|
|
Post by Fedifensor on May 23, 2021 18:58:08 GMT -7
A booming voice calls out from the other side of the ancient bridge. "Petitioners, approach and be recognized." The ancient building, which some refer to as a ship and others refer to as a 'plan', is enormous. Though much of the interior is obscured by hanging tarps and boxes, it is clear that an immense amount of Cargo is stored here. Sitting at a table on the far end are the three village elders. Daryne is a middle-aged Pure with chiseled features and a stern gaze. He is the one who recovered the Cargo that produces Good Water for the entire village...and the only one who knows how to use and maintain the device. He is seated in the center, holding a metal rod that seems to amplify his voice when he speaks. Sahm is descended from eagles, but the mutations after the War added many human features. He has both arms and wings, stands nearly as tall as a Pure, and speaks with a cultured voice. He often instructs the flying Beasts (and occasional flying Mut) on patrolling Fedrex and scouting the surrounding area. Augey is a female Mut, and the oldest of the three elders. She is wise, and can perceive things hidden from the senses of others. She is also known to have the power of mind speech, which she uses for the benefit of any petitioners who do not have the ability to speak. Daryne, as is typical, speaks for the elders, his voice still amplified by the device he holds. "It is time for each of you to prove your worthiness to become a citizen of Fedrex. Some of you were born here, and others arrived before the winter snows. All of you are considered adults by our reckoning, and thus need to show how the community will prosper by your presence. This is our tradition, and while it can be harsh, it is necessary to ensure the community's survival. None are required to walk the Road to Cargo...there are other civilizations in the lands of Hi-West. To the north of us is Unirad, and the road that leads west to Ale. To the southeast is Undertown, the largest trading community in the region. To the south is the Fort of the Seven Wells, the source of the Good Water that is the purest in the region. If you choose to reside in one of these places instead of returning to Fedrex, none here will look upon you with ill will. All that we ask is that you keep any secrets of Fedrex you were given in confidence, and mention us as a possible trading partner for them. Part of the Road of Cargo is trade, and one of the ways Cargo provides for our needs. Daryne looks over the group, then continues. "Now, I did not mention Cassrock. We know that some sort of disaster befell the place. A light from the stars briefly shone down upon their city, and a few days later the fiery hand of vengeance came down from the sky and smote the land, with sound and fury that could be heard even in Fedrex. They were a regular trading partner, and it is even more important than before that we acquire Cargo to ensure our prosperity in the coming months. It is the belief of the Elders that the best place to search for Cargo is Cassrock...and the information of Cassrock's final fate will also be considered a form of Cargo. Your road is up to you - some have found the Great Var to be a good source of Cargo, and the best sources are often the places no one else goes. However, you will pass near Cassrock as you leave the mountains, so it is a good place to start." "Each of you in turn, approach and receive a final gift from the Council. Fedrex has much in the way of Cargo, and can spare something for each of our petitioners to assist in their journey. [[OOC: This post will be edited as characters are finalized, to represent their gifts.]] "To Zim, we grant this tool of the Ancients." He holds up a small device made of metal and a red substance with a white plus symbol upon it, pulling a small knife out of one side before sliding it back in. "In the tongue of the Ancients, this is called a Swiss Army Knife." "It was apparently carried by soldiers prior to the Great War, and has many potential uses." "To Turing, we grant the gift of sight." He holds up a metal cylinder with transparent glass on one end. "This will brighten your path in dark places, by sliding the switch upon its side. The Ancients called this a [spoken in Ancient] flashlight." "To Reia, we offer something crafted by one of our citizens." He presents a canteen with straps so it can be worn on Reia's body, and a long tube that can have the end secured near the mouth. "You will need one of your companions to help refill this, but it will allow you easy access to water. It contains a piece of ancient tech that will help clean the water placed within it, and it will not release water until you drink from it. We do not know how long the tech will last, so use it only when other sources of clean water are unavailable." "To Ecter, we give supplies for the journey." Sahm opens up a satchel on the table, containing several jars made of a material of the Ancients, with each lid a different color. He speaks up for the first time. "These are food containers. The food inside has been made with ingredients that will allow it to last for months. The ancient containers will keep the food fresh, as long as they are properly sealed after each use. Remember - turn left to open, and right to close." Daryne speaks again. "To Kari, we give the gift of expression." He hands over a book - an extremely uncommon sight when writing is almost unknown. "Within these pages are many pictures of common items and actions. This should help you communicate when there is no common language with those you meet." Kari seems to struggle between an insulted and appreciative expression, but takes the book without comment. Daryne then turns to Shiny Eyes. He holds up what appears to be some sort of thin rope wrapped around a spool, with a harness so the spool can be worn in flight. "This rope was designed by the Ancients to hold large weights, and is slightly sticky so it is easier to grasp. Use it when flying to high places so your companions can join you. It is strong enough to hold the weight of ten men." [[OOC: 100 feet of "sticky rope", giving a +2 to Climbing checks, and (in theory) able to hold 1000 kg of weight.]] ---------- Once the gifts are given, the elders stand. Daryne says, "Our blessings go with you. Know that you are not to return until you are ready to present Cargo to us. Remember the Navigator's words - as long as you travel together, you are to work together, for all on the Road of Cargo are part of Fedrex." The group is then escorted out of the village, to the path that begins their journey out of the mountains. |
|
zac
Junior Member
Posts: 57
|
Post by zac on May 24, 2021 8:16:26 GMT -7
[OOC: Turning has his High Range Radio up and is idly scanning the bands. I am sure the mountains are going to make signals weak at best, but maybe there is something buried under a rock slide, down in a crevasse, etc. He tends to find things others have missed AND that is why he carries a pick/shovel.]
[OOC: Considering Turning towers over everyone in the group, I was planning on putting him in the back of the marching order. However, his movement is crap. So if something comes up, it will probably take a full round for him to get to the action... if it the danger is in the front. Kathy being a mountain lion AND scout with great movement, not going to begin to say where she might be best suited: way to the front, off to the flank out of sight, dunno. ]
Turing rolls the metal tube around in his hand for a moment before stuffing it into the sack. "Reckon we have to go down to get out of the mountains. I took the main path in before the snow fell heavy and that is the only way I know to get out. Ancient's willin its clear. Unless... one of you got the knownin of another way down or seenin Cargo before we can get thats nearer than Cassrock?"
|
|
|
|
Post by trayburn on May 24, 2021 8:58:01 GMT -7
Zim opens a small pocket on his upper left arm, and slips in the precious gift from the Elders into that pocket. He looks at Turing and says "I don't know a better way down. If we have to leave the road I can help with moving through the terrain though." With that he shifts a bit, balancing his equipment some, and nods to everyone "I'm ready when you are." Just as he says that, some water and snow fall off a nearby branch and hit his head. He sighs, rubbing his head to get the slush from his skull and then says, "and apparently the trees are ready for me to leave as well."
|
|
|
|
Post by Fedifensor on May 24, 2021 11:47:43 GMT -7
Kari pulls out her long gun, aiming it in the direction of the group's travel and looking into a cylinder over the body of the weapon. Turing: As soon as Kari pulls out her gun and points it, you detect some sort of signal coming from the weapon, that continues until she puts it away. [[OOC: Radar]] After several seconds, Kari puts the gun away, and says, "The path seems clear...not that I expect any problems this close to the village." She looks over at Turing. "I know the way to the Great Var, but there's nothing closer than Cassrock. Of course, that is why we have scouts." She puts on her face guard to protect against the cold wind that blows, and says, "Let's get going." It's immediately clear that the slowest individual in the group is Ecter. [[OOC: 5" Running, SPD 2]] He realizes he is slowing the group down, and begins concentrating as he walks. Within moments, Ecter begins rising until he is no longer leaving footprints in the snow, his sandals hovering a handsbreath above as he walks on air. While still slow, at least the snow is not slowing him down further. There seems to be some sort of noise as Ecter walks, like whispers too soft to understand, and the air is colder than normal in his vicinity. |
|
|
|
Post by alexiatarabotti on May 24, 2021 18:33:34 GMT -7
Reia pads down the road in the general direction of Cassrock, sniffing the air periodically, her eyes searching the road and its immediate surroundings. If no one follows, she will stop and look at the group, waiting patiently for them to follow.
|
|
|
|
Post by trayburn on May 24, 2021 20:52:31 GMT -7
Zim follows Reia at a distance, glancing back to make sure we don't lose Ecter by out pacing him. He will keep within a few hexes of Ecter at all times, not wanting to leave a member of the group behind. He comments to Turing, "Go, scout ahead with Reia, we will ensure that nothing comes up from behind." and nods at Ecter pleasantly.
|
|
zac
Junior Member
Posts: 57
|
Post by zac on May 25, 2021 6:30:05 GMT -7
Zim follows Reia at a distance, glancing back to make sure we don't lose Ecter by out pacing him. He will keep within a few hexes of Ecter at all times, not wanting to leave a member of the group behind. He comments to Turing, "Go, scout ahead with Reia, we will ensure that nothing comes up from behind." and nods at Ecter pleasantly. Turing smirks, "That job might be suited for someone else. The last thing any should consider me is quick or quiet. Perhaps Kari would like to accompany Reia? She seems eager enough and has the knowin of the land."
[OOC: Turing is large and has the disad to back it up. Well over 7' tall and 400+ lbs, I am sure he sounds like a steam roller crunching down the path. If it comes to it, I will carry our slower friend... but honestly did not think he would abide it. Here the young lad is trying to prove his worth and gets carried like a child to make pace. I think mortified would be an understatement.]
|
|
|
|
Post by alexiatarabotti on May 25, 2021 20:00:35 GMT -7
Reia’s ears lay back at the mention of Kari and she tells Turing, ‘perhaps Ecter would be more suitable? He can literally be invisible if he chooses...’
|
|
zac
Junior Member
Posts: 57
|
Post by zac on May 26, 2021 6:06:49 GMT -7
Reia’s ears lay back at the mention of Kari and she tells Teuring, ‘perhaps Ecter would be more suitable? He can literally be invisible if he chooses...’ Keeps pace and thinks back to the beast, " True, but he is having difficulties keeping up. If you want to get ahead I don't reckon that is going to happen. And you don't have a way to speak to him easily. Maybe it is for the best. Not like we are far from the village." |
|
|
|
Post by Fedifensor on May 26, 2021 6:42:49 GMT -7
Kari snorts in derision at the suggestions of scouting. "Fedrex scouts keep watch on the road. With the village fliers watching the way, we should be completely safe for at least the first three days of our trip. My gun can also sense movement where I aim, and I will be checking to ensure our path is clear. The way will get harder once we leave the safety of Fedrex and get closer to Cassrock."
Ecter says in a soft voice, as he floats over the snow, "I can be quiet, but not quick. I do not mean to slow us down...but I will do my best to catch up if you travel ahead."
Kari glances back towards Ecter. "Maybe we can rig up a sled for you. The big man there seems keen on volunteering people, and looks like he won't have any trouble if we tie a rope to him..." Ecter's expression is hard to read through the face paint, but he says, "Whatever the group wishes."
|
|
zac
Junior Member
Posts: 57
|
Post by zac on May 26, 2021 7:27:22 GMT -7
Kari snorts in derision at the suggestions of scouting. "Fedrex scouts keep watch on the road. With the village fliers watching the way, we should be completely safe for at least the first three days of our trip. My gun can also sense movement where I aim, and I will be checking to ensure our path is clear. The way will get harder once we leave the safety of Fedrex and get closer to Cassrock." Ecter says in a soft voice, as he floats over the snow, "I can be quiet, but not quick. I do not mean to slow us down...but I will do my best to catch up if you travel ahead." Kari glances back towards Ecter. "Maybe we can rig up a sled for you. The big man there seems keen on volunteering people, and looks like he won't have any trouble if we tie a rope to him..." Ecter's expression is hard to read through the face paint, but he says, "Whatever the group wishes." Gives an approving "Humph" after hearing of Fedrex's patrols.
Replies pleasantly with a reassuring smile, "We can just keep trekin at Ecter's pace. No needin to push." His pleasant tone drops off, "Soon enough we will be on our toes. Mr Dead lives down there." He nods to the horizon and the wastes just beyond. "And Mr Dead be lookin. Always, lookin."
|
|
|
|
Post by trayburn on May 26, 2021 18:33:01 GMT -7
With a look over to Turing, he nods at the comment about Mr. Dead.
Then looking back to Ecter he says, "How far out have you been before?" then glances at Kari, "Or you?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Fedifensor on May 26, 2021 22:25:01 GMT -7
Ecter says hesitantly, "I've never gone more than a short walk away from the village. This will be my first trip away."
Once Zim turns to Kari and speaks to her, she replies, "My family came from the plains a few years back, passing near the Great Var along the way. I've ventured out with the occasional group, and met with traders from Unirad. If we stay on the known trails, we won't have a problem getting to Cassrock. That is, unless we stop every five minutes to have a chat..." She adjusts her pack and continues on the trail.
|
|
|
|
Post by trayburn on May 27, 2021 14:08:14 GMT -7
Zim rolls his eyes at Kari. "Never stopped walking, miss."
Zim will continue to make pleasant conversation as the walk goes on, not daunted in the least by any who may be abrupt or rude.
[OOC: Nothing else I'm trying to get from this scene, feel free to move on]
|
|
zac
Junior Member
Posts: 57
|
Post by zac on May 28, 2021 5:45:20 GMT -7
[OOC: Oh, I so wanted to be snarky  Yeah I figure were just rolling along. I do know we have another player "in the wings". I believe the beast was suppose to be retconned into the last scene and then the player could post something here.] |
|
|
|
Post by Fedifensor on May 28, 2021 16:27:22 GMT -7
The first day of travel is uneventful. The path you are on is occasionally traveled by scouts, so the snow is not too high and it isn't hard to find your way. There is even a rock formation that provides some shelter as you set up camp for the night.
Ecter unrolls a treated animal skin to sleep upon, and gathers some sticks for a small fire. Kari has a more elaborate setup - a series of metal poles slide into stiff fabric of some sort to form a small tent. She pulls out a small pot and finds some undisturbed snow to melt for water.
[[OOC: We won't spend a lot of time on this, but it is good to know the group's standard evening routine. You are assumed to have traveling and camping gear suited to your form. Pures get a bit of leeway with the nature of the gear due to their Tech Access, but regardless of whether the gear is pre-War or not, it has the same general function and reliability.]]
|
|
zac
Junior Member
Posts: 57
|
Post by zac on May 29, 2021 6:10:24 GMT -7
Turing nods to Ecter and pulls out three rebar poles and a short length of large chain. He sets the poles up as a tripod over the fire, placing a big pot aside to suspend over the simple hearth when the time comes. On an open spot nearby he erects a lean-to, with two more rebar poles driven into the ground for the front and simple braided cordage for tie downs. His bedroll is a leather hide, probably Oxx, he uses a ground cover. Ferreting around in his bag he produces a parcel. He tsks, "Dried greens, beans and some seeds. Aiogs call it tunnel chow. They eat it right out of the bag. Found it makes a pretty good soup. We all put a little something in the pot, should be able to stretch out supplies and have warm bellies. Reia...?" He winces a bit, "What, ah...?" looks at the parcel, pot and back to Reia. Having put his large foot in his mouth he seems to be at a loss for words about the sharp-tooth's diet. [OOC: Turing's gear is large, thick and/or sturdy. Rebar poles, thick hide, large pot, etc. All salvaged from the wastes or simple trade goods. His only piece of ancient tech would be the pre-war canvas like tarp and duffel bag meant to hold a military tent. Considering Turing's religious beliefs are based on Hindu, he is a minimalist. So I figure his dried rations are vegan. Also why he does not wear much clothing. [OOC2: I figure a pot of "bean soup" will have no end of gags for trail marching. Enemies won't need targeting smell to find us that is for sure ] |
|
|
|
Post by alexiatarabotti on May 29, 2021 9:57:59 GMT -7
Reia disappears for about an hour. She returns to camp dragging a dead deer. Reia then sits by the deer, waiting. She looks at Touring and Touring hears in his head, 'For those of us who cannot live on 'beans.'
|
|
|
|
Post by trayburn on May 29, 2021 16:10:58 GMT -7
Zim spends the first little bit setting up a rectanglular piece of plastic cloth, suspending it to some nearby trees with some odd looking rope he caries, then puffs some air into a ... canteen? and then shakes out a shiny golden "blanket".
[OOC: He travels with a plastic tarp, some parachord, and a mylar blanket for warmth]
Once Reia returns, he pulls the deer well outside of camp and using his gift from the elders, folds out a small blade, and begins to cut the meat neatly into the major muscle groups. Once he is done with that, he looks at Reia and asks if she prefers her meat cooked or raw? The skin, and guts which are not easily treatable on the road will be buried to avoid luring in scavengers.
|
|
|
|
Post by Shiny Eyes on May 29, 2021 20:03:18 GMT -7
[OOC: Oh, I so wanted to be snarky Yeah I figure were just rolling along. I do know we have another player "in the wings". I believe the beast was suppose to be retconned into the last scene and then the player could post something here.] A speck glints in the sky above momentarily. |
|
|
|
Post by Shiny Eyes on May 29, 2021 20:57:20 GMT -7
"Startle not. I am Shiny Eyes", says a voice from a darkened tree by the edge of the fire light. "I found little to share for eating. these are edible for me. Edible for you maybe." The three foot tall Magpie flaps and hops closer to the fire and feels around with his clawed foot for a log and then deftly reaches into one of his harness pouches with his beak and places sprigs of red, blue and silver berries on the log. Then he hops back to the edge fire light and deftly flies up into a tree at the edge of the fire light. "If I could have some cooked meat that would be great."
|
|
|
|
Post by trayburn on May 30, 2021 17:36:10 GMT -7
"Thank you again, Shiny Eyes. We will of course be happy to share some meat with you, there is much. Indeed we will likely have enough for the next day or two."
Zim takes out another silver contraption from his backpack, turns a knob, and the things begin to pivot and change. One piece emerges with a long handle on it, and he puts some of the fat he scrapped from the belly skin of the deer into it and places it on the fire. "This was a gift from my father, it is a Messy-it, originally used by brave and loyal warriors who would search for lost children. The were called Boy Scouts. It is very useful when travelling."
With that he begins to place steaks cut from the leg muscle into the pan, and they quickly begin to sizzle and smell delicious.
|
|
|
|
Post by Fedifensor on May 31, 2021 9:49:00 GMT -7
Ecter is definitely interested in the food. Kari shrugs, and says, "Well, it's going to go to waste if not eaten. We're close enough to the village where you can cover it in snow and put down a marker the fliers will see, and they will take the usable parts back to town." Both accept the cooked food if it is offered to them.
[[OOC: Updated first post with the gift for Shiny Eyes.]]
|
|
|
|
Post by alexiatarabotti on Jun 2, 2021 19:30:58 GMT -7
Zim spends the first little bit setting up a rectanglular piece of plastic cloth, suspending it to some nearby trees with some odd looking rope he caries, then puffs some air into a ... canteen? and then shakes out a shiny golden "blanket". [OOC: He travels with a plastic tarp, some parachord, and a mylar blanket for warmth] Once Reia returns, he pulls the deer well outside of camp and using his gift from the elders, folds out a small blade, and begins to cut the meat neatly into the major muscle groups. Once he is done with that, he looks at Reia and asks if she prefers her meat cooked or raw? The skin, and guts which are not easily treatable on the road will be buried to avoid luring in scavengers. Reia licks her chops and replies, ‘Rare is better.’ She waits patiently for the meat to be shared out and then tucks in to her dinner. |
|
zac
Junior Member
Posts: 57
|
Post by zac on Jun 3, 2021 5:41:11 GMT -7
Turing smiles as they begin to cook the venison but prepares the soup anyway.
He speaks to the lioness out loud as he tends to the soup pot, "Sharp-Tooth, do you need your meat to be raw? Or fresh?" He turns to look at her a moment before he continues, "We can smoke or dry some of it tonight. Freeze it in the ice like Kari suggested. It would be no trouble to pack it out. Just worried that packing out it fresh might bring others, also with sharp teeth." Reia licks her chops and replies, ‘Rare is better.’ She waits patiently for the meat to be shared out and then tucks in to her dinner. Pours a portion of the soup into a large metal cup and sits down, "Rare." He swirls the near scalding cup in his hand, "In this cold it will last a few days easy." He sips at his cup and ponders.
AK: Fedrex 8- PKqQqabG1-61-61-6 (Basing roll off what Turning would have heard about local predators or dangers by idle talk from towns people over the winter)
He pipes up a bit, "I have no knowin what might call this area a home. Just pray what it is don't get to knowin were here."
After he finishes his meal (and any others have had soup), he sets the pot to the side of the fire to stay warm (if any is left or cleans the pot if empty). He gets up to make a circuit around the camp site before calling it a night.
"Let me know when it is my watch, lessin' you think we are safe enough this close to Fedrex Kari."
[OOC: Altered post in light of Reia's comment.]
1-6·1-6·1-6 |
|
|
|
Post by Fedifensor on Jun 3, 2021 7:08:24 GMT -7
Ecter thanks Zim for the steak, and simply pulls it out of the pan when it is offered, not noticing the heat as he puts it on a small plate before pulling out utensils and beginning to eat. Kari takes her steak as well when offered. She replies to Turing's comment by saying, "Nowhere is completely safe, and the fliers have a harder time spotting things at night, so I would keep a watch. Cinders aren't much of an issue this high into the mountains, but Wabbids have been spotted nearby in the past, while Badclaws and Brushers are fond of the mountains. Not everything we'll see is hostile, though. Last thing we want is for a peaceful group of Badclaws to turn violent because we attacked first." Kari then pulls out her rifle. "I'll take first watch. Turing, I'll wake you up next, and then you decide who takes final watch. We can switch out tomorrow night with whoever didn't take a watch." She moves to a good position to watch for approaching foes, and occasionally looks through the cylinder on her long gun, scanning the area. She briefly glances up at Shiny Eyes, and says, "You're known to me. If I wake up in the morning and find anything missing, I'll be having bird for breakfast." Ecter wipes off his face paint, then (apparently) lays down to sleep on the animal skin he laid out. [[OOC: If anyone asks for more info on the possible threats, Kari will give the same info listed in the Beastiary.]] |
|
zac
Junior Member
Posts: 57
|
Post by zac on Jun 4, 2021 7:37:50 GMT -7
Crawls into his lean-to and sits down. He takes the string of beads off his neck, closes his eyes, slowly thumbs through them and mutters under his breath as he gets to the next bead. Sometimes he back up a bead or turns it between his thick fingers, muttering almost questioningly, only to carry on pushing through them. After about an hour he stops and wraps his cloak about his large frame, drifting off to sleep.
[If you can understand Ancient...]
Some of the muttering are letters and numbers, weird expressions. Some of the words are repeated often like IF and THEN or READ and WRITE.
When his shift comes to he make another perimeter check going back though his old route, checking to see if anything is different from his previous course.
PER Check, 12- Qi4XSZ5T1-61-61-6
He then finds a spot that gives him the best vantage point (while taking advantage of his large frame).
Psy Lim Check, 12- 1-61-61-6
He leaves his post to wake up Zim and stops, muttering "The Penitent Man". He then makes another perimeter check and stays on watch for the remainder of the night.
1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6 |
|
|
|
Post by alexiatarabotti on Jun 5, 2021 13:08:45 GMT -7
Reia sleeps by simply curling up in the grass near a sheltering tree. Her minimal equipment sits underneath her paws. She sleeps unless someone wakes her to stand watch.
|
|
|
|
Post by change on Jun 5, 2021 20:36:18 GMT -7
Shiny Eyes noticeably enjoys the small portion of cooked meat and says," and fear not the sharp claw's hunt has scared everything larger than crawlers. Flapping up into a tree over looking the camp he says to Kira," you are also known to me. What you consider shiny is not shiny to me. As you requested I will not trade with you. We are companions so I will keep watch for shiny takers. With that he keeps one eye open as he settles down for the night.
|
|
|
|
Post by trayburn on Jun 5, 2021 21:29:03 GMT -7
Zim will quietly take his watch, making certain to have a spot watching facing outward.
PER 13- yUBCs65o1-61-61-61-6·1-6·1-6
|
|
Yeah I figure were just rolling along. I do know we have another player "in the wings". I believe the beast was suppose to be retconned into the last scene and then the player could post something here.] 