capheind
Level 5 Thaumaturgist
Posts: 236
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Post by capheind on Aug 21, 2011 22:36:35 GMT -6
In times long past the gardeners were caretakers of the land, and servants of the great god Warden. The god Warden saw to it that they were safe, and the land was fertile, and they ensured that the gods people were well fed. All was stable until the day the earth shook, and the god was taken from his people.
Warden was taken from them, and their homes were made unsafe, and the many tribes (the Gardeners, the Farmers, the Engineers, and the Headsmen of the planes) took shelter in the safe havens as the lands that surrounded them became ever more infested with beasts and botanical nightmares that boggle the mind.
Not long ago, in their grandfathers generation, the Great Weeder discovered new gods in the temple of light and music, and the Gardeners took to the lands surrounding the temple as a new Eden, never venturing too far from the great thorn barrier that surrounds this new Eden (named by the new gods Sekton Forgee), or entering the depths of hell, where the metal Satan dwells.
The only time a gardener braves the dangers of the wild is to enter the great chaparral in search of the Medlar bush which grows hidden within it. Gathering the Fruit of the Medlar, and enjoying the fermented Cider made from it, is a coming of age ceremony for the Gardeners, and a test of loyalty for those cursed mutations who seek shelter within the boarders of the Thorn barrier.
The young humans, and the mutations gathered by the Weeders Acolytes who seek refuge, have been called to the Temple of Light and Music.
The Great Weeder Speaks, his many peculiar ornamental necklaces and bracelets jumbling about his Pancho with every movement of his body: "The Thorn Barrier grows infested with fragrant blooms which marks the ripening of the Medlar." He coughs, shuffles under his garment for a moment, producing a small cartridge. After ritually blowing across the contacts on the cartridge he inserts it into a small slot on the wall, and the sacred music of the great temple begins to play softly "...Purple haze, all in my eyes..."
Satisfied that the spirits are also satisfied he continues "You must prove your vitality and strength before you may take your place as Master Gardeners, should you fail you will never take your place as a peer in this community, should you succeed.." He tugs his thick beard for a moment "You will know the wisdom of the medlar! Go now, and do what you will."
You are led to the barrier, its branches resplendent both in fragrant pink blossoms, and bright red thorns. The Pure strain humans are met by their families, and after many farewell's you are all led beyond the barrier.
The community is spread over four or five miles in each direction, surrounded by the barrier, beyond the barrier is a fairly ominous looking forest with a path leading through it to the north, beyond which, you've been told, lies the great chaparral. South of the village there is a grassland, populated by unspeakable abominations who hunt men for sport, and the Herdsmen. It is mid-day, and while there is no limit on how long this task may take, there are limits on how long the Great Weeder is willing to happily wait for his own stipend of Cider!
My next big post will be on Thursday, that doesn't mean I won't necessarily post in the interim, but that is the point when I'll resolve all actions and post what happens next. This is my first time running a PBP so I'll sort out a rhythm as I go.
If you haven't posted characters to the Character creation thread yet don't post here until you do.
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rleduc
Level 3 Conjurer
Posts: 75
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Post by rleduc on Aug 22, 2011 0:43:54 GMT -6
The mutation Meat looks around at the other seekers, pure humans and mutants like himself. During the proceedings, he tries to draw up his rotund form in a more stately bearing, although the effect is diminished by the exposure of more of his corpulent waistline through the rags of his rent and clothing. This will be his one chance at acceptance - his survival depends on it. His mind wanders as he waits to pass through the Thorns towards the path through the wood. He wonders what the pure strains see as purple, and what a purple haze might look like....
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Baron
Level 4 Theurgist
Invincible Overlord
Posts: 115
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Post by Baron on Aug 22, 2011 9:52:00 GMT -6
Roger stands apart from the human tribe, his dark reddish eyes downcast. He knows he is an outsider, and in the short time he's been here he's never felt it as much as now. The human youths, surrounded by their clans, were noble and proud. He on the other hand, was short, furry, a detested abomination. His secondary arms move aimlessly, and he shuffles his feet.
But there was safety and strength here. Anyone with half a brain could see that the humans had the power. If you wanted the greatest safety and the greatest opportunity in life, this was the clan to belong to. And since his own clan had been slaughtered, he had been lucky to come across this one.
Roger is determined to prove himself a valued member of this clan. And that means, being part of this group, and assisting them in their mission. He steps up as the youths assemble at the gate, as close as he dares, not being too presumptious.
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Post by thorswulf on Aug 22, 2011 17:23:06 GMT -6
Poke looked at the thorns thoughtfully. " A lot like me", he mumbled to himself. Maybe by getting these medlar fruit the gardeners will accept me like the barrier that protects them. The furry one called Roger must know how I feel, and Meat looks like he could use some thorns to protect him....
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Baron
Level 4 Theurgist
Invincible Overlord
Posts: 115
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Post by Baron on Aug 22, 2011 17:32:48 GMT -6
Roger sidles a bit closer to the other mutants. He quietly examines the thorn walls and wonders how long it will take to find the fruit. He nods slightly to Meat and Poke. Maybe they can look out for each other. But Roger decides that if he can, he's going to try and make a human look good. That way, the human will like him. Maybe as the human is embraced by the clan, Roger will be able to tag along and be tolerated.
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Post by badger2305 on Aug 23, 2011 16:56:26 GMT -6
Octavia looks around at the others gathered nearby. While her clan and siblings might doubt her abilities, she was determined to succeed. Fairly short and slight of build, she knew that her ability to climb could be helpful in the trials to come.
Taking a step towards the forest path, she looks around at her new companions. She nods to Meat, Roger and Poke, giving them an expectant look. "Ready?"
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Post by thorswulf on Aug 23, 2011 17:42:39 GMT -6
"Ready as I'll ever be." Poke looks at the thorns and runs his hands through his spiky black hair. "How about the rest of you?"
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rleduc
Level 3 Conjurer
Posts: 75
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Post by rleduc on Aug 23, 2011 18:16:53 GMT -6
"Aye. The fruit is ripe and waiting." says Meat.
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Baron
Level 4 Theurgist
Invincible Overlord
Posts: 115
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Post by Baron on Aug 23, 2011 19:21:01 GMT -6
"I am ready," says Roger, self-consciously pronouncing his words. "Let us perform our mission!"
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capheind
Level 5 Thaumaturgist
Posts: 236
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Post by capheind on Aug 25, 2011 16:48:49 GMT -6
As you enter the forest you find all manner of odd and improbable design being employed by the local plant life in their aggressive pursuit of light and growing space, occasionally passing ancient markers in a language nobody currently understands, and marking plants that likely no longer exist.
About half a days march you come upon a crossing in the road. The road runs from the south to north-north-east, and the crossing path comes from the north west and then heads directly east after the intersection, you hear some rustling, and muted but high pitched noises to the east, possibly the song of birds, although clearly birds unfamiliar to you.
To the west the path winds up a hillside, the Coniferous tree's reaching (and in some cases ramming into) the sky. Which way will you go?
Sorry about that, misspelled coniferous and it auto corrected to Carnivorous, which while awesome is also incorrect. also I already said the chaparral is to the north, not sure why I left that hanging comment.
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Post by thorswulf on Aug 25, 2011 17:09:50 GMT -6
Poke concentrates and sees if he can pick up any intelligent thoughts with his telepathy, besides his companions.
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capheind
Level 5 Thaumaturgist
Posts: 236
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Post by capheind on Aug 25, 2011 18:15:06 GMT -6
Your mind fills with the images of a far away tribe, having just built their first ziggarat, placing their god, a promotional poster for Wrath of Khan, at its peak. But nothing from the immediate area. Whatever is making that noise is either incapable of traditional thought, or not engaging in any.
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Post by badger2305 on Aug 25, 2011 19:48:47 GMT -6
The Chaparral is said to lie ...said to lie... (which direction?)
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Baron
Level 4 Theurgist
Invincible Overlord
Posts: 115
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Post by Baron on Aug 25, 2011 22:43:41 GMT -6
"Hmm," says Roger quietly. "I wonder if we should investigate that noise and rustling? Or do you suppose we should just continue towards the chapparal, where the fruit should be?"
He snuffles noticeably, apparently sniffing for a clue as to what is making the noises.
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rleduc
Level 3 Conjurer
Posts: 75
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Post by rleduc on Aug 26, 2011 10:24:47 GMT -6
"We have a fork of two northish roads. If rustling is to the east, I suggest we take the northwest road, watching the rear," adds Meat. "If the rustling is a predator, it may leave us alone in search of easier game. We are here for the fruit."
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Post by badger2305 on Aug 26, 2011 12:49:07 GMT -6
"I agree," says Octavia. "The medlar lies ahead, but we should be watchful of danger."
She looks around to see if there are any signs of animal spoor, crouching down and using a spear shaft for support.
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capheind
Level 5 Thaumaturgist
Posts: 236
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Post by capheind on Aug 27, 2011 16:31:50 GMT -6
As you ascend the beeps to the east intensify briefly, then stop suddenly followed with some multicolored lights. Continuing your assent you hear the periodic rustlings of small creatures in the woods. you path ends in a small clearing, to the left lies a large clearing, to its north is a cylinder with a door pointing towards the clearing, the clearing itself is scattered with long tables, each flanked by long benches running their length. There are about four rows of five such tables. A large board with some sort of map stands near the path, but none of the paths indicated seem to still exist. Still the forest isn't that dense surrounding the clearing. Will you explore? rest? Hunt? Double back? or brave the forests? or something more interesting?
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rleduc
Level 3 Conjurer
Posts: 75
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Post by rleduc on Aug 27, 2011 20:20:16 GMT -6
[OOC. Depending on the time of day, the large clearing may be a good place to spend the night. The tables might usefully be used to make a barricade at the perimeter of camp, and a clearing should provide warning of anything coming.]
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Post by thorswulf on Aug 27, 2011 21:55:57 GMT -6
"Well, I didn't pick up any hostile thoughts near here, we might be safe enough. I wonder what all these tables are for?" Poke looks thoughtfully at the tables and looks back down the trail to see if they are being followed.
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Baron
Level 4 Theurgist
Invincible Overlord
Posts: 115
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Post by Baron on Aug 28, 2011 21:34:07 GMT -6
"Perhaps they are for eating the medlar fruit? Maybe we should explore the surrounding area, keeping the tables as the center of our search area? What do you think?" asks Roger, his voice rumbling slightly.
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Post by badger2305 on Aug 28, 2011 21:36:03 GMT -6
"This is interesting - but it is not the Medlar. That's what we're supposed to seek. Let us leave here and go back to the trail to the North-Northeast." Octavia scans the surrounding area, with her spear at the ready, and then looks towards the strange door with unease.
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Baron
Level 4 Theurgist
Invincible Overlord
Posts: 115
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Post by Baron on Aug 28, 2011 21:40:56 GMT -6
"Very well, Octavia," replies Roger, his furry arms twitching feebly. "You are wise not to let us be distracted. I am convinced." And he bows his flat head with its bandit mask.
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Post by thorswulf on Aug 28, 2011 22:00:07 GMT -6
"Suits me fine." Poke looks round the clearing one more time to see if he notices anything.
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rleduc
Level 3 Conjurer
Posts: 75
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Post by rleduc on Aug 28, 2011 22:23:30 GMT -6
"Aye," adds Meat. "This may be a handy campsite or a place to meet if we are separated." He keeps his eye out for a sturdy tree branch that could be used effectively as a weapon.
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Baron
Level 4 Theurgist
Invincible Overlord
Posts: 115
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Post by Baron on Aug 28, 2011 22:32:37 GMT -6
As they resume their march, Roger sidles along with Octavia. Lowering his voice slightly, he looks up at her with his odd, dark red eyes. "It occurs to me, Mistress, that these strange occurences we've seen along our journey might be of some use to an ambitious member of the tribe."
He scrunches up his nose slightly, whiskers flexing, then continues in his sonorous voice. "One who brings back treasures and magic could rise quickly to high rank. It might be worth considering, at some point, some further exploration. Hmm?"
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Post by badger2305 on Aug 29, 2011 23:41:01 GMT -6
Octavia nods to Roger. "That is certainly the case. We should come back and see what can be retrieved for our tribe."
Octavia walks away from the tables and listens carefully - do the beeping sounds continue?
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rleduc
Level 3 Conjurer
Posts: 75
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Post by rleduc on Aug 31, 2011 12:57:11 GMT -6
OoC: I'm confused about the distance from the intersection to the small clearing and how much time has elapsed. I recall it being a half day from the Thorn barrier to the intersection. I don't know if it is reasonable to cut through the woods to go from the clearing to the north east path (north north east?) or if the distance means we'd clearly go back to the intersection first.
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Post by badger2305 on Aug 31, 2011 22:38:33 GMT -6
OoC: I'm confused about the distance from the intersection to the small clearing and how much time has elapsed. I recall it being a half day from the Thorn barrier to the intersection. I don't know if it is reasonable to cut through the woods to go from the clearing to the north east path (north north east?) or if the distance means we'd clearly go back to the intersection first. OOC: I think Rob's got a good question here.
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capheind
Level 5 Thaumaturgist
Posts: 236
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Post by capheind on Sept 1, 2011 23:13:17 GMT -6
OOC: Sorry I could have been clearer.
You've been traveling only about 7 miles total, the walk to the clearing was a short walk from the main path, you guesstimate that the day is about 2/3's through, although its hard to tell in the never dimming light of day. The gods of day and night have an uneasy truce, and neither seems willing to share a single hour for dawn or dusk.
The path to the south that you traveled from the village winds slightly to the west at first then to the east, not dramatically though. At the intersection it continued north north-east, while the path from the clearing to the odd sounds runs from the north west, crosses your original path and then heads east.
Exploring the clearing shows clear signs of previous inhabitants, as well as some skeletal remains here and there, scattered about, mutant and pure strain. The remains do seem dated though...
It could be a defensible place to stay the night if your of a mind to make camp, otherwise you can continue on, though based on the tales of the village the Medlar tree is about a two day walk.
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rleduc
Level 3 Conjurer
Posts: 75
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Post by rleduc on Sept 2, 2011 10:56:13 GMT -6
Meat says, "It is yet early, and we can still make progress. I am for cutting through these woods to the east to arrive at the right fork of the road heading north north east. If there were a predator at the intersection, we may avoid it this way. And yet the wood is not dense; we should be able to pass through quickly."
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