While no one seems interested in joining Richard's dance, save one man who is drunk enough to follow just about any suggestion, Grelda has the opposite effect. Several of the orcs in the village let out loud cheers, tossing their shirts onto the grass before joining her around the fire. It's easy to tell those who were born on the island, as their motions are a bit clumsier, but they do their best to watch and follow along. Many will continue, even after she leaves to eat.
Near the gate, Jhena stands conspicuously alone with her back to the wall, a rather sizeable portion of meat speared onto her knife. Other guards are positioned along the wall further away, eating and laughing with each other, but drinking only water. As Vitranna approaches, Jhena nods in greeting. "You not a party person either, I take it? You're welcome to spend the night out here with us."
As Miya dances and flirts, the others celebrating are more than happy to flirt back, the drinks encouraging them along. When she trips, it's only a few moments before a young woman is sitting by her side with a concerned look on her face. "Are you alright? That looked like a pretty bad spill. I can take a look at it if you like."
Later in the workshop, Richard is able to make good progress on the clock, but he notices that one of the gears is badly cracked. Several others of approximate size and shape are lined up neatly in a row one the table, while several more are discarded in a rather messy pile off to one side. After some trial and error he will eventually be able to find the right one, and after a few hours of delicate work, get the clock ticking again.
Viska, with his master distracted, goes to the injured ninja with a pouch of ginger root in his mouth. He drops the pouch at her feet and pushes it towards her with his nose.
Smiles at the little brother fox as he comes over, and takes the root. She makes an odd sound, other may hear. A Yap sound, which was aimed at him. Fox for Thank you and sends him back to his mistress.
As the young woman comes over and offered to help Miya, Miya nods meekly and lets her rub the root on her boo booed lower leg. She starts to flirt with her and if all goes well she will have a bed for the night and a warm one at that.
Vitranna will nod silently to the gracious offer, appreciating the fellowship of other protectors.
She quickly settles into a position along the rough wall, her spear in hand, and stillness in her heart again.
Listening to the night-time breeze babble on about a butterfly and wasp nearby...she eventually drifts off.
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None of you have any trouble finding the sleeping (or not sleeping) arrangements you find most comfortable for the night. A handful of the other survivors find other villagers to pair off with, though most choose to sleep alone. Most have done their best to put last nights events behind them, but one celebration has not distanced them from it enough.
The next morning, Kal, Jhena and the water bearers leave for the morning trip just before dawn. Anyone who is awake by this time is welcomed to join along, but anyone who chooses to sleep in is allowed to do so. If you look closely, you’ll notice that this group is different from the one that went out yesterday evening. It seems the villagers have a system of rotating shifts in place.
Morning water collection goes without incident, and a small breakfast is served afterwards. (Miya receives a vegetarian plate.)
Kal – The (reluctant) acting leader of Junker Village. He was chosen for the role after the former leader died about a year ago, and has performed well despite feeling overwhelmed. He is currently grooming several potential successors, as the mayor did before him.
Jhena – Kal’s right hand, acts as captain of the guard mainly on the merit of her own strength. She is the village’s first line of defense and has the scars to show for it. She’s competent in her role, and has a decent tactical mind, but lacks the patience for leadership or diplomacy.
Tyleah – Though she is respected for her wisdom in her own right, it was her late husband’s death that caused her to take a more active role in the governing of the village. Her husband had been the next in line to take over after the mayor, and if he had lived, he would have Kal’s position now. Though she bears Kal no ill will, she is very vocal about ensuring the village is run properly, and he respects her counsel.
Megra – Generally referred to simply as “The Engineer”, Megra is an anti-social dwarven woman who runs the workshop. She is rarely seen and not very fond of strangers, but is easily excited by gadgets and toys – especially any she doesn’t already own. If you see anyone in the village using anything more advanced than a spear, it was most likely built or fixed by her. Kal has been pressuring her to take on an apprentice, but so far she lacks the patience to deal with one for more than a few days.
Seldarin – Old even for an elf, Seldarin arrived on the island before most of the villagers were even born. When he arrived, there were only a handful of people struggling to survive in the wilderness. Together, they carved out a place in the jungle that would eventually grow into Junker Village. He was also a close friend to the late mayor. As a devout cleric of Sarenrae he acts as the village’s moral leader, but has no desire to be a civic one.
After everyone has eaten, Kal will discreetly collect you all to talk. The workshop is chosen as the meeting place, as it’s the only building in the village that can fit a dozen comfortably and still afford some privacy. Sera, the oldest surviving member of the crew, will also insist on joining. Once everyone is inside, Kal closes the doors. Two tables have been cleared and pushed together with enough chairs to seat everyone.
Seldarin (the elven healer you met yesterday) and Tyleah sit on either side of Kal, letting him do the talking, but ready to speak up if needed. Jhena sits off to the side, seemingly already bored by the whole affair. Megra (a female dwarf with an intricately braided beard, wearing a leather apron with several pockets on the front) takes each of you in with an analytical eye as she fidgets with the now functional clock on the table in front of her.
”I’m not going to mince words. I’m sure it’s obvious to you by now that we need help. With few exceptions, most of us landed on this island unprepared and inexperienced. I was a 16-year-old kitchen boy out to sea for the first time when I went through the storm. Those who are born here are a little better off, but not by much.”
“But you all are different. You’re smart, skilled, strong. We could use your abilities here, and I’m sure there are things that you need that we could provide for you. So let’s work out a deal.”
(4)Worried the conversation would get bogged down by the villagers wants and needs Vitranna wanted to make clear her intentions immediately. She quickly stands, gripping her ancestral spear by both hands.
"Wait. I wish to be honest and upfront. It has...been revealed to me that things on the island have changed recently? A group has arrived and taken over some ruins near the center of the island...and they DID NOT arrive as we did. That could mean they know a way OFF this island somehow. We should discuss this FIRST. I do not intend to stay here unless given no other options. Others may be convinced to stay, but I for one will not get bogged down here."
She lay on the small huts map, it was early morning, the young village girl was fast a sleep next to her, her long legs lay our for the cloth of the canvas bad-sheet. Miya looked over at the nape of her neck, they had drink and kissed, talked and moved in the way of such things.
Miya could smell her, see her, all the time taking in her form. It was a nice form. One she would remember. She laid down and was soon asleep. As she slept there naked, her fox tattoo moved over her body, looking at into the darkness checking that all was well.
Miya was late, over slepping after the nights fun, so she missed the water trip.
Miya eats her brakfast happily with her new lover. Sharing time and talking.
Talking to her Miya asked about who was who in the village,
She was not really paying heed to what the girl was saying. She was standing in the nude, doing her morning exorcises, stretching her body and moving into yoga like forms, it has an effect on her new lover and soon they where doing more interesting forms.
Miya was late to the meeting, still putting her cloths on, clothing now spotless and clean. She slunk in while the others talked, finding a spot to one side and sat still while they talked.
Jolis wakes up naked with an equally naked Leri wrapped in his arms. It takes a few seconds to notice that the witch's fox has burled up behind his back for warmth during the night.
The night. Oh yeah! What a night!
The morning sun is starting to persistently flash his eyes through the bushes canopy.
"Leri. It's morning. We should hide our shame before a child finds us and we have a lot of explaining to do", Jolis whispers into the witch's ear.
Both Jolis and Leri get dressed and ready for the day.
When asked, Jolis abstains from water collect this morning.
While water collect is taking place, Jolis takes an opportunity to walk the village, noting in particular, if their is room for it to expand to accept the survivors of the Sister's Grace. Jolis makes it clear to Leri if she wants to join his walk she can, but understands if she would rather do something else, doing his best to make sure the warrior is not pushing the witch away. Later, Jolis enjoys the small breakfast with the village.
Before the water collection yesterday, Jolis was able to get a feel for the 'movers and shakers' of Junk Village. Horrible name!
Jolis sits in on the meeting in the workshop, listening to Kal's concerns.
"Kal and all of you. You have done an amazing job with the village! It's a marvel! Do you think Junk Village could take an influx of new residents without overextending your resources? I've had a chance to chat with some members of the Sister's Grace, and they seem delighted to join your community. But if not, we'll have to follow your example, and built elsewhere."
"Vitranna, how do you know this", questions Jolis.
Richard manages to get a few hours sleep but wakes easily as other early birds start their day. He begins to scribble at a table in the workshop. He had learned about the other villagers of note during the party the night before when the tongues were looser through drink and revelry.
He noticed the new crew going to gather water through the open doors of the workshop. It spurs him to scribble more furiously.
Richard watches Megra. The dwarf reminded him of many in his field. Short tempered and arrogant. It was something that he was guilty of himself. The best way to work with them was to challenge their intelligence with a problem to solve.
Staying silent for now, Richard listens intently to the current conversation.
After breakfast, Grelda wanders through the village. She specifically seeks out the orcs and half-orcs to get the lay of the land, feeling more comfortable among others like her.
"I agree with Vitranna. I do not intend to spend the rest of my life here. That is not my fate."
Valeriya stretches her sore muscles. Sleeping there in Jolis' arms had been surprisingly comfortable until it suddenly wasn't. She grunted with tiredness and sat up.
"I still don't like you're Cayden Cailean's kid but, if you were, I'm sure he'd be proud."
Still naked, communes with her Patron via Viska for an hour to change her spell loadout.
After bathing and getting dressed, Lera eats her breakfast gratefully, thanking the cook. She attempts to strike up conversation and get to know her fellow party members as well as the villagers.
Lera deigns to join to Jolis on his walk.
"If we can leave then I vote we should. We'll worry about how Vitranna knows this after we see these 'ruins'"
Popped a nut in her mouth, she was thinking of Reina and the night, her contract was completed, so she had fulfilled her obligations. She liked it here, but there would come a time when she would have to get back. She looked form one face to the other. But her mind was again on Reina.
Who know a tail could be so much fun.
She let out a loud snort of a chuckle at her own dirty joke, and then looked sheepishly at the others. As if to say sorry.
Lera's impatiens amuses Richard a bit. They had been here less than twenty four hours and she's ready to rush headlong into the unknown on the off chance of an exit. Her youth needs time to be tempered with wisdom. Richard hoped to keep them all alive long enough for her to get it. He stands and moves to the table.
May I have the floor? I believe that I have a plan to benefit all of us. Richard pauses to make sure there were no objections. I think we can all agree that if there is a way out of our virtual prison, we should find and use it. The question is how we go about this. Heading off blind based on hearsay of second or third hand accounts that may or may not be accurate is not the best way to accomplish our goals.
Richard opens up his notebook to reference. Kal mentioned another group headed by Gerard. I'd like to hear more about this group and evaluate whether they could help or hinder our goals. He stops Kal with raised hand. Let me get through everything first. We also heard mentioned an 'old man' in another village three days travel from here, who could tell us more about the phenomenon that brought us here. I believe this would be a valuable resource to exploit first. However, we would like to have a guide from your group to take us there. And a safe place for our shipmates here within you walls. And a map, should you have one, of the island.
Richard looks up. We will, as compensation, offer life saving ideas to increase your people's survival. Additionally, should we find a way off the island, We will do everything we can to take everyone with us.
Richard starts tossing engineering diagrams and lists onto the table. First, using a horn to warn expeditions that the gates are under siege would help in stopping them from walking into danger unsuspectingly. Second, I have created sketches on towers for archers that are strategically located for coverage. Last, I've sketched out a trestle design to be made out of bamboo. These trestles could be prefabricated for quick deployment outside. They would be a base for a rudimentary aqueduct system. No more watering hole runs. In fact, the aqueduct could be used for a gravity fed bamboo pipe system. Running water for drinking, cleaning, and sanitation.
In an attempt to motivate The Engineer, Richard continues Unfortunately, such a system would take at least a week or more. So I would not be able to work on it until and if we return.
Pops another nut in her mouth, and chopping says in a low voice to herself.
"Oo this is getting good"
"I still don't like you're Cayden Cailean's kid but, if you were, I'm sure he'd be proud."
"Alright, listen", Jolis said, quite seriously. "You're a smart girl. I'll grant you that." Jolis sighed. "Do me a favor and keep it quiet. From what my Dad told me, my abilities will be more..evident with time. But for right now, I'm just Jolis: handsome, perfect physical specimen of humility. Okay?"
Frowning slightly at Richard's tirade of ideas, Vitranna clears her throat to speak again and looks at the others.
"We should now hear from Kal and see what he proposes. This is their village. WE are guests. I merely wanted to make my intentions clear before things went any further. Kal? I apologize for the interruptions. Please proceed."
While water collect is taking place, Jolis takes an opportunity to walk the village, noting in particular, if their is room for it to expand to accept the survivors of the Sister's Grace.
During your walk, you can see signs that the village has been expanded before. Certain sections of wall built of a different wood than the rest, and newer huts that have years less wear and tear than those nearer the center.
----
Kal and Seldarin exchange puzzled looks, both unsure of how much you already know and how much more they should say. Tyleah's expression is impassive, betraying nothing.
"Dealing with them is a...complicated matter," Kal began awkwardly, but Jhena cut him off.
"It's actually a very simple matter. They're a bunch of vicious, sadistic mercenaries who torture and kill for fun. A little over a year ago, we sent a dozen of our best to treat with them, and failing that, to fight them off. Only one made it back, less an ear and a few fingers."
"We made the decision to avoid them because if we didn't, they would slaughter half the village. Probably more. Now, maybe you lot are the lucky geniuses who can find a way to learn all their secrets without getting chopped to pieces. But assuming you're not - and I'll be honest it isn't a grand assumption - I can't see you succeeding. So go step in shit if you want to, but don't come tracking it back to our doorstep."
Seldarin cleared his throat to speak. "What my foul-mouthed friend means to say is, if you do intend to take on the mercenaries, we will not be able to aid you. There are children, elderly, and infirm here and our first priority must be their safety. However, as long as you avoid drawing their ire, we would be willing to aid you in any other endeavors."
As others speak, Megra quietly pores over the notes and diagrams Richard has left out on the table. She seems intrigued, though perhaps not yet impressed. "I could do most of this, with a little help," she says. Not bragging, simply stating a fact. "And we've got plans to expand the village already. We'd just be moving the timetable up if any of you lot plan on moving in. The hardest part is collecting enough building material. There isn't exactly a lumber mill we can write up to place an order. But what we really need are more of those." She points to the holster on Richard's hip.
"A little cannon you can fit in the palm of your hand. Those were still just an idea on a bit of parchment back when I went to university. I could probably make more, if you let me take it apart and tinker with it a bit." Her eyes practically twinkle with excitement at the very idea (though she has still yet to make eye contact with anyone in the room).
Kal sits quietly, looking at each person as they speak, and taking in everything they have to say. The change in his demeanor is obvious as his mind works to find the best way to make sure everyone gets what they need (and everyone thinks they get what they want). After everyone else says their piece, he'll speak again.
"We can provide you a map. And anyone who is willing to take on a work shift is welcome to stay in the village. Last night was a celebration, but it's going to be back to business starting today. A map we can give you, but I won't be telling anyone to guide you. You'll have to find a volunteer for that."
"That much, I will do as gratitude for your actions yesterday and as a sign of good faith. But I cannot accept payment in good ideas, especially as most of you have made it clear you do not intend to stay here given a choice."
"I know it's dangerous but we have to try. There isn't enough on this island to last forever. Besides we have lives and families back on Avistan. We owe it to them to check out the ruins no matter the danger. If you don't want to come, that's fine but I'm going and anyone is welcome to join me."
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"Kal, thank you for your hospitality, and I'm certain the sailors and others who came with us will gladly work hard to continue to make this village run," looking over to Richard, "and in some ways improve it, myself included."
"If it is acceptable for you all, I motion the survivors of Sister's Grace merge with Junk Village, contributing our remaining supplies, and the materials on the ship for building purposes."
"In return, we will gladly accept you map, and any help you are prepared to give in our efforts to find a way off Storm Island."
Vitranna sits silently waiting to hear the villagers response to Jolis' surprisingly good declaration of intent.
Richard looks disappointed and worried. He did not like the idea of having guns for hire on the island, but there wasn't much he could do about it.
Richard uses his palm to twist his pistol in order to show off it's mother of pearl grip. You like it? I made it myself. It's not so much the design as the metal alloy needed to keep it from blowing up in your hand. I doubt you have the materials, much less a forge to make new ones. The hardest part was the filing the rifling in the barrel. It spins the slug as it leaves the barrel. The gyroscopic action makes it fly straighter for longer shots.
In truth, the scientist would sooner hand over his manhood than his pistol.
Without a guide, they would need a compass while traipsing through a jungle. Richard grabs a cup and fills it with water. He drops a small leaf on top of the water. He grabs a small needle out of his kit and walks over to Miya. This is real silk right? Can I borrow your sleeve?
Richard gently strokes the steel needle with the silk sleeve. The sun is a big fusion reactor. It spews out high energy particles that would kill all life on the planet. A strong magnetic field is generated by a spinning liquid metal core deep within the planet. This field protects us from the dangerous particles like a shield. So if we align the electrons in the steel needle... Richard stops rubbing and drops the needle onto the floating leaf, the needle slowly aligns to the magnetic field We get a compass which tells us where north is
Hears out the group, they not looking like she is paying any attention, then as Richard comes over she holds up her arm so he can use the silk. She giggles as he dose. Then as he is working she says.
"Errr, I know we are nearly done, but could I ask a few things, like you talked of an old guy who knows things about the Island and the odd writing and so on. He's in a village three days walk away, someone said. Just asking is that Gerard's village or another village? If there are three villages, just how many villages do you know of."
"Talking of this Gerard guy, he heads a bunch of vicious, sadistic mercenaries who torture and kill you for fun. right, well that sounds a bit to simplistic to me. See they have a village, but why? Why not just take your Village, armed bad guys always seem to get others do do the labor thing. So how they make a village? See I have this feeling they are, Slavers. That would fit, and if they ARE slavers then they would like Raiding or asking tribute, that is unless its all basket weaving classes for them between torture seasons. Nope, sounds like slavers to me. Which is fine, and It's fine if you don't know. But I can see hidden upset in your faces, so I would suspect, they raid you for slaves. You load band is not dead but slaves."
She looks around at the faces, to see any response.
"Thing is, that leads me to think, and I like to do this a lot,
helps be keep away from bad guys. I like to think What would I do if I was a bunch of sadistic slaves.? well.. I would keep an eye on the other villages and when new meat came's down the plug hole. Why? because they may have nice things and It's gets dull torturing the same slave day in day out.. So I would suspect if they don't know they may soon know we are here and ask for tribute to just take it. Which is kind of why, when we 1st meet you guy, you said you had a deal with Gerard to scavenge on this side of the Island and by the beach. Means you have been talking to him. So I'm I right or I'm I right?
She says with a side ways look and a squint, while pointing fingers gun like at the heads of the village.
"Come on fess up"
What she picked up on what was said at the beach, she's been thinking of the other villages, For a dumb blond monk, who seems to be jokingly child like all the time. One could be mistaken thinking there is nothing going on in the head of hers. Miya is a lot more devious than she lets on.
"I know it's dangerous but we have to try. There isn't enough on this island to last forever. Besides we have lives and families back on Avistan. We owe it to them to check out the ruins no matter the danger. If you don't want to come, that's fine but I'm going and anyone is welcome to join me."
Tyleah gives her a pointed look. "Do you think your families would prefer you alive somewhere far from home, or dead trying to get back to them? If it were my daughter, I know the choice that I would make. Your life is worth much. Do not risk it needlessly."
"Kal, thank you for your hospitality, and I'm certain the sailors and others who came with us will gladly work hard to continue to make this village run," looking over to Richard, "and in some ways improve it, myself included."
"If it is acceptable for you all, I motion the survivors of Sister's Grace merge with Junk Village, contributing our remaining supplies, and the materials on the ship for building purposes."
"In return, we will gladly accept you map, and any help you are prepared to give in our efforts to find a way off Storm Island."
"I would find that agreeable as well. Seems my people like it here," Sera says, speaking up for the first time.
Kal nods. "We will have to work out the logistics. But I think we can accept those terms."
So if we align the electrons in the steel needle... Richard stops rubbing and drops the needle onto the floating leaf, the needle slowly aligns to the magnetic field We get a compass which tells us where north is
Jhena scoffs. She finds the whole display a bit theatrical. "Or you could have just asked to borrow a compass."
So I'm I right or I'm I right?
She says with a side ways look and a squint, while pointing fingers gun like at the heads of the village.
"Come on fess up"
"You are not wrong about everything. But you have drawn some mistaken conclusions," Seldarin says. "There are five villages that we know of on the island, though we seldom contact them - Gerard's is the farthest from ours. We have known him for many years, and have even traded amicably with him in the past. His people live on the western side of the island because that is where they landed. We made an agreement to stay separate due to scarcity of supplies, and though we have argued the details on occasion, the western villagers are good people. They have suffered just as we have."
"The mercenaries use the palace as their base of operations. A single building, but more than large enough to house hundreds. We don't have an exact figure of their numbers, but there are more than enough of them to overrun us.
"The truth is, we don't know who their leader is or what their goals are. They do steal 'tribute' and they do take captives. But they haven't come after us here yet, so I can only assume they do not know we are here. Or perhaps they simply don't believe we are worth the effort as long as they have closer targets. I hope that answers your questions."
Vitranna stands again, her bearing that of someone with the weight of many things on her mind.
"Good. We have an agreement then? Jolis? We should send someone to the wreck of the Daughter immediately and keep the others informed as to the situation and our decisions here. I for one have no problem helping improve this village before we leave. My people know many secrets to survival and nature itself that I could teach easily."
She looks pointedly to Richard with a smirk.
"I could also help teach those who wish to learn to dance correctly."
She waves at Kal dramatically.
"We can help improve your defenses in a few weeks Kal, teach your people skills to help you survive, and anyone from our group who wishes to stay can do so with your blessings then. Finally, when it is time, any who wish to come with us to investigate this island and possible ways to leave, can do so, but we will also vow not to let anyone know where this village's exact location is to whomever does not already know it."
Valeriya sighs. "'A few weeks?' I wanna scope out the fortress now. We can at least do some scouting, right? Maybe someone nice and expendable in the ship crew can scout out the ruins?"
She looks pointedly to Richard with a smirk.
"I could also help teach those who wish to learn to dance correctly."
Was? Richard shakes his head incredulously Was that a joke? His voice goes up and into a whisper at the end. The alcohol last night must have killed the bug that was up your ass.
Valeriya sighs. "'A few weeks?' I wanna scope out the fortress now. We can at least do some scouting, right? Maybe someone nice and expendable in the ship crew can scout out the ruins?"
Shaking her head, Vitranna rolls her eyes at the young woman's naivete.
"No Valeriya. We don't want to tip our hand to these mercenaries that we are here and are interested in them. We will need every advantage we can get against them it sounds, and right now our biggest is that they do NOT know we are coming. Assuming Kal and his people agree, staying here a couple of weeks to help out and bolster their village against the environment and other potential enemies won't hurt us much, and those of us unused to...'roughing it' can earn a few needed callouses in preparation for our journey into the interior of the island."
"I'm with Vitranna on this one," Jolis adds. "This is a dangerous island. It would help greatly for us to acclimate to this new land first, then make the trek to visit the old man, then the fortress. We would also help in easing the survivors of Sister's Grace into their new existence."
"As this island has shown me", Jolis smiled sheepishly, "that rushing into this new environment, could get you killed."
"Thank you"
She says after the new info.
"I vote we stay a few weeks"
A few weeks...Ok then. He sits on the table facing Kal. The first order of business is to cannibalize the ship and bring the resources inside the walls.
If you want to make the most of this opportunity, then I'll need a few things. I'll need a list of your skilled craftsman and their area of expertise. I'll need a list of your resources. Inclusive of natural resources, like a local tar pit for example. We need to do a thorough inventory of tools and goods. Based on what is available, I will create plans for improvement, both civic and militarily. You'll just need some decent managers to implement them.
In return for this, I'll would like to have your best tailors or seamstresses for a personal project.
Grelda stays relatively quiet as the others speak and plan. The half-orc doesn't like staying in any one place too long, but there doesn't seem to be any benefit in running off half-cocked either, so she nods in agreement with the others.
"I will go to the ship to tell the others and help bring back any supplies we need."
Lera shrugs. "Oh well, I appears I've been outvoted. I suppose I can take to time to forage for new remedies. I'm running a bit low on my usual stuff. I don't think this island has anything close to a willow tree..." She trails off lost in thought.
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Finished her nuts, jumps up and says
"YES!!, good, great, well all that is sorted then"
and she is out the door.
Lera shrugs. "Oh well, I appears I've been outvoted. I suppose I can take to time to forage for new remedies. I'm running a bit low on my usual stuff. I don't think this island has anything close to a willow tree..." She trails off lost in thought.
Vitranna takes this new attitude much more seriously and smiles.
"Good thinking Valeriya. You should also talk to the healer here. I'm certain he has discovered remedies this jungle can provide you have never heard of before? I can also help you gather other necessary ingredients as my knowledge of plant-life and gathering such is extensive. None of us needs to worry about things to do in the next few weeks. We will all have duties to help out with."
Lera shakes head as Vitranna's word breaks her chain of thought.
"Huh? Oh yes I hadn't thought of that. Thanks. Speaking of, if you know any Shoanti remedies let me know. Though I can't imagine they would be all that different from my own. Many of my suppliers collected in Variasia."
Viska yips defensively in response to Vitranna's suggestion. "Oh hush, you silly fox. She can come with us if she likes. Might even teach you a thing or two."
Viska growls in response but doesn't press the topic further. Lera scratches around his ears to calm him down.
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If you want to make the most of this opportunity, then I'll need a few things. I'll need a list of your skilled craftsman and their area of expertise. I'll need a list of your resources. Inclusive of natural resources, like a local tar pit for example. We need to do a thorough inventory of tools and goods. Based on what is available, I will create plans for improvement, both civic and militarily. You'll just need some decent managers to implement them.
In return for this, I'll would like to have your best tailors or seamstresses for a personal project.
"The list of skilled craftsman is me, and whatever fool teenager with a hammer Kal sends me to teach next week. I'll help you work on the inventory, and we can draft up some of these plans you've got," Megra says. She gets up from her seat, and others move, starts putting her workshop back together.
"You're an expert with metal and stone, but as graceful as an ogre with cloth," Tyleah says. "I will get together the best in the village. Just tell me what you need."
"I will go to the ship to tell the others and help bring back any supplies we need."
Grelda can use song of marching to allow everybody to hustle for an hour without taking nonlethal damage, making the trip to the ship and back twice as fast.
"I'll get the sailors together. I'm sure they'll want to help," Sera says.
"I can get yesterday's scavenging crew. Not like they actually did any work last time," Jhena adds.
"Good thinking Valeriya. You should also talk to the healer here. I'm certain he has discovered remedies this jungle can provide you have never heard of before? I can also help you gather other necessary ingredients as my knowledge of plant-life and gathering such is extensive."
Seldarin stands slowly, leaning heavily on his walking stick. "I'd be happy to share a bit of my knowledge with the younger generation. I'm afraid these old bones can't travel too far though. I can tell you what flora to look for, and identify most of what you bring to me - and if you'd like to read my old notes, I'll share them with you."
"In return, we will gladly accept you map, and any help you are prepared to give in our efforts to find a way off Storm Island."
As everyone goes about working on their plans, Kal finally cracks a small smile, visibly relaxing. "I'll have to make an announcement to let everyone know you're joining us. I'm sure they'll be happy to have you. But do me a favor - keep the talk of leaving the island to a minimum. Not that I don't wish you the best, but I don't want to get their hopes up if...Anyway. I'll get you that map."
Seldarin stands slowly, leaning heavily on his walking stick. "I'd be happy to share a bit of my knowledge with the younger generation. I'm afraid these old bones can't travel too far though. I can tell you what flora to look for, and identify most of what you bring to me - and if you'd like to read my old notes, I'll share them with you."
"Worry not, Seldarin. We have plenty of time. Between you, me, Vitranna, and Viska here, we can find everything we need."
while the others talk she is about the village walking around and exploring. She goes to Reina and tell her they are staying.
When the meeting concludes, Jolis walks up to both Sera and Jhena, and shakes their hands.
"Well, I volunteer for salvage duty today", grinned the big man.
Week 1
Richard tells Megra to take some workers to collect as much bamboo as they can find. He spends the next few days going with the water crews taking measurements with a silk rope with equidistant markings. He makes a plumb bob out of a string and a weight to get the grade to the stream that feeds the waterfall.
After making several calculations he figures out the height and distance needed for the trestles. He spends the next few nights making models. The end result is a prefabricated trestle that would unfold and lock into place once carried out by work crews. Wood troughs would connect each trestle, carrying the much needed water.
Richard sets Megra to create a large water tank on stilts within the walls. It would be equipped with an overflow bamboo pipe to carry water away from the camp should the tank take to much water.
Securing as much manpower as he can, they set about implementing the plan.
Miya spends her time protecting Richard in the woods and helping him as best she can. She acts as a unstated bodyguard for him while he works. At night she spends her time with Reine talking about the fat and gossiping.
I'm gonna shortcut things a bit and say everyone can choose up to four different skill checks, rolling each on twice and taking the better result (With good roleplaying bonuses in effect of course), and apply that to how well you do over the three weeks...
Gathering those interested, including the older children, Vitranna will teach as much as she can to anybody interested how to track, hunt, fish, build camps, scavenge, and other basic survival techniques...like how some jungle vines contain some water that can be drawn out as needed.
or
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From there she will focus on teaching hiding, moving silently and surprise techniques in multiple environments!
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Grelda contributes where she can around the village. From her time as a shaman's apprentice, she knows a fair bit about magic and enchanted items, so she will lend her expertise to any spellcasters present.
She also eases over any tensions between the ship's crew and the island's inhabitants, whether through charm or threats of violence.
At a leisurely pace, Lera and Viska venture out into the woods with Seldarin. Picking up herbs here and there and learning new remedies and poultices.
While the Elf is distracted, Viska yips indicating something unusual. He leads Lera to a [url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atropa_belladonna]stalk with green leaves and black berries.[/dice] Lera knew immediately what it was. It had known medicinal uses but one had ot be very careful. Too much and it could be...dangerous.
Lera offers conversation to any who ask but doesn't reveal anything too personal about herself. She allows any advances that Jolis makes but doesn't initiate them very often.
Gathering those interested, including the older children, Vitranna will teach as much as she can to anybody interested how to track, hunt, fish, build camps, scavenge, and other basic survival techniques...like how some jungle vines contain some water that can be drawn out as needed.
From there she will focus on teaching hiding, moving silently and surprise techniques in multiple environments!
-Posted with Wayfinder
Richard:Perhaps being forced to work in a strange, new environment with limited tools has given Richard a sudden burst of inspiration. Or perhaps the lack of immediate danger has let him relax enough to put his full focus on the task at hand. Either way, his work on the aqueduct is some of the most impressive engineering he’s ever accomplished. Working alongside Megra, he’s even able to move ahead of schedule. Every day, one of the water collections adds a little more to the aqueduct, and you expect you can have it done before you leave for the next town.
While Megra has given up on you letting her borrow your pistol, she does still ask numerous mechanical questions about it, and will watch closely when you start making alchemical bullets if you do so in her presence.
Miya: Reina greatly enjoys your company, and though she’d prefer you didn’t leave, she understands why you need to. As you spend more time together, you learn a bit more about her. She was born in Cheliax, but hated the strictness of living there, so she ran away when she was young. Her ship was supposed to take her to Magnimar, but never made it. She isn’t much suited for jungle living, so she mostly does work inside the village, like cooking and sewing. She also knows a lot of the juicy gossip, and is willing to tell you just about anything you ask.
Vitranna: When you first begin to explore around the village, you realize that much of your conventional knowledge is not applicable to the landscape here. Wildlife here is more vibrant, more tenacious than what you are used to and much of it is foreign to you. However, it takes you only a few days to adjust and apply your skills to this new environment. Many of the villagers are able to learn a great deal from you, and several of them show great promise.
Grelda: While most are too busy working to argue, the temporary lack of space and dozens of new personalities clashing inevitably lead to some conflict. Thankfully, Grelda is able to masterfully diffuse most situations as they come up (sometimes at the end of a club, but still masterfully.) Many of the survivors have started coming to her first when a problem arises, and she becomes a sort of unofficial ambassador.
Valeriya: You learn a great deal from Seldarin about the local herbs, including which ones to avoid. You’re able to replace all the herbs you’ve gone through and then some. You also learn a few new tricks for mixing poultices and healing balms.
Many of the villagers begin to warm up to you, both due to the time you spend together with the cleric and your reputation as an herbalist.
Jolis: There is no shortage of work for you to do, and you have no problem with the physical labor. With your help, the villagers are able to expand the walls much faster than planned. Once the new walls are established, the construction of new houses are slated to go up next, but that project will take a while longer.
Once, when Jhena sees you working, she comments You're a lot like Kal. You volunteer your muscles so no one asks you to use your brain. But she doesn't say any more beyond that.
When you aren't working, you're able to get better acquainted with some of the other women in the village. You're charming and handsome enough to get a conversation with any eligible young woman at the very least, and go much further with a few.
Grelda also spends her time speaking with the villagers and the shipwreck survivors, learning their stories so that she might one day tell their tales the others. She also keeps an eye out for trouble, whether inside the village or out in the wilderness.
Like many people in the viilage, Jolis goes up to both Richard and Megra to congratulate them on their excellent aqueduct system.
"Wow! Great job you two!" The big warrior gives appreciative pats on the shoulder and hand shakes to the two engineers.
Once, when Jhena sees you working, she comments "You're a lot like Kal. You volunteer your muscles so no one asks you to use your brain." But she doesn't say any more beyond that.
Jolis just smiles, "I was born and raised in the busiest tavern in Absalom, which also doubled as a temple: working hard comes naturally. Besides, what else am I gonna do? Serve drinks? Make cocktails?"
Willing to issue some good ribbing as well as receive, Jolis asks Jhena, "So, what's going on between you and Kal? Huh?"
Richard finds Miya's company a nice distraction as the work gets monotonous at times. For fun he teaches her songs to sing as he works,
I like big butts and I can not lie
You other brothers can't deny
...
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Based on his nocturnal activities, when Jolis clasps his shoulder in congratulations, Richard looks at his hand and moves away a little. Wash those in rum first man.