Evolution... Again! (Material Plane)

[Maldiem]

The sun rose on the planet, its light bringing with it something new; something not quite seen, not quite felt, had dripped into the world over the night, and an eerie glow, always lurking in peripheral vision but never quite visualized pervades the landscape. As the morning wears on, it burns off like a fog, but somehow it feels like the landscape has been forever changed. This would herald a new age; and age of:


http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h35/Narthounet/banner_evo_2.jpg

The disturbance has shifted many things about the world, and it remains to be seen how the various sentient races will adapt to the changes.

@Tartum: Large, fast, reptillian predators have begun following the caraca north on their annual migrations. They generally only stalk the caraca, but an unlike Tartum hunter or two has fallen victim a number of times; the reptiles are stronger and faster than the Tartum, and are only really endangered by a group of hunters. The direct physical harm isn't the only problem though; hunts have begun to fail, as the Reptiles have taken to following the hunts to steal the wounded caraca. The creatures are Large, armored quadrapeds, that are capable of swallowing a Tartum whole.

@Toskirk: A disease of the skin and coat is sweeping through some tribes, which leads to the gradual loss of fur and unremitting itching; this has lead to some deaths in the winter from cold. When one member of a tribe catches it, very often the rest will catch it in short succession; this has lead to some tribes being ostracized from the others.

@Varadesh: The land nearest to the river is the most fertile, but large scaled aquatic predators lurk in the water of the river. They're ambush predators, hiding beneath the water only to leap out and drag their prey into the water after it is too late to avoid them.

@Lam Nur: Abnormally heavy rain for several months in a row has resulted in flooding, as monsoons sweep in from the north and the south. Fruit-bearing trees have been knocked over or submerged by the floodwaters, and prey animals have migrated away from the area.

@Biros: Birds of prey have swept in from the ocean, and the only place the Biros are safe is underwater. This is problematic, as they need to surface to breathe, a fact the birds seem to be well aware.

@Kin: Huge, ponderous herbivores have taken a liking to Johab fruits, and it is becoming more and more difficult to find them in areas that are not actively defended by the Kin. The herbivores are docile unless attacked, in which case they lash out with their powerful if slow limbs, knock over trees, and otherwise rampage about. It is very dangerous to attack one.

@Hylinks: Parasitic worms have infected the Hylink's favorite prey, and any Hylink unlucky enough to ingest an egg dies slowly of starvation. The eggs are generally too small to see, and this is further complicated by the fact that the parasite eggs are asymptomatic in the prey; it is impossible to tell an egg-infested prey animal from a healthy one.

@Skecsix: Birds of prey from the sea have learned that the Skecsix are unable to smell them coming fast enough to hide, and have taken to swooping down and devouring unsuspecting Skecsix.

@Erren: Earthquakes have shaken the Red Hills recently, which has led to difficulty for the Errens' nests; many eggs have broken well before they are ready to hatch, and the quakes show no sign of stopping.

@Tarkash: Abnormally heavy rains for months in the jungle of late have lead to flooding, which drove away most of the prey and has made edible plants scarce.

@Lükaverka: Heavy rain in the jungle has caused the rivers to overflow their banks, washing away much of the most fertile land and inundating the best hunting areas.

[Zweanslord]

The Erren, Turn 1.0-1.1

I17, Year 1, Spring, Turn 1.0

"Wuuuuuh! Wuuuuh!" The wailing of an Erren is loudly audible, betraying fear in the small creature. Soon, another sound joins the wailing: "Wuuhah! Wuuhah!" It is the sound of an Erren trying to locate the wailing Erren. It gently and carefully moves between the trees set near the foot of a steep rising hill. The trees are thick with leaves and branches, leaving sight hampered. Again the wailing resounds through the trees. "Wuuuuuh! Wuuuuh!" "Wuuhah?" "Wuuuh!"

The sound is closer! The Erren is moving in the right direction and it picks up speeding. Not even caring about a nearby animal that spurts away at the sight of the speeding Erren, it moves a bit faster to leap over roots having been unrooted by the recent earthquakes. Earlier today, there was another one. As the Erren nimbly jumps over the roots in search of the wailing Erren, it turns to the right when it hears another wail, this time even closer. Not even letting a bush be an obstacle in its path, the Erren moves right through, barely noticing the harsh branches tearing at the Erren's skin.
Then, it sees the wailing Erren. "Wuh! Wuh!" It is stuck between a vertical edge of the nearby hill and a tree that has fallen down with the recent earthquake. Trapped in the branches, the Erren has no way of getting out and has been wailing for quite some time.

Carefully, the other Erren comes closer. "Sjurp?" "Wuuuh!" The trapped Erren is a red Erren and from its bulbs smoke appears each time it breathes. It looks at the other Erren, a more orange coloured Erren, with a sad face between the leaves and branches. The orange Erren now wails: "Wuuuh!" It has recognised the red Erren, for the two Erren are partners and they have young children. It also recognised that it could not do much about the situation. Denying this, it still tries to push against the tree, but it would not budge at all. Not even being able to reach the red Erren, the orange Erren tries desperately to climb over the fallen trunk, but it is unable to do so as its feet get stuck on the branches each time. Only able to see it, the orange Erren becomes said and the two Erren in this desperate situation wail loudly.

A short while later, the two Erren are joined by a third dark red adult Erren, as well as two young Erren. There was once a third, but the Erren have lost it, it was likely eaten by a predator. The two children quickly rush to the orange Erren, looking in dismay at one of their parents stuck. They too join the wail: "Awuh! Awuh!" If any is near, they would hear the wail. Already, some other Erren nearby are moving closer, but so are a few predators hearing the cry of help as a sign that food is to be had..

The migration groups at the borders at Year 1, Turn 1.0-1.1

As the earthquakes have only continued and have endangered the eggs of the Erren, several have found the best solution would be to run away whenever an earthquake started or broke their eggs. This has resulted in several groups of Erren fleeing to the borders of their known area's and now each border has several Erren close to them, ready to move on.

The Red Hills borders, I19, J18, J14, K15

A few Erren have already moved out of the hills they know to nearby hills, in the hopes that those hills do not have any earthquakes. They try to live normally, but remain afraid of any earthquakes. If earthquakes happen here as well, the Erren will continue to flee. Most will flee to other borders of the Hills, trying to find terrain which does not look as prone to earthquakes, while the most panicked groups will try and traverse the unknown terrain to further areas in the hopes of outrunning the earthquakes.

The Plains borders, G17, H18

Several groups have found the plains but are scared by its sight. The land seems to stretch on forever in the distance and unlike the hills, there seems few to hide behind and no possibility of shelter in caves. There are plants, but not as much as in the hills, just mostly grass. Very hesitant to move on, there are a few groups which have moved just on the plains, ready to run back to the familiarity of the hills if the plains have earthquakes as well.

The Forest borders, G15, H14, I13

The forests seem more welcome and at the same time more terrifying to the Erren. They know trees and bushes well, so it is inviting, but they have seen that the trees move when the earth rumbles and moves. They fear them falling on the Erren. Some even fear the forest with its eery wind and movements during the night. Some move in the forest, but there are groups which remain at the borders of the hills, not daring to thread in the forests yet.
If the earth keeps rumbling, the Erren will move eventually. This time is in the fall, when the trees turn red. Seeing the red of the tree leaves, many are entranced by its marvellous and abundant sight, luring many in the forest as the moving earth is dangerous and unwelcoming as opposed to the grand sight of the red forest in that time.

The Jungle border, K17

The jungle is feared by the Erren, for it looks dangerous at night and during the day the flora seems too tall to be welcoming or real. There are a few groups which do move in the jungle, making use of the diversity of the jungle to extend their diet. If the earth keeps rumbling by winter, most Erren will have moved at the time, fearing the earthquakes more than the abundance of the jungle.

The staying Erren, Year 1, Turn 1.0-1.1

There are a few groups which are lucky to be without broken eggs, but even they are panicking due to the earth moving being scary, as well as dangerous. The cavern dwellers have moved out already and even the trees do not seem as safe any more. Many Erren live in fear and some have moved to open spots, leaving them more vulnerable to predators of the night.

There are a few groups deep in the hills terrain who can not find the way out and have tried to find another solution. They have tried to use existing holes of other creatures which do not seem to collapse as quickly and a few others have started to try and make their nests better by looking for better locations, such as a mossy place or in densely packed bushes, hoping that it might be a better place for their eggs. A few have pondered about making better nests as they have seen other creatures do, but none have really come up with a good means how to achieve this yet.

Some groups of Erren have started following the example of other creatures and following them, which have led them to the borders of the regions and these groups seem to have less doubts of leaving compared to the groups who got there on their own. They feel like following other animals will be their means of escape from the moving earth.

As the earth rumbles and struck fear in the round figures of the Erren, some of them with a higher adeptness with language have started to question this. Why is this happening? What to do against it? Is there anything that can be done against this? Will it end?

[alexeduardo]

Turn 1.1, at Spring

Aal-kalif, after being told by his father of his holiest of missions, takes off from atop Lan's Mountain and goes northward. He reaches the southernomst part of the Tartum's forest territory, but seeing it is unpopulated he asks his father for help.

Lan, seeing his son's plight, but unwilling to abandon his mountain-work just yet, casts Guide in the skies directly above Aal-kalif, creating a new star in the heavens for all to see.

Aal-kalif hopes the Tartum will be curious about the star, for he has much to tell them, and much to offer in their fight against the lizard-fiends.

1.1

[Emperor Demonking]

The Hylnks

Stop Eating Parasitic Eggs, I21, 1.0

Klyn looked at the prey they were hunting and experienced a "Eureka Moment", the Starvation seemed to affect those that feasted on this prey more than the other members of the pack. As the pack leader killed the beast and started to eat its meat, Klyn said nothing.

Later, when Klyn was pack leader, Klyn kept away from that Prey when circumstances allowed.

Or if you do, don't let them live, H20, 1.0

A Hylnk ate some meat, which had an egg in it and the egg dissolved in the stomach.


2 EP - Animal Knowledge
2 EP - Parasite Resistance

[Moody the Wise]

Kaldr and Myrkva, Turn 1.0-1.1, I-19

Kaldr appears, newly-formed, on the Material plane, along with his sister Myrkva. Kaldr reaches down and picks his sister up, putting her on his shoulder. "See those hills, sister? I think I will start there." "Good choice, brother. Lots of shadows in those hills. Considerably fewer down on these plains, but I think I can help that. Perhaps when I have seen what I can see there I will join you in the hills. They do look delightful. With that, Myrkva raced off to the South while Kaldr began lumbering slowly to the North.

Kaldr, I-17

As Kaldr enters the hills, he feels the ground move beneath his feet. He pauses for a moment, to maintain his balance, and makes a note of this phenomenon. After a few wobbly steps, he succeeds in walking carefully during the smaller of these groundshakes, although the more intense ones still make him stop and brace himself.

As the shaking dies down, he can hear the wailing of some creature a short way off. Following the sound, he finds a small red beast trapped by a fallen tree. He tells the beast that he only wants to help it and its kind, then bends down to remove the tree. The sound of his approach probably frightened most of the larger predators away, but he remains cautious and braces himself for the possibility that he may have to defend his new friend. He stands, wielding the tree like a club, waiting for other creatures to arrive or for the little red thing to respond.

Myrkva, I-21

Myrkva spends several days watching the Hylnks from the shadows, observing their hunting behavior and studying their social structures. She notices that one seems to be leading the pack she's shadowing, and so makes herself known to this one. She saw his fortuitous rise to leader of the pack, and knows he must harbor grand ambitions. She talks, trying to imitate their style as best she can from what she has heard, promising him great power and prosperity if he will accept her help and convince his tribemates to worship the shadow.

[Aux-Ash]

The Varadesh, turn 1.0

Khut was lying as still as he could in the bushes, trying not to move as insects crawled across his bare back and buzzed around his ears. Breathing as slowly and quietly as he could, not to alert the gazelles grazing just a few steps away. Hoping that none of the hunters would make a sound prematurely and send the herd inte a wild flight in the wrong direction, avoiding the pit the tribe had spent a day digging.

Having all that work wasted was not what Khut wished to see, the heat of the day had made the work of shuffling dirt almost intolerable. They had all taken many pauses just to lie and rest in the shade of the vegetation around the great nourishing river, the only source of life in this land. All vegetation and animals lived in the valleys surrounding it. Not much more than sand and rock lay outside of the valley. But it was also one of the primary sources of death. With the flooding that every year claimed it's victims or the terrible beasts that lurk beneath the surfaces sometimes.
It was like the mysterious fire, it gives to thopse who respect it but takes from those who do not.

The Varadesh was awoken from his daydreaming as he saw Mhutu reveal himself to him in the bushes further up ahead. The man was holding his spear and using the great trees to stay hidden from the gazelles. He looked Khut straight in the eyes and nodded silently: All the hunters were in position. Khut nodded silently to himself and looked to the gazelles, he saw how the grazing herd had moved itself a bit closer to the river. Some would unavoiably get away, such was the nature of the hunt, but this position was the best they could hope for.

As the leader of the hunting-party, Khut jumped to his feet and raised his spear above his head. With every inch of his body he roared to the gazelles in front of him, his action copied and strengthened by every member of the party. He felt his heart starting to beat faster in his chest and the rush of adrenaline as he started running after the fleeing gazelle. Him and the young ones driving the gazelle forward while the experienced worked in unison, using loud calls and signals, to keep the herd together and driving them towards the great pit into which they would fall.

In his heart, Khut could feel that this hunt would be a successful one. As he hooted and waved his spear he felt the joy and power in chasing the prey towards their death.

[nick012000]

Turn 1.1, in Spring
There is a whirling of air as the screams of the dead and dying fill a wooded clearing, and then Torellas appears, his mantle of feathers rustling in the dying wind. He walks forward, and takes in the view before him. Tribes have come together. They work together, and spread stories and innovations among each other. This is good. He is pleased.

He sees that the annual migration of the Tartum's larger prey items has been somewhat disrupted by the arrival of a new species of predatory lizard. He grins, as he gets even more pleased. The Tartum will serve him well, if they choose to do so, and these creatures will serve the Tartum well as steeds and hunting animals.

He walks down to the closest group, and hails them. "Hello. I am Torellas. I am a god. If you follow me, and revere me, you shall truly be a blessed people, for I shall be your god."

He walks up to one of the most successful of the hunters.

"I have seen your wits and your courage. Your determination and your cohesiveness. For your skills and your bravery, I bless you." With that, he raises his hand, which crackles with black lightning that leaps out to strike the head and chest of the one so blessed. Visions race across his brain; visions of the first Tartum to discover fire. Visions of Tartum villages and towns popping up all around the lake. Visions of strange cities filled with the Tartum stretching into the skies. Visions of Tartum armies; necromantic war machines and zombified lizard-beast cavalry leading the charge of blocks of Tartum soliders stretching as far as the eye can see. The visions last forever. The visions last an instant. The tartum hunter is forever changed.

"For your storytelling and your cooperation, I bless you all. I shall bless you with the gift of turning the bane of this year's hunt into a blessing."

With that, he leaves to gather flax from the edges of the rivers and the lake. He weaves its fibers into a rope, and encourages any Tartum watching to join in. He rips the branches off of trees with the strength of five full-grown Tartum men, and builds a cage out of them and the rope to trap the lizard-beasts. He hammers a stake into the center of the cage with a suitable rock, and trails a rope woven into a noose from it.

Then, the time comes, and he goes before the Tartum tribes once more.

"I ask that the finest of your hunters to join me, for the final stage of my blessing. I need your help to drive the lizard-beast into my cage, so that I may make him from a curse on your people into a blessing on them."

[Mangles]

Turn 1.1
The Herbivorous were ruining everything. Never had the Kin feared such a stupid animal. The shamans were pondering this for a long time. But the lived on the mountains. Safe with their fruit from the dangers of the creature. It was the children that found the solution. The children who were bad and never obeyed the shaman. They rode the wild beasts around. Laying on the backs. It was hard to do, you needed to persuade the beasts too let you, but it worked better than any flint knife had.

Marlwork Chieftain of his tribe (M,19) set about training the animals. Still it cost them fruit, but for now at least there was an uneasy peace between the two. The beasts who let themselves be tamed did not have to forage as much so they would survive. Any who did not join the Kin, would be hunted, but not just yet.

Meanwhile Lingred (L,18)sought a different solution to the problem. If they had more land, than the would find more Johab trees, and more Johab trees meant more fruit for them all. He organized his people differently. They would hunt in the wider area, not on their own land first. Should they not find the Johab in the outer lands, then they would use there own fruit.


1ep Domestication of animals
The kin of L,18 Getting closer to the borders of K17 and K19 to hunt/gather in them

[El_Frenchie]

Turn 1.0, Ki, Ark and the Varadesh, H-28

Ark suddenly awoke. He was slowly descending towards something blue. And green. With white clouds floating atop of it. A planet and a world. Fire burst around him as he entered the atmosphere, but he was largely immaterial for now. In the skies, his descent slowed down, floating like a feather towards the ground. The strange halo of light surrounding him slowly faded before he finally landed.

This was a desolate place. In many regards similar to the Unplane. In the distance however, he could see a green patch, a stretch of it, in fact. It seemed to be a river. Curious, he neared the area.

It took him several hours to reach it and while he did not feel tired, he knew his feet was soiled with the dirt of the desert. The sun was already high in the sky. Animals took shelter under the trees and the creatures of the desert hid where they could. Under the sand, under rocks.

He was almost there. The ground around the stretch of green and the river began to climb. The river seemed to run through a valley of some kind.

He could hear the sounds of animals, of birds. And the frantic calling and hooting of people that looked like him in the distance, chasing after gazelles. Stopping in wonder, he approached through the trees and bushes to get a better look at the men hunting.

They were not like him. Their skin was copper when his was a pale pink. The tools they were waving, he had none of. Their clothes seemed even less refined than his. Even their words were different. And yet.

He understood most of them.

He waited for the men to finish their hunt before slowly approaching them. The ones who saw him close in could only see a man around their height, with dark black hair, dressed in a strange white cloth. While he looked similar in many aspects, they knew instantly. He was not of the tribe.

He wasn't even part of the valley.

[Rogue_Dragon]

Biros 1.0 - 1.1

Longtail waited patiently under the water, watching his fellow Biros as a number of them tried to hold their breath, waiting for one of the sky-killers to pass. He knew that if it noticed them it would stay for quite awhile, circling untill it had eaten enough of them to fill it's seemingly insatiable hunger. Suddenly one of the smaller Biros darted to the surface, it's small lungs incapable of holding enough air for the small creature. Longtail watched in horror as the Sky hunter dived down and snatched up the youngling. Horror not just because a fellow Biros had been caught, but because that meant that the Sky-killer would stay in the area for a long time. Almost as soon as the youngling had been grabbed, all the remaining Biros made a break for it, swimming to the surface as fast as they could to catch a breath, and then skipping down the river, hoping to outrun their airial foe. Longtail was about to follow when he saw the second bird sweeping down on the group of fleeing Biros. He decided to instead go up river, hoping that though he would be traveling slower, perhaps the Sky-killers would be distracted with the other Biros and leave him be, however somehow he was not so lucky. The first Sky-killer, having finished with it's snack, now came after the much larger Biros, Longtail. Longtail made a decent run for it, moving back and forth while underwater, and surfacing just long enough to catch a breath of air and skip over a log or large rock in the river, but he just wasn't able to outrun the Sky-killer, and moments before he was sure the bird was about to catch him, he started to flail about with his namesake, stabbing at the hungry predator with his pointed tail. Much to his surprise though, the bird started to fall back after just a few stings. Longtail had witnessed many other Biros fail with this same tactic, with the birds seeming to completely ignore the stings of their prey. Longtail didn't really understand why his sting drove the predator off, while those of others seemed to merely annoy them, but for now he was thankfull, and the many offspring he would have in the coming mating season might even come to understand the gift of a Longtail and the stronger muscles that controll it.


1.0-1.1
B-28
The Biros in the plains were particularly hard hit by the Sky-killers. In the forests at least the birds had to stay near the river to spot them, but on the open plains, their was no tree-cover to hide the river from a birds-eye-view, and the flocks of sky-killers could spot the poor Biros from great distances. Most Biros simply stayed near the water, coming barely enough out of the water to breath, and then diving again, but this merely lead to the larger water predators eventually chasing them as well, leaving the Biros with only the choice of which predator to fall to. Most Biros start to leave the tree-less plains, moving upriver into the safety of the forest. One rather large group however seems to have a sudden urge. Whether it's instinct, or providence, or merely fear driven stampede, a rather large group rather suddenly breaks away from the river at the sight of one of the larger water predators, and instead of skipping over it and fleeing along the river, they simply set out across the plains. Occasionally they find a small pond or shallow stream which they rest in for a time, but in the end they just keep moving. Though the group at first has a huge number of Biros, many of them younglings which do not fair well in the open plains, where food and water are both far to scare for their fragile bodies. But eventually, the group spots what looks like a large number of tree's in the distance, and the elders, remember the evergreens of their home river, start to head that direction, in the hopes that these trees will likewise hold a new home for them, safe from the predation of the Sky-Killers.


Crunchy Bits

50 start to move from b-28 to b-30
50 start to move from b-28 to c-29

2 EP spent on Tail Stinger

[Lord_Asmodeus]

Skecsix Turn 1.1

The Skecsix had been baffled about how to deal with the invisible new threat, and some tribes paniced somewhat, digging deeper into the earth for safety. Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed. Although the Skecsix could not detect one of the creatures when they chose to attack, their powerful sense of smell could still discern the creatures during the attack. When one of the Skecsix was carried off, others around them picked up on the foreign scent. They spread the scent around, and the Skecsix would raise their snouts to the sky and take a deep draft, if that scent was strong in the air, they would hide in the hills or retreat to their burrows. Hunting packs began to spread the scent around, and over time it was somewhat widespread knowledge among the Skecsix.

Gradually, the Skecsix even began to tell notice the patterns of the birds attack, and discern at what times they were least likely to attack. During the part of the day when the air got cooler and new creatures would come out, the birds would only attack rarely. So, the Skecsix, to whom light was irrelevant, began to shift to a more nocturnal schedule to avoid the birds.

Some of the Desert Skecsix (O15) began moving south to the mountains for better cover and warmer nights. (O16) They began to set up burrows in the mountains at the base of the mountains, where the birds did not come as often as when they first tried to establish them higher up.

[Arkaris]

Tartum

Turn 1.1, early Spring

Wez, second in age only to Reic, stood before his people. The annual hunt had begun and the Tartum were arriving from all over. There would be a large celebration tonight, tomorrow the hunt. Spears had been crafted and decorated, the trees were all but ruined. The first 6 caraca had been seen drinking by the lake, soon hundreds would arrive. Wez was proud of what his people had accomplished, their unity was strong. Even with the strong disagreements Wez and Reic had there was little division, everyone hunted together, everyone celebrated together, everyone was together, and in the changing times together they would survive.

Wez presented the offertory remarks, thanking the lake for calling the beasts, he turned and thank those who had arrived from all over, welcomed them to the camp his tribesman had been setting up for weeks. He presented his son Kylak, then the long list of others, leaders of tribes, the greatest hunters, those that were joining for the first hunt. It was amazing that Wez could recall all these names with such accuracy, it was the driving force behind his leadership.

Reic, leader of the bonetips, raised his curved wooden bowl when his name was called. His tribe was one of the few that accepted the use of dangerous herbs on their spear tips. His men since had been the most successful during the annual hunt. His eldest son Aera was one of the few men who married in to his own tribe, but it was believed she was the most beautiful among all the Tartum and he was a fitting match.

The night continued till everyone collapsed from exhaustion. Then the day broke, pouring down from the tops of the trees. The daylight overtook the Tartum encampment and roused men and women from their sleep. The youngest Tartum were still weary, not tempered by experience they had pushed themselves to the max last night, everyone knew they would be of little use and presented the greatest chance for interrupting a hunt.

Kylak rolled out from under his lean-to, his spears were ready and he picked the perfect five to take with him. The Tartum formed in to teams and disappeared. Days pass...

--------------------------------------------------------------
Turn 1.1, several days in to Spring
“How many of us?”

“Three.”

“And you saw them attacked?”

“Yes. The beast is twice the size of anything we have faced. They closed in to kill off the caraca they had run through, suddenly the beasts emerged. Those that were killed were the closest to the caraca.”

Kylak rubbed his eyes. The times were changing and this was one more thing they would need to overcome. Kylak would have to hunt one of the new beasts, kill one, name it, and then find a weakness the Tartum could exploit. The white feathers gathered around Kylak along with three other tribes, fourteen men and women total, Kylak hoped it would be enough.
--------------------------------------------------------------

Reic had received the news as well and his tribesmen were headed to the forest as well. They would kill the new beast and his tribe alone would name it. His six hunters were confident in their victory. They encountered a new beast... but not what they had expected. In the underbrush they encountered something that claimed to be a 'god', whatever that meant. Lightning stretched forth from the newcomer, choosing Aera to unleash it's effects. The tribe immediately took spear in hand and prepared to strike out at the newcomer. Only Aera's voice stopped the assault of flying sticks. Aera pulls his tribesmen back to camp away from this visionary, this god, this promise of power. He shared with his tribe everything that he could piece together. They would join with this entity. They would help him with all of the Tartum's strength. (6 followers)
------------------------------------------------------------------

The tribes celebrated as Kylak had brought home the carcass of a pa nada, without heart. While the tribes celebrated this heroic success, Kylak mourned his 4 fallen friends. Their cost had proven these new beasts could be beat, a soft underbelly was about all that could be penetrated by their weapons. Kylak had stabbed the beast when it had trampled over him and sank his teeth in to Andrea, killing her instantly. The wound only slowed the beast, it had lost the desire to fight, and the rest of the gray feathers caught other weak spots, bringing the beast down to a humble crawl. The tribe gave the killing honor to Kylak.

They had loaded the cut beast up in to several parts and carted it back to the camp. The hard armor presented a problem to Tartum spear makers. The day did lead to one great discovery that a pointed rock would penetrate the hard outside shell. However, throwing rocks seemed to be worthless against such a beast.

The wisest of the Tartum studied the beast and gave Wez, Reic, and Kylak very little hope. It was advised to avoid the beast, it might also mean that the Tartum would have to hunt hundreds more caraca this year, enough to feed their own population and this new beast.

Reic and Aera kept their new visitor a secret from the rest of the Tartum.
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Kylak sat next to Aera's lean-to, they drifted in and out of conversation, enjoying their slight successes and cursing their many failures this year. Aera rejoiced that Kylak had been the one to slay the new beasts, and congratulated him on a well chosen name. The conversation drifted to the select plants that Aera used on his spear tips. Kylak inquired about all the various herbs and mixtures. Maybe something could be created that would prove more successful against the pa nada.

The sun was just setting and the caraca meat was cooked. Only one tribe had a successful hunt and they shared the meat with everyone. It did not leave much for anyone, but allowed what little had been stored not to be wasted. The fire cracked next to them and an ember broke free from the pile of wood it landed next to a child who stopped playing in the dirt and immediately ran for his mother crying.

Aera noticed the event and pointed it out Kylak. “If we react to fire that way... how do you think beasts would react?”

“...We will try this tomorrow then. Every one of our members will take a bundle of small sticks we can light on fire. One person will carry a bundle on fire. Once a caraca is wounded, we will light all the bundles and attempt to scare the pa nada from the caraca body.”

“Agreed....”


Fire +3
Spear +2
Herbology +3
Absorb Light +1
Produce Light +1

[Ambon]

The Lam Nur

Turn 1.0 – 1.2, Year 1

A large village along the border between Q23 and Q22

The air was rich with the smell of their fear as the young attendants gathered up bundles of dried Atle twigs to throw into the fire. The dried twigs caught aflame easily and as the fire of the Ritual Hut burned brightly the heavy incense became a calming fog that helped ease their tensions.

There was a great deal of tension to ease, and their heavy use of the Atle twig was appropriate for such a heavy burden. Some of the other elders took to stripping young Atle twigs, still green inside, and chewing them. A southern custom mostly and there were many of them here from the southern coasts. Refugees from the Great Storm.

Aidlee gestured to her young nephew who attended to them; by hand he widened and narrowed the opening in the grass roof of the semi-subterranean hut, periodically throwing another bundle into the fire, to maintain the balance of incense and air. He was an artful student of scents and pheromones, attentive to how easily a mood could be changed by the right smell, and soon to be a member of the new Green Fire school.

The balance was struck. She knew it not only because she could feel it – she could see it in the faces of her fellow elders. They were attuned now, and crowded. Never in her life has so many been housed in a single Ritual Hut. Many elders of the coastal villages were here, along with the others from the Edge – where the hills meet the jungle - as well as messengers from deep inland.

They were here to finish the discussion that had already taken many days. If they were to survive this calamity without starvation, a consensus was necessary.

“The Herd has long passed, and what meat we have taken from them will not last.”

“The Great Storm, though it did not pass deep into the Edge, has driven away much of our prey.”

“We cannot reach the fruit of the trees. They are surrounded with waters, or they have fallen and rotten.

“What remains is animal food, not fit for true people. The small and many grasses that surround our villages, and the meager peas. Birdfood."

“If too many stay, all will all starve,” Aidlee said, last to speak among the elders of the Edge.

The two messengers from the deep inland jungle were next. Around their third and fourth hands they held stiff strings made out of plant fibre, roughly knotted many times over and decorated with crude beads. Their primary arms went over them, feeling the pattern on the strings.

“The people deep inland mourn with our cousins. Your lives are our lives. We are one people. The Great Storm passed over our villages as well. The trees shook and the waters rose, but our homes survived.”

“But always, since the days before memory, our villages were smaller. In the deep inland we lack much of prosperity of the coasts or the Edge. The forest has much fruit, but we have no herd or fish. The forest has much wood, but we have few stone axes or knives.

“We open our houses to our cousins from the coasts. We are one people. But if too many stay,” the messenger said, looking at Aidlee,”all will starve.”

She could smell a change in the air, the tint of anger mingling with the incense smoke. The refugee elders from the coasts spoke.

“We are one people, one blood. Across our lands, in peace, our gifts flowed; from the coasts to the Edge, from the Edge to deep inland. The white beads, the many fish, the gathered snails and clams.”

“Now our peace is threatened. The gifts cannot flow because our homes are in ruin. The blood of our people spills onto the earth. Spilling into the dry hills and the deep jungle. We are one people, a sick people, if our left hand does not try to stop the bleeding of the right,” a wheezing elder finished.

“A vein cut open by black magic,” said an angry elder, Miomee. He had a reputation for aggressiveness, and his anger could not be calmed by the incense. “The left hand is jealous of the right hand’s strength.”

The messengers from deep inland pretended not to understand, replying. “Among the inland jungle villages, we know to keep the spirits happy. Perhaps the spirits of the coasts are more fickle. Maybe the spirits of the coasts are impatient with the careless, or those that marry their clanmates.”

Aidlee gestured again towards her nephew, who quickly stepped between Miomee and the messenger, pretending to need to throw another bundle of Atle twigs into the fire. Miomee had stood up, glaring at the messengers, but was calmed into sitting again by her nephew’s diversion.

The tensions were high again, and they argued long into the next morning, the woody smell of their sweat mixing with the incense and pheromones. When they emerged they had finally come to a consensus. The villages along the Edge would take in the bulk of the refugees, and break up into foraging bands in this season instead of the next, to best stretch their meager resources. Many would travel further inland, into the landlocked villages of the jungle, where the monsoons did not his as hard. Others would travel back to the coast, rebuilding what they could, and calling back their villages when the floods had subsided.

A temporary but effective arrangement. And still some would starve. Now that a plan of action had been decided, Aidlee turned her mind to the problem of food. Birdfood or not, the grasses and peas around their villages could be eaten. Maybe even encouraged to grow – they seemed to have a fondness for their middens. Insects, maybe. She had heard that in past droughts, the ancestors resorted to eating them – thought they still starved according to the stories. A good idea actually, the Tellers and Speakers should talk to the refugees. Perhaps there were signs of the spirits’ anger that they had missed.

Summary and Crunch:
The coastal Lam Nur temporarily migrate inland, returning to the coast when it’s safe.
The Lam Nur along the edge break into foraging bands early in the season.
+1 EP for Weather Lore, as coastal refugees turn observations of signs of a monsoon into stories to be passed down.
+1 EP for Foraging, as the stress on the food supply forces the Lam Nur to try to exploit a larger range of animals and plants than they did before.
+1 EP for Horticulture, as the stress on the food supply encourages the Lam Nur along the Edge to purposefully plant some grass seeds in their garbage pits.

[purepolarpanzer]

Toskirk, Turn 1.0-1.2

Uneven, the leader of the herd with his right horn longer and oddly angled, met with his lieutenants.
What news of the blight that harms the herd of Grey Beard?
The few Toskirk before him shifted uncomfortably. This topic had led to some angry discussions between them, but these must be reported to the leader with respect for each other and for the Family (Toskirk in their language).
The blight strips them of their fur. What remains they scratch off. This is not a problem, as Toskirk are strong and resiliant, but without their fur they die in the cold. And the blight has spread to Large Fang's herd that bases near the orange sun.
What do you all suggest?
We must keep them away. Long Fang's herd caught the blight after a gathering with Grey Beard's. A young Toskirk male spoke up, his first words as a lieutenant in council. A few lowered their heads and touched their horns to the ground, a sign of agreement.
We must not forget Toskirk! an older female bellowed. We are nothing but Derack (insult comparing to the monsters of the warm plain) without our unity!
Uneven was quiet a moment before touching his horns to the ground. Strong Mother is right, young bull. We will not abandon our own. Send runners to the other herds that remain blightless, and then send runners to the blighted ones, but tell them to keep their distance. Gather the clean ones for a gathering. There were murmers at this, for their had never been a gathering this large. Tell them to bring their weapons, for we hunt the Serock (largest predators on the plain, large, six legged, long necked beasts with the thickest fur). Also, tell them to collect the black wood (best burning wood on the plain). We must support Toskirk, blight or no blight. Tell those harmed by it that we will send help soon, but not to approach our people.

And so word went out. Herds began gathering their resources, food and furs and heading for Uneven's lands. The Blighted were offered grazing and hunting in the vacated lands as the herds converged through word of mouth for a larger gathering then Toskirk had ever had. Those who were concerned and did not wish to go were pressured into joining by their neighbors. Some ignored the summons, but most came to calls of Toskirk. The journey was long for some, and often dangerous, but the land is fertile and they were strong, so they had no problem making their way.

Summary and Crunch
First of all, I'm not sure if my movements within the allotted time or my spending are correct. Just help me ooc if I am wrong.
1 EP spent on Fire, as they begin to master the concept of better fuels and techniques.
1 EP Spent on Society as herds begin working together and trusting each other even more, and as certain herds begin to emerge as leaders, in addition to a stressed unity of Toskirk.
2 EP Spent on Runner Communication as runners are used to pass on messages over long distances, allowing coordination between the herds.
The non-blighted herds are coming together (though some blight may get through, I know) to discuss how to help their brethren, while the non-blighted are being urged to stay away until support comes. Numbers wise, keeping 120 in each hex other then Q33, where the rest (390 more) are moving for the gathering.)

[Lord_Asmodeus]

Skecsix Turn 1.2

As the Skecsix shifted into a nighttime schedule, they found the creatures they hunted were more alert than those in the day. It was easier to sneak up on prey during the day because they had become accustomed to seeing their predators since their predators needed to see them, where the Skecsix did not need to see. The night-time creatures responded to the vibrations the Skecsix were only dimly aware of with great regularity. Skecsix hunters began to try and rely on their tactile and vibrational senses to pick up on what was alerting their prey. Over time they honed their attention to the vibrations, and their scales started to become sensitive to all kinds of vibrations, whether strong or subtle, and their tactile senses grew along with them, allowing them to better feel their surroundings as they tasted their prey.

EP expenditure
3EP to tactile vibrational senses

[Mangles]

1.2 The Kin

The Kin were beginning to understand the beast. They didn't want the juice, nor the souls that came from using them in the rite. They only wanted the meat of the fruit. As a Kin would eat so too would these beasts. Those creatures tamed by the Kin no longer feasted on the souls of those who would not be. Now they ate the egg shell of the soul, it provided them nutrients as much as it provided for the Kin. This was a much better arrangement. Still those of the wilds feasted upon the Johab unchecked. The Kin would need to stop this somehow.


1 more ep to Domestication of animals for a total of 2ep

[Aux-Ash]

The Varadesh, turn 1.0-1.1

Khut tood panting and watched as the young ones lifted the heavy stones above their heads and hurled them into the pit onto the hapless gazelle. Most of the herd had gotten away, jumped over the pit or fled past it, but they had caught some. A handful of beasts had been caught and would feed the tribe for many days, like he had felt in his heart it had been a good hunt.

It had been exhausting though, sometimes Khut wondered if they could improve upon their hunting technique. Find a way that wouldn't be so tiring, like that of the riverbeasts. Who just lay and basked in the warm water until the prey got close. It was worth considering.

A movement from the pit stirred Khut from his thought, Mhutu's eyes caught his own and the man gestured to a point behind the elder hunter. Khut turned around and saw the strangest man he had ever seen come walking towards him.

A pale man, unlike any of the Varadesh, dressed into what seemed to be a mix between the best skin Khut had ever seen and a cloud of the skies. It was not torn or ragged like the crude trappings of his people, but the colour was still what caught his eyes. He had never seen any skin or fur of that colour. Perhaps it was made from the white birds of the river? Yet it did not seem to be made out of feathers...

Khut waved two of the older hunters to his side and approached the mysterious stranger, if another tribe (or whatever the man came from...) was coming to this part of the river he needed to know. There was such a thing as too many hunters in one area after all.

As they approached the man, Khut handed his spear to the hunter to his right and spread his arms to show he was unarmed. Perhaps it was risky, but despite that he was a bit older than the other hunters Khut was far from weak. He could best most of the hunters when it came to races and wrestling and hurl a spear longer than any other man he knew. If this man... thing... is hostile, he would not easily best Khut.

"I greet you, wanderer! I am Khut, elder hunter of my tribe. I welcome you to our lands and I offer you drink and shade."

The elder hunter stopped, behind him the tribe had begun to haul the dead bodies of the gazelle out of the pit and tying them to sturdy branches with tendons. Ready to haul them back to the tribe. The two hunters standing by his side kept their eyes on the stranger, ready to protect their leader at the blink of an eye.

Khut stood still, his arms slightly spread and awaited the strangers response. If he was friendly, he would ask the man to follow them and give him something to drink. Ask him where he was from and why he had come, it was important to know after all.

[Emperor Demonking]

Hylnks

Myrvka - I21

The pack leader looked at Myrvka with a look of interest, despite his apparrent lack of understanding of fine details, he was intrigued. "I pack leader. I greatest power already. What you give me."

[El_Frenchie]

The man took a while to take into account what was happening around him. He clearly didn't seem to make haste and his eyes gazed back at Khut calmly. He smiled. His words were spoken in a tongue that Khut and the tribe knew not. It made no sense, yet somehow, its meaning was clear.

"I thank you, elder. But I have no need for shade or drink."

Right at that moment, Ark felt the presence of Ki far above, pushing him, egging him on. New purpose entered the fiber of his being and he stepped forward to address the elder without having to heighten his voice.

"I come to you on behalf of my God. Ki. There are many things I can teach you in his name."

His voice rang and reached the ears of the tribe. His eyes went to the trees nearby. It wasn't the season for fruits yet, and it seemed logical since they were relying on hunting.

"Perhaps I ought to show you proof."

He walked towards the trees and chose one among them that seemed to bear bananas. The fruits were small and green. They were most definitely not a treat at this time of the year.

That is, until the strange man pointed a finger towards them. Something like a spark, almost akin to the ones you see as you light a fire, shot out of the finger and reached the tree. It stirred briefly and came to be still once more. Perhaps he was merely jesting?

But then. It happened. The fruits started to grow, the colour started to shift and turned a bright yellow like the sun. Some of them grew brown spots in places. They were suddenly ripe. Ki's emissary approached the tree and put his hand against the bark.

"I have no need for trinkets, shade or water. Elder, you are wise and generous and I believe you have a greater need for those than I do. Will you pray to my god with me, and learn all that he has to teach you?"

With those last words, Khut saw the man's hand grasping the tree to the point where bark splintered and fell to the ground. The ground suddenly shook and suddenly gave way in some parts. The tree was being, quite literally, lifted. With one hand. Earth and dust crumbled and clouded the air as Ark waved the thing around as if it was nothing else but a stick. He slowly angled it downwards towards Khut, the fruits now hanging right in front of him at hand's reach.

"This is one of the gifts of my God to you and your people. Hunting is your pride, but the world has much more to give you. Will you listen to me and come to the river?"

Ark is an avatar with 10 strength, uprooting a tree should be the least of his worries.

One level 1 Miracle used. 5 mana expended. 5/10 remaining.

[Zweanslord]

The Erren, Kaldr, I17, Turn 1.0

The little red thing, the Erren, was terrified when it looked at the big humanoid towering over it. The other Erren, its mates and the children had run off to the trees already, fearing the loud steps that came only closer. While they would have liked to stay with the trapped Erren, the enclosing steps had been too scary to stay. The red Erren had thus grown even more fearful as well, with the other Erren leaving and hearing the steps get closer.

Nearby predator creatures backed off as well with the loud steps, but there was one who thought it might be able to get there first, trying to beat the other predator to its prey. It is an agile beast on two strong legs, with a long balancing tail and sharp spikes running over its spine. A large mouth full of sharp fangs was brought to bear when the creature jumped out of the bushes. But then it saw what it was facing. Something that was much, much bigger. While it was bigger than an Erren, it was very small compared to Kaldr stil and Kaldr looked intimidating enough with the tree in his hands. Quickly enough, the predator turned around and fled.

The red Erren had stood terrified and still even after Kaldr had picked up the tree and freed it. It was fearful of Kaldr due to its size and the fearful state it had been in before. Even the words meant to sooth the Erren had little effect. It was only when the realisation started to down that Kaldr meant no harm that the Erren started to calm down a bit. For it had seen the predator fleeing from Kaldr and Kaldr had not yet attacked the red Erren. Slowly, the meaning of the words Kaldr had said seeped in and with it, the Erren become more reasonable. It started to make a little noise, trying to talk back to Kaldr, for it had spoken to it before. The noise was composed of different sounds, from gurgling to hisses. A bit of smoke appeared from some of the bulbs of the Erren as the gas it had held within now come out due to it being a bit more relaxed.

"H..hello. You help me. Me happy." The red Erren seems to have little else to say, but while still uncomfortable with the huge size of Kaldr, it is happy to be out of the tree and not being preyed upon by predators. It eased up a bit, but it tenses up again as again wails are heard in the air.

The two other Erren and the two children that had fled to the trees away from Kaldr's intimidating presence did not want to go too far and now the predators that had been attracted by the wailing and scared off by Kaldr's presence have found new prey. With the children being slow, the Erren group has started to run away from the two-legged predators, but will soon be caught up by their foes. Realising this, they wail out of desperation. "Wuuuuuuh!"

"Mates! Children! Danger!" The red Erren quickly says, looking in the direction of the wailing. "Help me, help them?" The red Erren asks of Kaldr, before looking in the direction of the wailing again and stepping towards the trees over there. There is some distance between the red Erren, Kaldr and the Erren in need, but it is not far.

[Aux-Ash]

The varadesh. Turn 1.0-1.1

Khut's eyes widened in awe when he saw the banana's ripen before his very eyes. Such a thing was impossible. What was this creature? In the corners of his eyes he could see his two flanking hunters gape in amazement over this wonder.

When the "man who speaks for Ki" grabbed the tree and lifted it Khut took a step back in fear and his escort raised their spears threatingly towards the tree. Khut did not know what to think, first he had seen unripe bananas ripen and now this being lifted the trunk of a tree as if it weighed virtually nothing.

He felt his heart beat faster and that strange feeling throughout his body that told him to run. Behind him he could hear how Mhutu made sure that the fleeing tribesmen at least brought the gazelles with them. He could see in the corner of his eyes how one of the hunters twisted uncomfortable and wordlessly urged him to leave with them, unwilling to leave his elder but fearing for his life.

As the tree was lowered towards them, Khut took another step back. He did not know what to make of the entire situation. It was all so very alien and inexplicable. Like a dream, yet he was sure he was awake. He slowly raised his trembling hand and touched one of the bananas and felt it's soft texture under between his finger. He wasn't sure why he did it, but he did.

He could somehow sense how his fellow hunters looked between themselves and at him, waiting for some semblence of leadership and a decision on what to do. Khut mustered all the courage he held in his heart, taking a deep breath before he spoke to the frightingly powerful being.

"If it is your wish mighty one. I will go to the river and listen to what you have to say."

It sounded a lot more confident than he felt, but it seemed to embolden his fellow tribesmen a bit. He felt like he shook inside, but he harnessed his will to look strong and dignified before the two of them. If the being wished to talk, who was he to refuse? Quite frankly, Khut was just happy the man-beast seemed friendly right now.

[Moody the Wise]

Myrkva, Turn 1.1, I-21

Myrkva thought for a second and decided a small display might be in order before she continued. Suddenly, the area became pitch black, as if Myrkva had removed the sun from the sky. Then as soon as the shadows had come, they were gone. "This is the power my master gives me." As soon as she finishes the last word, she runs a few circles around the pack leader, as fast as he had ever seen the fastest of mortal beasts run. "And this I learned myself." She stops in front of the pack leader and stares him in the eyes. You are leader of your pack, true. How would you like to be leader of two packs? Three packs? One day, maybe all the packs?" She pauses a second to let this sink in. "You challenge the leaders of other packs for control of their packs, and I can make sure you win. Or I could help another leader, if you do not want my god's favor."

Kaldr, Turn 1.1, I-17

Kaldr nods his head as he hears the request of the red Erren. "Help you, help them. Help all them. Take you with me, or danger come back to you. Come with me, trust me." Kaldr holds out his hand for the Erren to climb up. If he does, Kaldr will take him along when he goes to save the rest of the Erren's family.

[Emperor Demonking]

The Hylnks

Myrkva, Turn 1.1, I-21

The pack leader fell down to the ground when it all went dark. He still didn't speak as he watched and listened to Myvkra. He eventually managed to spit out the words. "I'd like to."

He hesitated before continuing. "How lead two packs? Too long distance. Two places."

[Eldan]

The Tarkash, Turn 1.1

Sharkal released a cloud of pheromones. She was hidden beneath a broad-leafed bush. Her broodmates, all called Sharkal, were nearby, their smell indicating readiness, and impatience at the absence of prey.
They were the queens of the jungle. A single body was weak, and easily fell prey to a net-spinner, one of the long-jawed beasts lurking in the river mud, or the legless, swift striking stranglers which lay motionless in the grass. But when all the broodmates were together, nothing could approach them in their mastery.
Sharkal came closer to her other broodmates now, chasing the prey, her high-pitched hissing and measuredly slow, but theatrically high jumps, scaring the small herbivore she was hunting.
It was a pitiful creature, one of the short-legged, fat root-diggers which moved in small groups through the underbrush, trying to lie motionless when approached by Sharkal. Better prey had been scarce, ever since the rains had fallen for many days without pause. But it would do. They were secure, here, the area high-up and save from the waters which rose elsewhere.
Three of Sharkal launched themselves from the bushes, claws grabbing the small, frightened creature, and three stingers quickly finding their targets, in eyes, and throat. The others approached quickly, and soon, all ten of them were feeding on the small creature.
They had nothing to fear. Except more of their own kind.
As the ten of them were standing in a circle, exchanging pheromones, two of them suddenly lifted their heads. There was a new smell in the air. Carefully, they formed a demi-circle, huddling close, their abdomens erect, plates shifted to open the pheromone glands.
Twelve others moved into the small clearing, forming a tight formation of the other side of the clearing. They were thin, and hungry, their armour plates splintered, in need of moulting, but they were twelve.
One of Sharkal moved two steps ahead, hissing, and releasing a cloud of angry pheromones in the air, a sharp, stinging smell. The others raised their tail stingers in agreement, clicking their mandibles.
The other Tarkash did likewise, their stingers waving from one side to the other rhythmically, clouds of pheromone wafting up the hill. The two groups moved closer now, clicking and dancing around each other, stingers raised and aggressive stenches filling the air.
Finally Sharkal retreated from the hill, to the lower, wetter areas to the southwest. Egg-laying season would be soon, and they would need to find dry ground until then...

100 Tarkash move from U19 to T20, and another 100 from V20 to U21

[El_Frenchie]

Turn 1.0-1.1, Ki, Ark and the Varadesh, H-28

The tree gave way to the skies once more as Ark lifted it away from Khut and the other tribesmen. The avatar looked at them in wonder and saw more of them flee from the scene. Perhaps his display had been a little forceful.

He gently put the tree to the ground, delicately picking the hanging cluster of bananas and handing it over to one of the hunters. His eyes turned to Khut once more.

"I would like your tribe to see everything, but I believe you and your hunters will be able to speak well enough of what you learned this day. Now follow me, we have much to talk about."

He turned away and walked in the direction of the river and as Khut followed.

"I seem to have given fear to you, rather than gift of food. I do apologize."

The being continued walking, undeterred by the vegetation in front of him, clearing a way for the hunters. Before he reached the river, he stopped.

"There are a few things, Khut, that you need to know. First, that I am no enemy of yours. I am an emissary of my God, and that he believes in the land, in your people and the power that fuel all of us. His name is Ki."

"All around you right now, strength is present. In the water, in the trees, in the earth and in creatures as well. This strength, this power, it is given to you through food, through water, through sleep. Ki rules over these elements, and he can teach you how to make them give you more power. A better strength will allow you to rest and think of what comes in the next day rather than worry for the present day."

"But Ki is also a god for the unborn children of all that walk this earth. He will protect and safeguard your progeny, and through the ages, look after your tribe and its children."

Something caught his eye and it seemed one of those scaly creatures decided the newcomer would make for an appropriate meal. It approached slowly from the water, then, suddenly, its speed picked up, its jaw was open and it clamped hard on Ark's leg to drag him back in the water. The man did not move a muscle and simply watched.

The creature kept thrashing about trying to pull him to the water, but Ark didn't make a sign that he was about to move. Instead, he turned to Khut and the others.

"Do these creatures pose a problem to you? If such is your will, I can stay, and teach, at your village, and accompany you to the river to ward off the beasts. I would very much like to meet your people. I have many more things to teach."

His hands went to the jaw desperately trying to summon enough strength to make Ark a meal. He simply opened them forcefully, lifting the whole creature and while holding it, seemed to ponder what to do with it. He decided to get rid of the creature's main weapon. His bare hands opened the jaw and snapped it. Stretching it to an impossible angle before finally releasing it, it seemed there was no more strength left in it as it slumped back into space.

"Perhaps the best way to overcome the fear you have of this animal is to regard it as any other creature you have met so far. With the fruits, this will be part of your meal today as well."

He put the creature over his shoulder, and it had no interest in rebelling any longer it seemed. It was defeated.

"There are ways for you to acquire food by growing plants and feeding animals. There are ways that need no hunting or foraging. Let us eat, and I will explain everything about farming to you, so that you may use it to feed your family and tribe. Without the worry of wondering if nature will smile to you. It has. In the form of Ki."

"Which way is your village?"

[Zweanslord]

The Erren, Kaldr, Turn 1.0, I17

The red Erren looks at the hand of Kaldr for a moment, not sure what to do. The hand is huge to the Erren and while it does realise that it can easily step on it, it still feels hesitant. But realising the alternatives, with predators around and falling trees, it takes a last look up towards Kaldr after which it walks towards the hand and climbs up with its legs and feet. When it gets lifted higher, it will try to lower itself against the hand, looking scared at everything moving so fast and its position being so high. For a moment, it will close its eyes, but does not like that feeling either and quickly opens them again. Kaldr can feel the small Erren shake in its hand and it feels relatively warm as well. A bit of smoke appears from some bulbs, but it stays where it is.

If Kaldr moves towards the wailing of the orange and dark red Erren, as well of the two children, he can easily determine that they are neither running away or towards Kaldr specifically, rather they are running by at a distance between the trees. Kaldr can see several trees around him, as well a steep side of a hill to one side. The trees extend further ahead, though Kaldr can already see the edge of the gathering of trees ahead. Obviously, this is no forest, but rather a large group of trees near the base of a hill.

The distance between Kaldr and the Erren in danger is a distance Kaldr can cross and be in time. The biggest challenge is trying to get between the trees at a rapid enough pace, though with other trees having fallen down due to the quakes, some parts of the trip will be easy to traverse.

If Kaldr reaches the Erren in danger, the red Erren being carried will call out: "Heeeeerrr! Heeeerrr!" Making them attentive to its presence and allowing them to recognise Kaldr as a better alternative than the predators. The predators will not be easy to give up their prey now, however. Not able to see the full length of Kaldr due to the trees, they will try and attack his legs if he gets between them and their prey.

[FullmetalChef]

The Lükaverka, The Twins: Turn 1.0, U25

Desshmiree crouched silently in the branches of the tree hardly daring to breath for fear of scaring away the prey she and her other hunters had spent the past two days shadowing. A rustle of leaves behind her short a spark of tension down her spine but she relaxed again when she picked up the familiar scent of her brother. Tesshmiree moved up beside her and looked out over the beast that were grazing below them. His ears twitched and he flicked his whiskers and Desshmiree's left ear went flat against her head. such gestures would have probably gone unnoticed to most outsiders but they had actually just had a fairly in depth conversation about her attack plan.

Desshmiree's eyes combed the surrounding trees and picked out her hunting companions. All of them had been hunting since they had been little Lükaves and even given their people's knack for body language they had litlle need to communicate when they were hunting. The beasts below them were still thoroughly unaware of their fate and even though the group feeding below was 12 strong, Desshmiree only counted on them bringing back 2 of the beasts, three if they were lucky, but she doubted it. The influx of rain waters from the mountains had hit them hard, the rivers they relied on had overflowed their banks and even though her pack had been able to escape the immediate danger with only a few losses, they were only starting to feel the long term effects. The beasts they now hunted had always been a favored prey of the Lükaverka. They grew quickly and were slow moving and dull minded. Their meat was good and each one yielded enough meat to feed three dozen adults. The flooding from the rains had driven these beast to areas away from the rivers gorged banks for the grass that formed their diet. This of course meant that Desshmiree's pack had had to move with them in order to survive, and this was not really a problem per se. Her people were only the move often but that last couple of months had seen six of her pack giving birth to large litters, not that all of them had survived of course, that was to be expected, the real loss had been of one of their strongest hunters after giving birth to her sixth child and what was worse she had been the pack leader and Desshmiree's mother. A few rivals had of course challenged her but she had shown them that her family was not to be trifled with and had taken over leadership of the pack.

Tesshmiree's right ear tilted forward and he drummed the fingers of his right hand. Desshmiree shook the memories from her head and checked over her team again, by their postures most of them had claws out and only awaited her signal, having already marked their targets. She cast a smile at her brother and extended the 16 centimeter claws concealed in her fingers and allowed a hint of anticipation to creep into her eyes. Without a word she flicked her claw and a single leaf fell from the branch she was perched on and simultaneously 6 of her pack mates leaped from hiding and it wasn't until the first of them had landed on the back of one of the beasts that the herd had noticed and started braying loudly. The first of the beast fell to a young female named Dalmiitee, as she landed on the back of one of the animals and sunk her claws into the back of it's head with a satisfying crunch as she found soft spot where the creature's neck and head met, they had found this to be the best place for quick kills. One more of the beast was down when Desshmiree gave the signal for the second half of the group to move in and take down the stragglers. As she leaped through the air with her brother by her side her smile widened, it seemed luck was on there side this day.

[Aux-Ash]

The Varadesh, still on turn 1.0-1.1

Khut followed the mysterious man to the river, his escort kept themselves at a distance but despite their fear not too far away to attempt a rescue of their leader.

Khut did not know what to think or how to act, but he calmed down slightly when the man apologized. It was somehow reassuring that he had not intended to frighten.

He listened as the man spoke and was about to question what this "Ki" would want in return for what the man claimed he could offer, but the riverbeast interrupted him. As it approached he took a step back and reached his arm out for his spear and shouted a warning to the man. The hunter holding his spear tossed it over and the three of them turned their spears towards the beast, but then let them sink as they saw how the man remained unphased by the beasts attack.

The three of them then stood with their mouths open in amazement as the white-clad man lifted the monster out of the water and above his head and broke it's jaw. The man seemed truly invincible and impossibly strong. As the man spoke of how to treat the beast, Khut woke from his stunned awe.

"I would not say we fear the riverbeasts as such, but respect it for it truly poses a danger to the unwary. Much like we do not approach the lion or taunt the gray ones resting in the river. Each animal is it's own and all should be respected in it's own way."

Khut took a few steps form the riverbed and gestured up from the vegetation to the more open ground. His hunters began walking up but he waited for the man with the riverbeats over it's shoulder.

"I still don't know if I should trust you, Man who speaks for Ki, and I hope I will not regret this, but our village is this way.

Khut waited for the man to follow the hunters before he himself began walking back towards the village. As they walked in the shade towards the great camp, Khut felt like he had to indulge his curiosity.

"I feel I must ask... but how do one eat riverbeast?"

[Arcanis_Shivilrah]

Turn 1.2, Legatus and The Lükaverka, V24

Abruptly from the chests of all the nearby creatures, the Lükaverka and their prey included, thing strands of thousands of colors floated out drawing to a single location spinning together in the air. It took only moments for a large cluster of these multicolored threads to spin together into a form that simply towered over the small people. Its colorations appearing to shift and change as well as its form until seemed to settle on a largely deep blue color, with many, many stylizations in many different colors splayed across the figure’s robes. It was unlike anything the Lükaverka had ever seen before, though underneath its thick clothing it appeared to be one of them, albeit a freakishly large one.

After only a second of the color coming to a stand still, two bright blue glowing eyes appeared from beneath the veil that shrouded its eyes and cloth that covered its face. It glanced around at those present a strangely calming feeling spreading to each member as the shock of its appearance subsided. Its eyes moving from one to the next as if evaluating each one, though one couldn’t help but think that during those swift few moments that the creature was grinning at them kindly. “Greetings, I am Legatus. May I ask who you are?” The seemingly Lükaverka creature asked to no one in particular, its tone kind and ambiguous as to which gender it might actually be, though its body movement had stilled as if it did not wish to offend.

[El_Frenchie]

Turn 1.0-1.1, Ki, Ark and the Varadesh, H-28


"I still don't know if I should trust you, Man who speaks for Ki, and I hope I will not regret this, but our village is this way."

"And you are right not to trust so easily. Trust isn't something to give away lightly. Trust has to be earned. But fear not, you won't come to regret our meeting or showing me the way to your village."

He walked in the shade seemingly tirelessly, looking towards Khut as he asks his question.

"I do not know myself. But Ki will summon my mate. She will know, and she will be able to show you."

He continued walking and seemed to feel like he needed to talk about some of his previous words.

"Perhaps I should explain what I mean by farming, Khut. When I speak of strength, and that it flows in everything... you, me, trees, I do not jest. You have most likely seen shrubs and vines grow around your huts. This power in the earth, this strength, can be used to your advantage."

He paused.

"Farming is where you choose shrubs, plants and trees that are of use to you. You feed them earth. You give them water. Then they will give you fruits and food in return. The exchange is simple, and it helps you a great deal. Relying on hunting is possible, but farming will help you feed your people better. It will strengthen your tribe and even perhaps give you knowledge to teach other tribes in exchange for food, drink, or secrets of their own."

He turned to Khut and wondered for a moment.

"I have not told you my name. I am Ark."

He stopped, he could see smoke ahead.

"I will ask Ki to send for my mate now. She will come to the village."

I'll let you describe the approach/village/people/reaction etc.

[FullmetalChef]

Turn 1.2, Legatus and The Lükaverka, V24

Falstarrie was playing with his sisters and his friends in the clearing at the center of the pack when the strange man appeared. As soon his form had materialized and was towering over them every Lükaverka had their eyes trained on him and their claws were extended. The older ones had tightened their muscles, their bodies taught and poised. It was a learned reflex designed t avoid giving one's opponent any more information that could be helped. Not a one of them moved as the colors of his robes swirled and finally settled. It was the beings eyes that caught their attention, this creature was like looking at a tree, there was nothing to read about him but those eyes spoke more to them than any gesture could and their stances softened. Something stirred within them simply by looking at this being even though their found themselves incapable of expressing it. The Lükaverka had no real words for emotions in their language, they didn't need them, it was much easier to express the way one was feeling with a gesture.

The Lükaverka stood and watched as the entity spoke. After a few minutes one of their number stepped forward. His name was Illmaalarte and he was the leader of the pack he shifted his tail back and forth and the rest of the group moved a few feet back to widen the circle around the strange being. Illmaalarte took a step closer and twitched a few of his left whiskers and the third and fourth fingers of his left hand twitched, “We call us the Lükaverka. We are few of many.” As he said the second line his ears were moving to point to the North and he lowered his body into a crouching position. He was't sure why but it seemed like the right thing to do.

[Aux-Ash]

The Varadesh. H-28 Turn 1.0 -

While they walked towards the camp one of the hunters, Rhab, ran ahead to tell the tribe of the visitor and that the elder hunter were safe and unharmed. Both he and the other hunter, Lhom, both calmed down a lot during the long march through the vegetation surrounding the river.

Both Khut and Lhom both seemed to have a hard time to understand the things Ark spoke of. Taking long moments to contemplate what was said before Khut asked a question about something in the sentence, in most cases it was to ask Ark to repat the sentence or explain the meaning of words. As they grew closer, even Lhom seemed to muster the courage to ask such questions.

By the time the three of them reached the camp it had already begun to grow dark, it was located in a large open area where some trees and shrubs had been cut down to make room for the large yurts. The tents was about as tall as a grown man and semi-circular in shape, the walls and the roofs consisted of layers upon layers of skin from slain prey and was mounted upon a wooden frame made out of rods and branches.

The yurts were all placed in a radius around three campfires, forming three large circles that intertwined. All around the skin structures the tribe's men and women were working hard. Binding baskets, treating skins, hanging up the prey of the day on wooden mounts, sharpening knives, speartips and axes to be used. All while the elders kept their eyes on the young running around and playing and running errands for their busy parents.

The smell of food was hanging in the air, meat that were slowly roasting over the fire. As Khut came closer a group of seven or eight children came running out and laughing loudly he knelt down and embraced them all. After having welcomed their father, the children (now joined by the other children of the tribe) started huddling around Ark. Curious about the stranger and showing little if none of the hesitation of their parents. After a little convincing they finally allowed Khut, Lhom and Ark to reach the biggest of the fire where Ark was offered a place to sit.

As the daylight slowly died away, the work around the camp gradually ceased and the varadesh present gathered around the fire. To eat a meal and learn about the stranger in white.


Due to being uncertain to how much I'll be able to post the coming days (going away to celebrate christmas tomorrow and coming back the 30th). I'll post where I want to spend my EP this turn:

Farming - 2 ep
Husbandry - 2 ep
Size increase - 4 ep
Oral tradition (stories and such) - 1 ep
Boneworking - 2 ep
Toughness - 1 ep

[Eldan]

The Tarkash

The waters rose, even the ocean claimed stretches of beach and jungle it had never touched before, and every little brook was swollen into a river, former rivers now streams hundreds of Tarkash-lengths wide.
All the prey animals were vanishing, as the trees fell over, claimed by the water slowly digging earth and root away, and the spreading rot. There were no root-diggers left, for they could not dig in the mud; even the tree-climbing animals became rare, as the fruit rotted of the branches.
There were changes, then, in the Tarkash: some refined their hunting tactics, desperate to not let even the last bit of prey escape, others turned towards new sources. Where the rivers flowed slow and wide, they found fish, and small furry creatures digging caves in the shores, even diving birds.


EP spent:
+3 stealth
+1 hunting strategy
+3 swimming
+1 sense of smell
+1 hold breath
+1 agility

[Mangles]

The Kin began to find other uses for these creatures. Their fur was as black as night so they could hunt at night by hiding within them, using them as mounts also made sure they tired less. Soon the Kin had mastered this art and a tamed Drall became a decent companion. They used the tamed ones to herd or hunt those that would not obey. This lead to other difficulties though, the kin wanted to keep their beasts in place when not using them. They created enclosures out of fallen trees and large sticks too house the Drall, protecting them from above if necessary. This helped them hunt better and soon they could focus on other things. Particularly the cultivation of the Johab. The kin would now plant they Johab where it would be protected and safe, they would ensure it was not bothered by strangler vine and that sunlight reached the floor of the forest to let it grow. The Drall would be used to fertilise the plants and the shamans would call for blessings from the heavens.


The Drall: A large black and furry creature (think of those black cats from brutal legends) who loves the taste of the Johab fruit.

EP spent
2: Domestication
2: Wood Construction
4: Botany

[Moody the Wise]

Kaldr, Turn 1.1, I-17

Kaldr sets off towards the fleeing Erren as soon as the red one steps in his hand. He can tell that the creature is scared, and feels badly about it, but knows the alternative is to be caught in a game of pickle with the predators. He tries his best to make it feel safe, though, cupping his hand a little to cut down on the wind.

As he navigates through the trees, some of the predators get bold and start nipping at his heels. He barely skips a beat as he kicks out strongly, throwing one wolf-like creature 15 feet into a nearby tree with a loud thunk. With the next step, he squashes another under his foot. Though he cannot speak with them, they seem to get the message, and further attempts to disrupt his progress are not forthcoming.

With the help of the red Erren, he is able to find and approach the Erren family. The predators now having decided there is easier prey around, Kaldr and his new friends have a chance to relax and speak.

"I am Kaldr. I am happy to help you. My master is called Wykliffe. You thank him for living. Do you know more who need my help?"

Myrkva, Turn 1.1, I-21

Myrkva seems pleased that the pack leader has seen the benefit of her help. "I do not know how you will keep them together. That is not my gift. I offer you power, not ideas. I am confident that you will think of something."

((For the sake of time, I'll lay out my side of the plan, approved by Maldiem))
Myrkva will help the pack leader bring two packs together, by whatever means is within her power - whether by challenging another pack leader to single combat and helping him win the combat, or hunting some large prey animal and letting him take credit for it, however you want to fluff the other pack being impressed enough to follow the Chosen One. As the last act of unity, Wykliffe will channel a miracle through Myrkva, making a shadow image of the Chosen One in the sky, inspiring the pack to follow him since he is clearly favored by a higher power. This will let him rule two packs for a turn as if the Hylnks had a higher society stat without having serious unrest problems (the Hylnks will have to invest EP in the society stat if they want this larger pack size to be a species-wide trend, or if the Chosen One wants to maintain his rule by his own virtue without further help from Myrkva)

[Rogue_Dragon]

Biros 1.8

Brownwings skitted along the river bed, he was smaller than most of his fellow Biros, but what he lacked in strength and speed he made up for with stealth. While they took long breaths of air as they soared above the river, they attracted the attention of the great birds above, and when they dived into the waters of the river, the splash of their entry attracted the nearby water predators, leaving them always on the run. Brownwings however was a much slower type. When he surfaced it was just near the edges of the river, along the banks, barely coming up enough to catch a breath. The birds above rarely noticed his mudstained scales, and his slow movements along the bottom left few ripples to attract the larger fish. Today however was a difficult for him. The rivers seemed more filled with water, and the water that fell from above today had driven all the fish into a feeding frenzy. Brownwings did his best to avoid the fish, but with them swarming everywhere his usual hiding tactics were barely keeping him alive, and more than once he was forced to take to the air, much as he despised it, simply to avoid the snapping maws of the river beasts. When at last Brownwings felt that his strength was waning too much, he returned to the edges of the river bank, trying to move along the muddy edge between overflowing river and rapidly degrading land. He was sure that he wouldn't be able to avoid his end for much longer, but he kept creeping along the flooded bank. Eventually, when his strength was finally at it's limits, he came across a series of holes in the ground. He had always avoided the land before, so he knew not what might lie inside them, but it surely couldn't be worse than the storm that raged outside. When Brownwings finally squeezed through the tiny hole, he found himself in a very small underground room, along with a handfull of apparently very upset rodents. At first Brownwings was worried that the rodents would attack him, he was larger but there were quite a few of them, and he was very tired, but after one whip of his tail, the Rodents seemed to afraid to aproach him, and he slept through the long storm in peace. When he awoke he left the burrow to it's terrified denizens, and continued on much as he had before, but when next the storms returned to the river, he found himself another burrow, and this time a few more Biros followed along, pushing the poor rodents out into the storm to make room for them all. Over time the knowledge of the burrows spread, and the Biros finally had a safe place to hide when they were too tired to go on. Who knows, perhaps in time they might even learn to make burrows of their own, instead of stealing from those more skilled than themselves.


4 EP on Burrows
2 EP on Brains
2 More EP spent on Tail Stinger

[Arcanis_Shivilrah]

Turn 1.2, Legatus and The Lükaverka, V24

Legatus watched the one approach feeling the strange boldness that was unique to him with only the slightest provocation. The entity listened attentively to the short Lükaverka as he spoke and followed every motion with a focus that was almost unnerving. It was a strange sensation for Legatus and even Amorosor felt that it was a very unusual experince that they shared. To see motions and hear words that they did not recognized in the least, but yet understood it as if they were fluent with every nuance of the language. Legatus felt Amorosor’s pleasure mimic its own in unison; they both felt the feelings traveling the Lükaverka and how they could pluck their threads almost effortlessly.

”I am glad to meet you, and all Lükaverka.” Legatus stated pleasantly, not yet ready to attempt to mimic their body languages. ”And as you do brave one, I speak for my whole. However, the part of me that can’t speak wishes to show you all something.” Legatus stated happily with a soft gesture to the group as a surge of unexplained joy filled each of them with only slight delays as it spread. ”He is Amorosor, he is my eternal source and he wants to show you all how much joy the Lükaverka bring us.” The being stated still remaining quite still, observing their reaction to learn how to best to deal with the situation and how to proceed. Even being a god, they still lacked a great deal of power and allies would come in handy without question.

[purepolarpanzer]

The plain was a sea of grunts, moos, and the harsh barks of the Toskirk language. Horns rattled as arguments were had and settled. At the center of the hundreds and hundreds of Toskirk, the leaders and lieutenants of each herd met around a fire much larger then the rest to discuss what they would do.
We must not forget Toskirk. Our togetherness is the only thing that helped us survive the exodus from the warm lands, and if we forget that, then we are Derack. Uneven took the words from Strong Mother, relaying them.
I agree with Uneven, but how do we help them? The blight goes to those who approach the blighted, and the cold uses it to kill even the strongest Toskirk. Fur is all we have to protect us. Wounded Haunch bore many scars from hunts, but many said he was the most formidable Toskirk in the world.
Our other option is to let them go. Perhaps they have been judged unworthy by the blight. It could be something more then random chance. Black Back grunted and brushed the ground several times in opposition.
If there is something behind this, then it is not something that we will respect. Toskirk comes above all. And like we defied the Derack, and like we defied the predators of this land, we will defy this blight. I say that we use the numbers we have here. We can distract the Serock with some, while the rest attack its behind. The Serock is large and powerful, but it turns slow and has a large ass. There were grunts and coughs of rough laughter. Their fur, along with what we have learned, can help our blighted Toskirk. We can make them furs to replace what the blight would take. Also, give them the black wood that the herds have gathered. The heat of blackwood will fight the cold and help them endure. This is all I have thought of. Uneven placed his palms down on the ground to bow to the leaders and stepped back.
I have something else to add. People quieted at this. Silver Back, the oldest Toskirk any had ever heard of, had begun to speak. Many thought that he would be unseated, but no one in his herd ever tried. He led his people true, and they respected that. All of you have tasted Junk Grass. More coughing and chuckling. Junk grass grew abundant, mostly because nothing ate it- it tasted like dreck. I have noticed something in all my time on the plains. One animal does eat the Junk Grass. Does anyone know what eats it? One by one, the assembled Toskirk covered their eyes with one hand to show their ignorance.The Serock eats Junk Grass. The Serock, the beast with the best fur, the thickest, warmest fur, eats Junk Grass. And though the blight has touched other animals, the Serock do not seem affected. If we hunt them and eat them, we may be like them. If we wear their skin, we may be like them. If we eat what they eat, we may be like them. I do not know if this will work, but if the Toskirk are to endure, this may help.
I have something to add. Some had not even bowed to Silver Back, and grunted, annoyed, at the interruption of the youngest leader here, Four Stripes. We die in the cold, because it is time! Time for the Exodus of Revenge! This brought many growls and snorts. The Exodus was a new concept, developed by the younger Toskirk, raised on legends of their banishment from the warm lands. The warm lands were our home, and it is time to take them back! We are no longer weak and complacent! We are warriors and we are strong! We can fight the Derack, kill them, eat them, and take our lands back!Tough most roared in opposition, a few looked at the young leader with interest.
The Exodus? We have lived here for generations. If there is an Exodus, it will come when we need the land, and then the Toskirk will take what we need! Silver Back stepped foreward and pounded the ground.
Tell that to the Blighted! Tell them that we do not need the land, and that we will take it when we must. By then, they may be dead! I do not wish to bring division to Toskirk! He stepped foreward as though to accept Silver Back's challenge, then slowly bowed and grunted to the elder leader.But allow me and my herd to go to the blighted and ask if they wish to journey there. If we are wrong, then we will die to Derack in the warm lands, and this will hurt Toskirk, but we all know that hatred between our tribes will hurt more.
The leaders looked to each other, and debate began at this, while other groups discussed how the other proposals could be executed. Four Stripes waited and allowed the discussion to go on without him, having said his piece.When the circle reformed, Silver Back stepped forward.
I may not agree with your thoughts, Four Stripe, but everyone here respects the authority of a herd leader. In these lands, the steps we have mentioned will be taken. Large hunting herds have already been sent to hunt the Serock. Any blighted you... recruit... will be given their new supplies first. Then you will go. We will still communicate with you as Toskirk, and share as Toskirk, unless you move out of runner distance. Then, I urge you to come back. As we all know, Toskirk are strong together. I hope that those stripes are a symbol, young leader, because you take my FAMILY with you, for good or for ill.

And so preparations were made. Many hunts were made that day, and many Serock died, along with quite a few Toskirk. But the tactics of Uneven led to much feasting, and more importantly, furs for all herds. The wounded, sick, and children worked many days on their new project, and new techniques for sewing with sinew and using bone needles spread quickly. Black wood was bundeled and prepared to be moved to aid the blighted, along with new fur coats. Some Toskirk included bunches of Junk Grass, which, with much hesitation, some had begun eating. Silver Back's tribe began first, and soon after those who respected the ancient Toskirk. The results would dictate whether his wild idea would take on, but even more so in their blighted brethren. Four Stripes herd agreed to bring the supplies, with instructions, to the blighted in their recruitment run to the land where the sun slept, in the warm lands.

In his tent, Four Stripes felt sick. He had thought this the time to bring up his idea of the Exodus, but now everything in his mind told him he was wrong. He battled those thoughts down like he had battled his inferiors of the herd. His mate, Long Fingers, rubbed his head softly. He gathered his things, and walked out to meet his herd. Some resented this decision, but none could defeat him, so he led them. They began walking with the sunrise, and followed the suns path day after day. He sent out scouts, and within four days they found a blighted tribe, shivering and burying dead. Four Stripes approached them, with his whole tribe. A runner came to meet them.
Go back!He yelled from a distance.We are blighted, and we do not wish to hurt Toskirk! Let us die here, fighting as we have fought before, against this land that kills us!
Four Stripes approached strongly, as did those carrying bundles of supplies.
We bring aid from your family, and also a proposition. The blight kills you because it is cold, and without fur you die before your time. I, and my herd, have begun the Exodus of Revenge. We bring war to the Derack, and will being the blighted to the warm lands where fur will not be needed! As we will soon be one herd with blighted, we will come and speak with your people, and ask who will join us in the Exodus.
Most watched, fascinated, as unblighted Toskirk approached the sick herd. Four Stripes shouted a prepared speech, and dropped offerings of aid before the eager, sick Toskirk. Some joined. Not as many as Four Stripes hoped, but he figured more would join from other herds. And so the Exodus continued, following the sun, growing with each stop. The Toskirk were changing rapidly, and only time would tell if it was for the better.

Crunch
-The Toskirk begin moving back to their origional positions, however, sixty from each hex, a total of two hundred and forty, begin moving what would be west, to hex O31. What happens there will dictate what happens to the entire Toskirk race. I know your hopes and prayers will be with them.
1 EP Spent on Brains as the Toskirk become a bit more bright.
1 EP spent on herbalism, whether Junk Grass is successful or not the seed is planted
1 EP spent on Skin Crafting
1 EP spent on Bone Crafting
1 EP spent on Hunting Tactics
1 EP Spent on Scouting as runners explore the land and Four Stripes people move west.

[El_Frenchie]

As the fire roared and the smell of meat filled the air, Ark rose and raised his hands. A woman, with the same skin, and clad in the same garb, approached the village and the gathering of people.

"Her name is Clarity. She speaks for Ki as well."

The woman was extraordinarily gentle. The exact opposite of Ark in many ways. She went first to the kids, smiled and even hugged some. She let them touch her hair and some of her skin, smiling at their eyes full of wonder. When she finally joined Ark, she sat right next to him, holding his arm.

The night was spent answering many of the queries of the old and young, and Ark was persuaded by the children to show his strength once more. Clarity, on the other hand, went to the woods and the river and chose a few plants and spices to use for the gazelles they had hunted during the day. The air filled with new aromas and excitement.

((I am not going to force this onto you, but they are attempting to stay for five years. If you do not wish that to happen, then that's fine and you do not need to consider any of the following.))

The couple stayed with the tribe for 5 long years, selflessly helping them with the most basic of tasks, and teaching them all the while of things previously unknown to them. Ark taught Khut of water and its powers, and showed him how to irrigate the dry and dead land through canals from the river. His tireless work led to an impressive irrigation system a league away from the village and now preserved most of the crops yearlong.

Clarity on the other hand helped the women learn more of childbirth and childcare. She constantly helped whenever a delivery was due and was known to make the difficult task much easier to bear. She taught them how to boil water and how to use spices to alleviate or distract from the pain.

Ark on the other hand taught the tribe to iterate the type of crops they grew to keep harvesting across seasons. And among a number of new things, rice and wheat were grown, as were some vegetables. Ark even planted a grove of banana trees next to the fields. At the center of the grove lied a flat rock Ark had taken from the riverbed.

It was a farewell stone, and a reminder of his visit to Khut's people. Using one of the stone tools in the village, Ark had etched into the farewell stone the symbol of Ki, a circle, and asked to all the Villagers to pray to him.

"That is all we ask of you for our return to happen." Was the last thing he said to Khut before he disappeared with Clarity. Vanished. Into the air, into the skies or into the earth. But gone they most definitely were.

[Ambon]

The Lam Nur

Turn 1.2+

Along the coast of Q23

They came to him with hands covered in ash, smiling; the young children of the village who had been out, early in the morning, foraging for shellfish on the beach. Most had handfuls and armfuls of the clams, channeled whelk and quahog that were thrown up on the beach the Great Storm, but the few who were ahead, whose hands were all black with ash, seemed to be carrying something else.

He recognized the closest one of them right away, Luoma, a young member of his own clan. She ran up to him and, forming her four hands into a cup, enthusiastically shoved some oddly shaped stones in his face.

“Luoma? What are these?”

She shifted the objects in her hands, freeing her right hand, and decisively plucked one of the stones from her pile. She held it up to his face. Vaguely it had the shape of a Lam Nur – flattened and crude but the shape was still there – and it had a strange look; on its surface was a pattern of colours, dull but clearly unnatural, like an orange-yellow wave had been frozen on its surface.

He took it from her hand, examining it closely as the other children caught up.
“Luomo, where did you find this?”

She nodded. “That one is mine. And these too. We all made some.” She picked through the rest of her pile of crude shapes for her favourites: a starfish, a crescent moon, a sphere, a spear point. All with that same odd colour. He set down the Atle twigs he had gathered for the feast and felt the objects in his hands. They had real weight and a coarse surface.

“You made these! How?”

“The bonfires last night!”
“We were playing around the old ritual-“
“Amman started it cause he throwed it at Mima.”
“He THREW it at Mima.”
“…because Mima said…“
“… but they’re not like the real ones my dad makes...”
“And then we threw them at each other. He hit me in the eye-“
“And then in the bonfire.”
“So she buried my favourite shell under the fire pit!”
“And when we looked for it this morning,” Luomo finished, “we found these in the ashes.”

He spent the rest of the morning with them trying to piece together a coherent story. Last night they were playing around the hills where the old ritual hut had been, now only a naked pit in the ground. When his cousins had come back here to rebuild their homes they had abandoned the traditional style of ritual hut, half buried in the ground, and begun building their homes and buildings on tall legs. He was there when they salvaged what was left, leaving the pit to be filled by nature.

But the children, in their curiosity, had gone back to find that the walls when stripped of their wooden covering could be scooped out in handfuls and shaped. While the adults salvaged the old village and burned what couldn’t be saved, the children played with their newfound clay. When they were finished they imitated their elders, burying their clay toys under straw and kindling and setting them on fire. It was only a petty quarrel, a young girl’s revenge on one of her friends, and their morning hunger that caused them to be at the beach, that led to this discovery.

He politely borrowed a few of the pieces from the children. His aunt would want proof of this story when he went back to the villages of the Edge. The Great Storm had caused such great destruction, but in its wake left wonders.

Summary and Crunch

Coastal Lam Nur head back to rebuild with some help from the others.
+2 to Construction, Architectural changes as a result of the monsoon means that the coastal Lam Nur have abandoned semi-subterranean buildings and instead started building stilt houses.
+1 to Pottery, accidentally discovered
+3 to Fire Technologies, cause I should have added that earlier
+1 to Intelligence, and renamed my Brain stat to Int

[Zweanslord]

The Erren

Kaldr, I17, Turn 1.0+

The Erren still seem uncomfortable to be in the presence of the enormous creature, but they seem to have realised that his presence is a good one, for predators are no match for him and he has taken care of them already. The children remain frightened the most, hiding behind the orange and dark red Erren and not speaking much. When Kaldr tells about Wykliffe they do not fully understand, but the Erren thank both Kaldr and Wykliffe. "Thanks Kaldr." "Thanks Wykliffe." "Thank you both." "Th..thanks!"

Kaldr also asks about how he can help further. The three adult Erren tell Kaldr that with the recent shaking of everything many eggs have broken. They tell of other groups they have seen, which are thinking about leaving the area or trying to find another means of dealing with the situation. "Kaldr know what we do?"

Whatever Kaldr decides, this group of Erren will try to stick with Kaldr. If he travels around he will meet other groups of Erren. Some will try to flee if he approaches, others will be persuaded by the group of Erren to stay and listen for a while. In this sense, Kaldr can learn from the other groups what the Erren have told him already. There are some which want to leave, while others just seem afraid of the situation and a few do not care about it too much, but they do not seem to be old enough to lay eggs yet.

Over the months and possibly years there will be several opportunities to rescue Erren from predators and these will try to stick with Kaldr and the Erren following him. Kaldr often hears gratitude from these Erren and this bolsters his power.

As to how much leaves and where or what other solutions are trying to be found in the region, this depends on Kaldr's actions.

+5 followers for Wykliffe. Wykliffe will get more followers assuming Kaldr stays, but this amount depends on his actions.

[Lord_Asmodeus]

Turn 1.4 (right?) Skecsix

Over time the Skecsix grew more clever and their nocturnal hunting abilities increased. They learned to use their pheromones and scents to drive prey-beasts into traps and to drive them into steep mountain areas they could not climb. The Skecsix started to build more complex burrows and deeper as well. The Skecsix also honed their scense of smell and taste, to better handle the predatory birds. While no longer quite so pressing, they were still a threat and many good Skecsix were carried away in the beasts claws. The tough mountain dirt forced the Skecsix to adapt harder more durable digging claws. They also became more agile, to better navigate the mountain passes and their tunnels, as well as to avoid the birds and larger predators.


1EP to Brain
1EP to Agility
1EP to Sense of Smell
1EP to Sense of Taste
1EP to Digging Claws
1EP to Communal Burrows
1EP to Group Hunters

7EP spent

[FullmetalChef]

The Lükaverka, Turn 1.4

Time past, the world went on as it always had and always will. The Lükaverka lived and died as was the way of all living things but they were far from passive in their world. Their hunting and constant moving to follow their prey had made them tougher and stronger. Their understanding of their own body signs and a growing understanding of the body movements of other species at made them faster and able to act swifter and with more coordination. The bones that made up their claws grew harder as their prey grew more resilient and tougher, they were not to be overtaken on the food chain by that which they hunted.

But aside from the more obvious changes to their bodies, the meeting several of the packs by the being known as Legatus had begun opened the metaphorical eyes of some of the Lükaverka. Their eyes had been opened to their own emotions and the being had begun them down a path to understanding and controlling an inherent ability to enter a berserker-like ability. This has drawn this pack to the deity that Legatus represents and many of them are seeing the potential that following such a being could lead to and they seek now to spread the word to their people. It will not be an easy task but nothing worth doing is very easy work. All they can hope for now is that their brothers and sisters would see the light and follow the path.

Strength:1 EP
Toughness:1 EP
Agility:1 EP
Bone Claws:1 EP
Primal Urge: 2 EP
Primal Transformation (Claws): 2 EP
Primal Transformation (Strength): 1 EP
Read Movement: 1 EP

EP spent: 10

30 worshipers for Amorosor

[Zweanslord]

The Erren

H16, I15, the travel to the woods - G13

In the first summer, several Erren had moved to the forests nearby the red hills already. They were curious enough to see if the earthquakes were lesser there. When the news arrived that indeed, the earthquakes were lesser, several groups of Erren started to move there too. Other groups were following other animals and creatures going away from the red hills, hoping that they might lead them to a safe place.

Still, a lot of Erren seemed to stay. Of the first leaving, most were young enough not to have children yet, for them moving was the best course of action for their future children. Many more of this group moved during the fall, when the trees turned red. The familiarity of the colour lured them in the forests and while the forests remained strange, they journeyed to get rid of the earthquakes.

By the time winter started to rear its face, half of the Erren had already moved towards the forest and kept moving away, trying to make more distance. Still Erren continued to leave in groups until they no longer managed to do that and find food. In the deepest of winter, the Erren stayed in one area, trying to gather food and keep warm together.

Those in the forests were disappointed now that the leaves had fallen and only the lonely and empty trees remained. Still, several of the leaves and nuts were edible and the shaking earth had become less severe, so many did not regret coming in the forests.

When it became warmer again and spring came, the last groups of Erren left the red hills to the north and west, heading for the forests instead. Just like in the fall, several groups of Erren could be seen travelling with only a few remaining. These were the older Erren, those who did not have long to last and would likely not live through the year. Such a journey was too much for them, nor did they want to leave their trusted hills behind. They might die, but at least they died in their land, the red land.

As the Erren left the red hills in spring, the Erren already in the forest continued their journey. Being pushed further as they realised that the shaking earth became less the further they moved, they headed onwards. This led them to a forest being surrounded by a coast. By the time the earth shaking stopped, several groups did not immediately notice or continued moving on just in case. This in turn led to several groups walking on until they reached said coast, looking over the far reaches over the water.

The sight of so much water and so little land scared some Erren, while others did not even gave it thought and only a few were fascinated by it. Many did recognise that this was not the best place to find food, as trees gave more food. Only a single group wandered over the shore lines, looking for the strange small creatures, as well as the shells and clams to eat.

By the end of the year, more Erren joined this piece of the forest and this would be their home for now. As several children grew up during the journey, they were faster and more capable of long travel than previous generations.

J16, the destined mountain - L16

The Erren in the most eastern red hills had a choice as well. They could move to either the dense and mysterious jungle, or move in the hills where the red colour seemed to seep out of the stones swiftly and turn into a brownish colour instead. Neither option seemed to be better, except for one thing. The Erren were more familiar to the hills, so groups started to move there over the first year, followed up by the remainder in the second year.

Groups of Erren noticed that the hills were still not safe enough, for the shaking continued, though to a lesser extent. Many decided to move on in the second year and again, they faced a choice. They could chose the long stretched out and warm deserts, or they could ascend to the heights towards a large mountain. The mountains were noticed soon, much sooner than the desert, for they stood tall on the horizon.

Many Erren liked their hills and were amazed by the sight of the tall mountains. Some already longed to go there, while others felt it was something unattainable, something too far away. This changed when the travel continued and the mountains came closer and closer in sight, until the feet of the mountain could be seen in the distance when the Erren stood at the top of some hills.

The desert never stood a chance as an alternative option. Drawn to the majesty of the mountain and motivated to move on because of the shaking earth, the many groups of Erren continue to move on through the hills and towards the mountain, leaving only those who did not want to move behind in the red hills, where they faced the rest of their lives before death.

When the first Erren reached these mountains, they were surprised to find the mountain rich in food. While there were not many plants, the plants they did eat quelled their hunger easily. Caverns were present to hide in and even some of the earth seemed to taste nicely. This was obviously a place where the Erren could feel at home. And with the children being better travellers, climbing the mountain and travelling through it seemed easier to the generation being born in the fifth year compared to those who reached the mountains first in the second year.

I17, Kaldr, the dreaded plains - H18, G19

The Erren in these red hills only saw one dreaded option. To move on the empty plains, away from the comfort of the hills, the trees and bushes. The other option was staying and several did, but that was only because Kaldr was present there. Several Erren started to flock towards the big creature, hoping that he could protect them and guide them. But many did not hear of him due to moving early, or fled from him. Others did not know what to think about and instead followed the only solution that seemed feasible to them, despite their dislike for it.

In the first year, the first groups departed, following creatures also fleeing from the shaking earth. They moved on the plains and it were these Erren that would move the furthest. For these would move on to reach the coast in the second year, while the groups of Erren leaving in the second and third year would rather face the decreased shaking than moving even further, to lose sight of their beloved red hills.

Live in the plains was harsh. Food was no longer as easy to find and the Erren were very open to predators and sight. Their red colour was distinctive and even safety in number would not help those being attacked by the four-legged predators jumping from the grass to snatch the weakest at the edge of a group. But, on the other hand, several of the predators were easily noticeable in the distance and with their superior speed, further enhanced by the journey, the Erren could easily flee away. Those snatching an Erren on the border would very unlikely be able to catch another Erren as the group spurted away.

Still, the Erren near the red hills longed to return. Those having moved on and seeing the coast for the first time were more willing to accept their new place, especially because the shaking of the earth had ceased. Some still told of the red hills, but many focused on the here and now instead.

Back in the red hills, those remaining gathered around Kaldr, leaving about thirty. These were usually Erren with small children to the older Erren. As they remained with Kaldr, he could see them grow up and die and he would see that the children who became adult had problems getting children. The future of the group remaining with him was in doubt, for a few wanted to leave to get children, while others preferred the safety he offered. As the Erren followed Kaldr, he faced other things as well, questions about Wykliffe, questions about himself and questions about what to do with the situation. He also had the opportunity to speak and tell, as well as protecting the Erren, a feat which was much appreciated.

10 EP invested in Agility: 10 -> 15.

Wykliffe has 20 followers in total.

H16 is empty.
I15 is empty.
J16 is empty.
G13 (D. Forest) has 500 Erren.
L16 (Mountain) has 300 Erren.
I17 (Red Hill) has 30 Erren.
H18 (Plains) has 80 Erren.
G20 (Plains) has 90 Erren.

The situation in I17-H18-G20 may change depending on Kaldr's actions to come. Already posted the situation because unless Moody posts before I go to sleep, I will not be able to post before tomorrow evening.

[Chucho108]

The Linnelf – Turn 1.0

Soriss’ Pack – O25

Hunting had been bad. Sorris had come here with his mother and the others when he was a spawnling. The small tasty things had left. The big things fought with them. Soriss had killed two in the last day, but both were unfit to eat. The pack was hungry. They were mad with Soriss. He led because he was biggest, because he killed those who fought him, but he was getting older. He already had spawnlings of his own, they grew bigger and stronger while he got older. He needed to find more small tasty things before one of the pack fought him. Thoughts of tomorrow faded as he tore into the flesh of a big thing, trying to not mind the taste.

Linin – O27

Her mate was dead. Her spawnlings were dead. Her pack was dead or fleeing. One of the big things had gnawed through her left tentacle and she was bleeding out. She saw the rest of the big things just waiting on the outside of her range, waiting till she fell asleep. She pushed on. She had to find another Linnelf, one who wouldn’t kill her. As she moved forward she slowed, her muscles tired, her breathes came slower, shallower. The big things tried her, tested her reflexes, darted back and forth taking small bites out of her flanks, nibbling on her when she slowed to respond. As her vision faded, she knew it was the end, she would wake from the dream. When all she could see was pitch black, all she could smell and taste was her own blood, she knew it was the end. Then she heard it, a low bass rumbling rose from the depths. Another bass joined the first, which was then joined by a tenor. As the voices rose into a crescendo, they mixed, forming something greater then the sum of its parts. It was rescue, a joyous beautiful rescue. The big things around her darted back and forth, but they fled when three Linnelf rose to surround Linin. “Hurt bad. Come we help.” Speechless, Linin followed the three under her own power until she passed out from the strain, content to know that she had at least made it out of the horrors that devastated her pack.

[Emperor Demonking]

Hylnks

The pack leader gathered the two tribes together by, to be honest, trying and having the the clear blessing of a higher power. The largest tribe was one of the first of the Hylnk to have large religious beliefs. The large tribe also caused the development of hunting tactics to increase.

The Hylnks also naturally improved their physical abilities as they became fussier with what they ate and what they hunted.



Worshippors to Myvkra +80

Brain: +1 EP
Hunting: +1 EP
Toughness: +2 EP
Agility: +1 EP
Claws: +1 EP

[Moody the Wise]

Kaldr, Turn 1.9, I-17

Kaldr stayed for the next five years here with this group of Erren. He spent his time finding others to help, and slowly bringing more and more of the Erren under his protection. He taught them how to worship Wykliffe, but he found it difficult to explain to them his nature. They were grateful and they worshiped anyway, but he could tell they had an unresolved curiosity.

He also saw that life in the hills was hard. He heard his followers tell of the flight of the other Erren, and knew that these ones only stayed for his sake. He knew that he needed to do something to make their lot in life better, and so he prayed to Wykliffe for an answer.

One day he assembled his followers and spoke to them, saying "These Hills are your home. Some have left but you will stay. One day they will come back to you. Your home is dangerous, but we will overcome the danger. Wykliffe will make this land a haven for you, but first you must make a shrine to him. I cannot tell you how. Let your faith guide you and let the shrine be a manifestation of your faith. When you have done so, I will return to you more powerful than before, with ever greater blessings." Kaldr then retires to the cave that has served as his lair for the past few years. He keeps an eye on his Erren and will help them if danger arises, but leaves them to their own devices in building the shrine (or not, if they choose not to).

((I don't expect the shrine to be built this turn, because I bet you've already spent all your EP. Early next turn would be good, though.))

Myrkva, Turn 1.9, I-21

Myrkva is pleased with the pack leader's decision and with his actions in successfully uniting the packs. She had originally planned to make a visit to the jungle to the Northeast, but was so pleased - and so busy with - the Hylnks' success that she spent the whole five years living among them.

[Arkaris]

Turn 1.9

“Show me.” The simple request came from Kylak’s lips. If the rumors were true it would appear several new tribes had begun to manifest a power unlike anything the Tartum had ever seen. They were all aware the impact the sun provided on their senses. Tartum could generally run for longer periods of time, work harder, throw further, in direct sunlight, but this new event was unknown to most.

Rein put her hand out palm up and closed her eyes, concentrating. Even before the glow began Kylak could see the subtle difference at the base of her hand. The organ appeared to be soft and curved; it contained green ooze, almost like Tartum blood but thinned. As Rein concentrated more of the ooze pulsed into the organ and her hand began to glow. Rein explained that many of the newest hunters to the Tartum had begun to show development of this ability. It generally began to appear just before or shortly after a Tartum had their first hunt, usually shortly before the Tartum people considered them breeding age.

The glow was easily seen in the campfire but did nothing to overpower the light from the fire itself. “That is fine, Rein.”

She let her hand go limp and the soft glow dissipated. Her breath had become rapid and she was attempting to control her breathing. Kylak noted the new ability took a toll on anyone who used it. “How many know this exists?”

Several tribal leaders at the council expressed they had juniors with the ability, only a handful had never seen such an ability. “We will have to find a new use for this ability then…”


The Tartum are looking for new ways to create fire quickly, if the pa nada (new predators) appear to be afraid of fire. Particularly from some kind of plant, spice, or bone/animal part.
They are also trying to find a way to attach a rock to a spear. And seeing if that same method will work to hold tree limbs together for housing. Once again, looking primarly at plant extracts or animal parts.

[Arcanis_Shivilrah]

Turn 1.7, Legatus and the Lükaverka, V24

Legatus spent almost a whole generation with the Lükaverka tribe, watching Lükaves be birthed to the times of their deaths, learning their ways, learning their culture, learning how they speak, learning their mannerisms and etiquette. Legatus was simply fascinated with them and how they acted, that and it made it easier to achieve the goals that were shared with Amorosor. However, after a time Legatus felt Amorosor’s very presence upon the Lükaverka themselves, how his power was so vast that it even affected those whom he had not even seen. Legatus also felt Amorosor’s shared desire, the power that those that idolized them gave him, and the addictive nature of such a feeling. Both knew what had to be done, what influences they were going to impose to achieve a strong connection to the emotions of the world. However, Legatus could not achieve this by simply speaking with a single tribe of Lükaverka; the will of other tribes would be needed to truly amplify their powers to reach their realized goal.

With that thought in mind, Legatus gathered the tribe he had been a part of for longer then the elders could remember. ”I am sorry my comrades, my friends. I must go. There are many I must talk with, to show them the way of emotions. Know that I will never truly leave you. Amorosor will always be with you and in that way, so shall I. Call to him and feel the joy he will give you.” Legatus told them before turning to leave them with every assurance that he will, indeed be with them for the rest of time, lifting their spirits and bringing joy to them.

After the final farewells, Legatus was off, moving at a pace that no Lükaverka could even hope to keep up with. The avatar was off to find more tribes, to gain their affections and in those praises, the power that both Legatus and Amorosor’s desires ached for. Though, Legatus felt a small nagging at its core, Amorosor felt the power, felt their feelings, but he did not feel the people as Legatus did. However, Legatus had a purpose to fulfill and whatever nagging feeling the avatar felt could wait; the eternal was more important then the freedom, life was more important then living it. At least that’s how Amorosor felt.

Summary:
Legatus travels through W25, V26, and stopping at U25; meeting with tribes using what was learned from the tribe in V24 to better relate to them. Attempting to get them to praise Amorosor and Legatus so that they may be influenced by the slight feeling of joy that spreads over all of Amorosor’s worshipers.

[Maldiem]

Turn 1 Is Over. Turn-end post in progress.

@Erren: The Erren have done nothing to remedy the Earthquake situation, but many have moved out of effected areas. Those Erren in the Red Hills suffer -4% population growth (for a total growth rate of 3%), and those in the hexes bordering the red hills have -2%, total 5%.

@Hylinks: The Hylinks' resistance to the parasite does work to some effect, but those that eat an especially large number of eggs are still sickened, though the parasites are fought off before they are lethal. A bigger problem is the reduction in prey that results from avoiding the infected prey; they're a very large proportion of the Hylinks' diet. -2% growth (for a total growth rate of 2%) for the Hylinks.

@Varadesh: The shift in food gathering toward farming reduces the number of encounters the Varadesh have with the river beasts, and the presence of Ki's avatars greatly help in defending the tribes from the beasts. Still, they do occasionally ambush Varadesh, and the areas closest to the river are still too dangerous to farm or hunt regularly. -1% growth (total rate of 1%).

@Kin: ((OOC: Please update your status thread to include this turn's EP expenditure)): Domestication of Drall is proceeding apace, but the work is far from complete. Many Drall are still wild, and those that are not wild will still occasionally devour Johab fruits that are not intended for them. The cultivation of the Johab works to counterbalance this, but there is still a shortage. -1% growth (total growth rate of 3%).

@Biros: The tail-stinger method may eventually bear fruit, but generally the birds have already inflicted wounds to the Biros when the stinger comes into play, which is virtually a death sentence without any way to control the infections that set in. Still, the fact that the Biros can fight back acts as something of a deterrent to the birds, but the larger or more hungry birds are still known to mount attacks at a fairly regular pace. Burrows also help a bit, but the Biros must eventually emerge to hunt. -1% growth, total rate of 4%.

@Skecsix: ((OOC: It looks like you only spent 3 EP. Care to revise it?)) It is very hard to match sight for predator-avoidance; smells take much longer to reach the nose of the animal in danger. Vibrations in the wind are a little bit more help, but there's a great deal of noise from local air currents, and it still travels much slower than light would. The other tactic to avoid the birds is more successful, though, with the shift to night activity resulting in a reduction, though not a cessation in predation. -3% growth, total growth rate of 4%.

@Tartum: The creatures initially fear fire, but like most animals grow gradually less timid with repeated exposure. The improvements to spear technology also help, and this more than the fire makes the creatures think again before swooping in on a Caraca. This scavenging isn't completely abolished, as smaller groups are still occasionally robbed or attacked, and food shortages are the result. It could have been worse. -2% growth, total of 2%.

@Lam Nur: Leaving the coasts does a bit to reduce the impact of the floods, and the small investments in foraging and horticulture provide a small alternative food source. The floods stop three years into the turn, and the jungle slowly begins to dry out. It looks like much of the topsoil has been washed away by the flood though, and this initially lush area may not recover. -2% growth, for a total of 2% growth.

@Toskirk: ((OOC: You still have skincrafting and bonecrafting in both ada and res. This is incorrect; skin crafting should be in res, bonecrafting in ada.)) Moving toward warmer lands does alleviate the affect of the blight, as does junk grass (to a small degree), and the furs that the Toskirk take from their kills keep blighted Toskirk warm enough most of the time to reduce mortality; some of those that are kept warm in this fashion eventually recover from the blight, their coats growing back completely, though this is by far the minority. -1% growth in those that moved to O31, -3% growth for those that stayed in the hex. Total rates of 6% and 3%.

@Tarkash: Learning to swim does a great deal to expand the Tarkashs' hunting abilities in the flood, but they're far from great swimmers. -1% growth, for a total rate of 4%.

@Lükaverka: ((OOC: It looks like you've spent 11EP, unless there was a teaching bonus in there somewhere. Could you point this out to me please?)) The Lükaverka did little to address the food shortages from the washed-out rivers, and the resulting food shortage leads to the deaths of many; though the floods in the jungle taper off three years into the turn, it rapidly transitions into a drought, and the anemic rivers are unable to support their previous wetlands. -4% growth rate, for a total of 3% growth.

Turn 2:

No race completely resolved their problem last turn; they still are dealing with them to a greater or lesser degree.

@Linnelf: The ocean is home to many things dark and sinister, and the bay is no exception. Eel-like predators, similar to hagfish, frequently attack the Linnelf, burrow into them, and devour them from the inside.

[Zweanslord]

The Erren

I17, Turn 2.0, very early spring, Kaldr, The First Shrine Attempt

Kaldr's lair, his cave, was situated on a hill. In front of the cavern was a small plateau and easy access to lower areas. An ideal location, as there were other caves nearby too and the Erren were relatively pleased with the location. There was enough space, a group of trees and bushes were near from which they often collected nuts and they could find some means of safety in the caves if the earth was not shaking too much.

The Erren looked up at the cave to which Kaldr had retreated. He had taken care well of them, being a good protector and sometimes being nice enough to carry a whole stack of nuts and berries to the caves when the Erren had young. The troubles with eggs bursting were still ever present, even as the Erren made sure that they never made their nests in the caves for fear of rocks falling on the nests.

Kaldr had seen Erren grow up and die over the years. The red Erren he had saved those many years ago was already dead for a few years. The two children have recently died as well, but their kids are still about as adults. In fact, they have had children of their own already and some of those have children as well. In short, Kaldr has seen every one of the Erren who lived when he first met them die and their children grow up. Now, he sees their grand-children and grand-grand-children walking about him. A whole generation has grown up knowing that they are the only Erren group in the hills protected by the mighty Kaldr.

Over those years a new custom has appeared amongst the Erren group. They have mimicked one thing of Kaldr; naming. The Erren of this group have given themselves name, albeit simple ones consisting of one syllable. One of the descendants of the red Erren, named "Ger", is currently standing in front of Kaldr's lair, looking inside. He is shifting his weight between his two legs and looking a bit anxious. But then he slowly trudges forward into the cavern and displays something else that Kaldr has seen emerge: the Erren he has travelled with are living more up to their linguistic potential as their vocabulary has increased since he has been with them.

"Kaldr? Where be you? Be you here?" For a moment the Erren stopped moving as he realised that ofcourse, Kaldr is here, otherwise the other Erren would have seen him move away. Taking another breath, he moves forward deeper in the cavern. "Kaldr, Der say thing. Erren finish shrine. Kaldr come see?" Less anxious as Der seems hopeful, Der moved further in the cave until he reached the main room Kaldr is in. "Kaldr see shrrr-" The Erren suddenly stops as he looks up at the humongous shape filling the cave. The sight of Kaldr is as always amazing. A giant taking care of the Erren, one who deserves respect and one who the Erren have to look up to due to his size.

"K..kaldr?" Der says anxiously again. Kaldr can hear the feet shuffling again as Der is a bit intimidated by the huge shape in the shadows of the lair.


***

Assuming Kaldr comes see the shrine, Der leads the way. Despite Kaldr large size and wide steps, Der does not seem to have any difficulties staying in the lead. Leading Kaldr out the cave, Der moves to the shrine that was made in front of Kaldr's lair by the Erren. The whole group of thirty Erren is present and looking up at the large figure, with a few taking a few steps back as he emerges from the cave. Others look with happiness in their eyes, hoping that the giant will be satisfied.

In front of the cave Kaldr sees the efforts of the Erren. Eight large red rocks have been gathered by the Erren and put in a circle. In the middle of the circle some Erren seem to have dug in the ground a bit and put a few shiny rocks. Near and between the red rocks there seems to be some kind of bush material, though they are not exactly branches and leaves. As the Erren have no grasping appendages, they have obviously taken some branches and leaves in their mouths, kept it there and spit it out between the rocks. This gives the whole an even more circular feel, with there being two entries the size of an Erren. The circle has a diameter of about five meter and the Erren are gathered around it in a half circle, looking at Kaldr.

The Erren look hopeful towards Kaldr, especially because this is a very nice location as well. If Kaldr pays further attention to the circle, he can notice that the stones in the center of the circle are not just shiny rocks, but a shiny, straight and see-through stone. Something that might be identified as quartz by those who know about such things.

http://www.fayettevilleintermediate.org/images/quartz.jpg

Furthermore, the green-brown plant matter between the rocks seems quite peculiar. It does not seem sticky, but rather tightly packed and perhaps even sturdy in some places. As if something was done with it when the Erren moved it here. The Erren do not seem to notice much about this, though, and are more attentive to Kaldr and his reaction.

H18, Abandoning the plains near the Hills, to G19

Despite being the region where most Erren were born over the last years, as the travels were not as demanding and the tremors decrease, the Erren feel the worst in this area. They see the red hills in the far distance of which their ancestors spoke of, but can not venture there due to the shaking earth. The earth still shakes here as well and the plains require a nomadic lifestyle to find food. Only when new Erren are born do they stay at one place.

With there being no Erren around who still remembers the red hills and only stories remain, the image of those hills becomes warped. They start to see it as the home their ancestors were banished from and to which they can not return. Even now they feel what it would be like to live there in a lesser degree. Many Erren can not stand this and over the years the travels lead further away from the hills, starting to become a fearful concept more and more.

And so, the travel towards more plains continues. The Erren continue along the same path the other Erren years ago have taken, towards the plains on the shores.

G19, The plains on the shores, the journey continues to F18

The journey is already history, with only the older Erren remembering it. The stories of the red hills survive, though, and are told as the dangerous, but pleasant home compared to the plains. The younglings who grow up here are used to the safe environment of the plains and even grow accostumed to see the shores. Still, some are triggered by the stories. They realise that venturing back to the hills is not a good idea, but who knows, maybe there is a nicer region around.

With this in mind, a few groups of Erren, young and old, make use of their nomadic lifestyle on the plains to travel further. Their travel is not a major mgiration and still groups remain behind. The journey brings the Erren away from the shores and not in the direction of the hills either. Travelling northwest, they do not realise that they are heading towards forests. This is a fact that will become apparant over the years and only the next generation will know of this. None of the generations will reach in the coming years, though, for none of the groups is travelling as fast as they were in the beginning, for that is a taxing speed and without the shaking earth, no rush is needed.

G13, The Forest

Driven to a region surrounded by either shores or forests where the earth shakes, the Erren have started to settle down in this region. They still have stories of the old generation telling of the red hills, but many have peace with living here. Food is abundant enough, the roof of leaves gives a safe feeling and there is no shaking as in the old tales.

During fall, when the trees colour red, the tales of the yourney here are repeated the most. They also mentioned that the beauty of the red forest is in a way similar to the red hills, but also more enthralling. Fall becomes a time of nostalgy, of running through the falling leaves, of storytelling and of looking to the beauty of nature.

The new generation grows up with the shores and in the summer some groups of Erren draw to the coast to run through the shallow water areas and freshen up. This is something that did not happen when the first Erren arrived here, but as the generations now grow up seeing this, they are accustomed to it. Just as they are accustomed to the empty trees of winter and the abundant growth of nature during spring.

L16, Paradise

The place where the migrating Erren are the happiest is definitely in L17, the mountains. The older generation tell of the hills, but even they do not consider the hills as impressive as the mountains they currently live in. The view is grand and far, the food is varied and delicious, there are more caves or ridges to seek shelter and climbing up gives a sense of accomplishment.

While there are some areas in the mountains where few animals go and few bushes grow, the few that grow there, as well as the moss, is delicious and filling. They start to realise how much is edible around them and with the grandious splendor of the view around here as well of the feeling of climbing towards the sky, the Erren feel as though they could not be happier.

It is in this region that Erren start to talk about that same beauty and words emerge for the concepts of mountains, different rocks, views and the different types of grasses and bushes, adding to their vocabulary, but not their grammar.

All Erren in H18 (84) move to G19, leaving H18 empty of Erren.
50 Erren move from G19 to F18.

[Emperor Demonking]

Hylnks

The majority of the Hylnks seemed to give up on that prey and started to focus on plants. Though they'd always eaten plants, it was more like something to do while waiting rather than as part of the Hylnks' diets. As the Hylnks started to gather plants, their large groups forced the Hylnks to improve at it rapidly in order to support themselves.

The Hylnks still ate meat other than the parasite ridden prey and they still ate the parasite prey when it seemed to be an easy hunt. Eventually, getting bored with plants, one tribe of Hylnks started to eat more of the Parasite ridden prey and found that no real harm came to them as long as they stopped in time. This lead to the other packs eating more of the parasite ridden prey.



Gathering: +6
Parasite Resistance: +4

[Mangles]

The Kin look towards the new dawn and a new year upon them. Much has happened since the kin found the Johab fruit. Now with the Drall at their side they fear less from the forest. More permanent structures have been formed, especially in the hills where the shamans live.

The Kin began teaching the hosts before the Johab fruit imbued them with the intelligence they needed to survive. Teaching them instinct and to speak. It was all very simple watch and repeat, but even so the young were less useless.


Brain 1ep

[FullmetalChef]

The Lükaverka

V24, Turn 2.0, Early Summer, The Call Goes Out.

It had been months now since the being known to the tribe as Legatus had left them to spread the word of Amorosor to their brethren and they had faith that he would be successful. The few remaining elders in the tribe that had been children when he had been present still remembered vividly the feelings that he had left them with and they also know that further word would need to be spread in order that doubters of the Word of Amorosor would see the light that had been shown to them.

One such elder was Hallestuse. She was a few months away from being 7 years old and she knew her death was approaching but she was not afraid of her fate. After she had stopped participating in the hunters to lead the tribe she had done everything she could to keep the Word of Amorosor alive in her people. Everyday their people were discovering more and more of their own emotions and the young female that now sat across from her as the pair meditated on her feelings had made an incredible discovery about her own emotions. Two days ago the female named Yasstallme had been on a hunt with her daughter, part of ever Lükaves' maturity ritual, and the hunt went wrong. The female's daughter was trampled to death by the Alpha of the pack they were hunting and Yasstallme's anger at the sight cause something to change in the female. The rest of the hunting group retold what had happened next as Yasstallme herself was unable to recall what happened next.

The group said that Yasstallme let out a great cry and as tears streamed down her face and the large Alpha prepared to charge her and kill her as it had her daughter she met it's eyes and it froze. Her eyes had become a flat white and her irises glowed a menacing red. Her daughter's body dropped from her arms and her usually caramel colored fur seemed to be melting away to a dull blackish color and everyone their, the beasts and the Lükaverka could all detect the aura of menace that was dripping off of Yasstallme. Her claws grew and grew until they nearly touched the ground and the onlooking Lükaverka could only describe her new appearance as twisted and disturbing. As the stunned Lükaverka looked on the female let out a savage roar that cowered even the Alpha twice her size and she charged the beast and with a single swipe of her claws took the creature's arm clean off. Before any of them could blink she had spun around and lobbed off one of it's legs and the creature flopped to the ground and bellowed in pain. One of the other members of the herd snarled and charged and without even looking over her shoulder spun in place and slammed her bladed hand into the center of the beast's head and sunk it 4 centimeters into the animal's head, any normal Lükaverka would have been up to their wrists at this point and then withdrew the blade with a sickening sound and the beast dropped like it had been decapitated. Yasstallme then turned back to the Alpha and proceeded to dismember it with great efficiency and diligence. By the time she was done the rest of the herd had run away and the rest of the Lükaverka had retreated to the trees to watch and she was breathing heavily. Her fur had turned back to it's normal color and she took one look around and collapsed in a pool of the creature's blood. The others waited nearly a half hour before they came down from the trees and brought her, her daughter's corpse, and the remains of the two beasts back to the rest of the tribe. Yasstallme's fur on her back had been stained a dull red color and none of the other members of the tribe had spoken to her over even made eye contact with her for two days now.

But even when the rest of the tribe was fearful of the young female, Hallestuse saw what this truly represented, a step forward for their people and she had spent the last ten hours speaking to Yasstallme. She could not remember what had happened after she went to hold her daughter but she remembered the surge of emotions before she blacked out and Hallestuse had been looking through her own soul to see if she could find such a capacity inside herself from what had been awakened in her by Legatus when she had been only a Lükave. While she had been searching within herself she had started to feel something shift inside her and when she described it to Yasstallme they had found it to be the same thing. The elder had realized that Legatus had awakened something in her people and that something had allowed them to tap into something that had been buried deep inside them all along and while the rest of the tribe still saw it as a curse she saw that it could become a gift from Amorosor. A day later she approached the tribe and spoke to them of this gift from their god. “Brothers and sisters Some of you remember of the one known as Legatus that once graced us with his presence and some of you have heard of him from your parents. I'm sure that all of you have heard about what happened to our sister Yasstallme and I am sure most of you are worried about what happened, but what we are missing is a gift that has been laid before us by the one that Legatus speaks for. The Word and the gifts of Amorosor must not be shunned, they must be embraced and used, our hunts are growing more and more difficult, and we must not let this drag us down. Legatus told us when he left that he was going to seek out the other tribes and spread the Word. We must embrace his efforts but if we are to learn about these gifts we must bring our brothers and sisters together and grow as one.” By this point the rest of the tribe was growing excited at her words. “Let us pray to Amorosor, so that he may guide us and then let us go and find our brothers and sisters that have felt his touch and bring them into his fold.” The crowd cheered as a wave of excitement swept over them.

[Ambon]

The Lam Nur

Turn 2, in a village at Q21

The long work was at last over, Leooilo observed, as he watched them cut the last of the fire breaks. Some of the other elders still looked displeased. Convincing the whole village to undertake such a project – the long year of work felling trees and branches, the cost of time and the many hand axes spent – forced him to put his entire reputation at stake. Nothing quite like it had been attempted among the inland villages, but change was clearly necessary. The passing of the Great Storm had left the forests leached of their vitality and foraging runs were becoming longer and longer. Not only that, but he feared their dependence on the other Lam Nur. Even this work was a gift of sorts – they had taken the idea from old Aidlee before she died. Around the Edge they had much clear land and herds to exploit, but here inland they had always relied on the natural bounty of the jungle.

He watched the last tree fall. It was time to start. The elders and their assistants marched into the heart of the prepared area. A mound of dried grass and dead branches had been constructed, and one by one each elder approached with their offering. Every clanmother and teacher that elected to be part of the work offered up a portion of their wealth, laying it upon the mound while offering up words to the spirits of the forest, their ancestors, or the Great Storm.

It was at last his turn. As the organizer of the project, his offering would be the greatest – it was only right. One had no right to command or compel, except as an elder, and even then one’s role was to advise rather than force. He secured from them their cooperation only by taking a greater risk himself – his status as an elder was at stake. He approached, shambling respectfully on two legs as all four of his arms were full.

He placed his offerings on the mound: handfuls of precious and crude clay figurines from the coast, long strings decorated with the knots and the white bead, tied bundles of Atle twigs from the Edge, and garlands of jungle flowers. He spoke the offering to the earth and sky:

“Hear, O Earth and Sky! Listen, and be appeased. We have come to offer the fat of the land, of inland jungles, of the coast, of the edge. We offer the wealth of the people. Let Earth and Sky be at peace with each other and the people. Let Sky give water without drowning. Let Earth give food freely. We open the way into your hearts with our offering. Let our offering be your dowry – with the white bead and the wealth of the people we seal your unity, Earth and Sky. Be as the White Daughter marries the Black Daughter. Be at peace with the people and be generous. Hear!”

He put the torch to the mound and as they retreated they watched the area burn. When the fire spent itself they would begin planting, not only the grass seeds from the Edge but all kinds. They didn’t yet know what would grow and what wouldn’t. But Leooilo was confident their dowry would be returned to them many times over. The people would be fed.

Slash-and-Burn agriculture +3

[Aux-Ash]

The Varadesh. Turn 2.0-

The teachings of Ark and Clarity slowly spread throughout the tribes, at first Khut's tribe had impressed the others when they came with such a bounty of fruit and seed and as they kept meeting they had told the others of Ark, Clarity and Ki. The knowledge spread far easier than the stories, particulary to the tribes who lived farther away like those in the river delta or many days upstream.

A couple of months after the departure of the white-robed couple most Varadesh had begun practising some form of agriculture, a very time-consuming and labour-intensive form of it but significantely safer than the hunting. It was not very effective, the Varadesh found themselves unable to copy some of the more advanced techniques such as the irrigation, therefore hunting remained one of the more effective ways of aquiring food.

Khut remained the leader of his tribe, though he had grown to old to remain the leader of the hunting party. Instead that role had been taken by Mhutu, who was younger but almost as experienced as the former elder hunter. Instead, Khut directed the labour around the camp. He oversaw the tutoring of children, the making of tools and homes and the growing of food.

He particulary made sure that the children knew not to enter the high grass near the river and never go alone. There was not much else they could do against the river beasts, who remained a horrible scourge of the Varadesh. It seemed only the far eastern tribes did not have to suffer them, though living in the harsh unforgiving desert was hardly preferable.

He frequently prayed, as Ark and Clarity had instructed, to Ki about some method of eluding the beasts. He was one of the few to actively do so, most just prayed on occasion when they felt particulary worried or when they really wanted something. There wasn't really any uniform way of praying in Khut's tribe, the only common trait was that all avoided to insult the mysterious being and that all prayed around the rock Ark had brought from the river.

---

"Khut!"

Khut was awoken form his daydreaming as he sat outside his yurt and watched the river, deep in thought about what to do about the scourge lying in wait down there.

Mhutu came walking up towards him, two young hunters walking behind him looking down on the ground and their shoulders slumping. Mhutu on the other hand looked tense and was frowing. It seemed that these two fresh hunters had once again found a way to ruin the hunt.

"I am sorry to bother you my friend, but I cannot allow these two to join on my hunts anymore. There is nothing wrong with their strength and stamina, but they make too much sound and scare away our prey long before we are ready.

I don't know what to do with them..."

Khut looked at the two young Varadesh that were standing behind Mhutu, they were both rather strong and broad shouldered. They seemed like the perfect sort to hurl boulders at prey or beat the life out of fish with clubs, but far from ideal when it came to the stealth needed for hunting.

They both seemed like the attentive sort though and Khut realised they might be exactly what he needed.

"I will deal with them Mhutu, have no fear. I think I have the prefect job for these two boys."

Mhutu nodded and left without another word, not one to speak when nothing needed to be said. The two boys remained and looked worriedly betwen one another as Khut stood up. Still young enough to fear a beating by an elder.

"I have a very important job for the two of you, equally as important as hunting I think and I believe you two might actually be perfect for it.

Partly I need some strong backs for most of the heavier labour at the field, like moving heavy rocks and the like. But I will also need help in trying to stop the deaths caused by the river beasts.

Calm down... I don't want you to hunt them. What I need the most is attentive eyes that can spot them, strong arms that can try to save the victims and most importantly... strong backs.

I was thinking that we could use the rocks in the fields and pile them together on the banks and down into the water. Giving us something to stand on when we go to fetch water. It would make it much more difficult for the beasts to ambush us."

The boys listened to their chieftain as Khut explained his plan and told them about the river beasts. How the things were lazy and never ran very long after victims and how they usually lay on the banks and dozed in the sun when not lying in ambush.

He thought that he better spend many days training their reflexes and eyes before heading down to the river, but under his guidance perhaps the tribe would become safer. Ki knows there had been enough death caused by the river beasts.


ep spending
Over the following five years (turn 2) the Varadesh will experiment with:

Masonry ( 1 ep) - The varadesh will try to pile rocks together to create fences for their kept animals and also as ramps/piers in the river to avoid the crocodiles

Wells ( 1 ep ) - Attempting to establish wells both as means to avoid crocodiles and cutting short the distance that need to be travelled to bring water to the fields

Bows (1 ep) - By using tendons and flexible branches some early attempts at bows are made.

--
In addition, the Varadesh also improve their knowledge regarding:

Hunting techniques (+1 ep) - Ironically, the river beasts have brought some good with them. By studying them the Varadesh learned the value of ambushes.

Woodworking (+1 ep) - Practice makes perfect

Oral tradition (+1 ep) - As the stories of Ki and his avatars spread, so did the art of telling stories develop.

---

Size +3 ep
Brain + 1 ep

[Rogue_Dragon]

Biros 2.0+

The new land
The Biros that had recently moved across the plains to the new forest found that they were prospering in this place. The rivers were full of fish, they had relatively few predators, and the tree's were filled with fruit that the Biros truly loved. What was even better, the new forest had many more burrowing creatures living near the riverside than had their other homes. It was only a matter of time before they discovered these homes, as had their cousins elsewhere, but with how abundant the burrows were, it seemed to change their lifes quite a bit more.

Mudpusher limped along the river bank, as he always had, slowly pushing himself along with his tail. He could still remember flying through the air, and diving between sky and water, but he had not been able to fly for a very long time, when he was still young one of the Sky-killers had nicked his right wing with it's horrible tallons. Though he had managed to survive, now Mudpusher's wing was far to deformed to carry him aloft, so he moved from burrow to burrow, hiding from predators and often eating the little creatures that lived within his new temporary home. One evening as he was settling down in a large rodent den, he heard a very loud rustling just outside the entrance. Against his better judgement Mudpusher slithered to the edge of the entrance, and peeked out into the night. He was more than a little surprised to see a swarm of younglings, probably just hatched minutes ago, swarming towards the river. As always happend to newly hatched, the air and ground around them were filled with hungry predators, many of which would have no business hunting a full grown Biros, but the younglings had little chance against even the most pathetic of agressors. Without even thinking about it, Mudpusher called out to the swarm of younglings, "Come here! Safety is Here!" Many of the younglings ignored him, many more did not understand, as the language came slowly to some, but at least a few understood and heeded Mudpusher's call. Within a few minutes the burrow that Mudpusher had only recently stolen was filled with close to 20 tiny hungry Biros. They rapidly devoured the rodent bodies of the burrows former owners, much to Mudpusher's dismay, as he had hoped to save those for later, and then the younglings simply slept. They awoke late the next day and, pulled by instinct, set out down the river. Though they were still small, and nearly helpless, they had escaped from the freeding frenzy that was their hatching, and they had learned of ways to escape from some predators at least. As these younglings grew and spread, they too started finding burrows for the night, and more and more Biros in the region started noticing these mudhomes as well. Within a few years, perhaps hundreds of burrows could be found up and down the riverside, once stolen, and now used over and over again, by myriads of different Biros. And during the next hatching season, far more younglings found themselves sleeping through their first night in a warm burrown amongst their brothers and sisters, rather than sailing along the cold and dangerous waters.



2 Ep Brain-->8
4 Ep Agility-->8
2 EP Prehensile Tail-->6
2 Ep Burrows-->6

D-26 Some Biros move along the river, and start habitating this part of the forest as well.

[El_Frenchie]

Ark, Clarity, Varad and the Varadesh, 2.0+

It was a bright day as was usual in the valley. Khut was training not too far from the village with his two new volunteers. Three pairs of eyes were now watching them go through repeated exercises to increase their stamina and reflexes. Ark was the first to step out of the cover of the trees to salute them.

"Hail, Khut! Ki has sent us back to aid you once more."

Clarity soon approached the group too, smiling gently, a flower in her hair. For reasons that were not immediately clear to Khut, they were now much taller than they used to be. He was later told their height was a way for Ki to thank them for their work in his name. Clarity wasn't alone, and the tall man that followed her looked like a Varadesh, had he not been wearing the same garb as the other two. His eyes were different, with his pupils glowing a bright sky blue. He was bald, and the symbol of Ki, the circle, seemed to be drawn on the back of his head.

"Ki has been able to hear your prayers. And in a number of them, he felt that the Riverbeasts were still a problem. I believe we may be able to provide help once more. Even more so now than before."

Ark seemed to speak for the rest of the group. He gestured towards the river. "We shall be staying once more, teaching your people again. Last time we came, I felt the need to teach you new things. This time, I will observe your people and teach only when I might better your technique. That is Ki's will."

Clarity approached Khut. "If any of the villagers have been wounded by the Riverbeasts and have trouble walking or working like they used to please have one of your men here take me to them. I will gather plants, ease the pain and help them heal."

Clarity is able to heal physical wounds with a touch of her hands. (Diseases, psychological damage or lost limbs cannot be healed using this supernatural ability. Not that a lot of people with lost limbs would survive at this point in the game)

As Ark and Clarity leave for the village, they leave Khut with the silent newcomer. Like in a dream, Varad opened his mouth and words that Khut knew not formed meaning in his mind.

"My name is Varad. Ki created me using your people as a model. I am here to guide your race along its path."

The strange avatar of Ki gestured towards the river.

"Ki believes your respect towards the Riverbeast is admirable. That the death of your young in their mouths is deplorable. Ki has decided to reduce the number of Riverbeasts in the river. Many Riverbeast young that should have been born, will not be. You might not see this result, Khut, but your children will."

He gave the area a circular motion of the hand.

"I am to assist you in the carving of rock and in its uses, Khut. Tell me of what you mean to do, my task here is to help."

((Summary to be approved by Aux)) Clarity will heal everyone's physical wounds in the village. She will teach the women of the possibilities of herbal medicine. Ark will teach the Varadesh new woodworking techniques. He will show them how spears can be filed to a point and stuck deep in the ground to create fences. Ark mostly uses this technique to create barriers at the places where the irrigation canals meet the river to prevent Riverbeasts to follow the canals up to the farming fields. Varad will teach them stonemasonry techniques. Using great strength to carve great slabs of stone to help them build their piers, wells and eventually even ramps so that they may fetch water safely. Varad and Ark will stay in the village with Khut for 5 years and their focus will be mostly on teaching and warding off the beasts. During those 5 years, they participate in festivities, but it is quite clear that they have no need to drink, sleep or eat at all. They welcome and teach Varadesh that come from other lands and show them the shrine near Khut's village. Shrines like these, they tell newcomers, with the symbol of Ki engraved in it, give the Varadesh the ability to pray and talk to Ki.

After a few months in the village, spending most of her time healing people's wounds, Clarity leaves the village. She travels to other parts of the land (G-27), spreading Ki's faith, healing people and telling them of the power a Shrine gives to the Varadesh, allowing a link to God. Her goal, however, does not seem to be in Varadesh lands, and she disappears along the coast after about three years among the people of the Sands. (F-26)

((Clarity actually travels to E-25 in a bid by Ki to find the edge of the world. Ark should provide a bonus 1 to teaching woodworking. Varad might provide a bonus to masonry, but he is specialized in stonemasonry. Might need Maldiem's help to figure that one out.))

[Ambon]

The Lam Nur

The Village on the Edge of Q23

The doctors of the Snake Medicine School took the body down from its platform after the traditional month of mourning. The doctors of the Blue Medicine School defleshed the bones in the Ritual Hut with long hours of smoke and blood. Bundled, blessed, and reduced to her most basic elements, old Aidlee was ready to be buried.

The two schools together guided the funeral procession of her family, the Boiling Stone Clan of the Black Daughters moiety, to Ancestor’s Hill where her bones would be buried in the ossuary. The burial itself was a day long ritual, with many words offered up to Sky and Earth. They came to offer up words from the clans of her village and from other villages as well, with offerings of clay people, white beads, and Atle twigs.

And in the end it was her nephew/niece, now pregnant himself, who would have the honour of mixing her bones with their ancestors. She had been her most dedicated student, on her own way to becoming an elder. Like her aunt, he had the gift of new ideas.

So, in her memory, he had founded the new Amaranth School, and kept her skull as their sacred relic. Her flesh, instead of being burned and offered up, he kept to feed their gardens. Every house in this village, and across many villages along the Edge, had turned their middens into small gardens where they had started to grow their own food. The Amaranth School spread the new art into the inland jungles, where did not keep house-gardens but instead burned the jungle to make space for village fields. By her inspiration they worked to perfect their new art.

Summary and Crunch
Horticulture in the Edge +3
Spear Fishing on the Hill and Jungle Coasts +3
Canoes +1


Turn Summary

Slash-and-Burn Agriculture in the inland jungle +3
Horticulture in the Edge +3
Spear Fishing on the Hill and Jungle Coasts +3
Canoes +1

OOC: Will add more fluff if I have time before the deadline. EP expenditure should be the same though.

[Zweanslord]

The Erren

I17, Turn 2.0-2.9, Losing Faith and Departing

He never showed. Kaldr, despite being so close, never got out of that cave of his to view the Erren's attempt at a shrine. The Erren waited for minutes and minutes turned into hours, after which hours turned into days. As those days passed, their faith in Kaldr and Wykliffe dwindled. The Erren were anxious, but also, in a way, afraid. What had they done to lose their favour with the giant?

Perhaps the shrine was not good enough or perhaps he was doing something that would help the Erren. Or perhaps he had stopped caring or died of old age. Whatever it was, the few Erren that entered got no answer to their queries, no reaction to their pleas and did not manage to draw Kaldr out.

With Kaldr's presence missing, the Erren saw their protection vanish as well. A week had passed and the first predators were attacking the young again. Faith and hope was dying and with that, a new opinion surged up. One orange Erren, Rakh, was bold enough to suggest they should leave. Leave the shaking land and head out of the hills, following those who had already left.

The first time he suggested this, there were already a number willing. Others were not as convinced, but when they prepared and were ready to go, many were easily swayed for fear of being left behind. Those too old to travel stayed behind, but did leave the vicinity of Kaldr's cave, moving about again to find food and flee from predators. Der still had hope, but did not have hope that he would survive alone here to await Kaldr's return. He took the pretty stone, the quartz, and put it at a bit deeper in Kaldr's cave, set in a small nest of spat out leaves and branches.

And so, the journey began for this group, following in the wakes of the other Erren. Neither Rakh nor Der would survive the travel beyond H18, leaving the remainder of the journey to the next generation. This new generation was faster than ever before and managed to get to G19 without incidents, without difficulties in newborn. The Erren had become better travellers over the last decade.

G19, F18, the journey continues

That the Erren had become better travellers was becoming apparent in the new generation being born in G19 and F18 as well. Where as the old generation only managed to go to those area's, the new generation pushed on, moving further and faster. They were able to travel further without incidents and did so as if it were natural, for they had grown up with that idea. The idea of fleeing from the shaking earth no longer applied. Instead, the Erren moved over the plains in search of food and in fact, better pastures. Because even if they no longer fled from the shaking earth, the children still listened with glee to the stories of trees and hills, instead of a flat plain where there was little cover and little food in sight.

This leads to several groups reaching the forests in F16 and E17. The Erren are impressed with the terrain, as well as the abundance of trees and food. Upon their arrival it becomes clear, they prefer the woods above the plains. The majesty of the seasons becomes more apparent now as well and the Erren can study the coastline more than before. With no regions beyond this, they have found a region to stay in for now.

Kaldr's legacy

As the Erren moved away and left the red hills and the adjacent region deserted, they did carry the story of Kaldr with them. The protector giant who had stopped heeding their calls. Those who were the first to accept the idea of leaving told of Kaldr as a creature that could not be trusted, for he had shattered their trust. Those who travelled to not be left behind brought the idea that Kaldr was a protector who was still working to help the Erren and would one day return. Der passed on the story, which would turn into legend, that the protector giant would return with a shiny stone and tell the Erren that the hills stopped shaking and that they, the Erren, could return.

These stories would be told many times, even to Erren who had never seen Kaldr before. Individual stories would change as they passed from one Erren to another and how they will survive through the generations is anybody's guess. Suffice to say is that stories are but stories and were not enough to pass the essence of faith. Those who still retained faith and belief in Kaldr and his benevolence died in the passing years and so at the end of another five years, Wykliffe had no worship remaining.

10 EP invested in Agility: 15 -> 20.

0 worshippers of Wykliffe remain.

All Erren in I17, 30, move to G19
90 Erren move from G19 to F18
40 Erren move from F18 to F16
30 Erren move from F18 to E17

[purepolarpanzer]

Toskirk Turn 2
THE CHILDREN OF FOURSTRIPE IN THE LAND OF PROSPERITY
The Toskirk leader Fourstripe had indeed been right in leading his people to their old home in the warm plains. A river flows through their new land, and many Toskirk were surprised to find a land where the sky is not a constant overcast and snow and permafrost were not a constant. But in this warm land, they found many edible plants, many animals to hunt, and most importantly, they found the Derack. These small lizard-like creatures were the nightmares of Toskirk young, fast, tiny, gnashing balls of claws and teeth. However, those who entered the warm plains found that the Derack were not the terrors of their past. The Toskirk had grown stronger, faster, and mainly more aggressive since their departure from these lands. As Fourstripe and his people approached the lighter grass of their new homeland, a squadron of Derack screeched and raced across the grassland. The Toskirk roared and raised their weapons, some feeling an ancestral sense of fear. However, after the rush of scales and teeth met the fur and ferocity of the Toskirk, much of that fear was eliminated forever. Bone clubs and horns smashed tiny bodies into pulp, and even those that got through the first line of defenders only scratched and clawed at tough fur of the strong warrior race. Blood was drawn, but soon after a pile of lizard bodies was assembled and burned. Howls of victory and glory raced through the Warmlanders, and many looked out at their land with a new sense of hope.
-------------------------------------------------------
Fourstripe looked out over his herd and smiled. He had led them here years ago, and they had prospered. Life was hard, but not as hard as that of his family in the cold lands. Not long after settling, the Toskirk had begun communicating, trading, and associating with their kin in the cold home, and now the warm lands is treated just as another section of plains. Many of the Toskirk on the border now regularly crossed into the warm lands, where food was abundant and the weather was nice. While other herds were still skeptical, Toskirk were growing strong in this new land.

THE COLD PLAINS
Grey Beard long dead, his son, Scruffy Head, carried on his father's legacy of innovation. Innovation, however, tasted bad. He was experimenting with various plants from the plains, combining them with junk grass to try to help with the Blight. Though they were combating it, it still plagued his people. He had not cured the blight, but he had been watching his people carefully, taking the advice of his father. Coats grew stronger now, as everyone had begun chewing junk grass. It tasted bad, but many simply chewed it out of habit. Some had even come to like it. But Scruffy Head was taking sweet grass, red grass, and even the rare and smoky shadow grass and experimenting with them on their own and in combination. He was indecisive on whether or not this would have any effect on the blight, but he had discovered a combination that cured stomach pains and head aches. Many Toskirk were appreciative of this, and many more were appreciative of the combination that caused a slight light headed feeling. Scruffy Head, on the other hand, was happy to see that Toskirk from other herds were taking these recipes with them whenever there was a gathering and spreading the word of Grey Beard's medicine. Grasses were becoming more available, too. Since the Great Gathering hunting had become the norm as other Toskirk grew enthusiastic about hunting with new ideas and coordination. These were not complex or even practical, but the seed was planted and many Toskirk were eager to try themselves in combat against the plains animals. The cows of the herd were cooing and mooing over the new bulging muscles as the warrior ideal began to take root. Scruffy Head simply sighed. He was not as strong as his hulking friends in his generation, but he hoped that his efforts would help his people much more then their simple fighting. He was interrupted by a chorus of roars and bone horns as another herd approached his, and he hurriedly put away his herbs, eager to go meet the newcomers and romance their cows.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Is that thing safe? Nakaugs are fast. Strong. Lean meat, but not terrible.
A circle of Toskirk surrounds another, larger bull from the herd that had come in the night. The massive black furred bull, who called himself strong back, smiled and scratched the fur on the smaller beast before him, which grunted and snuffled its large snout on the ground. The nose was similar to the Toskirk's own, but that is where the similarities ended. Whereas Toskirk were protected from the cold by thick fur, the Nakaugs only had a thin coat of oily hair. Under that, a thick layer of fat protected them from the worst of the cold. The creatures have vicious teeth, but their thick, trunk like legs ended in short, useless claws. Used for digging to search for food, this creature was one of the few on the plains who used only teeth to attack prey. This one, however, simply rolled over as the Toskirk scratched its stomach.
It's safe. Round Stomach still bites at people, but if I feed him he doesn't attack me. And if I set him loose, he will run down prey. Then I give him meat, and he leaves the prey to me. Great for Kigs and other fast things.
Another Toskirk reached tentatively down and touched the Nakaug, which immediately rolled over and lashed out, biting the offender, who bellowed and reeled back. The Toskirk who traded him to me said he had a bad temper. He had three more of the beasts!
There were murmurs at this. Some didn't believe it. It was strange enough to see one Nakaug panting at the Toskirk's feet, but no one could imagine animals as anything but prey or this minor amusement. One tentatively stepped forward.
Will you trade for him?
--------------------------------------------------------------------
The tent of the herd leaders was smoky and shadowy, a small fire in a pit in the center. It was much larger then normal, almost three times the size of the standard tents, and the skins were finely crafted, a tribute to the herd leaders by the best skin crafter of the area. The assembled party of leaders ate and drank out of stone bowls. There were polite murmurs about good food and drink, compliments to the cooks. After the meal, the bowls were sent out and the council of leaders began to talk business. Both blighted and full bodied were now welcome, which led some to avoid this gathering completely. However, most now believed that in the spirit of brotherhood and Toskirk that it was better to all work together and die to the blight then it was to watch herds die alone. Some leaders were challenged over this, but not very many fell to new leadership. Strong conditions breed strong leaders, and herds were beginning to follow their leaders much more strictly, both because of recent prosperity and because of the dire nature of the blight that threatened them. Many were jealous of the rumors of easy living in the warm plains, but nothing had risen above a whisper.
I still protest the blighted being allowed here. We must keep the blight away, family or now.
NO! As Toskirk we live and die together. this is what Toskirk means!
There were roars and feet digging at the dirt, as yells for or against this filled the tent. The debate raged for almost an hour, but at the end of the argument cooler heads had prevailed- the Toskirk would act as one, and if the blight struck them, they would suffer it as one. Then came stories to increase the sense of brotherhood- stories of their suffering in the warm lands, suffering in their new, frozen home, suffering at the hands of beasts and monsters, but also tales of how unity would carry through the strong.
+1 To Thick fur, from the cold lands Toskirk needing more insulation, and for the plains Toskirk needing armor.
+1 to Strength for the additional hunting and plains combat
+1 to grasping appendage as the Toskirk learn to use their hands better
+2 to beast taming as the Toskirk begin to tame Nakaugs
+2 to Society as leadership is cemented and affirmed, as well as the idea of helping Toskirk is made the one universal law.
+1 Skin crafting as tents, clothing, and armor become more sophisticated
+1 to bone crafting as some Toskirk are recognised for being better at making tools and being to make them more exclusively in herds.
+1 to herbalism as more plants are used in experimentation by certain Toskirk.

[Maldiem]

@Erren: Leaving the hills seems to have worked, and those Erren who have escaped are untroubled by the tremors. Penalties to growth as before to Erren still near or in the red hills.

@Hylinks: The parasite fades from contributing to a higher mortality rate as the Hylinks are now almost entirely resistant to it. It will occasionally infect an old or sick Hylink, but it is not a major concern any longer. The shift in emphasis to greater plant consumption also helps. The Hylinks grow at a normal rate.

@Lam Nur: The shift into more reliable sources of food serves the Lam Nur well in the drought, which inures them to much of the hardship they would have faced otherwise. The drought lessens in intensity toward the end of the turn, but abnormally dry conditions continue. -1% growth for the Lam Nur.

@Varadesh: While there are several good strategies in use to defend against the river beasts, none of them are sufficiently advanced to do much good. The presence of Ki's avatars once again helps a great deal, and prevents the river beasts from impacting growth.

@Lükaverka ((I didn't see any EP expenditure. Care to retcon it in?)): Waiting on EP spending.

@Toskirk: The same things that helped the Toskirk combat the blight last turn help them once again, though progress is slow. -1% growth for all Toskirk.


Turn 2 is over. Turn 3 will end next Saturday at 5 pm Texas time (or therabouts)

[Emperor Demonking]

Hylnks

3.1: To F19

In a last ditch attempt in order to keep the large tribe together, after it had fallen apart in all but name. The tribe leader convinced the leaders of the other two packs (Though he'd never call them that.) to follow him to pastures new. The hope being that the fear of being in unexplored territory would convince them to become more unified.

[Aux-Ash]

The Varadesh. Turn 3.0

The air in the yurt was thick and heavy, so very hot and moist that it was almost difficult to breathe. Despite this it was actually cooler than in the sun, but not much. The thick skins did their part in keeping the heat of the sun out, but the embers in the centre and the presence of people made the tents very warm very quickly.

Athu, carefully stepped into the darkness. Varily looking around himself as his eyes got used to the small amount of light spread only by the embers. He kept his arms close to his body, as if afraid he'd lose them, and his hands grasping each others just in front of his mouth. Slowly, taking each step hesitantly, he approached the figure lying wrapped in the heavy furs.

It was frightening to see the man like that, he who had always been so strong. Now he lay almost immobile, pale, sweating and shivering at the same time. His hair all grey and most of the time lacking strength to eat, sit or even relieve himself on his own.

The child carefully took another step, standing next to the frail man and hesitantly spoke with a hushed voice, as if afraid to disturb the man.

"Grandfather?"

It wasn't his grandfather per se, it was his father's grandfather. But when Athu had clumsily tried to adress him as such the older man had just laughed, patted him on his head and told him to just say grandfather and then taught him how to throw a spear. It was hard to imagine that it had been not even been a season ago.

The man stirred and turned his head towards Athu, opening his unseeing eyes and "looking" straight at him with that eerie precision of the blind.

"Athu? What is it my boy?"

The voice was so weak, so quiet. It brought tears to the small boy's eyes and he sunk to his knees next to the bed, grabbing the hand of the elder.

"What is wrong with you, grandfather?"

The older man adjusted his position slightly as best he could.

"I am old, Athu. Old and tired."

The boy shook his head, thinking this was nothing more than one of those lies adults sometimes tell children just to make them not worry. There was something wrong with his "grandfather", he knew that.

"I get tired too, like at the fire when you told us the story of Ark. It's nothing like this. All you do is sleep and eat but you never get better!

The older man carefully pulled himself up, his entire body shaking as he did so. Athu thought he looked frightening, almost all the muscles ahd dwindled away and he was so thin you could see the ribs.

"Do you remember the knife I showed you and how you had to sharpen it to be able to use it? Eventually it grew so dull and old it couldn't be sharpened anymore and I had to replace it. Do you remember that?

It's like that. My body is so old I cannot sharpen it anymore. It's slowly breaking and withering. It is like that when you're old"

"You'll die?"

"Yes, Athu. I will die."

The little boyed hugged his grandfather tightly, he could feel how tears ran down his cheeks and he couldn't stop himself from sobbing loudly. His father always told him that true Varadesh men didn't cry, but he didn't care.

"I don't want you to die! I want you to get better so you can show me how to hunt gazelle and buffalo and bird and show me how the riverbeast lurk in the sun and how to make a spear and and and..."

The elder gently stroked the boy's back as the boy cried loudly, hugging him and hushing. As the boy seemed to slowly calm down he spoke.

"Athu. Listen to me. I am not afraid of dying. I have lived a long and happy life and I am proud of all of my kin. You are the best thing that I have ever done and do not cry because I will never leave you.

When I die, my spirit will leave my body and be free like the birds. It will fly away and settle in the sky as a star and I will look down upon you and help you when I can.

I will always be there to help you and guide you, so do not cry."

Athu looked up at his grandfather who used his hand to wipe away some of the boy's tears.

"Athu, I would really like some fish to eat today. Do you think you could help your mother bone one for me? It would make an old man, really happy."

The small boy nodded, if that was what his gradfather wanted then that is what he would get for him. He hugged his grandfather one last time and then rushed out of the tent to find his mother. While he no longer could see, Khut listened after the small boy as he ran off and felt proud. He had done a good job with his family, he knew they'd do well without him.

----

As Athu passed the bananagrove he stopped and looked at the huge stoneslab in the middle of it. He had sometimes seen the elder hunters sit there and ask that Ki about good hunting luck or anxious fathers asking him to spare their wives as they were giving birth.

He wasn't sure what Ki was, but he was clearly someone you asked for stuff you couldn't affect yourselves...

Perhaps...

The small boy went to the huge stone and looked around, noone to ask how to do it. The boy wondered where Ki was. Was he in the rock? In the sky perhaps? Then again... if he had been in the sky then there would have been no need to place the rock there. It was probably best to adress it.

Athu kneeled before the rock, as he had seen others do and silently prayed

"Please, mighty Ki.
When my grandfather... my father's grandfather... Khut of... Khut's tribe dies... Could you please look after his spirit and make sure he reaches the stars?
I love him very much and I want him to be there and look after us all...

I hope I do this right... I'm not really sure how I am supposed to pray to you...

I just want to help my grandfather when he dies... I hope that isnt wrong of me to ask...

Please...

Athu slowly rose and took a step back from the rock and wiped another tear out of his eyes. He hoped that was right and that he hadn't offended Ki. He looked up in the sky once more before he hurried off to find his mother.

[El_Frenchie]

Ki and the Varadesh, Turn 3.0

Ki could never really hear the prayers of the Varadesh. At least not aloud. Rather, they were more like whispers carried by the Wind of the Unplane. Something elusive that his hearing as a god could only perceive as indistinct murmurs.

There was, sometimes, words that did reach him, however. He wasn't aware of how they reached him or why, but it seemed that his hearing would perceive great distress or great need. And as Athu prayed at the Shrine of Khut's tribe, Ki heard a few of his words.

These Words were met with a certain amount of uncertainty. In a part of his mind, he had known Khut was going to die. He, however, had trouble conceiving death. He was a virtually Immortal being. Death seemed like an unnecessarily complicated thing. He did not comprehend it.

He knew one thing. He would sorely miss the Varadesh. He had been a most avid learner and a most intrepid hunter. Khut stood still when Ark had uprooted that tree. Stood his ground in front of Godlike might. He had children, and a tribe to whom he taught the basics of hunting and introduced prayer to them.

Ki owed the man some form of thanks. His eyes lit up and he sent Ark to the Varadesh.

----

The yurt was opened and a tall man, peered inside. It was Ark.

"Greetings, Khut, old friend."

He bowed his head down and entered, taking a spot by Khut and sitting down comfortably.

"I have been called by someone to help you cross over, Khut. He's a good spirit, a giver of his heart and a stout defender of his folk. If just a boy in body, he's already a man in mind. Your grandson is worried about you, my friend."

He paused, examining Khut. Normally Ark would never show emotion, but to all the Varadesh in the yurt, his expression was one of sorrow, and as far as they could remember stories about Ark, he was as old, if not older than Khut, yet he did not appear to be dying or, as a matter of fact, aged compared to their chieftain.

"Khut, your life should be an example that all Varadesh should follow."

He turned to the people in the yurt tending to the old man. "Listen well. Khut is not just a Varadesh. He is The Varadesh themselves. He should be an example, to all of you. As a father, as a hunter, as a farmer, as a chief and as a friend. He respects strength and wit and knows when he is a match, or outmatched. All of these qualities, he has taught them to his children, to his sons and daughters. But he also tried to teach them to you: His people. that is what makes him different. That is what sets him apart. When the next chief rises, and the one after that, they should aim to better the lives of The Varadesh, as Khut has done in his time."

Ark bowed his head down towards Khut and talked to him softly.

"I am truly grateful to have met you on my first journey to your world, Khut. I have no doubt I will see you in the next one. Not to worry, I will make sure to watch over your grandson and have his wish fulfilled. For now, why don't we talk a little? For old time's sake."

[purepolarpanzer]

Toskirk 2.0-.1

Warmlands
Scruffy Head was beginning to witness an oddity among the Toskirk. The youngest generation of bulls and cows had begun to walk straight. They still used their hands to aid locomotion, but their backs were rigid and upright. They had to stretch their arms more, but it was not uncommon to see this young crowd hooting and racing through the village with new found speed, standing heads above their elders, who only stared at the dirt and grumbled about crazy kids. Scruffy tried this method of locomotion once or twice, and fond that it worked just fine, even allowed a greater range of movement, but settled back down to his customary hunch. Let the young ones change tradition. He snorted a laugh and went back to mixing his potions, attempting to uncover the mysteries of life in the plants around them.
Spending 5 EP on Bigger. Might as well spend the EP on what I was already envisioning the Toskirk as. I do plan on evnetually spending the full 10 to meet up with the height I imagined them having.

[Zweanslord]

Turn 3

The journey ends, G19, F18, F16, E17

The Erren residing on the plains (G19, F18) finally meet their end destination, the forests (F16, E17). They have moved along the plains, looking for a suitable location out of the red hills and in better area's. Now that they have found the forests, they are happy to stay, unlike when they resided in the plains.
It has been a long journey, one only finished in the last years. With the forests, the Erren are reasonable comfortable and feel much better than they did compared to live in the plains. With no ability to travel further either, for there is only sea and oceans beyond, the remainder of the travellers has settled in the forest area at long last.

Adaptation to circumstances

With most of the travelling being finished up by the Erren in the plains, they no longer see an increase in speed. Instead, the various Erren groups have started to adapt to their new environment, learning about it, but mostly seeing their bodies adapt to it. Those in the forests adapt to the nuts and the like sometimes raining down from the trees, where as those in the mountain adapt to the sharp rocks and stones lingering about. They have become tougher and more resilient to whatever the environment throws at them, be it temperatures, predators or bad food.

10 EP invested in Toughess: 10 -> 15

All Erren in G19 & F18 move to F16 & E17.

[Emperor Demonking]

Hylnks

The Hylnks grew stronger, faster and tougher as well as developing a greater knowledge of the animals that surrounded the area


2 in Toughness
2 in Agility
2 in Strength
4 in Animal Knowledge

[Aux-Ash]

The varadesh. Turn 3.0-

Khut and Ark talked alone for many hours before the old man felt his body demand sleep. Later, in the early morning hours before first light, one of the women that had been treating Khut ran through the camp, asking all those related to the chieftain to come to the tent.

As they all gathered in the tent around the old man, they each took turn in saying their farewells to the dying man. Slowly, one after another, with tears in their eyes. As dawns first light came, Khut drifted slowly into the sleep eternal. Taking his last breath with a smile on his lips.

After he had closed his eyes for the last time, his family wrapped his body in furs and cloth. Covering it completely. Like the varadesh had always done, his body would then be left on a hill, overlooking the river. The whole tribe would be there and everyone who wished to do so would be allowed to speak and praise the recently departed one.

Ep spending for turn 3:

Brain - 2 ep
size - 1 ep
Strength - 1 ep
Toughness - 1 ep

Bows - +2 ep
Fire - +1 ep
Wells - +1 ep
Farming - +1 ep

[Ambon]

The Lam Nur

Turn 3

Crunch
EP expenditure
+1 Int +1 Horticulture +2 Spear Fishing +2 Slash-and-Burn Agriculture +4 Canoes

I've been extremely busy this week, unfortunately, so I haven't had time to come up with appropriate fluff prior to the deadline. I'll edit this post to add some as soon as I can.

[El_Frenchie]

Ark had enjoyed his conversation with Khut, and was in the fields all night long, tending to them as the rest of the Varadesh took to their yurts to sleep. He was still in working as the light started coming up, when the woman tending Khut finally found him to tell him the news.

It wasn't long before he reached the yurt, came in, and whispered his farewells to the hunter. There was nothing ceremonial about it, nothing special. It was like seeing a Varadesh say his farewells to a friend.

When Khut finally gave his last breath, Ark stood up and spoke.

"I would like the grandson of Khut, Athu, to come. I would like to give rest to two souls this day."

With these words, he took the body in his arms and stepped out of the yurt with several people in tow. Khut felt light, lighter than even some banana clusters. Perhaps the soul and its size gave weight to the being. Or perhaps it was merely Ark's strength. He had never lifted a Varadesh before. He held him carefully.

He went to a hill overlooking the river, as the Varadesh expected, and there waiting for him was Varad, the Varadesh-looking man of Ki. A strange stone was on top of that hill. It was square, fashioned so that it looked odd in nature. As they approached, they saw a hole in the ground, with freshly dug Earth lying on its side. In the stone was engraved the symbol of Ki, the circle, and underneath it was strange runes that Varad had etched. They somehow knew, however, what those runes were for. They were Khut's name, in the language of the gods.

Ark rested Khut in the tomb, and waited for Athu to come. When he did, he spoke aloud.

"'I have heard a prayer' is what Ki said to me. 'A young man named Athu is about to lose his grandfather.'"

He paused, his eyes looking towards the river.

"Khut has lived his life here, among the Varadesh. He has worked hard to live on this land, despite the Riverbeasts. He has spent his energy hunting, teaching and living. And everyone should respect that he was able to do so."

"Energy flows like a river. It is hidden in all of you. It is made out of water, out of food, out of sleep. All you can do with it, is make sure you respect it. You can make sure you never run out of water, food or sleep. To do this, you need to approach life as Khut has. Know your limits. When your energy can't allow you to hunt anymore, use it to farm. When your energy doesn't allow you to farm anymore, use it to teach."

"Ki gives his energy to you, the Varadesh, so that you would use it to better your lives. Like Khut, respect that gift. It comes in everything living. The Riverbeast, the trees, the gazelles and even the smallest of creatures. Do not waste it. Use it the very best you can, for it will disappear one day. As it has for Khut."

"I want you all to think of what Khut has done to this village. It is not impossible to achieve. He has taught you all that he knew. If everyone can live through life using their energy in the same way as Khut, then I can say to you that the Varadesh will live longer and better lives without fail."

"As for the young boy that has prayed to Ki for this moment. Ki will indeed help Khut come to the stars. Ki will help all Varadesh come to the stars. Your body will rest in the Earth, and your mind will come to me. This hill will be the place where your body is laid to rest. But not to be eaten by hungry wildbeasts. Let us give Khut a stone and a place inside the very Earth. He has earned that you do not forget him. Come see where his body rests sometimes. And when you do, ask yourself whether you are living your life as he had."

Ark placed his index against his chest and motioned a circle, Varad doing the same, as if to seal the words and the speech in Ki's power and symbolism. Once everyone was done saying their farewells, Varad murmured a few words and Ark started closing the hole back with the freshly dug earth. Ark looked towards the grave, then slowly up in the blue sky.

"Eternal Sleep for the body. Eternal Energy for the mind. Farewell, my friend."

In the next 5 years... Varad will be creating tombstones for anyone that so wishes. They are generally buried on the same hill, away from the village, overlooking the river. Ark stays in the fields and teaches the young very early about plants and their growth. He contributes and teaches the older Varadesh as well with new techniques, like selecting certain breeds of plants that grow faster.

Varadesh Culture has seen... The introduction of energy, ceremonial burial and religious hand signs ...and may do whatever they wish with those.

[purepolarpanzer]

What some had thought to be a fads soon became everyday life to the Toskirk. Before long, every Toskirk under a certain age was walking without their customary hunch. This made them much larger and more imposing, but older bulls still grunted in laughter at this antic, calling them trees, saying they were as easy to tip over as the scrub trees of the plains.
Lacking much imagination for this turn, the last 5 go into Bigger as well, pumping the Toskirk up to size.