Dawn of Man (Orders)

[Eliasdagood]

The Cavara are all happy to be on their own favored terrain, and there is much joy to be had in the bounty this new home offers them. More importantly, they may have found new friends! Their chief orders a feast for tonight, offering up twice what they normally eat. Smoked fish and roasted coconut is a good meal for them.

Spoiler: Orders

1 Fire unit and 1 water unit tend to the fire, which is fueled by 3 wood.

5 food is set in coconut husks, and sent out onto the water as a gift for the fish men the Cavara sighted earlier

12 food is used for a feast

Watchers are once more stationed to watch the scraol, and attempt to learn more about them.

 

[Heyitsjiwon]

Day 3

​

The prior night was tense as the Scraol surrounded the camp and eerily stared at the tribe. Not a single one moved as they silently glared at the tribe. Without a doubt, they were becoming more brazen and bold. It would be a matter of time before they would attack. Thus, as daylight shined into the valley, the Niislel worked diligently to pack their belongings and to migrate once more. Seeing how the Scraol seemed to avoid the river, the Niislel decided to cross to the other side of the water to through the Scraol off their trail a bit and give themselves some breathing room from the campsite that they had stayed at for the last few nights. Though, they also took extra precaution to give the great stump a wide birth as the being that lived there was clearly not happy with the Niislel at the moment.

After some moments, the tribe stopped and set up camp once more. There was much to do as always. A group went south east to the sinkhole to gather more purestone and if possible clay as well. Baatar personally led a group to the east to investigate the claims that the Gelrakes had made. This was a matter of the Niislel's birthright.

As the men trudged along to the east, Baatar pricked his thumb to allow blood to flow. He pressed it on the forehead of each of his followers as he casted blood thoughts to tell the men a short story.

"Once there were twins, Ekao, the elder by a minute, and Jako, the younger. Ekao was a gifted hunter, adored by his father, and a man of the field while Jako was everything that Ekao was not, silent and dwelled inside the shade. One day, Ekao returned from hunting, tired and exhausted while Jako was cooking a soup. Ekao called out to Jako "Let me eat your soup! I'm exhausted." Jako replied "Then sell me your birthright." Ekao cried back with exasperation "What good is a birthright to me if I am about to die?" Jako said "Swear to me now." Thus, Ekao swore and sold his birthright while Jako gave Ekao a bowl of soup. Ekao ate merrily and left. Thus, Ekao despised his birthright. Yet, later when his father was on his last breathes, Ekao cried and begged his father for his blessings. Yet, the father did not have any blessings to give. Ekao was rejected with no chance to repent through his tears."

One of the tribemen spoke a few seconds after given his blessings "What good is inheriting your past when your future hangs in the balance? Is it not better to live and let live?" Baatar replied "Yet, to give away your ancestor's work, sweat, tears and blood for a single bowl of soup? To swear your father's legacy away in the heat of the moment simply cause you are tired? Ekao's actions are the definition of foolishness and brashness. There is more to life than ephemeral, temporary pleasure, which is something that Jako understood for his minute of tardiness deprived him of the birthright. It is easy to take something for granted when you have it, yet someone who is starved of it? They will treasure it and treat it with caution and respect that it deserves. Ponder upon the story and the words I have spoken. Gratitude is a fleeting emotion that one must diligently train to grasp."

Thus, the band of Niislel continued to head to the east with the silence occasionally broken by the sound of the tribes people wiping blood on each other, silently communicating and debating with each other the principles and lessons that were imbued within the story of Ekao and Jako.

---

Summary:

Migration: The Niislel migrate 3 squares to the south east

1. The Niislel agree to a deal to help the Rion with joint spell research, particularly to create a spell that would boost the productivity, endurance, etc of those that the spell is casted on by combining the Niislel knowledge of Mighty Blood with the fiery determination and passion of the Rion fire devotion.

2. Baatar and 4 Units of people (One of them nature) are sent to the east to explore and investigate the claims of the Gelrake Shamans
1 Unit of Excellent Iron Dwarven Mining Tools, Origin Stone, Destiny Stone, Mighty Blood, Water Footwear (Bonus to labor, especially near the shore), People of the River

3. 3 Units of people are sent to the south east to extract further purestone from the sinkhole that is not underwater and to excavate the sunken adobe homes in the sinkhole. If it enables them to work more efficiently, then they are allowed to use their tools to convert the blocks of purestone into more manageable pieces.
1 Unit of Excellent Iron Dwarven Mining Tools, 1 Unit of Sharp, Heavy, Quality Tools, Mighty Blood, Water Footwear (Bonus to labor, especially near the shore)

4. The elders conduct research into the blocks of purestone and their potential uses though it appears to be a powerful conduit of magic/rune magic medium seeing how the Origin Stone was made from it.

5. The Niislel organize a trade deal with the Bonereapers. The Niislel agree to do some joint research in creating a curse spell that reflects damage. In exchange for the help, the Bonereapers share their salt/knowledge of salt with the Niislel. The Niislel also teach the Bonereapers about the staffsling invention along with the slingstone sport in exchange for 5 Units of food and 1 Unit of Scaled Leather

Diplomacy:

Trade with the Carvara

Trade with the Zian

Visiting the Medium Fire Elemental at the Sunken Temple

 

[Karcen]

Day 3 Bonereapers heralds of the scion

The contact with the scion had been useful as now their control over bone had grown and soon they could make practical clothing and armor from bones around them. The news of a dark being becoming interested in them was a set back, but there was more magic than crushing skulls out there. If they could make darkness more solid, create a sharp weapon from it or armor made of darkness, then they would be better armed. Right now the Elders were in trouble and that took priority even over moving, they could stay in one place for 2 days. With knowledge of salt the bonereapers didn't need to worry about food spoiling and they had pots to hold some of it. Still Deyas planned on getting rid of some of it latter.

Before the daily order were given an emissary from the Niislel came to speak of some new sport they had made up. That really didn't interest the tribe much, they were busy trying to survive and had little interest in playing with none humans. The hippomen were a threat to be dealt with not allies to play with, there was of course the exception, but for the most part extermination was the best option. Deyas could only assume Baatar had such an affinity to inhuman beings due to his own impure blood and while he was an ally, Deyas would have likely sent the emissary away if he didn't come in a time of need. The blood mages coudl help them create the reflection curse, but this did mean they would know of it as well and they wanted to know of salt for it. The Niislel seemed more than eager to give out things to none humans, but charged their own for knowledge. The fact he wanted food to learn about this sport the Niislel had made up felt almost like salt in a wound. The bone reapers had enough food and would even throw in some leather. Still what felt like a bad trade would leave a sour image behind in the bonereaper tribe.

Sending the emissary off to study with the elder on the curse Deyas got to assigning tasks for the day. " We worked hard yesterday and we shall work hard again today, but we shall know our limits" Deyas said " Our stores of food are more than enough, but we lack wood so 2 groups shall go and harvest wood. In the sink hole to the west there is clay and i know a safe way down, so another two groups shall go get use clay to perhaps make into pottery latter. Finally another 2 groups shall go and one more harvest monster bone for we once more lack it. " Deyas explained keeping the orders simple but letting the groups get the tools they needed.

That left deyas and a few retainers to do one last thing for the day, they needed to contact and learn from Ba'lal, something they would do far from the Niislel emissary , they would keep this secret for a little while. The skull that had been made was a bit to big, but it was what they had and the slight imperfections did mean it was still the finest skull they had. Ba'lal had not stipulated any details aside from that the skull must be the finest they had. Deyas could also hopefully fix it latter as she wanted to make it smaller latter, right now they needed his knowledge. Deyas would have the skull brought to her and serval units of various objects they had found as the offering for learning to unbind as well as binding souls. " Ba'lal the great necromancer come to me I call to you in the after life, come back to the land of the living, i call upon you to uphold your end of our deal as i have upheld mine" Deyas called out to summon the spirit forth.

Movment: none

Orders:
1. The elder will work with the emissary on the reflection curse and learning of the new sport ( given knowledge of salt 1 unit lizard leather 5 units food)
2. 2 units of people with 1 unit quality bone tools and 1 unit monster bone tools and armed with 2 units monster bone weapons will be sent through the secret sinkhole entrance to gather clay.
3. 2 units of people with 2 units quality bone tools and armed with 1 unit monster bone weapons and using the people of the forest perk will go harvest wood.
4. 2 units of people will head to gather monster bone using enhanced bone shaping and take 1 unit of long dead to help them carry monster bone, this order will be empowered.
5. Deyas will summon Ba'lal to bind him to the skull and learn to bind and unbind souls offering 2 units horns 2 units chitin 1 unit lizard teeth. ( 2 units horn 2 units chitin 1 unit lizard teeth lost)

 

[Kent]

The Blood Tribe, Day 3

The incidents last night left a strong on the tribespeople and gave them mixed feelings. Joy, Excitement, Horror, Confusion, they felt myriads of emotions that night but one thing for certain is that the Devil easily defeated a Scraol, and then Leader along with the Twins defeated the stronger Devil which caused the Scraol to retreat. They also witnessed the method of how Strygwyr and the Twins coordinated with their attacks and wonder if they would be able to apply this kind of art to their fighting style. However crazy last night have been they must still continue to work hard today and the following days so that they could easily beat the Scraol and live safely in the valley in the future.

Strygwyr and the twins were healed but it took a significant amount of mana so they couldn't cast extra spells to aid their endeavors. Although Strygwyr reasoned out that they shouldn't be too dependent on the spells and use this opportunity to further hone their skills and improve their bodies without external or supernatural help.

2 units woke up early to make tools(From 1 Unit of Stone, Wood, and Monster Bone) and Paralytic Blowtubes + Darts(From Spiky Spider Hair, Wood, Paralytic Spider Poison) to aid in resource gathering and hunting later in the day. The tribe recognized that they are severely underequipped and that they must find alternative ways to get to their prey aside from just straight up rushing to one and then attempt to kill it. Some preys are sensitive, dangerous, and have special attributes that would make hunting in the regular way difficult.

Strygwyr then leads a hunting party composed of the Twins and 2 units. He brought with him all the warriors who could use huntersense to make hunting easier. The Blowtubes and the Paralytic Darts will also make its debut(Depending on the results).

They would locate prey with huntersense, attempt to stealthily surround it, and then hit it with one or multiple Paralytic Darts(depending on the perceived strength, abilities, or strength) before finishing it off and then immediately moving to the next prey. The darts are to be reused as well after the enemies have been taken care of.

The party intends to retrieve food, blood, and other material(feathers, bones, fur, hide, etc) that is deemed useful depending on what kind of creature they encounter.

Strygwyr would also use this opportunity to guide the twins and then have the hunters witness their way of fighting so they can catch up on and develop military tradition.

1 Unit along with tools goes to collect wood in the southwest. They would also try to collect other resources that they may come through but also do their best to find Elven Wood.

Another 1 unit with tools joins with the units from the Kin Tribe to gather minerals in the north caves and has a secondary mission(not too important) of surveying the unnatural caves. They brought with them the torch made from Liquid Fire and the Lantern of Pure Light.

As the tribespeople go along with their work, they are also instructed by Strgywyr to spread the matter of last night to everybody they met so the tales of their victory against the devil and the retreat of the Scraol is spread to the people of the valley so it would be possible to maybe attract more people in the coming nights and spread the glory of the Blood Tribe. Of course, the details of how it was an accidental breach of contract were omitted.

Order Summary + Additional Details:
1. 2 Units make tools and Paralytic Blowtubes + Blowdarts.
- 1 Unit of Stone, Wood, Monster Bone & 1 Unit of Spiky Spider Hair, Wood, Paralytic Spider Poison

2. Strygwyr, the Twins, 2 Units goes on a hunt in the forest southeast of their current location.
- Ruby Sword, 2 Ruby Daggers(Twin Runes), Strength of Sinew for Strygwyr and Twins(From Runic Tattoos), Obsidian Spears, Paralytic Blowtubes + Darts(Depending on the result), People of the Forest Perk, Huntersense

3. 1 Unit goes to collect wood in the southwest and other resources they may find while doing their best to find Elven Wood.
-Tools(Depending on the result), People of the Forest Perk

4. 1 Unit goes to collect materials from the caves to the north along with units from the Kin Tribe.
-Tools(depending on the result), Liquid Fire Torch, Lantern of Pure Light

5. Joint Research with the Elders of the Kin Tribe to create a Reinvigoration Spell and then combine it with Mighty Blood Spell to create a spell on a higher level. Twist

Tribe Movement:
The tribe remains in the same tile.

Previous Decision Points:
1. Summoned a Barbed Devil
2. Fight the Scraol with the Barbed Devil

Resources Consumed:
1 Unit of Stone
2 Units of Wood
1 Unit of Monster Bone
1 Unit of Spiky Spider Hair
1 Unit of Paralytic Poison
7 Units of Food(Spoilage)

 

[Heterological]

DAY 3

It had been a good, successful night; information had been gained, proper tools had been made, and some breakthroughs had been made with Purefire. The caverns in which they had been swept into had a surprisingly good place for gathering stones; some more gathering would be done. Firewood would also have to be gathered, since they barely had any left. He'd put Inlor to that task. Zian had been hearing rumors about technology that the Niislel had made; he definitely would try securing a trade.

ORDERS: The Rion move 1 unit down from the waterfall square

1. Inlor is commanded to gather firewood in the forest to the west, along with 1 unit, who collects the roots and bark of trees for utility uses using 1 Malachite Weapon-Tool.
2. 2 units and Zian gather stones in the cavern behind the waterfall
3. 2 units make pottery using clay and their fire magic
4. 1 unit tries to hunt for fish using 1 Malachite Weapon-Tool
5. Elders base research on Purefire, trying to find a spell that can let its user draw on its fire to increase their work output. This research is done with the Niislel. Heyitsjiwon

 

[Twist]

Day Three

Matri Midwi and her tribe emerged early from the cave to meet the Strygwyr's Blood Tribe following the runner who had stayed with them, his fellow messenger leaving to find his own tribe with haste. An amusing sight as he hurried off stiffly with somewhat of a limp from the night before. She wasn't too worried about the man, he was one of Baatar's people and they were an intelligent tribe. He and his fellow runner had also gone into great depth about how they could find the tribes through watching the smoke of the great bonfires each tribe erected every night and their dying wisps in the mornings as well as the tracks left by the migrating tribes as they neared their former homes.

With some of the food spoiling, her people began to gather all the unspoilt food to see what could be saved and separate it from the rotting load. A cry rang out and as Matri Midwi went to investigate she noticed a young girl coveting one of the Needle Grubs, the fleshy thing gripped unyieldingly against her as she was accosted by Olso. "She seeks to save the little grub from being eaten" Olso explained to his mother. The compelled Chieftain knelt down next to her son and looked the young girl in her eyes, her warm smile disarming the situation. "Is he your friend?" Matri Midwi asked. The little girl merely nodded, looking up at the massive matriarch in awe. "Does he have a name?"

The girl nodded, loosening her grip on the wriggling larva, as she pointed at Matri Midwis fur coverings. Looking down she noticed the Stone of Names poking out of her person, and with a slow and careful gesture she pulled the stone from it's hide home. Delicate fingers pointed eagerly at the bottom of the stone as the girl pointed out her name Anigi and the name of the grub Wri Wri with a crudely drawn picture of it next to it. "You both have wonderful names, dear Anigi." The little one holding Wri Wri tight to her chest once more, its bulbous white face staring back at Matri Midwi as she spoke.

How could she do anything to harm this sweet child the massive matriarch thought. This thought turned to a moment of inspiration for the chieftain as they could now put the spoilt food to good use. "Dear Anigi, you have done your tribe a great service today and you will be honoured for it" She rose up as spoke, giving the little girl a curtsey "Anigi, my dear, find Babgi and ask for help to gather the rest of the Needle Grubs and bring them here. We shall give these new friends a feast."

The little girl ran off, Wri Wri squishing against her as she went. "Olso, bring those mushrooms we found from the caves, as well as those purple flowers from the cliffs. We shall attempt to make more". Matri Midwi remembered how the mushroom explorers had gratefully accepted her food in the caves so hopefully similar plants like the flowers would benefit as well, being placed within the spoiling food as well the mushrooms. She knew how volatile the mushrooms could be so she would make sure everything was separated, the needle grubs, the purple flowers and the mushrooms with the former being watched by Babgi and Anigi.

Members of the tribe would wear the fur armour they had crafted, making sure to cover their bodies well as they worked and they would use the soap grease they had found within the caves to cleanse themselves of any loose or stray spores, it's use by Strygwyr when afflicted by the spider hairs proving the animal fats were valuable in such a regard. The fur armour too would more than likely need the same treatment. The concerned chieftain would make sure that her fur cladded family members would wash their armours too while in pairs to make sure all contaminants were wiped off before removing them. Perhaps more fur would be needed? Matri Midwi thought planning ahead in anticipation of their success. Hunting parties would be told to seek out more hirsute species in their hunts.

With their activities last night leaving some of the Kin Tribe tired as they arrived at the new encmapment, the returning runners being no more than dead men walking especially the messenger from the Niislel, with Baatars peaceful way's probably making his people less hardy than that of Strygwyr's. But as she looked around at the rather small amount of people, a tense atmosphere purveying the camp, she could see why they must have to be this way. They had undoubtedly suffered since they last met. So when an Elder approached her about helping the Blood Tribe try to reinvigorate their people, how could she refuse. Her own elders went to join their fellows, an eager glint in their eyes as such as spell would prove useful for both tribes.

Spying members of Strygwyr's people making tools she proceeded over to watch them work. All of Strygwyrs tribe was eager it seemed, maybe for the feast that would come later or to forget the tension in the atmosphere, Matri Midwi couldn't say. But she knew her Kin would help the Blood Tribe and assuredly she would herself, casting a spell that matched everyone's fervour. So her people would go off to the forests and the mountains with their compatriots to gather food, wood and stone, each person carrying the necessary tools.

Orders

2 Units gather stone to the North with specialized tools (Focus of the Pick used, People of the Cliffs trait used, Mighty Blood cast)
2 Unit gathers food/fur to the East with bone spears (Mighty Blood cast)
1 Unit gathers wood to the South with specialized tools (Finding Darkwood/ Focus of the Axe used, Mighty Blood cast)
2 Units with Fur Armour and Soap cultivate Needle Grubs, Purple Flowers and Hallucinogenic Mushrooms using Spoilt Food (6 Units of Needle Grubs used, 1 unit of purple flowers used, 1 unit of Hallucinogenic Mushrooms used) (Mighty Blood cast if need be)
Joint Research with the Elders of the Blood Tribe Kent to create a Reinvigoration Spell and then combine it with Mighty Blood Spell to create a spell on a higher level. (Obsession cast, Mighty Blood cast)

Matri Midwi cast's spells on the Blood Tribe
2 Units make tools and Paralytic Blowtubes + Blowdarts/ Strygwyr, the Twins, 2 Units goes on a hunt in the forest southeast of their current location. (Obsession/ Mighty Blood Cast)

Kin Tribe moves east 1 tile and then southeast 1 tile

 

[Prince Vaethorion]

Day 3

The Night was mostly a success. New tribal members have joined. Their knowledge of Astral powers were extremely valued and respected by the Tribal Elders. They would learn from the Astral powers users and would welcome the new members into the Tribe warmly. The Scraol was still out there and no moment was theirs completely, as they were hunted. The night had surprises. Fleeing refugees sought refuge. While the Tribe was guarded and very conscious of external threats, they were also very kind at heart. They knew that the secret of survival was cooperation. Between themselves, and others, cooperation was a high priority. This lesson was imparted to them since birth. They worked together in unison. Their pulse, like the rivers ebb and flow. Their blood like the rivers, connected, to the greater world through water. Water was more powerful when every drop worked to an end, like a flood bursting a dam or a torrent cleansing the lands of impurities.

The River Tribe was very amused by the challenges of the Popotam. They seemed mighty, and they were able to fight off the Scraol, so why not curry favor with Potential allies. They would play the sport "slingstone". Their tribe practiced feats of agility regularly. They would take up the challenge in earnest and were intent to win. They would prepare a team of their best athletes. They would study the game to win with their minds, as much as their bodies. Such was their way. They would look for fair, but clever ways to exploit whatever advantages they could.

The new shields were a God send, and the Tribe was extremely grateful to the Popotam for sharing their knowledge. They would return the favor in anyway they could. The Popotam seemed to stay wet to stay cool like some animals of the river. Their hides sensitive to the sun. The Tribe's shamans would teach them how to stay moist with the power of Water. The wise sages believed they had this power within them and would pass on the knowledge to the Pototam if they were able to.

River Runs Deep would send aid to the Tribe that needed it. They would help, because that's what good neighbors do. They would comfort those that fled, and send their mighty to save their kin.

The priorities, as always was, food, fire and gold. They would move their camps, camping on the Northern River banks with their canoes on standby. They would avoid the foul plants. (camp at G9).
Their sages would focus on New magic, learning Astral magic. They would seek for diamonds, around the areas of the fire mountains, as the Dwarf instructed, They would heed the words of other Tribes to avoid any dangers that may befall them.
They would use the Otter pelts to make blankets to keep their Elders warm. All units keep their spears handy. keep eyes open for additional resources and hunting opportunities.

1- 2 Units and 2 water elementals pan for Gold at the River using Lens pan (bonus people of the river)
2- 2 Units and 2 Water elementals Using spears go hunting along the river (bonus people of the river)
3- 2 Units with armor with shields 2 water elementals and River Too Deep Goes to Volcanic area with Dwarven Mining tools to search for Diamonds, or any other valuable minerals. (shamans use scry spells to aid search). If enough materials are found, the units us their large Ancient wood shields as litters to carry materials.
4- 1 unit 1 Water elemental uses axes and sharpened tools to search for special wood along the river banks. Drift woods. (bonus people of the river)
5 - Shamans study new spells for Astral powers focusing on luck.

 

[AngelCloud]

Day 3

Viper was settling her people after their ordeal the night before. She could see they were doing better today and gets the amazons ready to go "Ok i know last night was rough. But we are the Skeletal Amazons. We Fight on. Now then, I want 2 of you to go look for food for the day. One of you shall gather wood for a Fire. Look for the dryad wood if possible. and 2 of you will go look for a means of preserving food for longer. Elders, I want you to research the Dryad wood we have.

The Skeletal Amazons will also move 2 squares east.

Spoiler: Orders

2 units go looking for food
1 Unit gathers firewood/Dryad wood
2 Units look for a food preservation method

Elders research the dryad wood already at camp

Skeletal Amazons move two squares east

 

[Comrade in the Shade]

Day Three

A red sun rose breaking over the arch above the valley sending beams of orange and yellow to fall on the camp of the tired Frost Keepers. They had spent the cold night perched at the top of The Stairs. Before any songbird could herald the new day, the wails of a newborn broke the quiet of the early morning.

Bo, twin brother of the Frost Jarl, was walking alone into camp with a newborn swaddled in his arms. The Frost Keepers began to stir. Men and women watched in silence as he strode toward the center of camp. There, Bo found the parents of the abandoned child. As he set the baby at their feet, The mother’s face was locked in stony disbelief and the father turned to cry. “Keep this one safe,” he whispered. Then stood and turned to his tribespeople. “No more. No more will we leave our children alone in the night to appease *them*. There is no need for such deadly superstition after generations of loss. Today we descend these stairs,” he gestured to the edge of the cliff. “And we will begin a new chapter in the life of our people, a chapter of hope and caring. Our people will be safe, reborn.”

Bo walked from the center of camp toward where his sister and chieftess, Britta, sat. She had watched his actions and heard his remarks. “Good morning, brother. They should name that child after you. Maybe its life will be the incarnation of the start of that new chapter.” They lingered looking at one another as though to check in. Bo was exhausted from his sleepless night. Britta would have to take the lead alone today.

She stood and whistled the signal to pick up camp. In 30-minutes time, they were descending the stairs. The Frost Keepers would head east to the familiar comfort of the forest proceeding carefully and attempting diplomacy with any intelligent creatures they crossed paths with.

Orders:

- 2 units of people will gather wood
- 1 unit of people will gather stone
- 1 unit of people will gather food - berries, nuts, gords, etc.
- 1 unit of people will attempt to craft tools for harvesting resources
- Britta (and Bo) may help the group tasked with the heaviest lift, but will focus on leading their tribes people forward cautiously.

 

[Heyitsjiwon]

Night 3



Hello darkness, my old friend
I've come to talk with you again
Because a vision softly creeping
Left its seeds while I was sleeping
And the vision that was planted in my brain
Still remains
Within the sound of silence

In restless dreams I walked alone
Narrow streets of cobblestone
'Neath the halo of a street lamp
I turned my collar to the cold and damp
When my eyes were stabbed by the flash of a neon light
That split the night
And touched the sound of silence

And in the naked light, I saw
Ten thousand people, maybe more
People talking without speaking
People hearing without listening
People writing songs that voices never share
And no one dared
Disturb the sound of silence

"Fools", said I, "You do not know
Silence like a cancer grows
Hear my words that I might teach you
Take my arms that I might reach you"
But my words, like silent raindrops fell
And echoed
In the wells of silence

And the people bowed and prayed
To the neon god they made
And the sign flashed out its warning
In the words that it was forming
And the sign said, "The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls
And tenement halls"
And whispered in the sound of silence

---​

The truth could not be ignored. No matter how inconvenient or disturbing it may be. As the day began to draw to a close and shadows grew in the midst of a festive atmosphere from the recent victorious battle, Baatar stood before the bonfire and called the tribe before him for a tribal council. The eyes of his own people were filled with confusion, awe, and indeed even fear and hate. A disturbing, tension filled, silence settled upon the tribe's camp as the tribe waited for Baatar to speak. Yet, despite what they thought, they had to know the extent of the truth. Baatar took a look to his right to find the proud, youth Inlor, and to his front, he could almost see a timeless, yet ephemeral form taking shape. He pictured, vividly, the vision that the origin stone provided, of all the human remains being those of people who had tails... like him, yet others had features such as claws and others with viscous teeth. Their understanding of what was human faced an existential crisis. Mankind was a hybrid of proto-humans before the arrival of the proto-scraol and that a human was part Scroal, to varying degree. This was the truth, the terrifying truth that the Origin Stone spoke, the truth that the Elf Shaman pitied, the truth that the Crimson Bat teased. Baatar took the fragment of the Great Flint and cut his palm with the images and whispers still fresh in his mind as the blood fell upon several tablets of purestone. Baatar muttered "One day you will come face to face with your heritage, and you will know fear -- but in this secret will be your deliverance..."

Baatar looked up to his people and spoke "The Origin Stone spoke to us today. We have found our birthright, yet with it we found a terrifying truth that we cannot ignore or deny. Our understanding of the Scraol and indeed, humanity, has been mistaken for our forefathers who lived in this valley were many and indeed carried features of the Ancient Ones. Every human in the tomb bore a tail, claws, or fangs. Those who doubt my word, receive my blood so that you may see what I saw. Mankind is a mixture of Scraol and... proto-human blood. A greater blood when in union than separate much like how WE consume the blood of those we find worthy so that their blood may continue to live on among us. Those who have less features of the Ancient Ones have less Scraol blood that much is true. But the Scraol that we know today envy us for OUR blood. For they know that without our blood that they will devolve back into mindless beasts. This is why they hunt us for their survival relies on taking our superior blood and becoming more like US. These Scraol are our covetous distant cousins who seek to take OUR birthright for their own desires.

Now, Niislel, what I am about to say is not meant to stop you from seeking your fortunes and survival in the way you see best fitting. But, I want you to know how you have behaved towards me... and how I have treated you. I'll begin, as is right, with my predecessor, Tundug. He found you wandering about without resources, many of you not even clothed and barely fleeing the grasp of the Scraol. What little food you did have, you could barely defend them from other animals. He gave you food, warmth and light instead of cold, starvation and darkness. He made you into the One People, and unified you with good laws and customs. Those crocodiles who used to terrorize you and threaten you? He made you their hunters instead of their prey. Those very animals that attacked your family, they now fear YOU.

He brought you down from the rivers and turned you into a unified people, the ONE people, able to resist the dangers of nature so that your safety was due to your own bravery and no longer reliant on river boats that would hopefully carry you to safety. The crocodiles? They used to rule over the rivers and make them impassible. Now you rule over them and the rivers are free for you to travel at your whim. He brought not only safety to you, but brought us all dignity so that we can all proudly raise our faces and face whatever animal may challenge us. This is what my predecessor, Tundug, did for you. Great enough on its own. But SMALL compared to what you've gained from me."

Battar lifted the piece of the great flint and continued to speak. "With divine providence, I reclaimed the remains of the honorable Tundug, even though the Crimson Bat, an ANCIENT ONE, terrorized the skies and lands of the old camp of the One People. I have made you the inheritors of Tundug's legacy and secured the safety of the lands to the east from the terror of the Crimson Bat EVEN as you fled from the sight of the behemoth, leaving me alone to face it. I have reunited the One People into a Confederation so that we may together continue our struggle against the Scraol instead of allowing chaos reign and fragment us humans. In a testament to our unity, we the One People have built a shrine in defiance of the Scraol. I have brought you riches, pearls, perfume, dwarven craft work beyond our wildest imagination. All these riches from the lands, that I acquired without a drop of blood shed, are yours now. Salt from the eastern coasts, beautiful pottery of our proud ancestors, bountiful feasts, luminous pearls of the great lake, precious topaz stone from the hidden aquatic caves of the fishmen and Nereid ALL belong to you. The wealth of the mountains, the treasures of the sea, jewels of the caves and the bountiful coastline. You are now mighty Hunters, Merchants, and Warriors. What have I held back for myself apart from this sharp stick and the Origin Stone that you have bestowed upon me at my birth? Nothing.

No man can point to my riches. Only the things I hold in trust for you all. And what would I do with them anyways? I eat what you eat. I get no more rest than you. Many times I have spent the night on watch so that you can sleep soundly. Who among you believes that he has worked harder for me than I have for him? Come forward! If you bear scars, strip and show them to me! I will show you mine. There isn't one part of my body, the front at least, that has not bore a wound. My body and spirit are covered in scars from every teeth, claw, talon or horn you can think of: Tiger, Gazelle, Dinosaur. All for the sake of YOUR lives, YOUR glory and YOUR wealth. And yet here I still am leading you, as divinely mandated since my birth. Many of you bear spears, badges of your courage and honor given to you by me. Any one of us who was killed, who met a glorious end, we treated with full honors and consumed their blood so that they may continue to live among us, immortalized. Their families are honored for they have become OUR families as well. Under me, not ONE man has been killed fleeing the enemy. And now, I wish to give you your birthright, to give you what rightfully belongs to you and the truth of our glorious past. To be welcomed by the spirits of our ancestors as heroes returning home from our great journey.

But since you fear the truth and the ordeals that your ancestors have gone through, then GO! Turn your back to the Origin Stone, our ancestors and the truth. Tell your children that your Chieftain, Baatar, slayer of the treacherous Yellow Musk Tribe and their false pretender god whose blood now runs in the lands that we stand upon, who brought you the riches of the mighty rivers, looming mountains, verdant forests, deep oceans, and hidden caves from as far as the mortal eye can see, who has marched across the mountains of the Kobold Stronghold, crossed the Great Stump and enter the tombs of our ancestors, the first to do so since their spirits have passed on. When you turn your back and speak to your children and family, you tell them that you abandoned your divine Chieftain and the Origin Stone because you were afraid. Leaving him to the dangers of the wild and darkness that you had conquered. Perhaps, that will appear glorious in the eyes of men and worthy in the eyes of our ancestors. BEGONE."

Baatar paused to let the words sink in and then continued with a quieter, strained voice... as if he were telling his people a secret. He recalled the taste and warm kiss of the Dwarven brew, hoping to impart a sense of courage.

"What I ask of you is faith in me and courage. If you are not afraid of the truth, then carefully listen to the words of the Destiny Stone as it spoke after the Origin Stone. It told me, fear. The Scraol FEAR us. For if they cannot become more like us, then they will perish as their mind returns to the bestial origins it comes from. They hunt us, NO, STEAL from us because they are afraid that their species will die and that without human blood, OUR blood... they will lose sentience. My Brother, Sisters, Cousins, do you not see? Our enemy is mortal and bleeds like you and I. They are desperate due to their fear and it is in that moment that they will make mistakes. Mistakes that we must be brave enough to use and combat the Scraol, yet fear will stop us from doing so including fearing the truth. Thus, I ask you all as I record this moment for our people, our children and future generations. Are you afraid? Or will you continue to face our past and walk towards our glorious future with me?" Baatar asked as he lifted the Destiny Stone with his bloodied hand.

---

Summary:

1. Baatar, spilling his own blood to infuse blood thoughts into tablets of purestone to record his relevant memories (mind books), attempts to create memory stones to allow others to see what it is that Baatar saw and hear his exact words and thoughts as he preaches his impassioned speech to rally the tribe and to convince them to have faith in him and his divine mandate. May our false history no longer keep us fearful.

Baatar, Destiny Stone (Ritual Tool), 3 Units of Purestone, Fragment of the Great Flint (Ritual Tool), Blood Thoughts, Morale, Burning Will, Memory of liquid courage, Concept of Honor, Grain of Literacy

2. The Niislel celebrate the recent triumph over the Yellow Musk Tribe, their Loa, the Kobolds, and welcome new tribe members and friends with a feast and games (Bread and Circuses), fertility rites, and a summoning rite for Coale.

20 Food, 3 Units of Common Wood and 3 Units of Willow Wood (for bonfire/summoning fire), 4 Units of people (Three blood, one nature devotion), Perfume, Pearls, Salt, Great Blankets/Furs, Soap, Mirrors, Tobacco, Mighty Blood, Burning Will, Purefire, Slingstone Sport, Tasty Brew, Dryad Drink, Inlor, Igneous Spike (Ritual Tool), Visiting Popotams Tribe

3. Creation of a permanent, refined, magical, portable source of light and warmth through the imbuement of purestone with purefire and burning will. May man never walk in the dark!

3 Units of Purestone, 1 Unit of Topaz (Symbolic of fire, the Sun, originates from the Sanskrit word tapaz, "fire"), 2 Units of People, 2 Units of Excellent Iron Dwarven Mining Tools, Purefire, Burning Will, Coale

4. Experiment via the use of blood thoughts, burning will, geas, tether and various brews/drugs/poisons to attempt to "re-educate" the 1 Unit of Winged Kobold Prisoners. Their insolence and attempt to extort the One People must be punished and repayment must be extracted through voluntary service.

1 Unit of Winged Kobold Prisoners, 1 Unit of People, Slingspears, Blood Thoughts, Burning Will, Mighty Blood, Geas, Tether, 1 Unit of Sleeping Poison, 1 Unit of Numbing Poison, Tasty Brew

5. The elders conduct research into creating a synergistic spell that combines magical and natural means of fighting corruption, the supernatural, and otherworldly beings.

Lesser Banish (Empowered), Salt, Purefire, Pearls (Symbolic of Perfection, Purity, Moon, Water), Spices, Tobacco, Origin Stone (Blood, Astral, Nature Magic Locus), Mirrors

Decisions:

Develop Burning Will

 

[Kent]

The Blood Tribe, Night 3

Strygwyr looked at the busy camp with a satisfied smile. Should this night be successful, and it must be, the Blood Tribe will be able to do much more and not act as passive as it was before due to their shortage of manpower. Strygwyr is eager to set their foundation in this valley and make a paradise for his tribe with their enemies cowering before their might. He clenched his fists hard as he imagines the day the tribe will stomp the Scraol and anybody or anything hostile to them.

Orders:

Note:
1. Invited Elf Shaman, Ent, Gelrake, Noraldruki(Hopefully he brought Alcohol).
2. Orders 1, 2, 5, and 6 shared with Matri Midwi and the Kin Tribe.
3. 6 orders due to a Joint Cultural Event
4. Ent Heart can still be used for this night.

1. A bonfire of four wood was set up and Red Haze was cast around the joint camp. The Banner Ward on the center of the camp to deter any hostile foes and it was enchanted with Blood Ward.
- 4 Wood, Strygwyr, The Twins, and 2 Units

Spoiler: Order 1 Details

The twins reported to him with two units behind them. They are ready to cast Red Haze and Strygwyr will personally lead them. Although the Scraol may not disturb them until next season, he can't take a chance due to the size of this event and its importance. With his command, they cast the spell and red haze rose from the ground, surrounding the camp and acting as deterrent and defense to anything hostile to them.

2. Strygwyr and Matri Midwi attempts to summon the Scion to ask for the location of Noraldruki's diamonds. [PROCESSED IN DISCORD]
-2 Gold(1 From Strygwyr and 1 From Matri), 1 Unit of Mercury

Spoiler: Order 2 Details

Strygwyr called Matri Midwi and Noraldruki as he was about to summon the Scion. They laid out the offerings of 2 units of gold and 1 unit of Mercury and then performed the ritual. They hope to get the accurate location and directions of the diamonds that Noraldruki is seeking.

3. 2 Units Create a Mighty Statue of Worship for Strygwyr with the guidance and help of Noraldruki.
- 2 Units, Mighty Blood, Reinvigoration, Truesense, 2 Units of Gypsum, 2 Units of Purestone, 2 Units of Obsidian, 2 Units of Ruby, Baptized with the Blood from the Enhanced Cauldron, Scraol Blood, Paid Help from Noraldruki(4 Gold), Enhanced with 1 Unit of Pristine Matter with the help of the Elf Shaman, 1 Molten Core, Grain of Literacy, Ore to Ingot, Dwarven Anvil, Enchantment from Blood and Nature, Obsession

Spoiler: Order 3 Details

Bow down to outsiders of the Tribe? Worshipping Loas and Pretenders for power? Absolutely not. If the Blood Tribe cannot depend on those outsiders then they will depend on someone within the Tribe and who's best and most suitable to take that mantle if not the current Chief - Strygwyr? He is the most powerful of the tribe and has already proven his power. Although he probably couldn't match other Loas by himself yet he believes he will reach that level someday.

So 2 units were tasked with using up 3 Units of Gypsum, 2 Units of Obsidian, and 2 Units of Purestone the tribe currently has to build a Great Statue of Worship for Strygwyr where it can be a medium to receive the tribe's worship and faith as well as a tribal monument and the foundation for his deification or ascension to a higher level. The craftsmen borrowed 2 units of Quality Specialised Tool from the Kin Tribe who was also kind enough to cast obsession on them. They then used Truesense to be able to do their job better with more details spotted. They also asked for help from Noraldruki and paid him 4 gold for his service. The Tribe also used Ore to Ingot perk and their newly acquired Dwarven Anvil.

Strygwyr's Blood mixed with blood from the Enhanced Blood Cauldron and 1 unit of ruby was taken to give the statue a Red Tattoo, just like the Runic Ruby Tattoo that Strygwyr has. The statue holds a replica of the Runic Ruby Sword in its right hand and a replica of the Lantern of Light in its left hand. 1 Unit of Ruby was used to make the eyes of the statue. And a Molten Core for Noraldruki to use as he sees fit.

The top of the base was caved in to form something like a bowl and it was filled with blood. It was made so as to make it look like the Statue of Strygwyr is standing on a pool of blood. The entire 1 unit of Scraol Blood was used to cover the Sword Replica and blood magic was used to give to make it look like Scraol blood is eternally dripping from the sword and to the blood pool below. Although the Scraol Blood was supposed to be intended for Research, the best must be used to make this statue. The insides of the Lantern Replica remains empty until a suitable light source is found.

1 Unit of Pristine Matter was used with the help of the Elf to finish the statue. The Blood Tribe will worship this statue and it will protect them as well as their source of empowerment for as long as it exists while it is a symbol of hostility to the enemies of the tribe from which they will fear dread. A symbol of worship and the Tribe's personal symbol of defiance and challenge to their foes.

As a finishing touch, and with the help of the Elf, Noraldruki, and the Grain of Literacy, Strygwyr engraves the words with his power, magic, and INTENT while the other tribespeople watches him from behind giving him their REGARD as well as INTENT.

"For Blood, By Blood, Of Blood."

4. Research on effects of Enhanced Cauldron with the Ent Heart and then baptize everyone from the Blood Tribe should the blood mixed with a nature mana source prove to be beneficial.
-Enhanced Cauldron with the Ent Heart, Mighty Blood, Reinvigoration, Elf Research Bonus, Truesense, Dryad/Ent Help from Strygwyr

Spoiler: Order 4 Details

Strygwyr immediately thought of the Blood Cauldron as he received the Ent Heart earlier. After all, Blood and the heart are closely related. He senses the heart is filled with life and gave the orders for the Ent Heart to be placed inside the Blood Cauldron.

Should it prove to be beneficial, then the Blood Tribe will undergo another Blood Baptism with the new and improved blood to cleanse and empower themselves.

5. Joint Research with Noraldruki and possible help from the Elf Shaman. They are to research ways to create a spell of territory magic.
-Mighty Blood, Reinvigoration, Blood from the Enhanced Cauldron with the Ent Heart, Elf Research Bonus, Truesense, Obsession(From Matri).

Spoiler: Order 5 Details

This gathering was a good opportunity to conduct joint research. The Elders cast Mighty Blood, Reinvigoration, and Obsession to last them the night. They also used Blood from the Cauldron to support them and see if it would contribute to their research.

The elders from the two tribes plan to combine Lesser Banish, Blood Ward, and Red Haze to create some sort of territorial spell that would basically allow them to create a 'forbidden zone' that could ward off those who seek ill of them and prevent them from intruding into their territory.

6. The Blood Unity Festival was held together with the Kin Tribe and their guests. It is a festival with feasts, fertility rituals, and other blood rites.
-Hallucinogenic Mushrooms, Feast Empowerment(Perk From Matri), Forceps(From Matri), 55 Food enhanced with Honey and Mushrooms(45 from the Blood Tribe and 10 from the Kin Tribe), Mighty Blood + Reinvigoration(Lasts longer in the festival and in bed), Runic Blood Sword(Strygwyr's Ritual Tool), Banner Ward(As a Ritual Tool), Blood Cauldron(As Ritual Tool and Vitality Provider), Alcohol(If Noraldruki brought any), Rumors of their Victory from last night(If it helps recruitment), Kiss of Scion(Blessing from Scion), Chickens, Heartier Gene Pool(Perk), Obsession(From Matri), Drums and Horns(Musical Instrument), Ancient Dwarven Technique(Ancient Seggs Technique From Matri and Noraldruki), Popomaru(Popotam Sumo as games).

Participant/Invited Races(7):
Human
Elf
Dwarf
Spirit Totem Bear(?)
Ent
Kobolds
Gelrakes

Spoiler: Order 6 Details

The camp was noisy with all the talk but was hushed when Strygwyr returned. He looked at all of them and smiled before proceeding to his speech.
"Everyone! Tonight we will enjoy and celebrate our victories, failures, and unity! Tonight we will rest for the days ahead are most tiring, grueling, difficult, and dangerous! We will seize control of our fate and destiny, and forge our own bloodied paths ahead. It is not gonna be easy, some of us may not see the end but we will endure! Such is the tenacity of humanity! So go! Drink! Live! Love!"

With that, the Blood Unity Festival officially started. The usually somber and serious nights were replaced with laughs, joy, and a hint of love. Strygwyr roamed around and entertained his guests and also received their new arrivals. He hoped that the rumors from last night and the bounty they prepared were enough to attract people of different devotions from around the valley, especially Astral and Nature devotions. The two tribes went all in and used tons of resources for this festival.

The Great Gathering was attended by the two human tribes and beings from 5 different races. Noraldruki, the Dwarf; The Elven Shaman; The Gelrake Trader; The Great Bear, Totem Animal of the Kin Tribe; and The Ancient Ent of Elvenwood. Although there was only 1 of them and doesn't represent their entire race, but it was still an achievement to gather 6 different races together in one place for a celebration.

 

[Twist]

Night Three
(7 units of food consumed)

"Push!" With all the effort the new mother could muster Emmad pushed once again, Matri Midwi between her legs to help her. The Chieftain gently cupped the baby's head with her Forceps and, with a technique that had been mastered over decades, pulled ever so gently. Each movement of the Forceps was done with the utmost care, the revered tool being moved downward at first to allow the new-born's head easy passage out, as the mother continued to push, before being moved upward allowing the baby's face to be lit by the white light of the moon as it finally entered this new world. "It's a girl" she proudly proclaimed, looking up at the delighted duo. With a wave of her hand, the massive midwife cast Mighty Blood on the small child, enveloping it's body with rich, oxygenated blood and allowing the baby to let out a mighty wail that would make even a mammoth jealous. She held the umbilical cord tight in her hand as she rotated the Forceps it's bladed bottom now free to sever the connector that had bonded mother and child for so long, it's absence not missed as the pair began to truly bond in this world. Handing the baby over to it's parents Matri Midwi couldn't help but smile as, even though this baby had entered a harsh world, it's new life was a sign of the future and of hope. "What will you call her?" she asked. Emmad looked at her partner Agood who nodded, the two replying almost in unison "Anya".

"What a fine name" Matri Midwi replied looking at the smiling couple. All around her spirits seemed to be lifting with many a grinning face looking back at her as a huge feast was arranged by Strygwyrs people to celebrate the unity of the Blood Tribes. Many a person was busy preparing food, or getting busy with others, so it seemed that Strygwyr's plan had worked to unify their people.

Her own people seemed especially happy, with many a woman adorned with beautiful flowers, be it in the hair, behind their ear or even as little necklaces thanks to Anigi's brilliant idea. Now they were all blessed with wonderful flowers, plentiful grubs and exotic mushrooms. Even the men seemed enthusiastic about the flowers, rubbing the crushed petals across their necks and faces to attract the ladies or simply presenting it as a gift. The mighty mother was adorned with many of the flowers herself, her daughters greatly helping her to look as beautiful as possible for the evening as they too gussy up for the evening. She knew Babgi was eager to visit her hero, missing the opportunity to thank him before and she too was hoping to see a special someone this evening.

As usual Matri Midwi had left her people to tend the fire with bone spears, though they had opted to make three bonfires this night, Strygwyrs people tending to two of them while her own Kin saw to one near the foot of the cliffs, encased among the rocky pits where they had camped. Loose or stray embers may hit the flowers and teosinte, the elders words about rekindling a covenant between man and plant reverberating with her, but that's why the fire tenders were here for and for the fact that two tribes had sought refuge together and much like a large herd of gazelle, predators would seek to pick some of them off. Including the Scraol. So they would have to be on guard tonight though Strygwyr's victory against the Barbed Devil, who had made short work of the Scraol the night before, might make the dreaded beasts think twice. Youla had offered to help tend the fire, engaging in eager conversation with Strygwyrs twins while on patrol though the exchange seemed one sided between the trio. The loving leader's youngest son was keen to find out more about the perplexing pair and would probably appreciate being listened too for once as well, a cross many a young sibling undoubtedly bore when it came to brothers and sisters.

She would let Strygwyr take the lead when it came to this Scion, having experience already with contacting this otherworldly being. Matri Midwi was unsure what to expect but she would steel herself for the séance ahead as she had promised Noraldruki she would help him in his quest and she would never let any of her dearest down. Hopefully the gold they brought for this fallen spirit would be enough to get the answers they sought as she could not bear the thought of wasting such a precious gift from the stout smith for naught.

A new spell was also to be devised, their huge success in learning two new spells today inspiring Strygwyr to ask for the Kin Tribes assistance once more as her Kin had so graciously and greatly helped their elders research. Her own peers were eager for more research themselves, though the last spell proved perturbing to her own eyes, and seeing how well it had turned out the first time, they set out again to discover new magic. By combining the spell Blood Ward, a powerful magic that can give great protection but at a great cost with the Kin's Lesser Banish, they hoped to make a greater spell that truly repels any who dare try like the sun to shadow, forcing them back to their own dark lairs.

With all the comradery and union shown between the two tribes, and the undoubtable acts of consummation going on as well around her, Matri Midwi was eager to recognize her new family members within the Kin Tribe's Stone of Names. Letting Olso travel the camp with the Stone, she could see him converse with members of the Blood Tribe and after a brief explanation many were willing to inscribe their names on the stone. But as the night went on, the motherly matriarch could see people gathering around the Stone and hear much commotion. Investigating she spied a member of her tribe, Scrima, teasing a Blood Tribesman about his engraving on the soapstone, the tribesman pointing at a crudely drawn picture of a winged creature in the dirt. It seemed to Matri Midwi that he was trying to explain his name, her tribe and Strygwyr's obviously having different characters and perceptions of letters and pictures. Groups had gathered around the two, including children, each one offering their own opinion or backing up someone else's. It was an unforeseen but not unbelievable dilemma for the Chieftain but as she watched, she noticed everyone was smiling. It had become a competition or a game for the two tribes as they tried to decipher what each character or picture meant, and her son Olso seemed to lead the proceedings. As she watched on she felt this could be a good learning experience for everyone, increasing both knowledge and fellowship amongst the tribes. She would have to ask Olso to teach her some of these new characters.

Spoiler: 6th order

'Twas the night of Blood Unity, a happy event though the name sounds quite foul,
And not a creature was stirring, not even the Scraol;
Except for two tribes who frolicked and pranced,
Ensconced by a blaze, whose great flames did dance;
And all through the night a woman had strived,
To make wonderful things for all those deprived;
Knowing to some the world had been cruel,
She went to work with quality tools;
Using two units of wood, which were quickly hone;
Plus all manner of things, including small animal bone!
Once she was finished she would quickly arise,
To deliver these presents, but first a disguise!
Donning fur armour to not be exposed,
She completed her outfit with her friend's bloody clothes.
Now clothed in red fur she took to the night,
Staying well hidden to not give a fright,
As she went between children all fast asleep,
To leave beautiful gifts at each of their feet,
All manner of creature was made of wood, their hair and their dresses crafted with leaves,
With such wonderous detail, you wouldn't believe!
Her greatest gift would follow in last,
A piece of charcoal but she had to be fast
Now Olso, Now Mibo and onwards Youla,
On Babgi with haste, and go quickly Eldau
They worked all through the night, to leave no one waiting,
Using spells of Mighty Blood and Reinvigorating;
When all was done, she would put everything back,
Everything borrowed, before her head hit the sack.

Orders

4 Units participate in Feast/ Fertility Rites (Perk Used, Bonus (Empowered Feast) used (consumed), Reinvigoration cast)
1 Unit tends fire with bone spears (2 wood used, Mighty Blood Cast)
Matri Midwi and Strygywr ( Kent ) communed with the Scion (1 gold used (consumed))
2 Units devise an activity using characters and pictures (Stone of Names used)
Joint Research with the Elders of the Blood Tribe Kent to create a new spell using Lesser Banish and Blood Ward. (Mighty Blood cast, Reinvigoration cast, Obsession cast)

Matri Midwi performs a special task with Quality Tools to bring joy to the world (2 units of wood used, Charcoal used, Mighty Blood cast, Reinvigoration cast)

Matri Midwi casts spells on the Blood Tribe
2 Units Create a Mighty Statue of Worship for Strygwyr with the guidance and help of Noraldruki. (Obsession Cast)
Joint Research with Noraldruki and possible help from the Elf Shaman. They are to research ways to create a spell of territory magic. (Obsession Cast)

Diplomacy: Blood Tribe Kent engraves names on Stone of Names.

Free Action: Summoned Gelrake Trader (Consumed)

 

[Heterological]

Night 3

Zian watched the popotam warrior, Inlor, trek in the distance towards the Niislel tribe. He smiled, knowing the day had gone well, and turned back to the camp. Wood was plentiful, thanks to Inlor. They had found a myriad of gemstones; the armored stone would have to be looked into. It left a sort of residue, wearing off quickly. There would be no armor made with it, but perhaps there were other applications. Zian expected that there would be some use out of it.

Once he got back to camp, Zian sighed. In a day or two they would make their way inland for trading and resources. It would be an adventure for sure. On that adventure, he would need to be well equipped. Their whole tribe would need to be.

1. 1 unit tends to a fire of 3 wood.

-3 wood​

2. 2 units create a feast using ten food, hoping to attract those of other devotion to join their tribe.

-10 food​

3. 2 units make tools for skinning animals (knives) using 1 topaz.

-1 topaz​

4. 1 unit and Zian attempt to imbue the Popotam belt made of gold with 1 ruby, trying to increase its strengthening properties or add potential for additional enchantments.

-1 ruby, -1 gold​

5. Elders research combining Fire Blast with Purefire to create a spell effective against Scraol and the undead.

-6 food​

 

[Karcen]

Night 3

The Alkira

The Ancient magic that had enveloped the small tribe as they journeyed with dwarven friends finally dissipated after what had seemed like an eternity spent in blinding light. This had likely only been a few moments in truth and none were surprised by this sudden transportation on a beam of starlight. Valneer had forseen this event many days before it happened and she had seen what would cause it even before that. Deyas was dead, at the hands of elves. It was sad, but Valneer had seen it happen, and had mourned and continued on already. That was how fate played out there was no use crying over that was already lost, and what might be regained. Deyas was dead, but the dead could be brought back there were even members with the bone devotion in the tribe. That however would have to wait as Valneer had many other things to do and bringing back what was dead often put to many people against you and her people did not want other races against them. The light of the starts that had brought them here was not yet gone and seemed like it would last a good time. Tonight fire would be no issue, but the tribe had been with the dwarves long enough they were lacking in most things, Valneer had not been the leader of the tribe for long, as the previous leader had only recently died and it was now her job to continue what others had started. They would need magic to defend themselves and tools to work with before anything.

Valneer signaled the others to come close for she had never been much of a speaker, she had not ever expected to lead, that was Deyas the strong firebrand that charged forwards while she stayed in the back. " We have come to the valley as i foresaw, that means the bonetakers are no more sadly" She said " But we should not dwell on what was , we can not let their deaths be in vain, we must survive" She continued not sounding convincing and like she might burst into tears herself.

Valneer took a secodn to take a deep breath and steady herself " With no need for a fire and nothing to craft with we must dedicate ourselves to our magic. We do not know who here is friend and who is foe the other tribes might have fallen to dark forces, or there might be worse monsters than those we fled here. We do not fight, that is not our way our fate is that of observers and guides, not as true percipients. We will need to know greater spells and be able to grow food instead of hunt it. We shall study that which brought us here and it's cool light. We shall work on taming the wild growth and seek out better ways to hide ourselves. We will also need tools, though we lack materials. It is much i know and i am sorry to push you so, but we must the faster we are out of sight the better" Valneer explained giving the longest speech she ever had her voice never sounding certain or commanding and it was hard to see why she was in charge for any outside the tribe, but inside they trusted her sight of she was the seer even before she was their leader.


orders
1 unit bone devotion will search around for bones to use to shape into tool using bone shaping.
1 unit nature devotion will attempt to work on taming the wild growth spell to be less wild.
1 unit astral devotions and Valneer will study the magic of the stellar flare that illuminates where they are
2 units astral devotion and the elders will work with the spell Cardinal confusion to further manipulate the minds of others seeking to erase their presence in others memories.

Resources used
5 food

 

[Prince Vaethorion]

Night 3

The River Tribe would move their encampment to by the River again but to the North West (G8), they were grateful that they survived the ordeal with the foul plant people and welcomed their new Tribe members with warmth and support, providing them comfort and basic necessities that were left behind and or lost in the fires. They would make another great fire for warmth, light and protection. They would use 4 units of wood.

The River Tribe was very pleased with the fruits of their labor. The shiny rocks, Gold were a means to an end or them. They would trade the Gold to the Dwarf for more valuable items. The Gold was beautiful, but RIvers Too Deep would give a sermon on to not falling for it's luster. It's value was in it's lure to others, and perhaps some metallurgical properties that they didn't yet understand. The Shaman spoke of donating it to their new Totem under the falls, and that it could perhaps be useful in conducting arcane energies. This would need to be explored.

The tribe decided to make sacrifices to the powers that allow Water Elementals to come forth. Powers of binding the Water Elemental would be practiced that night. Plans to use the Water Elementals to search for more gold were made for the following day.

Another feast and Mating ritual would be held. (-10 units of food). For the tribe to succeed it needed to grow. Attracting new members and making new ones, was a priority.

Blankets made from river otters hides and Mammoth hides were to be made for the older for those chilly nights to improve morale.

The wises sages all cast Golden fortune on the Tribe to help with their endeavors that night. They make a sacrifice in a ceremony to the Mother of the River by returning food to the River and feeding the Fish and animals of the River.

1) Make fire 4 regular units of wood (1 Unit Fire Tenders to make fire and be on watch)
2) Feast (10 units of food)- Tribe partakes
3) Fertility Ritual -all sexually available
4) Make blankets (3 units + Water elementals) using river otter and Mammoth hides
5) Golden Fortune Cast on the Tribe for the Feast and Making of blankets. (sacrifice 10 units of food).

 

[AngelCloud]

(Today's been pretty busy irl, But i'll send out some quick orders before processing)

Spoiler: Orders

1 Unit builds a Fire using 3 wood
One unit studies the Kobold Bones received from Trade with Baatar
1 Unit studies the Dryad wood Further
1 Unit examines the new tattoo Viper received
1 unit researches the Kobold eggs received in a trade with Zian

 

[Heterological]

Day 4

The Caravan were wiped out by the scraol; there was something called the aboleth. Zian felt sorry for the fellow shore tribe, but he shed no tears; there were battles ahead of them.

Then, last night, a Loa was summoned, one they called Nex. The bonereapers had used it to gain power and snuff out Purefire. At first, he hadn't believed the rumors to be true, but then Zian had tried to cast Purefire. Nothing. Deyas had given herself another branch of magic while neutralizing the most effective weapon against her. Only, she had been wiped out by the elves, taking Erse along with her. It was something that he would remember for years to come, a cautionary tale of the reckless being crushed. But in the meantime, it was time to gear up. Scraol and other such forces were rising up, threatening to squash their civilization.

Deyas's efforts to raise a Loa had succeeded, but she had succumbed to her arrogance soon after. He would not make the same mistake. Zian would keep his cards close to his chest, and his people would come out on top for it.

Back to the business at hand, Zian's elders had created a new spell, more combat-oriented this time. Hopefully this new spell would not suffer the same fate as Purefire. It was very obvious to Zian that the summer would be full of conflict. He'd prefer peace, but several faction rested uneasy. There were some new tribes to contend with; the elves had killed Deyas, and they would not stop there. The tribes had managed to decimate the kobolds; there was no threat to be had over the summer, though in a few seasons they would build their forces and rise up once again.

The other tribe, the Alkira, had accompanied them on their mission to the dwarven mines. There, they had made some rivals. The Hurloon minotaur. The Alkiran leader, Valneer, had told the minotaur chief of the surface, and the minotaur would soon be competing with the humans for resources. And, thanks to the Blood and Kin tribes, the scraol would attack in the night. They had painted a target on all their backs. Not good. Zian clenched his fist. He did not want to aid them, and, due to many sacrifices that the Blood tribe had made, he now feared them. The Blood tribe may have chained themself to a powerful angel, who would give them power in return. Though he would not aid the Blood tribe unless neccessary, Zian had waited far too long to create suitable weapons for himself.

He had a shortage of food, at the moment. Thankfully, sleight of hand yielded Zian an onion that he could plant to make more food. They had gained two new groups of people, which he had not accounted for. He could manage. One group was of earth, and he was quite interested in a strange spell, that had to do with magnetic attraction. He would research that later.

Zian had met with the Nerid, one of nine. It was quite powerful, and they had exchanged goods and knowledge. Speaking of that, Zian called over some of the people in his tribe, and explained the leeching power. He embraced them and then went back to planning.

ORDERS

The Rion move 1 square northwest, then 1 square northeast, and then 1 square north. They do this to make sure they don't get caught in the rapids like last time.

1. 4 units (fire) go hunting for buffalo-like herd animals north 1 tile, using Fire Seeds to separate herds, kill small groups using crude metal weapons, and then try skinning them with topaz hunting knives. They aim to collect furs and horns.

​

2. 2 units (fire) head west 1 tile, and, using Malachite Weapon-Tools, seek to gather phoenixwood from trees.

3. 2 units (fire/earth) plant the onion's seeds 1 tile northwest and use the void sparkler to gain both food and more seeds.

4. Zian tries to combine Friction Fighting and Magnetize, mixing the technique and heat of Friction Fighting and the magnet utility/offense/defense uses in a new fighting style that incorporates weapons.

5. Elders research the forgotten essence and what it can be used for. Skald helps this process by supplying the elders with helpful information, or anything that might help with knowledge.

TRADE:

Noraldruki makes a 3d6 Igneous Blade of Sundering, and the Rion will receive it at the end of the day.

 

[Kent]

The Blood Tribe, Day 4

The night of joy and relaxation was over. Now the Blood Tribe is back into its serious mode. The camp is full of hustle and bustle. Everybody is moving about and carrying on their orders. Large amounts of resources being transferred from around the camp. All the assets and resources of the tribe will be utilized for the upcoming night battle and even all the favors are being used. It's expected to be bloody and it wouldn't be a surprise to see deaths from the human side but they will make sure to make the Scraol bleed more.

Note:
1. Additional 5 Orders from 5 Culture Points
2. Order 2 and Order 6 are related. Order 6 will also have connections to the below note.
3. Order 7 and Order 8 are closely related.

Orders(10):

1. 2 Nature Units and 1 Kobold Unit will gather wood, herbs, and perhaps even Amber in the South-West Tile.
- Herbalism Kit and Knowledge, Truesense, Mighty Blood, Reinvigoration, Wild Growth, Backpack(Extra Carrying Capacity), 1 Unit of Wood, 1 Unit of Food, 2 Nature Units, 1 Kobold Unit, Wood Carver's Tools

Spoiler: Order 1 Details

With their knowledge of herbalism and the kit the comes along with it, 2 Units of Nature venture out to gather wood and herbs. They intend to look for special wood specifically Elvenwood to trade with the Elves, some special herbs to make potions and medicine from or maybe even include it as a nature aspect of the upcoming ritual the tribe will hold, and perhaps even Amber. Mighty Blood and Reinvigoration for energy and Truesense to aid in the location and identification of plants. The Kobolds will initially act as scouts in the air to help in location and then helping the gathering and transportation.

When the units find some plants/trees of interest, they will cast Wild Growth to be able to obtain more resources while at the same time renewing and even adding a little bit more of what they took. Planting the saplings and seeds of nature, pruning the branches, and other ways of sustainable gathering of resources. This was done under the orders of Strygwyr. Another order of Strygywyr was for them to use the Wood Carver's Tools to make a figurine of the Earth Mother with 1 unit of wood and place 1 unit of food around it. They are then to say with all seriousness and intent; "We shall be generous to Earth and hope that the Earth be generous back."

This was related to Strygwyr's interaction with the Earth Mother and the matter that they discussed with. The Blood Tribe may shed a lot of blood both their own and their opponents, ferocious and scary, but they will give return to Earth and contribute to Nature. Perhaps the Earth Mother will be generous to the Blood Tribe, she already had the impression of Strygwyr and that his tribe is carrying out sustainable resource gathering as was discussed. The Elvenwood they are also looking for will be traded to the Elves after all and the Earth Mother would be happy to see that.

2. Research methods to absorb the power within the Titan Blood as well as share it with the recently hatched spiders.
- Titan Blood, 2 Units of Spiders, Geas, Rune of Blood Devotion(Strygwyr), Elven Magical Research Bonus, Strengthened Blood from Ent, Mighty Blood, Reinvigoration, Truesense, Sixth Sense

Spoiler: Order 2 Details

Orders were given to come up with methods to figure out how to use the Titan Blood and this was one of a couple of methods. The tribe already had a stronger foundation and their blood strengthened by absorbing the Blood improved by the Ent Heart the night before. They were first to experiment by diluting the blood and depending on the results will gradually increase purity. Volunteers would also test it first as safety measures and should it prove successful it will be shared with the rest of the tribe.

An effort to tame the recently hatched spiders was also made and Geas will be used if taming fails. They are meant to serve the Blood Tribe or at least make it so that they are seen as their parents since they were the first ones seen by the spiders when they emerged from their eggs. The spiders were also included in the experiment to see if they can integrate the Titan Blood using the same process of dilution and gradual increase of purity. If they succeed in integrating the titan blood, they will be a potent weapon against their opponents. (Titan/Giant/Large spiders, perhaps?)

Strygwyr will be aiding the process with his Rune of Blood Devotion with his greater control of blood to increase the chances of success and lowering the chances of something going wrong. Sixth Sense will also be used for the same reason.

Addendum:
Should it proved to be moderately safe or not extremely dangerous, Strygwyr will attempt to integrate the Blood while in his Ent Form. As usual, he will use the Rune of Blood Devotion to integrate it properly with himself and lessen its dangers. His body and constitution are a bit unique, unlike any other human.

3. Strygwyr ventures out to the Forest of Large Trees to meditate and reflect. [PROCESSED IN DISCORD]

Spoiler: Order 3 Details

Strygwyr wants to understand his devotions better and see if he could call for additional help.

4. 2 Units were given the task of collecting oil in the oil pit.
- 2 Units(Kobolds), 2 Units of Clay, 4 Units of Glass Bottles, 1 Barrel, Truesense, Mighty Blood, Reinvigoration, Noraldruki's Tips & Clues

Spoiler: Order 4 Details

The Blood Tribe knew about the Oil Pit to the east of them because of Noraldruki's clues and the gurgling sounds they could hear. They could get liquid fire there, which would be a potent weapon against anyone, even the Scraol. So 2 Units ventured out to the Oil Pits and used Truesense and Noraldruki's tips on how to navigate such an environment to collect oil with their glass bottles and Barrel and possibly turn it into Molotov.

5. Left & Right and Styx led a hunting team of 5 units to hunt for food.
- The Twins(Runic Blood Knives, Runic Tattoo), Styx(Elven Bow, Wychbane Quiver), 3 Units(Blood), 2 Units(Kobold), Blowdarts, Blood Banner Ward(+1 Bonus), Drums, 6 Units of Obsidian Spears, Hunter/Truesense, Mighty Blood, Reinvigoration, Strength of Sinew

Spoiler: Order 5 Details

This would be the first time the Twins will be leading a Hunting Party and one without Strygwyr. Their main mission is to quickly hunt animals and gather their meat as well as other materials especially blood.

2 Units of Kobold will be scouting from the air and looking for suitable prey paired with True/Huntersense to lessen the time of finding targets so they can hunt more beasts or animals. They will use spears to sneak attack their target by going high up enough to gather momentum and then swiftly descend while spinning before finally throwing out the flying spinning spears.

The ground units will be there to finish the prey off if they survive the air attack from the Kobolds. Sixth Sense will be used to be able to hunt their prey better and avoid dangers.

6. Research of a Blood Memory Integration Spell
- Elven Magical Research Bonus, Rune of Blood Devotion(Strygwyr), Titan Blood, Sixth Sense, Reinvigoration, Mighty Blood,

Spoiler: Order 6 Details

Humans live a short life, but the Titans do not as evident by the Titan they encountered in the tombs. Due to their long life, they must have gathered a vast amount of knowledge and experience. The Blood Tribe believes the blood has memory, not only the memories of its host but also the memories of their predecessors. If they could obtain even bits of that knowledge and experience, it will greatly increase their potential for battle as well as allow them to better utilize their newfound powers(if Order 2 succeeded). These bits and pieces of knowledge and experience could also be used to further refine their martial arts and spells. (Order 7 and Order 8)

Like order 2, a few must try out the spell first before allowing the rest of the tribe to come into contact with it. Should they be able to successfully extract whatever information and experience from the blood, they will share it with the tribe. Strygwyr will be aiding the process with his Rune of Blood Devotion with his greater control of blood to increase the chances of success and lowering the chances of something going wrong. Sixth Sense will also be used for the same reason.

Spellbook and Elven Magical Research bonus will be used to increase chances of success.

7. Brook and Zyzzerxaz are attempting to make a Combat Technique/Martial Arts.
- Brook, Zyzzerxaz, 1 Units Popomaru(Initiate), Reinvigoration, Mighty Blood, Sixth Sense, INTENT

Spoiler: Order 7 Details

Brook and Zyzzerxax, being the people aside from Strygwyr who personally learned Popomaru from Strygwyr began refining and developing martial arts. Popomaru is hard and not many people know of it yet and such a fighting style is not really suitable for the berserk fighting methods of the Blood Tribe. So they began developing new Martial Arts specifically for their people which would perfectly complement the magic that the Elders are about to develop(Order 8). They will use Popomaru, great martial arts as its base and foundation then go from there. Pouring all their battle experience and the knowledge of how the Blood Tribe fights.

The Blood Tribe fights at the front like a true berserker. Aggressive and ferocious, they will bleed a lot while slaughtering their enemies, drawing their blood, and then using it to heal themselves to be able to kill more enemies. The more enemies they kill the longer they will be able to sustain themselves, so long as there is blood around them and they are not dead, they will keep fighting like beasts.

The martial art/combat technique is being formed with the INTENT to fight, kill, and defy.

8. The Elders were tasked to research Blood Close-Combat Magic.
-Elven Magical Research Bonus, Mighty Blood, Reinvigoration, Popomaru, Parasitic Bond, Leeching Touch, INTENT, Spell Book

Spoiler: Order 7 Details

Due to the lack of material weaponry of the Blood Tribe, the Elders were tasked to research ways for the Blood Tribespeople to effectively use their greatest weapon - their bodies- against the Scraol. They were to research some sort of Blood Combat Technique/Magic that would directly attack the internals of their foes, the weakest parts of the body, or at least damage them badly. They were also to see if they could incorporate Leeching Touch(Conducted through weapons or hand to hand, a fraction of damage dealt is gained, even over maximum health, to a degree.), Parasitic Bond(Reduces damage retaliated by a fraction of the amount inflicted.), Mighty Blood & Reinvigoration(For additional endurance) to this magic and create a powerful Close-Combat Magic that would complement the Martial Arts that is being developed(Order 7).

Times are desperate, the researchers are doing the best they can, and from them is the INTENT to succeed. Spellbook and Elven Magical Research bonus will be used to increase chances of success.

9. The Officers, Elders, and Intellectuals of the Tribe gathered to delve further into the secrets of INTENT and REGARD and its uses.
- Elven Magical Research Bonus, The Great Work Statue,

Spoiler: Order 9 Details

They have obtained surface information regarding the secrets of INTENT and REGARD and they are the first out of all the human tribes to do so. Its secrets are powerful and mysterious and seem that everything in the valley involves it. So orders were given to further research INTENT and REGARD and see if they can dig deeper into its secrets and maybe figure out uses for it that are not vague.

They want to see if they can utilize it in their everyday work or in combat especially the upcoming night battle with the Scraol.

10. 2 Units will forge gauntlets(To pair with the Martial Arts)
- Dwarven Anvil, Smith's Tools, Ore to Ingot Perk, 5 Units of Iron, 3 Units of Iron Spikes, 1 Unit of Mithril, 3 Units of Amber, Mighty Blood, Reinvigoration, Truesense, Noraldruki's Help(If able), INTENT

Spoiler: Order 10 Details

Due to an unexpected windfall, the tribe now has materials for weaponry but instead of going for bladed or other weapons, the tribe decided to just make a weapon to further complement the martial arts that they are about to develop. They are to make 5 Units of Gauntlets with the Iron(5 Units) and Iron Spikes(3 Units) while mixing some Mithril(1 Unit) that they got from the Dwarven Vaults. They are also to emboss it with 3 units of Amber.

The amber will provide the wearers the aspect of life and give the wearers bodily power -- health, strength, speed, and the like... or if possible, Strygwyr would like to give it the Dryad Aspects from his sword. It is versatile and will serve the units well.

The assigned smiths will cast Mighty Blood and Reinvigoration so that they will have the energy to get through this task. They will use Truesense to make sense of tiny details to guarantee good quality. Ore to Ingot Perk will be paired with the Dwarven Anvil to make sure the quality is at the peak along with advice and guidance from Noraldruki. Not to forget about the Smith's Tools and the knowledge that came from it regarding smithing.

The assigned smiths work hard on the weapons, suffusing their work with heavy intent. These are the weapons that will slaughter Scraol, that will be bathed in the blood of their mortal foes, and their material companion for the night battle.

 

[Twist]

Day Four

What pathetic creatures these Scraol are, to bare their tooth at her tribes smiles, to fear their joy and to wage war because of their nights peace. They were truly monsters and so her Kin would need to be prepared for the coming evil tonight.

Help had come, in sorts, from the rest of the tribes with the Rion trading Matri Midwi's people two empowered spells to learn their newly developing alphabet as well as their Dwarven techniques, an easy trade for the Kin as to spread their knowledge onto others. She hoped such a trade would also benefit the Blood Tribe around her as she cast an Empowered Obsession on to the Great Work, to aid all who worked beneath it.

The statue however had caused a divide between the One People though she herself had no qualms with the elaborate effigy, seeing it for what it was, a grand testament to human endeavour and a symbol of unity between races. There was no denying the craftsmanship of the statue as each race who worked on it left their own indelible mark on the Great Work, though the original motives of the project were more questionable Matri Midwi thought knowing Strygywr all to well these days. But his plan had become greater than all of them attracting members of every tribe to marvel at its greatness. It was just a shame that a few could not see beyond the mortal visage of Strygwyr that the Great Work bore, the man himself no longer possibly regarded as such, fused with the Ent Heart of their forest friend which had saved his life. Still she and her people knew what it meant to them, a glorious symbol of unity between all races and a monument to all mankind and that is what they would put their faith in this night as they went about their duties.

Already the elders crafted new tools with malachite, her Dear Noraldruki teaching her of it's properties when she visited him, with wood being used to create handles. This was of the utmost priority to her today as these tools could be enchanted with powerful magic if this went according to plan and would be used to craft much of the equipment today. So the craftsman had started early imbued with every magic that could possibly help then in such a pursuit.

Barricades were to be formed, crafted with Darkwood to keep back the coming Scraol. The elders had recommended using their knowledge of Charcoal to harden and sharpen the wood used, the end results of their bonfires coming out in such a way, as well as covering them in soap or animal fat. This would make the barricades slippery, less ascendable and for the Scraol dangerous, with the sharpened ends taking their wretched lives. Their final measure would to burn the barricades if need be, the soap making it more flammable and the Darkwood giving the tribes a smokescreen. All in all it sounded like a good plan so with her blessing her people went to work. She would have to try the Sanctuary spell she had learnt to reinforce it, it's powerful magic greatly suited for such a task. Stone would be her choice to make the idol, the anchor for her spell, and two units at that as Matri Midwi experimented with the magic.

They would go to the forest using all their newfound knowledge to find food, keeping the tribe fed as the hunters sought out bigger prey; to find fur, bones as well as meat. Matri Midwi had plans for such gifts though nature herself had been less giving. Their biggest goal today would to be find large beasts in the forest, creatures with thick fur and strong bones so her tribe could craft armour for themselves. They would use the chainmail shirts from Noraldruki and the broken kobold armour for inspiration in their own designs. The kobolds were eager to help as well even though they had only been with them a short time, their knowledge of their own armour surely being of great help.

The meat from these great beasts would feed the tribe as well, though their bodies were more use to them as protection then food today so kobolds would go with the hunting parties seeking out berries and nuts from the tall trees to make sure that every belly would be full and every heart happy as well as to stealthily approach prey from above and deliver precise killing blows. Perfume was to be worn to hide their scent and mirrors would be used to signal as they prowled about unseen, shining the sun's rays at each other and at prey, if need be. All of these precautions would hopefully render every part of the animal usable, as they were indeed desperately needed.

Her people would go with the Blood tribe's gathering parties for wood as to not offend the mysterious Fae. The two handed weapons that Noraldruki had crafted from the crude metal weaponry of the kobolds was to be used in the gathering of Darkwood, the dwarven arms also functioning as tools thanks to their friends foresight.

The Kin Tribe had received a great boon when the ancient white bear had joined their family, Matri Midwi giving it the name of Cl'Wa or Clear Water as the bear's good eye was of magnificent blue and though the other was blind it was almost as if you could see yourself in it or, maybe more fittingly, Cl'Wa could see through you with it and into your soul. Though some did harbour some reservation to the bears appearance in the camp, the creature's preference for the dark and the shadow of the camp making many a tribesman susceptible to a surprise encounter with the great beast. She herself had been on the receiving end of such an encounter, albeit a more terrifying and life threatening one, though she blamed the hallucinogenic properties of the mushroom she had used to quell the ancient creature for the most part.

Matri Midwi approached the bear with the very same mushrooms again, firmly wrapped in a blanket this time, laying it before Cl'Wa who watched with curiosity as the chieftain sat before her. "Hello my dear Cl'Wa. You don't mind if I call you that do you?" Matri Midwi waved her hands above the mushrooms, wafting the spores around them "I think it's about time we have a little conversation so we can get to know each other a little better. The coming night is going to be hard and I have no doubt your ways will be of great help..."

The ancient white bear sat with a thump, sending dust into the air as more people appeared around her, sitting in a circle as mushrooms began to take effect. Matri Midwi hoped to learned how to fight with the same ferocity as a mother bear protecting its young and instil this knowledge with her tribe.

Orders

Elders craft enchantable malachite tools with specialised tools. (1 malachite used, Mighty Blood cast, Reinvigoration cast)
4 Units (2 Blood, 2 Kobold) gather food/fur/bone to the West with Bone Spears and Cart (Perfume used/ Mirrors used/ Berry Lore, Mighty Blood cast, Reinvigoration cast, Strength of Sinew cast)
3 Units (1 Blood/ 2 Nature) gather wood/vines to the South East with Cart and Dwarven 2 handed Weapon/Tools (Finding Darkwood/ Focus of the Axe, Mighty Blood cast, Reinvigoration cast)

Reliant on orders above
4 Units (2 Blood/ 2 Kobold) craft armour with needles and malachite tools using Fur Armour/ Chainmail shirts and Broken Kobold Armour as inspiration (All fur/bone found in order Mighty Blood cast, Reinvigoration cast)
2 units (Blood) craft barricades with specialised tools ( 4 Darkwood used (+ Any found from order), Vines, Charcoal knowledge/ Soap used, Mighty Blood cast, Reinvigoration cast, Sanctuary cast (2 stone used as Idol))

Matri Midwi and 1 unit (Nature) communes with Cl'Wa (Hallucinogenic Mushrooms used, Blankets/ Great Rugs used Mighty Blood cast)

1 Culture points consumed for extra orders

Diplomacy:
Matri Midwi casts Obsession (Empowered) on the Great Work.
Trade with the Zian (2 empowered Spells - Dwarven Techniques/ Grain of Literacy)
Trade with the Blood Tribe (Brushes/ Mirrors/ Toys/ Water Plants/ Grain of Literacy - Geas/ Willing Archon/ Celestial)

 

[Karcen]

Alkira tribe day 4

Valneer did not like the visions she was given by Xeras-lgy the last night. They were visions of horror and death, humanity made slaves by the scoal. The blood tribes had roused the wrath of their enemies long before the tribes were ready. The Alkira could not fight and recklessness had brought an ally that might slay those that came to help the two tribes. Valneer had half a mind to ignore their need for help as they had brought it upon themselves and just dragged this group of tribes down for they alone profited from this. It was a very annoying situation as Valneer did not believe anything good would come from leaving the two tribes to their fate as they had done little to gather sympathy. Still the vision had been rather clear what was likely to happen should the tribes fall. There nothing ever certain with visions, but still it was best to try to avoid such fates through reasonable means. Visions of doom were a fickle thing as you needed to work against them, but you could not work to hard lest they become self fulfilling. There was a fine line between them , but Valneer knew she had to act. She would need to gather the other races and beg for their might against the scoal. The other races had their own ways to avoid the threat, but they would be foolish to not see that their ways would not work forever. There was also the matter of what the tribe would need to do for the day. The night would bring the need for food, and wood would hopefully be supplied by the foolish blood tribes. The alkira would have to stand with them as hopefully the others might. The skeletal amazons seemed to like the ide of helping the tribes the least, with the river people keeping silent and baatar keeping his own choice to himself. These were not good omens Zain would join only because her people joined. This attempt at an alliance was not going well if they let the petty thing of a statue get in the way as that had started breaking the alliance. Valneer did not believe the coalition would last, the one that had started it would seemingly not help. Magic was key to how the Alkira would help the others, fate had bound them and perhaps the other tribes would chose their own fate or perhaps the four tribes of tonight would have to chose new fate free of the others? Hunting would have to be done while the others studied and they had the perfect person to help Inlor had come for the day and night and he was no doubt a good hunter. He would also be helpful in the night to come.

Time skip.

Valneer would meet with just about every race in the valley and secure some help for different races, in truth she had hoped for more from the minotaur's , but there was nothing more she could do. They had also done some more exploration and found useful items and Valneer had learned a new spell. The spell gave her an idea as did the spoils of the adventures. Valneer would go to a secluded place to meditate, pray, and study. The lightgem spell made gems of light than shone with a faint but true almost starlight. Looking through the spell book Valneer would look up other similar spells, trying to understand how they worked to better understand her own spell. If she could just make a powerful gem, a gem that shone like the sun itself, then the night might be saved. Valneer looked for but a moment to Nir the burning god above and did realize if she did something like that then it would be to much. Still if she had a lesser gem, a small fragment of nir that would banish the darkness in an area and make night into day then, perhaps she could drive away the threats of the night. Valneer would pray to Nir for his blessing.

" Burning one, god of death turned giver of life, i beg for your aid. I seek not to bring death i seek to preserve the life you give. " She started " Please grant to me a fraction of your power, just a tiny sliver of your godly light. Nir guide my hand, work through me and speak through my mouth to weave the spell. Help me create a Gem that glows as you do that will turn night into day, not all over, not in the whole valley, but to a great space around it." She prayed. Valneer did not seek to banish night from the valley or blind those that saw the gem, but would illuminate a great area, perhaps a half or a 4th of the valley in false sunlight. " Please help me to preserve life so that you might be released earlier than before"


Orders:

1. 1. unit of nature devotion along with Inlor will go hunting using fine bone tools should they find good plants then plot growth would be used to hopefully grow more quickly, if meat was on the menu then Inlor would take charge in the slaying.

2. Valneer will attempt to create a powerful light gem using the spell book to help understand the spells working and praying to the god Nir for help and even calling upon the titian blood she drank earlier if need be.

3. 3 units of astral devotion and their elders would study the spell book and try to enchant the mirror shields with blinding flash so that they can blind foes with raised.

4. 1 unit of bone devotions and their elder would study the spell book and attempt to create their own form of animate dead, hoping to be able to make a wall of the dead rather than the walking dead.

5 the nature elders would study the spell book and the healers kit to understand how to heal the human body and spell that do so and try to create a healing spell that could affect multiple people at once.

Diplomacy

Valneer would cast earthquake and cardinal confusion upon the great work so the spells could be called upon at a latter time.

movement:

The tribe would move 2 tiles north to meet with the two blood tribes.

 

[June Verles]

The Aurum Tribe Day 4​

Somehow the tribe would have made their way past the swamp, running away from the darkness that was the Scraol forever chasing after them. Through a mix of both good luck and leadership their rafts would have allowed them to sail through the dangerous bogland and into the valley. The tribe leader at the front would continue to make them sail a bit further down before seeing the visage of an island in the middle of the waterway with weird architecture on it. On a different day he might've ordered an exploration, but not today.

Landing on the river bank right before the Island the shaman would make the tribe's next plan of action very simple, surviving and finding their footing for tonight into this valley. The rest of the people of the one should have already arrived here much before them. The rafts would probably not be useable anymore however they managed to take with them more than enough resources to survive for one single night, lest the ancestor spirits forsake them off course.

But thinking of such a manner was only detrimental to their survival in the extreme, right now they needed hope of the future. Calmly he would put his people to work in this strange land, they needed to discover resources and make allies. In the top of the tree line he also saw the omnious skyline of what he assumed to be abandoned ruins, so he had his own work cut out for him.

Orders:

1. 4 Nature Devoted people will go into the wilds and collect clay to return.
2. 2 Nature Devoted people will go into the wilds and seek wild plants of wheat and cotton, collecting their grain and fibre to bring back to the tribe.
3. 2 Earth Devoted people will use all the gathered clay by the previous order( if any) and the stored clay to make temporary clay huts for the the tribe using call clay.
4. The Aurum will enter a trance using eyes of stone at the landing site and try and peer into the Ruins D7 to try and understand what was in there.
5. The Elders will research other potential uses of wheat besides production of beer.

Diplomacy:

To the Orange, Cyan, Pink and Green tribes. The Aurum offers their friendship to their brothers in humanity and wants to offer an exchange of information and technology in the name of mutual progress.

Movement:
N/A

 

[Prince Vaethorion]

Day 4

The People of the River had been very quiet as of late. So quiet, that the other tribes had not seen them about. The People of the River were very offended by the desecration of the Sacred Totem that was to bond all the tribes. The act of its destruction was an act of hostility and a definite act of unfriendliness and treachery. They could not trust the people involved in such an insult. The vile acts that these savages practiced, their blood abominations, made them no different from the Scraol. It was thought by some, that these tribes were off shoots of the Scraol, that perhaps they were not even human beings. River Runs Deep knew better however, he knew that the depravity that they exhibited was because they lacked water in their blood. Without water to guide them, they were shallow, empty husks that fed off blood like leeches, because their souls were weak. The human leeches needed blood to feel like a whole human being, and it was unlikely they were related to the Scraol because of their puniness. Their abomination of a an idol devoted to Scraols and other wickedness would not be respected. It was an insult to humanity. Ultimately, cleansing waters would need to purify it and remove its stain from the earth. Otherwise, the risk of contamination was too great. It had already began to infect the other tribes, and would eventually lead them to be consumed by the Scraol, because although perhaps not related, the two energies were similar. Perhaps, it's a monument to the Scraol? No, that's not right.

Diplomacy Turning point: The people of the River would only help the Kin Tribe of Matri Midwi and Blood tribe of Strygwyr if they restored the "Striving Man". They were offended by its unilateral destruction. In return they would accept the New "Great Work" as another contribution in addition to the materials being offered for such a blatant insult. Additionally, there was talk of helping the Scraol if this would not happen. There was discussion of putting out their fires to aid to the Scraol since they were likely inhuman anyway.

The Leech people abomination aside, the pure, holy, kind people of the River had work to do. The Scraol were still a threat. Food and shelter was needed, comforts were needed.

The tribes goal currently to develop a permanent safe location. Their plans of capturing Scraol, dead, would be implemented if they committed to the Defense of the Blood tribes. Traps would be set.
Otherwise, once their new Vessel was created they would use it for moving greater amounts of materials, and units up and down the river. More items for comfort and defense were to be made in the coming days. The Tribe was hoping for harmony among the other tribes, but the latest insult perhaps makes that impossible. They will leave it to them to make things right.

The River people were set on finding great security and comforts for themselves. They would move location for now to G-9. Using their canoes for transport. The Tribe welcomed the 2 new units of water and 1 of bone.

1) 2 (1 water and 1 nature) units forage for wood along the river, especially quality wood.
2) 2 units (1 water and 1 Earth) and Major Water elementals pan for gold using 1 lens-pan 1 Quality Dwarven Iron Hammer-Pick while casting Scry and Golden Fortune.
3) 2 water Units fish for fish and look for water mammals to hunt cast Twist Fate to help their hunting and fishing using nets and spears.
4) 2 Units (1 water and 1 bone) turn 2 Units of Beautiful shells into currency to use for trade with Water Tribe Symbol of Trident on them using fine tools.
5) 3 Units work on building a relatively large sharp prowed boat for trading and marauding. They use 2 units of sacred wood hard red bark with white heart wood, 1 unit of ancient wood and 1 unit of ancient golden wood. They use their axes and tools. They make oars. Materials for primitive sails would be searched for.
Bonus turns from culture points
6) Tribal Sages work on new spells namely a Flooding spell.
7) Rivers Too Deep trains youngest warriors in Combat, using his Trident for guidance and leadership.

Trade: Dwarf his visited. Bringing 5 gold and 5 units of fish to trade.
Diplomacy: Tribe offers to help other tribes in defense in return to make up for insult of destroying the Striving man and commodities in question. Both must be returned. The commodities received as restitution. In exchange they will acknowledge new Structure in addition to lending their tribe to their defense. (note to Gm: If refused this will be considered a grave insult upon insult and the Tribe will use all 11 units and spells, to clandestinely put out the defenders fires and mire them down to aid the Scraol figuring that the Blood tribes have no respect for them and are out to destroy them anyway.

 

[Beckoncall]

This post rocks -- let me know if you have any questions/issues in discord, but post these as soon as you can and I'll start processing!

 

[Heyitsjiwon]

Day 4

​

A mere silhouette stood among the embers of a mighty fire. The dark night, retreating in the face of a crimson dawn. Soon the rays of the sun would hit the valley and radiate all hues and colors that the valley was born to shine. Yet, the Niislel were blessed to have a small piece of the sun themselves. Baatar placed a sun stone in the midst of the field of embers, upon a shrine of bones within the confines of the Dune Tombs. Baatar scattered tobacco leaves around the throne and into the embers so that they began to smoke and smoulder. The offering was set. It was a steep price to speak to someone who was so entangled in the matters of man, its past, present, and potentially its future. Rumors were abound of a former god of man who smote those who attempted to erase the existence of mankind. These were rumors that Baatar wanted to confirm, but more importantly... he wished to learn more about such a being. Coale and the elders set off to study the ancient faiths of man, which would provide useful information. However, the best way to learn about someone was to personally speak with them. Thus, seeking to learn more about the Fallen Scion, Baatar set a generous offering of various items and to return something of meaning to the Scion.

As Baatar prepared the communion, the camp began to stir with life and activity. A taskforce was set to return to the Sinkhole to continue mining for purestone. They had numerous exits and ramps set up to make transporting the stones easier, especially with a cart. In addition, the workers were hopefully about the possibility of summoning animals to assist them with labor, either mining or pulling the carts. In addition, the Niislel had acquired numerous block and tackles from trade with the Dwarven stronghold, which would enable the tribe to lift and pull with more force than with their bare hands. But, in the end, with the Dwarven mining tools and the mason tools, the blocks of purestone could be broken down or carved to more manageable pieces. Regardless, a sizeable group of workers were sent to the Sinkhole with numerous tools that would be able to make the arduous task much easier than before.

Another group was sent north to gather food. The means of accomplishing this was up to them as they had numerous options. Perhaps they could summon animals that would help them hunt or gather food? The tribe members were armed with spears and a net to assist them in a hunt. Perhaps, they would stumble upon a bounty of berries or vegetables along the river? Or perhaps, the Winged Kobold could fly around and help find viper nettles or other food that grew high in the trees? Alternatively, they could serve as scouts for animals to hunt. Regardless, the option was left to the group and their best judgement as to how to gather food. The only expectation was that they would bring a lot of food back as they also brought a cart with them to help carry a bounty back with them.

A third group also headed northwest towards the riverbend to gather some wood, but in particular elven wood. With the teachings of the Raptors, they had learned of a way to specifically track special trees. However, with the teachings, came a further awareness of the balance that nature required to thrive. Thus, rather than leeching and taking from nature, the tribe made a concerted effort to make sure that life would slowly regrow in the coming years so that their children and grandchildren would also have the bounty of nature available to them. So much so that they were willing to scatter the remains of the forefathers to fertilize the ground and return them to the natural cycle of life and death instead of the constructed prisons that they chose to wither in.

As the tribe members continued to filter out of the camp and off to their duties, Baatar added the finishing touches to the communion. He sat before the offering and lifted a bowl of titans blood and poured it over the Destiny Stone. As he prepared to meditate and observe the swirls and patterns in the blood that formed over the Destiny Stone, Baatar heard a young girl's voice. Curious, he turned his head and looked. A young girl sat in the camp, picking out individual kernels from strands of wheat. A tedious job, but one the girl did diligently to help the tribe. Keeping a stead pace, she sung her hymn:

Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed

My chains are gone
I've been set free
My Chief, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a river, His mercy flows
Unending love, Amazing grace

Baatar has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures

My binds are gone
I've been set free
My Chief, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a river His mercy flows
Unending love, oh, Amazing grace

The Earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine
But God, Who called me here below
Will be forever mine

My chains are gone
I've been set free
My Chief, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a river, His mercy flows
Unending love, Amazing grace

I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see​

Baatar gently approached the young girl with the flute in hand. He gently patted the girl's head as she looked up and handed her the flute without a word. With that, he returned to the offering to begin the communion ritual.

---

Free Orders/Culture Points:

1+2: Cast Nature's Blessing on Tribe (Costs 2 Orders to cast)

3: Research Blood Meld via developing blood thoughts by experimenting with the blood of various creatures
1 Unit of Winged Kobold Blood, 1 Unit of Giant Monitor Lizard Blood, 1 Unit of Catfish Blood, 1 Unit of Fishmen Blood, 1 Unit of Lake Fish Blood, 1 Unit of Bird Blood, 1 Unit of Crab Blood, Blood Thoughts, Mighty Blood, Tether, Burning Will

4: Continue research on Contrition spell via experimentation with Kobold Eggs, Blood Thoughts, Blood Meld, Burning Will, and Elite Kobold Blood to infuse the next generation with more favorable traits and discipline
1 Unit of Kobold Eggs, Blood Thoughts, Fluent Kobold, Blood Meld, Mighty Blood, Burning Will, Uplifting Trait, 1 Unit of Elite Kobold Blood, 4 Units of Winged Kobold Blood

5. Research into sustainable, permanent food sources that can help sustain larger populations
1 Unit of Wheat, 1 Unit of Viper Nettle Berries, Spices, Tobacco, 1 Unit of Fertilizer, 1 Unit of Sulfur (Pesticide/Fertilizer), Sunstone, Wild Growth, Regeneration, Nature's Blessing, Forestry Tradition, Reap and Sow Eureka, Tasty Brew, Berry Brew, Knowledge of Wheat, 1 Sunstone, 1 Void Sparkler

6. Development of Work Songs/Hymns to improve productivity of labor by keeping a simple rhythm/provide a form of simple communication to work to while fighting off boredom
Flute, Grain of Literacy, Memory Stones

Summary/Normal Orders:

1. Mining of purestone at the Sinkhole/Sunken Temple

1 Cart, 2 Units of Excellent Dwarven Iron Mining Tools, 4 Units of People (3 Blood, 1 Nature), 1 Unit of Winged Kobolds, Water Footwear (Bonus to labor especially near shores), Mighty Blood, Burning Will, Summon Animals, Purestone Ramps, Nature's Blessing, Fluent Kobold, Blood Meld, 6 Units of Block and Tackles, 1 Set of Mason Tools, Work Song

2. Expedition for food along the riverbend to the north of the Niislel Camp

1 Cart, 4 Units of People (2 Blood, 2 Nature), 1 Unit of Winged Kobold, Slingspears, 1 Net, Beautiful Pottery, Water Footwear (Bonus to labor especially near shores), Mighty Blood, Burning Will, Blood Thoughts, Mud Camo, People of the River, Summon Animals, Blood Meld, Nature's Blessing, Hunter's Blessing, Forestry Tradition

3. Exploration/Expedition to the northern riverbend in search of wood, particularly elven wood, however they also work on making sure that what the tribe takes will be replenished for future generations by practicing proper forestry. Humans cannot just leach. They must give as well. Thus, the dust of the ancestors are scattered to feed the earth and bring new growth.

3 Units of People, (1 Blood, 2 Nature), 1 Unit of Heavy, Sharp, Quality Tools, Aspect of the Axe, 1 Set of Woodcarver's Tools, 1 Cart, Forestry Tradition, Water Footwear (Bonus to labor especially near shores), People of the River, Mighty Blood, Burning Will, Sow and Reap Eureka, Nature's Blessing, Wild Growth, Regeneration, Blood Meld, 1 Unit of Fertilizer, Work Song

4. Research into the faith and religious practices of the Ancestors via the Elders studying the Origin Stone, Reliquary, and Totem with Coale's memories/guidance

Coale, Origin Stone (Extra die to insight, investigation or knowledge challenges), Grain of Literacy, Reliquary, Totem, Dune Tombs, Fire Clay Pot

5. Commune with the Fallen Scion at the Dune Tombs

Baatar, Destiny Stone (Ritual Tool), Fragment of the Great Flint (Ritual Tool), Deyas' Head, 1 Sunstone, 5 Units worth of Human Bones, Scrimshaw, 1 Unit of Titan Blood, Nature's Blessing, Tobacco, Dune Tombs

 

[adrian_]

Day 4


The rain to the wind said,
'You push and I'll pelt.'
They so smote the garden bed
That the flowers actually knelt,
And lay lodged--though not dead.
I know how the flowers felt.

Seagulls called in the distance, the misty morning was dead quiet with just enough noise to keep any listener from questioning their ability to hear. Waves sloshed against the gray sand of the beach and a solitary fishman stood crouched in the sands, digging around for oysters. The scaled one stared into the cloudy waters of the dug sand, reaching a clawed finger into the hole it had dug and plucking a scallop from it. Clouds covered the sun slowly, steadily dipping the gray sand in an even dimmer glim. The wind picked up a little, air rustling the leaves in the mangroves just off the shore.

Wind whistled around the fishman, it's deft little fingers paying no mind to the darkening skies as they pulled a sharpened rock from their twine belt and brought it crashing down onto the little mollusk. The shell split open down the middle, revealing the scaled form's recompense, a creamy-coloured muscle. The fishman pulled the rock back towards the shell again, this time carving the muscle from it's pearlescent cage and bringing the remnants of shellfish to it's slimy lips before slurping the morsel down. The fishman looked up now with it's emotionless gaze, black eyes staring up at the blackened sky. It's gills strained against the humidity in the air, flushing salt out as a cloudy liquid near the corners.

It began to rain.

Adam's ale poured down on the fishman who summarily broke into a run towards the black waters, diving in and swimming away at breakneck speed. The seagulls quit calling, mangroves swayed in the wind, thick roots almost upturning in the sand while animals scurried deeper under them for shelter. A thick curtain of rain washed against the beach at a point so furious that the sand seemed to retreat back into the waves, mist covered the ground, and the deafening pour of water left the ground past the sand waterlogged and mudded. Visibility plummeted, icey rain pelting against all in the vicinity to a point of terror.

From the fog of the deluge materialized multiple dozen silhouettes, hunched over and trembling they rushed to the safety of the mangroves, pulling themselves up into the relative safety of the treetops. Multiple directed the sallow figures, seven young men and another larger one encased in furs and a decorative helm. The group of youth pulled the young and old up into the trees, giving them rest against the rain. Among the weather-persecuted, the majority (parting children), displayed streaming makeup ruined by the assailing climate. "Soot"-covered faces quivered in the treeline, watching the directing men climb up into the mangroves last with a small collection of canvas sheets.

•☆•​

Another hour passed, the deluge now halting slowly. A drizzle let itself free every quarter, causing the fear-stricken silhouettes to run back into the temporary shelter of the mangrove trees. The young men had now however brought the eyeshadow-soaked party out onto the wet sand with little promises. A tall man who the outcasted group addressed as The One Who Marks directed operations sternly, his sons aided in the labor of setstaking tents while the elderly and young sat in the trees and talked away the fear of the water.

The meager items that the tribe took with them through the gate lay strewn as safely as feasible in the muck, drying, but soaked. A figure spoke, The One Who Marks, joking to his eldest about a dulling stake. Another hour passed, the elderly carried out of the trees by the droves of workers, along with the young who more rambunctiously jumped out without much thought. A storage tent went up within minutes, while the rest of the housing was a little slower, most of the morning heading into the construction of a home for the castaway tribe.

The afternoon drowsed on from the morning, most of the camp residents taking well-deserved breaks while the leader and his borne discussed further action. Mark and his litter took shelter in the command tent. The tent was smaller than the rest, and seemed little more than a rainfly atop a group of poles. It housed a straw carpet and a dozen cushions for the group of family men to discuss tribe politics. In this shelter Mark made his "arrowhead decree" to the group of kin:

1. "Naught for the power of the ritual that we sit in this tent and converse today, the tribe will learn to understand the power that the Winds have placed in us." The elders will research Air magic during the day.

2. "Understanding our neighbors to the south and finding the pleasures they enjoy is a proper path to a long and prosperous friendship. The strawberry holds powers that no Calf can deny." The young will work together to research berry-based dyes during the day.

3. "If we are to stay warm and stave off the scourge we need wood, the first step to safety." 4 Air units will go into the northern woods to cut and replant trees to gather wood.

4. "Once the wood is gathered we will work with the bulk to build a pyre that will keep the scourge at bay. The gathered wood of the day should make do." 2 Air units will construct a wood pyre in the campsite to light and scare away the Scroul at night.

5. "These are new lands, and with the curiosity of these sea-trees I feel strong enough to say that it must be a hostile realm. Scouts will be sent out to explore the northern forest." 2 Bone units explore the tile northwest of F12.