Thats fine GM, to be honest, it didn't quite 'click' with me as well.
You dont need to feel bad GM, and no hard feelings, sometimes things just dont quite pan out.
I'll still enjoy playing alongside you in Mantisbane :)
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Pleased with progress, even if it is small progress, Amara decides to visit Benold for some technical expertise on where she could find a stable metal source. She doesn't call him for an audience or anything prim such as this, but instead actively seeks him out. "Benold, I believe we might need to find sufficient methods to manufacture metal of some description. Being the blacksmith, this is entirely within your area of experience. Would you have anything to recommend, and options for us to look into that might aid us in this endeavor?" the Skald asks curiously.
Amara hadn't really built much of a ladder before, mechanics and pulleys with fairly alien to her. She did know how to tie knots though, and her research on the surrounding fauna, supplemented by her wanderings over the first few weeks meant that she quickly worked out which sort of tree's would work best to begin her city plans, as well as sufficient natural building materials nearby.
Just looking at traditional techniques on the internet (while keeping an open mind that some technology might not be possible), couldn't like, a ladder system work? Maybe something similar to
Theres a treetop fortress in Hells Vengence: Book 1 called the Court of Spears which is roughly what I'm going for. In general though, I want to be far enough inland to support the construction of the treetop city (because trees on the edge are probably slightly weaker) but close enough to the water for a quick exit if required and/or to keep fishing as a viable past-time. Id prefer to pick an area in the forest that has damp bark / overgrowth which is all the better to be fire resistance.
O.k, been thinking quite a lot about this. #1 Priority is going to start working the city back up into the treetops. Its ecological, safer (less predators in the trees) and probably easier to defend. Its also a kinda neat vision so achieving that would be nice. To go with the above though, I'm willing to listen if there are specific buildings the colonists want. Perhaps a Temple for the religiously inclined, idk, maybe a dance / leisure hall etc. Eventually, I'll also build / upgrade a docks when we actually have goods etc to transport, blacksmith for tools etc, and I'll also go into carts etc if we eventually look at minerals. With a month to play with, I'd also be looking at some of the essentials such as regular access to water + food be it a combination of farming, fishing, hunting for now. Desalination would also be focus, some easy water transportation system when the city moves up into the trees would also be important. Theres a lot here in this post, but I'm trying to show the eventual progression before I expand outwards gradually.
"Its a fine suggestion though Benold, and definitely something we would look to get sorted as quickly as possible. Just...not quite yet at this early stage. Some of this hard work building or learning to fight might be boring, uninteresting, or even just a bit of a grind, but some of the more exciting idea's will require us to have preparations in place first, thats all I ask." Amara puts in, attempting to be upbeat after pulling the rug out from Benolds idea.
"If you want to go, then fine Benold, I'm not going to stand in your way. Having said that, I hope you have preparations already in place for some risks you might face. For one thing, we dont have a scouted route, and therefore risk running into something unfriendly. As its also a 3 or 4 day hike, theirs also a small issue of food and water that would need to be managed by the trip. You don't have anyway of bringing any minerals back, assuming you are successful in getting them, and nothing to clear out any caves where creatures might have made themselves home. Also, since the majority if you passed up martial training, if you do run into something that bites back, there isn't a heck of a lot you could do about it. Oh, and you need to ensure this place remains defended as well." Amara folds her arms firmly. "I'm not killing your buzz, but if you want to peruse this, I expect you to think about how to handle some of the more likely issues before you rush into something greedily."
"Unfortunately, starting from the ground up is really tough, but we have to start somewhere. Don't be concerned about the shacks - its only temporary since the building of the colony will take some time - if we did it all in a day it wouldn't stay up for long. Thats why we lay the groundwork first, then build our colony, and then expand outwards - but you cannot build a colony without the infrastructure to support it - which we haven't built yet." Amara replies, trying to make her colonists understand.
Irritated, Amara decides to reinforce some control. "Friends, I understand that its been a tough time grinding out a place from nothing. In addition to this, we are handling reduced numbers in a hostile land, handling problems that arise one by one. Its important however, that we push on. Martial spirit for everyone is important, we need to be able to defend ourselves should we run into trouble. Even putting that to one side, martial training is a valuable hunting ability. Several of you had reservations about bringing pirates aboard - without anyone else taking up martial training, am I to assume you are comfortable relying on them to protect you? Are you comfortable defending yourself against the pirates that split from us and are currently in the jungle? If you need time, relaxation, tell me, I understand its value and importance, but I am pushing us now so hard, so that we can be that sustainable colony, to ensure we have the basics not just for tomorrow or the day after, but for the next few weeks or months ahead."
Amara takes a critical look around the small shacks, knowing she has much to do to achieve her vision. That said, the city wouldn't take a week to build, and Amara turns her mind to the problem of ensuring that her colonists would have enough to eat. Ordering a temporary break for everyone, Amara instead devotes the remaining time to ensuring that all colonists were halfway skilled in combat, and if not, would try and ensure they were relatively trained. The skills would be useful if attacked, or even if they were hunting. Amara also keeps a close eye out for any nearby creatures, wanting to learn more.
"Maybe, or even hunt said birds if we need to, depending on their size" Amara responds cautiously, still hesitant to snatch resources without knowing a little more about what was in the area, what might be sacred to the forest people or not, what animals might be a threat, and so on.
Amara frowns a little as Qack appears, before giving a bit of an amused smile. "Hopefully we won't be hunting anything too exotic - at least initially. The general rule of hunting is that you don't go after anything you don't know much about - so as to avoid becoming prey yourself. We could talk to the forest people though and learn what could be a pest and is therefore safe to hunt, and what might be wise to stay clear of. Hunting is an excellent idea, but on its own it won't sustain a colony, and its inherently more risky than other options."
Amara is exceptionally proud of her team, its no small feat to make the progress that they had already made, and if she had the ability to grant a reward to them at this moment she would. Making a mental note to find something, Amara approaches Zuck with a simple response, albiet with a guilty half pause at forgetting something so important after pushing so hard for shelter. "We should be able to hunt, and eventually clear space to grow or plant. I know the idea of a garden or farming is ideal - its not interesting to me either, but it might be what we need to look at at least initially until we can get supplies. For now, lets focus on any vegetation / plants that we know are healthy, and also look at fishing options, as a way of supplementing out diet. I'll also ask or talk to the forest people as well, to check to see if their are any long term options we could look into."
Anara gives Brnold a thoughtful look at his comments, not directly dismissing them."Benold, there are probably twenty men in that forest needing food, water, shelter. These are people that don't want to work, so they won't build a shelter, and look for simple options. Therefore the first thing I predict, is for them to take from someone else. If I endorse, not condemn then it provokes retaliation against us for their actions but I'm not setting anything on anyway, just informing the leashy that they can defend themselves if they need to, without upsetting us. There is no declaration of war here, I'm not hunting them down to bring them back - but I'm not supporting them." At this, the skald gestures to Benold in an expansive motion. "If the Pirates that fled return to me, I have no pity for them - they knew what I asked of them and the consequences if they fled - and some of them did so. As for any returning settlers - perhaps. It strikes me as unfair for everyone else here to work twice as hard to build this place, and then freely welcome those that shirked responsibilites wouldn't you say? That said, I don't have an issue granting mercy to them if the situation called for it - and I would consult you for your opinion first if it ever eventuated"
Amara frowns, not altogether surprised by the turn of events but still disappointed by them. "Someone would have led them - you don't make that decision on your own. Try to find out who it was if you can but for now it's business as usual." The skald stretches a little before coming to a decision. "I'll spread the word to the leashy that we have deserters and that they can use whatever force or action they wish if they spot them. I don't want to see these deserters here again."
Amara lets the question hang in the air for a certain time before answering. In truth, she had been thinking about this constantly for several days now, planning, preparing, while keeping things fluid in case of the unexpected. SO her response is not a long time coming, but rather a short reflection before responding to her friend. "In the short term, I'd like to look at establishing a strong outpost here as quickly as possible. The pirates we found I want fully put to work as quickly as possible, lets start on the ground floor of the forest, some of the basics, small temporary shelters, a guard cabin, and so on. I want our trusted sailors on the main ship, only a small group keeping guard - until the pirates fully earn my trust with hard work i don't want them unsupervised on our vessel. Mid term, I'd like to move us permanently up into the trees, it ensure we are safer from predators and hopefully doesn't destroy the forest ecosystem. Its sustainable, so moving to a treetop city is my preferred mid term plan. When things are more established, I'd prefer to begin working deeper on a scouting and trading front, such as building a dock, or perhaps mining any minerals in the area. Lastly, I want diplomatic relations with as many inhabitants that we can for as long as we can. It wont always be possible, but the more allies we have while we are here, the less threats we have, and the more we can establish a stable foothold here. We need foundations first gentlemen, a presence established so we can stand tall and not be blown away by the winds of change and time."
Amara nods seriously "Indeed, I heard they are all seven feet tall, and move with catlike grace, sacrificing many of their victims to some dark god." The captain pauses for a moment, before grinning slightly at Benold. "We are kidding, Benold, relax. As far as we know, there are no cannibals, but I stress - there is so little we know about this place. It does seem likely there are other things on this island, whether they are human or not - I am unsure."
"Its not going to be that lonely", Amara objected, not entirely agreeing with the rugged blacksmith as she glances around the campfire. "Initially I fully agree, it will be tough, with just who arrived, but if we dig in and make this a proper colony, there's no reason why this place couldn't expand in time - even in the short term, its possible there are other inhabitants or companies just as interested in this place as we are."
"We have their permission" Amara replies, feeling that blessing wasn't really the correct word to describe the interaction with the tree folk, and wanting to be as precise as possible. "Excellent idea Zuck, a fire would be welcome, but I'd prefer to use deadwood at the moment if possible, I have a feeling some of the tree folk here wouldn't be super thrilled openly burning a ton of wood during a difficult time. Make sure some of us stay on the boat however, its still a valuable asset that we want to ensure remains seaworthy."
Amara breathes out, huffing slightly as she considers what happened. "Good news and bad I guess. I lost my sword, which is the bad news, but on the other hand, we got permission to start building our colony - well done on supervising the path creation by the way" she responds smoothly, quietly happy at how Brekarv indirectly assisted in making the situation easier by ensuring some progress was made.
"You misinterpret me sir, I never said you were to blame, merely pointing out if we are handing out blame, we are equally responsible" Amara is quite sad, and dearly wants to stay and help the treant but lacks the skills and knowledge in which to do so. At a loss, she heads back to her crew, extremely sad despite getting what she and her crew had fought for.
"Is it also your culture to rudely insult those attempting to help?" Amara responds shortly, placing her hands on her hips. She didn't mind the treant being disappointed in the incomplete outcome, but disliked the blame placed squarely on her shoulders. "Don't talk to me about failure Old One. You knew more about it than I. You had the time to reflect on its strengths, weaknesses, tactics, the luxury of time to make an acceptable plan. Doubtless, Old One, you would have considered the possibility of it retreating and you knew I lacked knowledge of the forest. Knowing I have no way to track it within the forest, and giving me no map or guide to follow it, you instead prefer to blame me instead of taking responsibility in your failure to predict a likely outcome. You disappoint me Old Guardian, your own people show greater respect than you, their guardian and protector!"
Amara hesitates, deciding to be as honest as she can. "Technically, I didn't kill it. I don't know what it actually was, other than it would enslave other woodland creatures and tried doing the same to me. I killed 2(3?) of the orbs that made up the creature, but the rest fled deeper into the forest. Lacking knowledge of the area myself, or a guide, I didn't pursue as I couldn't track it further."
Eventually, Amara stirs a little, stepping closer to the tree, waving slightly. "Not that sitting here isn't pleasant, but I have thing to arrange, settlements to build, and so on and so forth. I was hoping our arrangement had been reached of course, and I wont proceed without your say so, but I would appreciate and answer before I die of old age sitting here in this clearing" she remarks.
Amara pauses, the silence becoming awkward, but she didn't want to appear rude. So she sits cross legged in front of the tree's sight line, therefore making her presence known, while pointedly waiting for a response...eventually.
Amara shakes her head, making a choking gesture and pointing at the water, indicating that she couldn't breath underwater and therefore retrieving the sword was almost impossible. Tilting her head towards the way they had come, she starts off in that direction.
Amara squats downward in front of the leshy who had waited. She draws a crude stick figure of herself and points to herself, then a group of 4 orbs, to signal the creature she had attacked. Then, she crossed out two of the orbs and then points off into the distant forest. The communication was rudimentary at best, but hopefully the leshy would understand.
Irritated at the loss of her sword fulfilling someone else's problem, Amara heads back the way she had come.
Amara snaps the rope, and continues swimming away.
Amara immediately drops the sword and swims away.
Amara reaches out and tugs on the gravely bed her sword is resting on, pulling it free.
Hesitating a little, Amara finally dives a little deeper, heading towards the blade in the deep water. As she does so, she keeps her vision broad, hoping to spot anything moving out at her. She's fully prepared to discard the weapon if required, but on the other hand, it was a valuable bit of equipment for her, and she didn't want to just give up on it.
The reliance for air was on the back of the skalds mind as she spots the sword, its presence encouraging her to dive straight down, but Amara hadn't gotten to where she was today without being cautious. The remains of houses were interesting, and something she planned to ponder, but for now, she glanced around, trying to spot anything that might be making the underwater lake, or the dark alcoves of the structures, home.
Amara struggles to hold onto her air, the shock of cold water almost making her take an involuntary breath as she glances around the water, trying to locate and orientate herself in the dark water.
Hey no worries Have a great anniversary!!!
Haven't noticed much of a slowdown, been trying to take my time thinking about options than speed posting the first thing that comes into my head xD. Amara will get back to building her colony ASAP though~
Considering her options, Amara decides to at least try to retrieve the weapon, jumping into the dark water, as she powers forward through the water, attempting to see if she could retrieve it.
Amara growls, struggling to throw off her rage, as she tears into a nearby tree, getting the aggression and rage out of her system. Calling to her knees, she struggles to retain her cool minded determination, eventually succeeding. Thinking clearly once more, Amara toys with the idea of chasing after the orbs, but she is unfamiliar with the forest, and its unlikely she would be able to find a away back. A little unsatisfied, she turns her attention to the deep waters of the pool, trying to see if she can regather her greatsword.
Ignoring the wolf, Jasmine feels her wounds heal yet again, as she reaches out, lashing again at the final orb remaining, trying to tear her way free of the binding.
"YOU BETTER FLEE, YOU KNOW I'LL HUNT YOU DOWN" Amara roars, frustrating that her target was splitting up and retreating. She couldn't chase it down, so she took her frustrations out on the orb within reach, slashing at it again.
Ignoring the orb who had dropped the greatsword into the pool (but pissed at the loss of her sword), Amara leaps forward, hellbent on ripping each and every orb in sight into tiny strips. Shrugging asside the attacks by the wolf, Amara moves towards the Orb closer to the Moose, seeing the larger animal as the greater threat, as her wounds continue to heal.
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