Upward from Land's End

[MacConnell]

Antapkos suggests...

When Antapkos and Cormorant step into the Trade Store, they are greeted in Ansylin by Lyndha, a Shimadow Bajinin, who is the proprietor of the store. She speaks Ansylin as if born to it, no decernable accent, unlike most who are using a second language. There are two assistants needlessly tending to things, who wave and make a gesture indicating the men are free to look around. One of the caravan swordsmen walks in after the two, nodding ackowledgement, but then looks after his own interests. There is a variety of items for sale, but those that catch the Bird Brother's attention, and that they can afford, are all of a practical nature. There is very little weaponry and it is expensive.

Common Clothing Upper Body:

Item	Coverage	Encumbrance	Deflect	Soak	Cost
Thin Leather Tunic	50%	5	2	1	30
Light Leather Tunic	50%	10	4	2	60
Kevlar Tunic	50%	5	5	0	90
Thin Leather Vest	30%	3	2	1	18
Thin Leather Accessory Vest	30%	3	2	1	36
Light Leather Vest	30%	6	4	2	36
Thin Leather Bracers	20%	4	2	1	18
Light Leather Bracers	20%	8	4	2	36

Common Clothing Lower Body:

Item	Coverage	Encumbrance	Deflect	Soak	Cost
Thin Leather Kilt	30%	3	2	1	36
Light Leather Kilt	30%	6	4	2	72
Kevlar Kilt	30%	3	5	0	108
Thin Leather Shin Guards	20%	1	2	1	60
Thin Leather Accessory Belt	10%	0	2	1	20
Light Leather Accessory Belt	10%	1	4	2	40

Accessory Items:

Item	Use	Encumbrance	Cost
Thin Leather Waterskin	1 ration	1, when full	10
Light Leather Sword Belt	scabbard	1	40
Javelin Baldric	shoulder sling	1	40
Thin Leather Shin Guards	20%	1	60
Thin Leather Accessory Belt	10%	0	20
Light Leather Accessory Belt	10%	1	40

Articles of clothing and armor will overlap which can give a total coverage mechanic of greater than 100%. Where the items overlap, both will apply to the protection of that area.

Spoiler: Character Data

Antapkos: full wellness
Sioftrita: full wellness
Cormorant: full wellness
Britta: full wellness
Sprthnt: full wellness
Tunic: 48
Kuwaia: full wellness

Spoiler: Collectibles

nothing at this time

OOC: Each character receives 5 DP. State intentions for just Antapkos and Cormorant and provide a random roll.

 

[Eric Zephlaer]

Never before having had so much money, Antapkos and Cormorant spend more time in the store than they had expected, looking over the goods several times. Being used to wearing very little, for clothing, neither young man is sure how he would adjust to wearing additional pieces that would be more protective. They already fidget with the javelineer tunics they are currently wearing. Having finally come to a decision, both upgrade to a thin leather accessory belt, asking about discarding their own. Antapkos also selects a light leather sword belt for the javelin he converted into a short sword. Cormorant selects the javelin baldric so he can keep at least one hand free of encumbrance while simply walking.

Learning that there are shelters and hammocks to let, and what a hammock is, each man shells out the extra 2 coins for a hammock. Since they are still carrying rations prepared from earlier hunting, both plan to see what it feels like to sleep off of the ground, where a breeze might cool them from the constant heat they have always endured.

OOC: 76

 

[MacConnell]

... Antapkos and Cormorant spend... selects... selects... Learning...

The two men leave the store heading directly toward the location of the suspended hammocks, since they had been told which way to walk. This took them directly toward the other, waiting, four youths. You greeted them in a very friendly manner, obviously wanting further conversation. Antapkos and Cormorant, both, immediately sensed a kinship with the unknown others, never having before experienced such a sensation. Excessive fatigue, further encouraged by the relative coolness of the forest compared to the Burning Sun that baked the desert all day, the Bird Brothers cordially cut the conversation short but agreed to meet again in the morning, since they had an entire day to themselves before needing to depart with the caravan. Neither, yet, had a significant motive to abandon the caravan. Knowing a place, upstream, where there a deeper pool offered good swimming, the four offered to take the two there, the next day.

Antapkos and Cormorant enjoyed the most peaceful night of rest that they had ever experienced. They felt energized and hungry when they awoke. Before heading on the simple excursion, the four intended to take the two over to the Boar's Head for a light breakfast. With the morning light giving a better view of all surroundings, Cormorant, Siofrita, Britta, and Kuwaia found themselves staring back and forth between Antapkos and Sprthnt. It was like looking at twins who had been separated at birth. Every person being able to recognize his own reflection but having little opportunity to see it, it took the two unrelated twins a few seconds to realize why the others had stopped walking or talking. The only real difference between the appearance of the two was that Sprthnt had freckles. No other person had ever been seen with freckles, and it was necessary to be very close to Sprthnt to see them splayed across his face.

Spoiler: Character Data

Antapkos: full wellness
Sioftrita: full wellness
Cormorant: full wellness
Britta: full wellness
Sprthnt: full wellness
Tunic: 48
Kuwaia: full wellness

Spoiler: Collectibles

nothing at this time

OOC: Each character receives 5 DP. State intentions and provide a random roll.

 

[Eric Zephlaer]

Being naturally gregarious, Antapkos begins jabbering away at Sprthnt in Shimadow, thinking he is looking at a kinsman. Siofrita starts laughing an the newly befriended youth, despite her fascination. She responds to Antapkos, "Sprthnt, which is his name, does not speak Shimadow. He is Spiofthest, even though you two look like twins, well, not exactly twins to me."

Eased of the odd situation, everyone begins inroducing himself and conversing in Ansylin, since it is the common language. Antapkos and Cormorant are happy to go to breakfast and to accompany the others to thier favorite swimming hole. Away from town, Sprthnt, Siofrita, and Antapkos, especially, brooch the subject of their innate talents, trading what has been learned after becoming more comfortable with the subject.

OOC: 75

 

[MacConnell]

... Antapkos begins... Siofrita starts... responds... everyone begins... Antapkos and Cormorant are... Sprthnt, Siofrita, and Antapkos, especially, brooch...

The trip to this particular swimming hole had been made by the four residents of South Road Fair many times and the trip was pleasantly uneventful, the only distraction being various birds and arboreal rodents noisily going about their usual activity. It was far enough of a walk that others from the village usually did not interrupt them. Once there, with a cursory look about the area, the six youth doffed their clothing and entered the water, enjoying the luxurious coolness of it. Relaxation gave way to play then returned to relaxation as Siofrita became more acquainted with Antapkos and Britta became more acquainted with Cormorant. Sprthnt and Kuwaia were already more than well acquainted and gave the others space, while enjoying the company of each other.

As hunger again rose, as it often does in developing youths, the local four discussed and showed the other two where to find mussels along the banks while Siofrita and Sprthnt were able to collect some fish with their bows. When the moment of truth arrived, it was Sprthnt who braved a demonstration first when he ignited the kindling for a cook fire simply by touching it. Once comforted by this disclosure, it was demonstrated that all but Kuwaia could perform such a feat. At that moment, it was confirmed for everyone other than Sprthnt, who already knew, that Kuwaia was the only one of them who could not bend waylines. It would later be discovered that this deficiency was limited to affecting others, for she would eventually learn to augment herself.

Back in town that evening, Antapkos and Cormorant got to spend another night sleeping in their rented hammocks, while the other four slept where they usually did. Shortly after first light, the four joined the other two when they were returning to the caravan informing them that they intended to follow along on the way to Bridgetown, to see how things went. Antapkos and Cormorant were glad at the idea and inquired if it were permissible. The four found the concept humorous, not having grown up with such oppression as that found in Asylim, especially The Flats.

Vyerbluth, always a pernicious individual, was stomping around the caravan, displaying more aggravation than usual. Apparently two of the caravaners had not returned to their posts. Half of the guards, which did not include Antapkos or Cormorant, as they were still too new, were sent to locate the two missing individuals. About an hour later, the two were returned, being dragged by their heels by the guards who had been sent to find them. The two young men were not overly hurt but could not stand or even communicate in an intelligent manner. They blubbered and made uncoordinated movements with their arms. Vyerbluth was irate and mentioned to the swordsmen to just kill them and they would suffer the short-handedness.

It was obvious that something was wrong with the men to cause such a predicament. Something had affected their minds and, as a result, their ability to bodily function. The six youths, especially Britta, realize that the condition is likely curable, but nothing could be done under the watchful eyes of all the other caravaners.

Spoiler: Character Data

Antapkos: full wellness
Sioftrita: full wellness
Cormorant: full wellness
Britta: full wellness
Sprthnt: full wellness
Tunic: 48
Kuwaia: full wellness

Spoiler: Collectibles

nothing at this time

OOC: Each character receives 5 DP. State nominal actions and intentions and provide a random roll.

 

[Eric Zephlaer]

Britta, immediately and loudly, says, "Wait!"

At the same time Antapkos, who is readily prone to speak, starts in at Vyerbluth even if he is the Caravan Master. "That suggestion is excessive. It is obvious that something is wrong with these two. I understand there is an Herbalist in town. Perhaps something can be done to remedy their problem."

Siofrita, as soon as Antapkos finishes, says, with some authority, due to her position with the town rangers. "You are not going to have these men killed and just leave them in our town for us to deal with the mess! If my word is not enough, all I need to do is whistle."

Britta interjects before Vyerbluth can respond, "I work with Maeli the Herbalist. You are already delayed. A few more minutes will make no difference. Lend us these to javelineers to help the four of us carry them."

OOC: 83

 

[MacConnell]

Britta... says... Antapkos... starts... Siofrita... says... Britta interjects...

Spoiler: Negotiate

Antapkos: 24(coerce) + 24(befriend) + 83(d100) = 131
Sioftrita: 25 + 83 = 108
Britta: 23 + 83 = 106

Vyerbluth grimaces but then grumbles, "Fine. Do not take all day. If this cannot be remedied before midday, we leave them."

Because of the lack of coordination in the delirious men, the six youths still have a difficult time carrying them like dead weight. Once out of view of prying eyes, it is not necessary for them to be carried all the way to Maeli. Laying the men on the ground, only a cursory examination is necessary to determine that something is impairing their mental faculty. It is unlikely that the men were poisoned or ate something that they should not have, not in South Road Fair. It is more likely that they were able to acquire some hallucinogen and had not yet recovered from its detrimental effect.

Kuwaia keeps a watch for others, since she cannot assist, while the five lay their hands upon each man, in turn, and manipulate mystical waylines to accelerate the recovery of their mental function. Since Britta has performed this feat before, the others are able to follow suit, all being of equal talent. What would have taken hours, unaided, now only takes a few seconds.

Once lucid, the men will not say what they had consumed, and they are not pressed for the information. They well understand to go along with whatever Britta says concerning their recovery, not wanting to be remanded to The Flats upon returning to Asylim. It is conveyed that they were given an antidote for some bad eggs and advised, for the future, not to eat eggs that were found on the ground.

Spoiler: Character Data

Antapkos: full wellness
Sioftrita: full wellness
Cormorant: full wellness
Britta: full wellness
Sprthnt: full wellness
Tunic: 48
Kuwaia: full wellness

Spoiler: Collectibles

nothing at this time

OOC: Each character receives 5 DP. State nominal actions and intentions and provide a random roll.

 

[Eric Zephlaer]

Once the two men seem capable of walking on their own volition, Antapkos and Cormorant will make a show of ushering them back to the caravan. The other four will follow along, since they are still intent on accompanying the caravan when it departs. Arriving at the waiting caravan, Antapkos says to Vyerbluth, "None the worse for wear. We are all good to go."

Britta then quickly explains, "It was pretty obvious what was wrong with them. I was able to administer an curative. I can assure you that these men will never be trying to eat eggs found lying on the ground, in the future."

Siofrita and Sprthnt both turn away and pretend to be interested in something else for a few seconds so that they do not laugh. Everything that Britta had said was completely true, albeit a complete ruse. It was difficult for those two to keep a straight face.

Kuwaia merely nods her head, looking solemn.

OOC: 84

 

[MacConnell]

... Antapkos and Cormorant will... The other four will...

The caravan proceeded to get underway without any further delay. In fact, since it was already prepared to depart, Vyerbluth barked some commands and the teamsters signaled the burros to begin pulling the wagons. There was not enough space for riders, maybe one beside the driver, so almost everyone walked. Antapkos and Cormorant trailed the caravan so that they could converse with their newly found friends. Vyerbluth was indifferent about having some residents of South Road Fair follow his caravan. Youths, from the village, often did for a day or two. He was not going to feed them, as they were more than likely to be able to feed themselves and, if they were even barely competent rangers, provide some extra meat for the caravaners. He could plainly see that the four youths trailing behind were armed and equipped and looked skilled enough to add extra protection, if needed. His caravan had been assaulted a few times in the past; though because of the size, that was rare.

The conifer forest north of South Road Fair quickly thinned, at least on the eastern side of the roadway, the side farther from the Southern River, where understory shrubbery eventually gives way to a small patch of grassland. The patch is small by geographic standards, being about a two-day walk across, in any direction. Corn grows there and collectors from South Road Fair go during the appropriate season to gather it. The corn, when it is ready, also means larger game animals, but that is not something so readily taken by javelin, and it was not yet that season. On one of his occasional, very occasional, positive thoughts, Vyerbluth realized that two of the trailing youths carried bows. He licked his lips with imagined, better fare. The trip to Bridgetown would take eight days, the last four would be through deciduous forest with nut and acorn bearing trees. It was the wrong season for the nuts, too, and the forever scowl returned to the bitter man’s face.

Caravans normally move for eight hours of the day, instead of the ten that a person would walk, which is why it requires eight days to go between South Road Fair and Bridgetown, instead of seven. With three wagons, four swordsmen, eight javelineers, and four armed additionals, the chance of encountering anything or anyone hostile was negligible, at best. As the javelineers and the four friends would hunt each evening, of their own volition, and small game was being readily acquired, once the hunters were far enough from the main road. On the fourth day northward, the four friends, hunting with Cormorant and Antapkos, came across a small herd of peccaries. Sprthnt and Siofrita were both able to take one before the herd ran. They were not exactly significant, as far as game animals were concerned, but they were more than twice the size of anything that had been killed thus far, and the caravaners were thrilled that the small group was so willing to share with strangers.

While traveling with the caravan provides new experiences to garner the interests of all but an elderly, especially adolescents, and it provides ample opportunity for the budding friendships to further solidify, it is not a conducive environment for anything of a romantic nature to progress. There are too many people and too much activity. Arriving in Bridgetown would provide another full day of liberty for Antapkos and Cormorant. Something for those two to look forward to spending some quieter moments with Siofrita and Britta, respectively. Though Sprthnt and Kuwaia are inseparable, even they display little to no amorous behavior while with the caravan. It is a remarkable situation for the other four to observe. It seems that those two are a single life force, separated into two completely different bodies.

Spoiler: Character Data

Antapkos: full wellness
Sioftrita: full wellness
Cormorant: full wellness
Britta: full wellness
Sprthnt: full wellness
Tunic: 48
Kuwaia: full wellness

Spoiler: Collectibles

nothing at this time

OOC: Each character receives 5 DP. State nominal actions and intentions while traveling and provide a random roll.

 

[Eric Zephlaer]

During travel, the six friends will process their own game, though they will, of course, share extra meat. They will also gather edible plants or their products, should any be discovered, while they are out hunting. Having no particular means to preserve skins, and not expecting anything much worth collecting, they will forgo trying to save any hides, but will examine other parts of animals and attempt to make utilitiy items, like pouches and string.

OOC: 65