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

[Beckoncall]

Enemy Standoo :

""Hail to you, fair guardian!" :

"Spire Victory? Name checks, but not familiar. You will not see the Key'ed one. Imposter in the spire -- no more confusion if you are not reinforcements. We will lay flags of welcome out should circumstances permit lowering of vigil to levels permitting unauthorized guests, clearly we are not in agreement as to what an artist is. We expect reinforcements from Spire 7 to arrive in no fewer than 800 years. I will tell stories of this meeting to your descendants when they are bidden. Goodbye."

 

[Beckoncall]

Spacekitty Prince Vaethorion SpiralErrant :

"The great runner hunt" --

The teams of three factions were in the area, all interested in the same thing.

The highborn would likely not have cooperated with the Fennec to capture runners, but when the Tyren came on the scene and saw that highborn had hunting parties of their own, they were invited to join.

A crude plan was hatched, The Tyren being versed in the behavior of their own and other wild herds were consulted on likely behaviors and potential threats.

"First, we need to set them to running." A skilled herdsman spoke.

And thus it was planned that the Fennec's Troll would burst from the lake to drive them out of the wood.

"Then we need to control which way they go."

The Tyren were not all "Chargers" -- far from it, but all but the elderly or the truly corpulent could put a good run in when they had to.. in response to the Troll alarming the herd, the Great Tyren made to run as if other animals of the wood on either side of the Runners -- containing them in a column that, while in the woods at least, would keep them from scattering. Two Tyren Felled a Tree when they smashed past it on the west flank, but this only served to more alarm the herd and keep their eyes forward not looking for an opening to spread.

"Once out of the wood, you got to keep them tight."

It was in the high grasses outside the wood the Fennec, 10 in all, hopped at confusing intervals on both sides, whipping switches made of tied grass around their heads they fed into the herd's reaction to peripheral movement to keep them running straight, but distracted...

"Then you give them nowhere to go."

It was at this point the high elves hiding in front of the oncoming herd rose up from camouflage ahead of the herd in an arc of 30 spearmen, 2 ranks deep. While the whole herd stopped short of the Bulwark of shields, many runners in back plowed into and over runners to the fore of them, throwing the herd into chaos and disjointing the leadership of the Alphas in the chaos. Quickly running behind them were the Tyren's mercenaries, also armed with polearms and waving and hollering to hopefully pen them in... there only being five of them they had to hope they could buy enough time for the Troll and Tyren to catch up and seal the pocket...

....The plan worked.

Once the Herd -- 40 yellow runners strong including 5 larger, ruddier and mustard-colored Alphas -- were encircled and enveloped by the faction hunters. The Alphas at first tried to challenge, but they were repeatedly redirected to the shield-wall which they did not acknowledge as an enemy, but as an obstacle. The Lesser members of the herd watched anxiously as each alpha was gently brought to ground -- the fennec stinging one with a number of inebriating darts, the Tyren pulling one down by surprise, and the last three, the biggest and wisest to the threat, had to be brought to exhaustion with constant battering with the flats of spears and whatever weapons were handy. Kwamin, one of the Skilled Tyren workers -- was the only one to be harmed -- gored with a single kick from an alpha, it likely would have spilled the guts of a specimen of another race, but instead would only leave an impressive scar. The primary talon RAKED Kwamin right in his abdomen, which was thick with muscles like rocks.. Rocks split like tissue-paper, for now -- but he was quickly patched up and brought to the healer's guild to be tended to. The new and deeper involvement of the ratkin at the healers guild was immediately evident -- with Kwamin soon going from groaning at needing to be carried by his comrades to snarking over his third fennec ale as a trio of giggling Doe Ratkin thoroughly deloused him "For his Heroism" -- Kwamin wasn't a warrior, but by the evening he felt pampered like one. Also, he was drunk.

RESULT: 35 "Omega" Runners and 5 "Alpha" Runners are subdued and lead to a designated corral in Harun'Taras (the only suitable place to hold them for now) -- How the beasts will or will not be used or divided must be worked out by the involved parties!)

 

[Beckoncall]

Prince Vaethorion Spacekitty

"BOOO! BOOO!"

"LET THEM SHARE!"

The Highborn had the makings of a little riot on their hands this time... many attolians, surely goading fennec, Tyren sympathizers, and even some Attolians were taking (whether they understood the intensions or not) of Highborn attempting to regulate Fennec contribution to the Capitol building. What with generous offers of wage and beautiful pallets of amber -- the common people did NOT see the big picture of the Fennec's "non membership" in the face of such gifts. If The highborn did not want the frustration, anger, and yes the size of the mob to grow they would either have to let the fennec through and onto the project or effect some other course of action!!!

DECISION POINT: Highborn must defuse the crowd or suffer loss of popularilty/influence.

Fennec may attempt to rabble-rouse the crowd to get their way, but this may be inadvisable politically.

 

[Spacekitty]

RIOT! BURN THE COLONY TO THE GROUND- ok, let's try and behave guys.
Although starting a riot was an EXTREMELY appealing idea to many of the Fennecs, some of the more sensible and in-the-loop (those who knew how much their previous mischief was coming back around to kick them in the behind) managed to talk their comrades out of the idea almost unanimous idea of distributing strong ale to the crowd and "peacefully demanding equal rights", although barely. It was decided that they would still cause SOME trouble (otherwise the Finecians may have had a riot of their own to deal with!), but not enough to warrant any retribution. in fact the Highborn may find it better than them doing nothing at all!

The Finecians would try to somewhat calm down the growing riot, discouraging any sort of violence. But they were free to protest if they will, the Fennecs would not involve themselves politically!

They would promise them however, no matter the outcome, that the Finecians wanted to pay back their crimes and debt to the good people of the colony and the food, drink, money and amber were GIFTS to THEM, regardless of whether the Highborn would let the Finecians join the government or not. They intended to continue to contribute to the colony as a whole.

Beckoncall

Prince Vaethorion

 

[Beckoncall]

SpiralErrant :

"OF LORE AND STONE":

MASSIVE STONE FROM HARUNTARAS!

Cart after cart after cart of it. "All the stone from the mine of vines, Orm said!" a Tyren Carter shook his head laughing as he prodded his beasts of burden while much otherwise idle time was spent loading even more carts to be moved.

People laughed or dared not hope for the kind of wall the highborn were constantly posturing about building for the Capitol building, but by the time the Tyren herds were done moving "All that Stone" -- it began to become a wonder how big this building was actually going to be -- the storage pile for stone and clay was a veritable hill or mountain to itself, once fully unloaded... and it took the Tyren, and much of the public labor pool to get it moved in a realistic timeframe. If the ranting of the elves was madness, the offering of raw materials by the Tyren was madness made manifest. At the top of the day the pile of materials, upon which other factions contributions would be heaped, cast a shadow that almost ran full over the length of the learners square.

Prince Vaethorion : Because of the scope of this project, however -- the extra labor requested for public bathworks floundered, at least for now. While the bathhouse pool for the private seats of government was easily built into the footprint of the building (and beautiful it was) -- The learners square had to settle for one larger, inelegant, but fully practical bath in the space between the learners square and what would become the capitol building. With numerous fountains fed by water lifts from expertly divined cisterns, the public bath was as pleasing to the eye as it was a fortifier to one's health.

(+1 influence highborn for "Fountain Baths" north of the learners square -- influence gain would be higher, were it not a well spread and factual rumor that the Highborn had spent many times the labor and funds on their own exclusive baths In their "Wild Villas" and Highborn Quarter!)

________________________________________________________________________________

"Stories of the thralls" --

Perhaps this was a bad idea, as it did not lift the spirits of the newly renamed hillfolk to talk of the salt and water of misfortune that lead them to these new and friendly shores. Tales of unsympathetic neighbors when family died, of betrayal, of gambling debts and failed baggage trains, of heartless response to misfortune that the Tyren could not understand was how humans truly would treat one another -- were they as indifferent to each other in need as they always were to the Tyren? It did little for the morale of any to discuss these tales, but discuss them they did, and in doing so put their pasts behind them. At first some of the tales were thought to be jokes or exaggerations due to strained limits of common tongue -- but it did not take long before nobody was laughing. The Muurdaan had not only failed these people, they had PREYED on them. The Tyren could not see into this side of human society -- though they must have known it existed not being so naive -- but to hear the stories "from the oxens mouth" was another thing altogether. They had embraced the humans for what they were -- only to see a side of humans that was wholly repulsive. There were a couple of stories worth retelling... something about a race of giants called the "Chorr" coming down from mountains in the northern hinterlands, crushing hamlet and city alike -- some of the thralls were refugees from that crisis -- offered a hand by the advancing Muurdaan and taking an arm and a leg for it. Others were simply cast off by the Muurdain house of Narvik to pay land-debts... decades, even lives of servitude dismissed without so much as a coin or a word of thanks.

The Tyren had their problems with humans before -- but spirits lie if they didn't think humans had bigger problems with themselves...

(MORALE IN HARUN'TARAS FALLS MARKEDLY, THOUGH THIS IS MITIGATED BY THE CHEER BROUGHT BY THE NEW INN)

__________________________________________________________________________

ANAIS ON THE CULL:

"I have but three bits of information on how one could defeat the cull -- my father has eaten many beings, and some so old as to know a thing or two about it... I will tell you what I know."

1) "They eat their own dead and wounded. Immediately they are seen as any other prey. To wound them from afar is to assure that they are eaten before they reach you."

2) "You will not best them in combat. They were designed by gods to end the world... so you would need the power of gods to stop them. Disabuse yourself of the notion of stopping the Cull once it starts -- by then, it will truly be too late."

3) "All creatures killed by the cull are wrapped in digestive sacs and hauled to the Hive. There all living things are melted into a slurry, which the Hive drinks as it sleeps and grows. Only bones remain -- and they are cast from it's tree... though one deducts that if you wished not to be digested, one would protect oneself with bone, no?"

4) "The Cull cannot be defeated on the move, but in theory it could be stopped while it slept. That which commands it, feeds the Cull in slumber just as the Hive feeds the what commands in it's activity... An angel of death, a 'Dreaming one' -- a chosen murderer of the world in a bygone era of which little or nothing still exists, and likely this thanks to the Cull itself."

5) "If one understood the sense-organs of the Cull, it might be easy to hide from it."

________________________________________________________________________________

"ON ANCIENT WOOD" --

Between secrets in the bark-bound tome, the lore of the sylvan, the hushed whispers of whipporwhil and the vague musings of Anais T'leth Aboleth, numerous applications for The Golden, Ancient Wood are postulated:

1) Any building made with this wood will invariably be magical -- and the intent by which it is invested in a structure will guide how it enchants the structure...

2) Wherever the ancient wood is allowed to decay and return to nature -- it will be restored to it's pristine and virginal nature... as such, it may attract, or bring forth, folk or spirits of the forest.

3) If planted on unhallowed ground, it would create a creature of great malevolence, but owing it's creation to the sower... an "elemental of wild growth"...

4) Shields and Javelins made from this wood will strike true, or draw blows to themselves accordingly.

 

[Prince Vaethorion]

Beckoncall Spacekitty

The Prince ordered Lindar to address the crowd due to his popularity and his way with words. (in the meantime the Prince orders his tactician to have a force of 30 with shields on standby outside of sight to rescue Lindar if things got ugly, but to avoid harming the Colonist).

Lindar perched up on a nearby roof to be seen better, cross legged, as comfortable as one could be, be strummed his mandolin to gain attention and smiled his warmest smile. He waved to some familiar faces in the crowd and seemed completely at ease.

"Greetings fair colonist, this is all a misunderstanding, the Finnecian gifts are more than welcome, and they are greatly appreciated. In fact, the Highborn Commander and the Colonial government consider the Finnecian gifts as restitution for some of their members initial wrong doings. The Finnecians are being given a second chance, and the gifts from them are seen as acts of good and in time will put them in good standing with the Colony. So fear not, the contributions of the Fennec are welcome. In time, if the Finnecians continue to be honest, contributing members of the Colony, they will in time be invited to join the colonial government. In the meantime the Colony graciously accept the gifts, and they will be put to good use. I dedicate this song to the new members of the Colony, the Finnecians!" At this Lindar played a soothing, song with a popular Attolian tune on his mandolin and sang to the crowd.

"The fox went on a chilly night,
He prayed to the moon to give him light,
For he had many a mile to go that night
Before he reached the
Town-o, town-o, town-o,
He had many a mile to go that night
Before he reached the town-o.

He ran 'til he came to the market pen
The ducks and the geese were kept therein.
He said a couple of you gonna grease my chin
Before I leave this
Town-o, town-o, town-o,
A couple of you gonna grease my chin
Before I leave this town-o.

He grabbed the grey goose by the neck
And swung a duck over his back.
He didn't mind the quack quack quack
And the legs all dangling
Down-o, down-o, down-o,
He didn't mind the quack, quack, quack,
And the legs all dangling down-o.

Old Mother Pitter Patter jumped out of bed
Out of the window she popped out her head,
She said, John, John sold the grey goose is gone
And the fox is on the
Town-o, town-o, town-o,
She said, John, John the sold grey goose is gone
And the fox is on the town-o.

John he ran to the top of the hill
Blew his horn both loud and shrill
The fox, he said enjoy the goose,
For he'll soon be on my
Trail-o, trail-o, trail-o,
The fox, he said enjoy the goose
For he'll soon be on my trail-o.

He ran right up to his cozy den
There were his little ones, eight, nine, ten,
They said, Daddy you'd better go back again
For it must be a mighty fine
Town-o, town-o, town-o,
They said, Daddy you'd better go back again
For it must be a mighty fine town-o.

The fox and his wife without any strife
Cut up the goose with a fork and knife
They'd never had such a supper in their life
And the little ones chewed on the
Bones-o, bones-o, bones-o,
They'd never had such a supper in their life
And the little ones chewed on the bones-o."

RESULT: PR disaster ameliorated for the most part-- mob is amused, but folk continue to talk and make sure that the highborn keep their word...

 

[Beckoncall]

Heyitsjiwon :

Nicholas escorts the Automaton back to the Spire:

Nicholas followed the automaton after reorienting back to what they both supposed was "Spire 9" -- the automaton kept looking over it's shoulder... commenting on the lighthouse. "Spire n -- Name "Victory" -- name makes sense, no numeric classification. Self repairs initiated/restored by Artist. Repair and maintenance of regiment will be performed and visit must be made to confirm status of stationed at Spire n..."

It said "n" like some query or unknown... "ennnnnnn" it phrased. It kept looking back.

"While damaged I was examined by woman champion threat, intention: to imitate appearance and affectation of troops of spire 9. Imposter must be identified. Unit will accomplish."

Nicholas engaged the automaton in conversation over their travel, prompting it to take the road as it was faster than a straight line, and attempting to glean more information. The automaton talked about "desperate measures", "800 years", and "All keys to the key'd one."

After the great chunk of travel, A regiment of damaged automatons met Nicholas and the newly repaired automaton at the base of the spire.

All turned in unison, including the repaired one, and spoke the same phrase, a question needing an answer...

"We are Spire 9, respond. Allied Artist, Respond. Follow us and Destruction awaits. Are you prepared?"

Nicholas pulled his collar, considering his response....

 

[Beckoncall]

Heyitsjiwon :

"Expedition back to Amphitheater attempts to fall back"

Cassandra raised the ivory scepter in both hands... the hand itself on the wand faced palmward out at the collected throng of longdead. "Stay where you are, or move away." she commanded. The audience seemed to freeze in time, and the mass of their previous assailants backstage began to file up staircases back to the surface. Behind them more longdead had already began to gather, but the Zebani Bell dispersed them...

...This time, they were prepared...

...This time, everyone got back home, and without a fight.

(Attolian troop morale raised incrementially)

_______________________________________________________________________________

As for recovering the bodies of the workers in the Agora district, the mechanism used to open the floor was now broken -- it had been attached to a chain which broke from the mechanism and was likely both fully unspooled and hanging beneath the now fused trapdoor through which they vanished...

If they wanted their workers bodies recovered, they would have to break through the great stone hatch, and the attolian mapping team took some time measuring the massive dimensions of the door, it's likely thickness, and also to clear debris from the top of it.

It revealed no further secrets about how to open it, but clearing debris revealed a beautiful mosaic inlaid over the center of the doors, rendered in halves that linked when the hatch was closed as it now was.

The mosaic was that of a glorious and ferocious Mermaid of sorts, holding a trident and with burning eyes... in archaic common the mosaic was titled "The Nerid, Protector of the City's Sea"...

 

[Beckoncall]

General Deth Glitch / Prince Vaethorion :

"Tools for the firebeards" --

Their Cleric had found it -- practically a wish, their cleric was so hard in prayer -- but they knew the dwarven need for the right tools, and knew what materials the dwarves might appreciate.

Meteoric Iron -- and they found some under their recent outpost. Not much, but enough to make an impressive Anvil (once the dwarves were done "improving it" -- several hammers and tongs, and a crystaline quenching trough. The items were likewise enchanted -- lighter than the devil metal needed to be -- and dammit if it wasn't actually "Starstone!"

Among the keepsakes and relics of the Prince's personal treasury, one token he bore with him was a dwarven hammer with a DIAMOND head. While by no means large and meant for finer work (like runes) -- The prince had to consider the value it presented to the dwarves, and if he was willing to part with it, what loyalty or favors it might buy.

Likewise, Enchanted Coal was a simple enough task... while it was far from the molten temperatures the dwarves desired, it was impressive and ahead of schedule for what the firebeard operation thought possible... they would want a steady supply of enchanted coal... Nicknamed "Blacksilver" -- for it being rough-broken coal, but worth it's weight in precious metal to a dwarf...

...Perhaps there were deals to be made...

And some already were! One unit of salt was easily enough to trade to more than cover the filling of the dwarven larder -- the fennec flooded the market with eyeless cave fish, which the dwarves found particularly tasty when dried and smoked. A slice of home, to some of them... and there were other foods a dwarf would eat at market -- until the spongiform subterranian fungus farms started to take...

...Which was a question. The delicate spores and starter cultures seemed disturbed by the ambient vibrations of the cave fishers, who grew more harshly directed to so far impotently find a way into their excavation. Dwarves reported that the Mother Fisher had found the peephole, and it's primitive sense organs, at the ends of it's myriad tentacles, had begun to "sniff" the spyhole... They closed the apeture and double-fortified that area of the excavation.. no fishers would be coming in that way... at this point it was still a question of whether they could get in at all...

Besides all this one other startling conclusion was drawn -- The earthsense of the dwarves told them a story the instant they walked on the construction site for the seat of governement, and it told them TWO things -- one, there was a massive excavation or cave system ALREADY directly underneath the Capital site and the learners square, and that for both sites, between these tunnels and the topsoil, was a massive deposit of iron -- the entire area seemed to rest on a massive lode of cold and oxidizing iron.

@ALL:
The Dwarves would post requests for aid from the factions to help them with the cave fisher threat...
but if anyone were to respond, time would tell.

 

[Beckoncall]

"Goff says":

"I ATE MUTTON AT THE BLOOMING LAMB AND **** (&#% it was (redacted) DELICIOUS! ALL CONSTABLES PRESSED AND READY! PATROL WITH LAMBCHOPS IS (censored) ALLOWED! GET TO IT, MEN!"

"..."

"FROM EXPERIENCE DON'T PUT LAMBCHOP BONE UP YOUR NOSE! COULD BE CONFUSED AS A MUD ELF! PUNCHED MYSELF WALKING IN FRONT OF A MIRROR! HUP-HUP-HUP!"

 

[Beckoncall]

general ostruppen :

"BEACH AHEAD! BARRIER.... RIGHT AHEAD!!! STARBOARD FULL!!"

The dwarven ship looked just like what you'd imagine a dwarf design to be -- practical, unique, and sturdy as hell. The whole thing looked like a bulky trapezoid, or the top of an icecream cone that bobbed along the water. Only the front deviated from that odd angularity, it had a triangluar ramming prow made of bolts and metal, which unsteadied the ship in shallow water. Above the prow was a chain spool with no fewer than TEN anchors on it, belying the weight of the vessel, but it also seemed the anchor spool might also be some kind of boarding weapon.

Dwarven Royal navies were small affairs -- but it was obvious this was the kind of ship that was coming to shore. In Tow, almost gingerly -- glided behind them a ship with patched sails and beleaguered crew. They flew a flag of Privateer Merchants... the purpose of the weird dwarven ship was unknown, but it was clearly obvious even from the depth it hung it the water, that it was laden with goods, and had come to trade!

Then almost at once, the Barrier appeared -- Angry, Yellow, Gold -- almost as if it mindful or mindless, to conspire a crash of the vessels.

The water as it became more shallow caused the vessels to rock almost violently, and an odd crackle burned at a point high in the barrier -- The approaching ships were too far flung into emergency maneuvers, but many folk on the shore were certain they'd see the barrier FIRE this hour, and their new guests would be sent to the bottom of the sea... if there was luck enough for anything to be left after the barrier's fusillading discharge...

The Dwarven Vessel had a singular sail, broad and spread over the whole affair like peacock... Engaged immediately was some kind of mechanism of dwarven and gnomish design, and the sail, brilliantly strange, that caused the sail to instead beat against the barrier and the wind alike as if it were a maidens fan dismissing a boorish suitor. The Dwarf vessel stopped abruptly, and the trading vessel -- still riding it's wake, collided with the rear of it.

The Dwarven vessel didn't budge, but splinters and cracking could be heard on the ramming vessel... FULL ALERT went up then, to observers on the beach they could finally see dwarves and men on their respective vessels moving with urgency and purpose. A host of dwarves on the front deck of the angular ramming vessel waved and dismissed their agents to carry the orders, and continued the delicate navigation that was skirting a mere 50 yards from the barrier to search for a supposed "Breach"...

They found it. Boarding cables tethered the trade ship behind it, and towed it up to a sea-walled port that almost raised an eyebrow among the dwarves. Either it's defenses were well hidden, or it didn't have any... both possibilities amused the command Hatzburk command crew. The sea gate was opened for them, the trading vessel bilging and carpentering to keep the boat afloat for the time remaining to get to dock.

The beach had a few ships here -- two of them at dock, two run aground on the beach. Of the vessels at dock, a sleek elven affair with both oars and sails -- some kind of sloop of war, was being laden with it's own cargo. A great fishing operation, seeming to be netting little more than absurdly large sharks, was well underway and too busy to even remark their arrival. Pale "Great Finners" -- almost an albino white, were dragged in nets onto the beach and carefully but systematically eviscerated with polehooks, their stomach contents apparently being the primary goal, with the second goal seemingly to make sure the fish were safely enough slaughtered and rendered. The stink of fish and another, more ancient and implaceable scent wafted the nostrils of the command crew as they dropped their network of anchors gently to the dock -- they'd not be removed except voluntarily, or they'd take the dock with them.

Brutish, salty and rough living humans warmly welcomed them -- the longshoremen of the port sped out in boats to help with emergency repairs of the trade vessels, and the ships were safely docked before being greeted by Attolian and High elven "Port Authority" -- that assured that the hard questions could come later, but for now they were welcome to dock safely and if they had a Charter for the colony, to unload and come ashore. The Trade Vessel would have to stay in port, but such was not an issue as the condition of the trade vessel precluded any type of shore leave.

Kulger Ultensan stared at the 30 story cliffs that seemed to spread east and west as far as the eye could see. The relatively small beach was crowded with fishing operation, the port, seeming shipwrecks, and a massive ramp of sand that lead up and inland. Emissaries furnished the arrivals with crude but interesting maps of what land the colony occupied and intel about the surrounding area.

"Ruins very dangerous" A highborn clerk said in well enough dwarven tongue. "Unload, but consider where you settle -- there is food and warmth enough if you summit the sandslope.

A brutish "Exile" as he self described, also indicated that to ascend the sandslope one falls under they eye of the goddess Dracos -- and to pay your respects or keep silent in the shadow of the goddess.

"The Hatzburk Loyalist" Faction had made landfall. The new world spread itself before them, it's challenges had already shown themselves to be sudden and great in the barrier. They had arrived...

DECISION POINT: Whatever the New Dwarf faction plans to do.

ALSO: New (crippled) trade ship is in port!

 

[Beckoncall]

Zaltusinel :

"Ryleon gathers the survivors and tries to pull as much as she can from them. Urun takes notes"

It rapidly becomes clear that on the move is no place to attempt to access these memories -- a safe, even solemnic place would be needed to get the best results.

The "Survivors" are shook to their cores -- they look to the left and right and scan the crowd for more of you -- people are missing... even people they love but cannot yet remember. Grief takes hold.

"So... So many more of us were headed to the vault... we were attacked!"

"Ryleon was placed inside last -- I remember that -- she couldn't get others to come with her -- the light was cut and blinding when the door shut. Our rearguard must have been larger than those of us who actually got to enter the vault."

"Did we awake in a graveyard!?"

"A TREE! A GREAT TREE SHOOK! WE KNEW IT WAS TIME!"

"time for what?!"

It was clear all the midnights had to report too, was terrors and combat... they kept their stories close to their breasts. Now was not the time.

"The dream was over... nature itself killed GODS in her slumber. But finally nature awoke... and we were un-made -- And as one, we wept."


(Nylor morale CRASHES. The survivors are VERY afraid and confused. They know people close to them didn't make the journey. You are so few... too few... too FEW!)

 

[Enemy Standoo]

It was with some confusion and reluctance that Sir Prisha was forced to report back to the garrison on the events of her excursion to the spire. Relaying the events and each part of her brief exchange with the metal entity. At best she could theorise that the creature had mistaken them for one of its own kind, and given its response to her diplomatic overtures Prisha could not be certain as to whether these metallic sentinels would remain at their post or would advance on the lighthouse. Given the talk of other powers pilfering their pieces and living to tell the tale those within the order felt confident that they would not need to fear reprisal. One of the monks transcribing the meeting was ordered to make certain of their notes of this invitation in eight hundred years. Assuming an entrance could not be gained before then, then it would fall to future generations of the chapter to take up the invitation.

"Very good, Sister Prisha. You acted admirably given the situation and brought all those under your charge back to us safely. It does you credit. As for the initial aim of your mission, well it seems we shall have to pursue more traditional means of printing. Our monastic brothers and sisters are quickly forming a bounty for our vaults and copies will need to be made for transportation, along with the spreading of the word. We shall have to see to this project at a later date, for now the construction of a church must take precedence. Your own talents will be needed to make sure it is completed as quickly as possible."

Elien called the meeting to a close, Prisha was dismissed, and the chapter continued in its quiet industry. Elien would happily admit that open excitement and passion their scholars showed in going about their studies. Worth more than gold was how they described these finds. Priceless was the value they ascribed to these pieces, and so it was the value Elien gave to them.

In time they would cross the barrier again, returning this knowledge to the other chapters, allowing it to spread through the entire order.

(Construction of the Victorian church is picked up again with fresh resources. Staff list:
4 knights - skilled mason, engineer, miner, metalworker
30 squires
10 Monks)

The spiritual well-being of the colony was in dire need. The deviants that made up the majority of the coastal population had thrown their lot in with a pagan dragon cult and made sure to throw threats at each new arrival to the colony. Meanwhile the local nobility had given their outright protection to the demon inhabiting the fountain, all in the name of apathy and blatant power grabbing.

So long as it held their protection and public opinion remained decidedly amoral there was nothing they could do to move against it.

So be it. The latest excursion into the ruins had ended poorly, now it was time to have the experts step in. With newly reforged armaments of silver and iron the devout were more than ready to enter the fray. Elien herself stood ready in her plate armour, the enchanted greatsword gifted to her from the elves strapped across her back. The thing sang like a dream, it seemed a shame not to use it.

Cannonate Ghol stood with them in his dark robes, looking half a corpse and clicking the joints of his fingers as he gave their offer to the Attolians.

"Word has reached us of your endeavours to rid the theatre districts of the undead menace... and of these bells that can shepherd them. Our chapter would ask permission to use them. We have a... theory we'd care to test. You've seen that the ring of the lighthouse had banished the undead on the street level. We believe that should these undead be herded up to the surface then the process can be repeated and we have certain... e-experts in this field. Of course any troops you'd care to offer would be appreciated, they've the right to recover the bodies of their fallen."

( Heyitsjiwon
The Victorian Order offers assistance in clearing the underground opera house or at least request access to the spirit bells.

Staff list: Chapter Master Elien
Cannonate Onri Ghol - minor cleric
2 knight - Domision, Ravalla.
2 mounted knights - Bruford, Durand.
20 Devout)

Beckoncall

It was with some vague hope that this trade ship would cause less of a stir than the previous one that Sir Magda was sent down to the docks to make first contact. She was the resident expert in most things nautical at the lighthouse and had helped lead matters aboard the slavers' decks, it seemed appropriate she do the same here.

She called out to them from the harbour. "Ahoy there! Greetings from the lighthouse! Looks like your ship's gotten herself in a merry state. We've some skilled craftsmen in our ranks, might the chapter offer you some aid along with trade?" Now that they had valuable gems to sell it might be the lighthouse could start working the trade they were so often known for.

 

[general ostruppen]

After stepping off the ship and observing the surrounding area's, Kulger turned to his fellow comrades and watches as the supplies are towed down and chatter arising. It appeared that the Yoldenstool brothers were as usual bumping heads over how the supplies should be separated, Polip immediately intervenes but in return gets shouted and suddenly targeted. Captain Rickter is seen gathering the troops and lining them up into formation. The troops stood at attention and didn't dare move their eye's to any different direction but ahead. Ulferin is seen to be chatting with the traders and assuring them tips and suggestions for health regulations when traveling at sea and other useful info, he also slipped in a bad pun which the traders gave a weak laugh in return. Travis on the other hand looks at the map with disbelief and started to head towards Kulger, with disbelief.

"Sir take at a look at this disgrace of a map! It holds good information but this.......THIS COULD BE DRAWN BETTER BY A CHILD I MEAN-" (Kulgers hand is raised to silence Travis)

"Do not yell, when we head out and travel you will be given the opportunity to survey the land and create a more accurate map. Until then just work with it and ask around for information of certain area's that may concern us, and other organizations."

Travis nods and clears his throat with an apology, he then goes off to gather such intel. Kulger in the meantime turns his attention to the other dwarves and starts approaching them. The sight of him approaching the others causes the dwarves to stop what their doing and immediately form up into columns and await for the commanders instructions. Kulger watches as his fellow brothers form up and waits for a minute longer in silence and then spoke.

"Brothers, we have survived the storm and made it to this port. Yet we are not clear just yet. We will soon have to leave this area and go out into the free lands. Before we do that we must gather as much necessary supplies as we can and immediately head out by tomorrow morning at dawn...... Darkins! Furkin!"

Two old large bulky dwarves step forward with their stone like posture remaining. They both answer: "YES COMMANDER?"

"I will need you two to find us several carriages to purchase 4 carriages and 12 strong bred horses if any or oxes if necessary. Once you have done that you will bring them back here and immediately get to work on improving those carriages and make them more durable, protective, and spacious if possible.....Is this task too bothersome?"

The two brothers respond: "NO SIR!"

"Then get to work immediately...Also if you need any more resources report to Polip for more coins."

With that said the two dwarf brothers bow and march off in search for the stables and markets. Kulger then looks to captain Rickter.

"Captain you will have the troops and workers continue unloading the supplies, cleaning the ship, and of course making sure no one enters the ship while I'm gone."

Rickter pounds his armored chest and bows his head: "It will be done with utmost efficiency."

Kulger nods and looks onto the rest: "The rest who are not working on the ship will accompany me."

With that Kulger immediately signals everyone to dismiss while he, ulferin, and the other gnomes go off to find information about a certain person.
--------------------------------
RESULT:
1.The Yoldenstool brothers go off to purchase 12 strong bred horses/oxes along with 4 carriages. They will then afterwards improve the carriages to be more durable, spacious, and strong. If need be they can use the money brought with them if necessary to buy the materials.

2. Travis has gone off to find more information about the details on the map and any other organizations within these lands, including the dangers.

3.The ship is being unpacked, cleaned, and guarded until Kulgar returns.

4. Kulger and his companions will go to find more information about this "Elf prince".

Beckoncall

 

[General Deth Glitch]

"There be another ship coming in Grimdr, what ye want doing?" Came a stout Dwarf. He and his friend were on the current shift watching the sea from the cliff. Grimdr assumed ships would come and ago without too much fanfare, trade would of course occur. Thus were the expectations of a colony, they would provide valuable resources to 'home'. With this in mind he had set up a system for dealing with such ships. If a ship was a mere trade ship then he would have someone take a short look at their wares from atop the cliff. Were it more then a trade ship or the wares of probable value to the Firebeards then he would want them to tell him so he could issue a response. To begin this he sent the Dwarf off to the top of the depression to watch the ship come in and see what it unloaded. The Dwarf, now feeling purpose, gleefully ran along to the edge to see what he could. With this done he returned to his writings. He was working on a variety of documents and letters to the various leaders. Most of these letters were boring wastes of time. Telling them what he felt they needed to know of his people and ways in which they could work to encourage good relations between their peoples. One of these was a little different, it was the one he was working on now and it was a latter thanking the Highborn and offering a future friendship and telling them that he would ensure the quality of the weapons and would enchant each cannon with his own Runes, should he be able before they are needed.
Prince Vaethorion

As he was completing this latter, sitting back in a sigh of releif that paperwork was finally in the past. Like all Firebeards he despised the other races constant use of paper. Why write when you can speak? he thought, since histories can always be, literally, set in stone, rather then written so that they will eventually fall pray to time. As he was taking a quiet moment of victory the Dwarf returned in the distance. His cries could be heard off above, causing a clamour. By the time he arrived down to the hall, where Grimdr was sitting with some other dwarfs talking quietly, mainly about what on earth that clamour was, he was out of breath and took a while before he could repeat what he was telling those above. He was flanked by large numbers of Dwarfs with very serious expressions. "Grimdr, the boat..." he took a breath "the boat do hold Dwarves!" he said and within moments every dwarf was on his feets, standing short and ready. All were looking to Grimdr. There was silence. He took a moment to consider the options and said "We'll meet 'em before they climb the hill." He looked around "Erry Firebeard not busy with work shall accompany me to meet them. This changes many things and I have nae doubt there will be tensions. While I am taking you with me, do not expect a fight. If we are to survive in this new land, somewhat beyond the reach of... the demons. Then we need make friends, not enemies. I only wish for you 'a be there so that I am taken seriously and so ne'en 'ere can claim that anything other then what truly happened, did indeed do so!" With that they marched and formed a wall at the top of the slope. They didn't block passage and allowed a gap down the centre of their line for traders and other folk to pass by, often with a friendly greeting from Grimdr, eventually other Dwarves began to join in the friendly greetings too. The last thing Grimdr wanted was for the Colony to think he was attempting to control passage to the docks.
general ostruppen

Speaking of those too busy to accompany Grimdr, those who were busy mining but had completed their spore farm workings began to clear space for the many working rooms and smithies they wound need. Before work on them could begin first a Great passage needed to be built. While there was to be three such passages extending off the bottom of the staircase this one was to head straight away from the sea. It would be grand in design and, it was hoped, would act as a great road to the sea, passing the many smithies, shops and other 'buildings' along way, to act as a trade center, with space in the middle for markets at the like in the future. The other two such 'great passages' would go along the cliff, one to allow them direct access to the Dock and the other to extend them to the river they knew was off in the distance. Water was extreemely useful and once they had it the rest of their great plans could begin. However bucketing it up a cliff was simply not practical to their aims and so such benifits would only be reaped once that part of their plan was enacted. For now a great Prominade to house the great Workstations of this fledgling Dwarvern Hold, hoped to be forever remain the greatest in the new world and being built to match those ambitions.
​

Actions:
-Sent off letters to unofficially 'greet' the other leaders and provide basic information and otherwise in the hopes of forging good relations, as well as a thankyou to the elves for their promise of providing them the tools for their smiths in return for weapons.
-Group of Firebeards sent to 'greet' the approaching dwarves.
-Work begins on a great 'passage' away from the sea, for the smiths and forges, etc. to extend off of, to act as a future economic centre for the Hold.

 

[Zaltusinel]

For Ze Sound

Spoiler: Original Lyrics

With a Bold and sudden calling
Western Revolution's starting
Let our hearts be open to it
Pacifist Nation
Riding on a penny farthing
It's the flag of our sun rising
Warding evil spirits like an ICBM

On the train tracks, running along the line
Let us move forward, don't look behind
Boys and girls becoming like samurai
Just like those from our previous life

Thousands of cherry blossoms
Dwindling in the light
Though I can't hear your voice
Keep what I say in mind
This bouquet that surrounds
is iron poison, see
Looking down at use from that big guillotine
Darkness has just engulfed the universe we know
The lament that you sing can't reach ears anymore
we are still far away
From reaching clear blue skies
Go ahead, keep shooting
With that ray gun, fight!

Veterans who've trained through struggles
Are now officers in battle
Here and there we she the harlots in procession
This one, that one, doesn't matter
Every single person gathers
March on to our saintly deaths, now
1, 2, 3, 4
Passing through the gates on the mountain peaks
Escaping this world, kill all the evil fiends
Surely this will end in a denouement
Among the crowds giving their applause

Thousands of cherry blossoms
Dwindling in the light
Though I can't hear your voice
Keep what I say in mind
This bouquet that surrounds
is iron poison, see
Looking down at use from that big guillotine
Darkness has just engulfed the universe we know
The lament that you sing can't reach ears anymore
we are still far away
From reaching peaks of hope
Go ahead, keep shooting, use that flashing bolt

On the train tracks, running along the line
Let us move forward, don't look behind
Boys and girls becoming like samurai
Just like those from our previous life

Thousands of cherry blossoms
Dwindling in the light
once your song can be heard
we'll dance with all our might
This bouquet that surrounds
is iron poison, see
Go on, keep shooting
with that ray gun lead.

A Voice Revealed [End of Fountain Encounter]
​

The reports flow through Ryleon's mind, her thoughts rumbled as each person panicked. Her hair slowly transformed into a bright, golden, yellow with her sickle curls straightening. Her hand grazed her forehead swiftly as the last said their piece. She could sense their fear, she could sense the displacement. Her eyes raised as silence reigned, one tried to speak, yet she was silenced by Ryleon's raised arm. Her dress curled around her as a precious mother. For most, she appeared indifferent, but her smile changed their minds. Her hands laid still, while her lips failed to do so. Her hair swooshed back and forth, as she guided one of the troubled survivors to the center of the group. She kept tight hold on the survivor's hands as she asked.

"What is there to fear? Things come and go friend, all things continue without the mere. Our faith cannot be extinguished. So many of the world come to anguish. Nothing needs to be remembered today. A soft mention can delude memories to may. Let me say my kin that nothing has changed, exaggeration comes in phased. Let your body relax, as I tell of a fact missed."

Ryleon meanders around the circle, latching to each set of shoulders and giving a brief rub of the abdomen. Her hair always moved away from the Nylor, preventing them from being blinded. Her eyes sank into the others with the grace of a goddess herself. Her body seemingly moved without trouble or care; her senses relax as she noticed Urun stand when she passed to him. Wiping tears she did, the man she caressed in front of her was guilty, looking away from everyone. His hair drooped over his face, covering his eyes. His chest moved little, as breathing ceased to be easy. Hands entwined, gazes advanced as she pressed a soft kiss to his forehead and rubbed his abdomen as the others. A sweet navy blush spoke many words.

Ryleon reached into a circular bag, she had looked inside earlier. She faced the group, letting her voice enter an idyllic state as she hedged the scale case open. Inside laid a sweet gleaming, violet Systiar. In the vault, it was roughly with the weapons and she remembered the oddity it was. However, she laced the companion strap through the holder of the instrument and laid her hand on center, a glossy and glassy centerpiece with a verdant hue. The respective five arms, in terms of a traditional guitar, laced outwards. Strings compounded inside the Systiar hummed to life as they latched to the top of the arms. Collections of sky blue strings became apparent. She stepped into the Dreamsail and raised it into the air, letting her glided above the group slightly. She raised her arm as she began to stir the currents of sound with easy song.

But before she continues into song, she declares!

"Remember the stones my kin! they were broken, tampered with!" She waved her hair, "Maybe we were not the awaken, but the sleeping. If that is so, then let us dust off this nightmare of losing our kin. Surely we could easily be last, let us grow again. Nature is not done friends, her power is independent of the gods. She cares not for their existence and as you say, some gods perished. But who cares! If we live then the dream moves forward. Are you alive!" She points to one.

"Yeah." One said

"Are you alive?" She declared again.

"Yes ma'am."

"Are you breathing." She pointed to another.

"Yes." The others began to see her point. Her cheeks puffed out as she smiled, letting her face appear angelically innocent. For the men of the group, she was quite pulling. Her eyes danced across the group as she continued.

"Did nature unmade us? Repeat that because you must have been high girl! Nature killed gods darling, do you think no one would be pissed. We just need to figure out who that was! Then Nature kills gods part two, except we do it! No one's ever done it, but who cares! I don't remember anyone saying we carried supplies in, so... maybe we packed it in advance! I know its amazing concept, so we can guess a lot there. But meh point daarling, is that you're counting your Kirilex before they hatch. Don't let one clue dictate your mood, my Aerlia we barely know who we were. Much less what happened." Ryleon breathed deeply. Another voice continued the session.

His voice puffed out softly as he began, "Your family would appreciate your mourning, but they also appreciate your continuation of the legacy. We are progressive not retrogressive. And maybe this will be better for us all. Our old enemies of this land, whom we will remember, are likely dead. Now all we have is a chance to prevent conflict and grow off of the knowledge and resources of the colony."

Ryleon nodded, "Thank you Urun, I'm glad you have seen me thought root." She blew a soft kiss, letting Urun blush even brighter. She calms herself and set her hands to prepare for play. As most were still heartbroken.

She lifts her voice, letting it slide from her lips as blessings of celebration and truth. Her tone stays constant as her faith, her voice moves as calm waters wishing upon strangers great blessings. Her song carried throughout the colony, in an ancient calling thought to be lost. Though the song is improvised. It echoes those made before.[This is where the music comes in weebo.]
"
With a Bold and sudden calling
Colonial Revolution's starting
Let our souls be open to it
Pacifist Nation
Riding on a wisp farthing
It's the tree of our moon rising
Warding corruption like a Sylvan passing


On the root paths, running along the trees
Let us move forward, don't look behind
Boys and girls becoming like magi
Just like those from our previous life


Thousands of Loyei blossoms
Dwindling in the night
Though I can't hear your voice
Keep what I say in mind
This bouquet that surrounds
is copper poison, see
Looking down at us from that big guillotine
“Corruption has just engulfed the universe we know”
That lament that you sing can't reach ears anymore
we are still far away
From reaching endless night
Go ahead, keep shooting
With that shuriken, fight!


Veterans who've trained through struggles
Are now officers in battle
Here and there we see the harlots in procession
This one, that one, doesn't matter
Every single person gathers
March on to our saintly deaths, now
1, 2, 3, 4
Passing through the gates on the mountain peaks
Escaping this world, kill all the evil fiends
Surely this will end in a denouement
Among the crowds giving their applause


Thousands of Loyei blossoms
Dwindling in the night
Though I can't hear your voice
Keep what I say in mind
This bouquet that surrounds
is copper poison, see
Looking down at use from that big guillotine
“Corruption has just engulfed the universe we know”
That lament that you sing can't reach ears anymore
we are still far away
From reaching stars of hope
Go ahead, keep shooting, use that flashing bolt


On the root paths, running along the trees
Let us move forward, don't look behind
Boys and girls becoming like magi
Just like those from our previous life


Thousands of Loyei blossoms
Dwindling in the night
once your song can be heard
we'll dance with all our might
This bouquet that surrounds
is copper poison, see
Go on, keep shooting
with that shuriken lead!
"

Summary:

1. Ryleon metaphorically slaps her kin for the logically fallacious conclusions and urges them to wait before grieving themselves.
2. Ryleon plays beautiful music that travels across the colony. Her voice could be heard from all sections of the Platz.

References
----
Beckoncall Prince Vaethorion Heyitsjiwon General Deth Glitch general ostruppen Enemy Standoo Spacekitty

 

[Beckoncall]

general ostruppen :

1) The Dwarves Yoldenstool return quickly, gruff and empty-handed.

Furkin reported:
"No Carriages, though we surely could build one if..."
Interrupted by Darkin:
"IF. They had any horses. The Only stable belongs to Attolian Knights -- and they have THREE horses. For the ENTIRE COLONY."
Furkin thought about letting his brother go on, but interjected --
"Word is they are trying to domesticate LIZARDS to do the work of horses. If we want to move our gear up to the top of the cliff the exiles say that high elves have built and the colony maintains a mechanical lift of some kind -- carries crates, but not folk. Unless you want to move crates full of folk, that is."

Darkin leered as his brother might never trail off...
"Bottom Line, no horses. No draft animals of any kind it seems -- There were oxen in the market -- but they all seemed to be the property of Beastmen. When we asked in the miserable hole they passed off as a Tavern where all the horses were, we got superstition that 'they make the barrier jumpy -- that it's dangerous to bring them here.' -- sounds like the locals heads are full of shoe-polish."

"... and it's leaking." Furkin added.

_________________________________________________________________________

2) Travis spends some time amidts the exile fishermen, and then ascends the sandslope past the temple of Dracos to find himself at the Tavern. He tries to order an "old beer" but is told the old beer is awful, and that new golden wheat and barley offerings are on tap... though they are a little young. Travis orders one of each. The old beer was obviously watered down and not very good to begin with. The new beer was everything a human product usually promised to be -- it looked minimally persuasive of what it was, was young and unproven, and would likely be gone before anything came of it. He ordered three.

On Groups in the colony the barkeep rattled off a little bit about each one he could think off the top of his head, if he wanted to know more, a little coin and some more questions would loosen the barkeep far easier than the beer promised to loosen Travis.

Heyitsjiwon
Attolians: Culture very close to the history of the Muurdaan (Old World Empire) -- they act like their not the Muurdaan, and in many ways they ain't... but they ain't as different as THEY think they are. They own this inn, but it's mostly patronized by us Exiles. Maybe more on us later.

Prince Vaethorion
Highborn: High Elves that live on the opposite side of "the Platz" (Plaza or Place) from the Attolians. While the Attolians welcome anyone to move in to their neighborhood and set up business -- there are even financial and zoning incentives to do so -- the Highborn have turned the outside of their neighborhood into a kill zone and the inside into a place where only high elves and the wealthiest humans and Tyren can secure a home or office there. The Attolians are pretty heavy on the law, but the highborn are too -- and what's worse, get their noses out of joint and they might be dangerous. Their commander is young, for an elf... but what the hell is that really supposed to mean?

SpiralErrant
Tyren: When we first saw the Tyren we thought they was simply animals. Beastmen, Monsters -- They ain't like the warring minotaur clans of the eastern reach. Totally different, might even be different species than minotaur entirely. They were nomads in the old world but the new world has been very good for them. They live all the way up north. Their new money is having a harsh effect on their culture, but at heart they are pretty decent folk... Don't get the biggest ones angry though. Was a tavern tale come through that some of them throw rocks... and there's a crater I hear on the east side of the river -- so the rocks must be pretty damn big if they want to throw one atcha.

@Tori_98
Reinen: Good heartland folk, but pretty private and secretive. Seems half of them want to throw parties and the other half want to be left alone. Lotta people talking that they carry guns... lots of 'em. But I ain't never seen one. Supposedly they kill witches. But damn, since the mud elves invaded I thought witches was on the menu for everybody. God's folk. Decent. Not good customers though, they make their own beer.

Enemy Standoo :
St. Victorian Order -- buncha chanting tin-men. But good folk and glad to have them nearby. Lotta people talking but not a lot really known about them. They're something between thieves and historians... gotta put their mitts on everything and draw a picture or it ain't real or something. They own the lighthouse, which if you approached during the night probably would have made your approach safer. Already heard one of them ships got damaged... but where was I? Victorians. Tough customers -- build a nice structure, most of them stand around and pray, or shake you down for information on where to find stuff. Good customers, don't make trouble.

General Deth Glitch
Firebeards: Who the hell knows. Keep to themselves. Dug a pit all the way from the top of the cliff to the beach, and only stopped to ask where the grocer was. They literally ate themselves out of house and home before they stopped digging and went to get a sandwich. Not traditional dwarves, like I can tell you is, mate -- They are a fire and sky people. They also happen to worship the dragon goddess, so they are stand up folk in my eyes, even if my eyes ain't seen 'em but once or twice. They got some kind of monster problem recently and are looking for allies... I suppose nothing brings you out of your tunnel faster than more monsters you can handle on your own, amirite?

Spacekitty
The Fennec: They call themselves Finecians... I guess cuz they make fine drinks -- we gonna get a supply of theirs soon, so you can come back in a couple days and be the judge. A company of fox-folks -- totally profit driven. Shook things up real bad, or real good, when they arrived... depends who you ask around here. Lotta talk that the Highborn are fixing to kill them if they don't walk the straight -- but their a squirrely and crooked bunch. Don't cross em though -- all that cute is a front for twenty claws and a variety of other sharp objects. I know you can't say nothing to scare a dwarf -- but if they was a hand of cards they would be a bold bluff, if they weren't holding jokers wild.

KamiKahzy :
Ratkin: Don't get 'em confused with the Fennec -- it's easy to do if you squint. Damn mothers are all over the place, I can tell they got access to my basement... but damned if you ever see one unless they want you to. Word is they spent all of last season digging tunnels under the colony and... well gettin' real cozy. The ratkin are all over the old world and it looks like they are here to stay too. Got a bad rep in the old world, but truth is every group is unique -- jury's out on these guys but the most I heard of them is when they supposedly blew up an island off shore and set a bunch of people free. That's friggin' badass.

Zaltusinel
Night Elves: Call themselves the Nylor, popped up -- I crap you not -- IN A GRAVEYARD not far from this very inn. Don't remember much or at least that's what they say. Weird as the they are tall and the day is long, and then some. There's some wood elves in the far north too, but they keep with the Tyren. I figure once enough different types of elves show up they'll start stabbin' each other... but that's just my non professional opinion.

Elendithas
Aymarans: There's other groups of course, the Aymarans which is a bunch of Crocodiles who are proud of how thick they are (WATCH THE HELL OUT FOR THEM!) A lot of people like to throw around that some races is savage and beastial -- like the Tyren... but that's wrong. You'd be 100% right with the Aymarans. Twice as dumb as a lamb's crap except for the top of their hierarchy, they are literally animals. They got the cheerfulness of a giant baby that can't understand why the kitty can't play anymore now it's in two pieces. Almost none of them can even SPEAK. And don't just guess an Aymaran won't bite you just because it can talk. The average Aymaran thinks you or I are a leg of roastbeef. Literally.


Thems the factions -- that folk that is not from around here, like you folk... and I wouldn't mind knowing a little about y'all to tell the next folks who is askin'. But there is folk that were here before us too. Say fish and snakemen in the northern swamps.. nasty half-elf savages to the east over the river, in a deadlock battle with more gnolls than you can shake a stick at. There's the "Zebani" -- but I can't tell you a damn thing about 'em cuz I ain't never seen one -- Some townies came around and smeared purple paint on a lot of buildings but they ain't come visit us yet... unless they is invisible and really poor customers, I don't think I can tell you much.

Lastly I'd mention the Longdead -- they is people like you and me, but they lived back in the days of the mage kings and queens millenia ago. If you're not blind, you'll notice a lot of ruins around here. Folk say most of 'em died so sudden in their war they don't realize they is dead. When we first got here everyone was terrified they'd eat us all -- but they haven't yet. Untold thousands of them as far as the eye can see in the ruins to the west. I reckon if they was gonna kill us they'd have done it already and a skeleton'd be serving you insteada me. That don't count if you go on their turf though -- the boundary to the platz is clearly defined -- you go into the western ruin and meet the longdead, they're likely to do one of three things. Wonder at you for being something different then what you actually is, Ask to buy everything that you got, or try to rip all the flesh off your bones... and nobody has figured out when or which is most likely minute to minute.

That's all the intel you get for three beers. Buy another round and I can tell you more."

________________________________________________________________________________

Meanwhile, The Hatzburk Loyalists unpacked their ship and were ready to send their equipment up on the lifts...

... Commander Kulger was told the "prince" -- who everyone wondered was actually a prince or a commander everyone called a prince because of his gallavanting and snobbery -- was at some meeting of government at "the learners square" up the road to the north. If Kulger didn't want to seek him there, he could find the Prince or his agents in the High Elf quarter that was not far from here....

 

[general ostruppen]

After Kulger gathered the information about the elf prince's location, he decided to take his small group back to the docks. By the time he arrived to the docks, he was suddenly shocked to see twice as more dwarves within the docks. Half of them he had not recognized. he immediately locates Rickter and approaches him, while Polip followed along and a bit worried with the way these aggressive looking dwarves stare with what seemed to be murderous eye's.

Kulger: What is the meaning of all these dwarves Captain?! I specifically ordered you to not let anyone close to the ship.

Rickter: My apologies Commander, but the leader of the group was insistent of making sure that we were "Trustworthy". I decided on the absence of your presence to allow them to await for you until you returned....Also Furkin and Darkin have reported that there are barely any such animals nor carriages to assist us in our travels. Our only chances is to have the workers craft us carriages and find someone that has some sort of different breed of animals that are capable of carrying large quantities of weight and find someone willing to sell.

Polip: I'm not sure about these folks, they seem quite dangerous my lords. Perhaps we should stay in town for a couple days until we come up a proper solution, or maybe await for sir Travis to return with the information of other groups. Then we could maybe speak to them. Actually do these folks by chance have animals of their own?

Rickter: To my knowledge no, they prefer to climb their way up. A part of their culture of sorts, but these dwarves are honorable I can tell. Unlike the traitors back home, they as well have suffered similar fate.

Kulger strokes his beard and nods

Kulger: Very well (He goes to approach Grimdr), greetings fellow brother. I am Lord Kulger son of Ultensan, and the supreme commander of the Hatzburk Royal Guardsman. I've heard that you are interested in talks and I am all ears to those that wish to speak in equal tongues.

Result: NO HORSES AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! But on the other hand we got to meet these cool dwarves
General Deth Glitch
-------------------------
Meanwhile at the tavern

Travis listened carefully to the bartenders words while also give several expression of dissatisfaction of the drinks, but beer is beer. He scribbles down the information in a parchment and quickly rolled it up and set it within his bag and proceeds to chug his drink and gives out a sigh of relief and looks at the bartender.

Travis: Well thanks for the info.........You know what get me one more beer, I'll tell yah who me and my group are. (He awaits for his drink before beginning his tale) Well the names Travis, I'm in charge of navigating the group and the best goddamn cartographer known in the Hatzburk Kingdom!......Well used to be Hatzburk Kingdom.....Our people have thrown themselves into a civil war due to the discovery of the passing of our king. Many of the major factions argued and nominated who they believe to be the next king. While the minor factions couldn't do anything but take sides or shut up. However my group is the reminisce of loyalist and the original kings royal guardsman. We came here in hopes of starting anew, and hopefully await for other fellow dwarves to come here. (Chugs for a good while before wiping his face) The leader in charge of my group is Commander Kulger, one of the few advisors that the king had beside him and trusted, along with Polip who was the kings personal diplomat. Kind of weak if you ask me, but humble and very observant, knows how to keep out of trouble and keep track of things. Then you got Rickter who is one of the few remaining captains who is still loyal to those who still follow the kings virtues and ideas. Respectful when respected, and calm when giving patience, but mad as a hell dog from beneath when angered or in battle. Saw him rip a traitor a new one.......(Chugs a long while) Then you got the Yoldenstool twins, Furkin and Darkin. Both raised by some human priest if I remember correctly, tho guess those priest forgot to properly teach em love thy brother part cause they can't stand each other. But they can't live without each other. Cooperative when building something together, like parts that make up one big machine. But lions when trying to prove who is right and who's wrong stuff. Good guys tho when you get to know them better. Then finally you got the good Ulferin, doctor of the group and killer of jokes. Doesn't know when to stop making bad puns even in the worst case scenario. Very cheery guy and loves to chitter chatter with anyone that's willing to put up with him, tho its rare not to listen to him cause he's a very good character and wouldn't hurt a fly.....Well he's willing to saw your arm off if it means saving your life that is.

Result: Just chatting with the bartender also along the story ask about how the market is doing if he can.

Beckoncall

 

[Prince Vaethorion]

SpiralErrant
The Highborn need wool and the Tyren have wool. Perhaps a trade for Dohavamon for wool? Better yet, the Tyren have agreed to provide wool for some of the profit from the clothing.

The Highborn have a techniques for making reeds and straw VERY soft and fine. Since the Elves have access to the mill they can skim fiber to make "Goldenthread".

Besides wool, the highborn have techniques for making reeds and straw VERY soft and fine -- Since Elves have access to the mill, they can skim plenty of fiber to make "Goldenthread".

it is incredibly labor intensive, but highborn have a special technique for weaving the filaments of feathers (and birds are plentiful) into luxurious fluffy garb. (this will have to wait until some current assignments are completed)

Orders: To be processed once labor is freed up. (perhaps after baths are completed)

-Highborn offer Dohavamon (a delicacy to the Tyren) for Tyren wool in order to make clothing for the Colony (especially winter garb like cloaks)
- Highborn begin making "Goldenthread" for making clothing.
- Down the line. The Highborn make luxurious fluff garb.

General Deth Glitch Beckoncall

The Highborn have the materials needed for the Dwarves to begin in earnest to begin making quality weapons. Besides joining Blacksmithing guild, the Highborn (who admire the Dwarven craftsmanship) propose an ongoing collaboration in making arms and armor to sell to and defend the Colony. The combining of the two Races crafts would create some of the best weapons known to the old world and new. In good faith, if the Dwarves felt that this collaboration was worthy enough, the Prince was willing to part with his prized possession, a Dwarven Hammer with a Diamond Head. The Prince smiled at the idea of the fine weapons that the two Races could make together and the gold made from trading these goods. These items would fetch the best money. The collaboration would also serve to stymie any past hostility the two Races had towards each other and be for the better good of the Colony and their respective factions.The Cleric had found meteoric iron to make an "impressive" anvil for the Dwarves to improve that would be the center point of the Colony forge. The Highborn could offer several fine hammers and tongs, a crystaline quenching trough, all enchanted and made from "Starstone. These items would become part and parcel of the Colonial forge and black-smithy, to be used jointly for the good of our Colony and the profiting of our Races.

The Prince said, "We are immortal races that are ancient and impressive. Our two races craftsmanship are unsurpassed, and combined the products our artisans, blacksmiths, armorers, weaponsmiths make would be talk of legends. The singing of Dwarven and Elven hammers at the Star forge would be material to write poems and sing songs. These items, this Dwarven Hammer are destined to make items of legend."

The Prince made up a poem, albeit not a very good one (he was a better warrior than poet).

"The Star-Stone anvil harder than any steel sang as it was struck with Dwarven zeal,
Hammer and tong in hand, crystaline quenching trough cooled lava hot mithril axes to a color of teal.

Sharper edges than a mortal man could comprehend, in Highborn and Dwarven hands all metals shall bend.

Dwarven Hammer with diamond head, all the runes they would embed.

Highborn Elves and Firebrand Dwarves forging weapons together at last, no one would ever impregnate their hold-fast.

Enchanted coal, so hot it burned, Black silver it was called, annealing the hardest metal was earned.

Heat and magic wrought items of legend, such that no mortal every questioned."

The Prince seemed please with his impromptu poem.

"We can provide "Black silver" to make our forges blazing hot and for your Dwarven artist, here I have a special gift, a prized possesion of mine that I never believed that I would part with, but I feel this potential merger of our Races is unique and warrants something special."

The Prince presented his Dwarven Hammmer to Grimdr with a DIAMOND head. "This hammer I present to thee as a symbol of our potential collaboration. However, It is not without a price. It comes as a symbol of our combining our arts, skill and crafts at the forge and at times of war. The price is a collaboration of creating weapons, armors, and devices to defend each other and the Colony. We Highborn take our loyalties and alliances seriously. If you accept this gift, know that with it comes the burying of millennia of mutual suspicions and hostilities between our people. Let us remember, that this is not the first time that Dwarf and Elves have put aside our grudges. We both fought long and hard against the Muurdan. This old world is our new world, and it ours to take. We are not like mortals. We will be here long after they lay in the ground." At this the Prince handed over the hammer (assuming the Dwarven leader accepted the offer).

The Prince continued, "In this spirit, we also will offer our aid in whatever creature menaces your Dwarves in the Caves. No Race here can afford to be an island onto itself. I once thought we Highborn could go alone, but I learned nearly immediately that we are besieged by threats from every direction and only together can we hold fast."

The Prince extended his hand to Grimdr.

Order summary: SpiralErrant
Orders: To be processed once labor is freed up if not enough labor is availble to make the Goldenthread. (perhaps after baths are completed)

-Highborn offer Dohavamon (a delicacy to the Tyren) for Tyren wool in order to make clothing for the Colony (especially winter garb like cloaks)
- Highborn begin making "Goldenthread" for making clothing.
- Down the line. The Highborn make luxurious fluff garb.

General Deth Glitch

- The Prince offers collaboration between the two races to make weapons, armor, siege weapons and other items at the Smithy.
- The Prince threats the Starstone tools, the Crystaline quenching trough, and Starstone Anvil all to be made accessible to the Dwarven Black smiths at the Guild.
-The Prince also offers as a gift his Dwarven Diamond head Hammer to cement the collaboration between the two races.
- The Prince agrees to aid the Dwarves against the Cave Fisher menace

 

[Heyitsjiwon]

Nicholas was perplexed at the situation. The fixed clockwork soldier kept mentioning odd phrases and topics that were difficult to follow. Really, it was difficult to try to piece them together if they even could be. Still, in order to maintain good relations with these creations, Nicholas went along with the clockwork construct. That is until they had returned in in sync, the constructs spoke. Destruction awaits? What did that mean. However, the soldiers seemed to be waiting for an answer. He was not dumb enough to simply say yes or no, but that said... would they understand his question? Perhaps phrasing it in a manner that made sense to them would be ideal. "Allied Artist requires clarification. Prepared for what?."

---

The Castellan looked and shook his head. A ship was practically sinking by the port. Now how were Customs going to do their job if the things they needed to inspect were sinking to the bottom of the sea? Thus, he walked over to the port where the Shipwright was directing the men and making sure that the cargo was being loaded properly and securely. The Castellan smoothly spoke "Captain, while I do understand that your venture is about to leave port soon. May I burden you with a request? Can you assist the longshoremen in patching up the newly arrived trade ship? I am sure that with your expertise that the job will be done much more smoothly and quickly." The Captain sighed and said " I haven't done much shipbuilding or fixing lately, so it's about time that I did what I came here to do." The Shipwright then went on his way to join the longshoremen and soon after the ship's manifests and rooster would be inspected.

---
Enemy Standoo
Zaltusinel (GM's suggestion)

The most recent expedition returned and heard word of recent developments especially the offer of the Victorians. The Attolians send warning that using brute force via weapons or magic would likely not work and that the Longdead's desires must be sated. Meaning that the those in the amphitheaters must be given a show that will let them go in peace. This was a painful mistake that the Attolians learned that led to 5 casualties. Thus, the Attolians ask the Victorians, and any party interested in clearing the theater district, to reconsider their plans and to help them put together a show that would put millennia old longings and regrets to rest. However, if the Victorians will push on, then the Attolians will join them.

---
General Deth Glitch

The Attolians send their greetings and willingness to help if Attolian help is desired.

Summary:
Nicholas responds to the Clockwork Soldiers

The Shipwright is enroute to help perform emergency repairs to the disabled trading ship

The Castellan is on standby to conduct his duties as a customs agent

Attolians highly advise the Victorians to reconsider their idea, but will join them if they do proceed

The Attolians send greeting to the Firebeards and willingness to extend a helping hand

 

[Prince Vaethorion]

general ostruppen

The Prince heard of the news of more ships arriving. The Prince was starting to feel the strain of leadership and his four hours of meditation a day did not feel like enough. He was also feeling stretched thin in terms of manpower and projects. There was so much to do and not enough Highborn to do it. Thankfully, the Amaryans were willing to work for food and they had good relations since they both spilled blood on the battlefield together.

"Dwarves? More Dwarves," The Prince said with a sigh. The Prince thought, well it could be worse. At least Dwarf and Elves understood each other, even if it was often through the lens of hostility and mutual suspicion. The Prince thought to himself, who can I send down to greet the Dwarves. The Linguist was tied up with the Nylor. The Cleric was also engaged. The Drill master was training the New Capital guard. The Tactician was working on the Capital's defenses, Lindar the Bard was assuaging the rowdy locals. The Engineer was working on the baths, ahh, what was his Artificer doing? Nogoth! She loved Dwarven gadgets, even spoke some Dwarven and naturally she was beautiful.

The Prince turned to one of his Aide de camps. "Tell Nogoth to go with an escort party to go greet the Dwarves in my name and on behalf of the Highborn and tell their leader that I would be happy to meet them personally, but I am currently indisposed of. Also, while she is there have her and the Highborn Portmaster to check on the trade ship that arrived. Tell the Highborn port master to check their manifest."

general ostruppen
Order:
-The Prince sends his lovely Highborn female Inventor/Artificer "Nogoth" (Gnome in Elvish) with 5 swordmaster escorts to go greet the Newly arrived Dwarves. The Prince Passes on a message that the Prince is indisposed, but once the Dwarves settled in, he would be pleased to meet their leader in person and formally.

Enemy Standoo
-Tell the Highborn Port master to check the manifests of the newly arrived Trade ship. Coordinate with Victorians to assure that things go smoother this time.

 

[Heyitsjiwon]

Caelis stood on the grass towards the east of the platz. The sun warmly lit his face and not much could be heard other than the distant waves, the occasional breeze, and the gentle neighing of his horse, Ventus. Under his leadership, 13 men would no longer be able to feel, see, or hear any of these little gifts of life. Their deaths had plagued Caelis for days. From the crack of dawn to the eve of the morning star. Caelis couldn't help but think that he had sent them to their deaths. However, Dr. Fleming taught him a valuable lesson. He couldn't do anything for the dead other than respect their lives and dedicate himself to making sure that other will live better lives in their stead. However, there was one thing that he could get done. At least give the dead the proper respect that they deserve. Thus, it was this plot of land, east of the Platz, north of the cliff, and south of the Great Trees, that they will have their final resting place, overlooking the horizon towards the barrier. That way, their spirits could, at least, return home. It was here that all could be properly given their respects for they had given the ultimate price for the sake of others.

Caelis was not a particularly pious man although not as cynical as Lothar. In fact, he could not afford the luxury to show favoritism to any god or gods in Attolia. However, to whatever gods that existed, Caelis prayed that they would treat the souls of the lost kindly and with respect. For Caelis believed that they deserved it. Not just his people, but those who had helped them as well, the Exiles in the battle, the High Born, and the others who had died making these lands a better place for all. Let any god be worshiped and prayed to as long as they saw to it that the dead would be treated properly in the life after if there was one.

---

Moments earlier before Caelis set off to the East. Cassandra sullenly came back to report the failure of the expedition to retrieve the body of the fallen Halberdiers. The Longdead were resilient and came back like weeds. However, that could not be helped. They were bound to this world, and could not rest. If anything, they should be pitied. However, as of now, the Attolians did not have the means to put on a tragedy for the Longdead. This would need the effort of other factions as well. For now, the expedition could focus on clearing the rest of the Agora to make sure that it is safe and for anything that could be used. Plans were still in the works as to how to try to retrieve the bodies of the 5 unskilled laborers. Caelis was just glad that the expedition did not suffer great losses again. He was certain that the three who had died would not have wanted the others to risk their lives like that.

The expedition in the Agora District had learned to start using the stone constructs as replacements for human bodies when doing initial exploration, which was a clever idea... although he wished that it was something that was thought up of earlier. Regardless, the expedition would now have better supervision. Caelis hoped that Cassandra could foresee any misfortune that could befall the expedition and avoid it before it was too late. The Geologist could help identify anything unique. Finally, the siren would hopefully know a bit more about this Nereid or at least figure some stuff out. Regardless, the expedition would continue. Caelis was rather irritated by reports that the Order had followed the expeditions footsteps and looted parts of the Agora District that the expedition deemed safe. However, it had already happened, but Caelis was determined to make sure that it would not happen again.

Another expedition was also planned, but to an area that had been scarcely explored. The meltwater basin had not been extensively explored yet. It was the source of the Colony's fresh water, and yet... no one was too certain as to what was up there or what was actually in the water. Thus, a militarized expedition was sent. Sure the gnolls seemed to be respecting a non-aggression pact, but there could be other threats up there. Therefore, Caelis wanted to learn more about this crucial source of water as without it... the Colony would suffer as the only other source of water were the lakes towards the northwest. This is why there were numerous Sirens brought as they would likely be able to determine more about the basin than the soldiers.

Finally, the underground farming project seemed to be successful, but if it were to be of major use then it had to be enlarged and improved upon. In addition, the yearly growth of tea and spices would help supplement trade even during winter. Besides, the Jade Saffron seemed to prefer areas with flowing water, so attempts to also begin growing them underground would begin.

---

*boom* echoed through the platz as an explosion in the distance added to the cacophony that filled the Platz. Ever since the gunpowder had been made, the Engineer had started to begin the design of a cannon. While cannons were a mainstay of the armies of the Muurdaan, the Attolians typically reserved cannons for fortifications and for the navy. They rarely were heavily involved in conflicts. Thus, there was no need to maintain weapons for sieges. The Attolian relied on their small, but mobile and disciplined professional army, and anything else the Kingdom needed they would just hire mercenaries. While militias are still used to maintain local peace and security, there have been few times in recent history where the entire levy had to be raised for war.

Regardless, these were perilous lands and despite the lack of many soldiers, the Attolians needed ways to compensate, a force multiplier. The introduction of gunpowder weapons would help serve this purpose. First, was establishing cannons. The Port was virtually undefended and a lone enemy ship with cannons could deny the entire depression to the Colony. Thus, the need for long range weaponry was clear, and the Attolians sought to fill this need. A cannon would give the Attolians lang range capabilities, which they lacked. However, rather than a huge coastal cannon or naval gun, the Attolians planned to adopt smaller field guns that are accurate, and most importantly mobile. Thus, they can redeploy if needed in the middle of a battle, which Caelis suspected was on the horizon. The Mud Elves had to be dealt with and the High Born seemed to be making plans to make this occur. The Attolians had to be ready to accept the call to arms of their allies.

---

While Caelis was busy dealing with matters at the platz, a group of men set out from the Attolian Housing District and headed towards Learners Square. The preserver looked at the Linguist, who was accompanied by some Constables, and inquired as to why he was heading there as well. The Linguist replied "No one knows how to talk to the Kobolds at all. Someone has to take the time to learn their language, and teach them some Attolian and Common. After all, we expect them to be Colonists in a few years, but what good will that be if we don't even know how to talk with each other." The Preserver then looked at the Constables in an inquisitive manner. The Linguist then replied "It appears that they are very responsive to the Exiles, so having some around will hopefully do some good. Although... hitting them like that... hopefully the Kobolds will learn that authority and fear are not the only reason why they should be productive member of the Colony. However, to teach them that... we need to be able to speak with each other."

The Linguist then looked at the Doctor and said "Dr. Fleming, it isn't often that you leave your post at the Healer's Guild. What is the purpose of this venture? Dr. Fleming turned to look at the Linguist and said "Winter is approaching. It is a good time to teach people how to take care of themselves better before the cold approaches. Many people will start to stock up for winter, so we need to teach them how to do it properly and how to keep themselves healthy. Besides, a diet of just ale and bread is hardly a meal. Eating a variety of foods is crucial as is limiting the intake of poison. My partner here is quite well versed in preparing clean areas to preserve food and I have learned quite a bit of the importance of sanitation from our Sylvan friends before they left. After all, one spore of mold can ruin an entire silo. We plan to run a joint lecture at the Square, and educate the people."

The Linguist was dumbfounded. He had never heard the Dr. speak more than a few seconds before. "Ehh... so Doctor... do you enjoy talking?" Dr. Fleming replied "I do not have a particular opinion on it. Although, I am told that when I am focused or working that I am rather terse and economic on words." The Linguist nodded. Did that mean that every time the Linguist talked to the Doctor that Dr. Fleming was busy and he was just annoying and distracting the Doctor?
---

Orders:

1. Communal Cemetery w/ Small Nonsectarian Temple to be constructed towards the cliffs east of the Attolian Housing District. This is to give any lost souls a proper burial if desired, and for their spirits to be able to travel wherever it is that they need to go. Thus, the graves will be pointing towards the ocean so that souls can find their way back home to the Old World if need be.
Caelis, 5 Skilled Workers, 10 Sirens, 20 Unskilled Workers,

2. Continued Excavation and Search of the Agora District
Cassandra, Geologist, 5 Skilled Workers, 5 Halberdiers, 3 Augmented Stone Constructs, 20 Unskilled, 10 Sirens

3. Creation of field cannons that are mobile and can be moved by man or horse (Inspired by the 10lbs Demi-Culverins of King Gustavus. They were operated by 3 men and could be pulled by 2 horses. Mobile, accurate, and packs a punch)
Engineer, (Nicholas if he is available), 2 Sundered Kings, 5 Skilled Workers, 10 Unskilled Laborers, iron

4. Further Expansion and Improvements to the Underground Farm: Introduce tea, spices, jade saffron and bramble gem
5 Skilled Workers, 20 Siren, 10 Unskilled Workers

5. Searching of the Meltwater Reservoir area (particularly underwater if possible)
Falconer, 10 Halberdiers, 10 Lesser Sirens

6. Begin language exchange and study of the Kobold Language
Linguist, 5 Constables

7. Lessons on Nutrition and Sanitation at Learner's Square
Dr. Fleming, Preserver, 2 Influence spent on teaching colonists to make healthier and hygienic choices in life

 

[Beckoncall]

Enemy Standoo :

"The Grey house of God":

The building had went up fast... and it was a masterpiece. Colonial acquisition from the voluminous supplies near the capital (it was already a given they had more than enough) allowed the Victorians to give their metalworker an added flush in the labor of his team -- raw iron.

The structure itself was not that large, a rectangle perpendicular to the main street of the 'Platz, built of a foundation of hand picked grey stone from shearcliffs. Above that, a wooden frame belied a core of raw Iron, enabling a deceptively heavy structure to be laid atop it, two levels high with a cellar.

There was still some quality glass left over from the previous constructions -- only the best lenses and panes were suitable for the lighthouse. This allowed the mason to place six three great windows on either side of the structure, that could flood the building with light so, or showcase an even grander flair of brilliance -- the last of the excess iron was made into metal blinds that could lock down the structure, the main gate and windows could be totally covered by slats of metal, or the "blinds" could be used to channel light and warmth into the Chapel. Reflected light off of the panes diffused from special filligree, casting diffuse patterns of light, like a starscape, upon the comparatively simple ceiling of the chapel. The metalworker and mason set to designing small objects d' arte that would catch the light of the blinds on the ceiling, bowls passed between brothers filled with light, floating books that reflected light down upon the chapel during the day that could focus an area bright as a torch up at the altar. Rows of torches guttered at the sides of the chapel, but even here slats and differential air-pressure drew smoke out of the structure, into a unified system of chimneys the squires worked tirelessly and precariously to assemble. Instead of a billowing factory, torchlight in the structure (and fire from braziers) turned into a calm plume and the air inside the chapel was pure.

All of this disguised the chapel as a truly defensive structure. Metal sheeting at access points, stone sub-supports on key points of the walls and roof... it was as much as a small fortress and safehouse as it would serve as a house of worship... and many were the curious who would step inside in the months to come...

A side development the Victorians did not anticipate, was that, despite the winding road through the depression, main street of the platz was very much in line with the path up the sandslope. The Victorians were less than amused when ramshackle Exile signs went up between the temple of Dracos and the chapel of St. Victoria, declaring the route, however winding, as "The street of the Gods" -- not what the Victorians were aiming for at all, but of course, they'd have to take that up with the "dragon cult" if they wished to make any statement of that.

The coup de grace on the chapel was while it was a slight walking distance from the garrison itself, it could connect itself easily by access to the sewer tunnels... There was also a dumbwaiter in the attic, that would allow any valuable books or personnel to lower themselves out of the chapel to safety in case the chapel, even with it's considerable defenses, was breached.

The engineer Had proposed that the ceiling itself could be made into slats, and if desired fall like blades on an unwelcome host underneath -- but the mason dismissed this idea -- "We have built a Chapel, Mason -- not a deathtrap... unless Eileen herself sees this a wonderous Idea I would rather not have the option to "Julianne" our flock into Root-fries... Just that a novel idea can be done does not mean that it should be, may I not regret voicing this view, for I do not care to dream of the day our chapel must become a slaughterhouse."

(VICTORIANS GAIN +2 Influence for new house of worship! Relations with exiles strangely seems to improve?)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Heyitsjiwon

"Assistance to Clear or at least access to the bells" :

The victorians had set aside a mighty complement of soldiers to take the fight to the longdead -- but the Attolians asserted that fighting them would come to nothing, as it seemed to recently for them. The attolians cited evidence that the Zebani had been killing the longdead over and over for centuries, but they always returned... they had needful things or unfinished business, and that was the way to bring peace to their souls.
The Victorians countered the Attolian emissary, stating they had ambitions of driving all the longdead in the theater district to the surface, if only the attolians would lend or assist with their Silver bells, and scepter of command -- that seemed to move longdead where they might be wanted -- and then annihilating them with another pulse from their lighthouse.

THE ATTOLIANS WOULD HAVE TO CONSIDER THIS IDEA.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

"Ahoy there!" Everyone INTERESTED IN TRADING.

Sir Magda and her carpenters arrived to assist the crippled trade ship, noting that the exiles were already there making crude (and somewhat suspect) repairs. Bringing the entire host to order, the captain of the newly arrived trade ship the "Tangled up in Blue" seemed a fine contrast to the ship of slavers. They were part of the trade guild merchants, and had come voluntarily to hopefully sell, but they were willing to GRANT supplies they had brought in return for writ of compensation once the colony got further on it's feet. To wit, they had come to invest in the colony, either by fronting it supplies or helping to develop it into a profitable new trade leg.

Freely surrendering their manifests --

it seemed the ship carried a great deal of quality fertilizer, composted proteins and mineral mix -- the good stuff.

Behind that they had 4 Rhunk, and 30 wind-maggots -- (lore check required) -- The Rhunk seemed to be great beasts of burden, utterly white and veiny like star-nosed moles -- they were obviously subterranean in origin (they had no eyes but instead a mouth full of strange sensory organs) but they were almost graceful in their slowness, and appeared to be very heavy and strong. Their rear ends and backbone were covered in rather repugnant blackheads, that when the creature moved the skin seemed to discharge them and start forming them anew.

The wind maggot, to the uneducated, looked like a horse, but without nostrils, a tail, eyes, or hair of any kind. They seemed to balance like ballerinas on their spindly legs, with pockets of pinkish bugs crawling around what the generous would call a hoof, subsisting on cleaning it of offal and debris. The creatures seemed calm and oblivious to the fact that they too, were creatures from the deep underground that had been sojourning on the surface.

"A Rhunk with take a plow and it'll melt before the Rhunk is done dragging it -- Windmags are ugly as sin, but they survive almost anywhere and they're actually quite affectionate if you treat them right. The things had tube-like snouts that ended in the mouth of a leech. The purveyor held the back of his hand to a windmag's mouth and it affectionately licked the dirt and calloused skin from his hand. Eeeeew.

Besides the livestock we got fertilizers that will help kick the last crop into your silos before winter, and we have a bit of luxury item for the hot summer we intended to sell at our next leg, but are willing to part with for coin -- we got ICE -- specially designed freezer on board -- We hoped to get here by summer to take the edge off the season, but the applications for ice to the creative or the playful are many and many splendored. Our next stop is in the Cricealian strip mines, where we know it will fetch a good price.

We also been netting some giant clams on the sunken mesas we passed over on the way here... we can give y'all a map to avoid 'em if your ships run deep in the water, but if you run light like we do, they're great diving beds, and a couple ain't even that far off shore. Mother of pearl in these babies, not to mention they be tasty as hell once you leave em out in the sun two days and they open up to spill out all the water which ejects the poison glands. %100 safe to eat when dry -- only professional chefs would prepare these as food, if they was whet. Still, candies of the ocean -- however you eat em... and the mother of pearl is some of the best quality, four layers deep on the big ones, skilled hand can get it all out in two pieces, guaranteed.

Now if you'll excuse me, My boys have had it rough this past voyage, and since I can't rightly give them shore leave while the ship is sinking, can somebody please direct me to the nearest place I can grab a few casks of something that'll take the edge off? Men's thirsty!

 

[Beckoncall]

TO THE ATTENTION OF ALL FACTIONS:

DECISION POINT:

Firebeard Dwarves seek assistance in clearing their domain of cave fishers... lots of them, and a really big ancient one. IF YOU INTEND TO HELP WITH THIS PROJECT: POST IN IC AND OOC THREAD THE NUMBER OF TROOPS YOU ARE SENDING TO ASSIST.

DECISION POINT:

St. VICTORIANS ARE PLANNING INCURSION INTO THE THEATER DISTRICT TO CLEAR IT OUT. IF ANY PLAYERS WISH TO OFFER MATERIAL, ITEMS, TROOPS OR THE LIKE, LIKEWISE POST IN THE IC AND OOC THREAD.

WHEN TEAMS SEEM SUFFICIENT OR TIME ELAPSES, GROUPS, IF FORMED, WILL TAKE THE FIGHT TO THE FISHERS AND LONGDEAD, RESPECTIVELY.

 

[Beckoncall]

Zaltusinel :

The beautiful music soothes the Nylor, and the shadows of fairer memories wash over them, if even for a moment... but the fact remains they had nowhere to go yet, and no place to call home.

Reassured, they looked to Ryleon even more impleading to lead them forward.

"I remember two more vaults, and we are the late sleepers" a Nylor whispered to Ryleon... I remember one vault rising to accept it's host far to the west -- but it was kicked by something enormous... it could be in the deep ruin, it could be in the sea... but I remember the terror thinking our own vault would be gone when we got there."

"I remember my crystal being shook by a small host in our vault -- we were not the first to leave -- but most of us were unable to be awakened. I wonder if living Nylor still range to this day? or neighbors in slumber -- what became of them?"

"There was a third vault, but I saw it lifted into the sky... the memory is unclear, but I know it was ill-fate. There were two other vaults not far from us... but I fear we are the last to open, if any of the others did."

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"Songs of the Nylor"

The platz is filled with the strange, haunting, and exhilarating music of the Nylor. (MORALE OF PLATZ POPULATION INCREASES)

While none but the Nylor understand the words, the spirit of the song spreads as impressively as the fiery ring of the lighthouse. Two unexpected outcomes emerge from the playing of the song:

Prince Vaethorion :

Lindar, the bard of the Highborn -- is struck bewitched by the voice or Ryleon... he seeks to create companion-ate music that complements the style of the night elves, and asks the prince to focus all attentions on this.

Enemy Standoo

The St. Victorians become aware they are in the possession of a handful of Systiars -- the instrument the Nylor play for their enchanting melodies... while in the process of restoration, the notes and sounds of the artifacts they have (which they thought were two different kinds of instruments) are obviously upon hearing them the less-preserved instances of the haunting Nylor instruments. What they choose to do with this knowledge is up to them, however, to decide...