The New World IC

[Blueiji]

You set your foot down on solid ground for the first time in more than a month. The feeling is jarring, but you don't have time to brace yourself, for this is the New World, and those that can't cope are bound to perish.

You find yourself standing on the planks of a small, make-shift dock about forty paces away from Fort Faeta. The sea is a clear blue color, and the sand is a dusty orange. The small docks connect to a thin dirt path leading to the front gate of the fort. In the distance you can see a heavy forest to the North-East, and some rocky looking hills to the North-East. The breeze is cold, and stings slightly due to the salt in the air.

A thin man wearing the robes of an Emissary approaches in a hustle, and climbs the steps of a wooden podium. He clears his throat and begins to speak loudly.

"Good people of the Homeland, I am pleased to see you have all made the trip safely. Let me greet you with a blessing from the Patron," the man pauses, and then continues to speak.

"All glory to the Patron! At the beginning of time the Patron, our heavenly father, created the Homleand. This land needed keepers, so the Patron created us, the Humani. Over the centuries, we have performed the duties given to us by the Patron, and our loyalty has pleased him. Because of this, he chose to reward us. He gifted us with knowledge of a new realm, an undiscovered continent upon which we must introduce the Patron's will. So go forth, ye children of the Patron, and transform this land in the name of the Patron!"

The emissary, quite pleased with himself, steps off the podium in order to mingle with some of the newly arrived colonists.

You've just taken our first step in the New World. Where are you and what are you doing?

[ginger ninja]

As Lily steps off the dock she moves enough to the side not to get in anyone's way. She closes her eyes for a moment, letting the breeze blow some of the smell from the cramped quarters of the ship away as she stretches the stiffness out of her limbs.

As the Emissary climbs the stairs to the podium she opens and rolls her eyes. Well, she thinks, I might've gotten away, but I guess you can't escape everything.

After the man steps down from the podium Lily keeps her distance from him as she re-checks to make sure she has all her things and begins to truly take in her surroundings.


Probably unnecessary, but just in case there's anything interesting and not immediately obvious, here's a Perception check - [roll0]

[Saskia]

Noticing her annoyance with the obsessively faithful, Alina nudges Lily with her elbow, grinning with obvious relief, loosely gripping her long pike resting against her neck. Hey now, she says quietly. With obvious sarcasm she chides, The Patron saw that, you know.

[Batpope Scott]

Kristoff stands awkwardly in the center of the dock, clueless as to where to go from here.

He watches the man on the podium as he speaks but doesn't pay what he says any real attention. He thinks to himself It seems the church doesn't change too much from preacher to preacher.

[Blueiji]

Some of the other colonists begin making their way up to the fort, while others return to the ship to grab their belongings. The emissary, with a wide grin still painted upon his face, remains near the podium.

[SalmonOfDoubt]

Rikard brushes off his clothing as he steps down from the ship. It doesn't do much to the salt and grime that has soaked itself into the worn leather, but it gives him a quiet sense of dignity. He listens, bored, as the Emissary preforms his ritual. This was nothing compared to the elaborate rituals that he had been forced to participate in at home. It was sad, really. Once the crowd had begun to disperse, he stepped forward, throwing on a fake smile and greeting the Emissary heartily.

May the Patron smile upon you, my brother. If he was going to make it in this new world, the first thing he would need was money, and a place to stay. His hand drifted to his waist. He had a meager three pieces of silver tucked away in a pouch on the inside of the waistband of his breeches. Three silvers! A man of his standing needed better than that.

Rikard realized that he was frowning and quickly smiled again. Would a wise man such as yourself happen to know of any place that might shelter a new arrival long enough for him to earn his keep around here? I do fear that I am woefully underfunded.

Rolling Diplomacy to butter this guy up. Plus, I want to roll something.
[roll0]
EDIT: Yay...

[Shinovar]

Elandris first steps on land are filled with wonder. He was finally here. It was now time for him to make a name for himself, discover new sights, and most importantly, create the best stories. This was his time.

Elandris was almost too excited to hear the words of the Emissary. Focusing himself, he catches the end of the speech. It would hardly do to start off life on the continent on the wrong foot. Curiously, those around him seem less attentive than was proper.

First things first, Elandris thinks to himself. I need to find a place to stay. I may be spending most of my time in the wilderness, but I need to have a home base.

Going back to the ship to get Bok and his mule, Dossle, Elandris decides that his best bet is to ask the Emissary. He walks over to the man just in time to see someone else pose the very same question he was thinking.

[ginger ninja]

Lily gives Alina a small grin after the nudging. He's seen me do much worse than that. She replies quietly before she turns to listen as one of the men asks The Emissary about cheap sleeping arrangements.

[Simba]

Gloria

Among the last to leave the ship is the huge woman you came to know as Gloria. She hesitates for a moment, then takes a few steps to the side and listens to the ritual patiently. Afterwards she looks around, obviously unsure what to do. When she spots Lily and Alina standing close together she moves over, nodding at the 2 women and smiling.

[stanleyindraven]

Jotun rolled his eyes at the speech and then started to eye the others. Watching the people march up the path to the fort proper, he started along. Sarcastically speaking he looked at Rikard, "Come now, you know the Patron provides. Nah, I'm just kidding. Just follow me and you will find what you need." He then starts to follow the other pilgrims into the unknown.

[Blueiji]

The emissary thinks a moment, and then answers Rikard's question. "Well our governor here believes that those who don't work, don't eat. It's a tad harsh to those unused to labor, but we all must lend a hand in the work of the Patron. As long as you're willing to perform basic labor without pay, you'll receive food and shelter. But don't worry, it wouldn't be dangerous work or anything. Most likely he'll have you farming, building, cleaning, and other tasks like that."

The emissary eyes both Rikard and Elandris, noticing their armor and weapons. "Then again, telling by your equipment, you folks may be more interested in making your own living. We could use some brave souls willing to scout out the nearby wilderness, but no one is willing to, despite the fact that they could be displeasing the Patron. It's quite a dangerous task."


---

As Jotun walks down the path, he finds himself striding next to a well-groomed man with a bundle of leather tubes sticking out from his pack. The man is wearing surprisingly clean clothes, despite the fact that he's spent the previous month and a half at sea. He turns to Jotun, smiling widely, and offers his hand. "Greetings, I don't believe I ever became acquainted with you while on the ship. My name is Doran."


---

Shortly after Gloria moves over to Lily and Alina, the three see a thin man struggling off the ship. His wiry glasses sit askew upon his nose as he attempts to carry five large trunks down from the ship. Each of the trunks is fastened closed with a large iron padlock. On the trunk below his left arm you spot a label inscribed with the phrase Reptile Specimens. He curses loudly as he almost drops his burden, and continues descending from the ship.

[Shinovar]

At first hearing the emissary talk, Elandris is disappointed. Thats not the kind of life he imagined. Still, at least I'm here.

However, Elandris brightens up considerably by the time the emissary has finished. "Why would any want to displease the Patron? Fortunately, that kind of work was just what I had in mind. Where do I sign up?"

[Saskia]

Gloria, nice to see you made it off H.M.S. Vomitoria safely, Alina says. At least, I know I'll be happy if I never set foot on one of those floating coffins again.

Seeing the man struggling, Alina shakes her head and jogs over to him and relieves him of what burden she can. After all, she just had her tools and her weapons, there was no reason she shouldn't help him.

[SalmonOfDoubt]

Rikard smirked slightly at Elandris' comment about the Patron. It wasn't that he did not respect the deity, but he did not see the point in basing your entire life around what he did and did not approve of. It was better to think for yourself. In fact, given proper justification, displeasing the patron could be rather beneficial. No matter now though, as making the Patron happy was exactly what Rikard wanted to do. His smirk shifted into a genuine smile.

Such sharp eyes! Indeed, traversing the wilderness in search of new and exotic plant life is exactly what I traveled so far to do. I had not suspected that such work would be so readily available, however, and planned instead on settling in before striking out. But if there is a job now... Rikard's eyes twinkled. Perhaps it was a good thing, to be in a land where not a soul knew who he was. He could skim right over the fact that he was forced to come here, or the nature of the plants he sought, and none would be the wiser.

[ginger ninja]

Lily follows Alina over to the struggling man. You seem to be having a bit of trouble sir, would you like a bit of help? She asks, a wry smile spreading across her lips as she reads the label visible below the man's arm. Reptile specimens? Specimens for what?

[Batpope Scott]

Kristoff walks up to the emissary and makes sure he's heard Would anyone be able to go on these missions? I do my best work in the wild.

[stanleyindraven]

Extending his hand gleefully, Jotun addresses the man. "Jotun Kirkpatrick, acrobat extraordinaire and you, Doran, look to be a...mapmaker?"

[Blueiji]

The emissary smiles, a little shocked at all the interest these newcomers seem to have in risking their lives. "All three of you are willing to brave the unknown dangers of the wilderness? This is fantastic! If you're truly interested, you should pay a visit to the governor and inform him that you plan to form an exploration party. He might be able to give you some supplies."


- - -

"I am indeed a mapmaker. But an acrobat you say? How do you plan on making a living her in the New World? I doubt there's much of a market for entertainment yet," Doran replies.


- - -

The thin man seems at first reluctant to let strangers handle his luggage, but eventually hands some trunks over to Lily and Alina. The trunks Lily recieves is labeled Ornithological Specimens, while Alina's trunks says Dissection Equipment. After handing over some of his luggage, the man answers Lily's question. "Oh, err, the reptile specimens? Well that trunk is mostly empty right now, just jars and preservation fluid. The reptiles I plan to fill it with shall be those of the New World."

The man pauses, gulps, and then stutters out another sentence. "My name is Dr. Lev Shipton, follower of the Way and professional anatomist. Thank you both for helping me with my luggage."

[Shinovar]

"Wonderful! I thank you, and may the Patron bless you!" Elandris is wondering why people would come all the way to the new world and just lay about in the city.

He starts heading towards the governors house, leading Dossle and Bok following along.

[Batpope Scott]

Kristoff follows along after Elandris since he seems to know where he's going.

[Shinovar]

Elandris sees Kristoff following him. "Isn't this so exciting? I wonder what we will discover first?"

[Batpope Scott]

I am interested to see if the animals are any different from back home.

Kristoff ponders about whether or not the local wildlife is going to be poisonous to eat most of the time.

[SalmonOfDoubt]

Rikard watches the others who spoke to the Emissary wander off. He sighs. He had not thought for a minute about the "unknown dangers" that might face him in the wild. No matter though, he had a sword and a fine suit of armor. Well, what was a fine suit of armor. He nods at the Emissary and thanks him for the information, then hurries up the path after Elandris and Kristoff.

[Simba]

Gloria

Slow to react as always, Gloria follows the other 2 ladies and offers her help to the guy struggling with his luggage.

[ginger ninja]

Lily takes the case carefully and begins walking towards what passes for civilization around here with the others. Pleasure to meet you Dr. Shipton. I'm a follower of the Way myself. I'm not especially well educated, but if you need some help finding specimens I'll probably be spending a fair amount of time out in the wilderness.

[Shinovar]

"I'll bet they are. Just think, we will be seeing things no one back home has ever seen before. That probably includes new types of animals. I'm interested, and worried of course, about what the men that live on this continent will be like."

[Simba]

Gloria

"Just like all men, everywhere."

[stanleyindraven]

"There is always a market for entertainment, and messengers. Also, I hope to find fortune among the wilds. I fancy myself a bit of an adventurer too," Jotun happily replies to Doran. "Perhaps we may travel together at some time, since map makers should see what they draw."

[Saskia]

We're happy to assist, Doctor, Alina says, feeling a pang of loss. Her lord and husband had been fascinated with all forms of biology and chemistry. I am more a student of war and its associated sciences than biology. I would never have told my father so, but I quite respect your craft.

[SalmonOfDoubt]

Rikard looked at Elandris for a moment before responding. Well, I would imagine that the "men" here are uncivilized brutes. That is what the rags back home all say. Although, I can not quite remember whether that particular article was written as fact or speculation... He trailed off, trying to dredge up more information from his memory.

Rolling to remember any information there might be on the native population, or if one even exists. I think that would be Knowledge(Culture), but correct me if I'm wrong.
[roll0]

[Blueiji]

The emissary gives a respectful bow to Kristoff, Elandris, and Rikard as they walk towards the fort. As the three walk away, the emissary smiles and thinks to himself; It just warms my heart to see young folk so adamant in their desire to do the Patron's work, especially when the task at hand has the potential to be so dangerous.

Rikard's knowledge check was too low to recall anything obscure, but it's well known that no natives have been discovered on the New World yet. Anything Rikard has read concerning their level of sophistication is pure speculation.

- - -

Dr. Shipton thanks Gloria for assisting him and hands her a trunk labeled Piscean Specimens. Dr. Shipton now carries only two trunks, and is much more comfortable with his load.


Pleasure to meet you Dr. Shipton. I'm a follower of the Way myself. I'm not especially well educated, but if you need some help finding specimens I'll probably be spending a fair amount of time out in the wilderness.

"You would be willing to bring me specimens from the wilds? That would be wonderful, I had planned to put up a notice of some sort in the fort, offering pay for every unique specimen, but if you'd be willing to assist me then I won't have to bother with that. I'd still pay you of course, especially if you could bring them back in good condition." Lev smiles, astounded by his good luck. He had expected to have difficulty finding a supplier of specimens to work on, and the fact that someone had offered assistance without being asked was unbelievable.


I am more a student of war and its associated sciences than biology. I would never have told my father so, but I quite respect your craft.

"Thank you, it's good to hear that people of the Homeland are gaining an interest in the sciences."

Dr. Shipton is silent for a moment, but then speaks up again. "I didn't catch any of your names, are the three of you traveling together?"


- - -

Doran chuckles at Jotun's suggestion. "As much as I'd like to travel with you, I actually don't plan on beginning my map until some of the wilderness has been explored first. As much as I'd like to be the first to see the wonders of the New World, I value my life a little too much to spend much time out of the fort. However, if you do plan on exploring the unknown you should definitely get yourself a group of some sort. Safety in numbers and all that."

[ginger ninja]

How rude of me. My name's Lily. I'd curtsy, but given our location I think we can do away with the formalities, yeah? Lily says, grinning slightly. I haven't been specifically traveling with these two fine ladies so far, but if they keep helping folks carry things I might just keep them around.

[Shinovar]

Elandris continues walking until he arrives at the fort, assuming nothing unusual happens on the way.

[Saskia]

Alina smiles at Lily's comment. I am Da-uh, she says, tripping over her words. She almost introduced herself as Dame Alina, but knighthood meant nothing here, especially under her circumstances. I am Alina, pleasure to meet you, Doctor.

[Simba]

Gloria

"My name is Gloria, glad to meet you, sir."

[Blueiji]

The seven of you (along with Doran, Dr. Lev Shipton, and the other new colonists), reach the gates of the fort. The guard lets you in, and you find yourself within the small settlement.

There are a few small shops, a number of shoddily constructed abodes, a large church, and a sizable house belonging to the governor.


- - -

"Good meeting you all as well," Lev replies. "Tell me, when do you plan to begin your journey into the unknown reaches of the continent?"

[stanleyindraven]

"No time like the present!" Jotun says eagerly. "No, no, I am just joking. Looking for accommodations, then into the wild."

[Shinovar]

As soon as I can find a base of operations to work out of, I am headed into the wilds. I was patient long enough on that boat ride, I don't plan on waiting any longer than I have to.

[SalmonOfDoubt]

Rikard nods his agreement to Elandris' statement. Indeed. Perhaps we should begin by consulting with the governor. Did the Emissary not say that he was attempting to organize parties to head off into the wilds?

[Shinovar]

Elandris, happy to have an ally and perhaps companion, agrees. "Yes, that was exactly my intention. Hopefully we can get official backing for the journey."

[Batpope Scott]

Official backing? Well... I suppose it would be nice to maybe get paid for this.

[SalmonOfDoubt]

Rikard smiles slightly at Kristoff. More gold is never a bad thing. Then he claps his hands together, glancing between the other two who had spoken with the Emissary. Well, off to acquaint ourselves with the governor then?

[Saskia]

Gold at the edge of civilization, what a pragmatic prize, Alina says lowly with a roll of her eyes.

[Blueiji]

Check out the OOC (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=14915255#post14915255).

[Shinovar]

Elandris looks at the others "I plan on going immediately. I will go alone if need be, but numbers are always safer. Which of you are willing to brave the wilds?"

[Saskia]

I suppose I can't allow you to get yourself killed alone, though I'd much prefer to acquaint myself with the fort and its citizens first. Alina's voice is tinged with subdued hope; exploration would be wondrous, but impractical for its own sake. If she were to take part in some sort of reconnaissance operation she would prefer to know at least a few of the people her work might protect.

[Shinovar]

"I have no intention of getting killed, although one never can tell what might occur." Elandris responds with a frown. Why would one talk of such negative possibilities?

[Simba]

Gloria

Looking at Elandris Gloria nods: "I'll go if you'll have me."

[stanleyindraven]

"I could help out, I was going that way anyhow," Jotun says.

[ginger ninja]

Lily glances around at the sudden crowd. Well, I guess I could always use more bodies to help me carry specimens. Count me in.

[Saskia]

I've known many men who've died, sir. None had their hearts set on it.

[Shinovar]

Elandris looks to Alina "I believe that. Still, there is little to be gained by dwelling on it."

To the others "Wonderful! Exploring will be much safer in groups. We can watch each others backs."

[SalmonOfDoubt]

Rikard nodded his head, inspecting each of his new companions in turn. They were all of the same ship, so he knew at least a small amount about them. It would be much better to travel in a group like this, and he was glad that Elandris had come up with such an idea. Well, now that we're all acquainted, we should really be off. The world isn't going to explore itself! He sped off, moving as fast as his short legs could carry him without breaking into a run.

[Batpope Scott]

Kristoff dwells around the group and at the end says I'll come along too. Might be interesting.

[Saskia]

Alina sighs as Rikard speeds off and says And it is always people like him who get themselves killed because they don't prepare. She offers a sober look to Elandris and continues Casual admission of the possibility was more than called for.

[Batpope Scott]

An admission that Rikard might get us killed is noted, but we should really be after him before he loses the chance.

Kristoff sets off at a jog to catch up to Rikard.

[Blueiji]

Shall I assume that you're heading toward the governor's house?

[Shinovar]

Yes, assume we are headed there. Elandris at least.

[stanleyindraven]

Jotun follows the other would-be adventurers.

[Blueiji]

My apologies for not updating the campaign. My computer (and only reliable source of internet access), suffered a crash and it took quite a while to get it back running again.

Unfortunately, the crash also destroyed pretty much all of my personal files, including all my notes, statistics, and typed-out information concerning the campaign setting.

Because of this, it's going to be very difficult for me to DM this campaign, at least until I can recreate some of my work.

Considering that the last post in the IC thread, I'm guessing that most of you have already jumped ship, however, I'm posting this message on both the IC and OOC threads for those of you who are still checking.

Once again, I'm very sorry, and if I decide to try and run this again, I'll inform you.