Utar takes the scraps of bandage kelp and pushes them hard against Verik's wrist, trying to staunch some bleeding. Hoping for the best, Utar raises a hand to his amulet, light escaping through his clenched fingers, casting cure wounds.
Looking up towards Ulburto, Utar fixes his gaze upon the good eye, exhaling slowly before taking slowly and deliberately, not wanting Ulburto to miss his point.
"You. You think this man will help us now you've cut off his hand? He is the only one here who knows what we're facing, who we are facing. You want to make it through this attack? You need us. You want us to stick around? Stop pulling crap like this."
While the initial look within the room had genuienly absorbed much of both biscuit and Doozey's immediate attention, both would later jump in their respective spaces from the yells of pain. Oddly enough, aside from a mildly disapproving glare, the halfling didn't appear all that bothered by the event. Though greater scrutiny is put on Ulburto going forward. Biscuit on the other hand started to growl at the man, and even step up until a sharp whistle from Doozey stayed his position... at least.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Neya and Doozey observe Ulburto carefully as Graxx and Utar continue to talk to the man. A bit calmer now, Ulburto looks at the barbarian and cleric duo as they speak, nodding. "He pay for plannin' attack on de Village," he tries to justify his actions. He then points at the door leading to the smokehouse and adds: "I'll keep him prisoner here. Den, we prepare to fight. Sum Folk'll follow, but not all..." He looks to the ground for a moment before looking up again: "Ye Outsides help de Village, yes?"
Doozey:
Ulburto strikes you as a violently dangerous man, but there is something about his controlled anger that reminds you a bit of Graxx. The man is likely to be able to hold up in combat just fine, but that is more than what you can say about the other folk in the village that you've seen so far. Nonetheless, if it comes to it, you judge CRAP can take on Ulburto without much difficulty.
Also, you catch Ulburto looking at Biscuit as a wolf would look at sheep.
Neya:
Ulburto stares much and speaks little, using as few words as possible. You begin to understand a bit better what Verik meant by "quiet strength" when referring to Ulburto in his notes. Nonetheless, there is something else. Ulburto seems old; older than most you've spotted in the village so far. That has to be a valued characteristic in a village as poorly maintained as this. Folk are not likely to live long lives. Perhaps other elderly folk hold similar status in this place and could be of help in rallying up the villagers.
Utar's healing spell not only stops the profuse bleeding and produces some fresh scarring over Verik's new stump, but it also brings the vanguard agent back to consciousness (Verik is healed for 4HP). The man is breathing heavily and seems intensely frightened of Ulburto.
The one-handed, one-eyed butcher then speaks a few more words, possibly trying to get your agreement in helping now that he is calmer and convinced that he needs it: "We use supplies to fortify de Village, yes?"
"That's enough, Biscuit. It's all good now." Doozey said to calm Biscuit; and yet, he would refuse to let his eyes fall from Ulburto for even a second. The halfling seemed especially on edge whenever Ulburto's hand happened to swing too closely by a weapon, assuming he hadn't already set aside his butcher's knife. And if he catches Ulburto glance Biscuits way again, he makes a point of standing in front of the dog, and staring him down. "...We'll help alright as best we can. Tho' we still be needing to know how he was planning to deliver this info of his. Perhaps even his signal for an attack, so we can maybe trick'em up while we're at it." He admitted with some trepidation. "He-..." He stops, and just shakes his head. "What sorta supplies we got work'n here? Anything good for digg'un a few pit falls fer any coming the other way perhaps?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
”Yes, we gotta make sure he doesn’t pull a sneaky on us and let ‘me know we know they’re coming”, Graxx states.
Graxx pats his sword.
”It will be a great battle but I worry about how we will handle two fronts at once”
”When the Sky Ponies would attack if we sent a small force to the rear it was always our best warriors with the most important task. Not sure if these folks are as smart as my tribe but you never know.”
Ulburto catches Doozey noticing that he was looking at Biscuit and averts his one eye for a second. He is not embarrassed by it; he just likely thought he wouldn't be noticed. At any rate, once the halfling asks him a question, Ulburto responds: "Talk now," he points at Verik. "Once ye're dun, we lock him in de smokehouse. Den, we prepare for de fight." He gets more excited once you begin talking more about the incoming fight. "I've charcoal to burn, meat hooks, plenty o'smoke. I also've salt 'nd lumber. Oder supplies across de Village. Maybe de barn, abandoned huts, landin' for boats... have to look. Pits, ya... we can dig pits.... but dey fill with water in dis rain."
Throughout this planning session, Ulburto is waving around his meat cleaver, as if it helped him with gesturing his ideas. The butcher-man then nods attentively and smirks as Graxx begins to share some tactics. "Two great battles, den. Who fights where?" He then turns to Verik: "Ye, liar! How many men're comin'?"
Verik: "I don't know. I don't know.... Many, for sure. They... The Cult has a knack for recruiting others. I am sure they have even more men than in the boat this time. Dozens perhaps."
Ulburto: "Many den. Great battle! We need help from many Folk! More than I can gather alone." He says that not with an air of impotence, but of respect.
Ulburto answers Neya's question with that same air of respect he displayed a moment ago: "Sum Folk'll follow me into battle, but many others'll wait for approval from de crones. De fishermen listen to Warsh. Tell dem what ye told me. Maybe ye can convince dem too."
"Huh?" Doozey looks up. "Hum... a few. But, most are far more effective in a forest than an island place like so... In fact, most can only be used in one. Aside from the pitfall thing." He turns away and huffs. "Bloody rain ruining everything... If we can use the hovels as cover, or even shift the more lean-to ones around to funnel'em maybe, we can hide warriors among'em with a hook and rope to trip up any trying to get into the village proper. "He mutters and shakes his head. A lick upside the head from Biscuit brings him out of dark thoughts, though his grin is a fleeting one. "If'n we knew there angle of approach and timing? Maybe... but that'd mean fighting on /their/ turf. 'nd its assuming we don't get blown outta the water. Sure, we could sneak up on them if'n its dark enough. But, it'll be still risky all the same."
As Utar begins putting the screws back to the cultist, Doozey clams up to watch with interest.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"We could also disguise how many we have as well. Sure, it may not be feasible to create a number of dummies, especially since such a ruse can be easily seen through."
"What we can do instead is find a way to generate a lot of noise as well. It's surprisingly effective in low-visibility conditions."
As you begin to plan, Verik responds to Utar's "nudge" amid continuous winces: "I already told you... dozens... I do not know the exact number... They grow with each tenday... The Cult of the Dragon can be quite persuasive." He takes a deep breath: "And no... no signals... I am just supposed to wait and find Ixas upon arrival, which always happens around midnight." He then shows a sinister grin: "You better use your last couple of hours of daylight well... they are coming!"
Ulburto seems to particularly like Doozey's suggestions: "Ya, palisades. No cuttin' fruit or nut trees, but we use lumber dat's already cut 'nd de rubble from old huts. Ya, good idea. Place dem 'round de Village to funnel Outsides. Ya. Good idea! Defend in our terms." The man even shows a grotesque smile while patting the halfling on the shoulder: "Smart, brave child, dis."
He then turns to Graxx: "We only've small fishin' boats. If ye think tis 'nough to attack deir ship, talk to Warsh. He leads de fishermen."
Then to Neya: "We bang metal for noise, ya? Folk can chant loud too. Help funnel through palisades, ya?"
(OOC: Feel free to agree on strategy in the OOC chat. Also, who is going with Utar to talk with the crones and who is going with Graxx to talk to Warsh?)
"I ain't a bloody -- Ya ain't never seen a halfling before? Or even 'eard of us? I know most tend to take to place like the hills an all, but a few familys been at sea at least, I'm sure." Doozey sighs, and as he rubs his forehead, he looks to a happily panting Biscuit at his side. "Am I goin' to hafta' grow me beard out again? 'cause this is just silly." The masiff just "Boofs" and pats his shoulder with a dirty paw. "In any case, sounds like we got a rough plan together at least. I'm headed with Utar, if that's alright with ya Miss Neya. I got some experience rooting out the... strange... among the folk. And you cannot be too careful." He nods solemnly. "I just hope they can get the other fishers to help with the palisades. That way, we can go check out the other thing while there's still time."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"You're one hand down so far, Verik."
Utar squeezes Verik's wrist as if to emphasise his none too subtle point.
"But here's a thing, ships can only take so many in crew."
Utar draws his face close to Verik's, grinning, tusks prominent.
"If you tell us how many visitors to expect, and we make it through, I'll make sure you don't end up back here with Ulburto. If we don't, well, you and your friends will be on their way, none the wiser as to what you've let slip."
Ulburto humphs his agreement to Graxx's and Neya's words. Then, after listening to what Doozey has to say, he responds in a more lively manner: "Alflings? Mwahahaha!" he laughs. "Only in tales for wee ones, like fairies 'nd pixies... Mwahaha! Dey'ren't real kid" he shares with Doozey his truth. "Sea afltlings're as real as bird people... hahaha. Ye Outsides're so ignorant... Warsh's right."
Separately, Utar continues to push Verik. The man cries a bit more: "Aren't you supposed to be a man of faith.....Is torture the way of those gods of yours?" A couple more screams later, he cooperates: "I don't know... a dozen... a dozen and a half... twenty maybe... now, stop squeezing.... please..."
Once Utar begins to leave, Ulburto nods in satisfaction, picks up Verik once more, and opens the door to the smokehouse. He throws Verik inside, who hits the floor with a thud. Before Ulburto locks the door again, you can all feel the change in temperature in the room you are in, as well as see and breath some of the escaping smoke. Ulburto then picks up his cleaver once more and decides: "Let's go outside, Outsides."
Once out of his home-smokehouse combo-condo, Ulburto looks up and says to himself: "Wind's howlin'." He then goes his own way and begins gathering those villagers he knows will listen to him. Utar and Doozey walk a few dozen feet to arrive at the large water-purifying metal bucket and fire pit, while Graxx and Neya walk back to the fishermen's landing to find Warsh. Waiting for you outside, Elisande seems torn about which pair to follow at first, but then decides to go along with Graxx.
AT THE FIRE PIT
Utar & Doozey: You take it that the pit is the center of daily life in the village, and that it is usually lit, even if only with a few flames. The area around the pit is dusty and dirty. It is full of debris, small rocks, and dry wood. There is some decoration around fashioned of pieces of raggedy cloth and small bone fragments. There's a broken dream-catcher a few feet away, hanging from a low tree branch.
Upon arrival, the three elderly women around the pit turn to face you. Two of them look extremely old. The third one cannot be too far beyond her early fifties and is, therefore, clearly younger than the others. You conclude the younger one was the one working the boiling water earlier, but now that when turned around you can see her face. The older ones have more wrinkles and boils on their faces and hands than patches of clear skin. The younger one, instead, has many scars across her face and a permanently shut eye (though she has her fair amount of wrinkles too). You gather this third one was beautiful once, but has since acquired these many scars and scabs, as well as a patchy hairstyle. All three are cleaning fish and gossiping in whispers, and seem to spend most of their time around this fire pit as far as you could see since arriving. All reek of fish, have long stringy grey hair, and wear tattered robes that hide all but her faces and hands.
"My, my... aren't dey a handsome pair, my sisters?" one asks. "Be in yer best behavior, Exirsa. Dey're surely here to woo us..."
The other responds: "Dey're likely here for Rentida 'nd her charmin' youth, not yer ugly mug, Lolmetta."
The two of them speak in a similarly acute voice that pierces even the muted atmosphere of the pouring rain. The relatively younger one remains silent.
AT THE LANDING
Graxx & Neya: You find yourselves back at the slightly sheltered portion of the islet, on its northwestern side. In this landing, the fishermen bring their boats ashore, maintain their nets, and dock the ferry raft. The raft and several oar-powered or small single-masted fishing boats have been drug several feet up shore now and tied down. There is a shed here filled with mended nets, rope, and other gear for their trade, which you immediately recognize as other potentially useful supplies. The dutiful Elisande delivers her guiding introduction: “Das de landin'. tis' where de Folk reaped de sea's ripe bounty. Course's also weal for swimmin' when de dayfire rises high.”
Warsh is here with four other men. They are simply staring at the sea, being already done with tying down the boats and preparing for the approaching storm. Warsh notices your arrival but does not seem interested in talking to you. The others also notice your approach, and the two that muster enough courage to speak point to the rising waves and say: "De monsters beneath de sea're angry" and "We best head inside." Other than that, they seem to be waiting on Warsh to tell them what to do, but he isn't saying anything.
Reminding himself that the crones apparently enjoy mind games, he puts their comments out of mind.
"We actually wanted to speak to all of you, we think the island will be attacked by sea tonight. Other villages on the coast have been left as ash. Verik, the lunaman, has been outed as one of them and Ulburto is readying anyone who can help defend this place. We've come to ask if you can help."
Doozey just sighed, silently accepting there would be no convincing Ulburto -- any anyone on the island. Though he would continue to quietly fume over the whole thing well into meeting the crones along with Utar and Biscuit. "Aye. Some rather cruel ones we suspect them to be. Dragon worshippers, if'n ya can believe it. And none too picky about beauty... Though, I suspect they'll want you three especially, given how much ya got the others wrapped about your pinky. Or... so we've been 'earin." Doozey confesses nonchalantly, and even sounded earnest to some degree.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
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Utar takes the scraps of bandage kelp and pushes them hard against Verik's wrist, trying to staunch some bleeding. Hoping for the best, Utar raises a hand to his amulet, light escaping through his clenched fingers, casting cure wounds.
Looking up towards Ulburto, Utar fixes his gaze upon the good eye, exhaling slowly before taking slowly and deliberately, not wanting Ulburto to miss his point.
"You. You think this man will help us now you've cut off his hand? He is the only one here who knows what we're facing, who we are facing. You want to make it through this attack? You need us. You want us to stick around? Stop pulling crap like this."
Intimidation 21
While the initial look within the room had genuienly absorbed much of both biscuit and Doozey's immediate attention, both would later jump in their respective spaces from the yells of pain. Oddly enough, aside from a mildly disapproving glare, the halfling didn't appear all that bothered by the event. Though greater scrutiny is put on Ulburto going forward. Biscuit on the other hand started to growl at the man, and even step up until a sharp whistle from Doozey stayed his position... at least.
Insight: 13.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Neya and Doozey observe Ulburto carefully as Graxx and Utar continue to talk to the man. A bit calmer now, Ulburto looks at the barbarian and cleric duo as they speak, nodding. "He pay for plannin' attack on de Village," he tries to justify his actions. He then points at the door leading to the smokehouse and adds: "I'll keep him prisoner here. Den, we prepare to fight. Sum Folk'll follow, but not all..." He looks to the ground for a moment before looking up again: "Ye Outsides help de Village, yes?"
Doozey:
Ulburto strikes you as a violently dangerous man, but there is something about his controlled anger that reminds you a bit of Graxx. The man is likely to be able to hold up in combat just fine, but that is more than what you can say about the other folk in the village that you've seen so far. Nonetheless, if it comes to it, you judge CRAP can take on Ulburto without much difficulty.
Also, you catch Ulburto looking at Biscuit as a wolf would look at sheep.
Neya:
Ulburto stares much and speaks little, using as few words as possible. You begin to understand a bit better what Verik meant by "quiet strength" when referring to Ulburto in his notes. Nonetheless, there is something else. Ulburto seems old; older than most you've spotted in the village so far. That has to be a valued characteristic in a village as poorly maintained as this. Folk are not likely to live long lives. Perhaps other elderly folk hold similar status in this place and could be of help in rallying up the villagers.
Utar's healing spell not only stops the profuse bleeding and produces some fresh scarring over Verik's new stump, but it also brings the vanguard agent back to consciousness (Verik is healed for 4 HP). The man is breathing heavily and seems intensely frightened of Ulburto.
The one-handed, one-eyed butcher then speaks a few more words, possibly trying to get your agreement in helping now that he is calmer and convinced that he needs it: "We use supplies to fortify de Village, yes?"
"That's enough, Biscuit. It's all good now." Doozey said to calm Biscuit; and yet, he would refuse to let his eyes fall from Ulburto for even a second. The halfling seemed especially on edge whenever Ulburto's hand happened to swing too closely by a weapon, assuming he hadn't already set aside his butcher's knife. And if he catches Ulburto glance Biscuits way again, he makes a point of standing in front of the dog, and staring him down. "...We'll help alright as best we can. Tho' we still be needing to know how he was planning to deliver this info of his. Perhaps even his signal for an attack, so we can maybe trick'em up while we're at it." He admitted with some trepidation. "He-..." He stops, and just shakes his head. "What sorta supplies we got work'n here? Anything good for digg'un a few pit falls fer any coming the other way perhaps?"
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
“That’s a great idea, Doozey!” says Graxx.
”Yes, we gotta make sure he doesn’t pull a sneaky on us and let ‘me know we know they’re coming”, Graxx states.
Graxx pats his sword.
”It will be a great battle but I worry about how we will handle two fronts at once”
”When the Sky Ponies would attack if we sent a small force to the rear it was always our best warriors with the most important task. Not sure if these folks are as smart as my tribe but you never know.”
Ulburto catches Doozey noticing that he was looking at Biscuit and averts his one eye for a second. He is not embarrassed by it; he just likely thought he wouldn't be noticed. At any rate, once the halfling asks him a question, Ulburto responds: "Talk now," he points at Verik. "Once ye're dun, we lock him in de smokehouse. Den, we prepare for de fight." He gets more excited once you begin talking more about the incoming fight. "I've charcoal to burn, meat hooks, plenty o'smoke. I also've salt 'nd lumber. Oder supplies across de Village. Maybe de barn, abandoned huts, landin' for boats... have to look. Pits, ya... we can dig pits.... but dey fill with water in dis rain."
Throughout this planning session, Ulburto is waving around his meat cleaver, as if it helped him with gesturing his ideas. The butcher-man then nods attentively and smirks as Graxx begins to share some tactics. "Two great battles, den. Who fights where?" He then turns to Verik: "Ye, liar! How many men're comin'?"
Verik: "I don't know. I don't know.... Many, for sure. They... The Cult has a knack for recruiting others. I am sure they have even more men than in the boat this time. Dozens perhaps."
Ulburto: "Many den. Great battle! We need help from many Folk! More than I can gather alone." He says that not with an air of impotence, but of respect.
"Do you know anyone else who would be able to help get more folk to come? The more able bodied to our number, the harder it will be for the invaders."
Extended Signature
Ulburto answers Neya's question with that same air of respect he displayed a moment ago: "Sum Folk'll follow me into battle, but many others'll wait for approval from de crones. De fishermen listen to Warsh. Tell dem what ye told me. Maybe ye can convince dem too."
Graxx turns his attention quickly at the mention of Warsh.
"I'll handle the fisherman... He already said his group could fight. It's time for the long beard to put into action his words." says Graxx.
Graxx looks to Doozey and Neya.
"Either of ya'll have any experience with traps? If we could rig somethings it might even the score up with some surprise hits." says Graxx
Graxx puts his hand to his chin.
"Hmmmm... Could we take the fight to them at sea? Thin the heard before they ever reach the shore." Graxx ponders.
"Guess we should speak to these crones as well."
Turning his attention to Verik, Utar gently squeezes the man's wrist, applying a short, sharp pressure.
"How many visitors can we expect Verik? When do they come? Do you give a signal?"
"Huh?" Doozey looks up. "Hum... a few. But, most are far more effective in a forest than an island place like so... In fact, most can only be used in one. Aside from the pitfall thing." He turns away and huffs. "Bloody rain ruining everything... If we can use the hovels as cover, or even shift the more lean-to ones around to funnel'em maybe, we can hide warriors among'em with a hook and rope to trip up any trying to get into the village proper. " He mutters and shakes his head. A lick upside the head from Biscuit brings him out of dark thoughts, though his grin is a fleeting one. "If'n we knew there angle of approach and timing? Maybe... but that'd mean fighting on /their/ turf. 'nd its assuming we don't get blown outta the water. Sure, we could sneak up on them if'n its dark enough. But, it'll be still risky all the same."
As Utar begins putting the screws back to the cultist, Doozey clams up to watch with interest.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"We could also disguise how many we have as well. Sure, it may not be feasible to create a number of dummies, especially since such a ruse can be easily seen through."
"What we can do instead is find a way to generate a lot of noise as well. It's surprisingly effective in low-visibility conditions."
Extended Signature
As you begin to plan, Verik responds to Utar's "nudge" amid continuous winces: "I already told you... dozens... I do not know the exact number... They grow with each tenday... The Cult of the Dragon can be quite persuasive." He takes a deep breath: "And no... no signals... I am just supposed to wait and find Ixas upon arrival, which always happens around midnight." He then shows a sinister grin: "You better use your last couple of hours of daylight well... they are coming!"
Ulburto seems to particularly like Doozey's suggestions: "Ya, palisades. No cuttin' fruit or nut trees, but we use lumber dat's already cut 'nd de rubble from old huts. Ya, good idea. Place dem 'round de Village to funnel Outsides. Ya. Good idea! Defend in our terms." The man even shows a grotesque smile while patting the halfling on the shoulder: "Smart, brave child, dis."
He then turns to Graxx: "We only've small fishin' boats. If ye think tis 'nough to attack deir ship, talk to Warsh. He leads de fishermen."
Then to Neya: "We bang metal for noise, ya? Folk can chant loud too. Help funnel through palisades, ya?"
(OOC: Feel free to agree on strategy in the OOC chat. Also, who is going with Utar to talk with the crones and who is going with Graxx to talk to Warsh?)
Graxx bites a smile back at Ulburto calling Doozey a child.
"I'll handle Warsh. Any of ya'll want to go with me?" says Graxx.
Graxx will head off in Warsh's direction.
"I ain't a bloody -- Ya ain't never seen a halfling before? Or even 'eard of us? I know most tend to take to place like the hills an all, but a few familys been at sea at least, I'm sure." Doozey sighs, and as he rubs his forehead, he looks to a happily panting Biscuit at his side. "Am I goin' to hafta' grow me beard out again? 'cause this is just silly." The masiff just "Boofs" and pats his shoulder with a dirty paw. "In any case, sounds like we got a rough plan together at least. I'm headed with Utar, if that's alright with ya Miss Neya. I got some experience rooting out the... strange... among the folk. And you cannot be too careful." He nods solemnly. "I just hope they can get the other fishers to help with the palisades. That way, we can go check out the other thing while there's still time."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"You're one hand down so far, Verik."
Utar squeezes Verik's wrist as if to emphasise his none too subtle point.
"But here's a thing, ships can only take so many in crew."
Utar draws his face close to Verik's, grinning, tusks prominent.
"If you tell us how many visitors to expect, and we make it through, I'll make sure you don't end up back here with Ulburto. If we don't, well, you and your friends will be on their way, none the wiser as to what you've let slip."
Intimidation 17
After getting an answer from Verik, he binds the man's wrists, hoisting him from the table.
"We can drop this one in the smokehouse on the way."
Neya first responds to Ulburto, "That's right. If we can control where some of their number goes, the more control we have over the battle."
She then turns to the rest of the party, "I'll go with Graxx to see if we can't get Warsh and the fishermen to help."
Extended Signature
Ulburto humphs his agreement to Graxx's and Neya's words. Then, after listening to what Doozey has to say, he responds in a more lively manner: "Alflings? Mwahahaha!" he laughs. "Only in tales for wee ones, like fairies 'nd pixies... Mwahaha! Dey'ren't real kid" he shares with Doozey his truth. "Sea afltlings're as real as bird people... hahaha. Ye Outsides're so ignorant... Warsh's right."
Separately, Utar continues to push Verik. The man cries a bit more: "Aren't you supposed to be a man of faith.....Is torture the way of those gods of yours?" A couple more screams later, he cooperates: "I don't know... a dozen... a dozen and a half... twenty maybe... now, stop squeezing.... please..."
Once Utar begins to leave, Ulburto nods in satisfaction, picks up Verik once more, and opens the door to the smokehouse. He throws Verik inside, who hits the floor with a thud. Before Ulburto locks the door again, you can all feel the change in temperature in the room you are in, as well as see and breath some of the escaping smoke. Ulburto then picks up his cleaver once more and decides: "Let's go outside, Outsides."
Once out of his home-smokehouse combo-condo, Ulburto looks up and says to himself: "Wind's howlin'." He then goes his own way and begins gathering those villagers he knows will listen to him. Utar and Doozey walk a few dozen feet to arrive at the large water-purifying metal bucket and fire pit, while Graxx and Neya walk back to the fishermen's landing to find Warsh. Waiting for you outside, Elisande seems torn about which pair to follow at first, but then decides to go along with Graxx.
AT THE FIRE PIT
Utar & Doozey: You take it that the pit is the center of daily life in the village, and that it is usually lit, even if only with a few flames. The area around the pit is dusty and dirty. It is full of debris, small rocks, and dry wood. There is some decoration around fashioned of pieces of raggedy cloth and small bone fragments. There's a broken dream-catcher a few feet away, hanging from a low tree branch.
Upon arrival, the three elderly women around the pit turn to face you. Two of them look extremely old. The third one cannot be too far beyond her early fifties and is, therefore, clearly younger than the others. You conclude the younger one was the one working the boiling water earlier, but now that when turned around you can see her face. The older ones have more wrinkles and boils on their faces and hands than patches of clear skin. The younger one, instead, has many scars across her face and a permanently shut eye (though she has her fair amount of wrinkles too). You gather this third one was beautiful once, but has since acquired these many scars and scabs, as well as a patchy hairstyle. All three are cleaning fish and gossiping in whispers, and seem to spend most of their time around this fire pit as far as you could see since arriving. All reek of fish, have long stringy grey hair, and wear tattered robes that hide all but her faces and hands.
"My, my... aren't dey a handsome pair, my sisters?" one asks. "Be in yer best behavior, Exirsa. Dey're surely here to woo us..."
The other responds: "Dey're likely here for Rentida 'nd her charmin' youth, not yer ugly mug, Lolmetta."
The two of them speak in a similarly acute voice that pierces even the muted atmosphere of the pouring rain. The relatively younger one remains silent.
AT THE LANDING
Graxx & Neya: You find yourselves back at the slightly sheltered portion of the islet, on its northwestern side. In this landing, the fishermen bring their boats ashore, maintain their nets, and dock the ferry raft. The raft and several oar-powered or small single-masted fishing boats have been drug several feet up shore now and tied down. There is a shed here filled with mended nets, rope, and other gear for their trade, which you immediately recognize as other potentially useful supplies. The dutiful Elisande delivers her guiding introduction: “Das de landin'. tis' where de Folk reaped de sea's ripe bounty. Course's also weal for swimmin' when de dayfire rises high.”
Warsh is here with four other men. They are simply staring at the sea, being already done with tying down the boats and preparing for the approaching storm. Warsh notices your arrival but does not seem interested in talking to you. The others also notice your approach, and the two that muster enough courage to speak point to the rising waves and say: "De monsters beneath de sea're angry" and "We best head inside." Other than that, they seem to be waiting on Warsh to tell them what to do, but he isn't saying anything.
Reminding himself that the crones apparently enjoy mind games, he puts their comments out of mind.
"We actually wanted to speak to all of you, we think the island will be attacked by sea tonight. Other villages on the coast have been left as ash. Verik, the lunaman, has been outed as one of them and Ulburto is readying anyone who can help defend this place. We've come to ask if you can help."
Doozey just sighed, silently accepting there would be no convincing Ulburto -- any anyone on the island. Though he would continue to quietly fume over the whole thing well into meeting the crones along with Utar and Biscuit. "Aye. Some rather cruel ones we suspect them to be. Dragon worshippers, if'n ya can believe it. And none too picky about beauty... Though, I suspect they'll want you three especially, given how much ya got the others wrapped about your pinky. Or... so we've been 'earin." Doozey confesses nonchalantly, and even sounded earnest to some degree.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.