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Post by xerxez on May 30, 2024 20:24:39 GMT -6
This thread will begin your adventures in Haida Pakalla. ![:)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/smiley.png)
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Post by xerxez on Jun 3, 2024 19:50:33 GMT -6
"Mi'kimu will purchase a replacement spear, if he can find a good one — or maybe two, to provide for Fi'ru. Wary of the potential foodstuffs in his immediate future, he also looks for some kind of digestive adjunct, like ginger root. And finally, any sort of insect repellant. That about sums up his grim outlook here as we set out for the Flats. The quiet time at the Pe-Choi teahouse seems an impossible dream now, but a dream he hopes will sustain him through the coming days.
In any event, Mi'kimu puts his trust in Gas Belly, their good-spirited guide!
In fact, he takes the Ahoggya aside at some point, after grabbing four walnuts from a barrel in the ship's pantry. He holds the four nuts in one hand so that ... one of the creature's faces can observe.
He begins to juggle the walnuts with one hand, starting with one, then two, then three, then four! Occasionally one walnut will disappear behind Mi'kimu's back, only to reappear moments later as if by magic. (As a slinger he's used to doing this with sling-stones as a pastime.) All four walnuts eventually vanish from Gas Belly's sight, only to return to Mi'kimu's hand all at once! At which point he hands out a walnut to each of the Ahoggya's arms."
Gas Belly watches in amusement and stomps a foot three times, emitting one of his ghastly sounding laughs as he begins to stuff the walnuts.
GAS BELLY: "Come, show you where to buy new spear and market. Best bug salve is a bladder from a Tsil'il...big leafeater. Find in jungle or buy if avaliable. Not only bugs, but certain sea beasts as well. Meat good, too!"
You explore the city and buy your goods--there is Tsil'il bladder contents available but Mi'kimu and Balesh quickly realize it's odor would repel nearly anyone or anything. The urine of the creature is mixed with an oil and the jungle folk find it will most certainly drive away the incessant biting bugs but it is not a perfume.
Gas Belly is acquainted with many of the Ahoggya and regales one or two of them with your adventures, showing all of you off. The creatures nod approvingly.
Doshi follows along. The Shen finds a hot bath house and announces he will retire to it to soak in oils and balms suited to his iron like scales.
Gorulu also boasts a small but well constructed Hiri'lakte arena sunk into a great recess in the ground and lined with square stone seats. It is used only a certain high days and sits still and quiet.
Meanwhile, Karunaz, F'sal and Amiyala visit the "Palace" of the Realm- the place of Imperial affairs and local government in every Tsolyanu city or sizeable outpost.
When they return to the lodging place that day, you learn they have seen the governor's staff and secured documents permitting your party to travel the area. Bugs are kept at bay here by special candles and mesh nets over the windows and there is even a bath.
The party retires for the night and finds the pallets comfortable enough.
Doshi curls up beside the Mistress and the sound of chirping bugs lulls you to sleep.
However, Balesh drifts into a strange dream.
In the dream he is in a tidal flat, walking alone. Behind him creep shadowy beasts. It is night and by the weird commingled light of the Two Moons he beholds a stone archway standing alone, tumbling into the jungle floor and covered with flowering vines.
Beside the archway stands a figure...
He recognizes it as the old woman he saw by the idol back in Salarv'ya.
She smiles at him and points through the arch.
As he passes by her she vanishes before his eyes. Passing through the arch he finds a path of tumbled ancient stonework now barely discernible from its lush surroundings. It leads to a black pit and as he gazes into it a gleaming metallic face appears suddenly.
Startle awake, the warrior finds himself abed, just as before, but it is like no dream he has ever had.
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Post by makofan on Jun 3, 2024 22:09:32 GMT -6
Balesh looks around wildly, contemplates things, then gently tries to rouse his friend Mi'kimu
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flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
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"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 383
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Post by flightcommander on Jun 3, 2024 23:32:56 GMT -6
Mi'kimu, a light sleeper aboard-ship, immediately awakens and draws the weird S'su dagger. "What is it, Bálesh? Are the others safe? Is the ship under attack?"
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flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
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"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 383
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Post by flightcommander on Jun 5, 2024 23:25:29 GMT -6
Suddenly realizing he is no longer on a seafaring vessel [OOC: derp], but in fact ashore in Gorulu, Mi'kimu presses Bálesh for details. "Brother, my knife is ready — what is afoot?"
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Post by makofan on Jun 6, 2024 6:24:34 GMT -6
Balesh relates the dream he had to him. "Perhaps it could have waited until morning, but for now the dream is fresh in my mind. I need you to be vigilant when we are in the jungle for this path. But does it lead to death?"
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Post by xerxez on Jun 8, 2024 21:10:46 GMT -6
Hi guys, Im sorry to be absent, my shift changed yet again and Ive been having a hard time with sleep schedule. Will try and resume tomorrow.
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Post by xerxez on Jun 11, 2024 20:55:54 GMT -6
Morning breaks hot and humid in Gorulu, and the party awakens, stirring about the quarters as provender is brought forth for a hurried breakfast.
Everyone but the Shen and the Ahoggya are quite uncomfortable in the sticky hot air-- but still grateful to be off a cramped vessel and on land again.
A hostel servant comes around and offers small clay cups of a strange, scummy liquid. It is black, pungent, and steaming.
"Kri'ku" says Karunaz. "A native drink made by boiling a many legged swamp bug found only in Haida Pakalla with a clump of its fellows until a scum rises to the top of the pot. This concoction is culled and seasoned with a few spices. It is an energy drink, said to greatly increase vigor for a number of days. Never had it. By the Shadow Gods, it stinks like a M'nor! What say you, Nuroabites? Should we expand our palates?"
Who accepts the strange brew?
A man appears soon who brings four strong men to the hostel...he haggles a bit with F'sal and the latter hands him a purse of coins.
He leaves the men and F'sal addresses the men, who have copper circlets about their necks.
F'SAL: "Your fate lies with us now. Your job will be to carry provision, no more than is reasonable, and we will hold your lives as dear as our own on this journey. You will eat and drink with us. Can any of you fight?"
One steps forward, a lithe panther of a man, bald and badly scarred.
"I can," he says.
"What is your name?" F'sal asks.
"Ha'vor."
"Where did you learn to fight?"
He holds himself erect. "I was a to be a soldier, and trained with the Red Legion.'
"And how did this circlet come to be upon your neck?" F'sal asks.
Ha'vor steels his eyes. "I fell to drink and gambling, and stole from my clan to pay my debts. I was cast out. I am nakome now."
F'sal nods. "I see. We will not speak of that again."
He turns to Bak Su'ul. "Arm him. We'll need every fighter we can get from here on out."
The party assembles and these men, as well as the rest of you, are laden with supplies for the journey.
Your first stop is to be an Ahoggya village a day's journey away.
You set out upon the road.
There are no Sakbe roads in Haida Pakalla but there is, for now, a well maintained stone road.
Passing various travelers you set out.
You have not gone more than three hours when you see three Shen approaching, their tails writhing.
Bak Suul looks up with interest.
As the Shen near, he and they look eachother up and down.
One of them nods at him, then lifts his leathery beak to snuff the air.
His black reptilian eyes suddenly bulge and he gives a hideous bellow. Every Shen present, including your warrior, flies into a rage with their long head combs suddenly tall and bristling-- to your shock the three Shen fall as one upon Bak Suul, who leans into to meet them with hisses and snarling curses!
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Post by makofan on Jun 12, 2024 6:10:59 GMT -6
Balesh will try the steaming drink, and pray that he will not regret it
As for the Shen and Bak Suul, he figures this is some ritual greeting, and observes
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Post by xerxez on Jun 12, 2024 22:14:22 GMT -6
It is quite evident that the three Shen have murderous intent...as does Bak Suul.
This is no ritual greeting, but a death match if the ferocity of the Shen are any indication.
Talons and tails are in full battle mode...
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flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
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"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 383
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Post by flightcommander on Jun 14, 2024 0:42:02 GMT -6
"Karunaz, I would gladly follow you to the Nine Hells! But I pause to drink this."
[Mi'kimu drinks a portion of the strange kri'ku beverage along with Karunaz and Balesh.]
Later, at the eruption of violence among the Shen, Mi'kimu is deeply dismayed! He is confused as to why these Shen would suddenly fight, and alarmed that his friend Bak Suul might be overwhelmed by the three opposing Shen. We need Bak Suul for the coming mission, and also, Mi'kimu would be dishonored if he did not help his friend in whatever conflict is happening.
Mi'kimu drops his spear and weighs into the fight bare-knuckled, although with the weird S'su dagger at his side.
But first, he hands the ruby eye to Wise Sister.
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Post by makofan on Jun 14, 2024 5:56:15 GMT -6
Balesh sighs at his impetuous friend, but realizes his great strength may be useful in a brawl. He follows Mi'kumu into unarmed combat
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Post by xerxez on Jun 16, 2024 17:58:20 GMT -6
The two Nuroabites dive into a whirlwind of iron like scales, flashing talons and hurling tail clubs.
The road travelers scatter and look on with mingled horror and excitement.
There is even an Imperial soldier present but strangely he makes no move to become involved with the battle. You are far enough from Gurulu that it would do him no good to fetch help.
There are murmured gasps as the two humans plunge into the fray!
"Careful now!" shouts Karunaz.."you don't...La! Foolhardy Southerners!"
Gas Belly also gives a bellow and leaps in...with the size, strength and natural armor of the Shen, an equal fight here is not all a numbers game.
Bak Suul takes a bash to his cranium with a whip of a tail, while another sinks its beak into his shoulder, drawing blood.
Mi'kimu and Balesh both jump in and each lands a blow upon their target, Balesh with a clasped double fist bash (Captain Kirk style) and Mi'kimu with a mighty blow to an eye socket.
Meanwhile Bak Suul succeeds in raking deep gouges in the neck of the Shen who bit him.
Round 1 (Involving only the Shen)
Enemy Shen gain initative; Two hit Bak Suul, one with a bite and one with tail club/mace appendage.
Damage to Bak Suul: 8 Points.
Bak Suul fails to score a hit.
Round 2
Enemy Shen again gain initiative: None hit.
Bak Suul: Hit with a 19. Does 6 damage to a Shen with his claws.
Balesh: Hit with 17. 4 points damage to a Shen.
Mi'kimu: Hit with 18. 6 points damage to a Shen.
Gas Belly: Miss.
Before I proceed, do you wish to divide attacks or focus upon one Shen? Also, do you wish to attempt kills or subdue? Bak suul is hellbent for leather and not trying to do subdue damage.
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Post by xerxez on Jun 16, 2024 18:28:21 GMT -6
The Nuroabites,and their companions, feel an exceptional clarity and vigor. It must be the kri'ku drink...they will receive a +1 bonus to hit and damage in this fight. There may be other benefits.
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flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
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"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 383
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Post by flightcommander on Jun 16, 2024 20:55:10 GMT -6
Mi'kimu doesn't understand the reason for this sudden outburst of violence — perhaps some clan rivalry? But he dropped his spear for a reason, he's trying to subdue, or even better convince these other Shen to fall back, at least for a momentary pause where some parley might be involved.
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Post by makofan on Jun 17, 2024 6:05:40 GMT -6
Balesh is also going for subdual
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Post by xerxez on Jun 18, 2024 1:22:37 GMT -6
I will resolve this battle tomorrow as I only work a couple of hours, and maybe even get a sketch in! Sorry to drag it out, I've just been so tired. More veggies and exercise is the remedy I think. Been subsisting on corndogs and kangaroo burgers from the gas station near my work. But I'm highly interested in our tale and might even be adding a new player. I'm sorry we seem to have lost a couple but I do understand. I like the story and how you guys shape it. At some point in the near future I'm going to get a new PC set up and try to do some live gaming on Discord or some such. But I really enjoy your posts and your characters.
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Post by makofan on Jun 18, 2024 6:09:59 GMT -6
Dear xerxezI run a board where I haven't updated the games in a month, so don't get too stressed. My problem right now is similar to yours, being very tired, and also dealing with the death of my father. But (most) of my players are waiting for me. I don't mind a slower pace
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Post by xerxez on Jun 18, 2024 14:13:42 GMT -6
Dear xerxezI run a board where I haven't updated the games in a month, so don't get too stressed. My problem right now is similar to yours, being very tired, and also dealing with the death of my father. But (most) of my players are waiting for me. I don't mind a slower pace Thank you and I wish you all the best.
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Post by xerxez on Jun 18, 2024 18:33:35 GMT -6
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Post by xerxez on Jun 18, 2024 20:18:23 GMT -6
I could continue dicing this battle but it will end the same no matter what and not amount to any appreciable difference in the end...because Mistress Amiyala has enough!
The battle continues under great exertion and much blood flying...suddenly a ruby red light bathes all the combatants.
Two of the Shen freeze in place mid strike...as does Mi'kimu!
Gas Belly and Balesh, as well as Bak suul and one enemy Shen, are unaffected by the ruby glow...(having made saving throws)
However, a second blast is sent forth, and this time every one but Balesh is left frozen.
It was well that Mi'kimu handed off the Eye to the Lady, for she has used it to end the conflict.
The Imperial soldier rushes over.
He manages to commandeer a few farmers with a lumbering Chlen beast and cart and commands all present to assist in putting the strange Shen into the cart like so much dead weight, leaving Bak Suul poised in the road in battle stance.
At his direction the farmers head back towards Gorulu with the Shen.
He doffs his plumed helm, and nods at Mistress.
"Very fortunate, Lady, that you have the Eye. They would have killed each other in the end."
At Balesh's puzzled glance (as he shakes off the furor of battle) he explains.
"In Shenyu," he says, "There are established egg lineages going back to that nation's primordial beginning. Some are friendly to eachother, some neutral, but some are absolutely hostile. Egg lineage is detectable to Shen by scent and if Shen of opposed egg groupings meet, they become beserk.
This is widely known, and when Shen mercenaries are employed in the Empire, strict records are maintained and only neutral or friendly Shen are deployed within a unit...opposing Shen are carefully kept separate.
In Shenyu, in the councils of their ruling powers, neutral intermediaries are used to convey news and official business whilst enemy Shen are kept apart in every way...their villages and halls are carefully segregated to avoid conflict that would overthrow all order.
It's also why Shen who travel abroad take time and distance from their own kind and do not easily mingle..if there is any confusion of scent, they will stay far apart before the bloodlust can take them. It would seem this custom failed today.
These Shen were wholly controlled by ancient blood lust to attack your friend who is obviously of a hostile egg grouping.
We will take them back to Gorulu and I would ask that you come as well, Mistress, to release them from their frozen state. Then you can return and do the same for your friend..I would advise everyone is at safe distance when you do. I will ensure that our men take similar caution when these are released."
He looks at Balesh and Mi'kimu.
"These two," he says, "are touched by the gods, as we like to say back in Butrus."
After he leaves with the farmers and their cart, Amiyala turns and uses the Eye once more on Mi'kimu.
The warrior swings at empty air and then spins around, looking wholly confused.
Amiyala grins at him.
"Cha! Do you think yourself to be Karakan himself? You and Balesh will end up battered to pieces if you keep brawling with Shen! Its a habit now, it seems."
Gas Belly is also relased with Mi'kimu and falls over in the road, fighting with empty air until he realizes something is amiss.
She turns and walks along behind the cart.
Your journey will be delayed as you wait for her return. Meanwhile, the almost comic figure of your Shen companion poised in mid claw strike stands still in the road, halted by the magic of the Ancients.
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flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
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"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 383
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Post by flightcommander on Jun 19, 2024 15:34:20 GMT -6
Mi'kímu picks up his spear and helps Gas Belly to his feet.
He turns to give Bálesh an apologetic look that says, "Yeah, I know — you don't have to say it out loud."
Then he watches as Wise Sister and the cart of frozen hostile Shen recede into the distance. With a sigh he takes a seat in the middle of the road at a safe distance from Bak Suul, to discourage any travelers from disrespecting the Shen while he is rendered immobile. He invites Fi'ru over to sit with him while they wait, and Gas Belly, and begins to recount the Parable of the Pelican and the Fish to while away the time. Bálesh too, as he already knows it by heart, and sometimes a tale is better told by two tellers.
[Unfortunately the exact nature of this parable is lost to us; suffice to say, it is an episode in a larger epic, but has some metaphorical bearing on the conflict just witnessed.]
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Post by dtspurrier1 on Jun 19, 2024 16:41:09 GMT -6
mohammad attacks one of these creatures
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flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
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"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 383
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Post by flightcommander on Jun 19, 2024 21:02:59 GMT -6
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Post by xerxez on Jun 21, 2024 20:41:57 GMT -6
BY the time Amilyala and Doshi return, its near night fall. She relates the tale of watching the Shen released in the small Hiri'lakte Pit in Gorlulu...they were fiercely combative at first but quickly simmered down and even seemed to harbor regrets. "I lament the loss of charges in this device of the Ancients," she says, "But someone would have died needlessly. You Nuroabites are in possession of courage worthy of any Tsolyanu general upon the field...but do try to think things through...I would be most forlorn to see you in pieces." When Bak Suul is released he starts with battle vigor and finding no target subsides into pants and grunts. He is of a strange mood... If one could read shame in a Shen they might find something of it in his aspect. "I thank my jungle cats for coming to my aid...and you, Ahoggya. Strange you would help me given the enmity our races sometimes do not release. If ever you come to Shenyu no harm will ever befall you, on my life, but honor and accolades." A Tina'liya, one of the four legged 'Gnomes" approaches Mi'kimu and Balesh. "Most enlightening," he says. "Your tale of the Pelican and the Fish. I have memorized it. I will set it forth in a scroll which I shall set in a library. And I shall attribute it to you, if you give me your names." After this the party camps for the night in one of the reed halls common to the roadsides here for housing travelers, constructed of mud and plants. It is an impressive structure, and quite comfortable. ![](https://www.papercitymag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/DSC00090-1024x683.jpg) Next morning, you set out again and after some march you are led by Gas Belly and his Companions down a side road. The path grows boggy and marshy and you are glad fro your insect repellent. The bugs here are a pestilent swarm... In time, you top a hill and see below you a small village of mud daubed reed huts on stilts above the swamp. There is a central area hemmed in with logs that looks like some central communal retreat. It is fenced in with wicked looking sharpened stakes. Gas Belly informs you the stakes are coated with poisons and venoms and to never approach them.... You see Ahoggya milling about, some rolling in the mud, perhaps to cool off... others at work. The gate is open and as you enter, several of the creatures quit their work. Immediately Gas belly is recognized and a chorus of hoots and grunts go up as several Ahoggya embrace him. Others look at you warily. One walks up and begins to sniff at each of you... "Why are Men and Shen and Ren'yu come here? Speak up, Two-Leggers!"
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flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
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"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 383
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Post by flightcommander on Jun 21, 2024 22:31:07 GMT -6
"Wise Sister will guard the Eye now, and I shall guard my ways. But ... prepare to be disappointed, la! For I cannot forsake a friend in need."
Mi'kímu turns to Tina'liya [OOC — do I have the creature's name right?] and says, "This parable has no author; I have learned it from my grandfather, and he from his grandmother, and she from her grandfather, and he from his grandmother, and so on until the seeds of time. So you may attribute this tale to the people of Nuorab, and I thank you for writing it down, for I myself have no letters."
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Post by xerxez on Jun 22, 2024 14:44:37 GMT -6
"Wise Sister will guard the Eye now, and I shall guard my ways. But ... prepare to be disappointed, la! For I cannot forsake a friend in need." Mi'kímu turns to Tina'liya [OOC — do I have the creature's name right?] and says, "This parable has no author; I have learned it from my grandfather, and he from his grandmother, and she from her grandfather, and he from his grandmother, and so on until the seeds of time. So you may attribute this tale to the people of Nuorab, and I thank you for writing it down, for I myself have no letters." Tin'alya "Goodly sir, I am a scribe deployed by Imperial Writ to travel the far flung reaches of the Emperor's domain. I am a librarian and archivist in the Great Hall of Books in the Imperial City, Bey Su. I shall indeed transcribe your tale, and attribute it Nuroab. I do not know that any tale of that place has yet been added to the Hall. Personally, I loved the parable. Blessings upon your wanderings."
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flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
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"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 383
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Post by flightcommander on Jun 22, 2024 21:29:05 GMT -6
[OOC — just realized Tina'liya is a race, not an individual's name. I don't believe Mi'kímu has ever seen such a creature.]
Mi'kímu is about to address the Ahoggya confronting them and perhaps commit an impropriety, but, mindful of what he's just promised Amiyala, stifles himself. He looks to F'Sal to reply to the Ahoggya's query.
[Also OOC — very cool picture of the reed hall — we're glamping!]
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Post by xerxez on Jun 22, 2024 22:13:06 GMT -6
[OOC — just realized Tina'liya is a race, not an individual's name. I don't believe Mi'kímu has ever seen such a creature.] Mi'kímu is about to address the Ahoggya confronting them and perhaps commit an impropriety, but, mindful of what he's just promised Amiyala, stifles himself. He looks to F'Sal to reply to the Ahoggya's query. [Also OOC — very cool picture of the reed hall — we're glamping!] Mi'kimu likely saw one or two back in Jakalla. They are very short oddly segmented creatures with a strange thin nasal voice. Here is a pic of one by Jeff Dee.![](https://i.pinimg.com/736x/b8/07/d7/b807d7a0fef68f4a5e222b1977e355e3.jpg) F'sal makes calming hand motions and bows, calling for Gas Belly. The warrior lumbers over and at F'sal's urging begins to speak in the weird native "speech' of these creatures, which is more a collection of weird sounds than words. The villager listens intently, glancing over at you all intermittently. Meanwhile F'sal instructs a porter to open a bag of provisions and rummaging through it the merchants finds a a well crafted small drum and drum tong and when Gas Belly and the villager cease their conference, F'sal bows again and proffers the drum to the villager. It takes the drum and tries it out, showing obvious pleasure at the resonant sound which comes from inside of it. A ghastly grin shows gratitude and a few of the others gather around you all. You gather you have been greeted with a degree of welcoming. Gas Belly turns and points at an outlying round hut standing some ten feet above the ground on stout poles with a latter beneath it. "You sleep there tonite...tomorrow talk with others. But when moons come out tonite, you all guests at Ahoggya dance! Good food you will eat, not city swill. Boiled ku'ruku beasts and slug-worms! Nothing better for strong fighters. Me sleep in hut of old mate who lives here. Safe here for night- tomorrow more dangerous. Tonite, enjoy guest-wlecome!"
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Post by xerxez on Jun 22, 2024 22:15:28 GMT -6
Should be having another player join us. He has to register with the forum first and I will help him with a character ASAP.
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