"Lost Continent: Flight From Muurdaan" (BeckonCall's FNB!)

[Beckoncall]

Shireling

The Stoutmen....

All around New Harmony, a colony within a colony was taking shape. While the presence of the Muurdaan had put the entire community on edge, the stress was mollified when colonists from other factions came to New Harmony to shop and rub elbows.

The fields were being plowed in force, and the earth welcomed the seeds with the promise of a great fall harvest.

The beer distillery began to go up with some difficulty -- though it was heard the Firebeard Dwarves were looking for partners to make a brewery with. Would the stouts cooperate with another faction or continue to plod on with their slow progress? General Deth Glitch Shireling

Besides the above the Stouts made thier repairs, moved their wagons, and began to expand their settlement beyond the pallisade that once delineated the boundaries of their settlement...

Stouts bring Quality boots to the market and with it greater access to the economy is theirs! Stoutmen boots are of very fine quality and after the difficult winter become all the rage to wear -- the stouts can barely keep them stocked! (+1 influence Stoutmen)

Slowly the stoutmen militia began to wear colors and take shape, deciding to fashion their own equipment rather than buy other factions offerings at the market. They began to drill, and began to march, and began to make formation....

 

[Heyitsjiwon]

Just moments prior, Phelot approached Caelis once more in the Attolian Housing District. With little greeting, it began to speak.

"The economy cannot be paralyzed while you wait to be paid. Release. The. Prisoners. Once the economy is up and running we can assess losses. This game has gone on long enough. IF you wish, 10 of his ratkin may be slaughtered by imperial edict."

"Bias to the House of Narvik will not end favorably. Now, tell me what you exactly plan to do. If this attack was on the Empire, then the Fennec would all be tortured or enslaved at this point. House Wolff has accommodated your needs. If you wish the fennec released. Then I want another issue to be addressed. The stout and their... heresy. Give me word that this issue will be addressed, and then the Fennec will be released. "

"By order of the Lord Colonial Militant, you want the stoutmen persecuted?"

"Persecuted? Nay. Ending their radicalizing of the non-believers and spreading their heresy where it is not welcome. That is what House Wolff desires. The prevention of religious strife and tension. The stouts can stay in their woods. However, they must recognize the legitimacy of the Pantheon."

"You will not make me an enemy of this colony any more than I already am or as I would of my own free will, Attolian. Now. You can have ratkin blood for ratkin blood, and at a scale in your favor.... or you can meet my housemen. I care not for what idols some colonists scratch in the dirt. That's not why I am here. Goods must flow."

"You may choose your enemies, Abomination. However, know that some are closer to finding the keys than the others."

"You speak in riddles. Make your point."

"You are here for more than mere goods. You only serve the Empire for one reason. A promise that was made long ago."

Phelot leered.

"The solution to bringing that promise to fruition. Is certainly not closer in the Old World. You wish to know more of your kin?"

"You may question my loyalty to the empire after this port is burgeoning with wealth, Lord. And YES. I do."

"He seeks the keys to Tartarus."

"Tartarus -- where gods put things to forget them!?"

"They are bound to be in these lands if he so desperately seeks them."

"To escape to tartarus -- we could travel anywhere else from there, out of the sight of the gods! Where is my kinsman!?"

"I do not need your permission to question your loyalty. You are a dog, salivating at the mere thought of escaping the gods. However, you still have a purpose. As we do all. I must slay your kin for his failures."

"No..."

"However... I may give him his last words if you and your brethren redeem his failures."

Phelot slumps, and listens.

"Continue to serve the Empire, but see to it that the desires of House Wolff is never ignored. I will continue to hunt for your kin. And if your service has been exemplary, then I will bring you his last words recorded in a crystal, preserved for all eternity. So that even if it is a puzzle or a hint. It will never be lost."

"What do you want for the prisoners, Attolian."

"Never force me to make the same demand twice. However, for the sake of... serving the Empire and continued good relations. I will release the fennec promptly. Do not forget this conversation."

"You can be sure I will not."

Thus, Caelis ordered for the fennec to be released. While he had to continue to walk the fine line of Old World intrigue, he would never allow his people to not have the means to at least protect themselves no matter the situation. In this case, it meant giving an Abomination a sniff of a morsel of meat to bring it to heel. He had little interest in actually allowing the Fetch to have the keys. It was clear that they wanted only one thing after all. Still, the missing former Governor was certainly a concern that had to be dealt with. He would soon send word to the Highborn and Tyren about the events that took place and see what steps had to be taken in regards to dealing with the Fetch. The political dealing and intrigue in the New World was quickly proving to be a challenge that he had rarely seen in his time in the Kingdom. But, the costs now were immeasurable. Loss in the New World meant utter obliteration in the physical plane and in memory. No trace at all.

 

[Beckoncall]

"One voice" - Wailing Jennys

Shireling

It was only a matter of time. The Muurdaan Governor and his housemen sought out Reverend Kearney while he was giving services...

The Fetch did not interrupt, and Rev. Kearney did not stop. The stouts peformed their rites and pondered their mysteries, and strengthened their bonds through their faith.

When the services ended, Phelot dragged his pile of robes up to where reverend Kearney was standing at the pulpit.

"Your faith stands in the defiance of the Pantheon, Kearney -- but we can negotiate this. Right now, your religion is an unwelcome cult -- but submit to the authority of the pantheon and your faith will be given Nomarch status -- reserved for local gods and philosophies. In short, your faith will be allowed in this land."

"I must know that the stouts kneel to Imperial authority, so I make it easy and gainful for you to do so -- do this and your people cannot be persecuted in this new land, all you must do is kneel to me, your governor, as symbolic fealty to the empire. Let us not dwell on the possibilities if you refuse."

"If you accept, word will spread that your faith is not persecuted in the new world, and more stouts will rush to meet you here in the Fall. If you refuse, You will one day regret the decision."

"You submit to the mysteries of your faith, it should be a small task to submit, but for a moment, to myself and the empire. Will you embrace the pantheon as the Aegis over your faith?"

Decision Point: Reverend Kearney must respond to the fetch's proposal...

 

[Beckoncall]

SpiralErrant

Herders and the Deep woods...

The program to train runner lizards into "sheepdogs" was a resounding success. It turns out alphas express their alpha behavior to other species as well when trained, creating fierce animals that are surprisingly gentle to the livestock, but aggressive against those who sneak on their approach or who are altogether unfamiliar. Alpha runners "adopt" the herds, and occassionally exercise them as well as keep them appropriately bunched together.

Investigation of the deep woods yielded other findings however -- Great vines, like roots, had begun to invade the forest from what appeared to be the Northeast. In several places signs could be seen of where gnolls, with great effort, had chopped back the great "beanstalks" but in other parts of the wood, even oldgrowth trees were wrapped tight and strangled as the great vines coursed up them to steal the sunlight.

Deeper into the "Turned woods" as the Tyren called them, were areas where mud-elves and gnolls had long ago clashed, their bones laying scattered in piles amid the trees and vines.

...But here, something was happening... fine little tendrils were wrapping themselves around the skeletons, draping over them as if they were sleeping marionettes. As the Tyrenborn contemplated this, one of the green-grown skeleton puppets rose... the smacking of leaves in it's mouth produced something akin to speech.

"Run. Away. Manikins mark the sites of Asphodel. Run. Away."...

 

[Shireling]

Reverend Kearney and his Response

With the service ended, the crowd quickly dispersed, giving the Housemen and their liege a wide berth. Reverend Kearney stood stock still at the pulpit. He looked down at his hands, they trembled ever so slightly. He wanted more than anything to strike the governor down in righteous anger, or perhaps more achievably, to resist with an unfettered spew of truth and be martyred. But, his better sense and his wisdom prevailed. He stared for a very long time at the book of Scriptures resting on the pulpit, before finally bowing - not at the knee as it was customary to do during Stout religious services, but at the waist, a gesture that was reserved for employers, work foremen, and government officials.

"We serve the Empire." He said in the affirmative, but tacked on in a low murmur just barely perceptible in the Ecclesial Tongue, "nos autem non spiritum" (but not with our spirit). The other Stouts would understand.

Beckoncall

 

[Beckoncall]

Underwater sounds with music

Pat

The Styx had perished. Their submersible home for throughout the journey, a slight mourning was made for the vessel before it was decomissioned for dismantling. It's tech, improved by the muurdaan -- was just enough to get them to, and through, the barrier and now here they were, with plans in place for a permanent home.

On the sea-bed at the foot of the cliffs, the merdwarves worked tirelessly to make their initial chamber -- for shelter and storage, the first of what might perhaps be many. At the seabed white sand rose in clouds where dwarves walked, and slowly the stone of the cliffs began to yield to the shifts of workers.

The Styx was dismantled, and it's parts brought into the new enclave. Little herds of tiny hermit crabs walked and crashed into one another in this area of the bank, with hundreds of yards away being a drop-off beyond which, when the seas permitted, the spire of the wailing island could be seen.

Small sharks investigated the noise, but were easily repelled by sentries. Sunken shoals was a mostly flooded cavern with many natural pillars sustaining it -- local schools of fish made themselves ready food for sustenance and the merdwarfs quickly captured crabs, fish, and edible sponges for their larder. The sunken shoals were tranquil and quiet -- the occasional Pakkuda -- more aggressive hunting fish, were the only concern besides the occasional coral eel... some of which grew to sizes that inspired caution. But sunken shoals was a closed and relatively peaceful ecosystem... the vaults of trapped air at the top of it were devoid of life except for some of the rocks being the breeding ground of slippery "Blobfish" who seemed semi-amphibious, resting on the cold rocks in the still air and slipping occasionally into the shoals to graze. Sunken shoals basically looked like a little town of sea-creatures, tiny caves and gaps seemed like pre-fabricated homes almost to the creative mind...

The Deep Vault, without the great lights of the Styx Submarine, was actually difficult to find in it's forest of black-green kelp. Phosphorescent fish seemed to feed light to the dark weeds (that only got the longest rays of sunlight otherwise) in a symbiotic relationship -- with the Dark-Kelps bearing oily fruits the luminescent ovoid fish would eat trading light for food.
The Dark Vault itself required moving through almost no visibility due to the density of the plant-life... and down here pits and shelfs showed pale albino sea plants growing from down into the depths. The tides hit hard against the cliffs at high tide, making the water fast and easy to maneuver, but brackish at the bottom. In the Deep Vault, the Sea-plants were clipped back by giant isopods -- sea lice the size of sharks, gently harvesting the fruit and unwittingly propagating the plants in the process. Deep vaults was almost impossible to navigate without cutting paths through the weeds, and in the back of the Vaults were found to be natural cracks criss-crossing the outer boundaries of the cavern. Inside some of these cracks very large crustaceans, blue lobsters floated listlessly unable to move thier bulk effectively in low tide. When high tide hit the Vault though, it gave suprising agility to the Lobsters -- some as large as a dwarf or bigger -- and they actively retreated into crevices where they could not be seen or in high tide moved swiftly to avoid the newcomers.

At the bottom of the deep vault there were signs of coral and stone tools, of very crude construction. a pile of them in fact, as if all of these were for one approximately man sized creature or a collective pile for several. Some of the tools were too crude to determine their purpose, but most seemed for the cutting of Darkweed and the breaking of shellfish, which were common here and there in the seabed near the Deep Vault.

Much larger crustaceans, crabs and lobsters -- could be seen hanging onto the vertical cliffs of the dropoff... their massive bulk keeping them sessile in the low tide, one wondered if they hunted or roved more when the tide was in...

Bottom line, there was a handy supply of simple tools to be found here if desired (+1 unit of simple tools) and a ready grasp of what materials were best for construction of utility as well as what was expected, no shortage of food, if the dwarves cared to gather.

They made their hidden hold at the base of the cliffs, and filled it with fish and oily fruits and mullusks from the seabed. The bounties of the area were generous to the sea-dwarfs... they had chosen a home well, it would seem...

 

[Beckoncall]

"nos autem non spiritum"

The Fetch heard the final words of Kearney, looking back at him as he shuffled away.

"Your spirit does not concern me Kearney -- it is human enough, and simple. It is your bodies the colony needs, and so I am glad you have shown such respect. I shall make a place for the Divinus Dualismus in the local Pantheon... though I don't expect to see you worship there."

The fetch spoke the stoutmen's language of faith, perhaps many other languages... but it did not make any parting shot aside from the above.

"News will spread that the faith is respected here, Kearney -- you can expect more settlers in the fall will come running."

(Stoutmen gain 50 unskilled workers at start of fall)

 

[Beckoncall]

"The blackest Crow"

As Time lead up to Maeder's day, the celebrations of planting by the exiles took a somber turn to honor their departed leader, and his promise to return with an avatar of the great dracos.

Baez spoke:

"The promise of Maeder is real, just as we survive every year, and the spring comes back to us, so shall Maeder one day return with the fire of the dragon in his hand, his throat, and his heart."

"Put behind you the pains of winter, for was it not the heat of dracos that kept us warm? The fire in our own blood that stood us strong? The smoke in our breath against the cold a strong reminder of HER great presence, within us, holding us cradled in her wings?"

"I am Baez, and before Dracos come to me -- I was but a murderer in the cold. I stand before you now a bearer of the torch of eternal flame, and my bare hands are no longer mere instruments of death -- for I raise them to the heavens and dracos kisses them with the fire of the stars."

"Glory to the Temple of the burning eye, the endless fire, and glory to SHE -- and remember Maeder's promise -- In the goodness that returns to you when all is cold, he stands behind us all."

 

[SpiralErrant]

It was probably the most awkward walk of Orm's life as he escorted Esteri to the capital building, dragging a small gang of the women of her caravan in tow. He didn't want this, no good would come of it. There was chaos down going on through the colony if all these messages and signs of wandering troops were anything to go by and here was this fancy talking lass hooking herself onto him and trying to start awkward attempts at conversation. Of course Orm wasn't giving her anything beyond grunts and two word answers. Why was she trying to talk to him like this, was it just to try and fulfill her half of the ancient promise? The rest of her people shied away from him. Oh they were respectful and loud enough to put themselves forward as they tried to find their place in this new order but Orm noticed the way folk would take a step back when he got too close, would flinch if he moved too fast and watch their words around him, their eyes always drifting to the crystal blade of his axe. They weren't used to him yet, he understood that. They knew what he was and knew the stories of what he could do so they were scared of him, just as they would be of any blood-touched. Orm was used to that. It was the natural order of things.

So how could an actor was Esteri that she seemed to be able to hide her nerves so easily?

He'd have to think on that later though because soon enough they crossed paths with who they were looking for. The Fetch. This was the first time Orm had ever seen one... from the way folk talked about it he wasn't expecting the thing to look like a rag and bone peddler. What did draw his eye was the escort of metal titans following behind itm strange weapons in hand.

"They're big." Esteri whispered in his ear, leaning in too closely for Orm's liking. "Do you think you could take something that big?" She asked like they were having idle gossip.

"Some of them." Orm whispered back, assuming he'd have to fight them all at once. His hand tightened on his axe shaft and his eyes locked with the blank stares in those suits of armour.

Esteri seemed to sense the tension building up in him and offered a stroke along the side of Orm's face and down his shoulder, a very forward act given how she'd been so far! It was enough to grab Orm's attention though, dragging it to her as she stepped past him and offered a straight backed half bow to the creatures before her. It took great effort from Orm not to leap forward and throw her back, every instinct in his body was screaming that these things were dangerous, that this was fight or flight.

"Master Governor, it is an honour to meet you in person." She began, voice as sweet as a summer breeze. "May I introduce my Chieftain, Orm Black-Charger."

Orm suddenly felt very out of place, being ushered to by all her fancy talk, dressed in just his loincloth and patches of leather armour. Feeling caught on the spot the best greeting he could offer was a nod and a grunted greeting in his mother tongue. It came out as a, "Graughr."

The fetch replied "Graugnir, Hrulhuht Ous ous Orm." -- seeming to pick Orm's greeting from the air and bite into it, it speaks a flawed, but well enough Tyren -- "Greetings Returned, Strong Chieftain Orm."

The thing turned its eyes from Esteri, locking them onto Orm. Looking at him, unblinking eyes aglow like a cat in the night, the rags that made its face parting just enough to show a cheshire row of teeth below. "Congradulations on recovering from your not-so-recent injuries -- I have heard much of you and the success of your people here -- it does not go unnoticed who's face is on the coin." It said.

Orm jutted his chin upwards. A more civil kind of gesture among his people as it meant not dipping your horns to the person you spoke to, since the fetch seemed to know some of his tongue Orm thought he could afford to indulge in some of his native mannerisms. The coins were something he was proud of, there was no shame in admitting that. There was nowhere else in the world he knew of that had a minotaur on their currency or symbols, even if the silver coins only showed crude outlines of his head. Although he'd seen a few that put his broken horn on the wrong side! The pride he felt then at least lessened the irk he felt at the creature's tone.

Esteri offered another dip of her head and offered a more polite thanks by way of a translation Orm hadn't asked for.

"Still, there is much work to be done. Full exploitation of your mine is a necessary lynch-pin of a thriving economy here. Were the colony able to optimize it's profits and outputs without supervision, perhaps I might not have been sent here." Phelot added, almost offhandedly, as if magical plant mines were something he dealt with every day.

["Most folk couldn't use it without getting killed before now."] Orm grumbled in his mother tongue. ["We only just found elves that can work its kind of magic proper when the seasons turned."]

"What my chieftain means to say is that until recently they have lacked the expertise and ability to safely operate the mine. Now that fresh hands have arrived, thanks to the empire's goodwill, they will be able to truly unlock the potential of the vines." Esteri added quickly, shooting Orm a look.

["Like using its stone to build half the houses and buildings around here."] Orm added, shooting her one in kind, letting his eyes leave the towering housemen for just a moment.

If Phelot cared for any of this exchange he didn't let it show. "There is also a final issue of locating my predecessor. Another fetch was meant to govern.... and I sense his dark presence, however faint. He must be found. You will help."

["Never even seen him."] Orm growled. ["Not here or before we left. Didn't even get us the ship that was promised before we left so maybe it's best he weren't allowed to rule around here."] Given all the ill will Orm had heard around these creatures and rumours of multiple lords all going for each others' throats to rule here Orm had to wonder how the Muurdaan had managed to rule as many folk as they had.

Esteri was less quick to rush to cover here, Orm hadn't exactly left her much to work with. "It seems you both have a desire to... have words with your predecessor." She said coldly.

It was an awkward pause that followed, until Phelot chose to break it. "All of this being said, have you any business with your governor?"

In the background one of the house elite chuffed and shifted its weight. Orm's attention snapped to it, his grip tightening on his axe and his weight shifting as he unthinkingly readied to charge.

The fetch, seeing Orm's unease pulled a hideous pink arm covered with stitches from his sleeve and turned to wave it at the house elite...

"BOW YOUR HEADS." and as one the house elite knelt... Orm's natural instincts were able to subside slightly with this gesture of submission, but something in the back of his skull still screamed to throw himself on these monsters. It was only with a great concentration of will and a firm hand on his chest from Esteri that brought him back to the present.

"Now, where were we?" Phelot grinned again.

"We just wanted to greet you upon your arrival to the colony and express our hopes that-"

["I want a boat."] Orm interrupted, his blood still up from the presence of the housemen and the slight of how dismissive this thing had been to him. The damn fear it seemed to just expect from him. Both Esteri and Phelot looked at him in bemusement. ["Two!"] Orm added at last.

It took some rushed whispers from Esteri asking just what the hell he was thinking before he managed to talk Orm into backing down and letting her phrase things more politely. "My chieftain has come with a request for his governor." She started, tone all serious and respectful. "He puts forward the case that the Black-Charger clan are still owed the ship that was promised them to carry them to the New World which was never provided by your predecessor. Given that the clan was forced to purchase passage back across the barrier for their emissaries in order to secure more colonists and the amount of time that has passed since his arrival he puts forward that interest is due and that as the official Muurdaan governor it is your duty to see your Empire's debt repaid to the extent of two ships capable of transporting minotaurs in proper numbers."

She paused for a moment as Orm added something else in her ear.

"He would also like to add that this shortage of a vessel was not sue to any shortage of supplies on the charter's part but because of a bureaucratic oversight on the previous governor's part where our people were put down as LIVESTOCK. A deep insult that the Black-Charger clan moved past to secure their own passage to the new world and supply a stable source of food, currency and clothing for the early colony, as you yourself have noted. I put it to you, Lord Governor, that if it is your aim to see this colony thrive then it is in your best interests to support my chieftain as he requests."

Esteri finished up with her own upward nod. She'd spoken with an eloquence and dignity that Orm could never have matched and in that moment, as she held her head high and her golden fur caught the sun... well Orm couldn't help but see that all the fuss about her had been well earned.

The fetch shifted it's seeming weight from one side to the other, then intentionally shifted from speaking Tyren to speaking common with Esteri... a higher diction, one he could barely understand. Orm felt mocked for having his ignorance showcased in the exchange -- it seemed such a simple thing to pull the hideous little thing out of it's wrappings and rip it apart.. then he felt Esteri's hand on his heart, and it reacted to her touch, and he was distracted...

"Remind your chieftain that in the future an attempt to intimidate me is a brash and foolish move -- but from what I know of his... heritage... I can see past a transgression when he is confronted with my housemen."

The fetch collected himself and looked bored as it eyed it's nails on both of it's rake-clawed hands.

"Tell your chief the governor has no more need of his imperial Carrack, and as such his people can take it. I am not going anywhere, so it is a simple enough gesture to leave the ship to the Tyren to... settle accounts."

"Also if your chief is curious ask him this -- if being called livestock insults his sensibilities, ask himself what eleven-hundred years of glorified slavery might engender in him. Peace in his heart may not be his, but if he keens to see his people not looked at as animals he should act less the part of one and know with what or whom he is dealing with. His people need him, and it is fortunate my ego is not so frail that I am above exacting cost when I am offended."

"The Tyren are the backbone of the colony, or at least they were until everyone began to pick up momentum. For that I am pleasantly disposed to them. Tell the chief he may enjoy his ship."

And with that the fetch stepped around the two on the road and the housemen picked up in single file behind him...

The two minotaurs watched them go, waiting until the dark procession had dipped well under the hills before either dared speak again. ["You pushed your luck more than enough there..."] Esteri let out a sigh that sounded like she'd been holding it in for years.

["Pushing my luck is how I got here in the first place."] Orm chuckled, his heart still racing at seeing such a fight walk away and his pride still burning over the translation Esteri had passed onto him.

["And for that you thought you'd try insulting a servant of an underlord?"] She snapped at him.

["You always highball this type. I learned that much from the merchant wagons. They never give away more than they want and they think even a few crumbs from their table is a kindness... but they'll only think to give it if you ask for a slice first."] Orm thought he almost sounded wise in that moment. ["If I'd asked for one boat he'd have given us nothing."]

["You can't be sure that any of that would have happened!"] Esteri said indignantly.

["Sure I could... you were the one doing the talking."] That caught her aback and again Orm could feel pleased with himself. ["Thank you for that. Really. I don't think anyone from our clan could have managed that."]

["Thank you..."] Esteri mumbled uncertainly. Such words from a blood-touched were more than unexpected. ["What do we do from here?"]

["Gather ourselves I suppose. I have need for words from Anais."] If he was to face this fetch he'd need information and Harun'Taras would need to grow even stronger. He'd show them momentum.

 

[Spacekitty]

Unholy Proliferation - The… unconventional hunting mission had been a profitable venture by the Fennec’s standards, and a resoundingly successful test from the perspective of the Black Surgeons. Though a few of their experiments fell to the ferocious beasts, their sewn together limbs ripped off at the stitches and mismatched organs gutted by sharp claws, most survived, proving their mettle through an unhesitant pursuit of their mission, shrugging off blows that would have dazed or even killed normal men and fearlessly charging bears with hand axes even after their spears had been cracked and broken by the beasts. They feared not death, not truly being alive themselves. At the end of their first true trial, the Black Surgeons were impressed with their creations, yet their cold sunken eyes sparkled with the horrors of their future endeavors. They would press on, to perfect their creations. In the name of science.

The corpses of the large Dire Bears were dragged to the temporary laboratories set up by “Surgeons” in the Fennec’s excavation, dimly lit rooms with large cutting tables, jars of pickled body parts and various sinister looking “tools of the trade” hanging on the walls. Here they were dismembered neatly; first the blood was drained from the corpses using copper tubes and hand pumps, their brains were ever so delicately removed and placed into fluid fills jars for later use; then their fur and skin was delicately removed by the still, blood-stained hands of the Surgeons, their muscles precisely cut from bones and ligaments, placed ice boxes along with the various organs of the beasts. Soon all that remained were fresh blood stains and tufts of fur on the Surgeon’s cutting tables.

Once this was done and every bit and piece was organized, the Surgeons got to work re-assembling the Dire Bears into their “new” forms. The bits and pieces were reassembled into a… generously human form. First their skeletons were lain out and rearranged and reshaped to give them a bipedal form, interchanging bones that didn't fit with this vision with bones that did from other “sources”. This foundation was then covered with muscle and connective tissue, the powerful muscles of the dire bears would breath immense strength to these new miscreated. Organ systems were reassembled and the brain was placed into the bear-skull that would stay as the head of these new miscreated. Once the interior was finished, the skin and fur was sown back onto the mass of dry muscle and fat. Finally, black-magic infused blood was pumped back into the creatures through the same copper tubes and life was breathed back into the Dire Bears. If one could even call them that anymore… At the end of it all, 10 new Miscreated joined the Finecian forces. Large, hulking misshaped bear men, once more clad in dirty burlap and donning facemasks and crude breastplates to complete the look.

But neither the Fennec nor the Surgeons were satisfied, and so the hunting of Dire Bears for the production of more Miscreated would continue, but for every Dire Bear killed, one was to be captured alive. The Black Surgeons theorize that the combination of a live and dead Dire Bear could yield some… interesting results. No one dared ask for specifics.

ORDERS: 9 Miscreated, 6 armed with Heavy Hunting Spears and 3 Halberdiers with hand axes at their wastes, 3 Dunsia Assassins with poisoned heavy crossbows, 18 Hooded Warriors to ensure easy and efficient kills, and 3 Black Surgeons are sent to hunt Dire Bears in 3 teams of 3 Miscreated, 1 Dunsia, 6 Hooded Warriors and 1 Surgeons.

Strategy for hunting them will be to draw one out of it's cave, the Dunsia will shoot them with poisoned bolts and the Miscreated will wait until the poison has had its effect before going in for the kill by surrounding it and gorging it with their polearms. Those destined for capture and… later experimentation will be sedated with poison and then forced into large cages leftover from the capturing of cavefishers.

(TLDR: 9 Miscreated, 3 Black Doctors, 3 Dunsia, 18 Hooded Warriors, Dire Bears to be captured and killed in a 1:1 ration to create more Miscreated)


Manifest Destiny - Scout team send to explore and map the eastern mountain and study any wildlife found there, speifically to explore the Cinder Cone to find potential magical relics and riches


(11 Miscreated, 9 Hitmen, 4 Dunsia Assassin, 10 Dirty Paws, 1 Capo Master Assassin, 1 Capo Master Biologist)




Centralization and Industrialization - Construction of a production complex continues. The facility with be built with the assembly line design. One section of the complex will serve as a dump site for raw materials, the next for the actual brewing and then distilling of Brews, the next for the packaging and then the exporting of the goods. Furthermore, each separate section will be further compartmentalized into the assembly line design.

Construction of a large goods production facility/complex just outside of the excavation continues, aiming to produce all Fennec goods within an efficient complex to maximize production. The Fennecs will first focus on the production of booze. (30 Skilled Fennec, 30 Unskilled Ratkin, 3 Giant Pengalins, 2 Trolls, 1 Capo Master Brewer and 1 Capo Sontio to ensure the facility will be built with mass production and efficiency in mind. Current plans for the facility is a complex of different buildings, each designated for a different part of production, From cultivating to packaging. These facilities will be connected by underground tunnels, no Fennec will be seen outside. the three Giant Pengolins will dig these tunnels, which will then be reinforced by the skilled fennec.

(25 Skilled Fennec, 20 Unskilled Ratkin, 3 Giant Pengalins, 3 Trolls, 1 Capo Master Brewer and 1 Capo Sontio)


Farmin’ Time - Farming continues. The Fennec will seek to expand the farm and honey production. Kuzko (highly potent hallucinogenic cactus drug) will be grown in the greenhouse for exportation to the Old World. Consumption and sale in the New World is made illegal within the Fennec.

The Finecians will continue to create a large plantation for cash crop production. The existing farm by Muddy lake will be used, expanding on it and improving upon the current foundation. There the Fennec will grow a variety of crops. Part of the plantation will be devoted to bee farming/honey production, where the Fennec will experiment with different food sources for bee colonies to produce different flavor honey. (Honey flavor depends on the main type of plant the bees got nectar from) by insolating bee hives in areas with one major type of flowering plant available. The Plantation will also contain orchards for berry production (for wine ofc) and cherry production. Other areas of the farm will produce wheat, barley and other goods needed for beer/wine production. Tea and other spices will be grown for export and food production.

(20 skilled Fennec, 33 Hooded Workers, 2 Witches, 10 clean paws, 5 Troll, 10 Unskilled Fennec, 10 Unskilled Ratkin)


Amber - 1 Troll and 14 Unskilled Fennec enter the muddy Lake forest to collect more Amber
(1 Troll, 14 Unskilled Fennec)

Unconventional Farming and More Unholy Proliferation - The Fennecs work to farm the captured Cave Fishers, collecting their valueble Silk and using their hallucigenic posions known effects as a "aphrodesiac" among the Cave Fishers to boost populations. 10 Fishers will be slain and harvested for glue and their meat, bones and claws will be used to create MORE MISCREATED. Breeding of the Fishers using the hallucigenic poison will replace and expand population.
(2 Troll, 5 Skilled Fennec, 10 Unskilled, 25 Hooded Warriors)



SHARK HUNTING:

The Finecians offer to spend up to 3 wealth to hire Exile Fisherman to fish for the largest Sharks they can catch!

 

[Shireling]

Stoutmen Colony
​

After the visit of the Housemen and their master to the Chapel of the Godhead, the building was re-sanctified. The Stouts, who had grown accustomed to having their faith respected or at least not actively denigrated, sank again under the weight of the same system they had been subject to in the Home Country. For several days, their countenances laid heavy and somber. But, like good folk, they eventually perked up and got along safe in the knowledge that at least their leader had made the right decision in acquiescing to Imperial demands. People often compared Kearney to the Prophet Rasmus who was said to have averted a disastrous rebellion against the Muurdaan. His popularity in the community grew or was reaffirmed.

The spring planting was done, and the farmers who had done the hard work were free again to be tasked to other projects while the crops grew. On a warm morning, a delegate from the Firebeard Dwarves arrived to inform the Stouts of their parallel intentions of making a large brewery. After much deliberation, the Stout and Dwarf builders agreed that they would produce a better product faster by pooling their resources and attempting to retake the abandoned brewery to the south. The Stouts re-purposed the building the distillery was supposed to be placed in and redirected their troops and workmen to the south. General Deth Glitch

Every Service Day after church, the men of the Stout colony who are able-bodied assemble on the green outside the palisade in their black and white striped gambeson uniforms, some of them with shiny new iron armor. They are instructed and drilled in the basics of fighting with polearms, staves, and clubs. Certain civilians are appointed Militia Sergeants and in charge of the various different militia groups. Each man is given his own spear and uniform to take home so that he may be called up to fight in the service of the colony at the rallying cry.

A messenger came bearing tidings of a Fennec-led expedition to the western ruins, although when asked further he revealed that some of the Fennec were going into battle with abominations enthralled to them. The Stouts refused to aid the expedition, but continued trade ties with the Fennec if they had any. Spacekitty

A Stoutmen envoy was sent to talk to the Firebeard Dwarves in their halls. He offered the Dwarves the surplus food of the Standish colony in exchange for stone and the help of Dwarven artisans to construct a stone wall around New Harmony and a few tall watchtowers on the eastern perimeter. General Deth Glitch

The taskmasters set down a new set of tasks.

Spoiler: Active Labor Pool

Clergymen-5
Draftstouts-8
Stalwarts-45
Bulwarks-28
Crossblades-15

New Orders
20 Bulwarks and 15 Crossblades are sent ahead of a party of 20 Stalwarts and 2 Draftstouts to occupy the abandoned brewery and wait for their Dwarven allies to arrive. The soldiers are prepared to deal with wildlife or enemies that have begun inhabiting the brewery.

15 Stalwarts and 1 Draftstout begin repurposing the building that the brewery was going to go in into a grindstone mill for making flour powered by a cow. They ask the Dwarves if they would fashion a grindstone for them. General Deth Glitch

10 Stalwarts and 5 Draftstouts are tasked with finding a spot along the southern cliffs where they can construct a crane and dock to allow ships to have commerce directly with New Harmony.

 

[Heyitsjiwon]

The news of the Malaphite never left the mind of Caelis. However, he had also heard of the Tyren exploring the area... and it seemed that the gnolls were not exaggerating. This was worrying. While he wasn't sure how the Colony could really help directly. He felt compelled to send some sort of substantial aid. Thus, the Castellan left the Attolian Housing District with a small cart that was covered; it was precious cargo. A short journey took place as the Castellan eventually reached the gnoll woods. He was eventually met and greeted by some gnolls. He simply said "Hail, I bare a gift from Lord Caelis for the Bitch Queen and the gnolls." He then unveiled the cargo by lifting the tarp. The little rays of light that shone through the tree canopy glistened on the red crystals. "Fire mana crystals. For your galient fight with the Malaphite. We wish to support you, our friends, as you have supported us. If the Bitch Queen or Walks In Cull is in need of anything, then simply ask and the Attolians will come to your aid." Magic seemed to be the only thing capable of holding back the vines... however, he and Caelis suspected that those crystals would be nowhere near enough. Still, it would hopefully help buy some time for the Colony to prepare.

Further south in the woods, Cassandra was escorted by a squad of halberdiers. The Attolian Falconer also followed, with one of his falcons carrying a greater seer stone and providing an area view of the area. One of the soldiers carefully carried the war garb of the late Underlord Touryan as Cassandra used her powers. They sought the remains of the Underlord who was carelessly buried in these woods after he was stripped of his belonging. The closer Cassandra got to the area, the clearer his final resting place became. Thus, the search began to recover the remains of the Underlord and to help bring his restless spirit to peace.

---

Summary:

The Attolians gift the gnolls 1 Unit of Fire Mana Crystals to help them in their fight against the Malaphite

Cassandra, the Falconer, and 10 Halberdiers search for the final resting place of Underlord Touryan

 

[Prince Vaethorion]

Spacekitty
The Highborn send assistance to clear out the troubled Menagerie District. Forces will depend on the timing of the arrival of Immigrants and terrain.

The Highborn assist with the sanctifying the Fountains.
Heyitsjiwon SpiralErrant

The High Cleric presents a plan. "The Blood Tear of divinity that was recovered was put aside for the purpose of freeing Cassandra's soul from the Demon. The Demon will be offered freedom and the Blood tear in Exchange for Cassandra's soul. The moment that the Demon begins to transfer, he will become vulnerable. The power of the Blood tear will be used to transfer the Demon to the Elven Scull, and then the Demon will be banished from our plane and or destroyed and Cassandra's soul freed. In the process of cleansing the Fountains, the Arch Angel will be summoned and the Highborn will hold a ceremony transferring the Angels power into specially selected Highborn. These Highborn will be present to help the Arch Angel protect us if the Demon gets out of control. All the various mages, Priests, Tyren Shamans who want to help cleanse our colony of this foul presence are needed. We have allowed this blood sucking parasite to exist for too long. That is the plan. In the void the Demon creates, the Tyren and Highborn will use the fountains for good. We will use our powers in Nature and High magic to cleanse and create fountains of purity and light. One fountain will cleanse, and the other will nurture."



Orders:

Highborn prepare forces to help clear Menagerie District (forces to be announced)
Highborn propose strategy in cleansing fountains from Demon (High Cleric using Blood Tear,
Highborn Perform Ceremony with Arch Angels and Highborn Selected

(ooc: short post to remain current)

 

[Heyitsjiwon]

Prince Vaethorion SpiralErrant

"The Attolians generally agree that is the plan as the spirits have informed us exactly what to do. However, the use of a tear... should be a back up at most. We have enough ominous warnings of the tear's use and nature. They should be heeded. Thus, the original plan should be stuck with. One that does not completely rely on the power of the gods for great power always seems to come at a great price. Let us try with the skull alone first. Caelis will simply approach the Fountain alone to avoid rasing suspicion and offer the skull as a vessel for the Fountain to have a physical embodiment that can be moved. If that fails, then we resort to force and the tears."

"Now let us begin this mission quickly before the foul being learns of what is happening and takes action. My priest, Spellbreaker, 3 University Mages, 2 Astologers, and the 20 Knights of the Circle stand ready whenever with the skull. It would have fetched a pretty price, but thankfully, the Firebeards consider this repayment for aid with the Mother Fisher. How many men do the Highborn and Tyren bring? It was folly to trust these spirits. They do not belong in this plane of existence."

---

Attolians push for the use of the original plan without the tear and have the tears ready as back up incase just the skull fails to gain the Fountain's attention.

Caelis, Astral Tear, Lothar, 3 University Mages, 2 Astrologers, 1 Spellbreaker, 1 Pantheon Priest and 20 Knights of the Circle stand ready to begin the mission with the decorated elven skull.

---

While Caelis gathered allies in his mission to free Cassandra and rid the Platz of a devil, the rest of the Attolians were back at work as usual.

With the finding of what appeared to be Spire 10, Nicholas was temporarily assigned to create more keys to assist Spire 9 and build relations with them. Perhaps see if they knew of a way to retrieve the remains of Spire 10. However, retrieving Spire 10 would be a major challenge... regardless of whatever help that the Attolians could muster. The tower's situation had to be assessed properly first.

Prince Vaethorion

Work on the portal had to continue as well. Picking up Nicholas' work done so far, the two astrologers began working on it as well. However, there was no one else as proficient in the field of dimensional travel other than the Highborn. Thus, a call was sent to seek aid from the Highborn with the Portal project. The Attolians knew of the Highborn "Ways" and it would without a doubt help with research in building stable portals. This was a matter of life or death... they needed a way to reliably and quickly get up the Great Trees to meet the Cull in combat.

Talion's creations were... a near god send. The 50 bone constructs were tireless workers, constantly tending to the farms or doing other menial labor and freeing up crucial labor for more complex tasks. They needed more. Perhaps, they could sell labor to others if the Attolian farming needs were tended to completely. Thus, Talion's request for wealth to control more skeletons were met with enough money to buy two ships.

Seeing how the Magical Workshop would often be in use, Caelis thought it would be prudent to have a second settlement around the Workshop. The east was increasingly proving to be a point of concern for the Colony with the approaching Malaphite. The Attolians would have to take action soon, and to do so they needed a more permanent presence in the East. Thus, a second Attolian settlement would form on the other side of the River.

However, back in the Attolian Housing District, work still had to be done. With the skeletons doing most of the menial labor, the Attolians could focus on producing finished goods. They had access to silk from their joint venture with the Fishers. They had ice rooms filled with crystals. They had underground gardens, continually growing crops. It was time to use this industrial infrastructure and mass produce items for export. Thus, the rest of the Attolian labor was put into awakening the Attolian industrial workhorse.

The Attolian Linguist also began work on studying the Ironbound Book further. A second, called "Crystals as Prisons" particularly interested the Attolians. Mostly due to the fact that there were terrible weapons and beings in these lands. They could not hope to defeat them, but perhaps they could be contained? There was much to study, but the first steps had to be taken.

The Attolian military also started sending out a few expeditions. One was to the Excavation once more, but not to occupy it. Rather, the ants were of interest to the Attolians. Thus, the hiver prince was escorted to the excavation to see if the Hiver can convince them to follow him or at least give him eggs. To aid him was the University Beast Mage.

An expedition was also sent to the east to do a more focused exploration. This expedition would target the highest peaks of the mountains where they saw the Cinder Peak and the natural paths. Hopefully, this expedition would bare more fruit than the first two.

---

Orders:

Creation of Keys for Spire 9
Nicholas, Gnome Artificer, Gnome Machinist, 20 Skilled Dwarven Workers, Metal University Mage

Assess the situation of Spire 10 and try to figure out how to extract/restore the tower from the Lake
2 Engineers, 10 Skilled Workers, 20 Sirens

Portal Work Continues
2 Astrologers, Mages Guild

Make more skeletons for labor
Talion and his assistants, 2 Wealth, Death University Mage, Magical Workshop

Creation of a second fortified Attolian settlement around the Magical Workshop
2 Architects, 1 Engineer, 40 Unskilled Laborers, 4 Stone Constructs, Cranes, 10 Kriegan Banner Infantry, 10 Attolian Swarm Infantry

Tend to the farms/gardens/crystal rooms while implementing and using the new machines in Attolian Industry
2 Engineers, Powered Loom, Printing Press, Mechanical Reaper, Steam Shovel, 10 Skilled Workers, 29 Unskilled Laborers, 15 Sirens, 5 Thralls, Agriculturalist

Study the Ironbound Book and learn more about "Crystals as a Prison"
Linguist, Historian, Writer

Expedition to the Excavation to try to receive Ant Eggs/Ant Followers for the Hiver Prince
Hiver Prince (Miner), 10 Halberdiers,

Focused expedition to the Eastern Mountains to explore / find resources / anything of value in the Cinder Cone
Falconer, Explorer, Herbalist, Geologist, Animal Tamer, 10 Kriegan Banner Infantry, 10 Attolian Swarm Infantry, Mountaineering Trait

Assist the expedition in the Menagerie District
10 Attolian Swarm Infantry, 10 Kriegan Banner Infantry, Silver Bell, University Beast Mage, Skull Sceptor

 

[Pat]

The Styx was dismantled and its components stowed away into the completed chamber when Triton's expedition to Sunken Shoals and the Deep Vault arrived back with their haul, leaving the simple tools be in the Deep Vault and doing their best to erase all evidence of their presence from the cave. After ensuring alongside Maste and Moor that the samples of the local plantlife were planted not far west of the chamber, the merdwarf leader stole away later that evening to gaze suspiciously at the Tear of Divinity of Water the Muurdan had given him and his people as a 'gift' shortly before they set out for this place from Port Cestus. When held to his eye on land at port it had the peculiar attribute of making the air look milky and cloudy, while the water in the air seemed to shimmer like bubbles. Now, looking through it, the ocean appeared to be the only thing that was real, all other features just melting away. Stories of tools, of weapons, like this were told among the youth of his kind for generations after magic was renounced and the great tools and weapons of the Muurdan mages were successfully reverse engineered until the arcane became an understood science to them, but they paled in comparison to this. Pocketing the supernatural object once more, Triton returned from his outing and turned in for the night. Perhaps one day the knowledge of his people would be able to replicate and surpass the power of the Gods themselves with items like these.

His people tired after their monumental achievement, Triton in the morning declared an optional day of rest for everyone but the guards, requesting only Koral, Rudders, Reif, Sharq, Maste, and Moor to continue working. Neat unused piles of stone from the mining operation littered the sides of the bottom of the Daunting Cliff, piles of stone that Koral, the animunculist, would attempt to animate utilizing the advanced technology of his people into five tireless stone automatons chiseled in the likeness of merdwarves by the end of the second day, saving the brunt of the heavy lifting involved for the latter five due to their relatively rested statuses in comparison to him in the hopes he can provide his extensive knowledge and experience while still recovering from yesterday's effort. Comprised of rudimentary materials compared to their more elaborate brethren in the Old World, these automatons would be capable of simple tasks suiting unskilled labor for prolonged periods without maintenance, but little else. Upon creation, the stone automatons are to continue expanding the initial room until it reaches the point of being one hundred meters in width, length, and height under the casual supervision of Marlinn and Salomon, the miners, and Forde, the resident engineer of their colony.

 

[Beckoncall]

Spacekitty
Unholy proliferation --

The Troops provided were inadequate to capture dire bears -- kill them perhaps, but more would be required for capture. As such, the group became one killing force -- hunting a couple of the creatures down and in fact capturing one alive.

The corpses of the dead were mingled with that of the surviving dire bear and cross-mixed with the hacked and living bodies of cave fishers. It seemed no matter how large the creature got, the frame could handle just a little more experimentation... a little more torturous work.

The black surgeons sweated and laughed the laugh of madmen out of breath when they were finished... they had from all the parts made only one being -- but it was exactly as they wished. The crowning addition to it all was GOD ROT, taken from the bellies of the few giant sharks they had paid through the nose to get captured. This made the beast even more perverse and powerful, both through it's shark-body-parts and the god-rot itself.

This creature was not miscreated at all... This creature was PERFECTED. (Fennec gain 8 point "Perfected" hairy, beary, Sharklike, amphibious web-shooting tentacle monster.) The thing was barely controllable, but controllable it was. A slave of instinct and the prodding of it's masters -- it was literally a horrifying betrayal of nature that it existed.
5 lesser bear-shark miscreated were made from odds and ends.

Mountain Quest -- The group selected for the job was well suited. Few feet ever faltered, no feet were ever in danger. The mountain seemed to be at it's foot an avalanche of rocks carried by seemingly small glaciers at it's base -- suggesting even more ice deep under the rock for some distance. This area was especially treacherous for even some rock formations standing for centuries were not truly stable and even once it was a great feat of acrobatics to escape a part of the cliff-face before it rearranged itself in darkness below.
Beyond the Glacier Rubble Cliffs winding passes of harder stone began to show themselves on the incline, parts of the mountain the ice could not scrape out or take with it... these were veins of rock beside icy rifts and pits of blackness devouring the light, the rock, and all that fell in it. This area was dubbed The ants paths for in some places even fennec had to ascend them single file. Here and there great immovable boulders of free rock hovered in ice, parts shining with promise, but whether this was trick of light or evidence of minerals the team could not determine.
Mercifully the ants paths gave way to flatlands halfway up the mountain... a shelf of islands of rock suspended in seas of ice and snow. The Ratkin and fennec were no fools, and carefully searched for where crevasses might hide below shallow snow -- this too was a dangerous area. At one point across two ravines so as to be unreachable, the team saw a small herd of Mammoth walking sure-footed upon the snowplain... the fennec wondered how such massive beasts could walk with confidence where a tiny fennec might be sucked into oblivion if they were not careful. The ice was ancient, they deducted -- and the mammoths had learned their own safe ways to tread. Giant white cranes, gorgeous birds, flew in straight lines overhead towards the summit... and in looking down the climbing team was amazed no-one was dead or injured. They were pressing their luck at this point. Supplies, though generous, were running short -- could they press on to the next rock walls to reach the cinder cone? They would have to decide on setting up a base camp, then deciding whether to descend with the knowledge they had, or press on, and perhaps perish for glory.... Decision point -- Does the manifest destiny team press on?

With their population fully released from captivity, the average fennec and the hooded workers put in their best labors creating their Factory complex, the first structures semi-hidden in the side of the excavation the multiple buildings spanned connected by tunnels almost all the way to the croplands and amber fields of muddy lake. Still, more labor was needed for the ambitious project... many wondered if it would be functional even after fall so ambitious the labrynthine complex seemed to make itself. Setbacks demanded more time, but also provided more opportunities... architects and overseers were nearly siezed by analysis paralysis at what the complex could truly be, and it was a question of whether it's ambition would need to be scaled back. THEY NEEDED MORE LABOR!

An answer to these prayers was the completion of spring planting -- some of the crops, in particular the tea, would need additional care, but the farming crews would soon be demanded at the every hungry mouth of the factory for workers. Bee-keepers moved certain hives into greenhouses to create closed systems for delicious and decadent heirloom honies. This project was a stand-up success -- there was red honies that went great with spicy food, and golden honies that were almost a crime not to eat straight and pure. Stranger green honies had charming melting viscocities and density for pulling into candies. Honey would be a strong export -- the fennec could tell.

As if in answer further for the call to find labor -- the "low hanging fruit" of amber laying in the woods and on the outside of trees vanished with the current harvest (+3 amber units gained) To gain more would require the breaking of petrified woods that were formerly ample gathering sites, and the use of troll digging... lots of it. (Amber supply peters out!)

Fennec gain 3 units of glue and add'l 2 units of silk from cave-fisher farming. Hallucinagenic breeding program was successful and it seemed fisher numbers would be larger in the fall.

Fennec gain 2 units of god rot from deep-shark harvesting!

 

[Beckoncall]

Shireling General Deth Glitch

Stout and Dwarf Collusion...

The stouts could not have bothered to send security -- no enemies stood in the way of the stouts and dwarves as they seized the old mud-elf distillery complex. All that waited for them were dessicated worm masses and the crows that fed on them... Standing guard nothing approached, so they lent a little hand with the construction.

With dwarven tech and the tireless labor of stouts vs. dwarves in competition for who was indeed the most enduring, a facility rapidly rose out of the ruins... by fall a veritable ocean of brews might pour forth from the aged casks of the beer-plant.

At the head of the cliffs already, the stouts chose this location for their great crane -- which the Firebeards lent their hand and know-how to construct. Capable of transporting many times it's weight, it's strong stone platforms and lifts stood capable of loading a moored ship below, with some care.

As a final gift to the stouts, a specially textured granite mill-stone was prepared and installed for the stoutmen mill -- a cow could lazily drag it along a beautifully mounted track, and it pound the hardest grains into sand, then into soft powder. Stoutmen experiment with "Snow Flour" -- for its potential to make the lightest and most luxurious baked goods -- though the stouts didn't particularly favor them, they might make for good export. (Snow-flour added to market as luxury commodity -- all baked goods superior with this fine grain!)

 

[SpiralErrant]

So their momentum was found. With the new arrivals building up the workforce and gaining new supplies that finally made the mine a viable route for the Sylvan. Wearing such constricting clothing was a bother Deryn could withstand in the name of exploring a construct that was lost for so long in the home lands, and one that had been enhanced by the ancient woods as well! Song and music would ring through the cliff side cave as she worked her magic. One member of her coven would have to sigh wistfully as they worked on bended knee as one of the stone cottages was converted into a new doctor's building but at least it was for a good cause, and they could keep an eye on the white pelted minotaur that had become the lady druid's newest pupil.

Elsewhere about the hills the tyren and elves were embracing their fledgling form of industry. They may not have been able to match other races for their technological works, still being new to this settled living game, but the former nomads had spent their time as daylabourers in their travels and picked up enough to make their own attempts. After some spending at market they could gather tools and nets to ply the reservoir and the ruins around it. hopefully thy would find more treasures than just carrots and fluffy rabbits.

Such hard works would be considered a calming day compared to the violent jobs of other hillfolk. A party of explorers gathered together with the Firebeards to strike their mark into the abandoned zoo of the mage kings. Some came with the beasts and tools needed to wrangle the local monsters into submission for taming like the runner lizards. Others brought weapons, under Orm's orders, to act as security against whatever they might find and to map the area out in greater detail. Their leading shepherd was even given access to one of the "hands of glory" a piece of loot claimed from the mudelves, something the shaman said could make a feral animal stop in its tracks and forget its blood lust when held high. Shul made sure to hammer home that it was only to be used in an emergency as the things had a habit of crumbling after use.

As for Shul himself, he was busy awkwardly strapping on a heavy stone breastplate to his chest. "This kind of exciting, isn't it" Shul said. "How long has it been since we've gone to handle something all three of us together?"

"I think it was the plague oak back in Halifax..." Bruul mused, going over his tracings with Uumush one last time. He was putting faith in his teacher's spirit magic for this day, adding it to his punches and hefty armour as they went to do battle with a fallen god.

"You are stronger since then." Uumush whispered, noticing Shul's nerves. They thought he might have issue with the stone and iron armour but he had an oak's sense of strength these days and even an elderly minotaur could shoulder weights that would floor a man. With everyone coming to this party they hoped to walk away from it clean, if short a jeweled skull, and one fancy fountain richer. Perhaps they would turn the one they claimed into another henge for the spirits?

Action summary:
Efforts to build a second branch of the healers guild in Harun'Taras begin.
(Anuc the newly taught life mage and Weome, a skilled herbalist, direct activities as the local experts.

1 of Deryn's tree singers is on hand to help cultivate an in house garden of medicinal plants.

1 skilled craftbull is on hand to guide any building alterations needed.

20 Hillfolk are making up the bulk labour.)

The experts finally get their hands on the mine of vines!
(Deryn the winterborn druid and her remaining coven enter the mine of vines to investigate. 3 tree singers, 1 sylvan bard. All equipped with lodestone safety coats.)

The old guard of the shaman assist in the blood fountain endeavour.
(Uumush, Bruul, and Shul. The former 2 are equipped with their iron robes. All 3 are equipped with antimagic breastplates. Bruul has been prepping by using his tracer magic with Uumush to further their spirit magic.)

General Deth Glitch
Joint expedition with the Firebeards into the menagerie district.
(1 skilled shepherd and a pack of runner lizards. 1 skilled tyren hunter. 4 skilled tyren workers. 5 tyrenborn in New carapace armour of agility and scorpion weapons. 10 tyren warriors in antimagic breastplates. 15 mercenaries. The shepherd carries a "hand of glory")

Work teams return to the reservoir and Gewgaw ruins. Their objective, to salvage building supplies, clear away ruins, and explore the area for ways the land and reservoir can be worked.
(5 skilled tyren, 20 Springborn, 20 hillfolk. 1 wealth spent on tools and supplies.)

Barns are put up around Harun'Tarus to help manage the ongoing growth of the livestock herds.
(1 craftbull, 1 skilled shepherd, 4 skilled tyren, 20 unskilled tyren.)

Prince Vaethorion
The Tyren bring a portion of the Mithril ore to the Highborn, offering a share of what is made in return for the Highborn expertise on the metal.
"We're aiming to make a share of finer tools with some of it, things to make fine works don't y'know? And some swords for the lads, same as like the axe you made for Orm. We even brought our own magic to help ease things along!"
(4 Craftbulls, 1 shaman earth mage, 10 unskilled tyren.)

 

[Beckoncall]

"Bad Apple"
"Lost Continent: Flight From Muurdaan" (BeckonCall's FNB!)

Heyitsjiwon

A witch-seer wanders -- a corpse of Muurdaan to find, while balance of power shifts, if the demons left behind...

Cassandra's blood boiled as she searched the woods, circling with the falcon above, searching the old growth for the corpse of the lost Underlord Touryan. Behind her she could feel the hearts in the colony turn from the fountain... and it whispered to her to stop Caelis' task, to return to the fountain to defend it. Every step in the earth was a battle in her mind, her blind eyes seeing everything within and without her. Behind the voice of the demon, was the voice of Caelis -- wishing her free. To open her eyes and see again in the light. The pain rose to a crescendo in her heart only to collapse again and again. She would do her duty for Caelis, that may not be the strongest pact she made, but it was the first and the most honest. Her mood shifted from tired to energetic, ever closer growing to the corpse... she could sense it...

When found she should not have assumed it would have been so greatly hidden -- sprawling backwards in an arc, was the intact skeleton of a human with one hand gripping a single petrified tree that impaled through it on a limbless trunk.

It's other arm hung slack, with it's hand making a hanging fist.

They had found the place where Touryan had died, and where cursed wood had hoist his body high like a trophy on the border of mud-elf territory.

The skull did not turn to face her, but it''s spirit did... the air in the area grew colder as the thing began to speak.

"Bannner.... Banner is home.... Where is my fist? Where am I? The thing that mocked me is dead... cut me down and give me my effects... so that I might truly die. Take me to Caelis. Yes. The Attolian. He will bear my body across the sea. There is nothing but war and ruin here. Must tell the lords to lock it away... this place was meant to be forgotten. Banner..."

Cassandra surpressed the agony of the maelstrom in her heart to approach the pitiful but once mighty spirit, she could see pits on the ground where his armor was pulled from his body, the impression of his gattling fist in the dirt. This was no grave for one of the greatest lords to have ever lived... her sadness mingled with that of touryan, made it bittersweet.

"Come down from there, sweet Underlord -- for we are both tortured souls... we will bring you into the light, and perhaps darkness take me, but I'd love to follow the path we may yet set for you..."

Cassandra finds the corpse of Underlord Touryan in the Mud-elf wood!

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Gnolls and Fire...

Caelis brought the fire-gems to the bitch queen... and the gnolls of court marvelled at them. "With these, we shall burn back the malaphite from our lands, but we cannot stop it from creeping ever further south. We have been clearing the woods of bones because the malaphite makes the dead it's own now. They are the Mannikin -- puppets of vine."

So far the Mannikin have not trespassed, but the great vines of the Malaphite attempt to grow even into our holdfast -- we shall see if these crystals can do anything to hold it back... but what we really need is SALT. Salt the earth, and the malaphite may not grow much further -- bring us all the salt you can... we shall apply it to the wounds on the malaphite just as we scorch the limbs we cut away. The Malaphite will not brood diplomacy until we can demonstrate a threat.. and so far all we can do is slow it down."

"Bring the salt from the seas or the caves nearby it -- if we can save each other from the Malaphite, The Bitch queen may consider a formal and lasting alliance... even union. This year for the first time in centuries we prepare to FIGHT the cull, not hide to let it pass... there is hope that the colony will overcome it, the spirits fortell. Hope lives in the wood... and it is the hope of the wood that will purify the great tree. If not magic, or bodies, or blood. The cull must be stopped. The Titans CAN be stopped. we have lain languid in a hopelessness to change an endless struggle -- but the board moves and changes -- and the gnolls will move with it.

"Help us defeat the Malaphite and we swear 500 warriors against the Cull. Such as that is. Now go Caelis. We each have work to do."

 

[Beckoncall]

DECISION POINT: Holding expedition to menagerie district until highborn and firebeards state their taskforce. Prince Vaethorion General Deth Glitch

(NAVIGATED)

 

[Beckoncall]

Heyitsjiwon :

The keys for spire 9 were given great labor and precision, and devoted to the labor the task force was -- what could not have been forseen was that when presented with the keys, they were all surrended to the key'ed one.

"This help has come as an urgent time -- The Motivator for the keyed one has gone missing, and needs all the means to continue that it can."

The effort was not entirely wasted, however, as the keyed one -- with now so much more to keep it's clockwork running, seemed to have achieved a higher level of awareness.

"Spire 10 was destroyed by geomancy launching it into the air in the area you presently called shearcliffs -- When the cities were destroyed we fought against the titans themselves who sought to break the barrier. We lost the fight, but maintained the barrier."

"Know that the ruins of spire 10 are defended by explosives attuned magnetically to any attempt to lift the pieces of the tower -- they float on chains until the tower is bid to rise -- the "Mines" must be dealt with before any part of spire 10 can be lifted from the reservior."

The situation at "Spire 10" -- it's mud-mired fragments at least, told a similar tale -- the lake was filled with great black spheres chained to the ground, that vibrated when the sirens attempted to move a piece of the tower. The traps would have to be dealt with before any excavation of the spire fragments could take place.

Of portals:

With the help of the mage guild a direct portal to a specific point was theorhetically possible, but the portal would either require massive quantities of expendable mana, or the help of the highborn to make a stable portal through "The Ways" -- this expedition though the ways could easily be as dangerous as facing the cull itself for it's participants for the wways were a dangerous realm of powerful horrors.... Still, It was speculated with the more cooperation and mana given to the project the path through the ways could be made shorter, more direct, and loosely what could be called "safer."

_______________

The attolian faction hungered for labor -- and labor they would have -- a bounty on bones, allocated to wealth, was put on finding the materials to make a new number of skeletons...

Bones came from the woods, from the bone pit of the cull-tree, and in great numbers from the theater district that was not entirely cleaned on remains. In the end, Attolians gained 50 additional skeletons! With approximately 100 of them, tending the crops was a non-event, but they proved too frail for building or bearing loads... still tireless farm labor and as of yet other unapplied endeavors would prove their worth...

________________________

A second settlement around the magical workshop affectionally called "the squats" popped up at this strategically significant location. Expert architects designed houses the unskilled laborers could build with ease, and from the blasted heath great amounts of wood laying about was taken to build a pallisade. It served as a center of magical industry as well as an installation asserting control and monitoring of who accessed the mana pool there... which granted the attolians power, but other factions frowned on how the Attolians seemed to capitalize the main mana source for the colony, given the anticipated loss of the blood fountain(s)...

____________________________________________

With the use of new tools brought by attolians the first true phases of industrialization began to present themselves. With looms, and reapers, and steam shovels, and the like, parsed amounts of supplies lead to bumper-crops of processed wares. (+4 influence Attolians) this had an unexpected effect of speeding fennec production of their factory (+2 influence fennec) Spacekitty

But more importantly, the era of hunting and gathering for resources had ended. ALL RESOURCES ARE CONSIDERED "SUPPLIED" FOR THE COLONY -- THE COLONY WILL NO LONGER OPERATE IN "UNITS" OF READILY SOURCED MATERIALS.

There was enough silk and glue to go around, bramble gems fell like raindrops, honey ran like rivers, and the bondage of "quantity" was finally shook from the colony -- the colony would truly become a powerhouse for export now -- as the prices of raw materials in the market sank to tremendous lows. This was for a quick moment an upset in market as suppliers of raw materials suddenly found their wares devalued, but this was rapidly corrected with the ease that came into finished goods.

(Attolians gain trait "Industrialist")

___________________________________________________

As for the study of their ancient tome -- distrurbing news was brought forth... It was believed the magic of crystal prisons was a center-piece in the technologies that brought about the construction of tears of divinity -- but if they were prisons, they were prisons for what? Some speculated the super-concentration of magical forces, but others wondered if there was not a more sinister side to this technology... in any case, studying the tome made for processes of more efficient recording and mana storage into crystal geoforms... but more research would be needed still to make sense of this most arcane part of the tome!

_________________________________________

The Hiver expedition would have been a resounding success, were it not for the predations of that accursed centipede -- attracted by the delicacy of the eggs, the ants the hiver prince phermonally persuaded always came up to the surface confused and empty handed. The hiver could confuse the ants into serving the hiver purpose, but to gain eggs would require entrance into the ant cave, and likely dealing with the great centipede itself.

__________________________________________

(con't after other processing!)

______________________

 

[Beckoncall]

Pat

The magical constructs were created, and set about their tasks of giving the beleaguered seadwarves the space they needed to rest. Catalysts to incant the animate constructs could be salvaged from the Styx, but it would only be a matter of time before they would need to find a stable source of mana.

It was discovered the seaweeds were quite nutritious, and contained oils that were superior greases and lubricants (New commodities: Sea-Lubricants!)

Besides the tireless thrum and ticking of the rock golems, the mer-dwarves recuperated... there was still much to explore in every direction, including below...

 

[Beckoncall]

Welcome to the Menagerie... General Deth Glitch SpiralErrant

Two things you could tell right off the bat upon entering the Menagerie district -- There were no longdead -- (though piles and eddies of dust whirled in the wind here and there) -- and it smelled. In some areas black mould covered every cobblestone, and in other places the air was ankle-deep in green mist that numbed the senses if kicked up... the Tyren learned to tread carefully in these areas.

Two things you figured out quickly was that the menagerie was a closed ecosystem... the fossil remains of great and unidentified creatures... monsters really -- lay everywhere... sometimes entwined as if perishing in a mutual deathgrip. A giant human skull with tattered wings and the hind quarters of a great cow -- or lion? mutilated skeletons of six-armed people in the empty rib-cage of a three headed serpent... Bones of impossible size, so great some blocked the streets themselves... The dwarves picked carefully amid the bones but the Tyren often pushed clattering out of the way the waste of centuries of beasts. After that, it was the grubs -- some as small as lice, others so large they clogged windows and halls of buildings high above the street... their half-eaten carcasses, some still writhing... were everywhere. The diet in the menagerie was your fellow occupant, or it was grubs... it was the grubs that swept the bones so clean... Bleaching them white and boring holes or various size in them. The grubs were blind, passive -- they moved singularly up and down surfaces or disgustingly in trains. And there were cages -- built like temples they were, but jails... some held their remains in an endless embrace of prison... others shattered from within or decayed from without...

The third thing the expedition figured out was that whatever remained in the menagerie that wasn't a grub had been on the top of the food chain for a VERY very long time. The Collosal Dire Bear that was seen romping before, it's hide showing veterancy of a thousand wounds, laid dead in a plaza near the center of the district... It's head, fully the size of a Tyren warrior standing tall, lay a full sixty meters from what could be guessed remained of it's body, it's chest cavity stripped of organ-meats and it's intestines dragged over a building leaning precariously in the ruins.

A quiet hell, you could call the menagerie district... and in the ancient rot, and remains, and the clear evidence of the warring of elder things, the Tyren and dwarves began to wonder what they'd gotten themselves into... Forty numbered the dwarves, the tyren over a dozen, with tyrenborn elves and human mercenaries -- the faith of the rich, on point... drawing lots on who was going to die first. It passed time in the quiet howling of the streets and the whirlwinds of dust and the barely audible but ever present noise on the edge of hearing -- the squirming and pulsating of the grubs.

Here, in the center of the district -- the expedition took cover under a great dome to rest out of the open.

....And it was here, out of the light, that the first of the monsters was encountered -- the entire roof of the structure slunk with a maze of worm -- pink and semi-translucent it was everywhere covered with crimson cilia and newt-like legs... hundreds of them for what could be miles of worm... worms? No... it was one thing.

Behind the expedition the eye-less, chameleon-like head -- No... it was crested, like an Axolotl. In a single flashing gesture all the runners the expedition had huddled together vanished down it's giant gullet. runners slid impossibly far down it's throat as it smacked it's lips and the entire expedition either readied itself for a desperate fight or outright froze on terror.

The head pulled back up to the ceiling in the swirling sea of legs, cilia and body... and a voice that seemed to come from the walls spoke slowly, as if picking the words out of the air around the heads of the Tyren and the dwarfs. First it was a mush of dwarven and tyren together, a word-salad that made no sense... then a word of common appeared in the fog of gibbering and it seemed to give a satisfied smacking of it's lips high in the darkness, the cieling, and the maze of itself. It spoke to the assembled.

"The minded are unappetizing, are they not? You do not eat creatures born with names... I don't like to, but I will if you insist on struggle. I shall call you by your names, so that you might be at ease." And call them by their names it did -- every mercenary, each tyren and tyrenborn, each dwarf and the name of their predecessors, a sign of respect among dwarves. It called HulHuff the Shepherd and Grimdr the lord of the dwarves last... and said:

"YOU will talk back to me."

HulHuff thought to brandish the hand of glory, but the thing interrupted him --

"It won't protect you for long. Leave it for when you need it."

"I am the great Olm, and I am perhaps the only encounter all of you are likely to survive in this place... and I can tell you now that the great bear is gone, all that remain..."

"Myrmecoleon waits for something strong enough to end it's suffering and Anger."

"The Eater of the Judged -- once devoured the unworthy on the way to the afterlife -- it does not belong here."

"The Giant Manticore prowls the plazas at night, in an endless circular hunt with the son of Fenrir."

"The Sphinx sleeps in the Plaza of the Sun, and is my only company from time to time."

"Throughout the district the Linnorm and the Drakon endlessly fight, and when one of them wins -- perhaps all in the district will be devoured by the victor."

"Last is the vault of the carrion dragon... but It has not stirred in centuries."

"Now is the part where you talk and ask your questions until I tell you that you should be running..."

 

[Prince Vaethorion]

SpiralErrant

The Highborn were very pleased with their collaboration with the Tyren in making new objects of Mithril. The Highborn had extraplanar designs for the materials. The Mithril would be used to make pairs of portals. The mithril was handed over to the most adept of the Highborn smiths and it was brought to the Star Anvil. It was flattened out with love, and with Elven power. It was remarkably rigid for something so thin. From the sides it was nearly invisible. It was a perfect circle. A large perfect circle. It was just tall enough for a Tyren to enter. When the portal was not activated it seemed to be an incredibly exquisite mirror and when needed could be made to be ignored. In circles in very fine script were Ancient runes, in High Elven and in the language of dimensions and the “Way”. They were imbued with High magic and were coded against use from the non invited. Every single rune was carved into the Mithril Portal. The "Mirror Portal” it was called. From the other Mithril a very large circular hoop was fashioned identical size to the mirror, “Elanor ((sun-star) they were called. One side looked to be the sun and one side the moon. It was also inscribed with very powerful Elven symbols that came from the deepest and most ancient secrets of the Highborn. The mirror portal would act as the master portal. One side of the Elanor would be the entrance and the other the exit. The portals would lead into the way and let out through the other portal. The “Way Seekers” and the Highborn Prince would clear the way. “Traveling” it was called and those who traveled were called “Travelers”.​

The Prince would have a ceremony with the Arch Mage with ALL, the Highborn and Arch Angel to power the Mirror portal. It shone magnificently.​

Portals could be the answer to some of the Colony’s problems. Unique portals could be designed with mortals and non Highborn in mind. The Highborn could not reveal their secrets into the Way, it was too dangerous. However, there were other kinds of Portals and means of travel that existed. The Highborn could agree to develop these technologies as long as they did not violate certain principles.​

Order: Portals crafted from Mithril and imbued with High planar magic.
One Master Portal and one exit, entrance Elanor.
20 Skilled, Arch Mage, Prince.

SpiralErrant Heyitsjiwon​

The Highborn have reservations regarding Caelis’ ability to reason clearly in regards to the Demons in the fountain. However, it is Caelis’s soul at stake. He is nearly gone the Highborn Cleric thinks. The Highborn will allow the Attolians to try their plan, but they have their own plan in reserve.

The Blood tear is meant only to be as a bait for the Demon to want to enter the Elven Scull and inhabit Caelis. The Highborn have experience expunging Demons. The Highborn High Cleric is well suited for this. Caelis is the ultimate bait for that is what the Demon is after. Caelis can offer his soul up along with the Blood tear in return for great power, the Demon must enter scull first. The Demon will go into the Elven scull in order to be transferred. Caelis must trick the the Demon. In return the Demon agrees to leave the fountain, free Cassandra’s soul and go into the Elven Scull. Once into the Elven scull, we can banish it. we must make sure that Caelis is not already under the Demon’s influence.

If the Attolians do not support this wise idea, The Highborn will see if Caelis’ plan works and use the Blood Tear as a Backup.

The Highborn Sends the High Cleric, Arch Mage, 15 Sword Masters. 20 Elite Spearman, 30 Archers. The Higborn High Cleric will call for the aid of the Arch Angel to help vanquish the Demon from the Fountain if needed (if the Attolian plan fails).

Heyitsjiwon Shireling SpiralErrant Spacekitty

-

Asphodel must be contended with. The Highborn will devote shared energies in pushing back the vines. The Attolians, the Highborn, the Fennec discussed the possibility of making a gas with magical attributes to destroy the vines. A magical herbicide called "Asphodel Orange”. The Attolians mentioned using Fire gems to see if this harms them. The Highborn believed some kind of influence was at play with the vines, perhaps a Titan, or Demi-Deity with arcane influence. The Attolians suggested it may be the Green Goddess. That will be looked into. Perhaps the vines can be pushed back at the source of their power? Perhaps the Green Goddess knows? The Fire Brands, the Stouts, the Fennec, the Attolians, Tyren and ALL are Colonial factions are asked to help against Asphodel. The Linguist brings this message to the all the factions.​

Greetings from Highborn,

As you know, the Vines have become a menace.
We must bandy together and combat them.
We will first try to find its source and see if we can rid us of it.
If not we must combat them. We shall work on “Asphodel Orange”.
We need all factions to help with this.
Highborn

Orders:
Highborn Artificer, five skilled Labor, and ten unskilled works with Fennec and Attolians and all Colony to develop weapon against Asphodel.

The Highborn were grateful for the offers of ships from the Attolians. The Highborn were building their own superior ships, but the additional means to ship additional goods was welcome.​

The Prince traveled to Caelis to thank him personally. The Prince with his entourage set out to see the Attolian holdfast and meet with Caelis and other Colony’s leaders. The Prince visited the Haruntaras and met with Orm. The Prince discussed Colonial business. Among the business that the Attolians and Highborn discussed was the need for force to eradicate the enemies of the Colony. This idea had been discussed before. However, before the current influx of manpower, it was not feasible. The idea was to have a reactionary force of members of the entire colony. This force would deal with direct threats. This would be different from the Standing Colonial force that was discussed. This force would be elite. It would be fast and would strike hard. It would be given a series of objectives and would achieve them.

A quadrant on the map for the Colony to clear would be set up and we will begin to clear those hexes.

Orders:

The Prince sets out with his entrourage to meet with Caelis and Orm

The Prince meets with Orm

The Highborn and Attolians discuss forming the Rapid Strike Force.

The Highborn Engineer is sent to examine the Spires 9 and 10 and assist in their repair. The key clearly was in getting the automated units to repair them. The Highborn Engineer sought how to retrieve the remains of the Spire and perhaps rebuild them. The key was in understanding the rest of the field that was in operation.

Order:

Highborn Engineer sent to help repair Spires 9 and ten. Perhaps the remains can be pulled out by the Cyclops using pulleys. The Attolian Sirens can fasten ropes on them? We can then rebuild them? In any case the Highborn Engineer is sent to help on this matter.

Attolians Portals and busy making:
The Highborn were deeply concerned about the way the Attolians and other mortals dappled in the Arcane. It was disconcerting and at times very dangerous. Entire civilizations were in fact destroyed because of this. The Highborn didn’t want the Attolians to muck about too much with other dimensions and traveling inter-dimensionally. It was rather painful for the Highborn to observe. The Highborn had been working on the Ways and Portals for an eternity and since they had arrived to the Colony had examined the Ways here, and found it to be very dangerous. The Highborn knew how to create stable portals. However, stable and safe were not the same. One had to be careful what was opened up, what was closed, what was traveled to and what could travel out. A conversation occurred on how the Highborn could humor the Attolian astrologers without insulting them. The Highborn referred to an ancient text where it discussed a similar case. The Highborn had allied with Mortals to defeat dark forces. This was before the Muurdan had such power. Portals were used. The secrets of the dimensional travel were not to be shared with other races lightly. The Highborn designed portals to be used by Mortals that were limited in use and could be ultimately sealed by the Highborn mages. The deepest secrets and truths of the portals were kept while their practicality remained. The Highborn had been planning to use the Ways to contend with the Cull but this was determined at the time to be too dangerous with out assistance. The Way Seekers are coming from the homeland of the Highborn to help guide us through the Ways to strike. We shall leave Portals in place. The Highborn will share only the technology that their Beliefs allow. Using dimensional technology to destroy a common foe has been done before, it will be done again. The Highborn mages are cautioned to treat the Attolian mages with respect. "We were once toddlers, imagine being one forever!, have some empathy!”.

A Portal leading to the Cull. This was a thought the Prince had mused for some time, but the dangers of such an endeavor were almost unspeakable. Yet, this idea returned again and gain. Many things were now falling into place. The Prince did not regard Human mages with the same disdain that other Highborn did. He knew that some were powerful, and nearly all were potentially dangerous to themselves and others. They could also be useful. The flexibility, the incorrigibility of Mortals had it’s advantages. They were like puddy or clay and could be molded. The Attolian Astrologers might come in handy. They could off set some of the potential dangers perhaps. Everything is coming together the Prince thought. This is the Way, this is the way the Way works. The Way works. The Way works….

Constructs and Industrial odd Things.

The Highborn were concerned about the possibility of the Attolian usage of Death Magic to make Bone Constructs. That was the belief of the Highborn. The Attolians did not seem to think so. The usage of Skeletons, the creation of bizarre creatures and other uses of magic were of concern to the Highborn. “They don’t know what they are doing” they said among themselves. “Do they not look around, and see what folly occurred before them???”. The Highborn did not raise an official issue out of it, but it was decided that the the Highborn High Cleric would do some investigating to insure Dark forces were not at work and that these creations were not Evil.

The Highborn had been working on their own constructs since arrival. Their Artificer has been designing one that is powered off the forces
Order: High Cleric inspects constructs and Fennec creations for signs of Dark magic and evil tendencies. Are they threats?

The Highborn were determined to ride the industrial wave. The Highborn would begin to adapt and assimilate their manner of production to keep up with the Output that will be required to be an exporter.
The designs of the Steam Engine were to be observed and improved. The Highborn would adapt the steam engines to consume Mana crystals that were grown with the Malacite Rod. The Mana crystals were to create a combustion heat that would aid in the new production of Highborn weapons export. The Highborn would emulate the new methods of industry and combine it with their love of perfection and design.

Orders:
Highborn Artificer works on Constructs powered by Angelic forces.
Highborn Engineer Draws plans to develop Highborn engine fueled on Mana Crystals.

Menagerie District Exploration
The Highborn send Tactician, 10 Elite Spearman, 10 Swordmasters, 10 Archers, to aid in clearing and exploring district.

Highborn send Ballista (Beast Feller) to contend with Centipede and back up other Attolian and Fennec forces. With five archers and five Elite Spearman.



(OOC: this is an incomplete set of orders but I wanted to get something up)

 

[Heyitsjiwon]

Past, Present, and Future

"You know Jav, I used to hate being on guard duty back home. Spend the entire day just standing around, randomly checking wagons, and occasionally arresting a thief. Boring stuff. But, I gotta say. This view is pretty good, we don't have to climb up no frozen mountains, and we can just listen to the sirens sing all day."

"Who knew that a fort could look so much like a town!"

"Those special forces sure knew what they were doing... then again I hear that they often get deployed to remote places and get forts built within a few days. Don't envy them though, a lot of those boys end up spending their entire lives in those forts and settle down nearby. A lot of halfies in the Kingdom because of that. They join the military or serve the Kingdom somehow, get official citizenship after serving for a while, and then come to the homelands."

"Uhh, Tomaz... isn't that what we're doing?"

"What do you mean? I'm out of here after 10 years with a fat paycheck."

"Yea, but... 10 years from now... we'll be pretty old and where will we go? Everyone we know will be here. I mean it's kinda strange. Pretty much everyone who came on that ship didn't have a significant other back home. Don't you think that meant that they expect us to stay?"

"... Of course I knew that you dolt. I just meant that I'm gonna be out of this uniform and this tower and get as far away as I came from you. Maybe start my own small mining company with the generous hazard pay we're getting for being here."

"Ohh... I want to become an ice sculptor after my 10 years."

"Ice sculptor? Why on earth do you want to be an ice sculptor?"

"Well, you know how how we have cheap access to ice, being Attolians and all that. Well, I saw those ice sculptures that the Highborn made. Thought it looked nice and all. Besides, I can open up my own gallery eventually in an ice house and make sure that they never melt."

"You just want to impress that elf lady, don't you."

"N-n-no."

"She likes ice sculptures, huh... well... I don't think we have many artists in the Colony who can teach you, but you're a smart lad. I'm sure you'll figure it out. Better hurry though, she might be around forever, but you sure ain't. Already in your prime. It's all down hill from here."

"Do you think we'll make it till then?"

"If we're gonna be stationed in this cushy place for the majority of our service, then I think you should worry more about all those sweets and candies you've been eating. Do some laps around the block instead of sketching all day."

"I need designs that will sh-...should impress everybody!"

"You're more hopeless than Nicholas."