"The chain shirt would be nice, I think. It'd be better than paddlin' about in my dress blues."
"Let's head back to the ship to let them know we should be safe from this tribe of grindylows now."
You leave the cave and return to the ship to report your success. Ramona congratulates you on a job well done. The Peregrine sails south back to Talmandor's Bounty, making the journey in a couple of hours. Upon arrival, the ship drops anchor in the bay and both the crew and colonists work together to begin unloading the ship using the ship's boats.
"The Peregrine will depart tomorrow morning," Ramona says. "If you have any treasures you wish to sell, you can leave them with Captain Markosi, and he will send the proceeds of your sales back with the next supply ship. You may also place an order for equipment and special provisions."
"Now then, why don't you show me around the colony and point out any areas of concern?"
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"Right this way, Ramona.
Let's look over the palisade and the buildings contained within first."
Simon will lead her to the important buildings as he describes them. His recitation will be a bit rambling and quickly spoken.
In his enthusiasm to describe all of the details of the buildings and the encounters the party had, he will undoubtedly interrupt several of Ramona's questions by attempting to answer them before she finishes speaking.
"Most of the buildings are in pretty good repair. You'll notice that most of the tools remain in the tool house here. We are also temporarily using the Tool House as safe food storage, due to the infestation within the Food House.
Those cockroaches and the spoiled food will need to be cleaned up before this building is serviceable again. Whomever you designate for that task will probably want to utilize the swarmsuit we found.
Likewise, the smithy will need to be cleaned up from the goblins we encountered living there. I'm not sure if all of the smithy tools remain. You might need to order replacements.
The courthouse and homes seem to be in pretty good order, though the temple here might be a problem. There is a restless spirit in that building currently. We have placated it for the time being by offering to find out more about why he was killed. Still, I would suggest leaving the building well alone, though maybe the priests might have a bit better time talking to him.
As for the palisade itself, you can see that the previous settlers made a good start. It will need to be completed to deal with the goblins and other land based dangers, though the threat of more ankheg can't be ignored.
Speaking of ankheg, clearing up the main fields over there and making sure all of the eggs are properly taken care of should be a top priority.
Kip suggested that you might want to try raising a pet ankheg as a service animal of some kind, though the idea seems a bit odd to me."
Finishing the tour, Simon will finally stop and stand there, looking around and breathing a little heavily from the exertion of talking so much.
"So.... there you have it. Let us know how we can help out. We do need to start looking into where the other settlers disappeared to, and hopefully solve the mystery of the poor murdered farmer."
Turning to leave, he suddenly remembers something.
"Oh, and we found these Chelish coins from pre-Thrune times. Seems the Chelish Empire knew about these islands over a hundred years ago. So, you've got potential competition on your hands too."
"Seriously! Can you imagine how amazing it would be to have a giant ankheg to help plow the fields? Digging out cellars? Eating overly eager goblins? The possibilities are endless! You just gotta figure out how to tame them..." Kip interjected, before mumbling and scratching at his chin in thought.
Ramona listens to Simon's descriptions as she tours the colony. "Yes, it looks like we'll have a good leg up settling down here. I'll have Luetin go through the smithy to make sure he has everything he needs to set up shop there. Fathers Eamon and Kurvis will be restoring the chapel. With luck, they can reach an accord with the spirit there until he can be put to rest.
"We'll make sure all of the ankhegs are taken care of." She laughs at Kip's suggestion. "I appreciate your enthusiasm, but I don't think keeping a pet is feasible at this time. It's something to remember in the future, though!" She gives the grippli a wink.
"I think if Cheliax wanted to colonize this island, they would have done so by now. Besides, I hear they're having some internal issues right now--I doubt they'll be focusing on expansion any time soon!"
As you finish the tour, Ramona nods in satisfaction. "Alright, thank you for your insight. Once everybody is settled, we'll get to work!"
It takes the majority of the day to get everything unloaded from the Peregrine. The ship stays the night and the crew replenishes their fresh water before departing in the morning. During the next day, the existing houses are assigned with the understanding that there may need to be compromises made if the original colonists return. Ramona also assigns work details and specialized crews. She declares the four of you the colony's troubleshooters. While you have no official daily jobs, you're expected to be on standby to respond to any situations that might arise. Aside from that, however, you have free rein to spend your days how you wish.
When not assisting the other colonists, Kip spent some time gathering extra berries in case they were needed to fix a more dangerous problem.
Ema, with plans forming to help with some of the issues they were having for lack of markets, spent the time that Simon and Kip were giving the tour speaking with the quartermaster of the ship that was to depart. She knew that she would need materials they wouldn't be able to easily get out here for now and so she fully intended to have him set in a supply of what she thought they would need to get started. She also wrote up a list of scrolls, things that she could use to put in her spellbook for her upcoming efforts and that others might need as well.
Victrix starts looking for Antona once all the cargo from the ship has been offloaded and the ship itself is sailing into the sunset.
Victrix finds Antona guarding the dock, watching the bay for signs of danger. She stiffens a little when the aasimar approaches. "Oh, uh, good day, ma'am. Is there something I can help you with?"
Victrix, having changed out of her heavy breastplate and into her civvies (tight Quick Runner's Shirt included), gives Antona a smile as she walks up. "Just wanted ta come by and say hello."
"'Ow's yehr shift goin' so far?"
"Quiet. It seems the four of you took care of all the immediate dangers. No sign of grindylows or other aquatic menaces."
Her eyes drift towards Victrix's chest, then quickly snap back to her eyes. "So, uh, you are an Eagle Knight?"
Victrix smirks and leans forward slightly before snapping back to usual upright posture. "I am."
"Well, I'm still just a recruit, so far. But it's been family tradition ta serve in Andoran's best military branches. My mum's a lieutenant in their ranks."
"Impressive. I served in the People's Militia for several years. Always wanted to attract the eye of an Eagle Knight recruiter, but the opportunity never arose." Antona smiles wryly. "Thought I could make a name for myself out here instead. What about you? Why did you want to journey halfway around the world?"
The aasimar shrugs. "At first, I didn't even know an expedition loike this was bein' put together. I only learned of it because the brass summoned me. They offered me a chance ta venture abroad, protectin' an' servin' Andoran's interests."
"It sounded loike a lotta fun, so I said yes." She chuckles and scratches her head. "Ta be honest, I was a bit surprised they made me the offer in the first place."
"Fun," Antona says, her voice taking on a dark edge. "Well, it's been a blast so far. Missing colonists, murderous grindylows, and magic time-fish--who would have ever thought that would be a thing! It's only been two days. I'm sure it'll only be a matter of time before more dangers rear their ugly heads."
"Yeh left out the ankhegs an' zombie-makin' jellyfish."
"An' as ta new dangers..." Victrix takes a step closer to Antona. "...isn't that what I'm 'ere for?"
"Um, yes, I suppose so," Antona mumbles. "I am sure the other colonists feel a lot safer having you around. And, uh, your friends, too." A bit of color rises to her cheeks.
"I 'ope so." The redhead pauses, looking between Antona and the sea. "They're a good bunch--saved my arse a couple o' toimes already."
"What time do yeh get off o' yehr shift?"
"Another couple of hours," Antona says. "You want to meet somewhere, maybe?" She favors Victrix with a cautiously optimistic smile.
"I'd loike that." Victrix nods, casually running a hand through her long red locks.
"Yeh got somewhere in mind?"
"Um... Well, normally we would go to a tavern for this sort of thing, right? But there isn't much to do in the way of entertainment here yet. Maybe we could walk along the beach? I bet the sunset shining on the water would make for a lovely sight. Of course, not as lovely as you," Antona says, growing a bit more confident.
Victrix smiles. Her teeth shine in the sun.
"That sounds lovely. I'll be sure ta bring a towel or two... if yeh be interested."
"I am interested. Very interested."
"It's settled, then."
She leans in to whisper something into Antona's ear. "See yeh soon."
Then she turns and leaves.
As Victrix headed back towards the town proper, she caught sight of a dirt covered Kip slowly dragging a bush twice his size back towards their home.
"Yeh look loike yeh've been busy, Kip." The aasimar waves to the little grippli. "Need a hand with that?"
Kip looked up from his dust cloud, "Oh! Vicki! That'd be great." The grippli carefully set down the bottom of the blueberry bush, and took off his heavily loaded backpack and handed it to Victrix. Retrieving the bush, he continued, "You can carry the dirt! I've been foraging for berries lately, since they were so handy before, and I got to thinking, wouldn't it be easier if we just grew berries right next to our house? So this time I just brought the whole bush!"
Victrix bends down and picks up the backpack before following alongside Kip. "Pretty forward thinkin' of yeh."
"That's not gonna 'urt the bush, is it?"
"Maybe a little bit, which is why I plan to magic it up when we get it back home and happily in the ground again. I figure if I can patch you up when you get stabbed, I should be able to fix a few broken branches and torn leaves, right?"
Victrix blinks in confusion, but just shrugs her shoulders. "I suppose. Yeh'd know more about this than I would."
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Sitting on a chair outside of the house, attempting to whittle a block of wood into butterfly wings (it looks more like a grindylow), Simon is beginning to get frustrated.
Looking up to see Kip and Victrix returning with the bush, he sighs in relief.
"Why would anyone find this relaxing?"
Chucking the failed carving into a pile of firewood, he stands up and attempts to brush the fresh chemical burns off of his shirt.
"Kip, what a great idea! Let me grab a shovel and help you prepare a hole for that bush. I think it would have just enough light if we plant it over here. What do you think?"
"Sounds pretty good to me. Plus it's close to my window if I want a snack at night."
Victrix sets the backpack down and stretches.
"Well, I'll leave the two o' yeh to it. Are there any towels in this house?"
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"Towels? Can't say that I've seen any, but they must be around. Now that you mention it, I don't recall seeing a bath house either. Or a privy.
Well, if you find out where people are getting washed, be sure to let the rest of us know."
-Posted with Wayfinder
Victrix starts looking around the house for a pair of towels.
A thorough search of the house uncovers a pair of towels in a cabinet next to a large washbasin. Lucky!
Victrix does a little fist pump. "Yes!"
Satisfied that she knows where the towels are, she settles in for the next two hours, polishing her breastplate and sharpening her spear.
Once the sun begins to set, Victrix heads back down to the dock to find Antona waiting for her. The soldier has removed her breastplate and is clan in a simple tunic and breeches, though her longsword is still belted around her waist. She smiles broadly at the barbarian.
"Hey there. Ready for our stroll?"
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Meanwhile, as Kip and Simon work on planting the berry bush, Alba Divenvaar approaches. The older dwarf has a weathered, tan complexion from years spent in tropical climates, with a few sun wrinkles on her forehead and around her eyes. Her hair is threaded with streaks of silver. She wears leather armor over short, comfortable clothing.
"Good evening, Simon!" she calls. "I wanted to thank ye again for helping me get me laboratory up and running. Tomorrow, I can get to work on those items ye requested."
She smiles at Kip. "Don't believe we've been formally introduced yet. I'm Alba."
With her ordering completed Ema went with the others to claim one of the houses for themselves. She knew that it would be crowded with the four of them under one roof and she hoped that she could find a way to get a place of her own soon. She worked on settling in with the others and when they all went to go do what they needed to do Ema found that she had the place to herself. Truth be told she wasn't sure what she was going to do once she got unpacked, something that took all of five minutes, she was kind of bored and felt a need to have some companionship. With her equipment tucked away safely she headed back out looking for somewhere that a group was gathered.
Wandering through the colony, Ema notices Harcourt Carrolby and the two clerics, Eamon and Kurvis, standing outside the large house near the chapel. Harcourt has his arms crossed and doesn't look happy.
"Hey, don't blame us," Eamon says with a helpless shrug. "This wasn't our idea. Ramona made the housing assignments."
"Yeah, I thought being stuck on a ship with this guy for six weeks was the worst thing that could happen," Kurvis says. "But now we have to live together? Abadar, your humble servants prays for the strength to survive this ordeal."
Eamon gives Kurvis a good-natured elbow in the rib.
Harcourt huffs. "I didn't even get assigned a house. They have me living in the barracks with a bunch of carpenters."
Ema found herself amused by Kurvis and Eamon, the two bickered like an old married couple but deep down she was pretty sure they actually enjoyed eachother's company and had a solid friendship. Harcourt, on the other hand, could be a problem as he wasn't used to communal living. Oh he'd dealt with it alright on the ship but she was pretty sure he expected to have a house to himself once he got here. He was obviously displeased at the situation and Ema decided to try and distract him a bit. Granted Ema could like distract a dead man just by walking past if she was in the right mood, come to think of it she had, there had been that vampire about to kill a paladin one time...
She approached Harcourt and asked, "So they stuck you in the barracks then? Kind of surprised they didn't give you one of the farm houses." She gave him a bright smile, "Of course you wouldn't have place to yourself there either." She glanced over at the two priests and nodded in greeting, "Eamon, Kurvis, are you two getting settled in?"
"Ramona says the farmhouses are for farmers," Harcourt says icily. He gives Ema a withering look. "She said that once we get more houses built, I'd have my first pick of the new lot. But that could be weeks or longer. I intend to bring my fiancee over from Andoran soon, but I'll be a laughingstock if I have only a bunk to my name!"
The priests return Ema's nod. "Oh yes, the facilities are great, but the neighbors leave soemthing to be desired," Eamon says. "Up all night moaning and rapping on the walls, throwing things around. It's enough to wake the dead!"
Kurvis rolls his eyes. "In all seriousness, the poltergeist in the chapel seems to be tolerating our presence for the time being. We're doing what we can to keep his spirit calm, but I do hope we can find out how to lay him to rest sooner rather than later."
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"Good evening, Simon!" she calls. "I wanted to thank ye again for helping me get me laboratory up and running. Tomorrow, I can get to work on those items ye requested."
She smiles at Kip. "Don't believe we've been formally introduced yet. I'm Alba."
Simon looks up at Alba with a smile. Being around a dwarf who doesn't automatically despise him is still a novelty for Simon, almost as much as seeing a dwarf with no beard. He reminds himself that dwarves are generally practical, though it is odd to see a dwarf let practicality rule over pride.
"Of course, Alba. It is the least I can do to repay you for letting me use the lab."
Simon sits back for a moment and considers the bush they are planting before remembering some manners.
"Oh yes, Alba, this is Kip. Kip, Alpha. Kip is a great fellow. Handy with a rapier and has found ways to encourage water to actually heal people. Quite fascinating, really."
Simon pauses to let the two converse. When there is a break in the conversation, he will attempt to engage Alba again.
"Planting this bush has set me to thinking. What this colony is really going to need is some good fertilizer. There aren't nearly enough animals to rely on natural fertilizer, so they are probably going to need to you to develop a good chemical fertilizer.
I know a little about plants, though not a lick about farming. Still, plants need Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium in order to grow well, though the correct quantities will take a bit of experimentation."
Ema glanced at the church with a shudder, "Yes, I hope so too. His spirit won't stay pacified forever." Turning back to Harcourt she said, "I can understand their reasoning then, right now food is more important. That being siad..." She thought for a moment about what could be done, one finger tapping her lip in an apparently subconscious gesture, "I would look at this as an opportunity then. Very little is going to be free and building a rapport with the farmers now might help you later when you need feed and fodder for the horses. You might also find that someone among them has skill at training horses or providing services or assistance you might need on your ranch." Her expression turned sly, "And who knows, maybe they can be convinced to help you build your home so it gets done quicker."
"Hey there. Ready for our stroll?"
Victrix arrives at the meeting point, dressed in her tight white quick running shirt and a pair of brown pants. She carries a pair of towels under one arm and her newly-acquired enchanted spear in the other.
"Definitely." She jostles the towels under her arm and walks over to join her, her bare feet sinking a bit into the sand.
"I'm sure we can work something up to encourage the crops to grow," Alba says. "Though I only brought so many reagents with me. We might have to scout the island for sources of raw materials soon."
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Harcourt considers Ema's words. "Hmm. Perhaps you're right. It would be less expensive to hire local workers than import them from overseas. There are a couple colonists here who might be promising. Especially that Shoanti woman...Anya, was it? I've heard her people are good with animals. Maybe I should speak to her."
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Antona kicks off her own boots and walks alongside Victrix. The sky is awash with purples and pinks as the sun begins to set on the western horizon. Orange light dances on the water of the bay.
"Beautiful," Antona says. It's unclear if she's talking about the sunset or the aasimar.
Pleased that she had headed off a potential problem Ema reached out to lay a hand on Harcourt's forearm briefly, "I thought you'd like the idea. I'm pleased I judged you correctly as a man of reason." She removed her hand then, not wanting it there too long to give the wrong impression, and said, "I do hope to meet your fiance when she arrives and congratulations on your pending marriage." While she was slightly disappointed that he was taken Ema wasn't about to let it get her down and continued to wander around looking for groups of people she could occupy her time with.