't kill us is because we never got close enough in the first place. We escaped our bonds, took over the ship, and sailed away, before the ship got sucked in. That's our big secret. Pure, blind luck. And perhaps, a blessing or two from the kinder gods, as well."

 

[Kwargrow]

Unable to resist the philosophical subject, Sannit says, "Anything men choose to worship can be a god, even other men. I think if there is any being worthy of being called 'god' then it made this world full of good things and bad. Now it watches us, seeing where we go in our lives and what we do. At the end, if it likes us and what we did, it can reward us, and if it doesn't, it can punish us. It alone can truly reward or punish because it is watches us all."

Bolo silently watches the Asylim soldiers to see if any of them are angered by her mates words.

 

[MacConnell]

Day 134: Safe Harbor

OOC: All characters receive 10 Dp. All companions receive 5.

After the course of several philosophical discussions, several of the Ansylins begin to see life in a different manner than the sum of their rearing. One of them exclaims, "Hmm.. The sun is not the god, only an impression. It should have made such sense all along, but I can see it plain as day. Southroad Fair is not a desert. This jungle we are skirting is not a desert."

Another addresses Sanit's comment. "If I understand you, we should tend our daily activity as we see fit and quit worrying so much if it is going to please or offend some god we do not know and have never seen."

Moving along the beach proves to be difficult on the horses and on pulling the wagons. The sand is quite soft in places and impedes the ease of travel. Upon nearing the river mouth, the group can no longer see the ship that was anchored outside the reef. Squinting, it appears that men are out on the reef in skiffs, fishing. Up head on the beach, spikes have been driven into the sand and mounted with the heads of pigs, sharks, and even some people.

The totems cause the some confusion and concern for the Seekers. As the group halts its progress, a loud whistle is heard from across the bay, an arrow plunks into the sand from some hidden inland source, and a loud voice calls in Ansylin. "Turn back the way you came. Asylim has no rule here. You will be killed if you do not."

Having no fear that they will be slaughtered, the Seekers begin to fan out among the soldiers. Before an altercation ensues, Sheldon yells back, "We are the Southroad Seekers. We have returned with new recruits."

Upon hearing the groups name, the lone archer emerges from hiding and others come from the development itself. The pirates are surprised by the addition of former Ansylin Regulars, but are more than pleased by the manpower and supplies.

The Seekers are impressed b the progress. The pirates have managed to move the ship through the reef and moor it within the river. Simple living structures have been constructed as well as fishing skiffs. Trees have been felled and pinned to make beams for additional ships.

Bulywif greets the Seekers and the new recruits. He expresses his thanks for the supplies and begins to explain the developments. "With these swords we can adapt more tools. The jungle has provided excellent wood for constructing new ships. With these new hands, things should move even faster. The one thing we cannot make for ourselves is sails. If we could find some supply for bolts of fabric, we could have a haranguing fleet ready within the year."

[sblock=Character Statistics]
Sheldon: full health
Tunic: 60 - 2 - 2 = 56
Torvald: full health
Surcoat: 70 - 12 = 58
Merindell: full health
Surcoat: 80 - 6 - 6 = 68
Indigo: full health
Vest: 30 - 4 - 4= 22
Sannit: full health
Stone Bolts: 10
Tunic: 60 - 24 - 8 = 28
Bolo: full health
Turtle: full health
Vadin: full health
Tunic: 60 - 6 - 6 = 48[/sblock]
[sblock=Purchasing Power]

OOC: Store Credit in Southroad Fair: 23 clams 10 Gold Ingots (200 clams) 40 Dublins: (gold coin, 800 clams) 42 Rupees: (silver coin, 420 clams) 76 Ocrin: (tin coin, 76 clams) 20% Southroad Fair Olive Trade Proceeds

[/sblock]
[sblock=Current Party Holdings]

OOC: 2 Windrunner Stallions 8 Windrunner Mares 2 decorative saddles (San-Bolo) 5 standard saddles (Tor, Sheldon, Indigo, Merin, Vadin) 4 Windrunner Colts (with pack rigs) 2 Harnin Mining Mauls 2 Harnin Mining Spikes 2 Harnin Pick Axes 10 Iron Bricks drawing of Assassins' Guild symbol parchment containing known message

[/sblock]
[sblock=Current Inventory]

OOC: Animal: Giant Eagle Hide: 100% cover (soak: 10, deflect: 10) Giant Eagle Skull Giant Eagle Talons: 10 Spider Fangs: 5 pair: (+ Cohesion){-Mind / -Will x2} Metal: Zinc Ingots: 14 (+ Health) {Mend x2} Tin Ingots: 10 (+ Persona) {Muddle x2, - Persona x2} Lead: 2 {Rend x2, -Health x2} Iron Ingots: 3 (+ Confluence) {Mend x2} Aluminum Ingots: 7 (+ Motility) {Thump x2} Chromium Ingots: 1 (+ Strength) {Rejuvenate x2} Magnesium: 5 (+ Will) {Soothe x2, Mend x2, +Health x2} Copper: 2 (+ Persona) {-Persona x2, Shock x2} Molybdenum: 9 (+ Motility) Palladium: 2 {sound x3} Silver: 1 (+Will) {-Will x3} Plant: nothing here at this time Stone: Slate: 5 (Thump x2) Bloodstone: 4 (+ Health) {Mend x2} Sunstone: 1 (+ Persona) {Charm x2} Heartstone: 3 (+ Confluence) {Mend x2} Carbone Bricks: 1 (Heat x2) Lodestone: 1: {Thump x2} Slickstone: 1: {Cool x2} Livestone: 3 (+ Strength) {Restoration x2} Milkstone: 1 (+ Will) {Harmony x2} Emberstone: 1 (+ Cohesion) {Charm x2} Waterstone: 1 (+Motility) Nightstone: 1 (+Adhesion) {darken x3} Ruddystone: 1 (+Health) .

[/sblock]
[sblock=Unknown Items]

OOC: Bird Skull (Heron): 1

[/sblock]
[sblock=Party Discoveries]

OOC: Hidden Valley in the Western Jungle Secluded Lake in Western Jungle with Mysterious Island

[/sblock]

 

[Kwargrow]

San-Bolo greet the sailors and Bulywif, telling them the story of how these soldiers came to be here and the thwarted attack against Southroad Fair.

In response to the sails, Sannit says, "You already know how to build ships so that's one thing off our list. We know of some tribes that sail the Lunaedriac. We will travel to them and see if they have any sails that they will trade for."

Bolo will go hunting and search for useful plants.

Turtle plunges into the water for some fresh fish. He tries to leave some for the rest of them.

 

[Tellerian Hawke]

Merin suddenly snaps awake; he was obviously daydreaming.

Merin says, "Enough standing around and talking. Let's go buy these fellas some sails."

Tor nods in agreement.

[sblock=Merin's Daydream]
Merin begins to ponder the possibility of building a lock on the river... such a fortification might prove useful. The lock that he had in mind was a simple, wooden gate that would span the river, two doors that could be pulled together and closed by workmen with ropes. Each door would be mounted to a stone wall, on either side of the river.

Behind the gates, on either river bank, would be two winches, which could be used to pull larger ships past the shallow part of the river.

[sblock=Merin's idea]

​

[/sblock]

Merin approaches Sheldon and asks him to share his thoughts on the matter.
[/sblock]