Abigail looks at Morgan suspiciously, sizing up their intentions, before sighing in defeat.
"Fine. Yes. I will show you a thing or two." Letting down her guard, she smiles a little before adding, "Really, it is all about wanting to learn as much as you can from as many people as you can... I picked up most of the stuff I know from other adventures. It can be an exciting life, living on the open road and sea, but it can also be lonely, and a chance to share your experiences with others over an ale can lead to more than a few adventures of your own." She winks. "Insulting people is easy, that comes naturally to me. The part that can be more difficult is trying to motivate people, that is an area that I am still working on. It is your emotions and intentions that fuel what is beneath your words."
Abigail pauses for a moment. "What are your intentions, Morgan? Despite your... turmoil you wrestle with... I imagine you as someone that is pretty good at arousing the best out of their friends. Who knows, maybe you can teach me a thing or two." She winks, and then pulls out her flute. "I don't suppose you know how to use one of these? Perhaps there is another instrument you would be more comfortable with?"
Upon seeing Wilson, Abigail gives a little sigh of relief. "Good. Glad to see you're back. We are going to need all the help we can get."
Rubbing her hands together, and looking at the town expectantly, "Well, since hoping off a boat and starting to ask questions might rise suspicions, best we all act natural... and nothing is more natural than a drinking sailor."
Abigail goes wandering off to find the nearest tavern.
Abigail finds the... bar... and perhaps it's very true to it's name. A simple open aired thatch covered roof, filled with standing tables and a few stools to help the people that aren't 7+ feet tall reach and be a part of the community. A bar of wood runs the middle, where casks of ale sit left out in the open. You'd guess that maybe about a half dozen locals, and four or so people from the other two boats at the docks.
No servers. No barmen. A bit of food that some of the community seem to bring over and drop off. A handful of farmers taking a moment to sit and chat, eating and drinking. There isn't even a exchange of coin, outside some people awkwardly placing coins in a few empty jars as they take some ale.
"Is... this right?"
"I don't know..."
"Is it free?"
"Well, leave something in case it isn't?"
The others sort of shrug as they leave a few coin, grab a handful of dried fruit and some bread, and head to a table with drinks in hand.
When Abigail asks about their intentions Morgan looks off into the distance, "I don't know, I got these powers I didn't have a choice... well the choice was live or die, so..." Morgan gestures to themself to indicate they are still alive, "and the powers were fun and cool so I didn't really think about it too much, and then... I met someone else in my exact situation, only I had put them in that situation... and the dark powers wanted us to kill each other, and that's when I had to look at what I've really been doing this whole time. I want to be more than these powers that come from something else. I don't want to be beholden to something sees me as expendable, so I want these powers gone and to have my greatness come form me... if that makes sense... I don't know about flutes what about some sort of percussion thing I get to beat on? Maybe work out some pent up aggression."
When Abigail goes to the bar, Morgan watches her go, "Well at least I know where to meet up at... let's see what this place has to offer." Morgan see is there is a shop to purchase a drum, both for the ship and a personal tote-able one, and wonders if this place is big enough that any of their old contacts would be here or if that maybe they should lay off the contacts as Billy Bones did betray them.
Tarak remains on the boat a bit using the alone time to meditate for guidance. He lights some vapors to help his mind along and sits down to think.
“I was tricked but I am still responsible. I also failed in my assignment. How should I proceed?”
A voice echoes softly through his mind, the voice of his adopted father, an image of a young Dragonborn working the sword forms in practice. “You are trying to hard to force the outcome again. You need to feel the threads of energy that emanate through all life and let it guide you along. If you do you will be where you need to be at the right moment. Relax...”
His eye open with new found clarity in mind. He was led to this ship and to this crew. Yes he had failed the task but the Queen would know he had tried and send another. As for his greater quest to find the evil force trying to break into this world he must press forward letting himself be guided. But first a drink. He had a responsibility to this crew to protect them so he had to repair his bonds.
Tarak gets up and leaves the cabin nodding to Mr Firmin on the way out. When he gets to where Abigail is he drops a few coins in the jar grabs a few more drinks for him and Abigail and approaches. “May I join you?”
Abigail gawks at the bar. "I am not sure if I love it... or hate it. I guess I will let the patrons influence the outcome." She grabs some ale and finds an open seat. Once comfortable, she begins to chat up just about everyone she can. Mainly, she is trying to get a read on the local customs and overall situation in the town and outside of it.
(Not sure if it is necessary, but just in case, I will throw in a Persuasion roll (23 ) to keep people talking)
When Tarak arrives, Abigail eyes him for a second before saying, "Sure."
Wilson's pupils dilate a bit in surprise upon seeing Morgan, throwing his arm around her he laughs and turns to the loxodon he was speaking too.
"Forgive her friends, we have worked some business together in the past but is has been a while! If you will forgive me friends I will have to catch up with you later."
He waves as he steps aside with her, "New friend you say? good at murder....huh? well you shall have to tell me all about them, maybe introduce me if you don't get to jealous." he kids with her before directing her towards a shop he spotted that might sell drums. glad she seemed to make no mention of his *better than it should be* attire.
Turning towards the docks Wilson heads for the Windhook. Gods please don't be at odds with me he thinks as he tries to find Rollo to get caught up on what brings the crew here.
"Ahoy captain! What cargo brings you to these ports my friend?"
Tarak sits down and slides two drinks over to Abigail he hesitates a moment. “You know I was going to be a cobbler. I was apprenticed to my father at the age of six. I spent the next three years learning everything I could. When my village was destroyed by bandits afterwards a guard found me hiding among the wreckage of my house where my father had hidden me. AlI could think of was how I hadn’t finished my training. I was taken in by a guard, a good man who taught me that being a good servant to the people and the Queen is similar to being a good cobbler.
If a cobbler does his job well your feet are protected and you do not have to worry where you step. Most people don’t even think about it and take this for granted. If you are a good soldier protecting the greater good most people don’t have to worry about where they travel in their day to day. They take their safety for granted. I also had taken much for granted until the other day when I lost control. I know you could have killed me. I have seen the way you look at me with distrust but I still wanted to thank you for not going through with it.”
Tarak waits a moment longer, finally rising he swallows his drink and heads back to the ship.
She sets it back down on the table and replies to him as he goes to leave, "Your impulsive, Tarak. The greater good is fine and all, and doing the Queen's work is a much nobler calling than any of us other louts have going for us, but you need to learn how to be a member of a crew. I am not sure why you joined a crew of misfits and rogues, but it is not just your life your putting on the line, its our necks as well." She looks at the bracer suspiciously. "And you'll need to be extra careful going forward... If you lose control again and put us all in danger, and especially if you go cutting down some helpless bystanders out there.... I may need to act for the greater good."
The first Loxodons you meet and mingle with definitely begin to talk your ear off. And it certainly seems that, culturally, you'll be in for some long winded discussions. They're a welcoming chatty bunch that when any sort of story could be told, they do so, at great length. And generally with great lineage. It seems Diadochi's discussion of several great aunts, cousins twice removed is somewhat of a 'norm.' Talking around the subject at hand, while relating it to their own personal family units.
There's even a point of tension between two Loxodons who appear to be a part of the same family, on if Pautian (who is likely to be a Firbolg based on how they describe him) is a 2nd cousin twice removed or a third cousins. They also casually drop that he passed two summers ago.. making the entire story somewhat odd at how this is a current event in the town or not...
Still, it seems that the harvest right now is going well. The families that farm here by the port, as well as several of the other families that make up similar sized settlements that dot the horizon, are all having a good year between the various crops and fisheries. One of them discussing how his great great Aunt is the one that came up with the recipe on the salted and dried catfish like snack thats out with the bar. There is a larger settlement that's a day or two away... hard to get a concept of distance as they relate everything back to a possible relative... which serves as a hub for the region as a whole. Otherwise there are likely 5 settlements, including the one you're in, on this side. And just as many on the other. You do get the feeling that : story - deeds - connections - are more of the currency here, rather than strictly coin.
Wilson...
Rollo comes over and gives you a solid grasp of the arm and warm embrace. "Good to see you again. Always fear when you go off somewhere, I'll find you in a ditch back at a port."
He gestures over to Mr. Firmin who's busy shutting down the engine and making sure all affairs are in order to sit at the docks for a bit.
"We've got a job. Find something, grab it, bring it elsewhere. Likely not on the up and up, but pays well." Captain Wednesday gives the area a quick search. "Could use all the extra help, for a respected cut. Granted, won't be as much as you made last time as the others were there for the deal. But... could use you. Talk to Abigail - the Tabaxi. She's got most the details."
A loud two finger whistle calls out from the boat, catching Abigail's attention for a second as Rollo gives a gesture to Wilson with a nod. A signal that, if Wilson decides to go along with it, can be trusted... for now.
Abigail settles in to drinking and listening to their stories, scribbling notes and trying to get a grasp on lineages and deeds. Instantly at ease with the whole story-driven culture, she also attempts her hand are relating a tale or two of her own adventures on the sea. Whenever she feels like she has found an opportunity within a conversation not to sound too nosy (in case I need a role for that, Insight: 8), she will ask about the about the prevalence of non-Loxodon within the region (attempting to suss out if any of these five villages would be more welcoming/populated or less welcoming/populated to other people taking up residence there). She will also attempt to gain more intelligence on the Ash Guard (general sentiment toward them, anything they might be doing out of the ordinary, any of the big names that come up).
In Abigail's discussion, one thing becomes clear. There are Loxodon, and there are Loxodon. It seems that they, the elephant like Loxodon people are called by their name. However, anyone who is a member of society here is also a Loxodon. (You recall Diadochi speaking of his cousin Nubla; who was 'turned into a Kenku.' Although its entirely possible they were always a Kenku and this was his way of trying to suggest that a cousin doesn't have to belong to the same species, just family...)
Still it seems that most the villages are roughly similar in size, but demeanor seems impossible to suss out. The few people that are here and talking contradicting each other based on their own interactions with different members of different families in different settlements. Their concept of a town being warm, or cold, or having better stories entirely subjective and lacking anything concrete.
The Ashguard bring about a different tone. You're unable to tell if it's fear, or admiration, but they are some kind of 'outsider' / 'different' / 'other.' But the exact nature of what they're trying to convey is lost.. likely due to some nuance of language not translating. One thing is for certain, the same story is shared.
'They come when needed. They saved us from The Six Tusks.'
Before she leaves, Abigail also asks, "So, do you know of anyone that could guide us to [name of central hub town]?"
Assuming those are the last question she has, Abigail will then try to find the rest of the party, and suggest that they all make their way to this central hub town (and hire a guide, if there is someone like that the locals can recommend).
Wilson leans against a supporting beam of the bar listening in on conversations ear tufts twitching in various directions. but eyes are never still searching as he has been for anyone acting abnormally. With this many rules and customs any loners or quiet ones should stand out in the gathering.
Perception 19
Both ear turn to Abigail's conversation to learn who these 6 tusks are.
Wilson, glancing around you don't really see anyone standing out. The bar is probably the most "populated" place and it's barely 10 people; including Abigail - Tarak - and a handful of others who are confused at the customs. Looking around, it seems most people are out in the vast fields going about their day.
Some tending to the growing of the various plants and trees. Others seeming to be composting and dumping water into other areas. The landscape is fairly uniform, making it easy to look out and around to see a few of the other settlements in the distance. Dense sections of thick bamboo, and small groves of Bog Cypress dot the landscape as well, breaking up the horizontal. The road network likely the easiest method of transportation, the about six foot wide wooden road about two feet above the wet earth. ...also makes anyone walking along it stand out like a sore thumb...
Rest houses - a opened aired area with a roof and built on stilts to sit above the water; like the road - pop up along the fields a bit. Likely a spot for anyone working far off in a field that can't make it back or needs to get out of the weather.
Tarak nods to Abigail in understanding then heads out to the fields to help work the crops. Arriving he watches for a bit to get a feel for what they are doing. After observing he approaches and starts working with them quietly helping here and there. For a moment he is back in his village. His father had always had him take a break from his cobbler apprenticeship to help with the harvest. “We are part of the people not apart from the people.” He said when Tarak asked why. “Just because we have specific skills does not mean they are not neighbors and family in need of help.” Tarak works hard not shying away from the more difficult tasks.
As the day goes on he makes small chat working around to asking about a gnome with yellow eyes.
Tarak in the conversations you manage to have with the few people who are around, and not directly in the field, the way they express and talk around a subject doesn't offer any insight. Some have had a sister who once met a gnome, who worked in the fields back during a time when their Aunt said it would snow. Another person makes a reference to how a youngling they took on as a Dek had golden eyes, and said it was a family trait. Although the way they describe it makes it seem like it was thirty years ago.
"This place is amazing? how'd you get so many people to come here? how does this bar jar work? Anyone here know my good friend Bully bones, he's from the town just up yonder. Do any of you know about any near by libraries and or universities around here... yeah I figured... which way is this hub? this way? good! thanks, byeeeee!"
The crew of the Windhook eventually sets off. Following the wooden path in a hope that there's some kind of sign post that will lead them to the correct location. They walk along for a solid five hours, taking in the sights and some of the smells. Being able to look out and see small groups of the people that live around here altering the landscape. Digging up stones, using complex series of tools that rest on their shoulders to plow and bulldoze areas. Some others with leveling devices to make sure that areas are sloped in the proper ways.
Large catfish like fish swim and jump from some of the deeper pools. Moving from spot to spot as they eat pests and other bugs that come along to the crops; likely their harvested as a source of protein as well. Despite the vast amount of altering the land itself - it does seem that the farmers here take great care to keep everything in a natural rhythm.
In the several miles the crew walks, they do manage to find markers and signs along the raised road network. Anywhere there is a major hub connection, it seems that they placed a marker to give a general direction towards the nearest village, and towards the town. No distances, but at least a knowledge that you'll eventually be able to reach your location. It's a bit before sunset when the crew reaches a crossroads....
About a thirty minute walk away is one of those open aired rest houses. Likely the best place to make due and rest for the night as a group, along with whoever else may be in there. But walking towards them along the road are three figures.
All Loxodon proper. All males. White and Orange facepaint runs down their faces from the tops of their skulls to the end of the trunk. Leather straps crisscross their bare chests - keeping weapons within reach and out of the way while traveling. One seems to be carrying a large rucksack; it draped over his shoulders while hands keep it in place while moving. As they get closer, their age becomes more apparent. Not a group in their younger years... bodies covered in scars that likely tell different tales. They become quiet when you're all within earshot, but still continue forward along the road...
Abigail looks at Morgan suspiciously, sizing up their intentions, before sighing in defeat.
"Fine. Yes. I will show you a thing or two." Letting down her guard, she smiles a little before adding, "Really, it is all about wanting to learn as much as you can from as many people as you can... I picked up most of the stuff I know from other adventures. It can be an exciting life, living on the open road and sea, but it can also be lonely, and a chance to share your experiences with others over an ale can lead to more than a few adventures of your own." She winks. "Insulting people is easy, that comes naturally to me. The part that can be more difficult is trying to motivate people, that is an area that I am still working on. It is your emotions and intentions that fuel what is beneath your words."
Abigail pauses for a moment. "What are your intentions, Morgan? Despite your... turmoil you wrestle with... I imagine you as someone that is pretty good at arousing the best out of their friends. Who knows, maybe you can teach me a thing or two." She winks, and then pulls out her flute. "I don't suppose you know how to use one of these? Perhaps there is another instrument you would be more comfortable with?"
Upon seeing Wilson, Abigail gives a little sigh of relief. "Good. Glad to see you're back. We are going to need all the help we can get."
Rubbing her hands together, and looking at the town expectantly, "Well, since hoping off a boat and starting to ask questions might rise suspicions, best we all act natural... and nothing is more natural than a drinking sailor."
Abigail goes wandering off to find the nearest tavern.
Abigail finds the... bar... and perhaps it's very true to it's name. A simple open aired thatch covered roof, filled with standing tables and a few stools to help the people that aren't 7+ feet tall reach and be a part of the community. A bar of wood runs the middle, where casks of ale sit left out in the open. You'd guess that maybe about a half dozen locals, and four or so people from the other two boats at the docks.
No servers. No barmen. A bit of food that some of the community seem to bring over and drop off. A handful of farmers taking a moment to sit and chat, eating and drinking. There isn't even a exchange of coin, outside some people awkwardly placing coins in a few empty jars as they take some ale.
"Is... this right?"
"I don't know..."
"Is it free?"
"Well, leave something in case it isn't?"
The others sort of shrug as they leave a few coin, grab a handful of dried fruit and some bread, and head to a table with drinks in hand.
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
When Abigail asks about their intentions Morgan looks off into the distance, "I don't know, I got these powers I didn't have a choice... well the choice was live or die, so..." Morgan gestures to themself to indicate they are still alive, "and the powers were fun and cool so I didn't really think about it too much, and then... I met someone else in my exact situation, only I had put them in that situation... and the dark powers wanted us to kill each other, and that's when I had to look at what I've really been doing this whole time. I want to be more than these powers that come from something else. I don't want to be beholden to something sees me as expendable, so I want these powers gone and to have my greatness come form me... if that makes sense... I don't know about flutes what about some sort of percussion thing I get to beat on? Maybe work out some pent up aggression."
When Abigail goes to the bar, Morgan watches her go, "Well at least I know where to meet up at... let's see what this place has to offer." Morgan see is there is a shop to purchase a drum, both for the ship and a personal tote-able one, and wonders if this place is big enough that any of their old contacts would be here or if that maybe they should lay off the contacts as Billy Bones did betray them.
Tarak remains on the boat a bit using the alone time to meditate for guidance. He lights some vapors to help his mind along and sits down to think.
“I was tricked but I am still responsible. I also failed in my assignment. How should I proceed?”
A voice echoes softly through his mind, the voice of his adopted father, an image of a young Dragonborn working the sword forms in practice. “You are trying to hard to force the outcome again. You need to feel the threads of energy that emanate through all life and let it guide you along. If you do you will be where you need to be at the right moment. Relax...”
His eye open with new found clarity in mind. He was led to this ship and to this crew. Yes he had failed the task but the Queen would know he had tried and send another. As for his greater quest to find the evil force trying to break into this world he must press forward letting himself be guided. But first a drink. He had a responsibility to this crew to protect them so he had to repair his bonds.
Tarak gets up and leaves the cabin nodding to Mr Firmin on the way out. When he gets to where Abigail is he drops a few coins in the jar grabs a few more drinks for him and Abigail and approaches. “May I join you?”
Abigail gawks at the bar. "I am not sure if I love it... or hate it. I guess I will let the patrons influence the outcome." She grabs some ale and finds an open seat. Once comfortable, she begins to chat up just about everyone she can. Mainly, she is trying to get a read on the local customs and overall situation in the town and outside of it.
(Not sure if it is necessary, but just in case, I will throw in a Persuasion roll (23 ) to keep people talking)
When Tarak arrives, Abigail eyes him for a second before saying, "Sure."
Wilson's pupils dilate a bit in surprise upon seeing Morgan, throwing his arm around her he laughs and turns to the loxodon he was speaking too.
"Forgive her friends, we have worked some business together in the past but is has been a while! If you will forgive me friends I will have to catch up with you later."
He waves as he steps aside with her, "New friend you say? good at murder....huh? well you shall have to tell me all about them, maybe introduce me if you don't get to jealous." he kids with her before directing her towards a shop he spotted that might sell drums. glad she seemed to make no mention of his *better than it should be* attire.
Turning towards the docks Wilson heads for the Windhook. Gods please don't be at odds with me he thinks as he tries to find Rollo to get caught up on what brings the crew here.
"Ahoy captain! What cargo brings you to these ports my friend?"
Tarak sits down and slides two drinks over to Abigail he hesitates a moment. “You know I was going to be a cobbler. I was apprenticed to my father at the age of six. I spent the next three years learning everything I could. When my village was destroyed by bandits afterwards a guard found me hiding among the wreckage of my house where my father had hidden me. AlI could think of was how I hadn’t finished my training. I was taken in by a guard, a good man who taught me that being a good servant to the people and the Queen is similar to being a good cobbler.
If a cobbler does his job well your feet are protected and you do not have to worry where you step. Most people don’t even think about it and take this for granted. If you are a good soldier protecting the greater good most people don’t have to worry about where they travel in their day to day. They take their safety for granted. I also had taken much for granted until the other day when I lost control. I know you could have killed me. I have seen the way you look at me with distrust but I still wanted to thank you for not going through with it.”
Tarak waits a moment longer, finally rising he swallows his drink and heads back to the ship.
Abigail, grunts at Tarak through her mug of ale.
She sets it back down on the table and replies to him as he goes to leave, "Your impulsive, Tarak. The greater good is fine and all, and doing the Queen's work is a much nobler calling than any of us other louts have going for us, but you need to learn how to be a member of a crew. I am not sure why you joined a crew of misfits and rogues, but it is not just your life your putting on the line, its our necks as well." She looks at the bracer suspiciously. "And you'll need to be extra careful going forward... If you lose control again and put us all in danger, and especially if you go cutting down some helpless bystanders out there.... I may need to act for the greater good."
Abigail...
The first Loxodons you meet and mingle with definitely begin to talk your ear off. And it certainly seems that, culturally, you'll be in for some long winded discussions. They're a welcoming chatty bunch that when any sort of story could be told, they do so, at great length. And generally with great lineage. It seems Diadochi's discussion of several great aunts, cousins twice removed is somewhat of a 'norm.' Talking around the subject at hand, while relating it to their own personal family units.
There's even a point of tension between two Loxodons who appear to be a part of the same family, on if Pautian (who is likely to be a Firbolg based on how they describe him) is a 2nd cousin twice removed or a third cousins. They also casually drop that he passed two summers ago.. making the entire story somewhat odd at how this is a current event in the town or not...
Still, it seems that the harvest right now is going well. The families that farm here by the port, as well as several of the other families that make up similar sized settlements that dot the horizon, are all having a good year between the various crops and fisheries. One of them discussing how his great great Aunt is the one that came up with the recipe on the salted and dried catfish like snack thats out with the bar. There is a larger settlement that's a day or two away... hard to get a concept of distance as they relate everything back to a possible relative... which serves as a hub for the region as a whole. Otherwise there are likely 5 settlements, including the one you're in, on this side. And just as many on the other. You do get the feeling that : story - deeds - connections - are more of the currency here, rather than strictly coin.
Wilson...
Rollo comes over and gives you a solid grasp of the arm and warm embrace. "Good to see you again. Always fear when you go off somewhere, I'll find you in a ditch back at a port."
He gestures over to Mr. Firmin who's busy shutting down the engine and making sure all affairs are in order to sit at the docks for a bit.
"We've got a job. Find something, grab it, bring it elsewhere. Likely not on the up and up, but pays well." Captain Wednesday gives the area a quick search. "Could use all the extra help, for a respected cut. Granted, won't be as much as you made last time as the others were there for the deal. But... could use you. Talk to Abigail - the Tabaxi. She's got most the details."
A loud two finger whistle calls out from the boat, catching Abigail's attention for a second as Rollo gives a gesture to Wilson with a nod. A signal that, if Wilson decides to go along with it, can be trusted... for now.
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
Abigail settles in to drinking and listening to their stories, scribbling notes and trying to get a grasp on lineages and deeds. Instantly at ease with the whole story-driven culture, she also attempts her hand are relating a tale or two of her own adventures on the sea. Whenever she feels like she has found an opportunity within a conversation not to sound too nosy (in case I need a role for that, Insight: 8), she will ask about the about the prevalence of non-Loxodon within the region (attempting to suss out if any of these five villages would be more welcoming/populated or less welcoming/populated to other people taking up residence there). She will also attempt to gain more intelligence on the Ash Guard (general sentiment toward them, anything they might be doing out of the ordinary, any of the big names that come up).
In Abigail's discussion, one thing becomes clear. There are Loxodon, and there are Loxodon. It seems that they, the elephant like Loxodon people are called by their name. However, anyone who is a member of society here is also a Loxodon. (You recall Diadochi speaking of his cousin Nubla; who was 'turned into a Kenku.' Although its entirely possible they were always a Kenku and this was his way of trying to suggest that a cousin doesn't have to belong to the same species, just family...)
Still it seems that most the villages are roughly similar in size, but demeanor seems impossible to suss out. The few people that are here and talking contradicting each other based on their own interactions with different members of different families in different settlements. Their concept of a town being warm, or cold, or having better stories entirely subjective and lacking anything concrete.
The Ashguard bring about a different tone. You're unable to tell if it's fear, or admiration, but they are some kind of 'outsider' / 'different' / 'other.' But the exact nature of what they're trying to convey is lost.. likely due to some nuance of language not translating. One thing is for certain, the same story is shared.
'They come when needed. They saved us from The Six Tusks.'
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
Abigail asks, "What are The Six Tusks?"
Before she leaves, Abigail also asks, "So, do you know of anyone that could guide us to [name of central hub town]?"
Assuming those are the last question she has, Abigail will then try to find the rest of the party, and suggest that they all make their way to this central hub town (and hire a guide, if there is someone like that the locals can recommend).
They don't really answer the Six Tusks question. As if it's some kind of faux pas to ask about it....
But they do say there isn't anyone who could really be a guide. With the harvests being so good right now, it isn't the right season.
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
Wilson leans against a supporting beam of the bar listening in on conversations ear tufts twitching in various directions. but eyes are never still searching as he has been for anyone acting abnormally. With this many rules and customs any loners or quiet ones should stand out in the gathering.
Perception 19
Both ear turn to Abigail's conversation to learn who these 6 tusks are.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
not thrilled with the idea of being in a major hub Wilson does agree that if the group is hunting for someone it will be the ok place to start.
Wilson, glancing around you don't really see anyone standing out. The bar is probably the most "populated" place and it's barely 10 people; including Abigail - Tarak - and a handful of others who are confused at the customs. Looking around, it seems most people are out in the vast fields going about their day.
Some tending to the growing of the various plants and trees. Others seeming to be composting and dumping water into other areas. The landscape is fairly uniform, making it easy to look out and around to see a few of the other settlements in the distance. Dense sections of thick bamboo, and small groves of Bog Cypress dot the landscape as well, breaking up the horizontal. The road network likely the easiest method of transportation, the about six foot wide wooden road about two feet above the wet earth. ...also makes anyone walking along it stand out like a sore thumb...
Rest houses - a opened aired area with a roof and built on stilts to sit above the water; like the road - pop up along the fields a bit. Likely a spot for anyone working far off in a field that can't make it back or needs to get out of the weather.
But nothing seems out of the ordinary.
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
Tarak nods to Abigail in understanding then heads out to the fields to help work the crops. Arriving he watches for a bit to get a feel for what they are doing. After observing he approaches and starts working with them quietly helping here and there. For a moment he is back in his village. His father had always had him take a break from his cobbler apprenticeship to help with the harvest. “We are part of the people not apart from the people.” He said when Tarak asked why. “Just because we have specific skills does not mean they are not neighbors and family in need of help.” Tarak works hard not shying away from the more difficult tasks.
As the day goes on he makes small chat working around to asking about a gnome with yellow eyes.
persuasion 16
Tarak in the conversations you manage to have with the few people who are around, and not directly in the field, the way they express and talk around a subject doesn't offer any insight. Some have had a sister who once met a gnome, who worked in the fields back during a time when their Aunt said it would snow. Another person makes a reference to how a youngling they took on as a Dek had golden eyes, and said it was a family trait. Although the way they describe it makes it seem like it was thirty years ago.
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
"This place is amazing? how'd you get so many people to come here? how does this bar jar work? Anyone here know my good friend Bully bones, he's from the town just up yonder. Do any of you know about any near by libraries and or universities around here... yeah I figured... which way is this hub? this way? good! thanks, byeeeee!"
The crew of the Windhook eventually sets off. Following the wooden path in a hope that there's some kind of sign post that will lead them to the correct location. They walk along for a solid five hours, taking in the sights and some of the smells. Being able to look out and see small groups of the people that live around here altering the landscape. Digging up stones, using complex series of tools that rest on their shoulders to plow and bulldoze areas. Some others with leveling devices to make sure that areas are sloped in the proper ways.
Large catfish like fish swim and jump from some of the deeper pools. Moving from spot to spot as they eat pests and other bugs that come along to the crops; likely their harvested as a source of protein as well. Despite the vast amount of altering the land itself - it does seem that the farmers here take great care to keep everything in a natural rhythm.
In the several miles the crew walks, they do manage to find markers and signs along the raised road network. Anywhere there is a major hub connection, it seems that they placed a marker to give a general direction towards the nearest village, and towards the town. No distances, but at least a knowledge that you'll eventually be able to reach your location. It's a bit before sunset when the crew reaches a crossroads....
About a thirty minute walk away is one of those open aired rest houses. Likely the best place to make due and rest for the night as a group, along with whoever else may be in there. But walking towards them along the road are three figures.
All Loxodon proper. All males. White and Orange facepaint runs down their faces from the tops of their skulls to the end of the trunk. Leather straps crisscross their bare chests - keeping weapons within reach and out of the way while traveling. One seems to be carrying a large rucksack; it draped over his shoulders while hands keep it in place while moving. As they get closer, their age becomes more apparent. Not a group in their younger years... bodies covered in scars that likely tell different tales. They become quiet when you're all within earshot, but still continue forward along the road...
What do you do?
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
As the Loxodon approach Tarak tries to see if he recognizes anything about that style of face paint.
History 2 or Religion 18