|
Post by greentongue on Aug 14, 2015 19:28:04 GMT -6
The guards recognize Huntsman Chodo and allows both him and you to pass. The children are shooed away. One of the guards sends a clan youth to notify others that they have guests.
Crossing the first barge you enter another that is mostly open and has a higher than usual curved roof over it.
The roof is supported by green columns with hanging portraying underwater scenes and naked people cavorting in the water.
At one end is a raised dais with an elaborate gold emblem mounted high above it. Just beneath it is the Emerald Fisher crest.
Many people enter and array themselves about the area and on several steps of the dais, all lower than the top. After a wait an elderly woman is escorted to the dais, second step from the top. Huntsman Chodo introduces you to Senior Scribe Equinil the First Wife of Senior Elder Dadayel.
She has the new arrivals names added to the clan roster and assigns Major Domo Runmaru to allocate quarters for them.
Huntsman Chodo tells Senior Scribe Equinil what you had said your skills were.
After a time Senior Elder Dadayel arrives with several others and is assisted to the top of the dais. The rest array themselves in open places on the dais and floor.
|
|
|
Post by greentongue on Aug 14, 2015 19:28:53 GMT -6
Senior Scribe Equinil: "Guard Captain Sakza of the Silver Kangal was just here with a commission for us that you may be able to fulfill."
"It seems that while the favored son of a senior member of Iron Fist was in their keeping. The boy dropped his bracelet down the well."
"It would not be good to return the boy without it so they need someone to fetch it from the well."
"As Huntsman Chodo says you can hold your breath a long time," she gestures toward Huruyan, "you would be perfect to lower into the well."
"Your brother", she gestures toward Kumahl, "can guide the rope and help pull you back up once you have it."
Clapping her hands she commands, "Bring the Drop of Sunlight Gem."
When it is brought, she continues. "This will provide light even under water. Do Not lose it."
"While you refresh, I will send word that you will be arriving to help the Silver Kangal with this task."
During this time Senior Elder Dadayel nods and seems to be paying attention to what is being said but makes no comments.
|
|
|
Post by greentongue on Aug 14, 2015 19:30:59 GMT -6
Huruyan: Huruyan leans over and whispers to Kumahl, "This looks like a fine first adventure, I think we should take it, what do you think?"
Kumahl: "Would give me a chance to try my rope and wheel idea to suspend weight. I can use either telepathy or ESP to see what is going on down there and know when to pull you up." whispering to Huruyan.
Huruyan: "That sounds like something we could do. What do we get for our efforts?"
|
|
|
Post by greentongue on Aug 15, 2015 14:46:33 GMT -6
Huntsman Chodo: "If you repay the Silver Kangal in this way I'm sure that they will remember it. Doing this will earn the Emerald Fishers much good will, and not just from the Silver Kangal."
"Many things of importance go missing beneath the water and few can recover them."
"While the Silver Nets pull things from the water, some of what they drag up should stay there. Also, their nets do not capture small things, many of which can be precious to their owners."
"It will be my pleasure to inform the Silver Kangal that the Emerald Fishers now have someone who can do this sort of thing, just like years ago."
|
|
|
Post by greentongue on Aug 15, 2015 14:48:09 GMT -6
Huruyan: "Sounds good, when do we start?" Huruyan is eager to repay his debt to the Silver Kangal and show his value to his clan.
Kumahl: "Anychance that the Silver Net have been drawing up the Tsoggu?"
"We encountered a few of these before we landed in Silver Net waters."
Looking to Huruyan, "I am ready when you are."
Huntsman Chodo: After considering Kumahl's question. "I don't think even the Nets would stoop to bringing Tsoggu to these waters but they wouldn't destroy them either. Any added hazard helps them to reduce competitors as far as they are concerned."
Lucky their nets don't drag up the oysters that the Emerald Fishers depend on. They do disturb the beds and we suspect at least one diver has drown tangled in their nets. Of course they claim they just pulled up the dead body and didn't cause it.
|
|
|
Post by greentongue on Aug 15, 2015 14:49:03 GMT -6
"Major-Domo Runmaru will assign you a place to sleep and store that basket," stated Senior Scribe Equinil, "You will be given the Drop of Sunlight Gem before you leave for the commision." "With Senior Elder Dadayel's permission of course." Equinil deferred to her husband for his approval. "Yes, yes, what she said," mumbled Senior Elder Dadayel.
With that you were dismissed.
Major-Domo Runmaru motioned to the brothers, "Follow me and bring your basket."
Leaving that barge and passing though the hangings you enter another. A boat has just arrived at its edge and baskets of large oysters are being unloaded. This barge is where the oysters are checked for pearls and moved to pots. People with the symbol of a yellow wheel are toting off the potted oysters.
You move through this barge to one of a chain of boats with connecting walkways. Major-Domo Runmaru stopped before one of them where a grey-haired, wizened, leathery looking man sat on an upturned pot.
|
|
|
Post by greentongue on Aug 15, 2015 14:49:25 GMT -6
Major-Domo Runmaru: "Scribe Nebussa, Senior Scribe Equinil has welcomed these cousins to our clan home," said Runmaru as way of introduction. "Cousin Huruyan and Kumahl have just arrived in our city and already have been commissioned with a job for the clan. Make them comfortable on your boat. I will send someone for them once all the details of their task have been arranged."
Scribe Nebussa looks you over and then beckons, "Right this way Cousins."
The boat is separated into two aisles separated and walled by drying seaweed strung in rows. Hammocks are strung across between these 'walls' and two slightly raised platforms stretch stem to stern under the hammocks.
Scribe Nebussa stops midway down a row. "The space under these hammocks should do nicely," he says as he points at the platform. There are two mats rolled up side by side before you. "You can stuff your basket there under the kelp," he adds. There are a few other pots and boxes in a line under the center 'wall'. All are damp from the drying seaweed.
"Welcome to The Chamber of the Sea Forest, may your slumber be peaceful." "Let me know if you need anything I can help with. Welcome to our humble abode."
|
|
|
Post by greentongue on Aug 15, 2015 14:50:32 GMT -6
Huruyan: Turning to Kumahl, "I don't know about you Kumahl, but if they don't need us right now I think I will take a nap."
Kumahl: Kumahl joins Huruyan in unrolling the sleeping mats. After stowing the basket, he too lays down for some rest.
The hanging seaweed provided shade and the evaporation gave a slight relief from the oppressive heat. The stress of adjusting to your new life must have taken more out of you than you thought because the next thing you know the noise from a crowd of people wakes you up.
"These must be the new cousins," says one of them. "Good looking fellows," says another. "Wonder why they didn't come to dinner?" asked a third.
They range from teen to middle age and are wearing next to nothing except a few pieces of jewelry, daggers and loincloths. Almost all have goggles around their necks and white around their eyes where the goggles would cover. Just like you have.
Most of them are women with the men being among the younger. Many have scars at various places that look like bites but all seem to be cheerful.
|
|
|
Post by greentongue on Aug 15, 2015 14:51:38 GMT -6
Kumahl: "Three days without any rest, you would probably welcome any amount of sleep you could get as well," Kumahl says smiling and stretching at the same time.
"Besides being welcomed by friends and family is far better than finding oneself enslaved to the Silver Nets or in the bellies of the Tsoggu,"and nods to those of the waking party. "Much appreciated. Too much sleep and I lose my edge and Huruyan gets cranky," Kumahl reaches over to Huruyan and playfully pokes him to assure that he is awake.
One of the more vivacious women pushed her way forward and said, "I'm Areli what are your names and how did you end up here?" Lucky the light is dim and you can't get a good look at the scars that disfigure her. Best you can tell is that something tried to eat her and spit her out. You wonder how she is still alive.
"Areli, don't claim them all for yourself," said another woman beside her. If Areli was darkness this woman was a shining light. Maybe it was the contrast but she almost takes your breath away. "I'm Falyai. Don't mind Areli. She is always the first in, then we have to pull her out." The crowd laughed politely at the comment.
"If it wasn't for me, by the time you got in the water the tide would have turned," retorted Areli.
Everyone turns expectantly towards the two of you.
|
|
|
Post by greentongue on Aug 16, 2015 14:41:06 GMT -6
Huruyan: Huruyan sits up and grins at everyone. "Greetings all I am Huruyan and this is Kumahl. As for ending up here, we almost didn't, the Silver Nets tried to capture and enslave us, fortunately we were rescued by Huntsman Chodo, with the able assistance of young Yuniwu."
Kumahl: Pointing out the scars on Areli, "Are those from one encounter or many? What actually gave you those scars?"
"What weapons or tools do you normally dive with?"
Senior Diver Areli: While pointing at a random scar, "You mean this one?" "Well back a few years ago, we were diving at the edge of the beds when a Tletlakha latched onto me. Lucky I was ready with my oyster chopper and hooked the edge of it before it sunk its spines in too deep."
Then another random series of scars, "Or did you mean these?" "Those are from where I practically dived into the mouth of a Haqel. Good thing my clan was with me or it would have had me for a meal."
"Now these..."
Diver Falyai: "Don't get her started. She can go on for days with her stories." "We need to sleep. It's been another long day."
"Since you have a nice bed all ready, mind if we join you?"
|
|
|
Post by greentongue on Aug 16, 2015 14:42:02 GMT -6
Huruyan: "That sounds like a fine idea, but first is there any way we could get something to eat, it seems we missed dinner?"
Kumahl: At the mention of food, Kumahl's stomach begins gurgling and growling. Kumahl sniffs the air with the clan arrivals to determine what they may have eaten for dinner.
Master Diver Areli directs one of the others to take you to Senior Cook Charikasa. You are led to another barge where there is open space with seating areas at slightly different levels around small low tables. At the back of this barge is a separate cooking area with clay ovens and stoves. Your escort, Diver Hirtor, introduces you to Senior Cook Charikasa and explains that Scribe Nebussa had not awakened you for dinner.
"I have a pot still warm for the guards when they get off. Plenty extra for you too," said Charikasa. "You, get some bowls for these men," he commands one of his young helpers.
They serve you each a bowl of Dra-grain porridge with fish and a small dish with pickled seaweed. Hirtor declines to eat saying he had already.
"It is nice having some more men in the singles quarters. The women can be almost unbearable when they get going with their squabbles," Hirtor said.
|
|
|
Post by greentongue on Aug 16, 2015 14:44:24 GMT -6
Kumahl: Kumahl checks to make sure Huruyan is eating, then dips his hand in Huruyan's bowl and swipes a nibble from his food.
"You won't be needing that," and pops the morsel in his mouth.
"Bethideth you shood be watching your girleth figure," Kumahl says as he swallows another large bite of food.
Huruyan: "I'm not the one who needs to watch his figure," Huruyan says as he pokes Kumahl in the stomach. "Pretty good chow, yes? My compliments to the chef," Huruyan yells in the direction of the cooking area.
Kumahl nods at Huruyan's compliment, raps the side of his bowl with his skinning knife, swallows his current bite, and says, "Senior Cook Charikasa, excellent meal. Let us know how we might repay you after we finish."
Senior Cook Charikasa: "Making our clan proud by helping the Silver Kangal makes me proud to be a member. That you just got here and already have a commission makes me happy to feed you."
|
|
|
Post by greentongue on Aug 16, 2015 14:45:08 GMT -6
When you finish your meal, Diver Hirtor leads you back to The Chamber of the Sea Forest.
Areli and Falyai are on your sleeping maps waiting for you. There is open spaces on either side of Areli. The rest of the hammocks and mats are occupied except for the hammock directly above your mats.
Huruyan pushes forward and grabs the spot between the two women. "How are you two doing this fine day?" he asks as soon as he is comfortable.
Kumahl laughs at his brother then climbs into the hammock above content to let Huruyan enjoy himself and relax. Before retiring, Kumahl bows his head and addresses his god, Thumis.
"Great Thumis, thank you for protecting brother and I. I apologize for the misuse of your power in fear for my own life. Please do not withhold your instruction or power due to my inadequacies. Again I am humbled to serve." With that Kumahl laid back and drifted off to sleep.
"It's a good thing at least one of you likes women," purred Areli. Falyai giggled and snuggled closer. It was a good thing Huruyan had already gotten some sleep...
|
|
|
Post by greentongue on Aug 16, 2015 14:45:27 GMT -6
At the crack of dawn everyone untangled and headed to The Floating Bounty of Heaven for a meal before work.
Senior Cook Charikasa directed his helpers to serve fresh bowls of Dra-grain porridge with chopped dried fruit in it.
The divers invited Huruyan and Kumahl to go oyster harvesting with them.
Some also invited the men to join them instead of Areli tonight.
As the divers were getting their gear loaded on the boats, Major-Domo Runmaru, Huntsman Chodo and a man introduced as Clan Accountant Grujung, a well dressed late-middle aged man with a couple of youthful assistants, arrived and led them back to the main audience barge.
|
|
|
Post by greentongue on Aug 16, 2015 14:47:16 GMT -6
"I have a contract with the Silver Kangal for the recovery of an item that was dropped in the water under their clan compound."
"Our clan has agreed to recover it for them and since you say that you can do it, you have been assigned the task."
While he was talking his associates have set up a small table and spread a beautifully embellished document on it. A couple of other documents are under it. There is a engraved metal stamp with a ornate handle and tassel beside a bowl with a ink soaked sponge. Also, there are some small boxes of colored powder.
"What equipment do you need for this assignment?"
|
|
|
Post by greentongue on Aug 20, 2015 18:42:33 GMT -6
Huruyan: "The item we are after is how big? What is it made of? How deep is the well? How much water are we talking about?"
Huntsman Chodo: "The bracelet is not too big. About the same size as this one."
He shakes the one on his left arm.
"Much nicer of course." He has a sheepish grin as he adds that.
"It was accidentally dropped into the well in their courtyard." "The well accesses the aquaduct under the city so we don't know how far it may have moved since falling in."
Kumahl: "If the well accesses the aqueducts then we have another couple points of entry.
Opening his pack, Kumahl pulls out a few objects made from Chlen-hide. One is a three pointed star with tubes and a hook. The other is a set of wheels set one over top of the other. This one also has a hook on it.
"I could use three 8 foot long poles and a couple of 100 foot long ropes.
|
|
|
Post by greentongue on Aug 20, 2015 18:44:12 GMT -6
Clan Accountant Grujung waves his hand towards one of his assistants who pulls a smaller paper from the pile and begins laboriously writing a list with his calligraphy tools.
Huruyan: "We still need to know how deep the aqueduct is."
Huntsman Chodo: "Nobody goes down there. That's why they want you to do it."
"All anyone knows is that when they ask for water a servant or slave throws down a bucket and they always get water."
"What else matters?"
Huruyan: "What else indeed, well Kumahl unless you can think of anything else we just need the poles and rope and we can start."
|
|
|
Post by greentongue on Aug 20, 2015 18:45:31 GMT -6
Kumahl: "Someone mentioned a light source."
Looking to Huruyan, "Do you want to try holding the stone or would you rather have both hands free?"
"The Drop of Sunlight Gem has already been induced to the equipment list," responded Grujung to Chodo. He clearly knew Kumahl was the one that mentioned it.
"Clan Accountant Grujung do you still have that The Eye of Being an Unimpeachable Shield Against Foes?" asked Huntsman Chodo.
"In case there is something in the water that eats people, that would help Huruyan escape with the bracelet."
Huruyan: Replying to Kumahl, "I think I will need both hands free, so some sort of net cage for the stone and the Eye will be needed." Turning to Chodo, "Please tell me about this Eye of Being an Unimpeachable Shield Against Foes, it may well make the difference between failure and successfully returning the bracelet."
Grujung grudging admitted that he did. "I suppose it would not do to let them fail at this when it could have been prevented."
To his assistant, "add that to the list," he directed.
|
|
|
Post by greentongue on Aug 20, 2015 18:46:13 GMT -6
Huntsman Chodo: "From what I know, it completely protects a few nearby people from bites or weapons for about twenty minutes. It doesn't help you against magic or other non-physical effects though, so you can still drown if something pins you underwater."
"Most things in the water bite so that shouldn't be a problem."
"What nobody knows is how many times it will work. A few of these eye things have use counters but if I recall this one doesn't."
Grujung nods agreement.
"I suggest using it only as a last resort."
Grujung nods agreement again while looking like he would rather you didn't use it at all.
|
|
|
Post by greentongue on Aug 20, 2015 18:47:03 GMT -6
While the discussion is going on a man hurries into the chamber. He announced that the Legion from Jakalla had held off an attack by the Yan Koryani and gained great glory.
All who heard the news snapped their fingers in appreciation.
|
|
|
Post by greentongue on Aug 20, 2015 18:47:29 GMT -6
Kumahl listens to the news, uncertain what to make of it.
From his pack Kumahl pulls a chlen attachment for his left gauntlet that he straps on. This device contains an hourglass with fine sand, actually a minute timer. The second item is like a small abacus with three varying chlen knuckle beads.
When the rope arrives, Kumahl begin tieing red cloth strips into knots he places at 10 foot intervals. He also knots one of his 50 foot ropes to each of the 100 foot ropes.
Turning to Huruyan he explains, "The knoted rope goes around your waist. It will let you know by the bumps felt in the rope, how far you have gone."
Continuing, "The other rope will be attached under your arms and around your chest. This one will be strung through the pulley attached to the tripod. I will use this rope after 2 minutes to begin quickly pulling you out so that you should be able to grab your breath before 4 minutes.<blue/>
Taking off his chlen leather helmet with chin strap, he also hands this to Huruyan. "<blue>This will let me speak to you and for you to speak through your mind to me."
"All that is left is securing the stones. Once I can look at them, we can devise a means for carrying them."
|
|
|
Post by greentongue on Aug 20, 2015 18:48:18 GMT -6
Huruyan: "Kumahl, remember I have control person and can hold my breath for much longer than 4 minutes. Also one of my talents is net making and a fine net of string would work well for holding the stone and eye. Now given my ability to hold my breath I think a double tug on the rope could be the signal to pull me up."
All these amazing contraptions being pulled from a bag by Cousin Kumahl, has attracted the attention of a man in black. Over the Emerald Fisher insignia on his sash is an azure beetle and crescent moon. He moves to join the brothers and inspects everything closely without touching anything. While his nails are not painted, they are clean. Also the skirt and sash he is wearing is of new material, as are his sandals.
"What are these interesting things and where did you get them cousin?" he asked Kumahl.
He also shows sharp interest in Huruyan's comment about holding his breath.
"You have skill as a diver?" he asked Huruyan.
|
|
|
Post by greentongue on Aug 20, 2015 18:49:01 GMT -6
Huruyan: "Not really, while most in my village went swimming and diving I decided to hunt and gained skill in that area. I can swim and this project doesn't seem to require any real swimming or diving abilities, just the ability to stay under water long enough to search for the bracelet."
To Huruyan, Kumahl says, "I had forgotten about your ability to breathe longer. I will join all the ropes and run them through the pulley. Not sure that we need more than 300 feet of rope."
Looking to the black clad man, "Excuse me sir, I do not believe we have been introduced. I am Kumahl. While I am of the Emerald Fisher clan, my talents are more in creating things to aid my brothers and sisters in their various tasks."
Holding up the 2 wheel device "This is a pulley. With a rope threaded through the wheels and attached to a tripod, I can pull up easily things weighing 2 or 3 times my weight."
Pointing to the gauntlet, and more specifically the miniature abacus, "This allows me to measure distance on a diver. Small beads are for 10 feet. Medium beads are for 100 feet. Large beads are for 1000 feet. With a rope knotted for 10 feet and flagged for 100 feet, I can judge how far down or how long a distance a diver has gone."
"The little minute timer allows me to monitor the amount of air a diver has."
"If I can get the right resources and the proper training, crafting imbued or enhanced items would be my next challenge."
|
|
|
Post by greentongue on Aug 20, 2015 18:50:18 GMT -6
Huntsman Chodo: To Huruyan, "A man after my own heart." "We must be from the same lineage." "Maybe we can go on some hunting trips together after this job is done."
Junior Priest Panjang: The man in black introduces himself to Kumahl. "I am Junior Priest of Ksarul Panjang.
"I see you are a follower of Thumis cousin, which explains why you display these marvels for all to see," he adds with a sly smile.
"I am pleased another member of our family studies the secrets of the ancients though I don't understand why you follow the teachings of Thumis." "It is good you are applying your knowledge to better the clan."
"I would be happy to learn all you know, about the use of these," he adds with a flip of his hand.
Huruyan: "That would be an honor and a great pleasure," Huruyan gives Chodo small dip of his head and a smile.
|
|
|
Post by greentongue on Aug 20, 2015 18:50:51 GMT -6
"Speaking of the job getting done, is there anything else you need delivered to the well?" asked Huntsman Chodo.
Major-Domo Runmaru rattled a small wooden device and a youth hurried into the chamber. "Tell the Yellow Wheel that we will need two bearers in here to deliver assorted equipment to the Silver Kangal clanhouse.
The youth bowed and hurried back out.
|
|
|
Post by greentongue on Aug 21, 2015 17:38:54 GMT -6
Kumahl: To Junior Priest, "Thumis has guided my hand in the past, so that is where I start. However, I am open to learning of the others ancients."
"Major-Domo, I believe we are ready." Kumahl looks to Huruyan.
Huruyan: "Yes we are ready to proceed."
|
|
|
Post by greentongue on Aug 21, 2015 17:39:10 GMT -6
A woman brings two small boxes to the Major-Domo who directs her to Panjang.
He takes the boxes and turns to you. "This is the Drop of Sunlight," he said as he opened the box with a image of a sun on the outside. In the shade of the chamber the glittering glass ball inside emits brilliant light. He closed that box and handed it Kumahl. "While these may be common, you should still take good care of it."
"Now this is not common," he said as he opened the other box. On the outside of the box was an inscription. [Private to Kumahl: The inscription says, Eye of Being an Unimpeachable Shield Against Foes] Inside was a small egg shaped object like a petrified eyeball.
Panjang picks out the object and sets it in his palm. He then shows you that there is a iris on one end and a stud on the other. "You point the iris towards yourself and press the stud. If it still has charges, it starts its effect."
This too he hands to Kumahl.
|
|
|
Post by greentongue on Aug 21, 2015 17:42:11 GMT -6
Huruyan: As soon as he sees the Eye and Drop of Sunlight, now knowing their size Huruyan starts weaving small nets to hold them. Then he asks, "How hard must you push the stud on the Eye, I certainly don't want to activate it accidently?"
Panjang: In what might be considered a smug tone Panjang answers, "A firm squeeze is needed. It will not activate just by rolling around in your hand or a bag."
Two men enter the chamber following youth you had seen sent after them earlier. They have the Yellow Wheel emblem dangling from a cord around their necks. Much like yours. Between them they have a light well worn woven basket with a flimsy cover.
They are directed to gather your items together and put them in their basket for transport.
Kumahl: "Panjang, would you have kept the expended "Eyes"? Just something for us to look at and study after we get back."
Panjang: "Yes, certainly." "Also, I want you to return that one to me when you complete your commission."
"Our temple makes a study of these devices. If you happen to find a device of the ancients, even if it is not working, you need to give it to us."
|
|
|
Post by greentongue on Aug 21, 2015 17:42:32 GMT -6
Clan Accountant Grujung takes the large stamp and stamps the bottom of the large finely embellished document. He then sprinkles a pinch of powder over the stamp mark.
After a few seconds, he carefully rolls the document up and inserts it into a silver tube. The cap is placed on it and the tube is handed to Huntsman Chodo.
Major-Domo Runmaru has summoned a couple of Emerald Fisher guardsmen to escort you. They are standing ready.
"Well gentlemen, lets present you to the Silver Kangal," Major-Domo Runmaru states confidently.
With that Huntsman Chodo and the guards lead you off with the Yellow Wheel bearers behind.
|
|