Legacy of Atlantis - Beckoncall FNB - MAIN

[Beckoncall]

SpiralErrant :

The temple was Humble on the inside, but clearly of Atlantean origin... and devoted to various gods of the oceans and the sea in general -- the names of all entities either unreadable, forgotten, or rendered too fine by the current and erosion to be identifiable. Still, it was nonetheless a hallowed place. Simple enough work was done to clear it of blood and dead euripatids, the absence of eggs seemingly evidence that there was recently a great bloom in their population.

The Holy Water fount was cleansed, and a source of Water Mana was claimed and tappable by the Vythan. It was said too that these waters had disease-cleansing properties and could be used as a base in potion-making...

The mining operations in the caves below were fruitful, yielding 2 wealth, and an effectively renewable source of copper -- and a unit of "Flashing Phasasite" -- a highly reflective mineral that had a tendency to disorient light-sensitive creatures.

The Vythian Spearmen were decked out in new armor of Euripatid chitin -- which was learned after the fact to hide the scent of the wearer underwater, but was speculated to stink were it ever brought above the surface. Vythian spearmen gain *Stealth*!

 

[Pat]

​

Veins and deposits of note weren't far off, FC513 knew. It was time for the Reclaimers to put their backs into the great labor, to declare a state of total war upon the earth until it surrendered to them the minerals needed to perform the last quest given to them by their masters, and to aid the colonies in permanently establishing themselves. Whatever trials that they would overcome going forward, they were under no illusion that it could possibly be done alone. The Atlantean Empire only truly exists in an age already long since past, and until that was rectified, if it was even within their power to change, the Golden Grotto wasn't merely one of seven wonders, but the birthright of all those that had come after it's creators perished. The illithid mind flayers were the only exception. The Fathom construct now personally resolved to thoroughly exterminate their blight within the secret sea before the end of this creation cycle, choosing to be deaf to their saccharine honeyed words. "Let me show you how it's done brothers!" They yelled with a grin, entering the mine complex themselves with much of the prison scavenging team in tow. Happily retrieving the emerald warhammer of sundering from it's temporary bearer while FC513 was preoccupied with other matters, they begin to tunnel the way to their ultimate victorious triumph, a glorious day that neared ever closer with every reverberating echoing swing of the enchanted weapon against the ever yielding solid rock.

Order​

1. Twenty-five Reclaimers, ten stone golems, and FC513 themselves continue mining, now delving deeper and farther into the earth than ever before in the search of more minerals.

 

[Beckoncall]

EVERYONE:

Name commodities you have that are renewable so that they can be brought to market, either to increase your market share or neutralize other factions.

Presently Heyitsjiwon is SOLE market interest with SEVEN commodities.

The Polypals bring the following to the market:
Metal Tools
Ceramics
Various Seafood/Fish
Kelp Fruit
Lubricant
Rubber
Light Globes

Bring the SAME good to market to upset monopoly on a commodity and bring your own unique goods to gain a share of market. Market current wealth is TWO.

 

[Heyitsjiwon]

SCENE: The Illithid Herald stands ready to meet the Polypals and the Reclaimers

"You hold Collapsed memories. You have already taken loot in our conflict -- the memories belong to our collective. You will surrender them." "We offer peace and consideration that your act of aggression was misplaced. A mistake." "We cede the territory and mana potential. We will not even ask for the key you have found. But the memories are ours. Submit them."

"Why would we hand over our only bargaining chip when we both know it's both invaluable to your efforts here, and that it is only a matter of time before this interim 'peace' ends?" FC513 questions. "You're only speaking to us to avoid an unnecessary conflict some would say is too costly, if not unwinnable, for you to pursue. You came today to negotiate, and offer nothing of which we do not already possess and intend to keep from your clutches."

"Ahh yes, threatening and then attempting to destroy us, THEN claiming that what we presented was an act of aggression instead of retaliation. They do not even wish to avoid a conflict. Merely delay it until it is convenient for them, as Mind Flayers do. Your offer is rather lacking and insulting. I care not for the insult, but this... this is a waste of time. Is this your final offer, Mind Flayer?"

"We are willing to ignore you, but instead you mean to have us stamp on you like pests? Is that what I tell my masters?"

"Don't pretend our 'extermination' is a possibility rather than an eventuality. If you weren't afraid of fighting, we wouldn't be having this discussion. You're unwilling to wage a costly war to gain the memories, or are merely afraid that they will be destroyed. I believe I am speaking for the both of us in saying that we prefer for you to kill us now rather than backstab us at your leisure whenever we become vulnerable enough." FC513 countered.

"Your initial success in aggression was... sobering. But you are putting us in a position where we must fight you -- not the other way around. The memories of the collective MUST be recovered. You force our hands."

"As do you. We are at an impasse. We have no incentive to fulfill your request simply to delay our potential demise at your hands." FC513 reasoned before turning to the Primus.

"There is hope that if you surrender the memories that we will not clash again. You are not ready to face us."

The Primus' maws gleaned as it seemed to smile. "Ahh, memories... how priceless..." The Primus quipped.

"Where's the fun in that?" FC513 feigned a yawn. "I like a challenge, and killing your friends in the prison was the most fun I've had in an age."(edited)

"You've made a mistake. Consider our peoples at WAR. Any encroachment east of the shallows by anyone of your degenerate races will be met with crushing hostility. When we are not preoccupied, we will come for you."

"Oh, so you are to the east. Thank you for confirming our heading." FC513 bowed deeply to the illithid.

The Primus' colors flashed, indicating to the 10 Infesters that they should proceed. The Herald was too juicy as a source of information to leave. "War had already started when we were attacked."

"My Life is forfeit. We will kill any envoys of yours as well." The illithid bowed at the expected slaughter.

FC513 uses the warhammer of sundering to make earth enclose the feet of the herald to hold him down.

A ripple in the sediment buries the illithid up to it's knees.

The illithid crumbles to watery ash at the first strike.

The Primus flashed colors once more and the Infesters began to gather the ashes. They would have to be analyzed, perhaps its composition would reveal something about the enemy?

 

[Beckoncall]

Heyitsjiwon :

Northless The first task force of the Polypals were highly active in helping the mantis shrimp mine. By investing labor into infrastructure -- As long as the two remained allies they would both have Silver and Sulfur as renewable resources.

Pat The second taskforce occupied itself with creating a deep mine into the ground under the caves of the shallows with the reclaimers. There they found a large deposit of Starnathite, a powerful astral mana source and a mineral that could be cut into Starnath Gems, A valuable trade commodity/resource. As long as the two remained allies Starnathite and Starnath Gems will be renewable resources for both factions.

Polypals gain 1 influence for being helpful!

Construction of a magical laboratory in the prison complex began in earnest with the specialized tools the awakened had, but to truly have a facility here they would need access to GLASS in large amounts. Still, the research opened up taunting and repulsion in color theory, two more types of color manipulations that the swarm could propagate.

The Polypal school was constructed but for now was just a place for polypals to propagate their color changing techniques. They presently knew how to charm, taunt, and repulse... and with a bit more devotion the entire faction would be able to use these powers, though knowledge was spreading slowly and passively with the mere existence of the school.

The Polypal task force to handle freight made sure the market was stocked effectively, but it would only be after other factions joined in trade that this would truly bear fruit...

 

[Beckoncall]

Northless :



The dunes were not welcoming to the Mantis Shrimp -- where they expected to find their western neighbors, they instead found a pod of REAPERS -- horrible snap-jawed things that dwelled in the darkness and deeps of the dunes. The Shrimps retreated back into the shallows with everything they could scrounge from the lost colony -- 2 wealth in neatly stacked boxes, building materials, and tools were recovered from the ruins as the reapers circled increasingly closer, and closer to the shrimpies. Still, they escaped unscathed and would be able to speed production on a named project by using the supplied they reclaimed from the lost faction.

The inner cave complex was thoroughly explored, cleaned and made safe, it was nice to have a safe area out of the wild that the shrimps could relax and socialize in... the mace-fists punched the bloody hell out of the rock and coral walls to make secondary tunnels which became little hidey-holes and pleasure-nooks for the assorted shrimpies... At one point they broke through into an ancient magma bubble chamber which increased the amount of living space they had underground -- but did not propose additional dangers or challenges. The Mantis shrimp could all now rest underground in safety, and morale increased, though not to the next level...

Mixing the lead paint with Sulfur created an interesting compound Lead Sulfide that reacted by noisily registering all types of radiation, from magic to those of energy and poison releasing compounds and minerals. They were also able to grow Anglesite crystals, which while not precious were very pretty and transparent like glass, but harder.

Silver and Sulfer became renewable resources due to the cooperation of the polypals.

The shrimps were also able to capture a bounty of fish beneath the ice-hole to make an offering -- and a bounteous one at that. It remained to be seen who was up there though, and could they be friendly?

 

[Bone2pick]

The water across the shipwreck field was clouded with silt and blood. A scyphon war party, along with the help of Vythan warriors, had been hunting sand sharks and the larger sand tigers all morning. Glaemna, champion of the battle sisters, shook off bits of shark from her harpoon as she swam over the hulking Ironclad, a team of battle sisters following her.

"He went inside it?" Glaemna asked.

"Yes, m'lady," the battle sister nearest her answered. "Alone."

Glaemna scowled. "Foolish male. The breach in the hull is large enough for sand sharks to pass through. He may have just swam into one of their dens."

"Or worse," said another battle sister. "Something else might have crawled into that old battleship."

The hull breach flickered with bluish-white light, and the sound of thrashing echoed up to the onlooking battle sisters. Worry flashed in Glaemna's hardened eyes as she looked down at the flashing chaos, but her concern vanished the moment Jodas swam out of the Ironclad. A wild smile on his face.

"You should have waited," Glaemna called to him, her voice thick with ire.

Jodas nodded sheepishly as he swam up to her. "I'm sorry, m'lady. I grew impatient." This drew a snort from Glaemna.

"I was told we found bottles of wine in one of the wrecks," Jodas said. "Is that true?" His smile was creeping back onto his face.

Glaemna looked puzzled at the witch. "Maybe. Why would that interest you?"

"Because," Jodas fished a gleaming chalice out of his satchel, "I might have found the perfect cup for it."

- - - ORDERS - - -​

1. 18 man o'wars, 30 artisans, 20 harpooners, and 20 reclaimers (340 total labor power) attempt to relocate the sunken Ironclad to Mirith, where it will serve as a battle sister and outswimmer barracks. 10 battle sisters, 4 outswimmers, and 2 witches will scout and defend the labor while they work. For their assistance the scyphon will give the reclaimers 3 wealth (edited because Pat preferred an additional wealth over the chalice). Pat
2. 10 artisans study (as well as milk its venom) the leopard octopus, then attempt to create octopus traps from their observations.
3. If order 2 is successsful, 2 teams of 4 outswimmers deploy octopus traps throughout the kelp forest.
4. The scyphon thank the Vythans for their assistance clearing the shipwreck field, and give the 2 units of ancient wine bottles as a token of their appreciation. SpiralErrant

Brought to Market: wax, rubber, lubricant, crab, robe

 

[Beckoncall]

Crocodile :

The Draconis set to work immediately. Absentmindedly snacking on stalker-fish that drew too close, they were comfortable to assert themselves at the top of the food chain in the kelp forest. Deep in the darkest recesses of the Northeastern Kelp forest there were still some beings yet to be challenged, but the Pod of the secret sea was confident they reigned supreme where they had made sea-fall.

Construction immediately began over the sea vent, a three-level structure with the bottom being a forge/heat capture/and temperature circulation level with various sophisticated iris hatches for heating and cooling what would surely become an imposing dragon-hold. The second level was a collective meeting area for the Enshrined and the third level was a secure bunker-structure the Kith would use as a communal home for now and a defense and sentry post. For the Cult to be secure was one thing -- but for now they were cramped... they would need more structures or pile this one higher to truly consider construction even initially adequate.

Herbalist Pod was very happy to report that besides Lubricant, Rubber, Light-globe Fruit, and construction fronds being renewable assets, they also found two interesting herbs/plants growing in the keepest part of the kelp -- Almost too close together, "Golden Bittersweet" grew in colonies entwined by "Shocking Nightshade" -- Golden Bittersweet was an exotic luxury fruit, which could also be made into candies, syrups, and even some medicines. Shocking nightshade, growing around it as if to defend it from predators, stored a solar charge over the course of it's growth and was highly poisonous -- having both lethal and medicinal applications. The pod sought to encourage the wild growth while harvesting what they could, making these two herbs Renewable Resources.

Reconnisance pod quickly mapped the boundaries of the kelp forest and ate the more aggressive specimens of stalker-fish. In the shallowest part of the kelp forest sea-cows lazily ate the tops of the kelp fronds, untill the Draconis scattered them and devoured and rendered their flesh for later. This area would make a fine hunting ground, but it was questioned how sustainable it was. Draconis gain stalker-fish and sea-cows as food sources. The draconis also discovered a cave system filled with underwater biomorphic fungi, which seemed to change their structure and traits to maximize their adaptability from one place to the next. This tunnel had a deep chamber filled with ghost-white "Blood Kelp" -- and was ruled by a 8-clawed "Hydra-Crab" -- guarding a nest where it hoped to draw a mate -- the cave system continued past the Hydra crab seeming to likely surface in the eastern mushroom forests -- but the pod did not explore further out of risk of prematurely provoking the occupant of the tunnel lair...

The military pod, besides assessing the considerable threat posed by the hydra-crab -- found little to contest them in the region -- even the biggest stalker-fish were either brought to flee or swiftly killed by the Draconian, and they proved little more than practice for more vicious creatures the draconis hoped to encounter. Still, they leant their hand to all the assorted projects going along around them and maintained security.

The Metallurgy and Glassmaker pods did a great job on breaking the great sandstone deposit into manageable pieces and truly exploiting it for all it was worth. The sandstone was carved into blocks and within those blocks any valuable material was drawn from them and the sandstone was kept for construction. Draconis gain 7 units of sandstone, 2 units of titanium, 1 unit of lithium, 3 units of silver and 4 units of fine Quartz. the sandstone deposit, thus exploited, basically became a depression where one could now build a structure attached to the main construction over the thermal vent.

The provision pod rapidly stockpiled all the resources they had found and the Cult felt a true sense of accomplishment so quickly upon their arrival. morale rises to fair! With materials organized and stacked in volume, it was time to put these materials to work, especially a surplus of building materials.

 

[Beckoncall]

Pat :

With the entire faction digging at the earth, it was only a matter of time before something bad happened -- a cave in crushed 5 of the stone constructs as they gored ever deeper into the earth, before hitting paydirt with a renewable deposit of obsidian, iron, and coal.

The reclaimers would have to invest labor into shoring up their mines and making them more secure if they intended to comb for more wealth of the earth... and the reclaimers could only wonder, with mining so fruitful in the shallows what awaited them in the deeper biomes around them...

 

[Pat]

The disastrous mining accident oddly reassured FC513. Although the cave-in did crush half of the expendable labor force, and it did significantly delay efforts until it could be cleared away, they also did not hear of any colony getting this far into the earth's crust before. Otherwise it was likely the hospital would have more patients. Simply put, it's another milestone, of sorts. For now though, the Reclaimers had to immediately temporarily vacate these geologically unstable premises until the stone golems could fabricate some supports securing the substantial progress made thus far. Thankfully, the 'Scyphon' recently proposed a moderately mutually beneficial proposition for them that would prove a rewarding enough use of their time, the mantis shrimp needed aid in safely establishing trading relations with the surface, and the polypals desire to make a visit to the very same frozen hellscape. Their heart, their figurative one anyway, swelled in pride at how quickly they were forging amicable lasting relationships with their neighbors.

Orders​

1. Twenty Reclaimers assist the Scyphons in dragging the ship back to their home for three wealth in return. They attempt to revive and heal the previously killed members of the faction (three harpooners and a man o' war) free of charge before getting to work. On their long march back from the Scyphon colony once the job is completed and payment is received, they harvest every kelp plant that they can carry along the road.

2. Four Reclaimers animate the two illithid statues into golems, and make another five stone golems. The Reclaimers ascertain the quality of and improve upon the supports the stone golems are making once they're done with the last of them.

3. Four stone golems begin to create supports for the mining complex so far, utilizing iron and coal where needed to make steel structural beams. They're joined by the new golems as they're made. A small out of the way memorial is made for the cave-in section, and the stone golems that were destroyed in it. Although glorified tools in nature, they were of Fathom creation, and not very much unlike their far more sophisticated masters. They're assisted by fifty tendrils wielding metal tools.

4. A stone golem and a Reclaimer is sent to the mantis shrimp colony protected by a shrimpie escort to help with their upcoming offering.

 

[Crocodile]

The Draconis reveled in their industrious assembling of the foundations of what was likely to be an immense Dragonhold once they put more effort into it. The heat and foundry of the vent were welcomed for various needs. The Kith were cramped initially but that was to be rectified shortly as the Enshrined began to gather in their grand chamber that had been assembled. It was a circular chamber for debate and discussion, made to be comfortable for the impressively sized ruling caste. The Supreme Sage rested back in a comfortable curved bowl seat like that others, though his was slightly grander to denote his office and status along with dominant size.

"Our foundations are laid. This is most pleasing. The pods are to be commended on their workings," Uleanar said which lead to the bowing of the heads of his subordinates. Recognition and praise was part of it all. It reminded the Enshrined even now they were being assessed for their roles and assignments. Even as they all were eager to surpass and oust Uleanar, it was to be done the right way. One must excel and surpass through workings and self-improvement. Now was not the time for that, for they must build great laboratories and stores to do such workings. The Cluster must prosper and secure its power first. It must rule without question their Kelp Forest domain.

"This Hydra Crab is a nuisance but must be tolerated until we are better established with the Hold," Uleanar notes as he regards a stone tablet with Dragonmarks, their written language detailing the scouting report.

"These lesser creatures seem useful. Which pods seek their assignment?" Uleanar offered as he helped himself to some recently cooked stalker. It was surprisingly tasty once the inner juices were heated with the new system.

"My pod requests the Stalkers," spoke up the Recon Pod Enshrined.

"Defend your case," Uleanar counters as was the traditional manner of a Cluster council.

"They are clever creatures, trainable even from some observed behavior. They also have no luminescent features, very valuable to the function of my pod. Their tracking capacity also makes them ideal for our ongoing exploration and scouting," replied the Recon Enshrined calmly. Laying out his points logically and directly with no word games. Draconis debate was not kind to those who played word games.

"Yet that nature serves my Pod as well," countered the Provision Pod Enshrined. "Their behavior patterns would make them fine herders for these Sea-cow beasts you have found. If we are to make them a more permanent food source with out potential contributions after more study, then the Stalkers should be put to that end."

The Recon Enshrined bared his teeth in challenge to Provision Enshrined, which seemed comical to some as the Provision Pod's master was the larger, stronger specimen as the master of their logistics and supplies. Uleanar calmly just raps his metallic claws on his stone seat, making the pair look to him as he calmly asserted his power. He was twice the size of even the Provision or Military Enshrined present. His features more draconic than theirs as he bares his own teeth calmly in calculated reminder of his power.

"The cases are made. I rule in favor of the Recon Pod. With the stipulation once you have mastered the beasts, you will then begin funneling some to the Provision Pod for herding purposes," Uleanar dictates calmly. The two Enshrined bow their heads and resume more relaxed seating.

"Onto another matter. The Pure Water vent must be tapped immediately. While this hold builds upwards, access to Pure Water will be useful for various things in the future. I am giving this task to the Glass Maker Pod. You will tap the vent, dig a trench and lay out a supply-line to use that can be easily concealed and protected by the earth. The Herbalist Pod will assist you while also preparing greater rubber stockpiles for various needs," Uleanar orders without even bothering for debate. All here knew the value of Pure Water to their workings. The two noted Enshrined bowed their heads in compliance.

"The Construction Pod is to immediately continue construction on the Dragonhold. Its expansion and fortification are imperative to our mission. It is to be our seat of power here."

The Construction Enshrined nods.

"The Metallurgy Pod will commence producing needed construction supplies to aid the Construction Project and the Water Vent Project."

Another nod with no protest. All were eager to test their skills more and carve this fledgling Hold into something far more grand and impressive.

"It would seem we have much to do. I will not keep you. Glory to the True Dragon."

"Glory to the True Dragon!" roared back his subordinates before they left the Cluster's master to recline in his seat and contemplate future actions. There was so much to be done, but eventually things would become set enough that they would even dare build a Spawning Pool. The Hold would be secure enough soon for that.

Orders​

1. The Consruction Pod will continue work on expanding and improving the Dragonhold (1 Enshrined, 2 Elevated, 4 Kith)

2. The Glass Maker and Herablist Pods are working on building a glass, rubbery reinforced water pipe to tap the Pure Water vent. It is to be concealed in a trench and ran to the Dragonhold to give it access to Pure Water (2 Enshrined, 4 Elevated, 8 Kith)

3. THe Metallurgy Pod is providing material support via the foundry for the Dragonhold and Water Pipe projects (1 Enshrined, 2 Elevated, 3 Kith)

4. Recon Pod is domesticating and training the Stalker-fish (1 Enshrined, 2 Elevated, 4 Kith)

5. Provision Pod is domesticating and developing herding methods for the Sea-cows (1 Enshrined, 2 Elevated, 4 Kith)

6. Military Pod will maintain is patrol and assist pattern for the time being. (1 Enshrined, 2 Elevated, 4 Kith)

 

[Northless]

An underground living space for the tribe secured, Thoe advanced through the make shift roads feeling immensely lighter. Having traded with another close settlement the land mines they made for fertilizer, they finally bundled up what resources they could to contribute to the newly established 'market.' Sulphur was something they were still wary of letting anyone had a hand in, but commodities like silver and certain kinds of food may have been more useful for others than for them, so they decided it may be good to take part on this.

Halfway through the way there, a group escorted the reclaimers back, with workers at the ready in the shallows to dictate simple drawings and messages for them to draw in, to somewhat show good will to whoever was smart enough to hunt like that... Simple drawings as to how they looked like, how a part of the shallows looked, and a drawing trying to indicate they were curious about the ones up the ice circle (each with sentences under them and a small vocabulary sheet that may or may not be useful for them) plus the prey animals...
They just hoped this won't kickstart something bad.

The excursion ended up in the polyp's settlement, mostly to teach how to use the sulphur effectively and to see if it and purphorite would make a good explosive compound. A group of shrimps took the chance to finally help the Polypals achieve not-uncanny levels of color matching, and were pleased to see some of them had somewhat begun to do so already. It might have not been great- by shrimp standards- but they were trying.

1) 3 skilled workers and 10 unskilled workers to fertilize the farm use the "speed production" bounty of the lost faction loot to bring as much at the market as possible.

2) 5 skilled workers to dictate a message for the reclaimers to write

3) 10 mace punch to escort the reclaimers and make the "offering". Mostly to guard the surroundings in case something bad happens.

4) 10 skilled workers to help the polyps develop bombs (sulphur and purphorite based)

5) 10 mace punch sent to the School to avoid heart attacks (make them beautiful the shrimp way)

6) 10 slash warriors to the polyps (for undefined time, in exchange of mithril armor)

Brought to the Market:
Crashfish
Anemone and starfish (farm)
Anglesite crystals (hard glass. And info on how to make it)
Silver

 

[Beckoncall]

Elucid :

The Pelagians had dark matters on their mind -- Their priests Studied the "Malice Skull" -- a large skull relic with a combined wand made of a seeming variety of small vertebrae not belonging to the skull itself. The thing gleamed with an inner purple fire that seemed to dance in the mouth and eye sockets of the skull... this was the focus of a powerful Lich... in fact, the hand of this great lich, that seemed to whisper "Srul'Kec, of the greylands" gripped the base of the wand tightly, and if you watched closely, you could see the hand was regenerating... mote by mote, speck by speck. Besides obviously making any necromancy or death magic cast with it more powerful, it seemed to have the ability to corrupt land and defoliate whole areas of plants in the hands of a powerful mage or priest.

The workers of the faction, besides gathering staples and improving and harvesting resources -- made the Skin and Teeth of the sea king into weapons and armor -- Serrated blades were cut from the sides of the teeth, and the center parts made excellent shields. Of the skin, great light armor that protected as well as heavy garb was cut, suit by suit -- the armor was covered in cruel hooks pointing through the skin, assuring melee with wearers of the skin and grappling would be painful and ill advised activities. 100 Kuraselache Blades, 100 Kuraselache Shields, and 100 SeaKing leather-plate was produced by the focused manufactury.

Speaking of the sea king, his skinned corpse, toothless and rotting, had once more use to perform for the Pelagians... Priest Fulco "The Dead Oracle" and Priest Gamel -- who was known to have skills in speaking to animals and magical creatures, performed a ritual with the blood jewel of divinity on the remnants of the sea king to bring it unlife, even if only briefly. The creature slobbered it's own guts and blew bubbles of rotting ichor, but the creature was consulted on where it's lair lay in the dunes... it's eyes flashed red and it mentally gave a picture of an area due west of the shallows, at the end of the dunes on a small peninsula yawning over the void of empty sea below. They had their answer...

The Pelagians were in high spirits with the death of the Kuraselache, and named Wiuhomarch Urchadainn "The Sea's Defiant" for his deathblow on the Sea King... who ripped his sword back out of the beast with both of his bare hands and rose it high above his head to the cheer of his faction. Pelagian Morale is GOOD!

 

[Beckoncall]

Bone2pick :

A great train of Scyphon troops and workers and beasts of burden pulled hard on the sunken Ironclad that rested at the base of the deep grassy plateau -- hoist aloft by almost all the reclaimers... the train of people and constructs began to PULL THE SHIP from it's watery grave all the way though Kelpy forest and much of the shallows to finally come to a rest near the center of the Scyphon Holdfast -- there it would serve as a barracks and training ground for the warriors of the faction -- a curious but powerful looking prize for the colony. Scyphon Morale rises to good!

It was learned inside a great furnace was housed -- something the Scyphon could use for smelting or generating heat -- either to vent it through the top of the ship or to harness. The ship also had a powerful water-wheel which could be used as a millstone if uncoupled from propelling the ship. The Scyphon would have to look into these devices and see if the ironclad held any other secrets...

The reclaimers were paid in a great volume of wealth, and they saluted their employers for the job they performed, taking their treasure with them...

Artisans of the Scyphon studied the Leopard Octopus and learned they were as intelligent as they were toxic... while being able to get them to cooperate to being milked by trading food, it was impossible to make a "Trap" from an octopus because the octopus would always escape -- Still, mixing lubricant with the poison made powerful concentrates that could be smeared on spears or trap-jaws, and areas of Scyphon approached were thus trapped to deter stealthy advancement on their colony and passively generate more food. It was also learned that sleep and surgical medicines could be made from Leopard Octopus venom, giving a slight bonus to non-magical healing, and it was if properly purified a GREAT pain-killer and combat drug. Leopard Octopus Tonics become a Renewable resource/trade good.

 

[Beckoncall]

Pat :

The reclaimers, once they had helped the Scyphon, looked to healing the terminally wounded of and found it was too late. Regardless they cleared a swathe of kelp through the forest and carried the bounty to their holdfast. Reclaimers have huge reserve of kelp!

The reclaimers animated the Illithid statues, which were large and dangerous, and likely powerful workhorses as well... and rebuilt the golems they had lost to boot. The debris of their lost constructs were laid at their memorial, Steel -- made from the polypal forges, reinforced heavily the tunnels and earthworks the reclaimers had created. Steel becomes renewable resource.

 

[Pat]

Colonial Railroad Progress (700/2300)​

The sudden unexpected overabundance of forged steel, and the established kelp reserve, together opened up opportunities to drastically upgrade infrastructure, as well as improve the ability for the colonies of the Golden Grotto's hidden sea to record information, and even begin future proofing for resource shortages. FC513 took a moment to watch the Reclaimers depart from the painted mural cave on their way to complete their assigned tasks, silently contemplating what was to come. They had hoped that the coalition against the Kuresalache would've united colonization efforts, but maybe, just maybe, this great labor only made possible through Fathom materials, and their own initiative to boldly go ahead with this plan, would galvanize cooperative action from everyone in the region that shared their universally common goal of finding the Atlantean seat of power. This time, they could only hope that the incentive to work as one dispelled any thoughts of shortsighted self-interest.

Orders
​

1. Five steel (four units of it being made from the preexistent four iron in Fathom possession before the resource became renewable), and the blacksilver strongbox, are traded to the Scyphon in exchange for two wealth and the chalice of fate. Five Reclaimers make the trade when a two way Scyphon escort team arrives, and they accompany them back to their colony to study and work on the ironclad as they are instructed to as an unrelated act of goodwill for their former employers.

2. Twenty Reclaimers begin to fabricate and lay sections of railroad tracks along and near the road network utilizing their steel, contributing two hundred labor to the project which needed two thousand and three hundred total labor to complete, connecting every single known colony together. No colony is to be favored in anyway over another when it comes to which lines are laid first, and interested participants who selfishly attempt to are turned away, and the stolen steel is retrieved. While the workers are busy installing the draconis section of track, they pave a road there as well to link it up with the colonial road network.

3. Five stone golems and one illithid stone golem create blank kelp paper with half of the kelp reserve to distribute amongst the colonies. The first page given to each colony includes the formula to produce more of the kelp paper on the back, and a call to action on the front. Each colony is requested by FC513 to contribute a labor force to accelerate the construction of the colonial railroad, arguing that it's development, the sooner the better, is essential for the continued security and prosperity of the colonies as a whole moving forward.

4. Five stone golems and one illithid stone golem create an emergency colonial granary protected within unused areas of the mine that have been tapped of available resources, preserving and then contributing half of the kelp reserves so that no one from any faction needs to starve in times of hunger. Donations from other colonies are welcomed.

5. The emerald magic maul of sundering is temporarily given to the Draconis so road construction would go smoothly.

 

[Beckoncall]

Crocodile :

Another sandwich of layers was put upon the dragonhold, and another. Public work spaces and private personal chambers were the next to be added to the dragonhold, with the remains of their tools used making the most basic facilities for each of the pods. The Construction Pod had outdone themselves as the new buildup was both more spacious and more defensible that the previous structure it absorbed. Draconis Morale rises to FAIR!

One of the best accomplishments of the construction pod was a separate dual-locked chamber filled with fresh water that was siphoned from the pure water vent by the glass making and herbalist pods. Sanitary experimentation and alchemy could be performed in this environment and it's elegance was a tribute to the Enshrined that built it, as well as the Lord who commanded it. The pipes were made of vulcanized sand-glass and proofed rubber compounds from the kelp forest. It was truly a marvel how the dragonhold was expanding... and extra praise was due to the metallurgy guild who aided with the construction which would otherwise perhaps faltered.

4. Recon Pod is domesticating and training the Stalker-fish (1 Enshrined, 2 Elevated, 4 Kith)

The recon pod had quickly cornered and captured 20 specimens of stalker-fish from the deep kelp forest, but training them so far eluded them. Unlike the specimens in less competitive kelp environments, the Stalkers of The Draconis Forest were fiercely territorial and singular. At present they had the score of them more trapped than penned, and it was only through care and innovation that the stalkers did not kill each other to the last in captivity in a bid for dominance. More time and labor would need to be invested... The stalkers could be BROKEN -- and if they could be broken, they could be made to serve...

5. Provision Pod is domesticating and developing herding methods for the Sea-cows (1 Enshrined, 2 Elevated, 4 Kith)

By gathering the richest fronds and leaves of the deep-kelp where sea-cows generally feared to swim (with good reason) the Draconis quickly gathered a stable of a dozen sea cattle and bound them to the outside of the dragonhold. Social by nature, the draconis were confident that if they kept their captured commune strong and fed it would attract more sea cows passively over time, as long as a little labor was invested in corralling and containing the sea cows as they gathered.

The military pod patrolled the deep kelp for evidence of any possible threats -- and found one. A group of Illithid saboteurs was caught flat-footed setting up a camp in the deep forest evidently to spy on factions further south. Reading their very body language as hostile the Draconis swooped in and annihilated them, devouring and capturing every last bit of evidence of their existence. It was as if they never were... and their foes never stood a chance...

 

[Crocodile]

The Draconis were not pleased. The Illithid group found and slaughtered was the buzz of the growing Dragonhold. The Chamber of the Enshrined had gathered again. The dead illithid specimens floated at the center, hanging from chains as the Enshrined all snarled and bared their teeth in great anger.

"INTERLOPERS!" Hissed the gathering as Uleanar lounged back and regarded the dead creatures. What was done to keep them preserved for examination had been. But they did now know how long that would last with the alien physiology. Word had also been sent to the lesser beings and a request for connection made. The Draconis were irked by this but felt it necessary after discovering the sabotage unit.

"The Metallurgy Pod will immediately proceed to vivisect and study the composition of these creatures in our new Clean Chamber. The Enshrined of the Glass Makers and Herbalists will join the effort. Their pods will be dispatched to assist in the building of the road linkage with the... lesser beings. The Construction Pod will take charge of them."

Uleanar growled some as he ate more cooked stalker. Bearing his teeth in irritation that the colony was forced to reveal itself so soon. The enemy force though was all that showed. Some bigger Illithid formation existed for such a group to be hear. Logic dictates such. They would make war upon the others which would bring them into the Kelp Forest. Disrupting efforts in their continued dominance of it. The only way to succeed was to head it off and seize upon the situation. So the warning was sent and this linkage agreed to.

"The domestication projects will continue. The Military Pod will increase patrols and shift from support save in combat needs. The creatures may know we are here now. We must be ready to slay them. We must also gain more specimens. Their flesh... seems fully of hidden bounties."

The Enshrined all snarl in agreement. The Draconis would have to shift to a war footing and join the others in alliance against these creatures. They were nothing but trouble. THey must be eliminated and their beneficial traits incorporated into the Cluster.

Orders​

1. The Military Pod goes to full war footing in its patrolling. (1 Enshrined, 2 Elevated, 4 Kith)

2. The Metallurgy Pod assumes authority over the Illithid bodies an begins examination. They are joined by the Herbalist and Uleanar, assembling the Cluster's three bio-alchemists. (Uleanar + Blood Jewel, 2 Enshrined, 2 Elevated, 3 Kith) (All 3 Bio-alchemists involved)

3. Uleanar exerts his will over the Blood Jewel to decipher useful traits from the Illithid for the Draconis to incorporate into themselves.

4. The spare Kith and Elevated are being dispatched to aid the Road/Rail Project being built by the Construction Pod, Glass Maker Pod and the Reclaimers (2 Enshrined, 6 Elevated, 12 Kith)

5. Recon continue trying to domesticated Stalkers (1 Enshrined, 2 Elevated, 4 Kith)

6. Provision Pod will continue domestication and herding of Sea-cows (1 Enshrined, 2 Elevated, 4 Kith)

 

[Bone2pick]

​

Idirna's eyes explored the mighty Ironclad as she made her way towards the vessel. It was an awe-inspiring focal point for the enclave. While the dull armor and hard angles of the craft contrasted with scyphon architecture and fashion, it surprisingly looked fitting in Mirith, similar to how a thorny, brownish-green stem looks fitting supporting a rose.

Idirna smiled when she spied Glaemna exiting the ship's bridge. "Are you finished playing with your battleship?" She called out.

Glaemna whirled and then smiled when she recognized who was approaching her. "Almost. Why do you ask?"

"I wanted to know if you and your sisters were going to join us on our hunt?"

Glaemna shook her head. "We can't. We're to escort a party of reclaimers back to the enclave as soon as we're finished here."

After a moment Idirna grinned. "Honestly, I'm relieved to hear you say that; you and your burly girls would only slow us down."

Glaemna tried put on a scowl in response to the insult, but her eyes betrayed her. "It's funny you say that, Idirna – I always thought you were too big to be an outswimmer, let alone chief outswimmer."

"Most of my weight is in the right spot, my tail. It's why I'm so fast."

Glaemna snorted, then a devilish smile crept onto her face. "Not fast enough to catch the razor ray. Not today"

Idirna raised an eyebrow. "Care to wager on that?

"As a matter of fact, I already have. The sisters and placed our bets this morning."

"And you decided to throw your money away by betting against me? I guess it's true what they say: a fool and their money are soon parted."

"Maybe so, Idirna. But this fool laced your breakfast with leopard octopus venom this morning." Both ladies erupted in laughter.

- - - ORDERS - - -​

1. 1 master builder, 10 artisans, and 5 reclaimers inspect the Ironclad. After inspection, the artisans and master builder convert the ship into a barracks for battle sisters and outswimmers (female only warriors of course), while the reclaimers determine if the ship's cannons are operational and if they can effectively be fired underwater.
2. Scyphon trade 2 wealth (gold) and the Chalice of Fate to the reclaimers for 5 units of steel and 1 unit of black silver.
3. With the new steel, wood from the shipwreck field, and rope that the scyphon have made, 20 artisans attempt to design and build a ballista. If they are successful in this endeavor, additional ballistas will be created.

Spoiler: Ballista Pic

4. 12 outswimmers and 12 man o'wars hunt for the elusive ribbon-tailed razor ray from post #73.
5. 10 artisans return to the nearby caves to continue to mine for gold and anything else of value.
6. 2 witches, 10 battle sister, and 20 harpooners escort the reclaimers to Mirith (the enclave) and then back to their colony.

 

[Heyitsjiwon]

A feast! A feast! The Polypals had to prepare for the coming feast! They had to get some appropriate attire for the event, but thankfully they had the means to make their own! Not to mention it was in poor taste to attend a feast empty handed. They had to bring something, and the Polypals were always ones to leave quite a mark in people's memories. This time around they would blow people's minds with what they had planned. That said, a feast was a special occasion to be shared with others, especially friends! The Polypals had to find more people and see if they would be interested in attending this feast. Friends below, friends to the west, and hopefully friends from above!

Thus, the tendrils continued to tirelessly work. So much to do, yet so little time before this feast!

---

Orders:

1. Continued work on the Magical Laboratory with the knowledge of making Anglesite crystals from the Mantis Shrimp as a replacement for glass. The Polypals had to learn more about psionics if they were going to wage this war against the Mind Flayers.

The Artificer (Infested Mind Flayer), The Artist, 50 Tendrils, Metal Tools. Sulfur, Lead

2. With the access to new metals and ability to forge new alloys, the Polypals look into creating armor for their more... terrain restricted pals, the Reclaimers and the Mantis Shrimp.

The Engineer, 50 Tendrils, Metal Tools, Silver, Titanium, Iron (From Reclaimers), Purphorite Forge

3. Using Pengling trait, the Polypals decide to venture to the surface and explore.
The Primus w The Triumph Hand, FC513, The Diplomat (Infested Mind Flayer), The Elder (Infested Mind Flayer), The Gourmand (Infested Mind Flayer), 20 Mimics (Pengling Trait and Psionics Trait), Metal Tools/Improvised Weapons

4. Assist the Reclaimers in building the railroad
50 Tendrils, Metal Tools, composites

5. Patrol the Eastern Border w/ the Mantis Shrimp soldiers sent to help
The Tactician (Great Stalker Host), The Brood Mother (Infested Mind Flayer), 10 Infesters (Stalker Trait, Psionic Trait), 3 Stalkers

6. With the access to sulfur, the Polypals take the knowledge given from the Mantis Shrimp and work on developing their own brand of concussive grenades and explosive weapons suitable for Polypal use.
The Chemist, 50 Tendrils, Metal Tools, Sulfur, Purphorite, Ceramics

 

[Beckoncall]

Northless :



The mantis shrimp used their best tools and newly acquired materials to grow and improve their farms, which now became two-tiered structures, and individual houses of mantis shrimp had their own food gardens as well, beautifying the neighborhoods and undertunnels. The Mantis Shrimp had a bumper crop of starfish, mollusks, and anemone. They would soon need a means to store surplus food or there would be spoilage!

The skilled workers task force dictate a peaceful message for the potential surface dwellers, basically to signal about them and how they lived and to ask for similar information. The reclaimers used old atlantean common as well as a "Rebus" series of pictograms in case the surface dwellers were not literate. They had high hopes their messages would be understood, if they could be received.

The collusion between polyp and mantis shrimps for making bombs was so far, a complete and utter failure. Numerous serious accidents were avoided, and long drawn out and confusing displays of color were generated by each side not knowing who was to blame. If the Polypals put in additional effort there might be work product, but besides giving the polypals enough sulfur and purphorite to blow themselves up, the Mantis shrimp task force didn't accomplish helping them much.

Likewise, attempts to train the polypals to recognize and display beauty the way a mantis shrimp could perceive was a similar dismal failure... polypals could only CONCEIVE of half the colors a Mantis Shrimp could so initial lessons were more confusing than rewarding. It was a job worth accomplishing... but so far, no good....

The Polypals combined silver and titanium/iron alloys to make 50 suits of mithril-esque plated armor for the Shrimpies, in return for 10 slash warriors to aid in security and labor.

 

[Beckoncall]

Pat :

Trade with Scyphon went over without a hitch... and reclaimer study of the ironclad revealed insights into it's construction and modification. Reclaimers would get bonuses to repair the ironclad, and if a large supply of rubber, ceramics, and steel were invested in it, the ironclad could be converted into a submarine! (but only with the reclaimers help and at least one reclaimer crewman.) The reclaimers in turn gain some technological know-how from the relics of the lost dwarven culture which might be useful in the future, especially pertaining to steam tech, Pneumatics, and the concepts of gas propelled missiles -- largely modelled from a semi-functional torpedo launcher...

As far as rail construction went, initial gains were significant and ahead of schedule. SpiralErrant Bone2pick The Scyphon and Vythan rail networks were well underway, and 600/1900 job was complete with almost total dedication by the reclaimers. They hoped they would get additional help on other ends of the project as this would compound their gains.

Reclaimers gain 2 influence for sharing paper with the entire colony, and paper becomes a renewable resource for EVERYONE. ALL FACTIONS ARE CALLED UPON TO AID IN CONSTRUCTION OF THE RAIL SYSTEM.

A storage silo of crushed and caked seaweed/kelp was established by the reclaimers as an emergency granary. Should poorer seasons/tides strike, this would be the colony's first line of defense against hunger -- though food supplies for the time being in the colonies seemed terrific - there was no accounting for lean times that may lay ahead. Reclaimers gain 2 influence!

 

[Beckoncall]

Crocodile :

The Military pod coursed the increasingly familiar boundaries of the deep kelp forest -- and attempted to get a better read on the adjacent territories... To the Northwest the kelp forest dropped out from under itself to a steep drop into the endless yawning abyss -- the near and far horizon, all up and down this void, hovered tiny islands of rock held aloft by clinging buoyant barnacle-like things -- reproducing by budding, tiny rocks could float with the tiniest of these lighter-than water simple animals -- but truly enormous ones kept large plates of land aloft. At the boundary between "the floating islands" and the deep kelp forests, Great Nautilus carefully stalked the Draconis Patrol...



Their simple eyes and tentacles surveying the Kith in particular with a hunting curiosity. The patrol sought to draw the nautilus closer to the dragonhold to slay them if they were indeed being hunted -- but the nautilus did not follow... they were obviously creatures of the floating islands, and only stalked the very borders of Draconis territory and would not quest far into the kelp.

Uleanar and his task force began the study, dissection and autopsy of the First Illithid, keeping the second specimen's structural integrity sound. It was learned that the brains of the creatures had intelligence increasing potential -- as simple as eating it, but even better if the draconis attempted to embrace some of it's structure. Uleanar also used the blood jewel of divinity which revealed a strange structure in the creatures brain... the elusive cerebellus psionique. Adopting this structure could give the Draconis Telepathy at least, and at best greater mental powers of psionics. Aside from this it was learned that the illithid were a very advanced race of cephelopod, but not much to compare to even the kith in physical perfection. It was interesting to note that Illithids had negative nervous responses to all other species -- which would likely evidence itself psychologically as a hatred for all other species and an unending hostility towards non-illithids. The cost of power to the gem was negligible, it's crimson pulsing hue as strong as ever...

The Construction pod met with the reclaimers and quickly finished the road connecting them to the network, though bridges over rough and high terrain in the kelp forest were necessary. The railway was far from finished, but the the addition of the rail would be heavily facilitated by the functioning road. ROAD CONNECTS DRACONIS TO THE REST OF THE FACTIONS!

Recon squad began to actually hunt iwth the stalker-fish and establish a stronger bond with them... once a bond existed with a stalker-fish, dominance could be asserted. In the end of hard and persistent work, 18 greater stalker-fish had "joined" the recon group. These stalkers were as mentioned particularly nasty and territorial, but were weaned off of their aggression for the draconis. Though keeping them close to the dragonhold was still a chore -- the creatures had been converted to the cause.

Sadly the same success could not be shared by the Provision pod... they had made some gains, but not the ones they hoped for... merely 15 cows in total with a scant few joining the herd -- this was likely in relation to the increased activity of the big stalkers in the area of the dragon-hold -- but the provision pod knew that if they kept the best kelp out long enough -- the cows would come...

 

[Pat]

Colonial Railroad Progress Turn 1 (775/2300)
+600 Reclaimers (20 Reclaimers, steel)
+100 Draconis (2 Enshrined, 6 Elevated, 12 Kith)
+75 Polypals (50 tendrils, m. tools, composites)

Colonial Railroad Progress Turn 2 (1775/2300)​

+? Reclaimers (25 Reclaimers, ten golems, steel)
+100 Scyphon (19 man o'wars, 4 outswimmers, 1 master engineer)
+900 together

It seemed as if the colonial railroad project was not going to take so long to complete after all. With the surprising but significant assistance of the draconis that upon introduction appeared initially hesitant to accept Reclaimer offers to connect them to the road and rail network out of a preference for isolation in the depths of the northern kelp forest, and the ever helpful polypals alongside the Fathoms yet again, even without the further outside assistance FC513 knew that was soon coming, the final completion of the construction efforts couldn't be far off if they just kept at the monumentous labor together.

Orders​

1. The twenty Reclaimers constructing the colonial railroad are joined by an additional five Reclaimers and ten stone golems ready for work assignments.

2. A stone illithid golem is sent to the mantis shrimp colony to safely make the offering for them on their behalf whenever they are instructed to do so.

3. FC513 accompanies some polypals to the surface to ensure that they all make it back home safely after retrieving their loaned emerald warhammer of sundering from the draconis after their new friends had sufficient time to make use of it to help pave a road to their colony. A unit of steel is handed over to the Draconis as a welcoming gift to the wider community of the Golden Grotto's hidden sea.

 

[Beckoncall]

Bone2pick :

The master builder and task force were surprised at how well the wreck held together -- it was practically operational despite having been sunk centuries prior. The chrome, silver and gold finishings on it had no tarnish at all and even the steel once brushed up shined to casual observation. Beneath the surface however, many small flaws could be seen in it's workings -- if the Scyphon ever did use this ship as anything other than a barracks they would need a consistent dedicated engineering team to keep it seaworthy or a massive investment in subtle repairs to delicate instrumentation. The ship did indeed have two functional turreted heavy guns -- but without pneumatic modification the weapons would not fire underwater. As a barracks it was a spectacular and defensible building however, and it drew attention. Plus 1 influence Scyphon!

Much to many folks surprise, the prototype Ballista not only functioned at the speculated short and medium range, it had the capacity, with sufficient invested labor turning the cranks, to fire into the long range category with dangerous stopping power. This was only possible once per battle (the first shot) but subsequent shots could be made at medium and shorter ranges at a fair rate of fire. In all, THREE BALLISTA were constructed, it merely being a question of where to place them, as it was they were displayed in the middle of the faction colony facing outward in all directions. The quality of rope and steel had a hand in the success of the weapon -- but much of the credit had to go to the Artisans themselves. One artisan becomes V-skilled "Engineer"!

Ten Artisans was not enough labor to get an appreciable amount of gold -- but it did enable them to make some discoveries in the caves, especially since many troublesome pests had since been repulsed by the their bloom-jellies... a moderate deposit of Segelsite -- a light crystalline rock that responded to tides the way sails responded to wind was discovered, as well as what seemed to be a promising amount of Blossamite -- a semi-precious decorative crystal that was easy to grow with concentrated salt deposits and careful labor.

Once the outswimmers had FOUND the Elusive ribbon-tailed razor ray -- it was simple business for the larger, sleeker, faster and bulkier Man o'wars to overcome it -- they even captured it alive. Now what would the Scyphon do with it? It's barb, easily six feet long, could be made into many a keen blade or a singular spectacular lance -- and it's delicate flesh would prove a spectacular meal just as it's skin would make an exceptional singular coat or cloak. For now, the outswimmers brought it back to the colony for the witches to decide it's fate...