Nothus smiles, "We appreciate your hospitality... and a chance to further discuss these cannibals, share information so we can all better protect ourselves. "
Galdon shrugs as he follows his new companions into the crab husk.
It has been a very unusual day.
Ndombe remains largely quiet during this conversation, fully aware that many of the tribes even possibly his own tribe would have eaten the likes of several creatures in the conversation. ”That which is different than us, can be eaten by us,” being a common refrain among the tribes. This mantra even extending to cannabalism within some of the tribes, and apparently some on this island.
Also, what do the cannibals look like?
What do they look like? Well they look like..well..like you!
We have been lucky I guess...the only things that have tried to kill us are undead and some lizard like things.
Hmmmm....I haven't seen undead, but then again, I am content to stay here. I have everything I need so I don't need to look for anything else. As for lizards, when I do happen upon one...well..they make good eats!
What did the other 2 new people look like?
What do you have to eat and is there anything that we might have to share?
The Tengu smiles and starts filling large shells with poorly smoked sculpin and raw sea urchins. This is my favorite! Enjoy!
How long have you been here and how did you make a home out of this giant crab?
Hmmmm...I've lost track after 60 days. When you spend your time talking to the fish and the birds, all days seem the same! As for the crab, I figure if the cannibals decided they want to try tengu, it might scare them away!
"We found spike traps!"
Pezock laughs, You would definitely remember if you have!
"We appreciate your hospitality... and a chance to further discuss these cannibals, share information so we can all better protect ourselves. "
We were the crew of the Crow's Tooth when we were shipwrecked on this island. We made camp nearby and after a few days they showed up. They overran the camp and any they didn't kill, they knocked out and dragged away with the dead. I waved my sword daring them to attack me, but they were too afraid. They were so afraid, they just stood there and laughed they did! I tried to stop them when they started carrying off my mates but then they threw rocks at me. They were still really scared because they kept laughing! One of the rocks hit me on the head and when I came to, I was alone!
As he is telling this story, Pezock draws his sword a waves it clumsily around.
"Your tale seems similar to ours in many respects. There are certainly an unusual number of shipwrecks on this island."
"Yes." Rii-Chi ponders. "Maybe bad men make ships crash! But how? We need to find them and beat them so they tell us secrets and we can leave!"
The information that the tenge gives was quite interesting but what really got Neltji’s attention was the description of the captain and the Ieana. We know those 2. We are going to want to find and talk to them at some point. Good to know that they are to the south.
When the food is served Neltji swallows hard at the undercooked food is presented to them. Thank you for the offering of the food. Perhaps we can share some of ours with you. and that way not be forced to eat uncooked raw food that might just kill me. Neltji leaves unsaid.
Perception
Trying to break away from the food discussion, That is a very nice sword you have there. Perhaps they were scared of how sharp it is when you threatened them with it. How did you come by such a well made sword?
"Your tale seems similar to ours in many respects. There are certainly an unusual number of shipwrecks on this island."
Yes! Yes! Far too many! Unfortunately the only ones that seem happy about that are the cannibals!
"Maybe bad men make ships crash! But how? We need to find them and beat them so they tell us secrets and we can leave!"
This island is in no shortage of bad men! I think all the cannibals are bad men - and women!
Thank you for the offering of the food. Perhaps we can share some of ours with you.
Pezock would like that very much!
That is a very nice sword you have there. Perhaps they were scared of how sharp it is when you threatened them with it. How did you come by such a well made sword?
Captain Zoventai gave it to me because I am such a skilled swordsman! He says as he waves the sword clumsily around.
It sure how the others feel about the matter but unwilling to leave the tenge alone Neltji ventures an idea, How about you come with us to help against the cannibals. Either that or we could do it for you. If we had That marvelous sword to help us though I am sure it would be easier.
Munkustrap lets out a small hiss of breath. "Ileana and the captain. Could they be the reason we are here, or are they stranded like ourselves. If it is the latter, perhaps we can grow our small army. With this many people, rescue or escape seem likely.
"If it is the former, I would like to put all my knives in her back. Over and over again."
Munkustrap takes in all the additional information the tengu gives them.
"How many of these cannibals do you estimate there to be on this island? Is there are leader? Different tribes?"
Nothus nods at Mukustrap's suggestion, "Strength in numbers as we grow our pack... I think it's completely logical.... and if you, new friend, would care to join us as well, we could escort you to our camp... and maybe you could point out anything you've discovered as we walk? "
How about you come with us to help against the cannibals. Either that or we could do it for you. If we had That marvelous sword to help us though I am sure it would be easier.
Ohhh...I like to think the cannibals and I have an understanding. They don't mess with me and I don't mess with them. Of course you are welcome here anytime. You mentioned there are other members of your crew. They are welcome here as well. Would love new people to talk to!
"If it is the former, I would like to put all my knives in her back. Over and over again."
Pezock sits quietly for a second not sure what to make of the sudden outburst. More soup? he finally asks nervously.
"How many of these cannibals do you estimate there to be on this island? Is there are leader? Different tribes?"
Hmmm...I don't know about different tribes, but there were about 10 that attacked us.
"Strength in numbers as we grow our pack... I think it's completely logical.... and if you, new friend, would care to join us as well, we could escort you to our camp... and maybe you could point out anything you've discovered as we walk? "
But I don't want to leave my home. But I do want new friends to talk to...It's a deal!
"Yay!" Rii-Chi seems excited that the menagerie is expanding. "Is good to have you Pezock-friend! Your sword will be great help!"
Munkustrap grumbles quietly as he is offered more soup. "Thank you, for your hospitality. It is much appreciated." he takes a small helping and quietly eats is as the other add in questions.
"So my friends, old and new, shall we return to camp and begin the evacuation process to move our camp here? After that we can plan an assault on the cannibals ." Munkustrap listens to the others reaction.
"It certainly seems like we will have to deal with the cannibals before too long. Do you think they are so fierce? There seem to be enough resources here to support a decent population. I wonder why they practice their cannibalism?"
”I have no emotional attachment to any particular location.”
Pezock will gleefully follow you back to your camp. He chatters endlessly and it seems like he has a name for every tree, rock and stream.
Arriving in camp, Gelik is tending the fire as he always seem to do. What? More mouths to feed? Well at least you brought dinner!
Nothus shrugs, "It's likely a superstitious tradition of some sort... Maybe they worship the same gods as the goblins do."
Neltji arrives back at camp and immediately is put off by Gelik’s demeanor. Ah shut up Gelik. This is Pezock and he is here as our guest and companion.
"Pezock" Munkustrap gesters to the assembled at camp. "Ignore Gelick. But please, let me introduce you to Ishirou, Miss Ayers, keep her away form the spirits, Sasha, and our newly acquitted Jask."
Impressed that he remembered names Munkustrap announces, "Pezock mentioned that others from our boat are also stranded here, Ileana and that good for nothing captain. Come, let us pack this place up and move to Pezock's dwelling. From there we can pan some sorties on the resident cannibals and track down our old friends."
"There are quite a few now, not quite a tribe, but still, the beginnings of one."
Gelik spends the day not only insulting Pezock, but Galdon, Nothus and Ndombe. The others welcome the new comers and Jask prepares any healings that are needed.
As they lounge around camp Neltji informs the new arrivals and Pezock that the group has quite the eclectic history and each of them could learn something from the others if they choose to. For her part Neltji settles in by cleaning the camp and making it ready to relocate farther south. Unless any of you have seen any ships in the distance then farther south might be better. There are trees and more resources there. Of course that means more risk and danger but with a group as large as ours I think we can protect ourselves. In addition to Jask, Aerys, Sasha, and Gelik, Thorion and Mischa will be there and Caine might be convinced to help out more at camp as well. Pezock will be an asset as well. That is 8 of you and I know from experience that Mischa, Thorion and Caine can take care of themselves and others..
All said I am thinking we make for the coast where Pezock was and expand our search from there.
As they lounge around camp Neltji informs the new arrivals and Pezock that the group has quite the eclectic history and each of them could learn something from the others if they choose to. For her part Neltji settles in by cleaning the camp and making it ready to relocate farther south. Unless any of you have seen any ships in the distance then farther south might be better. There are trees and more resources there. Of course that means more risk and danger but with a group as large as ours I think we can protect ourselves. In addition to Jask, Aerys, Sasha, and Gelik, Thorion and Mischa will be there and Caine might be convinced to help out more at camp as well. Pezock will be an asset as well. That is 8 of you and I know from experience that Mischa, Thorion and Caine can take care of themselves and others..
All said I am thinking we make for the coast where Pezock was and expand our search from there.
"I wouldn't mind learning those mantras. It has been quite the few days, and I have a lot to process."
”Tell me more about these stories”
You see tracks like those two shocker lizards you fought before.
Neltji sees the same tracks and stops immediately. Hey everyone. It looks like more of those electric lizard creatures. Everyone get ready to target the same lizard so we don't have to worry about them setting up an electrical charge again. Also try and spread out a bit if you can!
If there is time and the lizards do not make a quick appearance after she talks Neltji will cast guidance on people in this order...
Rii-Chi, Munk, Galdon, Nothas, Ndombe, and then herself.
Galdon passes one hand in front of the other and his starknofe appears.
"Ready when you are, Neltji."
Ndombe attempts to discern if he thinks these lizards are animals he can attempt to speak with...
"Friends, we have encountered these foul beasts before. Best to avoid them entirely or kill them from afar. I prefer the former but I’m ready for the latter." Munkustrap flourishes his magical daggers.
"I don't feel the need to pick a fight with something that we can avoid."
”If we do not bother the nature, perhaps the nature will not bother us.”
Let us leave them then for the time being but mark their location so we do not stumble upon them at a later date. There is still much of the island left to explore as well so why waste time here.
Rii-Chi nods his head in agreement. "Stay away from zaps, spikes and other things that hurt Rii-Chi!" He says firmly. Apparantly his experiences with the spike traps have made the usually sanguine vanara more cautious.
The crown of this hill is one of the few areas on the Shiv that’s not jungle—the entire hilltop is an open area of tall grass overlooking the island’s eastern shoreline.
A distant thought triggers in Munkustrap's mind. "Friends, I remember something that Ishirou told me a while back."
"I have a collection of some old treasure maps, and if this is Smuggler's Shiv, then there might be treasure here. There is supposed to be more than enough treasure for each of us and the others. Well, maybe not Gelik. "
Pulling out the map, Munkustrap shares it with the others. "I'd start to shovel, but my leg is cramping up something fierce. If anyone has some extra water, let me try and hydrate and stretch it out and then I'll join you right quick." Munkustrap takes a seat on an overturned tree in the shade and begins to drink from the offered waterskin.
"You can lend me your knife then Munk-friend!" Rii-Chi replies, his tail snaking out to take the weapon in question. He waves everyone else back and examines the ground closely, trying to figure out where best to dig.
.
The next morning Munk, Rii-Chi (and anyone else that is helping) follow the instructions and begin digging at the appropriate spot.
After 12 hours of digging with a knife, a hole 10 feet down is dug until you hit a wooden 'floor'. You also uncover a skeleton that could be a dwarf.