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Post by trayburn on Jun 24, 2021 20:23:10 GMT -7
Zim nods in acknowledgement as he is recognized. "Peace, Stargazer, I know your beliefs well." he takes off his gloves, tucking them into his armor. He addresses the man, "What is your name?"
[OOC: Wait for an answer but then proceed with...]
"While I have technology of which you speak, I also have skill as a healer. May I tend your wounds with skill alone? Surely it could yet be God's providence that I have arrived at your hour of need."
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Post by Fedifensor on Jun 25, 2021 22:49:29 GMT -7
The man replies to Zim's first question. "I was inducted into the Order with the name of Brother Summer. Even if many of the Stargazers have turned away from the true path, that is still my name."
Regarding Zim's request to tend his wounds, Brother Summer says, "Leave your tech outside. I do not fear corruption from simple tools - it is the 'lek tro nik' that I will not abide, nor the 'kems'. I fear your skill will not be enough, but maybe a miracle will occur, and show you that the more difficult path is worth taking. The Creator is stern in the judgment of his wayward children, but he is not blind, or heartless."
[[OOC: No gloves, not even the medkit supplies from them. I'm assuming the group can negate environmental penalties by starting a fire, melting snow for hot water, and so on. You do have surgical tools and simple bandages, so you won't take a penalty...but you won't get any bonuses, either.]]
As Zim prepares and after Turing speaks, Brother Summer says, "I appreciate the sentiment. There is an old tradition, dating to the before times, when men and women of the cloth would perform religious services even for those not of their faith. I learned this tradition from the one who ordained me, along with their motto - 'Pro Deo Et Patria'. Remember those words."
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Post by trayburn on Jun 25, 2021 23:03:41 GMT -7
Zim does as requested, leaving his gloves outside with Turing, as well as his medkit. Once the fire has started, and some bandages boiled very clean, he does what he can for Brother Summer...
Paramedics 13- : tbgZL0Qd1-61-61-6 PS Paramedics 11- : 1-61-61-6
"Relax Brother Summer, I will do what I can. You are not the only one who lives by a code."1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6
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Post by alexiatarabotti on Jun 26, 2021 8:43:28 GMT -7
Reia approaches the dying man and stares into his eyes. If the man accepts the link, Reia says, ‘Sometimes I can get images of what you have seen - it may help in our efforts to find the family. I am sorry for your loss. We will bring them to safety if it is in our power.’
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Post by Fedifensor on Jun 29, 2021 6:50:16 GMT -7
Brother Summer accepts the mind link, and does what he can to share what he has seen. It is difficult, both from the pain he is in and the nature of the link. Reia thinks she can recognize the child...but she couldn't draw a picture of the child even if she had the capability to do so. Brother Summer requests that the mind link be ended when the surgery is about to start.
The surgery is touch and go, and Brother Summer passes out early on. The wound is closed, but he has lost a lot of blood. The group is able to set up Brother Summer's travel gear to provide him shelter in the small cave, and create a small fire with enough fuel for a few days. Food is not an issue after recent kills, and there is snow that can be melted for water. The true test will be whether infection sets in, and if Brother Summer can recover enough strength to travel.
The group stays for the night, and Brother Summer is conscious in the morning, propped up against the cave wall and reading from a bloodstained holy book. "Thank you...for your kindness. My fate is now in God's hands - but the child's fate is in yours. Think upon my words."
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zac
Junior Member
Posts: 57
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Post by zac on Jun 29, 2021 8:04:38 GMT -7
During the night, after the surgery... Turing finds the highest spot he can nearby during the night and scans the heavens for the stars that move. He spreads his consciousness and tries to hear the Ghosts that chase the night sky. [OOC: Turning knows that the ancients had the ability to put stars in the sky and move others. The Ancients had some method to talk with one another between them. Some say the Ancients could even live on them. He has had some success listening at night, but maybe Brother Summer's enlightenment will give Turing a different perspective. So he will scan using HRR, maybe he can hear from the Ghosts of the Ancients above. The ones the Stargazers have a particular interests in. The Stargazers have some truths, it just to bad they have been perverted ]
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Post by trayburn on Jun 29, 2021 20:39:38 GMT -7
In the morning, after breakfast, Zim will look at Brother Summer and say sternly: "Eat well, stay dry, and do not move around too much. Each night clean the clothes and replace them. I ..." he pauses for a moment and then continues, "I hope you survive, and we can visit again sometime."
Zim gathers his gloves and kit again from Turing only after the party leaves the cave. As he slips the gloves back on he sighs, "I could have done so much more with these. How can they fear things so, just because they don't understand."
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zac
Junior Member
Posts: 57
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Post by zac on Jun 30, 2021 7:02:41 GMT -7
Zim gathers his gloves and kit again from Turing only after the party leaves the cave. As he slips the gloves back on he sighs, "I could have done so much more with these. How can they fear things so, just because they don't understand." He looks down at Zim and sighs, "It is because he does not understand it he fears it so." He looks about a moment and continues, "Fear is easy. Get enough fearful together and someone will wield it, like a brand, spreading like festering wound" Looking back to the cave, "Like his brothers. Letting the light blind the many, when one of them would never dare do the unspeakable." A disapproving grimace, "And now the many look upon on a child with that same fear."
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Post by Fedifensor on Jul 3, 2021 15:36:31 GMT -7
Kari looks over at Zim. "I wouldn't plan on having those gloves on for too long. I can remove the barrel of my gun, and I plan to do so and hide my tech in my pack before we reach Cassrock. I suggest everyone else do the same with their tech."
Ecter looks to the group with his painted face. "Should I go in like this? Or should I give someone else my gear so I can remain unseen?"
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Post by trayburn on Jul 7, 2021 15:17:11 GMT -7
"When we get near enough I'll be sure to put it away."
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zac
Junior Member
Posts: 57
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Post by zac on Jul 8, 2021 14:28:55 GMT -7
Listens to the banter a moment, "You can stash your gear in my bag Ecter, but I will undoubtedly be searched. While some find my brother's searching of Ancient crypts and tombs to be a boon, some do not. They would rather the secrets of the Ancients die in the past... so they can be sure to commit the same mistakes with a clear heart."
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Post by Fedifensor on Jul 12, 2021 7:25:33 GMT -7
Ecter says to Turing, "I have no tech - just food in jars. If you are apprehended, we have bigger concerns than our next meal." Kari nods to Zim, and says, "I don't plan to let anyone search me. They're going to have a tough time getting supplies from traders if they demand to search everyone's packs. They'll probably ask, but I doubt they will push the issue." The other members of the group seem fine with the plan, and the journey continues. By the end of the day, the group can see Cassrock in the distance from their chosen campsite in the foothills. There is a massive crater in what used to be the center of town. Large figures can be seen patrolling the edge of the crater. There are several tents sent up on what used to be the outskirts of town, surrounding an ancient building with a prominent sign on the front, written in Ancient text. There seem to be spots on the sign where there used to be additional lettering, but there is no telling what it used to say. Holi___ Inn X____
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Post by trayburn on Jul 12, 2021 15:34:47 GMT -7
Tucking away his gloves in his pack, Zim nods at the upcoming crater. "So much destruction, but we best get to seeking and then start our way back."
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Post by alexiatarabotti on Jul 14, 2021 9:30:43 GMT -7
Reia slows as Cassrock comes into view and states through the mindlink - ‘I hear fanatics are likely to break traditional norms out of fear - if we are to interact with them at all, we should find a safe place to bury our tech and ensure we are not being watched. For myself, I would prefer bot to be seen - I am likely to be seen as an abomination, as is Ecter and our large friend. Shall we scout and determine whether or not we can locate the mother and child without asking questions of the people here?’
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zac
Junior Member
Posts: 57
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Post by zac on Jul 16, 2021 12:27:31 GMT -7
Listens to his companions concerns and plans.
"Cassrock has been a center of trade between Sevens Wells, Unirad and Lo for as long as I can reckon. They had their share of zealots and ferals about as much as any place, but the people were good. By the tellin', seems there are still good people left. Just wonder how long it will take before the people have had enough of the zealots or the zealots preaching fear will overcome common sense."
He looks back to the stash of hides and meat he is still hauling, packed in a every dwindling supply of ice.
"I bet if we stick your tech where the sun does not shine in the middle of all this meat... the guards won't be to eager to go lookin." He fishes the tech gift he received from the elders out of his large bag and stuff it way up inside the carcass of a beast they killed a few days prior. He then wipes out the remaining ice. "These bloody thirsty beasties might prove useful after all. Better is this one here gets good and ripe before we get there."
He looks at the group, "If things don't go well, I reckon you would rather have your tech nearby then buried under a rock or stuffed into a hollow log."
He shrugs and looks about, "I have wandered these parts most of my life alone. Having someone watch your back is a luxury I could get use'd to. I'm not fond of the idea of breaking up what has worked for us so far. BUT, getting our heads wrapped around what they are doing is not a bad idea either. We can make camp here if the scouts like? Post a double guard me'be."
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Post by Fedifensor on Jul 20, 2021 7:58:01 GMT -7
Kari gives a look of disgust at Turing. "This weapon has been passed down through my family for generations without smelling like a rotting corpse. I'll keep it hidden in my bags, but I am not burying it or shoving it in a carcass."
Ecter says, "I can scout if you wish, though we should get closer. I would prefer not to spend that long away from the group, especially given what happened earlier."
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zac
Junior Member
Posts: 57
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Post by zac on Jul 25, 2021 9:07:41 GMT -7
Kari gives a look of disgust at Turing. "This weapon has been passed down through my family for generations without smelling like a rotting corpse. I'll keep it hidden in my bags, but I am not burying it or shoving it in a carcass." Ecter says, "I can scout if you wish, though we should get closer. I would prefer not to spend that long away from the group, especially given what happened earlier." Nods to Kari, "I reckon so, I just hope they don't find it."
Pauses and looks to Exter, "Your not as fast as our Sharp-Tooth or winged companions. Probably best you stay out of sight here. You should be able to get the drop on anyone trying to get the drop on us tonight."
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Post by trayburn on Aug 2, 2021 8:37:00 GMT -7
Listens to his companions concerns and plans. "I bet if we stick your tech where the sun does not shine in the middle of all this meat... the guards won't be to eager to go lookin." He fishes the tech gift he received from the elders out of his large bag and stuff it way up inside the carcass of a beast they killed a few days prior. He then wipes out the remaining ice. "These bloody thirsty beasties might prove useful after all. Better is this one here gets good and ripe before we get there." He looks at the group, "If things don't go well, I reckon you would rather have your tech nearby then buried under a rock or stuffed into a hollow log." Zim happily hands over his gloves to be hidden this way, as well as his gifted knife from the elders. "This makes good sense to me, blood cleans off easily enough, far better than losing it entirely."
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Post by alexiatarabotti on Aug 2, 2021 19:54:28 GMT -7
Reia trots to the icebox and drops her ‘tek’ into it, with an amused look t Kari. Those who share her mindlink will hear her comment, ‘My water siphon could use the extra flavor.’
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Post by Fedifensor on Aug 5, 2021 8:30:06 GMT -7
There is no issue with getting Reia a bit of "flavor" in her water.
The group finishes preparations, and a bit of scouting shows that the Stargazers aren't exceptionally vigilant outside of their claimed territory. There is an occasional patrol, but those patrols are more interested in watching for large groups headed towards Cassrock than small groups or individuals. Thus forewarned, the group heads to Cassrock. Ecter has given his items to Turing, and without his robes and facepaint is undetectable save for that familiar whispering noise as he walks above the ground. Kari stays near the front of the group, with a posture and expression that indicates a bad time for any Stargazer that gets in her way.
The group reaches the border of the encampment, where a middle-aged Stargazer in robes motions for the group to halt. The Stargazer is flanked by two massive individuals, which those who have traveled in these parts would know is a mutation that occurs semi-frequently. Referred to as "Brutes", both stand nearly twice as tall as a normal human, with skin tough enough to stop a knife and strong enough to throw a horse. They each carry a big wooden club. The Stargazer glances over the group, apparently looking for tech. Nothing seems to draw her eye for the moment, as she says, "Anything to declare? Tech is forbidden here, and things will go better if you declare it now rather than us finding it later..."
Kari immediately responds, "Nothing to declare. Been travelin' for a while - got any drink here stronger than what the mountain streams offer?" The Stargazer gives Kari a 'oh, you're one of those' looks, and says, "Alcohol is discouraged for the faithful, but it's easy enough to find if you have the goods to trade for it." She then turns her gaze to the rest of the party. "You're a rather strange group...where are you from?"
Kari opens her mouth to respond, but thinks better of it after realizing she's being ignored. She steps into the encampment, waiting for the others about 30 feet away. Neither of the brutes bar her passage. You belatedly realize that you don't here the whispering noise that was coming from Ecter, and can surmise he has bypassed the checkpoint and is already in town.
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Post by alexiatarabotti on Aug 5, 2021 16:11:48 GMT -7
Reia stays near Turing and doesn’t interact unless someone addresses her directly. She instead scans the area with her eyes, looking for signs of anything that interests the group.
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Post by trayburn on Aug 9, 2021 20:22:20 GMT -7
Zim nods to the guards and says, "Mostly nomadic hunters" he nods to the carcus, "As you can see we're capable of felling some large game."
[OOC : If needed here is a Persuasion check 45gHg2ID1-61-61-6]
Zim then heads in to catch up with Kari.1-6·1-6·1-6
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zac
Junior Member
Posts: 57
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Post by zac on Aug 11, 2021 8:20:40 GMT -7
Waits for the others to pass. He puts down the litter and pushes back his hood. Looking down upon the guard he gives a one handed bow with a slight smile. "Peace be upon you brother." He stands straight and claps his hands behind his back, "We bring goods for barter: pelts, fresh meat. Could you recommend a vendor who sells good water?"
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Post by Fedifensor on Aug 11, 2021 9:25:43 GMT -7
The Stargazer woman nods to Zim as he passes by. She glances over at Kari, who is still wearing her Kravmag armor, and mutters, "Nomadic hunters my ass...," before turning towards the rest of the (visible) group. She snaps her fingers in front of Turing. "They're just the guards - you're dealing with me."
The two guards smile slightly at Turing, appreciating that they were directly addressed. One appears to present as male, and the other female...though it is hard to tell. Their forms are so muscled that it obscures most of the differences between the two.
The Stargazer continues talking to Turing. "Barter vendors are set up inside. If you need Good Water, someone probably has it. If you can settle for Not Too Bad Water, we have a Mut called the Rainmaker who calls forth a small storm every three days - just have your biggest container ready to catch what comes down from the sky. You can pass. Now, as to the rest..."
The Stargazer kneels down to be more on eye level with Reia, looking her directly in the eyes. "Tap the ground three times if you understand me. Or, if you have other means of communication, I am willing." If Shiny Eyes chose to stay with the group instead of trying to sneak in by the air, he is included in this statement.
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Post by alexiatarabotti on Aug 11, 2021 16:11:25 GMT -7
Reia taps three times, then purrs and bows.
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Post by Fedifensor on Aug 17, 2021 8:03:01 GMT -7
The Stargazer nods. "Very well. You lack the fine manipulation needed for most tech, and I see nothing else that threatens our way of life. Know that the Crater is off-limits...and harmful to those who have not been blessed with resistance to the Glow. Curfew is at sunset for those who have not received special dispensation from the Bishop, or those attending services. Those who attend the nighttime service receive food and water once the service has concluded."
"Our motto is 'come in peace, leave in peace'. Should you seek enlightenment and shelter from the world beyond, Bishop Beacon will welcome you into the fold. However, know that those caught with tech, or those who threaten our way of life, will be dealt with harshly. Welcome to Cassrock." The Stargazer steps aside, letting any remaining pass into town.
Inside, there are several vendors attempting to make money through the sale of goods that the Stargazers frown on (but do not ban) or don't provide to nonbelievers, including hemp. There is also a water vendor, offering "not-Bad" Water (presumably collected during the last rainstorm), and even a bit of Good Water. His business mainly comes from the other vendors and a few travelers not planning on staying for the evening service. Up ahead, the Holi Inn looms large - a multi-story building with several Stargazers on watch around it. Supplicants enter and leave frequently from the ancient building.
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Post by trayburn on Aug 23, 2021 7:24:06 GMT -7
"Well where should we begin our search then my friends?" asks Zim as he walks away from the Stargazers.
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zac
Junior Member
Posts: 57
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Post by zac on Aug 25, 2021 13:02:19 GMT -7
"Well where should we begin our search then my friends?" asks Zim as he walks away from the Stargazers. Picks up the litter once again and drags it through the entrance behind the others.
"Reckon we need to keep our wits about us. Just as we know people who can't easily be heard or seen, so do our hosts. Maybe take a look at the market and find some place to bed down for the night."
He plods along looking about before he continues, "For certain, the little one won't be pandering about market. We need to ask about. Maybe buy a few drinks and loosen some tongues. Quiet like."
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Post by alexiatarabotti on Aug 26, 2021 9:03:17 GMT -7
Reia replies telepathically, ‘I am silent to anyone unwilling to link with me. I am willing to search for their cages if the community allows it.
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Post by Fedifensor on Aug 27, 2021 8:27:43 GMT -7
Ecter's voice can be heard, and with a bit of looking you see a slight distortion in the air near your group. "I can look around, if you want. I just need to avoid crowded areas. We need a place to camp tonight, and someone should attend the nighttime service. Tell me where you want me to search, and give me a place to meet."
Kari says quietly, "I can get us a space to camp in their tent city, once I have a chance to look around the market. I can meet the rest of you at the nighttime service after Ecter returns. He can watch over our campsite while we attend services - and get a free meal."
Kari glances around to make sure no one outside the group is close enough to hear her, then continues, "I don't think the Stargazers have problem with tents crafted by the Ancients - they're housed in an Ancient building, after all. Their problem is with powered tech. Let's hold off on anything that draws their attention until we have more information."
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