Gair seems to be fighting another bout of nausea as they enter the pitching hold. Not trusting himself to speak, he watches while Vallen takes the lead, eying both parties suspiciously. He grinds his teeth as Sorala and Fergus argue, sick of the endless lying he has endured this day...
The Captain nods to Vallen's suggestion.
"Aye," he says, absentmindedly throwing an arm to catch Sorala, who stumbles as the ship lurches. "That'll work. You understand it isn't that I want to set the bastard free...."
"Captain!" Fergus protests, but is silenced by a hard look, and a deafening crash of thunder.
"Looks like you'll all have to wait out the storm on board," Kynack says. "I'm not risking anyone on that raft in this blow."
The storm hits. The ship rolls, wind rages and thunder pounds the skies. On deck, the rain and dark practically blinds you. Sorala and Hassan both look a bit the worse for wear, but they endure it. The captain is busy securing the ship, and the crew with him.
Day 4 Gozran 5
Condition
HP= 14/14
Status= Normal
XP- 166/2000
Prepared spells
0th - create water, light, detect magic
1st - magic stone(1), remove sickness (0), deadeye's lore (0)
Special Abilities
Acid Dart(6/6)
Artificer’s Touch (6/6)
Channel Positive Energy (3/3)
Consumables
Ammunition: 19 crossbow bolts
Trail rations: 10
Vallen feels terrible for making Hassan come along now, noticing he's a bit green in face. He makes sure to apologize, and tells him his presence in appreciated- the more witnesses the better.
Strangely, the dwarf gets the best sleep he's had in days. Did his body secretly miss the ship a night?
Once the storm has blown itself out, Gair asks the captain to return him to shore, unwilling to spend the night aboard the ship if he doesn't have to.
He checks in with Bern, and the foragers to take stock of the day's efforts. Taking a couple with them to help him retrieve Garrak's body for the rites the following night.
In the morning, he returns to the beach at dawn to be brought back aboard to assist Vallen.
The sun comes up clear and bright, and Gair is brought over at dawn as the sailors begin their day's labors. The mood at Newspring is predictably nasty, as the storm has everyone even more tense than before, and tempers are frayed. Scuffles have broken out, and with Hassan on the ship, the agreed-on authority is absent.
Fortunately, Edmund Thayer has taken the burden upon himself, breaking up fights and mediating where necessary. In the morning, he requests Hassan be returned to his duties as soon as possible.
Kynack is in a surprisingly good mood, the ship having weathered the storm without taking any significant harm, and he brings the four of you (Sorala and Hassan having remained aboard the ship) down to the hold to solve things at last.
Day 5 Gozran 6
Condition/Stats
XP- 166/2000
HP= 14/14
Status= Normal
Prepared spells
0th - create water, light, detect magic
1st - magic stone(1), touch of truth-telling (1), touch of truth-telling (1)
Special Abilities
Acid Dart(6/6)
Artificer’s Touch (6/6)
Channel Positive Energy (3/3)
Consumables
Ammunition: 19 crossbow bolts
Trail rations: 10
As Vallen wakes, he sighs, running his hand over his face. Part of me didn't expect to wake up this morning...
A little miffed he doesn't have his grooming paraphernalia or mirror, he does his best to look clean and presentable before his morning prayers to Torag. Hanging his holy symbol on the ladder of the bunk, the dwarf sits and meditates in silent prayer. Father of the forge and hearth, let me be your instrument of justice today and expose the one responsible for the murders that threaten our community.
He goes to the hold with Kynack, Sorala, Hassan, and Gair, slightly amused by Kynack's good mood. He moves to stand in front of Fergus, hands on his hips. "Fergus. This is your moment to redeem or condemn yourself. I will be casting a spell that will only allow you to speak the truth. You will physically not be able to speak any lies. Therefore.. if you choose not to speak, we will know you have been lying. If you choose to resist... personally, I will take that as a sign you've been lying about everything as well. Prepare to be judged by the eyes of Torag."
Grasping his holy symbol, he touches Fergus's leg, muttering the divine words and letting the holy energy course through him to the sailor.
"Then you'll know I speak the truth when I say I'll piss in your ear, won't you, dwarf?" Fergus snarls, struggling. As Vallen touches him, though, an arm shoots out. Fergus's empty skin and shirt remain in the bindings, and the arm that swipes at Vallen's face appears like the flesh of a skinned man. The rest of the creature pulls loose from Fergus's skin.
Init:
As it rises, the thing sheds the skin completely, and what stands before you resembles a man with no skin, and sharp claws that it slashes at Vallen with.
Gair and Vallen, you're up.
Gair has been ready for the creature to show itself from the moment he entered the hold but the speed of the freakish creature still takes him by surprise as it rips viciously into Vallen.
He roars at the skinless fey, twisting the large axe from his back and sweeping it down in a high arc.
Day 5 Gozran 6
Condition/Stats
XP- 166/2000
HP= 9/14
Status= Normal
Prepared spells
0th - create water, light, detect magic
1st - magic stone(1), touch of truth-telling (0), touch of truth-telling (0)
Special Abilities
Acid Dart(6/6)
Artificer’s Touch (6/6)
Channel Positive Energy (3/3)
Consumables
Ammunition: 19 crossbow bolts
Trail rations: 10
Vallen started to bow his head in prayer as the creature swipes its arm at him, feeling the air rush by his head. Stumbling backwards and off balance, he is caught completely off guard as sharp claws rip through his apron, robes, and leather jerkin to draw a deep gash across his ribs. Crying out in pain as blood spurts from the wound, he is momentarily stunned at the turn of events- he never expected to get hurt.
As Gair rushes the skinstealer, the dwarf wheezes and clutches his chest, revolted at the disgusting blood that covers his hands, doubly horrified that it's his own. He desperately backpeddles from the creature and gasps out a prayer to Torag to save him, grasping his holy symbol with a bloodied hand and touching his chest with the other.
Hassan draws his scimitar and steps up beside Gair. Kynack comes on the ranger's other side, they both attack and miss. The creature hisses and lashes out with his claws, slashing Gair for 3 points of damage.
Gair and Vallen: you're up.
Day 5 Gozran 6
Condition/Stats
XP- 166/2000
HP= 9/14
Status= Normal
Prepared spells
0th - create water, light, detect magic
1st - magic stone(1), touch of truth-telling (0), touch of truth-telling (0)
Special Abilities
Acid Dart(5/6)
Artificer’s Touch (6/6)
Channel Positive Energy (3/3)
Consumables
Ammunition: 19 crossbow bolts
Trail rations: 10
The dwarf shudders as the gaping wound in his chest partly closes, the stream of blood stopping for the moment. He breathes quickly, eyes darting to Hassan and Kynack as they attempt to attack the creature. Gritting his teeth, he lets go of his holy symbol, struggling to slide his shield onto his arm.
He stretches out his free hand, palm open. Imagining its head exploding like the ants, a bolt of acidic holy wrath shoots from hand towards the fey.
Gair shrugs off the creature's attack with little notice, crying, "For Garrak!"
He steps around the creature to end up beside Kynack, allowing Hassan to move for a flank on his turn and sweeps his axe at the few with abandon.
Hassan moves almost at the same time as Gair, gaining flanking and slashing at the creature, drawing blood. Kynack brings his cutlass to bear but the creatures slips out of his way as it rakes Hassan's shoulder.
Gair follows at the creature's heels, rejoining Hassan's side and bringing the greataxe down with a roar.
He shouts to Kynack, "Pen it in!"
The creatures snarls viciously at Gair, but when the greataxe splits its head open, it stops. It falls to the ground at his feet, twitching.
Gair stands over the defeated fey for a moment, breathing heavily. Moving for a better position, he sweeps his greataxe around, severing the skin-stealer's head from it's body, "And so our friend is avenged..."
His gaze shifts to Hassan and Vallen, "Are you alright?"
Ben is steering one of the boats while two of the sailors from the Harpy pull on the oars. He squints at the morning sun. I wonder whats happening back at the camp. he says to himself.
Day 5 Gozran 6
Condition
HP= 13/14
Status= Normal
XP- 166/2000
Prepared spells
0th - create water, light, detect magic
1st - magic stone(1), touch of truth-telling (0), touch of truth-telling (0)
Special Abilities
Acid Dart(5/6)
Artificer’s Touch (6/6)
Channel Positive Energy (2/3)
Consumables
Ammunition: 19 crossbow bolts
Trail rations: 10
Vallen had just finished fumbling his warhammer off of his belt as Gair splits the creature's head open like a piece of firewood. Dumbfounded at his strength, he simply stands there for a momentarily when Gair asks if he's okay.
As the action stops his chest begins to sting sharply, causing the dwarf to draw breath and clutch the wound. "Ah.. blood and ashes... Aye, I'm fine Gair, I'm fine. That was incredible, you split it's skull open!"
He walks over to the decapitated creature, avoiding the blood pooling on the floor. Clutching his holy symbol, he closes his eyes and raises it high in the air, winching. A burst of positive energy fills the hull.
He sighs in relief as the pain mostly fades, giving his head a stiff shake. "That piece of goblin s~%+ got blood on my beard..." He mutters, growling at the blood on his clothes and hands. While speaking, he summons water to clean off his hands at least. "Well. That was unexpected. Garrak's spirit can rest in peace now. Sorry you lost a sailor, Captain. Glad all of you were here though, that thing nearly killed me."
Gair shudders slightly as the wound in his shoulder knits together, and regards Vallen, "My thanks. Foul thing only seemed to have one good strike in him. I'm sorry it was you who suffered the brunt of it."
He rips a sleeve off of Fergus' shirt, still caught in the manacles and uses it to wipe the blood from his arm and axe. Slinging the weapon again he picks up the skin stealer's head from the planks, "This should prove the threat is past to any who doubt us. Toss the body in the bay. We should return to the camp and let the people know."
He looks at the captain and Hassan, "Vallen is right, I'm glad to have had you at my side. I'm too am sorry for your loss but we should be glad we found the creature now. There's no telling how many it would have claimed on your return journey."
Once everyone is ready, Gair makes his way back on deck and after the captain has informed his crew, takes the raft back to camp with the others.
Day 5 Gozran 6
Condition
HP= 13/14
Status= Normal
XP- 166/2000
Prepared spells
0th - create water, light, detect magic
1st - magic stone(1), touch of truth-telling (0), touch of truth-telling (0)
Special Abilities
Acid Dart(5/6)
Artificer’s Touch (6/6)
Channel Positive Energy (2/3)
Consumables
Ammunition: 19 crossbow bolts
Trail rations: 10
Vallen nods his head, finishing cleaning the blood off of his hands. He sighs at the damaged his robes suffered, but it's nothing some of his magic couldn't fix. He raises a brow as Gair picks up the head to take with him, but understands the need and doesn't make a comment.
As they prepare to make their way back to camp, Vallen stares across the bay for a moment, contemplating. "Why did Fergus... uh.. if there ever was a Fergus, I guess. Why did the fey kill Dremon? Garrak makes sense, but.. Captain, did Fergus... uh.. the fey, and Dremon ever have any bad blood between them? When we mentioned Dremon's death, he said "No one would have known about it, meaning him going to shore, if Dremon hadn't gotten killed." Almost as if he didn't do it..." The dwarf is puzzled and disturbed by this.
Gair shrugs, "Everything else he'd said about that night was a lie, more likely than not he was simply trying to make a convincing story of it.", despite his dismissal, he is clearly still troubled by the skin stealer's words as looks out over the bay.
Newspring:
The captain frowns in thought for a while and then shrugs his shoulders. "The thing's whole existence is based on deception and trickery. When it said those things, it was still trying to throw blame on someone else," he says at last. "I can't say why it chose Dremon to kill, except that maybe it wants to sow confusion."
"Or maybe to make the Fergus disguise more necessary?" Hassan added. "Imagine if such a creature had made it back to Absalom."
He and Sorala cross back to shore with you, and when you return to Newspring, you find that the morning's work has gotten underway without you.
Once he gets back, Kal'Tos will help the people he brought with him get established. Then he check on his brother, followed by Vallen.
Gair frowns at Hassan's comment, "Such creatures are not unknown to our side of the ocean. There are tales of similar fey in the north, wiping out entire followings. I am eternally grateful we ended this one's hunt so quickly."
Once back at the beach, Gair speaks to the Thayer's and they gather everyone not already gone on foraging trips to inform them that the threat has been taken care of, producing the head of the skin stealer if some remain unconvinced. He also informs them that there will be funeral rites for Garrak that night.
Announcements made, he gathers his scouting party and sets out to finish exploring their hex while looking for more crafting materials.
That evening he stands in solemn silence at Sorala's side as Garrak's body is burned.
Day 5 Gozran 6
Condition
HP= 13/14
Status= Normal
XP- 166/2000
Prepared spells
0th - create water, light, detect magic
1st - magic stone(1), touch of truth-telling (0), touch of truth-telling (0)
Special Abilities
Acid Dart(5/6)
Artificer’s Touch (6/6)
Channel Positive Energy (2/3)
Consumables
Ammunition: 19 crossbow bolts
Trail rations: 10
Day 5 Gozran 6
Vallen listens to the others, arms crossed over his chest, and brows furrowed. "I certainly hope all of you are right, because I see no other explanation. Honestly, Captain, part of me suspects that creature was part of your crew the entire time. Why would honest folk be the only ones looking to cross the ocean to a new start?"
When they arrive on shore, Vallen immediately sets about divinely mending his clothes and cleaning the blood off of his body and beard with soap and water. After plaiting his beard back into shape, he visits Deeshka to ensure she's doing well and taking her medicine. He also finds Jarla and tells her about everything that happened, as well as the funeral tonight.
The rest of the day is spent preparing for the funeral, which Vallen assumes full responsibility of properly perfomring under Sorala's instructions.
Day 6
Gair rises with the last night's funeral heavy on his mind. He takes the day mostly to himself.
Digging into the few supplies he has, Gair retrieves his father's bow making equipment, thankfully not lost on the crossing. Looking over the potential staves he had harvested earlier he selects one that suites his purpose and begins the task of shaping it into the subtle lines of a longbow. A relatively simple prospect compared to the project he has in mind for later.
That evening he sets aside his tools, satisfied with his progress. Moving through the village, he finds his son, "Last night set my mind spinning. I know it is painful think on the journey here but your mother deserves our mourning. We have nothing to return to the earth but we can still honor her memory. Come with me."
Finding a suitable spot near a large tree a small distance from Newspring itself, Gair set his son to helping him raise a stone cairn in honor of their dear Rita.
Once finished Gair stands beside his son and watches the stones for a time. Eventually breaking the vigil, he looks at his son, "Our Rita is deserving of more than this...a moment."
Making his way back to camp, he locates Vallen, asking if he would some and lend some weight to their private funeral as he had done Garrak justice the night before?
Once Vallen has joined them and said what words he will, Gair and Bern invoke the oldest of the Kellid's oral traditions, reciting their most memorable conversations with the wife and mother they had lost. Remembering her wisdom and fire as if she were still with them for one more night.
Whenever word reaches them of the light sighted across the bay, Gair urges that they wait a day as it is most likely just the expedition making camp before making the last leg home. If nothing comes of it the next day, they can investigate.
Day 6
Cueta takes the last watch of the evening, and as the sun rises, she takes in the morning light and appreciates its amber quality, and how the morning mist settling onto the beach. As everyone stirs and a cold breakfast of dried fruit and jerky is prepared, the Mwangi woman loads the longboats, assists the infirm get settled, stretches her aching muscles, and goes over the general path for the morning with the sailors and Ben.
That evening, at camp, she tells a story of the exploits of Moke the Skink, roustabout of some repute in the Shackles.
No one really seems interested, and she has the feeling that her description of a dwarf-tossing competition that Moke took part in comes off as a bit offensive to some of the smaller folk in the group.
Day 7 Gozran 8
Condition/Stats
XP- 166/2000
HP= 14/14
Status= Normal
Prepared spells
0th - create water, light, purify food and drink
1st - magic stone(1), touch of truth-telling (1), enhance water (0)
Special Abilities
Acid Dart(6/6)
Artificer’s Touch (6/6)
Channel Positive Energy (3/3)
Consumables
Ammunition: 19 crossbow bolts
Trail rations: 10
Day 6 Gozran 7
While preferring good gypsum for both mortar and sculpting plaster, he attempts to make some mortar out of sand, lime, clay and water in jugs using secret dwarven techniques. He laments to all that will listen that they do not even have a kiln to fire bricks or make proper mortar, and instead begins planning to set up an area for clay sun-dried bricks.
During searching for limestone to make mortar, he attempts to find the highest quality stone and chips away a 4lb forearm-length double fist-sized chunk, intending to turn it into a few small sculptures in the future.
Gair finds the priest standing over a jug of home-made mortar, staring into its depths as if he's trying to communicate with it. Jumping a little as the Kellid addresses him, he listens to the request and nods. "Of course Gair. This mortar isn't going anywhere anyway." Looking at Gair's clothes, he stops the man for a moment, muttering a small prayer to fix any damage his clothing had suffered in the fight with the skin-stealer. "There. Now you're more presentable, eh?"
He follows the man, looking over their stone cairn with professional curiosity. What a simple yet elegant concept! Once he's done inspecting their handiwork, he bows his head in prayer, thanking Torag for creating the world so that Rita could meet Gair and sire Bern, and asking Magrim to reforge her soul into a stronger one than it had been before.
He transitions to ask the spirits of land, to which her and her people were close, to guide her to Pharasma's boneyard so that she will not lose her way in the twisting ethereal space and can return to them soon in a new form.
The dwarf falls silent as Gair and Bern recite their oral traditions, silently listening and missing the close-knit friendships he left behind at the monastery.
Day 7 Gozran 8
After morning prayer Vallen visits Horn'tos, collecting the ant chitin shield he made. He rewards the dwarf with a pint of mead, made with Torag's blessings, encouraging to continue his work. Finding Gair before he departs for the day, he presents the shield to the Kellid with a grin. "Gair, a trophy from our hunt of the giant ants! Look at this craftsdwarfship- Horn'tos actually made the thing into a shield! Ha! I bet your boy would find some use out of such a trophy, eh?"
For the rest of the day ge works with Gaross and his mason team to start producing feasible mortar and bedrock for flooring and supports.
As news spreads of sails sighted across the bay, he hopes that it is the return of the scavenging party, but continues working.
When the boats actually dock he stops his work to make his way to the shore with the rest of the crowd. He immediately seeks out Ben and Cueta, clapping them both on the backs and praising their work. "Incredible! I wouldn't have thought so many survived! And look at all this food they have..." The dwarf smiles widely between his golden beard, white teeth almost shining through. "Cueta, I want you to know- I have been treating Deeshka with some herbs Gair found, she seems to be doing much better. Let's talk soon, you two... There were some incidents in the camp while you were gone." He moves to help unloading the food and people, seeking out any dwarves present to see if they were part of the Silverclasp contingent.
When everything is settled and Kal'tos has returned, he seeks out Cueta, Ben, and Kal'tos, telling them of the skin-stealer and asking about their adventures.
Day 7
Another fine day dawns, and with the bout of storms seeming to have passed, the group makes fine progress to the beach. At first she's disconcerted at the lack of the Thayers and their people on the beach, but seeing no signs of battle, she relaxes a bit. While unloading the longboats, Cueta makes an appeal to the sailors.
"I hate to bring up gloomy things, but I've been thinking about the Lillend, and its trip back to Absalom, and the flotilla that came here. How many ships set out that fine day? And one made it whole to this new land! I've gotten to know each well these last couple of days, and you're all fine men and competent sailors. What do you think the odds are of you getting back to Absalom? I understand if you have to do it - if you have family and loved ones back home. And if you go, I will pray to your gods that you make the journey safely."
"But if you don't have anything tying you to the east - why are you making that journey? We have something here that I have rarely encountered in my life, and we don't have many other things as well. We have no nobility, no titles, no structures in place, like debt, to keep those of us - laborers, sailors, what the rulers of the lands of the east call the working class - in place. What we have here, more than anywhere on Golarian, is opportunity! Go home - if you make it home - and you can be a sailor, sure. But here, here you could be a general, or a merchant, or a clockmaker - whatever you have the ability, the wish, and the drive to accomplish, there is the possibility here. Friends, stay with us! Bring your talents and your dreams to our new land, and make yourselves what you desire!"
Cueta takes the boat next and ferries Kal'Tos and the rest of the survivors across the bay, and then takes the goods back to the beach. Unloading yet another round of goods, and leaving her personal items on the beach, she then escorts the sailors and the longboat back to the Lillend and calls out to Kynack, "Captain, just a shellhead returning your longboat, sir!". Leaving the longboat and the sailors, she jumps into the bay and swims back to the beach.
Making her way, still wet, with her pack up to Newspring, she's struck speechless by the activity there - the beginnings of a palisade being erected, people tilling land, and much to her surprise and pleasure, the Thayers supervising the construction of a large building, with their people. Approaching Eli, she curtsies presents him with the hide shirt. "If you're to be something here, you'll need protection. This shirt came off one of those creatures that I'm sure you've heard of by now - the shark-teeths. It is an ugly thing, but I wore it and it is comfortable, and I think will provide you protection from our enemies."
Next Cueta moves onto Deeshka, and is once again struck dumb. Her friend, her mother, up and talkative! Embracing the elderly halfling in a too-tight hug, Cueta exclaims, "Deeshka, mother, protector, friend! I had hopes you would make it through your fever, but never did I expect to see you in such good spirits so soon! The things I have seen, and the things we have to do! You see, I've realized, we can be what we were meant to be here..."
When Vallen approaches Cueta and gives her the good news, Cueta can't help but give the priest a warrior's hug. "Vallen, good priest, and if I may - friend - that is wonderful news! My eternal thanks to you, kind sir, and know that you only ever need ask for anything. I hate to be brusque, but I must go see my friend and mother! We'll speak of the things we've seen later."
"I'm glad to hear of this Hassan, and the efforts that you all have done in my absence. I hope, for all or our sakes, that there aren't more of these shifters in our midst. I think the training of guards was wise, and we'll keep our eyes and ears alert for enemies from within."
"I'm afraid that we have enemies out there as well, and nearby. I assume you've heard of the shark-teethed creatures we encountered? I've been thinking about how we need to deal with them..."
"We could use the help of a mighty priest and warrior like yourself."
midafternoon 8th of Gozran Day 7 in the New World
someone must have seen the boats coming because the beach near the colony was full of people waiting to see what the salvage party had found. Ben was able to spot his family on the outer edge of the crowd by the red scarf Gwenydd wore when he was away. She said it was thier good luck charm, and maybe it was because here he was returning again mostly unharmed. Gwenydd was holding Sira in her arms and Walton was there chasing his twins around the beach.
If Ben hadn't been handling steering the boat he would have jumped out and run to them as soon as the keel touched sand, but he had to wait and help the sailors get the longboat pulled up far enough on the beach and then help his mother off the boat and onto dry sand. Gwenydd and the others must have seen him come ashore because, as soon as his mothers feet touched the sand she took off running down the beach towards Gwenydd and the others who were hurrying towards the boats.
Oi! there's a lot of food here that needs to be unloaded. Ben calls to the people standing on the beach. What are you all standing around for?
"Incredible! I wouldn't have thought so many survived! And look at all this food they have..."
This isn't all of them there are another 25 with Kal'Tos that we need to go pick up on the other side of the bay. Ben tells Vallen when the dwarf finds them. We need to get unloaded and get moving, or we will loose the light on the way back.
Once the boats are unloaded and they have new people to man the oars Ben sets out with Cueta to pick up Kal'Tos and the other survivors.
While Kal'Tos is waiting with the survivors for the boats to pick them up, he goes around talking with the people (trying to identify what skills they may bring to the colony) and holds a small service to remember those they have lost.
Later that evening Ben's family and friends discuss plans for the future. Ben tells Walton that he is going to try to get the group to give them the use of one of the longboats. They can rig it with a mast and sail and he can be back fishing in no time. Ben plans on fishing with Walton and learning some sailing in the process. He asks Gwenydd if she thinks it would be possible to turn some of the sails salvaged from the Harpy into tents. The halflings would need two large tents to house them all (and probably the Gnomes too). They also discuss adding Zik, his father and the other Gnomes to their group. Ben makes plans to talk with them all the next day.
Day 7
Gair takes the shield from Vallen, admiring the unusual yet serviceable shild with it's ridges and small spikes, "No doubt it will just make the boy more impatient to claim his own trophies in battle. However it should do the job of keeping him alive long enough to claim them. We are in your and Horn'Tos' debt."
Gair is among those last to reach the beach, arriving shortly after Ben and Ceuta have made landfall having been unwilling to lose his place in the carving of his new bow.
He jogs down the beach to meet the boats. Looking over the new faces he momentarily hopes he might find Risa among them before he realizes his folly.
Shaking himself he greats Ceuta and Ben warmly, "It does us good to see you. We spotted your fires across the bay last night. Welcome to Newspring as we have so named it.", he looks at the food and supplies piled high in the boats, all three of them, "I had scarce hoped you would be so successful as this. There is even more you say, survivors and supplies with Kal'Tos? I wish you swift return then. I will help see to the organization of all that you have brought. We have much to discuss once you return."
Once the boats have set out again, Gair sets to organizing the supplies that have been offloaded with the others. Gathering his group of warriors, he sees the foodstuffs and supplies brought up to Newspring and stacked carefully within the boundaries of the palisade being constructed.
Once their small fleet has returned with Kal'Tos and the others. Gair helps Vallen fill them in on the happenings with the Skin Stealer and Garrak's death while listening concernedly as the other three talk about the shark-teeth and their salvage mission, "We have much to think on but for now I bid you all reconnect with your loved ones. We should hold a meeting later tonight to settle in the new arrivals and make decisions. Shall we meet again in two hours?"
Day 7 Gozran 8
Condition
HP= 14/14
Status= Normal
XP- 286/2000
Prepared spells
0th - create water, light, detect magic
1st - magic stone(1), touch of truth-telling (1), enhance water (0)
Special Abilities
Acid Dart(6/6)
Artificer’s Touch (6/6)
Channel Positive Energy (3/3)
Consumables
Ammunition: 19 crossbow bolts
Trail rations: 10
The dwarf nods gravely at the telling of Garrak's untimely demise. "We sent him off right, though... was a grand funeral." He is a mixture of curious and terrified at the mention of the shark-teeth, and what we should do about them. Excitement shows on his face at the prospect of salvaging the Harpy, and he begins pondering ideas on how to strip down the vessel and build houses out of it.
"I'm all for getting those materials left behind in the cave. The people of Newspring deserve shelter, and farms, and civilization! Hm.. I'm starting to sound like a worshiper of Abadar, I should leave this talk to Kal'tos." He grins at his brother in cloth.
"We're going to need help no matter what's decided.. I meeting tonight should be called, aye Gair."
** spoiler omitted **
The dwarf nods gravely at the telling of Garrak's untimely demise. "We sent him off right, though... was a grand funeral." He is a mixture of curious and terrified at the mention of the shark-teeth, and what we should do about them. Excitement shows on his face at the prospect of salvaging the Harpy, and he begins pondering ideas on how to strip down the vessel and build houses out of it.
"I'm all for getting those materials left behind in the cave. The people of Newspring deserve shelter, and farms, and civilization! Hm.. I'm starting to sound like a worshiper of Abadar, I should leave this talk to Kal'tos." He grins at his brother in cloth.
"We're going to need help no matter what's decided.. I meeting tonight should be called, aye Gair."
"Yes, shouldn't you be bashing two pieces of metal together? And you forgot the most important part, wealth."
Kal'Tos looks surprisingly happy for a dwarf who has been out in the wilds, and often on a tiny boat for several days.
"Do we have any specific things we wish to address in the meeting tonight?"
The kellid smirks at the banter of the two dwarves before considering Kal'Tos' question, "We'll need to address the new arrivals and find them places among our projects. Despite the wealth of food you were able to salvage I would still suggest adding many of their number to the foraging teams. It will not last near as long as people will be want to believe once the Lillend departs."
"Perhaps more importantly we need to consider how we will handle the issue of these shark-teethed warriors you encountered? We know little about them other than their hostility and we cannot afford to suffer a raid for we have little enough as it is."
Cueta looks around the small gathering in front of her; at the two dwarves, both respectful of each other's faiths, and despite their gruff exteriors, proven to be kind souls. At the northman, earnest and deliberate, a warrior that Cueta would be proud to go to battle with. And at the halfling, headstrong and passionate, and a born protector of his people. These are powerful people, she thinks, they can do much good here.
"I saw Ben and Kal'Tos lead strangers through great danger and fight bravely a wicked creature. I have seen, since we have been back, the impact that Vallen and Gair have had on the people here at Newspring. When we left, there was little being done. People sat despondent and stared off into the horizon, not seeing the ocean or sky. Now, defenses and shelter are being built. The ground is being tilled for crops. A great many things have been accomplished in a week, a great many lives saved, and even more given purpose. We have many challenges ahead of us - we need to build a community that is self-sufficient and protect that community from threats, internal and external. How we get there, I don't know - but I trust that those here can provide the guidance we need."
"I ask only one thing at this meeting tonight. That the people of Newspring be given every chance to meet the destinies they were born for, that they may find their third names. That no man, woman or child be forced into a life they don't choose. Otherwise, point me in a direction - I will be the point of your spear."
Day 7 Gozran 8
Condition
HP= 14/14
Status= Normal
XP- 300/2000
Prepared spells
0th - create water, light, purify food and drink
1st - magic stone(1), touch of truth-telling (1), enhance water (0)
Special Abilities
Acid Dart(6/6)
Artificer’s Touch (6/6)
Channel Positive Energy (3/3)
Consumables
Ammunition: 19 crossbow bolts
Trail rations: 10
Vallen bursts into boisterous laughter at Kal'tos, slapping him on the back in good jest, all grins. He turns his head to listen to Cueta, smiling at her. "Goodness Cueta, you should have saved that speech for the meeting! That was a fine one. You are right- we have done much good, and I believe Torag looks upon our growing community with approval. Let us keep it that way, and watch our new home grow into a bastion of order and good. Aye, let's see what everyone has to say about these threats and opportunities first."
He strokes his beard with one hand, thinking he could plan a city here...
"After the main meeting, we should attempt to meet with the other men of faith, though they may not have blessed by the gods as we have, we should understand what they are capable of doing. A sickness is not the time to begin looking for healers. And they may have other skills our settlement may need."
Gair nods at both Ceuta's and Vallen's words, "Indeed, that was well put Ceuta. Let us hope the others feel as we do. Many of them have already stepped up, the changes here are owed as much to the likes of Hassan, Katya and the Thayer's as any of us."
As dusk falls, a bonfire is lit at Newspring. Word of the salvagers return has spread and people gather to greet the newcomers. Few of the two parties know one another, and while the overwhelming mood is one of celebration, as each learn of the threats the other has faced, an undercurrent of fear can be felt.
The people of Newspring seem more determined than even to build the palisade, and those of the Harpy are exhausted. The foragers add some of their gleanings to the communal pot, to give everyone a bit of fresh food in celebration. Captain Kynack and a small party from the Lillend join the festivity, bringing enough rum to give everyone a few swallows, and though nobody has enough to actually get drunk, several people don't seem to let that stop them from acting the part.
Bern and Kyle and Eli take turns wrestling with each other, and bets are placed. Some of the younger folk find excuses to slip away in the darkness in pairs. The children run and scream and play, and are first frightened and then delighted when their pants spontaneously begin to change colors. Manari, from the Harpy, mumbles and gestures and with a definitively false innocence, denies any knowledge of what could be causing it.
Edmund Thayer is deep in discussion with Kynack and Hassan for a short while, and then introduces himself and his sister to the survivors. Sandra seems mostly concerned with Sorala, who was recently widowed. Ingwe speaks of dire fates that may befall them all if the spirits are not appeased, until he has a taste of rum, after which he finds himself in a much more pleasant mood, and spins ridiculous but amusing stories of the Mwangi heroes.
When things have settled down a bit, the big man speaks.
"Today has brought us good news. Though we have suffered losses, we are now stronger than we were before. I propose a day of rest tomorrow, a day to give thanks to all our gods, to commemorate those who are no longer with us, and to bless the Lillend before she sails back to Absalom. Though we all agree that there is much that needs to be done, it is worth remembering that our souls need nourishment and security as surely as our bodies do. We are not slaves, and we have all endured much."
Cueta spends most of the celebration sitting next to Deeshka, telling the halfling woman of the people she's met, pointing out their strengths, weaknesses, and personalities as she sees it. Eventually she turns to Deeshka and says, "Deeshka, when you are once again your usual self, what do you plan to do? You've always been a great organizer and a good cook - I'm sure that you could help Newspring in some manner, as you desire."
When the wrestling match breaks out, the mariner stands up and digging into her pack, yells loud enough that she's sure Eli hears, "I've got one day's trail rations on the farmer's son! Who wants a wager?" and then in a jesting tone towards Eli, "Well then, we'll see what you've got! I hope I don't starve!"
After Ingwe speaks, Cueta rises and joins in. "Ingwe, houngan, friend, there is much wisdom in your words tonight. I agree that tomorrow should be a day of reflection, and ask that everyone choose someone they don't know, and introduce themselves. Welcome our friends from the Harpy, and give our thanks to the Captain and crew of the Lillen. And if I can do anything for any of you, please don't hesitate to ask."
After the speechmaking is done, Cueta approaches Manari. "Manari, I hope that your belly is full, your head is full of rum, and your people are being treated well. There is talk of a meeting soon to discuss the future of Newspring. I hope you can attend and give us your thoughts, and the needs of our new friends."
Sorala has trouble getting into the festive mood of the evening, as her thoughts keep returning to her husband. She is thankful for Sandra's comfort, but relieved when Edmund comes to fetch his sister for introductions to the Harpy's survivors. For most of the evening, the half-elf woman stares into the fire, refusing any rum or food that comes around, and letting her mind wander to happier times.
The mage Manari's tricks jolt Sorala out of her reveries, and when things die down she makes her way over the elf. "Pardon me, miss - I'm Sorala, a naturalist and linguist by trade. My husband is..." A pinched expression crosses Sorala's face, and she lets out a slow breath. "My husband - was - schooled in the magical arts himself. He was killed a couple of days back by a..." Sorala spits upon the ground, "...a fell and capricious creature, as I'm sure you've heard. But I didn't approach you to speak of that. I am here to ask if I may be of help to you. I'm educated, and a quick learner, and while we've got swords and spear tips and plenty of men of faith around, I know personally that there is no substitute for the power of a mage. Were you here to days ago, Garrack may still be alive. So, I'd like to propose a deal of sorts - I help you as needed with research, translation, anything and everything else that you need, and you help me learn the mage's way, so that the next time a wolf hides among our sheep, we're the one's taking its pelt!"
Vallen takes stock of the celebration that has broken out, glancing to and fro at the revelry. He strokes his beard slowly, pondering the merits and purpose of such a celebration in relation to the teachings of his church. Nothing was truly being accomplished at the moment, but the communal bonding of the newcomers is important to solidify the community. Having convinced himself this is a good idea, he eagerly helps himself to some rum and food.
He sits with Jarla, making his usual complaints of lacking whiskey for a proper celebration to take place. The dwarf avoids the wrestling or any other intense socializing, preferring to sit with the other dwarves silently mediating on how to improve his homemade mortar mix.
As Ingwe speaks, the priest sits up straight, briefly chewing on his lip at the talk of tomorrow being a day of reflection and worship. The thought of the limestone he carved from the earth a few days ago springs to mine, and he gets an urge to sculpt it.
He immediately takes out his chalkboard and starts drawing on it, the rest of the evening spent obsessing over a design for the small hand-sized statue of Garrak he had been imagining since the half-orcs death. Unless interrupted, the dwarf keeps to himself.
Gair joins in the festivities readily, thanking Kynack for the rum and inquiring about how they are adjusting to the loss of Fergus.
When Cueta offers a wager on the wrestling matches, Gair is quick to take the bait, "Done! In the north our warriors wrestle the mammoths for lack of better competition!", he nods at Bern with a grin, "Show them the strength of a Red Wolf my son. Lest I be forced to stand in your stead!"
He considers Ingwe's words for a time before nodding and adding his own endorsement to Ceuta's, "You speak true Ingwe, these last days have proven hard and long but we have each proven ourselves worthy of the task. Despite all that has happened we have accomplished much and with the Harpy's survivors we stand stronger than ever before. We can all rest and consider the future we wish to make here. Come the evening there must be a moot to consider all that must be accomplished in the days to come. Consider well what wisdom you will add when the time comes."
For the rest of the evening, Gair moves around the camp, sharing conversation with those he knows already, and as many of the newcomers as possible though he is a little wary of Manari, she is more free with her talents than he finds particularly prudent.
When Cueta speaks to Manari, the elven woman nods but looks concerned. "I agree that some sort of government is needed," she says. "I wonder if it is too soon to create a council where decisions are made after endless bickering. There are many threats surrounding us that will not wait for consensus."
Manari nods at Sorala. "You were Garrak's wife, then?" she says, stiffly, but not unkindly. "I am sorry for your loss. Your help would be welcome, of course. I assume that you're familiar with the elementary principles of magic...." While Sorala is of an academic enough bent that she might be interested in the next hour or so of Manari's discourse, I am not.
Ingwe grins at Cueta's invitation and gives her a bow. "I will be there, child," he says. "To speak for the spirits."
Bern takes his father's advice and after scuffling with Kyle for a time, manages to pin him. When Eli steps up, Bern pins him in just a few seconds, and Bern helps him to his feet.
Gair cheers as Bern shows his prowess, raising his voice so Ceuta can hear him over the other cheers, "What did I tell you! We raise 'em strong in the north!"
He moves to congratulate the three young men, offering Kyle a nod, "Well fought, they'll make a proper warrior of you in know time.", he places a hand on Eli's shoulder and smiles, "You've the courage I'll give you that, there's plenty of time to learn the skill yet!"
Lastly he looks at his well satisfied son, clapping him on the shoulder "You've done a father proud this night! Though I wonder if you're up for a proper challenge? What say you?"
The kellid warrior begins undoing his belt and shrugging out of his fur edged vest.